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11 February 2020
Holdenville Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Theft of FirearmRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nathaniel Nathan Nash, Jr., age 18, of Holdenville, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Theft Of A Firearm From A Federal Firearms Licensee’s Inventory, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(u) and 924(i)(1). Nash was also ordered to pay total restitution of $1,817.19. The charges arose from an investigation by the Holdenville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Indictment alleged that on April 10, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant knowingly stole, took, and carried away from Easy Pawn Shop, the premises of a person licensed to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, and dealing in firearms, a firearm in the licensee’s business inventory which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. First Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States.
Halifax County Man Sentenced to Six Years’ Imprisonment on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE — United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard, sentenced MICHAEL DELINDA STANSBURY, 47, of Littleton to 72 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. STANSBURY was named in a seven-count Indictment on July 10, 2019, charging him with two counts each of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon, as well as one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. On October 15, 2019, he pled guilty to three counts: possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
According to the investigation, in January of 2017, members of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office conducted two controlled buys from STANSBURY. The buys were for crack cocaine and took place at STANSBURY’s residence in Littleton, North Carolina, in Halifax County.
Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the house, which they executed on January 20, 2017. In STANSBURY'S master bathroom, officers found a plastic bag containing smaller bags of powder and crack cocaine. In the bathroom closet, they found a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun, and in the master bedroom, they found a .22 caliber AR rifle hidden behind a dresser and two handguns in an air vent. Elsewhere in the house, they recovered a digital scale and additional amounts of crack and powder cocaine. Seven more firearms were recovered from a room above the garage. In total, officers seized over 20 grams of crack cocaine, 8 grams of powder cocaine, and 11 firearms. STANSBURY was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior state felony conviction for maintaining a vehicle, dwelling, or place for controlled substances.
STANSBURY had a separate encounter with law enforcement on March 9, 2018. That day, a Halifax County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a white Dodge Ram for failing to signal, after also finding that the registered owner had a suspended license. He identified the driver as STANSBURY. A second officer arrived, and as they prepared to write a warning for the violation, STANSBURY sped away in the car. He fled at around 70 mph in a 45 mph zone, as officers pursued. After driving a short distance, he quickly took a turn, almost losing control. He then moved to the left side of the road and threw an object out of the window. After a couple of additional turns, the defendant parked in a driveway and was arrested without further incident. One of the pursuing officers stopped where STANSBURY had been seen throwing the object and recovered a bag of white powder, which was later confirmed to be 506 grams of cocaine.
This case 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 our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Since 2017, the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
That effort has been implemented through the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices in those communities on a sustained basis to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
Gulfport Man Sentenced to Almost 4 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Semaj Jermal Jefferson, 27, of Gulfport, was sentenced today by Senior U. S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”). Jefferson was also ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.
On August 16, 2018, Jefferson, a previously convicted felon, sold a semi-automatic rifle loaded with 10 live rounds of 7.62 caliber ammunition to an individual at a Gulfport, Mississippi, residence, for $450. Jefferson was previously convicted of burglary of a dwelling in Harrison County, Mississippi, and was therefore prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm.
Jefferson was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 15, 2019. He pled guilty before Judge Guirola on November 13, 2019.
The case was investigated by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Guilty Plea in Sacramento-based Scheme to Defraud the Social Security AdministrationRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Darron Dimitri Ross, 34, of Charlotte, North Carolina, pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy to defraud and commit offenses against the United States, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud, United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, between November 2015 and October 2018, Ross and co-defendants Eric Lemoyne Willis and Joshua Bilal George conspired to defraud the Social Security Administration (SSA). Willis worked as an SSA Operation Supervisor in Sacramento and Lodi and used his authority as an SSA employee to access the confidential records of numerous beneficiaries. These records contained personally identifiable information (PII), including names, addresses, social security numbers, birth dates, account numbers, family information, and benefit payment amounts. Willis gave this PII to Ross and George who contacted SSA field offices across the country and posed as the beneficiaries. Once Ross or George succeeded in convincing an SSA representative that he was the beneficiary, he then requested that the beneficiary’s direct deposit account be changed to one of the 44 accounts that Ross had opened. SSA then deposited benefit payments into the fraudulent accounts, and the conspirators would divide the proceeds amongst themselves.
