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Monday 13 January 2020
Methamphetamine and Pill Dealers Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Judy Raley Townley, 58, and William Erwin Townley, 52, both of Elberta, Alabama, were sentenced in federal court for their participation in a drug distribution operation involving both methamphetamine ice and the illegal distribution of prescription pills. Mrs. Townley was also charged with providing a firearm to a convicted felon, her husband and co-defendant William Erwin Townley. Mr. Townley was also charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony. Both defendants entered a guilty pleas to the charges in April of 2019.
United States District Court Kristi K. Dubose imposed a sentence of 60 months imprisonment in Mrs. Townley’s case on each count, but ordered that the sentences run concurrently. She also ordered that upon release from custody, Mrs. Townley would serve a term of four years under supervised release. The judge ordered that Mrs. Townley will pay a special assessment of $200. Judge Dubose sentenced Mr. Townley to 120 months imprisonment, consisting of 60 months on the drug count and 60 months on the gun count, with the sentences to run consecutively. The judge ordered that Mr. Townley would serve a term of four years under supervised release when he was discharged from his prison sentence. She also ordered that he would pay $200 in special assessments. The judge did not impose a fine in either case.
The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Baldwin County Drug Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that James Adam Widener, 28, of Robertsdale, Alabama, was sentenced in federal court for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Widener had entered a guilty plea to the conspiracy charge, and United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose imposed a sentence of 94 months imprisonment.
Judge Dubose also ordered that Widener would serve a period of five years under supervised release when he is discharged from prison. During that term, he will undergo drug testing and treatment. The judge ordered that Widener will pay a special assessment of $100, but she did not impose a fine.
The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Baldwin County Drug Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Christopher Edward Brown, 28, of Foley, Alabama, was sentenced in federal court for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Brown had entered a guilty plea to the conspiracy charge, and United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose imposed a sentence of 105 months imprisonment.
Judge Dubose also ordered that Brown would serve a period of five years under supervised release when he is discharged from prison. During that term, he will undergo drug testing and treatment. The judge ordered that Brown will pay a special assessment of $100, but she did not impose a fine.
The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Baldwin County Drug Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Meth Trafficker from Moss Point Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Lowery Sanders, 54, of Moss Point, was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 192 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Sanders was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On June 12, 2018, the Biloxi Police Department Special Crimes Unit received information that Sanders would be conducting narcotic activity at a local hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi. On June 13, 2018, DEA learned that Sanders would be traveling to Jackson, Mississippi, to purchase three ounces of methamphetamine for $1,300.00. Through their investigation, agents confirmed that Sanders did in fact pick up the methamphetamine in Jackson.
On June 13, 2018, investigators with the Biloxi Police Department observed Sanders exit his vehicle and enter a Biloxi hotel. Shortly thereafter, they made contact with Sanders and advised him of the complaint received regarding narcotics activity and requested and received verbal consent to search Sanders’ room. While searching the room, investigators discovered approximately three ounces of methamphetamine along with other drugs. The methamphetamine was tested and confirmed to be 72 grams net weight. Sanders was indicted on February 6, 2019, and pled guilty before Judge Wingate on July 24, 2019.
The case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed “Drama Queen” targeting illegal methamphetamine distribution in central Mississippi. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Police Department, Pearl Police Department, Biloxi Police Department and the Richland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
Man Who Supplied Crack to New Haven Drug Ring Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIC BURRUSS, also known as “E,” 40, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation headed by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force and New Haven Police Department that targeted drug trafficking and related acts of violence by members, former members and associates of the “Island Brothers” street gang in New Haven. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, also revealed that the drug trafficking organization had established a base of operation in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The investigation subsequently identified a second drug trafficking network that involved the large-scale distribution of heroin.
Burruss supplied crack cocaine to one of the drug trafficking organizations.
On July 9, 2019, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 15-count indictment charging Burruss and 24 others with federal narcotics offenses related to the distribution of crack cocaine, cocaine and heroin.
Burruss has been detained since his arrest on July 10, 2019. On September 25, 2019, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”).
Burruss’ criminal history dates to 1996 and includes nine felony convictions, including five for drug-related offenses and one for a firearm offense.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Hamden Police Department, East Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan, Peter D. Markle and Elena L. Coronado.
Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A man with citizenship in Lebanon and the United States pleaded guilty today to a two-count criminal information charging him with child exploitation offenses.
According to court documents, George A. Nader, 60, admitted that he arranged to transport a 14-year-old boy from Europe to Dulles International Airport for purposes of illegal sexual conduct in early 2000. Nader had met the boy in Prague, Czech Republic, and later brought him to his residence in Washington, D.C. Nader also admitted that, in September 2012, he possessed or accessed with intent to view video images of child sexual abuse while he was in New York. In exchange for the plea, the government agreed to dismiss an indictment involving similar charges returned in the Eastern District of Virginia in July 2019.
Nader pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of a minor boy for purposes of illegal conduct and one count of possession of child pornography, and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 50 years when sentenced on April 10. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Nader had been previously been convicted of transporting child pornography into the Eastern District of Virginia in 1991.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Timothy M. Dunham, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay V. Prabhu is prosecuting the case.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, composed of FBI agents and local, state and federal partners. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of New York and the District of Columbia provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-201.
Man Arrested Just After Distributing Methamphetamine Sentenced to Nearly 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
An Iowa man caught with nearly four ounces of methamphetamine was sentenced today to just under 180 months in prison.
Eric James Blumer, age 37, from Palo, Iowa, received the prison sentence after a July 22, 2019, guilty plea to the possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Information disclosed at sentencing and at a plea hearing showed that, in June 2017, Blumer was stopped by law enforcement officers while driving a vehicle in Linn County, Iowa. Officers found nearly four ounces of “ice” methamphetamine in his vehicle. Blumer admitted that he intended to sell the “ice”. Blumer later admitted that, earlier in the day, he had possessed nearly a pound of “ice” methamphetamine, and he had just gotten rid of it prior to the traffic stop.
Blumer has 14 prior criminal convictions. His criminal history includes, but is not limited to, convictions for OWI, theft, escape, and possessing a firearm. In 2003, Blumer was convicted and sentenced to prison for manufacturing methamphetamine.
Blumer was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Blumer was sentenced to 179 months and 29 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, Hiawatha Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson County Drug Task Force, Muscatine County Drug Task Force, United States Marshals, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-00083.
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Mail Truck Driver Sentenced for TheftRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A contract mail truck driver for the U.S. Postal Service was sentenced today to two years on federal probation for stealing money from the mail, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. In addition, he was ordered to pay more than $3,000 restitution.
David A. Logan, 51, Fort Scott, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of mail theft. In his plea, he admitted stealing money from pieces of mail on his route. In one count, he admitted stealing two pieces of mail containing $50 and $675. In the other count, he admitted stealing three pieces of mail containing $100, $130 and $70. The crimes occurred in Chanute, Kan.
McAllister commended the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
Leader of Extensive Drug Ring Operating Across Middle, South Georgia Sentenced to More Than 21 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The ring-leader of an illicit drug operation that reached into communities across middle and south Georgia was sentenced to more than 21 years in prison earlier today, announced Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner sentenced Ricardo Bodiford, aka “Rico,” 34, of Moultrie, Georgia, to 260 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Bodiford’s indictment, filed in July 2018, lists a total of 23 defendants (including Bodiford) charged with various drug crimes related to the illegal drug operation. All 23 defendants have entered guilty pleas for their crimes, and all 23 defendants are expected to be sentenced this month. Today, co-defendant David Spradley, aka “ManMan,” 37, of Moultrie, was sentenced to 218 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Co-defendants Johntavious Johnson, aka “Mikey,” 33, and co-defendant Jarvis West, 32, both of Moultrie, were each sentenced to 96 months in prison after pleading guilty to one county conspiracy with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.
Investigators began a court-authorized wiretap on Bodiford’s cell phones on April 9, 2018. Within two days, agents determined that Spradley worked closely with Bodiford in obtaining various controlled substances from two sources. The wiretap investigation continued until law enforcement agents executed search warrants on several locations across Moultrie, Georgia from May 7-8, 2019, locating large amounts of illicit drugs, including two pounds of methamphetamine, one kilogram of cocaine, 13 pounds of marijuana, loaded firearms and cash, among other amounts of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.
“Agencies at the federal, state and local level worked seamlessly to shut down a major drug operation that was infecting communities across our District,” said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney. “Our office is committed to fighting the rise of meth throughout Georgia. As reflected by these strong sentences, anyone who chooses to deal illicit drugs will face severe consequences. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their excellent work.”
“Today’s sentencing illustrates the seriousness that comes when drug traffickers distribute large volumes of poison to the community, as was the case in this investigation. This defendant’s lengthy prison sentence appropriately fits the high level of criminal activity he was engaged in,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “The investigation of this case was a success because of the unified efforts between DEA, its law enforcement partners and the subsequent prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
“This sentencing illustrates that drug trafficking at any level will not be tolerated in the state of Georgia. It is paramount that violators of drug laws be held accountable. The GBI is fully committed to working with our local and federal partners in drug enforcement to address these types of crimes,” said Vic Reynolds, Director of the GBI.
“We are very appreciative of the support of our federal partners. These criminals have been causing havoc in our community for a long time. The only way to meaningfully curb drug-related crime of this magnitude in the Moultrie area is with the assistance of the federal government,” said Sheriff Rod Howell, Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office.
“The individuals prosecuted in this case all have extensive criminal histories and have committed multiple criminal offenses within our community. I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all the agencies that were involved, especially to our state and federal partners. Successful drug enforcement practices must be a coordinated effort within the purview of all law enforcement agencies, and this case is an outstanding example of that. Colquitt County and the City of Moultrie is safer because Mr. Bodiford and Mr. Spradley, along with their co-conspirators, are off the streets,” said Chief Sean Ladson, Moultrie Police Department.
The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, the Moultrie Police Department and the Leon County Florida Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston for selling fentanyl to an undercover officer.
Jonathan Marquez, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of distributing fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2020. Marquez was arrested in September 2019 and has been detained since October 2019.
In September 2019, an undercover officer placed an order with a fentanyl dealer, and Marquez then met the undercover officer at an arranged location in Lawrence. Marquez handed the officer 11 individually-wrapped bags containing brownish powder in exchange for cash. Laboratory results later determined that the brownish powder contained fentanyl.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; and Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Coercing Minors to Send Him Sexually Explicit ImagesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that David Ohmar Harris, 27, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced January 10, 2020, by U.S. District Judge William Conley to 15 years in federal prison for producing child pornography. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 25 years of supervised release. Harris pleaded guilty to this charge on October 7, 2019.