At least 160 beneficiaries nationwide were targeted by these crimes, and the total fraud loss suffered by SSA has exceeded $500,000. Willis and Ross spent the proceeds of their crimes on, among other things, trips to Las Vegas and luxury items, including Rolex watches.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz is prosecuting the case.
On June 17, 2019, Willis pleaded guilty to similar charges in this case. The charges against George are pending. They are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ross is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb for a status conference regarding sentencing on April 20. Ross faces a maximum statutory penalty of 27 years in prison and a $750,000 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.
Guatemalan Attorney General Visits Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – Attorney General Maria Consuelo Porras Argueta, of the Republic of Guatemala, joined United States Attorney Joseph D. Brown, Adam Cohen, Director of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Division Guy Baker in the Eastern District of Texas today to discuss investigations and advancements in joint efforts to curtail transnational criminal organizations operating between the United States and Guatemala.
During the meeting, officials discussed the surrender and extradition of Erik Salvador Suniga Rodriguez, also known as “El Pocho.” Suniga Rodriguez was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 13, 2018 in the Eastern District of Texas and charged with drug and money laundering violations. The mayor of Ayutla, a town on the border with Mexico, Suniga Rodriguez surrendered to U.S. Drug Enforcement agents in Guatemala on Dec. 19, 2019 and was extradited to McKinney, Texas. His trial is scheduled to begin in the federal courthouse in Plano.
Suniga Rodriguez has been identified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act). As a result, all assets in which Suniga Rodriguez has an interest in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to OFAC. OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all dealings by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons.
“We are very appreciative of the cooperation of the government of Guatemala as we jointly fight narco-trafficking,” said United States Attorney Joseph D. Brown. “Attorney General Porras visit shows her country’s commitment to standing up against the drug cartels and her recognition that both of our countries benefit when we move aggressively against these criminal organizations. We have excellent juries and judges in East Texas that do not tolerate crime and these kinds of international prosecutions are one of our priorities.”
“This case highlights the importance of law enforcement coordination and information sharing,” said OCDETF Director Adam Cohen. “By coordinating effort and leveraging resources, we are able to disrupt and dismantle the operations of criminal networks that pose the greatest threat to our communities and to the Nation.”
“Criminals who attempt to stay above the law through positions of public trust will meet swift justice through DEA’s tireless efforts to dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations across the world,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chavez. “We applaud the bravery and resolve of our Guatemalan counterparts to remain committed to the rule of law and the DEA will continue to work together to ensure consequences come to those who profit from illicit drugs in our neighborhoods.”
This case is the result of an extensive joint investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF agents and prosecutors handle complex investigations and prosecutions of the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and other priority transnational criminal organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States.
The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s return from Guatemala. This case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Bloss.
Grant County man admits to child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jasper E. Shook, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to child pornography charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Shook, age 32, pled guilty on Monday to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Production Child Pornography,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession of Child Pornography (Depicting a child under the age of 12),” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Production of Child Pornography.” Shook admitted to working with another to possess and produce images of child pornography that included images of a female under the age of 12 from 2015 to May 2019 in the Northern District of West Virginia and elsewhere.
The maximum penalty for the conspiracy count is up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. The maximum penalty for aiding and abetting possession of an image of child pornography of a child under the age of 12, is up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Finally, the maximum penalty for aiding and abetting the production of child pornography is not less than 15 years and up to 30 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Assistants U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett and Jeffrey A. Finucane are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Four Texans, One New Yorker Arrested for Conspiracy to Sell Sanctioned Iranian Oil to Refinery in China for Huge ProfitRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced that the following defendants were arrested and charged by Complaint on charges of conspiracy and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) based on their attempt to transact in sanctioned Iranian oil:
- Nicholas Hovan, 33, of New York, NY;
- Zhenyu Wang, a/k/a “Bill Wang,” 39, of Dallas, TX;
- Robert Thwaites, 30, of Dallas, TX;
- Nicholas James Fuchs, 26, of Dallas, TX; and
- Daniel Ray Lane, 38, of McKinney, TX.
The defendants are each charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of violating IEEPA, based on allegations that from July 2019 to February 2020 they conspired in Philadelphia and elsewhere to arrange for the purchase of oil from the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of United States economic sanctions imposed on Iran, for sale to a refinery in China.