Between December 2016 and August 2017, the defendant coerced and manipulated numerous underage girls to send him explicit images of themselves. When they failed to comply with his demands to send more images, he posted their explicit images on the website Pornhub and sent them to the girls’ relatives. Judge Conley said that Harris’s conduct was monstrous and created a “real world nightmare” for his victims.
Judge Conley praised the victim who originally came forward to report this crime, saying she showed “strength, bravery, and courage.” He indicated that by coming forward, she likely saved many girls and young women from the defendant’s unthinkable bullying.
The charge against Harris was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, with the assistance of the North Las Vegas and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Departments, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.
La Junta Man Sentenced to Serve 19 Years in Federal Prison for Dealing Methamphetamine, Heroin, Cocaine, and Marijuana While Possessing A Firearm During A Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced today that Robert Chad Nolan, age 42, of La Junta, Colorado, was sentenced to serve 228 months (19 years) in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana as well as possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Nolan was also ordered to serve 5 years on supervised release after his prison sentence. Nolan appeared at the sentencing hearing in custody, and was remanded at its conclusion. The Denver Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) joined in today’s announcement.
Nolan was first indicted by a federal grand jury on June 21, 2018. He was found guilty of the charges following a three-day jury trial on January 24, 2019.
According to court documents, including the government’s sentencing statement, in early February 2018, Nolan possessed with intent to distribute over 64 grams of methamphetamine, over 10 grams of heroin, over 24 grams of cocaine, and over 800 grams of marijuana. Further, he possessed a .380 caliber pistol while he was trafficking the illegal drugs.
The defendant was a known drug dealer in La Junta for at least 17 years, contributing substantially to this small town’s drug problems. When he was caught by law enforcement, Nolan had between 5,250 and 11,700 personal use doses of narcotics. Nolan was previously twice convicted for drug trafficking. He served 6 years in state prison for the first drug trafficking offense, and he served 8 years in state prison for the second drug trafficking offense.
Notably, Nolan dealt his drugs out of his house, where his kids lived. Some of the drugs were kept on the bathroom counter for all to see. Law enforcement also found $36,000 in cash hidden in grocery bags under the bath tub.
“Taking a drug dealer of this level off the streets in a small town like La Junta is significant,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “This guy was particularly egregious. Not only was he causing significant harm to the community, but he was doing it with a weapon and doing it in front of his own children. It is good to get him out of the community and out of his home.”
“Those that endanger the safety and security of our communities will be met by every resource possessed by law enforcement. ATF is proud to have worked with our partners at the La Junta Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration on this successful investigation.”
The sentence was handed down by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Philip A. Brimmer. This case was investigated by the Denver Field Division of the ATF, with support from the Denver Division of the DEA, the La Junta Police Department and the Otero County Sheriff. The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kurt Bohn.
Kenner Psychiatrist Sentenced in Scheme to Defraud Medicare by Soliciting and Receiving Kickback Payments for Medically Unnecessary Home Health ReferralsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PADMINI NAGARAJ, age 62, a resident of Kenner, Louisiana was sentenced on January 9, 2020 by U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe to four years’ probation, which includes 250 hours of community service, in connection with her guilty plea to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. In addition, NAGARAJ was fined $10,000 and agreed to pay restitution to the Medicare program.
According to court records, NAGARAJ admitted that, between September 2012 and July 2014, in return for accepting illegal health care kickbacks, she referred beneficiaries who she treated at a Louisiana-based psychiatric facility for medically unnecessary home health services and further fraudulently certified that the beneficiaries were eligible to receive such services. NAGARAJ admitted that she accepted $1,500 a month from four different home health agencies, which were disguised kickbacks. NAGARAJ also admitted that she moved her patients to the different home health agencies based on whichever agency agreed to pay her a kickback. The home health agencies then submitted the fraudulent claims to Medicare and were reimbursed for the medically unnecessary home health services.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services for their work investigating the case. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Jared Hasten, Katherine Payerle, and Claire Yan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Justice Department Sues Los Angeles Apartment Owners, Manager, Alleging Sexual Harassment of Their Female TenantsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The Justice Department today filed a lawsuit alleging the managers and owners of two apartment buildings in the Westlake neighborhood in Los Angeles violated federal law by sexually harassing their female tenants for more than a decade.
The complaint, filed in United States District Court in Los Angeles, alleges that Filomeno Hernandez, Ramin Akhavan, Bonnie Brae Investment Services LLC, and Westlake Property Services LLC violated the Fair Housing Act. The defendants manage or own the properties at issue in this case – 729 S. Bonnie Brae St. and 720 S. Westlake Ave. – which are located near MacArthur Park in the Westlake District of the City of Los Angeles.
Hernandez, the locations’ property manager, sexually harassed female residents at the rental properties from at least 2006 through the present, the lawsuit alleges. The complaint alleges that Hernandez engaged in harassment that included, among other things, frequently and repeatedly engaging in unwanted sexual touching, including sexual assault; making unwelcome sexual advances and comments; offering to reduce rent or excusing late or unpaid rent in exchange for sex; and entering the homes of female tenants without their consent.
“Sexual harassment of vulnerable women is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate this behavior by any landlord or property manager,” said Nick Hanna, the United States Attorney for the Central District of California. “Those who abuse their positions of power will be held accountable under the Fair Housing Act.”
“No woman should have to endure sexual harassment, especially in her own home,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Sexual harassment in housing is unacceptable and illegal, and the Justice Department will continue vigorously to enforce the Fair Housing Act to combat this type of discrimination and to obtain relief for its victims.”
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, civil penalties, and a court order barring future discrimination. The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct, which must be proven in federal court.
In October 2017, the Department of Justice launched an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing. In April 2018, the Department announced the nationwide rollout of the initiative. Since launching the initiative, the Department of Justice has filed 13 lawsuits alleging a pattern or practice of sexual harassment in housing.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt. More information about the Civil Rights Section, Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/civil-division/civil-rights-section.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings operated or owned by Filomeno Hernandez or Ramin Akhavan, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line:
- English language: Call 1-800-896-7743, then press 1 to continue in English and select mailbox 9992 to leave a message; or
- Spanish language: Call 1-800-896-7743, then press 2 to continue in Spanish and select mailbox 6 to leave a message.
Individuals can also report sexual harassment and other forms of housing discrimination by e-mailing the Justice Department at [email protected] or may file a complaint about housing discrimination or other civil rights violations with the Civil Rights Section, Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office by calling (213) 894-2879, emailing [email protected] or completing and submitting this form.
Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Property Manager and Owners of Los Angeles Apartment Buildings Near MacArthur ParkRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit alleging that female tenants in residential apartment buildings in Los Angeles, California, were subjected to sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act.
Today’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleges that property manager Filomeno Hernandez sexually harassed female residents at the rental properties since at least 2006 through the present. According to the complaint, Hernandez engaged in harassment that included, among other things, frequently and repeatedly engaging in unwanted sexual touching, including sexual assault, making unwelcome sexual advances and comments, offering to reduce rent or excusing late or unpaid rent in exchange for sex, and entering the homes of female tenants without their consent. The apartment buildings are located at 729 South Bonnie Brae Street and 720 Westlake Avenue, near MacArthur Park. The Department’s complaint names Filomeno Hernandez, Ramin Akhavan, Bonnie Brae Investment Services LLC, and Westlake Property Services LLC as defendants. Defendants manage or own properties where the illegal conduct occurred.
“No woman should have to endure sexual harassment, especially in her own home,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Sexual harassment in housing is unacceptable and illegal, and the Justice Department will continue vigorously to enforce the Fair Housing Act to combat this type of discrimination and to obtain relief for its victims.”
“The sexual harassment of vulnerable women is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate this behavior by any landlord or property manager,” said Nick Hanna, the United States Attorney for the Central District of California. “Those who abuse their positions of power will be held accountable under the Fair Housing Act.”
In October 2017, the Department of Justice launched an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing. In April 2018, the Department announced the nationwide rollout of the initiative, including three major components: an outreach toolkit to leverage the Department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices, a public awareness campaign, including the release of a national Public Service Announcement and a new joint Task Force with HUD to combat sexual harassment in housing. Since launching the initiative, the Department of Justice has filed thirteen lawsuits alleging a pattern or practice of sexual harassment in housing.
Today’s lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, civil penalties, and a court order barring future discrimination. The complaint contains allegations of unlawful conduct, which must be proven in federal court.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt. More information about the Civil Rights Section, Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/civil-division/civil-rights.
Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings operated or owned by Filomeno Hernandez or Ramin Akhavan, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line:
- English language: Call 1-800-896-7743, then press 1 to continue in English and select mailbox 9992 to leave a message; or
- Spanish language: Call 1-800-896-7743, then press 2 to continue in Spanish and select mailbox 6 to leave a message.
Individuals can also report sexual harassment and other forms of housing discrimination by e-mailing the Justice Department at [email protected], or may file a complaint about housing discrimination or other civil rights violations with the Civil Rights Section, Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office by calling (213) 894-2879, emailing [email protected], or completing and submitting this form.
Jefferson County woman sentenced for role in drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Molly L. Huber, of Ranson, West Virginia, was sentenced today to time served and three years supervised release for selling cocaine, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Huber, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride” in September 2019. Huber admitted to selling cocaine in July 2018 in Jefferson County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Assistant U.S Attorney Timothy D. Helman, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Ranson Police Department investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Huntington Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va.—A Huntington woman was sentenced to federal prison for embezzlement, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Frances McComas, 57, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison and five years of supervised release for embezzling money from a federal credit union. She also was ordered to pay $1,000 a month in restitution.
“McComas was a credit union employee that stole from her employer for almost five years,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “As a result of the FBI’s investigation and the subsequent prosecution of McComas by my office, she is headed to federal prison, and just as importantly, she will be paying restitution to the credit union.”
McComas previously admitted that starting in 2015 and continuing until April 2019 she stole $165,500 from the federal credit union’s vault and falsified the financial records to hide the embezzlement. McComas started in 2015 by stealing a few thousand dollars, but she became even greedier as she started taking larger amounts every month, until being caught for the embezzlement almost five years later.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation handled the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Arthur handled the prosecution.
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Holiday Woman Indicted on Fraud and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Lori Owen (48, Holiday) with 14 counts of fraud, 4 counts of money laundering, and 2 counts of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Owens faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each fraud count, 10 years in federal prison for each money laundering count, and 2 years’ consecutive imprisonment for the identity theft counts. The indictment also notifies Owen that the United States is seeking a money judgment of at least $264,260, the proceeds of the alleged offenses.
According to the indictment, Owen, and others, recruited individual “straw account owners” to open bank accounts for the purpose of depositing money that had been extorted from victims of tax impersonation calls.
The victims in the scheme were contacted by callers who falsely represented themselves as officials with the Internal Revenue Service, the Canadian tax authorities, or local law enforcement officers demanding payment for federal income taxes, or other financial obligations. The fraudulent callers told the victims that, if they failed to pay these purported obligations, they, or their family members, would face arrest, prosecution, or other legal consequences. Owen, and others, monitored the straw bank accounts in order to verify the victims’ deposits and ensure timely withdrawals by the straw account owners. The straw account owners withdrew the funds in cash and turned them over to Owen (and others), often less a payment to the straw account owner for opening the account or conducting the transaction.
As to the telemarketing fraud scheme, Owen and others recruited an individual to be the owner of a Florida business and open bank accounts in the business name, for the purpose of depositing the proceeds of a sweepstakes fraud. Owen’s conspirators called elderly victims and falsely represented that they were with the Publisher’s Clearing House lottery and that the victim had won millions of dollars. The callers induced the victims to provide financial information and to send large cashier’s checks to this company in Florida, by falsely claiming that advance taxes had to be paid in order to collect the full amount of the alleged lottery winnings. Owen, and others, then laundered the proceeds of this fraud scheme.
In 2018, Owen’s former husband, David Owen, and son, Andrew Corrigan, were convicted and sentenced to 130 and 120 months’ imprisonment, respectively, for the same criminal conduct.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Largo Police Department, the Gulfport Police Department, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelley Howard-Allen and Rachel Jones.
Guatemalan National Sentenced to Prison for Labor Trafficking a 12 Year-Old BoyRead the Press Release
On January 10, 2020, a Guatemalan national was sentenced in the Southern District of Florida to eight years in prison for labor trafficking a minor.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and Anthony Salisbury, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Miami Field Office made the announcement.
Walfre Eliseo Camposeco-Montejo, 35, of Guatemala, previously pled guilty to providing and obtaining forced labor, alien smuggling, and unlawfully transporting aliens. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman sentenced Camposeco-Montejo to a total of 96 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Judge Altman also ordered Camposeco-Montejo to pay $34,000 in restitution to the minor-victim.
According to court records, Camposeco-Montejo obtained false Guatemalan documents to claim a 12-year-old Guatemalan boy as his son. Camposeco-Montejo promised the boy’s mother he would provide the minor with an education upon their arrival into the United States. Camposeco-Montego and the minor illegally entered the United States, crossing the Rio Grande in November 2016. Upon their arrest by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, when crossing the border, Camposeco-Montejo lied about being the boy’s father. Based upon Camposeco-Montejo’s false representations, he and the boy were released as a family unit and subsequently made their way to Florida. Beginning in December 2016, Camposeco-Montejo obtained false identification for the 12 year-old boy and forced him to work at agricultural farms throughout Palm Beach County for more than 6 months to repay a debt from the human smuggling venture. The boy was eventually able to escape and reported his victimization during the course of the labor trafficking scheme.
U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan commended the investigation efforts of ICE-HSI and the partnership with the Palm Beach County Human Trafficking Task Force. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller.
If you believe you are a victim of labor trafficking or know someone who is, you are encouraged to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/ for help and victim resources. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Garrard County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lancaster, Kentucky, man, Arthur Eugene Butler, 41, admitted in federal court Friday, before U.S. District Court Judge Danny C. Reeves, to possessing and distributing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Butler had previously plead guilty to receiving child pornography in United States District Court, in 2010. After finishing his five-year prison sentence, Butler was serving a five-year period of supervised release. According to his plea agreement, prior to his final release, law enforcement received information that, in April 2019, he was sending sexually explicit images of children to his Google photos account. A search of his house found a Google Pixel phone that contained hundreds of images and videos of children engaged in various forms of sexually explicit conduct, including the rape of prepubescent children.
Butler appeared for revocation of his supervised release in November 2019. Friday, he entered a guilty plea to new charge.
“The defendant acknowledged to possessing over 600 images of child pornography, including images that portrayed acts of violence and abuse. Even more troubling, the defendant committed his crimes while serving a period of supervised release for a conviction for another child pornography offense,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Because of his recent actions, the defendant is deservedly facing a lengthy sentence of imprisonment for being a recidivist offender. I commend the law enforcement officers involved, including investigators from the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, for their work on this investigation.”
U.S. Attorney Duncan; Steve Igyarto, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI); and Daniel Cameron, Attorney General of Kentucky, jointly announced the guilty plea.
“A strong partnership with federal officials is essential as we work to protect Kentucky’s children from sexual exploitation,” said General Cameron. “Our Cyber Crimes Unit within the Department of Criminal Investigations works closely with federal law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of complex cases to ensure that the voiceless are not forgotten.”
The investigation was conducted by DHS-HIS and the Cyber Crimes Branch of the Office of the Attorney General. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth.
Butler is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, 2020. He faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, and a maximum of up to 60 years, as well as a maximum fine of $500,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Founder of Swiss Brokerage Firm Pleads Guilty in Connection with Global Securities Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The founder and operator of a Swiss asset management firm pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to charges that he engaged with others in a massive global securities fraud scheme that netted proceeds of approximately $164 million.
Roger Knox, 49, pleaded guilty to securities fraud and conspiracy to commit securities fraud before U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton, who scheduled sentencing for April 23, 2020.
Knox, with others, operated a purported asset management firm based in Switzerland called Silverton, and later renamed Wintercap. Through this business, Knox helped facilitate pump-and-dump, and other market manipulation schemes, by selling massive quantities of microcap securities on behalf of “control groups” who secretly owned the stock through nominee shareholders, and who simultaneously orchestrated promotional campaigns and other efforts to artificially inflate the price and trading volume of those shares. Knox then funneled the proceeds of the securities fraud—totaling an estimated $164 million over the last three years—to co-conspirators in the United States, and elsewhere, through a complex money transfer system that disguised the source and nature of the funds.
One security that was traded through Knox’s Silverton firm was a stock called Environmental Packaging Technologies, Inc. (“EPTI”). In June 2017, EPTI was subject to a pump-and-dump scheme using Knox’s Silverton platform. Co-defendants Matthew Ledvina and Milan Patel, knowing that EPTI stock was controlled by another co-defendant, Morrie Tobin, helped create nominee entities to hold Tobin’s stock so that it could be sold in a pump-and-dump in violation of United States securities laws. During the pump-and-dump, Knox’s Silverton platform managed to sell approximately $1.5 million worth of EPTI stock before trading was halted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Ledvina, Patel and Tobin have all pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
The charge of securities fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. The charge of conspiracy to commit securities fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or gross loss. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The Boston regional office of the SEC provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen and James Drabick of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
Former Vice President of Insys Therapeutics Sentenced for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Vice President of Managed Markets for Insys Therapeutics was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in conspiring to bribe practitioners to prescribe fentanyl-based pain medication, often when medically unnecessary.
Michael J. Gurry, 56, of Scottsdale, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 33 months in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution to be determined at a later date, and ordered to pay approximately $3.6 million in forfeiture. The government recommended a sentence of 132 months in prison. In May 2019, Gurry was convicted by a federal jury of racketeering conspiracy along with four other Insys executives.
Subsys, a drug owned and manufactured by a company called Insys Therapeutics, Inc., is a powerful, rapid-onset opioid approved to treat cancer patients suffering intense breakthrough pain. From May 2012 to December 2015, Gurry and his co-defendants conspired to bribe practitioners, many of whom operated pain clinics, in order to induce them to prescribe Insys’ fentanyl-based pain medication, Subsys, to patients, often when medically unnecessary. The drug was expensive, and while bribes paid to prescribers succeeded in generating new prescriptions, insurers were reluctant to approve payment when Subsys was prescribed for patients without cancer.
Within the criminal scheme, Gurry was responsible for creating and overseeing the Insys Reimbursement Center (IRC), which was dedicated to obtaining prior authorization for payment of Subsys prescriptions directly from insurers and pharmacy benefit managers. Beginning in October 2012, Gurry authorized employees of the IRC to lead insurers to believe that they were calling from the office of the prescriber. He also authorized the IRC employees to use a misleading script, known as “the spiel,” to trick insurers into believing that Subsys had been prescribed to the patient to treat breakthrough cancer pain, for which insurers were more likely to authorize payment. Gurry also authorized other tactics that had been found to be more successful in securing payment from insurers. This included citing a diagnosis of “dysphagia” – difficulty swallowing – even when patients were not suffering from the disorder and referencing a history of cancer to mislead insurers.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General; Judy McMeekin, Pharm.D. Acting Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs of the U.S. Food and Drug; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Carol S. Hamilton, Acting Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division; Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office; Jeffrey K. Stachowiak, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General; and Thomas W. South, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations of the Office of Personnel Management made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys K. Nathaniel Yeager, Fred M. Wyshak, and David Lazarus prosecuted the case for Lelling’s Health Care Fraud Unit.
Former United States Postal Employee Sentenced to 25 Months in Federal Prison for Theft of United States Mail, Bank Fraud, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Former U.S. Postal Service employee Elizabeth Shante Brown, 29, of Panama
City, Florida, was sentenced last week to serve 25 months in federal prison after pleading guilty
to stealing and using debit cards and checks from postal customers, as well as cash from Post
Offices. Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the
sentence following Brown’s guilty plea to charges of bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and
theft of United States mail.While working for the Postal Service at locations in Okaloosa, Walton, and Holmes counties in
Florida, Brown stole postal customers’ individual and business bank checks and debit cards from the
mail between March 1 and May 31, 2017. She used the stolen debit cards to purchase or attempt to
purchase items of value and used the stolen checks to obtain or attempt to obtain cash. Brown was
arrested after she attempted to cash one of the stolen checks at a bank in Panama City. As part of
her sentence, Brown was ordered to pay restitution to the victims.“Public servants have an obligation to treat the public with respect and integrity, but this
defendant tried to use her position of public trust for personal enrichment without regard to how
it would hurt her innocent victims,” U.S. Attorney Keefe said. “This kind of flagrant violation of
that trust will not be tolerated, and the result will be prison time for someone who thought she
could get away with it.”The case resulted from an investigation by the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector
General and the Panama City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States
Attorney J. Ryan Love.“The sentencing serves as a strong deterrent to those attempting to abuse the Postal Service and a
clear reminder that the government is vigilant, and these crimes will not be tolerated," said
Special Agent in Charge Christopher Cave, of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General
Southern Area Field Office. “The USPS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue
to vigorously investigate these types of cases in order to continue to protect the sanctity of the
Postal Service.”The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that
serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access
public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Florida website. For more information about the United States Attor ey’s Office, Northern
District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.Former Supervisory Corrections Officer Convicted of Unlawful Force for Repeatedly Tasing Restrained DetaineeRead the Press Release
After a four-day trial on civil rights and obstruction charges, a federal jury returned a verdict for Mark Bryant, formerly a Corporal at the Cheatham County Jail in Ashland City, Tennessee. Bryant was convicted of two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242, for repeatedly tasing a restrained pretrial detainee. The jury acquitted Bryant of two counts of obstruction of justice and one count of lying to the FBI.