The Complaint alleges that defendants Nicholas Hovan, James Fuchs, Robert Thwaites, and Daniel Ray Lane arranged to purchase the oil and sell it to a refinery in China represented by defendant Zhenyu Wang, a/k/a “Bill Wang.”
According to the Complaint, defendant Lane offered to further the conspiracy by laundering money through his company, STACK Royalties. The charges further allege that the defendants agreed to use a Polish shell corporation as a straw seller of the illicit oil, and that they planned two shipments of oil per month going forward, all for great profit. In addition, the charges allege that defendants Fuchs and Thwaites agreed to apply for foreign passports in order to set up offshore accounts that would not be reported to U.S. authorities.
“With the goal of illegally enriching themselves, the defendants conspired for over eight months to devise a scheme to violate U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran, particularly the ban on foreign oil sales,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “The sale of oil is the lifeblood of the Iranian economy. At the same time the United States was increasing its sanctions in order to pressure Iran to stop its malign activities, these defendants put greed ahead of country. I commend the efforts of the agents and prosecutors who investigated and uncovered this brazen evasion of U.S. law.”
“The defendants in this case allegedly committed serious federal crimes that flew in direct contradiction to the United States’ national security interests,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “By devising a scheme to purchase oil from Iran, conceal its origins via a refinery in China and make tremendous profits, the defendants were also directly financially benefitting the nation of Iran in its quest to become a nuclear power, thus jeopardizing the safety and security of the United States and our allies. These five defendants will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law in order to send the message that this type of subversion of U.S. policy and law will not be tolerated.”
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum possible sentence of 25 years’ incarceration, as well as a maximum possible fine of $1.25 million.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Rinaldi and First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams, in partnership with Trial Attorney David Recker of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Four Texans, One New Yorker Arrested for Conspiracy to Sell Sanctioned Iranian Oil to Refinery in China for Millions in ProfitRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers announced that the following defendants were arrested and charged by Complaint on charges of conspiracy and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) based on their attempt to transact in sanctioned Iranian oil:
- Nicholas Hovan, age 33, of New York, NY;
- Zhenyu Wang, a/k/a “Bill Wang,” age 39, of Dallas, TX;
- Robert Thwaites, age 30, of Dallas, TX;
- Nicholas James Fuchs, age 26, of Dallas, TX; and
- Daniel Ray Lane, age 38, of McKinney, TX.
The defendants are each charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of violating IEEPA, based on allegations that from July 2019 to February 2020 they conspired in Philadelphia and elsewhere to arrange for the purchase of oil from the Islamic Republic of Iran, in violation of United States economic sanctions imposed on Iran, for sale to a refinery in China.
The Complaint alleges that defendants Nicholas Hovan, James Fuchs, Robert Thwaites, and Daniel Ray Lane arranged to purchase the illegal oil and sell it to a refinery in China represented by defendant Zhenyu Wang, a/k/a “Bill Wang.”
According to the Complaint, defendant Lane offered to further the conspiracy by laundering money through his company, STACK Royalties. The charges further allege that the defendants agreed to use a Polish shell corporation as a straw seller of the illicit oil, and that they planned two shipments of oil per month going forward, all for an expected profit of roughly $28 million-per-month. In addition, the charges allege that defendants Fuchs and Wang agreed to apply for foreign passports in order to set up offshore accounts that would not be reported to U.S. authorities.
“The defendants in this case allegedly committed serious federal crimes that are in direct contradiction to the United States’ national security interests,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “By devising a scheme to purchase oil from Iran, conceal its origins via a refinery in China and make tremendous profits, the defendants were attempting to enrich both themselves and the nation of Iran -- thus jeopardizing the safety and security of the United States and our allies. This type of subversion of U.S. policy and law will not be tolerated: these defendants will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“With the goal of illegally enriching themselves, the defendants conspired for over eight months to devise a scheme to violate U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran, particularly the ban on foreign oil sales,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “The sale of oil is the lifeblood of the Iranian economy. At the same time the United States was increasing its sanctions in order to pressure Iran to stop its malign activities, these defendants put greed ahead of country. I commend the efforts of the agents and prosecutors who investigated and uncovered this brazen evasion of U.S. law.”