“Correctional officers who use unlawful force and cause bodily injury to detainees will be held accountable for their illegal actions,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute matters that violate civil rights laws.”
“The defendant’s conduct in this case was detestable and offensive to every law enforcement officer who honors the badge,” said U.S. Attorney Cochran. “I want to thank the trial team and our law enforcement partners at the FBI for their outstanding efforts to ensure that this individual was brought to justice.”
“Citizens have a constitutional right to ethical treatment by employees of federal, state, and local government," said M.A. Myers, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the FBI. "This conviction should be a reminder that wearing a badge does not make one above the law. The FBI will always work to bring to justice those who violate the civil rights of others."
Evidence presented at trial established that, on Nov. 5, 2016, then-Corporal Bryant repeatedly tased – for a total of 50 seconds – an eighteen-year-old pretrial detainee in a restraint chair, and then returned more than an hour later to again tase the detainee, while the detainee was compliant and fully restrained. As a result of Corporal Bryant’s unjustified uses of force, the detainee suffered bodily injury.
Sentencing will take place at a later date before U.S. District Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw at which time Bryant will face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on each charge as well as three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, and the case was tried by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Beth Myers of the Middle District of Tennessee’s Nashville Office and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer.
Former Senior Fincen Employee Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Unlawfully Disclose Suspicious Activity ReportsRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that NATALIE MAYFLOWER SOURS EDWARDS, a/k/a “Natalie Sours,” a/k/a “Natalie May Edwards,” a/k/a “May Edwards,” a former senior adviser at the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), pled guilty today to conspiring to unlawfully disclose Suspicious Activity Reports (“SARs”). EDWARDS pled guilty before United States District Judge Gregory H. Woods.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As she has now admitted, Natalie Mayflower Sours Edwards, a former senior-level FinCEN employee, abused her position of trust by agreeing to repeatedly disclose highly sensitive information contained in Suspicious Activity Reports. Maintaining the confidentiality of SARs, which are filed by banks and other financial institutions to alert law enforcement to potentially illegal transactions, is essential to permit them to serve their statutory function, and the defendant’s conduct violated the integrity of that critical system and the law.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint, Information, publicly available information, court filings, and statements made during the plea proceeding:
The mission of FinCEN is to “safeguard the financial system from illicit use and combat money laundering and promote national security through the collection, analysis, and dissemination of financial intelligence and strategic use of financial authorities.”[1] Among other things, FinCEN manages the collection and maintenance of SARs regarding potentially suspicious financial transactions, which, under the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”), U.S. financial institutions and other parties are required by law to generate and deliver to FinCEN. Under the BSA and its implementing regulations, willful disclosure of a SAR or its contents by government employees or agents is a felony unless necessary to fulfill official duties.
Beginning in approximately October 2017, and lasting until her arrest in October 2018, EDWARDS agreed to and did unlawfully disclose numerous SARs to a reporter (“Reporter-1”), the substance of which were published over the course of approximately 12 articles by a news organization for which Reporter-1 worked (“News Organization-1”). The illegally disclosed SARs pertained to, among other things, Paul Manafort, Richard Gates, the Russian Embassy, Mariia Butina, and Prevezon Alexander. EDWARDS had access to each of the pertinent SARs and saved them – along with thousands of other files containing sensitive government information – to a flash drive provided to her by FinCEN. She transmitted the SARs to Reporter-1 by means that included taking photographs or images of them and texting the photographs or images to Reporter-1 over an encrypted application. In addition to disseminating SARs to Reporter-1, EDWARDS sent or described to Reporter-1 internal FinCEN emails or correspondence appearing to relate to SARs or other information protected by the BSA, and FinCEN nonpublic memoranda, including Investigative Memos and Intelligence Assessments published by the FinCEN Intelligence Division, which contained confidential personal information, business information, and/or security threat assessments.
At the time of EDWARDS’s arrest, she was in possession of a flash drive on which she saved the unlawfully disclosed SARs, and a cellphone containing numerous communications over an encrypted application in which she transmitted SARs and other sensitive government information to Reporter-1.
* * *
EDWARDS, 41, of Quinton, Virginia, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to make unauthorized disclosures of SARs, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. EDWARDS is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Woods on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentence of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the Treasury Department’s Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly J. Ravener, Daniel C. Richenthal, and Maurene R. Comey are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] www.fincen.gov/about/mission
Former Paterson Municipal Utilities Authority Commissioner Sentenced to 35 Months in Prison for Schemes with Vendors to Steal Funds and Accept KickbacksRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former commissioner with the now-defunct Paterson Municipal Utilities Authority was sentenced today to 35 months in prison for engaging in two separate schemes to steal funds from the Paterson Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA), U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Erik Lowe, 51, of Paterson, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before former U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares to an information charging him with one count of conspiring with Carnell Baskerville, a contractor who plead guilty in February 2018 to his role in the scheme, to commit extortion under color of official right during the period from approximately December 2014 through approximately May of 2015. He also pleaded to one count of engaging in a second scheme with another contractor to commit extortion under color of official right from approximately August of 2012 through November of 2014. U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Lowe was a commissioner of the MUA from February 2009 through May 2015, during which time he exercised control over the MUA’s finances. The MUA had been created to manage the hydroelectric plant on the Passaic River in Paterson as well as to care for and manage certain surrounding properties. Lowe and Baskerville entered into an agreement whereby Lowe would approve payments from the MUA to Baskerville’s company for services purportedly rendered when both Lowe and Baskerville knew that Baskerville had not performed and would not perform any such services. Between December 2014 and May 2015, Lowe wrote a series of MUA checks totaling $146,500 to Baskerville’s company. Lowe directed Baskerville to deposit these checks into Baskerville’s bank account and to kick back to Lowe a significant percentage of this amount in cash to reward Lowe and a fellow MUA commissioner for their official assistance in carrying out the scheme.
Lowe admitted to engaging in a similar scheme between approximately August of 2012 through approximately November of 2014 with a second contractor whose company installed and repaired fences for residential homes and commercial business. Lowe admitted that initially he inflated the checks provided to this contractor substantially above the value of the jobs the contractor performed on behalf of the MUA so that the contractor could kick back thousands of dollars in cash in kickbacks to Lowe for Lowe’s official assistance in carrying out the scheme. Lowe admitted that near the end of the scheme, he was issuing checks worth thousands of dollars to the contractor knowing that no job had been or would be performed by the contractor in exchange for the checks. Lowe, in turn, accepted kickbacks totaling thousands of dollars from the contractor in exchange for these checks. Between August 2012 and November 2014, Lowe issued checks totaling $141,700 to the contractor, for which Lowe accepted tens of thousands of dollars in cash kickbacks.
In addition to the prison term, Judge McNulty sentenced Lowe to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $236,400.
Baskerville pleaded guilty on Feb. 6, 2018 before Judge Linares to one count of conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right and to one count of conspiracy to embezzle from an organization receiving federal benefits in excess of $10,000 and was sentenced Oct. 23, 2018, to 21 months in prison.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. McCarren of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
Defense counsel: Linda Foster Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender
Former Green Beret Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy and Receiving Stolen Federal FundsRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, WILLIAM TODD CHAMBERLAIN , 46, of Raleigh pled guilty to Conspiracy and Receiving Stolen Government Property before United States Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Swank. At sentencing before Senior United States District Court Judge Malcolm J. Howard, CHAMBERLAIN faces a combined maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, a $500,000 fine, mandatory restitution and forfeiture of $40,000.
Chamberlain was initially charged in an Indictment filed on June 25, 2014. CHAMBERLAIN along with four other members from the 3rd Special Forces Group based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina were indicted. According to the charging documents, CHAMBERLAIN, Cleo Autry, Jeffrey Cook, Deric Harper, and Barry Walls stole approximately $200,000 between July 2009 and January 2010 while deployed together in Afghanistan. The five soldiers’ split-team had access to various government funds. Operational funds were provided to purchase mission critical items that could not be obtained through military supply systems. Commander’s Emergency Response Funds were earmarked for humanitarian projects intended to benefit the local Afghan populace, such as public roads, schools and medical clinics. In addition, there were classified funds for Special Forces to support counterterrorism operations.
The Indictment alleged that these soldiers stole a portion of the funds and falsified receipts to conceal the amount of monies stolen. According to the investigation, all five soldiers converted stolen funds into postal money orders, which were purchased from military post offices in Afghanistan. They also sent cash to family members in the mail or carried cash back into the United States at the end of the deployment. When first approached by law enforcement, CHAMBERLAIN and the others lied. They either claimed falsely winning the cash gambling or bringing the cash with them from the United States when deployed.
The other four soldiers, Cleo Autry, Jeffrey Cook, Deric Harper, and Barry Walls, entered guilty pleas in 2014. CHAMBERLAIN, however, filed numerous pre-trial motions, claiming, among other things, that he needed access to classified information to defend himself. Judge Howard ultimately ruled against CHAMBERLAIN, concluding the classified information was not helpful to his defense.
According to the Government’s proffer, CHAMBERLAIN was the non-commissioned officer-in-charge and the team’s engineer. Since a large portion of these funds were used on building and maintaining the infrastructure of the forward operating base, CHAMBERLAIN had to know the amounts reflected on the receipts were inflated. In addition, three of his teammates would have testified that they handed him large sums of U.S. currency and saw him at the post office purchasing postal money orders.
United States Attorney Higdon commented, “Our Office stands committed to routing out public corruption. Chamberlain and his teammates abused the unique trust bestowed upon them by the military as members of the Special Forces.”
John F. Sopko, Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), stated, “Theft of U.S. government funds in a war zone is a serious crime that weakens our national objectives in Afghanistan. The message of this case is loud and clear: SIGAR and our law enforcement partners will pursue justice — no matter how long it takes.”
Robert E. Craig, Jr., Special-Agent-in-Charge of the Mid-Atlantic Field Office for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) stated, “DCIS also stands committed to aggressively investigating corruption and theft that undermines the integrity of the Department of Defense. We hope this case demonstrates the resolve of DCIS and our law enforcement partners to protect valuable Department of Defense resources and ensure the combat readiness of our Warfighters."
SIGAR, DCIS, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Army’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit conducted this multi-year investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Susan B. Menzer and Department of Justice National Security Division Trial Attorney Matthew J. McKenzie represented the government.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Former ER Nurse Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining, Tampering with Patient DrugsRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Elet Neilson, age 53, of Layton, a former emergency room nurse who admitted to tampering with controlled substances intended for patients and diverting the drugs for her own use, will serve 60 months in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Dee Benson imposed the sentence Monday afternoon in Salt Lake City.
As a result of the tampering and diversion, Neilson admitted infecting seven (known) patients with Hepatitis-C 2B. Hepatitis C, which is a viral disease, is primarily transmitted through blood exposure. There are different genotpyes. One variant, Hepatitis-C 2B, makes up only 8 to 10 percent of all Hepatitis C found in humans in Utah, according to the indictment filed in the case.
Federal prosecutors had asked Judge Benson to impose a sentence of 90 months. “This is more than a mistake. Punishment and general deterrence should be the driving force in fashioning a sentence today,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Pead said. Judge Benson’s sentence of 60 months was three months below the sentencing guideline range in the case of 63-78 months. The court found she abused a position of trust in imposing the sentence.
“As sad as addiction may be, it is not without victims. This case illustrates addiction’s wake of tragedy like few others,” U.S. Attorney for Utah John W. Huber said today. “At least seven unwitting and innocent victims were in vulnerable positions when the nurse defendant recklessly exposed them to, and infected them with a serious and stigmatizing disease. These convictions represent knowing and intentional conduct that went well beyond an unwise decision made amidst addiction.”
“Patients deserve to have confidence that they are not only receiving the proper treatment from those entrusted with providing their medical care, but also that they are not being placed at an increased risk of harm,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Grinstead, of the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, Kansas City Field Office. “We will continue to protect the public health and bring to justice health care professionals who take advantage of their unique position and compromise their patients’ health and comfort by tampering with needed drugs.”
Between July 2013 and November 2014, Neilson was employed at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah. As a nurse, Neilson had access to controlled substances, including medication intended for patients in the emergency room. As a part of a plea agreement reached in September 2019, Neilson admitted that on multiple occasions, she tampered with hydromorphone and morphine, diverting the drugs for her own use.
According to the plea agreement, Neilson admitted that by tampering, diverting, and using the drugs, she acted with reckless disregard for the risk to other people, including placing people in danger of death or bodily injury, and did so under circumstances that manifested extreme indifference to that risk.
In late 2014, according to charges filed in the case, the U.S. Center for Disease Control and the Utah Department of Health began an investigation into a cluster of Hepatitis C 2B diagnoses in the Ogden region, which eventually focused on patients seen in the emergency room at McKay-Dee Hospital while Neilson was working there. The investigation ultimately determined that seven patients, each of whom were given intravenous opioid pain management drugs handled by Neilson before or during their administration, were infected with not only the same genotype of Hepatitis-C 2B as Neilson, but the same sub-genotype.
“Neilson, a medical professional, diverted drugs for her own use, and as a result infected her patients. For that she will rightly be punished,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Kansas City Region. “Along with our law enforcement partners, protecting patients is our top priority.”
“When professionals in positions of trust, abuse that trust by engaging in the diversion of controlled substances, it is extremely disappointing. Anyone who deliberately diverts and tampers with controlled substances causing harm to patients, has violated their duties as a professional and will be held accountable,” said Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Salt Lake City District Office Miguel Chino. “The charge and plea agreement in this case are the result of DEA’s continued commitment to work with our law enforcement partners and hold accountable those who participate in illegally diverting controlled substances in our communities. It also is a testament to law enforcement’s commitment to fight the illegal diversion of these drugs.”
"Medical professionals are entrusted with the care of others. Elet Neilson betrayed that trust and in turn, put her patients' health and lives at risk," said Special Agent in Charge Paul Haertel of the FBI's Salt Lake City Field Office. "The FBI would like to thank our law enforcement partners for their dedication and persistence in a case that should serve as an example that such reckless behavior within our nation's health care system will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted."
“The mission of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) in the Utah Attorney General’s Office is to protect vulnerable individuals from harm. The victims in this case went to the hospital for treatment, trusting that they would be safe and cared for. Instead, because of the defendant’s actions, the victims came out of the hospital with life-changing diseases. The MFCU is proud to have been part of a team that brought this nurse to justice and gave a voice to each victim,” Kaye Lynn Wootton, MFCU Director, said today.
Neilson will be on supervised release for two years when she finishes her federal prison sentence. Special conditions of the supervised release include drug/alcohol and mental health treatment. She must pay a $400 special assessment fee. The court ordered Neilson to self-surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to begin serving the sentence no later than March 2 at noon. BOP will designate a prison in the coming weeks.
Former Cheatham County Supervisory Corrections Officer Convicted of Using Unlawful ForceRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – January 13, 2020 - After a four-day trial on civil rights and obstruction charges, a federal jury on Friday evening returned a verdict for Mark Bryant, formerly a Corporal at the Cheatham County Jail in Ashland City, Tennessee. Bryant was convicted of two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law for repeatedly using a Taser on a restrained pretrial detainee. The jury acquitted Bryant of two counts of obstruction of justice and one count of lying to the FBI.
“The defendant’s conduct in this case was detestable and offensive to every law enforcement officer who honors the badge,” said U.S. Attorney Cochran. “I want to thank the trial team and our law enforcement partners at the FBI for their outstanding efforts to ensure that this individual was brought to justice.”
“Correctional officers who use unlawful force and cause bodily injury to detainees will be held accountable by the Civil Rights Division,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Department of Justice will continue to prosecute matters that involve the violation of our civil rights laws.”
“Citizens have a constitutional right to ethical treatment by employees of federal, state, and local government," said M.A. Myers, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "This conviction should be a reminder that wearing a badge does not make one above the law. The FBI will always work to bring to justice those who violate the civil rights of others."
Evidence presented at trial established that, on Nov. 5, 2016, then-Corporal Bryant repeatedly tased – for a total of 50 seconds – an 18-year-old pretrial detainee in a restraint chair, and then returned more than an hour later to again tase the detainee, even though he was compliant and fully restrained. As a result of Bryant’s unjustified uses of force, the detainee suffered bodily injury.
Bryant will be sentenced later this year before U.S. District Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on each count and a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the case was tried by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Beth Myers of the Middle District of Tennessee and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer.
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Former Air Cargo Executive Extradited from Italy for Price-FixingRead the Press Release
Maria Christina “Meta” Ullings, the former senior vice president of cargo sales and marketing for Martinair N.V. (Martinair Cargo) and a Dutch national, was extradited from Italy, the Department of Justice announced today.
On Sept. 21, 2010, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta, Ullings was indicted for participating in a long-running worldwide conspiracy to fix prices of air cargo. A fugitive for almost 10 years, Ullings was apprehended by Italian authorities in July 2019 while visiting Sicily. Ullings initially contested extradition in the Italian courts, but after the Court of Appeals of Palermo ruled that she be extradited, she waived her appeal. She arrived in Atlanta on Jan. 10 and made her initial appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
“This extradition ruling by the Italian courts – the seventh country to extradite a defendant in an Antitrust Division case in recent years, and the second to do so based solely on an antitrust charge – demonstrates that those who violate U.S. antitrust laws and seek to evade justice will find no place to hide,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “The Division appreciates the cooperation of the Italian authorities in this matter. With the assistance of our law enforcement colleagues at home and around the world, the Division will aggressively pursue every avenue available in bringing price fixers to justice.”
According to the indictment, Ullings conspired with others to suppress and eliminate competition by fixing and coordinating certain surcharges, including fuel surcharges, charged to customers located in the United States and elsewhere for air cargo shipments. These air cargo shipments included heavy equipment, perishable commodities, and consumer goods destined for American consumers and shipped by American producers. Ullings is alleged to have participated in the conspiracy from at least as early as January 2001 until at least February 2006.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Including Ullings, a total of 22 airlines and 21 executives have been charged in the Justice Department’s investigation into price fixing in the air transportation industry. To date, more than $1.8 billion in criminal fines have been imposed and seven executives have been sentenced to serve prison time.
Ullings is charged with violating the Sherman Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine for individuals. The maximum fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine.
The Antitrust Division and the FBI led the United States’ extradition effort. Assistance with the extradition was provided by the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Marshals Service. The investigation into the air transportation industry has been conducted by the Antitrust Division, the FBI, the Department of Transportation’s Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Service’s Office of the Inspector General.
Anyone with information concerning price fixing or other anticompetitive conduct is urged to call the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal I Section at 202-307-6694 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Florida man sentenced for accessing IRS system and obtaining taxpayer informationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Clinton Jean-Pierre, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced today to 70 months incarceration for identity theft through use of a computer, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jean-Pierre, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Accessing a Computer and Obtaining Information” and one count of “Aggravated Identity Theft.” Jean-Pierre admitted to fraudulently accessing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) eAuthentication online taxpayer system, which has servers located in Berkeley County, in December 2017. In order to pass IRS security protocols, Jean-Pierre admitted that he fraudulently “ported” an unknowing person’s cellular telephone number to his own phone in order to obtain the security code necessary to create an unauthorized taxpayer account. Once in the IRS eAuthentication system, Jean-Pierre admitted he gained access to a taxpayer’s tax return information which included the taxpayer’s personal identifying information.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Cybercrime Investigations Division investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Firearms Thief Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Dorian Trayvon Richardson, 19, of Loxley, Alabama, was sentenced on January 9, 2020 in federal court for his involvement in the burglary of a federally licensed firearms dealer in Foley, Alabama. Court documents reveal that Richardson and others broke into the store and stole numerous guns. The investigation that followed resulted in his identification, and Richardson assisted federal investigators in recovering the stolen guns. Richardson entered a guilty plea to federal charges of stealing firearms from the inventory of a federally licensed firearms dealer and possession of stolen firearms in July of 2019.
United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer imposed a sentence of 11 months on each count, and ordered that the sentences run concurrently. Judge Moorer ordered that Richardson will serve a term of three years under supervised release when he is discharged from prison. The judge ordered that Richardson will pay a special assessment of $200, but the judge did not impose a fine. Richardson was ordered to pay $2,500 in restitution to the business owner.