“These defendants allegedly conspired to circumvent economic sanctions enacted to protect the United States’ national security,” said Tara A. McMahon, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “In their minds, sanctions weren’t so much an impediment as an opportunity. They thought they could make their millions and escape the United States Government’s notice. Well, as these charges show, they were wrong. The FBI takes sanctions violations extremely seriously and will bring all our investigative resources to bear, to end such harmful and illegal activity.”
If convicted, the defendants each face a maximum possible sentence of 25 years’ incarceration, as well as a maximum possible fine of $1.25 million. Four of the arrests occurred in Philadelphia and one occurred in Texas. The four defendants arrested in Philadelphia had initial appearances in federal court today.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Rinaldi and First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams, in partnership with Trial Attorney David Recker of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterespionage Section.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Sullivan County Sheriff’s Deputy Charged with TheftRead the Press Release
SCRANTON -The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mary Handzus, age 63, of Laporte, Pennsylvania, was charged on February 10, 2020, in a criminal information with theft.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the criminal information alleges that between 2012 and 2019, while employed as a Sheriff’s Deputy, Handzus stole $198,566 from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former St. Petersburg Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Matthew Enhoffer (34, St. Petersburg) today pleaded guilty to distribution and possession of child pornography. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison.
According to court documents, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an individual had distributed child pornography on a web-based social media application. The investigation led agents to Enhoffer’s residence.
On September 11, 2019, HSI agents executed a search warrant at Enhoffer’s home and seized several electronic devices. An examination of Enhoffer’s devices revealed that he possessed approximately 391 images and 7 videos depicting child pornography, and 293 images of child erotica. The images and videos depicted young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. A forensic analysis of Enhoffer’s laptop also revealed that he had distributed child sex abuse material to another individual via the internet in June and July 2018.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
This is another case 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.justice.gov/psc.
Former Raleigh Officer Sentenced to 10 Years in Connection with Multi-Million Dollar Investment Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard sentenced GREGORY ANTHONY CHRISTOS, 62, of Raleigh to 120 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. The Court also ordered CHRISTOS to pay $3,760,890 in restitution to various individual and corporate victims, as well as the Internal Revenue Service.
CHRISTOS was named in a Superseding Indictment filed on October 18, 2017 charging him with wire fraud, money laundering, and failure to file federal income tax returns. On January 7, 2019, CHRISTOS pled guilty to two counts of wire fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of failure to file tax returns.
According to the charging instrument, statements made in court, and other public information, CHRISTOS started his career as a law enforcement for the Raleigh Police Department and Wake County Sheriff’s Office and later became the self-described managing partner of Cambridge Global Consultancy (“CGC”), a purported consulting firm through which CHRISTOS fraudulently marketed and sold various investment schemes to victims.
As part of one scheme, CHRISTOS defrauded multiple victims through his affiliation with Green Energy Corporation (“Green Energy”), a software company with prior operations in Raleigh. For example, CHRISTOS solicited one victim to invest $200,000 into Green Energy. CHRISTOS forwarded $100,000 of the victim’s funds to Green Energy and used the remaining $100,000 to pay for personal expenses. Later, CHRISTOS convinced a local engineering firm to invest $2 million into a purported startup business associated with Green Energy. CHRISTOS used $1.4 million of the victim’s funds to purchase a luxury residence in an upscale development in Youngsville, NC. As part of another scheme, CHRISTOS sold Green Energy shares owned by victims to pay approximately $194,000 in criminal restitution; the restitution was ordered following CHRISTOS’s felony conviction in Wake County for embezzling from a former employer while serving as chief operating officer.
Additionally, CHRISTOS worked as a purported consultant for a victim business based in eastern North Carolina and used his position to defraud the business out of more than $200,000. CHRISTOS induced the business to provide his sham consulting firm with funds that CHRISTOS falsely and fraudulently represented would be used to provide interest-bearing loans to distressed companies in need. In truth, CHRISTOS converted the victim’s funds for his own use, including for the purchase of a $28,000 show horse.