The case was investigated by the Foley Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Felon Who Sold Gun to Police Sent to PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who sold a rifle during an undercover operation was sentenced on January 10, 2020, to more than one year in federal prison.
Charles John Cizek, age 41, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 20, 2019, guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In a plea agreement, Cizek admitted that on August 9, 2018, he sold a rifle to a confidential informant who was working with police. Prior to the sale, Cizek and the informant discussed details about the transaction.
Cizek was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Cizek was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the Waterloo Police Department. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Cizek is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and was investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-cr-2015.
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Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession and Manufacture of Machine Guns and SilencersRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man pleaded guilty Monday to four firearms charges, including illegally possessing and manufacturing machine guns and silencers, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
Christopher Joseph Kiss, 29, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, illegal possession of a machine gun, making unregistered machine guns and silencers, and possession of unregistered silencers. The case is being prosecuted as part of the Justice Department’s Project Guardian, a nationwide initiative leveraging critical law enforcement partnerships to enforce federal firearms laws. The initiative was announced by the Attorney General in November 2019.
“Firearms that have been illegally modified to fire in fully-automatic mode pose a serious risk to public safety. Individuals who illegally possess these modified firearms in Oklahoma will meet a federal prosecutor in a court of law. Christopher Kiss learned this the hard way,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “He modified and possessed firearms, silencers, and nearly 100 pounds of ammunition, and in doing so threatened the safety of our community.”
In his plea agreement, Kiss, a felon, admitted that he possessed, manufactured, and modified multiple firearms. Kiss possessed a .25 auto caliber pistol and a container with a sampling of 95 pounds of ammunition. He also possessed a homemade Glock-style .22 caliber pistol equipped with a Glock switch that enabled the pistol to fire in fully-automatic mode. In addition, investigators discovered an AR-15 style short-barreled 9 mm rifle that Kiss modified to fire in fully-automatic mode. The defendant further illegally manufactured at least four silencers and possessed a total of 26 silencers. In his statement, Kiss agreed that he failed to properly register these machine guns and silencers in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
“Mr. Kiss is a convicted felon prohibited from manufacturing, possessing, transferring or shipping firearms and ammunition,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “His disregard of the Gun Control and National Firearms Acts impacts every community by placing firearms into commerce illegally, sidestepping required background checks and impeding law enforcement efforts to trace and investigate recovered firearms and devices.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark R. Morgan is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Project Guardian draws upon the Justice Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This includes taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Felon Caught with a Gun in East Hartford Sentenced to 30 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELVIN GONZALEZ, 38, Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 30 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 9, 2018, East Hartford Police arrested Gonzalez after he was found in possession of a Charter Arms .44 caliber revolver and a quantity of marijuana.
Gonzalez’s criminal history includes state convictions for sale of hallucinogen/narcotics and escape, and a federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In August 2005, he was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment for the federal firearm offense.
On September 3, 2019, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Gonzalez, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on January 17.
This matter was investigated by the East Hartford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Federal Inmate Pleads to Escape ChargeRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Milan, Michigan, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of escape after conviction, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Julian P. Villar, Jr., 55, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in and around July 2019, Villar failed to report to the satellite camp at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania after being furloughed from the Milan Federal Correctional Institution in Milan, Michigan on July 9, 2019. Villar was incarcerated at FCI Milan as the result of a conviction for distribution of heroin in the Northern District of Illinois.
Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for May 11, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offender and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Marshal’s Service and officers of the
Federal Complaint Charges Alexandria Man with Extortion in Relation to the Detonation of Suspected Explosive DeviceRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Alexandria charging Daniel Dewayne Aikens, 37, of Alexandria, for an extortion scheme involving threats and the detonation of two pipe bombs, announced David C. Joseph, United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana.
Aikens was arrested after a traffic stop on January 6, 2020, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph H.L. Perez-Montes on January 7, 2020, where he was advised of the charge contained in the complaint, arraigned on the charge, and detained. Aikens continues to remain in federal custody pending the outcome of his detention hearing on January 17, 2020.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Aikens contacted an employee of PayDay Today demanding $10,000 in cash. He initially spoke to the employee about a set of lost keys. While the employee was in the parking lot looking for the keys, a device exploded in a trash can near the building. The affidavit states Aikens told the employee that he caused the explosion and demanded $10,000 in cash. Aikens was discharged from his position as a commissioned officer in the Louisiana National Guard shortly after his arrest in connection with this incident.
“The defendant is charged with trying to extort money from his victims by using an explosive device,” stated United States Attorney Joseph. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners take the unlawful use of explosive devices very seriously due to the terrible damage they can inflict. I want to thank the FBI, ATF, and U.S. Marshal’s Service, as well as our state and local partners, for their immediate response to the scene as well as their seamless coordination to secure the safety of the citizens of Alexandria.”
If convicted on the extortion charge, Aikens faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Police Department, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Louisiana State Police, and the Alexandria Fire Department investigated the case, with the assistance of the Alexandria Public Safety Commissioner and the City of Alexandria Mayor’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog is prosecuting the case.
This matter will proceed in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, where the Criminal Complaint is currently pending. A Criminal Complaint is a temporary charge alleging a violation of law. For the case to proceed to trial, the United States must present the charge to a federal Grand Jury within 30 days. Once a Grand Jury returns an Indictment, a defendant has a right to a jury trial at which the United States would have the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Evansdale Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who received child pornography was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison.
Derek Clemens, age 31, of Evansdale, Iowa, received the sentence after an August 5, 2019, guilty plea to one count of receipt of child pornography. At the plea hearing, Clemens admitted that, between March 2018 and October 2018, he knowingly received child pornography. In a plea agreement, Clemens also admitted that he possessed child pornography on a cell phone and a memory card, including depictions of prepubescent children.
Clemens was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Clemens was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment. A special assessment of $100 was imposed, and he was ordered to make $3,000 in restitution to a victim depicted in videos he possessed. Clemens must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release, and he must comply with all sex offender registration and public notification requirements.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Evansdale Police Department, the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Waterloo Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 19-2030.
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Elizabeth, PA Man Pleads Guilty to Sabotaging Railroad Signal OperationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – William Curry Brown, 26, of Elizabeth, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court today before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose to two counts of terroristic attacks and violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation on land, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§1992(a)(5) and (a)(10) and 2.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about November 1, 2017, Brown knowingly and without lawful authority or permission did and did attempt to remove an appurtenance from, damage or otherwise impair the operation of a railroad signal system. Specifically, at one railroad location near Braddock, William Brown detached four railroad signal antennas by unscrewing them. Additionally, Brown used a pair of bolt cutters and cut the railroad signal cables which were housed in a signal bungalow, which caused a complete signal failure. At another location near McKeesport, Brown used the same bolt cutters to sever multiple bond strand signal wires that were attached to tracks along the rail line. The damage Brown caused to the rail lines resulted in significant financial loss. Further, the railroad system that was damaged was engaged in mass transportation, and carries both passenger and freight cars. The court was advised that the offense involved recklessly endangering the safety of this mass transportation facility.
Judge Ambrose set sentencing for May 11th, 2020 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than three years. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Cook is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the CSX Transportation Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
Eleven Area Residents Indicted for $1.7 Million Meth, Heroin Conspiracy, Numerous FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Eleven defendants have been indicted for their roles in a $1.7 million conspiracy to distribute 150 kilograms of methamphetamine and 10 kilograms of heroin, as well as illegally possessing numerous firearms.
Kamel Mahgub Elburki, 31, Ashley Brooke Clevenger, 37, Edward Jason Alberty Jr., 23, Rachel Gale Simpson, 36, Daniel Jessie Ruiz, 35, and Matthew John Fabulae, 30, all of Kansas City, Missouri; Cory Matthew Jobe, 27, of Independence, Missouri; Tayler Charles Jones, 25, of Liberty, Missouri; Ashley Anne Fries, 23, of Riverside, Missouri; Justin Ren’e Ramirez, 23, of Bolivar, Missouri; and Richard Dean Saettone II, 39, address unknown, were charged in a 22-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Dec. 12, 2019. That indictment has been unsealed and made public following the arrests and initial court appearances of the defendants.
The federal indictment alleges that all of the defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and in a money-laundering conspiracy from Jan. 1, 2017, to Dec. 12, 2109.
According to court records, law enforcement officers seized 77 firearms during the course of the investigation. Among those firearms were 69 firearms seized at Ruiz’s residence, including 45 firearms seized on Feb. 22, 2019, and 20 firearms seized on Oct. 23, 2019, and four firearms seized on Dec. 2, 2019.
The federal indictment replaces a criminal complaint filed against Fabulae on Nov. 26, 2019. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original complaint, Fabulae was involved in at least two shooting incidents. On Feb. 12, 2019, officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the Quik Trip parking lot at 7100 NE Parvin Rd., but Fabulae drove out of the parking lot and led officers on a pursuit. Fabulae entered the eastbound lanes while driving westbound into opposing traffic, the affidavit says, then drove his Jeep off the road and up a hill. Fabulae got out of the vehicle with his dog and ran into some trees and brush. Officers found Fabulae hiding inside a large trash dumpster in a nearby parking lot and arrested him. He was carrying two grams of methamphetamine, a firearm magazine, and $1,096. Officers also located the drawstring backpack he had been carrying and discarded, the affidavit says, which contained 48 grams of cocaine HCL, 10 grams of marijuana, and 280 grams of methamphetamine. Officers found a Springfield Armory .45-caliber handgun near the location where the foot chase began. Officers searched Fabulae’s vehicle and found four cell phones, a tablet, a laptop, and ammunition.
The federal indictment replaces criminal complaints filed against Ruiz and Saettone on Dec. 3, 2019. According to the affidavits filed in support of those complaints, Ruiz and Saettone were arrested that day after Saettone purchased methamphetamine from Ruiz at Ruiz’s residence. Officers stopped Saettone as he was leaving Ruiz’s residence. Saettone, the affidavit says, was carrying approximately 280 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded SCCY 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
According to the affidavit, officers executed a search warrant at Ruiz’s residence on Dec. 2, 2019, and officers seized well over a kilogram of methamphetamine buried in a large metal trash can full of dog food, located in the front room. Officers also seized a Glock .40-caliber handgun with an extended magazine, a Smith and Wesson AR-15-style rifle, an FIE .25-caliber automatic handgun, a Glock .357-caliber handgun, ammunition, a World War II-era gas grenade, multiple packages of suspected marijuana, and more than $2,000.