“The defendant’s greed knew no limits. His investment schemes targeted both individuals and companies throughout this district, all in order to line his pockets and fund his lifestyle;” stated U.S. Attorney Higdon. “Meanwhile, the victims of his fraud were left with nothing but his empty promises. Given his background as an officer, the defendant should have known better than anyone that the reach of the law is long, and the day would come when he would have to answer for his crimes. Prosecuting those who peddle fraudulent investments to our citizens will always remain a top priority of this office.”
Although CHRISTOS grossed millions of dollars throughout the offense period, he willfully failed to file federal income tax returns. According to the investigation, CHRISTOS has not filed tax returns since 2002.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Adam F. Hulbig represented the government.
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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 Postal Worker Admits Role in Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Three New Jersey individuals have admitted their roles in a scheme to steal checks worth more than $75,000 from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in Chester, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Nicole Georges, 30, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini, in Newark federal court to an information charging her with theft of mail and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Raheem Haynes-Moore, 25, and Daquan Pruitt, 31 previously pleaded guilty to separate informations charging each with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, as a result of the scheme to cash the stolen checks.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Georges stole checks from the USPS station in Chester, New Jersey where she was employed. Georges and her conspirators then fraudulently deposited them into various bank accounts, and withdrew the money, often that same day or a day later before the checks were reported stolen. The stolen checks had a total value of over $75,000.
The charge of theft of mail by postal employee carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing for Georges is scheduled for June 18, 2020. Sentencing for Pruitt and Haynes-Moore is scheduled for April 23, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Newark Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James Buthorn, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, and officers of the Chester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Williver, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sophie E. Reiter of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Former Mount Pleasant Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges Contained in 2 Separate CasesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Westmoreland County pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal wire fraud and mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft, charged in two separate indictments, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jennifer Lynne Clark aka Jennifer Gill, age 42, formerly of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania and now residing in Pinellas Park, FL, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty pleas in criminal case 18-250, between August, 2015 and October, 2016, Clark defrauded her then employer Elite Oil by stealing company employee credit cards and processing unauthorized payments through Square, Inc. Clark then set up mobile payment accounts with Square, Inc., in the false names of other businesses, and used the credit card information to authorize fraudulent payments into her own personal bank account. In making the unauthorized transactions, Clark used credit card numbers that were assigned to specific individual employees.
In connection with the guilty plea in criminal case 19-35, in 2017, Clark defrauded her then employer Wright Traffic Controls by using the identity of a former employee to process payroll checks in a former employee’s name. Clark forged the ex-employee’s signature to the checks, and deposited them into her own bank account.
Judge Conti scheduled the sentencing for June 9, 2020. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 32 years in prison for the case at docket 18-250, and a fine up to one million dollars. In the indictment at docket 19-35, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 22 years in prison, and a fine up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jennifer Lynne Clark.
Former Louisiana Carnival Worker to Serve Two Years in Prison for Failure to Update Sex Offender RegistrationRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A former Louisiana man, Dallas Eugene Clement, 58, has been ordered to serve 27 months in prison for failure to comply with the federal Sex Offender Notification and Registration Act (SORNA). Clement had been living in Mattoon, Ill., when he was arrested in March 2019. U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm sentenced Clement on Feb. 10, 2020, and ordered him to serve a 10-year term of supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence.
Clement pleaded guilty on Aug. 26, 2019, and admitted that he failed to update his sex offender registration after he left Westlake, La., in 2015 to work and travel with a carnival company. Clement traveled with the carnival company through Texas, N. Dakota, Tennessee, and along the Mexican border and in the off-season lived with another carnival worker in the 1300 block of Lafayette St. in Mattoon, Ill. Clement has several Louisiana convictions for sex crimes and was required to update his sex offender registration.
U.S. Marshals Service deputies arrested Clement on March 4, 2019, in Streator, Ill., where he told deputies he planned to live with his daughter and five children under the age of ten.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson represented the government in the prosecution which was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Former Erie Man Facing Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The nine-count Superseding Indictment named Jeffrey Adam Jepson, 38, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment presented to the court, Jepson took sexually explicit photos of a victim who was under the age of six. He also distributed the images depicting the minor victim to an undercover officer. Jepson also possessed other images of child pornography depicting minors under the age of twelve.