An earlier search warrant had been executed at Ruiz’s residence on Feb. 22, 2019, when officers seized 45 firearms, more than three kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately $66,000. A search warrant had also been executed at Ruiz’s residence on Oct. 23, 2019, after investigators discovered a FedEx parcel sent to that address, which contained 5.4 pounds of marijuana. Investigators conducted a controlled delivery of the parcel, the affidavit says, which Ruiz (using an alias) accepted. Officers arrested Ruiz and searched his residence, seizing 20 firearms and more than 600 grams of methamphetamine.
In addition to the conspiracies charged in the indictment, Elburki, Jones, Alberty, Simpson, Jobe, Ramirez, Ruiz, Fabulae, and Saettone were also charged together in one count of possessing 500 grams of methamphetamine and one kilogram of heroin to distribute.
Elburki, Jones, Alberty, Jobe, Ramirez, Ruiz, Fries, Fabulae, and Saettone each were charged with one count of possessing, carrying, or using a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Elburki, Jones, Jobe, Fries, Fabulae, and Saettone each were charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Alberty, Ramirez, Ruiz, and Fabulae each were charged with one count of being a drug user in possession of firearms and ammunition.
The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require the defendants to forfeit to the government any proceeds obtained from the alleged drug-trafficking conspiracy, including a money judgment of approximately $1,745,000, which allegedly was received in exchange for the distribution of more than 150 kilograms of methamphetamine (based on an average street price of $250 per ounce) and more than 10 kilograms of heroin (based on an average street price of $1,200 per ounce).
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Clay County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force, and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
KC Metro Strike Force
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
El Dorado County Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing a Designer Drug from the Dark Web that Caused the Death of a MinorRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Elijah Richter, 28, of Camino, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a controlled substance known as 25I-NBOMe that caused death, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, during September 2012, Richter imported hallucinogenic drugs, including a controlled substance known as 25I-NBOMe, from Europe to his residence in El Dorado County, by placing orders on his computer through Silk Road, a now-defunct “dark” website.
Through Silk Road, Richter was able to use bitcoin currency and an anonymous interface to execute drug deals. Shortly before Sept. 8, 2012, Richter imported a number of doses of 25I‑NBOMe from Europe. He then distributed some to Jesse Roberts, who in turn, distributed some to a juvenile male. The boy took four doses and died as a result of an overdose.
When a search warrant was served at Richter’s home, law enforcement officers recovered 2.61 grams of MDMA (Ecstasy), three digital scales, 3.81 grams of suspected hash oil, 42.25 grams of marijuana, 89 pink colored tabs of suspected 25I-NBOMe on paper, and seven additional tabs of suspected 25I-NBOMe in aluminum foil, as well as a handwritten list of drugs and their proper dosage units. Richter admitted to supplying the hits of 25I-NBOMe that killed the juvenile.
According to the plea agreement, Richter imported doses of 25I-NBOMe for the purpose of distributing that substance to others for human consumption and some of those doses ultimately were distributed to the juvenile in El Dorado County and lead to his overdose death.
The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted Roberts. He was convicted of involuntary manslaughter on March 3, 2017, and sentenced to six years in prison.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, and the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF Program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt and Paul Hemesath are prosecuting the case.
Richter is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on April 27. Richter faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
El Departamento de Justicia Presenta una Demanda contra Propietarios y un Administrador de Propiedades de Edificios Residenciales en Los Ángeles cerca del Parque MacarthurRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – El Departamento de Justicia anunció el lunes que ha presentado una demanda que alega que ciertas inquilinas de unos edificios residenciales en Los Ángeles, California, fueron víctimas de acoso sexual y represalias, en contra de la ley federal de Vivienda Justa.
La demanda del lunes, presentada ante el Tribunal de Distrito de los EE. UU. para el Distrito Central de California, alega que el administrador de propiedad Filomeno Hernández acosó sexualmente a inquilinas de las propiedades de alquiler, al menos desde el 2006 hasta el día presente. Según la demanda, el acoso por Hernández incluyó, entre otras cosas, contacto sexual no deseado repetido y frecuente, incluyendo agresión sexual, insinuaciones y comentarios sexuales, ofertas de reducir el alquiler o de perdonar pagos tardíos o impagos del alquiler a cambio de sexo y la entrada en las casas de inquilinas sin su consentimiento. Los edificios residenciales están ubicados en 729 South Bonnie Brae Street y 720 Westlake Avenue, cerca del Parque MacArthur. La demanda del Departamento nombra como acusados a Filomeno Hernández, Ramin Akhavan, Bonnie Brae Investment Services LLC y Westlake Property Services LLC. Los acusados son administradores o propietarios en los edificios donde la conducta ilícita tuvo lugar.
«Ninguna mujer debe soportar el acoso sexual, ni mucho menos en su propia casa», declaró Eric Dreiband, Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «El acoso sexual en la vivienda es inaceptable e ilegal, y el Departamento de Justicia seguirá haciendo cumplir enérgicamente la ley de Vivienda Justa para combatir este tipo de discriminación y obtener compensación para sus víctimas».
«El acoso sexual de mujeres vulnerables no es aceptable y no toleraremos este tipo de comportamiento por parte de propietarios o administradores de propiedad», afirmó Nick Hanna, el Fiscal Federal de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Central de California. «Se obligará a aquellas personas que abusen de sus posiciones de poder rendir cuentas en virtud de la ley de Vivienda Justa».
En octubre del 2017, el Departamento de Justicia dio pie a una iniciativa para combatir el acoso sexual en el ámbito de la vivienda. En abril del 2018, el Departamento anunció el lanzamiento nacional de la iniciativa, incluyendo tres componentes principales: herramientas de alcance para apalancar la red nacional del Departamento de Fiscalías Federales de los EE. UU., una campaña de concientización pública, incluyendo la publicación de unir el acoso sexual en la vivienda. Desde el lanzamiento de la iniciativa, el Departamento de Justicia ha presentado trece demandas que alegan un patrón o una práctica de acoso sexual en la vivienda.
La demanda del lunes busca indemnización por daños y perjuicios para compensar a las víctimas, sanciones civiles, y una orden judicial que prohíba la discriminación en el futuro. La demanda contiene alegaciones de conducta ilícita que deberán ser probadas ante un tribunal federal.
La ley federal de Vivienda Justa prohíbe la discriminación en la vivienda por motivos de raza, color de piel, religión, origen nacional, género, discapacidad o estado familiar. Para más información acerca de la División de Derechos Civiles y las leyes que hace cumplir, vaya a https://www.justice.gov/crt-espanol. Para más información acerca de la Sección de Derechos Civiles de la División Civil de la Fiscalía de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Central de California, vaya a https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/civil-division/civil-rights-espanol.
Aquellos individuos que creen haber sido víctimas de acoso sexual u otros tipos de discriminación en la vivienda en las viviendas de alquiler que son de propiedad de Filomeno Hernández o Ramin Akhavan u operadas por los mismos, o aquellos que tengan información que podría ser de interés en este caso, favor de llamar a la línea para informantes de discriminación en la vivienda:
- Inglés: Llame al 1-800-896-7743 y pulse 1 para continuar en inglés. Elija el buzón 9992 para dejar un mensaje; o
- Español: Llame al 1-800-896-7743 y pulse 2 para continuar en español. Elija el buzón 6 para dejar un mensaje.
También se puede denunciar el acoso sexual y otras formas de discriminación en la vivienda por medio de correo electrónico al Departamento de Justicia a [email protected], o bien se puede presentar una demanda acerca de la discriminación en la vivienda o de otras vulneraciones de derechos civiles ante la Sección de Derechos Civiles, División Civil de la Fiscalía de los Estados Unidos por teléfono al (213) 894-2879, correo electrónico a [email protected] o al rellenar y entregar este formulario.
El Departamento de Justicia Presenta una Demanda Contra Propietarios y un Administrador de Propiedades de Edificios Residenciales en Los Ángeles, Alegando Acoso Sexual de InquilinasRead the Press Release
LOS ÁNGELES – El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha presentado una demanda que alega que los propietarios y un administrador de dos edificios residenciales en el barrio de Westlake en Los Ángeles acosaron sexualmente a sus inquilinas por más de una década, en contra de la ley federal.
La demanda, presentada ante el Tribunal de Distrito de los EE. UU. en Los Ángeles, alega que Filomeno Hernández, Ramin Akhavan, Bonnie Brae Investment Services LLC y Westlake Property Services LLC violaron la ley federal de Vivienda Justa. Los demandados son administradores o propietarios de los edificios pertinentes – 729 South Bonnie Brae Street y 720 Westlake Avenue – que están ubicados cerca del Parque MacArthur en el distrito de Westlake en la ciudad de Los Ángeles.
La demanda alega que Hernández, el administrador de las propiedades, acosó sexualmente a inquilinas de las propiedades de alquiler, al menos desde el 2006 hasta el día presente. Según la demanda, el acoso por Hernández incluyó, entre otras cosas, contacto sexual no deseado repetido y frecuente, incluyendo agresión sexual, insinuaciones y comentarios sexuales, ofertas de reducir el alquiler o de perdonar pagos tardíos o impagos del alquiler a cambio de sexo y la entrada en las casas de inquilinas sin su consentimiento.
“El acoso sexual de mujeres vulnerables no es aceptable y no toleraremos este tipo de comportamiento por parte de propietarios o administradores de propiedad,” afirmó Nick Hanna, el Fiscal Federal de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Central de California. “Se obligará a aquellas personas que abusen de sus posiciones de poder rendir cuentas en virtud de la ley de Vivienda Justa.”
“Ninguna mujer debe soportar el acoso sexual, ni mucho menos en su propia casa,” declaró Eric Dreiband, Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. “El acoso sexual en la vivienda es inaceptable e ilegal, y el Departamento de Justicia seguirá haciendo cumplir enérgicamente la ley de Vivienda Justa para combatir este tipo de discriminación y obtener compensación para sus víctimas.”
En octubre del 2017, el Departamento de Justicia dio pie a una iniciativa para combatir el acoso sexual en el ámbito de la vivienda. En abril del 2018, el Departamento anunció el lanzamiento nacional de la iniciativa. Desde el lanzamiento de la iniciativa, el Departamento de Justicia ha presentado trece demandas que alegan un patrón o una práctica de acoso sexual en la vivienda.
La demanda busca indemnización por daños y perjuicios para compensar a las víctimas, sanciones civiles, y una orden judicial que prohíba la discriminación en el futuro. La demanda contiene alegaciones de conducta ilícita que deberán ser probadas ante un tribunal federal.
La ley federal de Vivienda Justa prohíbe la discriminación en la vivienda por motivos de raza, color de piel, religión, origen nacional, género, discapacidad o estado familiar. Para más información acerca de la División de Derechos Civiles y las leyes que hace cumplir, vaya a https://www.justice.gov/crt-espanol. Para más información acerca de la Sección de Derechos Civiles de la División Civil de la Fiscalía de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Central de California, vaya a https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/civil-division/civil-rights-espanol.
Aquellos individuos que creen haber sido víctimas de acoso sexual u otros tipos de discriminación en la vivienda en las viviendas de alquiler que son de propiedad de Filomeno Hernández o Ramin Akhavan u operadas por los mismos, o aquellos que tengan información que podría ser de interés en este caso, favor de llamar a la línea para informantes de discriminación en la vivienda:
- Inglés: Llame al 1-800-896-7743 y pulse 1 para continuar en inglés. Elija el buzón 9992 para dejar un mensaje; o
- Español: Llame al 1-800-896-7743 y pulse 2 para continuar en español. Elija el buzón 6 para dejar un mensaje.
También se puede denunciar el acoso sexual y otras formas de discriminación en la vivienda por medio de correo electrónico al Departamento de Justicia a [email protected], o bien se puede presentar una demanda acerca de la discriminación en la vivienda o de otras vulneraciones de derechos civiles ante la Sección de Derechos Civiles, División Civil de la Fiscalía de los Estados Unidos por teléfono al (213) 894-2879, correo electrónico a [email protected] o al rellenar y entregar este formulario.
El Departamento de Justicia Presenta una Demanda Contra Propietarios y un Administrador de Propiedades de Edificios Residenciales en Los Ángeles, Alegando Acoso Sexual de InquilinasRead the Press Release
LOS ÁNGELES – El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha presentado una demanda que alega que los propietarios y un administrador de dos edificios residenciales en el barrio de Westlake en Los Ángeles acosaron sexualmente a sus inquilinas por más de una década, en contra de la ley federal.
La demanda, presentada ante el Tribunal de Distrito de los EE. UU. en Los Ángeles, alega que Filomeno Hernández, Ramin Akhavan, Bonnie Brae Investment Services LLC y Westlake Property Services LLC violaron la ley federal de Vivienda Justa. Los demandados son administradores o propietarios de los edificios pertinentes – 729 South Bonnie Brae Street y 720 Westlake Avenue – que están ubicados cerca del Parque MacArthur en el distrito de Westlake en la ciudad de Los Ángeles.
La demanda alega que Hernández, el administrador de las propiedades, acosó sexualmente a inquilinas de las propiedades de alquiler, al menos desde el 2006 hasta el día presente. Según la demanda, el acoso por Hernández incluyó, entre otras cosas, contacto sexual no deseado repetido y frecuente, incluyendo agresión sexual, insinuaciones y comentarios sexuales, ofertas de reducir el alquiler o de perdonar pagos tardíos o impagos del alquiler a cambio de sexo y la entrada en las casas de inquilinas sin su consentimiento.
“El acoso sexual de mujeres vulnerables no es aceptable y no toleraremos este tipo de comportamiento por parte de propietarios o administradores de propiedad,” afirmó Nick Hanna, el Fiscal Federal de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Central de California. “Se obligará a aquellas personas que abusen de sus posiciones de poder rendir cuentas en virtud de la ley de Vivienda Justa.”
“Ninguna mujer debe soportar el acoso sexual, ni mucho menos en su propia casa,” declaró Eric Dreiband, Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. “El acoso sexual en la vivienda es inaceptable e ilegal, y el Departamento de Justicia seguirá haciendo cumplir enérgicamente la ley de Vivienda Justa para combatir este tipo de discriminación y obtener compensación para sus víctimas.”
En octubre del 2017, el Departamento de Justicia dio pie a una iniciativa para combatir el acoso sexual en el ámbito de la vivienda. En abril del 2018, el Departamento anunció el lanzamiento nacional de la iniciativa. Desde el lanzamiento de la iniciativa, el Departamento de Justicia ha presentado trece demandas que alegan un patrón o una práctica de acoso sexual en la vivienda.
La demanda busca indemnización por daños y perjuicios para compensar a las víctimas, sanciones civiles, y una orden judicial que prohíba la discriminación en el futuro. La demanda contiene alegaciones de conducta ilícita que deberán ser probadas ante un tribunal federal.
La ley federal de Vivienda Justa prohíbe la discriminación en la vivienda por motivos de raza, color de piel, religión, origen nacional, género, discapacidad o estado familiar. Para más información acerca de la División de Derechos Civiles y las leyes que hace cumplir, vaya a https://www.justice.gov/crt-espanol. Para más información acerca de la Sección de Derechos Civiles de la División Civil de la Fiscalía de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Central de California, vaya a https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/civil-division/civil-rights-espanol.
Aquellos individuos que creen haber sido víctimas de acoso sexual u otros tipos de discriminación en la vivienda en las viviendas de alquiler que son de propiedad de Filomeno Hernández o Ramin Akhavan u operadas por los mismos, o aquellos que tengan información que podría ser de interés en este caso, favor de llamar a la línea para informantes de discriminación en la vivienda:
- Inglés: Llame al 1-800-896-7743 y pulse 1 para continuar en inglés. Elija el buzón 9992 para dejar un mensaje; o
- Español: Llame al 1-800-896-7743 y pulse 2 para continuar en español. Elija el buzón 6 para dejar un mensaje.
También se puede denunciar el acoso sexual y otras formas de discriminación en la vivienda por medio de correo electrónico al Departamento de Justicia a [email protected], o bien se puede presentar una demanda acerca de la discriminación en la vivienda o de otras vulneraciones de derechos civiles ante la Sección de Derechos Civiles, División Civil de la Fiscalía de los Estados Unidos por teléfono al (213) 894-2879, correo electrónico a [email protected] o al rellenar y entregar este formulario.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Aggravated Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse was sentenced on October 21, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Shawn Iron Hawk, age 25, was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison, followed by 7 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Iron Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 21, 2019. He pled guilty on July 31, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on December 30, 2018, when Iron Hawk entered the victim’s residence while she was sleeping and sexually assaulted her by use of force.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Iron Hawk was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Drug Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Eddie Lee Padgett, 62, of Daphne, Alabama, was sentenced on January 9, 2020, in federal court for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine. Padgett was convicted following a jury trial conducted in October of 2019 conducted by United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer. Evidence from the trial established that Padgett and several other individuals sold more than 10 kilograms of crack cocaine and more than 5 kilograms of cocaine from a residence on Highway 31 near Bay Minette and a location in the Daphmont neighborhood in Daphne since 2017. The investigation of this illegal activity resulted in a court-authorized wiretap, and recordings made during the period of the wiretap were played for the jury during the trial. Padgett was convicted on all counts—three substantive counts of distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine, and the conspiracy charge.
Judge Moorer imposed a sentence of 240 months imprisonment on each count, and ordered they will run concurrently. He further ordered that Padgett will serve a period of five years under supervised release when he is discharged from prison. During that term, Padgett will undergo drug testing and treatment. The judge ordered that Padgett will pay a special assessment of $400, but he did not impose a fine.The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Daphne Police Department, the Baldwin County Drug Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Drug Courier Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that German Eduardo Barahona, 29, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced on January 9, 2020, in federal court for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Court documents show that Barahona was driving a truck stopped by Saraland police officers on Interstate 65 in route to Atlanta, Georgia. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 36 kilograms of methamphetamine ice concealed within some industrial bolts in the bed of the truck. Barahona entered a guilty plea to the conspiracy charge in September of 2019.
United States District Court Judge Jeffery U. Beaverstock imposed a sentence of 135 months imprisonment, and ordered that Barahona would serve a period of five years under supervised release when he is discharged from prison. During that term, he will undergo drug testing and treatment. The judge ordered that Barahona will pay a special assessment of $100, but he did not impose a fine.
The case was investigated by the Saraland Police Department, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to heroin trafficking.
Alexander Martinez-Peguero, 38, who resided in Lawrence, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for May 5, 2020. In January 2019, Alexander was charged along with his brother, Angel Martinez-Peguero, 27, who is pending trial.
According to the charging documents, on Dec. 20, 2018, investigators seized nearly one kilogram of heroin from the Martinez-Peguero brothers during a law enforcement operation in Lawrence. Investigators also seized a loaded semi-automatic pistol from Angel Martinez-Peguero’s waistband upon his arrest.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division; and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Diamondhead Man Found Guilty by Federal Jury of Possession of Massive Amount of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi. – After a five-day trial, a federal jury on Friday found Taryn Goin Naidoo, 41, of Diamondhead, guilty of three counts of possession of images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans.
“I applaud our prosecutors and law enforcement partners for taking this criminal off our streets and making all of our kids a little safer today. This guilty verdict should serve as a warning to others who possess or peddle in this garbage – we are coming after you, we will find you, and you will go to prison. We will continue to do everything within our power to protect the least among us,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
From July 2017 through October 2018, HSI conducted an investigation with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and the Diamondhead Police Department which resulted in the seizure and forensic examination of multiple electronic devices found at Naidoo’s residence, to include Micro SD cards, laptop computers, notepads or tablets, and hard drives. The evidence found on the electronic devices and the timeline of that evidence proved Naidoo knowingly possessed over 90,000 images and videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, to include images of minors who had not attained 12 years of age.
Naidoo will be sentenced by before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. on April 8, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine on each count.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones and Ralph Paradiso of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
DeKalb County Man Sentenced to 21 Months for Failure to Register or Update Registration as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A federal judge today sentenced a DeKalb County man to 21months in prison for violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and U.S. Marshal Martin Keely.
U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced JASON WIENK, 45, to 21 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Weink pled guilty in August for failure to register or update registration in violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
“Sexual assault of an innocent child is despicable,” Town said. “Sex offenders who flee to another state, and violate the law by not registering will be caught, will be prosecuted, and will occupy the bed reserved for them in federal prison. We appreciate the investigative work of the U.S. Marshals Service in Alabama and Illinois, and our partnership with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.”
According to the plea agreement, Wienk was convicted of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child in the Circuit Court of Winnebago County, Illinois. Such criminal conviction requires Wienk to register as a sex offender for life. Wienk moved across state lines to Alabama and did not register as a sex offender.
Under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, if a convicted sex offender travels to another state and fails to register as required by law, he/she is subject to federal prosecution that carries penalties of a fine and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years.
U.S. Marshals Service for the Northern District of Alabama and Northern District of Illinois along with DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White prosecuted the case.