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.justice.gov/psc.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 250 years in prison, a fine of $2,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the District of Columbia’s Metropolitan Police Department and the Erie County Detectives Bureau conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A Superseding Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Erie Man Charged with Lying to an FBI AgentRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of false statement to the government, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Jamie Gilmore, 23, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, on or about January 25, 2020, Gilmore made false statements to a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation when he was questioned about matters that were material to the investigation of the January 25, 2020, robbery at Wendy’s in Edinboro, Pennsylvania.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Millcreek Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Dayton agency director pleads guiltyRead the Press Release
DAYTON – The former director of Dayton’s Minority Business Assistance Center pleaded guilty today to accepting a thing of value in connection with a local government.
According to court documents, RoShawn Winburn, 46, disclosed internal information regarding minority-owned, woman-owned and small disadvantaged business contracts to a local business owner who hoped to obtain contracts with the City of Dayton.
Between July 2015 and July 2016, Winburn accepted cash payments totaling more than $6,500 from the individual in exchange for internal City of Dayton documents with restricted public access.
Winburn met the individual at a downtown Dayton bar to provide information regarding contracts and receive cash.
Clayton Luckie, Brian Higgins, Steve Rauch, Joyce Cameron and James Cameron have also been charged in connection to this case. Luckie was sentenced in November 2019 to four months in prison for mail fraud. Williams was sentenced in January 2020 to 12 months in prison.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber announced the plea entered into today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorneys Brent G. Tabacchi and Dominick S. Gerace are representing the United States in this case.
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Federal Jury Convicts Vestavia Hills Doctor on Charges of Producing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Birmingham, Ala. – A federal jury today convicted a Birmingham-area doctor for producing and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
The jury returned its guilty verdict against Dr. Ronald Tai Young Moon, Jr., after 5 days of testimony before U.S. District Judge Annemarie Axon. Moon has worked as a physical medicine doctor at The Industrial Athlete located in Birmingham.
“The jury returned a verdict which gives Moon’s victims justice for these crimes, which stretched across two decades in Hoover and Vestavia,” stated First Assistant United States Attorney Lloyd C. Peeples, III. “We appreciate the hard work of the federal agencies which exposed the crimes that Moon committed with hidden cameras.”
“FBI is committed to protecting those among us that are the most vulnerable,” Sharp said. “I am proud of the work done by my agents and our partners to hold Moon accountable for these crimes.”
Evidence at trial proved that between the mid-1990s and about 2012, Moon secretly recorded neighbors and guests in his own home, including minors as young as 12 and 13 years. Some of those individuals were filmed naked, both dressing and undressing.
These videos were discovered during an investigation into potential health care fraud violations. The health care fraud investigation was led by the DEA, HHS, and FBI. The FBI, with assistance from the DEA, led the investigation into the child pornography charges.
Producing child pornography carries a penalty of 15 to 30 years in prison, and a maximum $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for possessing child pornography is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ward and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Lloyd C. Peeples, III prosecuted the case for the United States.
Federal Jury Convicts Doctor on Fraud Charges for Approving Medically Unnecessary TestsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal jury in Chicago has convicted a physician on fraud charges for approving medically unnecessary tests that were billed to Medicare.
While working for Chicago-based Grand Medical Clinic Inc., DR. OMAR GARCIA authorized percutaneous allergen tests for numerous Medicare beneficiaries, knowing that the tests were not medically necessary. In most instances, Dr. Garcia issued his approval after the tests had already been completed. Dr. Garcia submitted or caused to be submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare for payment of the unnecessary tests.
The jury in federal court in Chicago on Monday convicted Dr. Garcia, 52, of Ocala, Fla., and formerly of Wilmington, Ill., on all six counts of health care fraud. Each count is punishable by a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly set sentencing for May 6, 2020.
The conviction was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI; Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General; and Martin J. Dickman, Inspector General of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kavitha J. Babu and Saurish Appleby-Bhattacharjee.
Evidence at the five-day trial revealed that Dr. Garcia’s fraud scheme began in 2011 and continued until 2015. Dr. Garcia and others submitted the fraudulent bills from Grand Medical and other medical entities in an attempt to reduce the volume of billing by any single company and minimize scrutiny from Medicare. After the entities received payments from Medicare, Dr. Garcia was paid via checks reflecting his percentage of the payments.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to 30 Months Imprisonment for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE — United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Senior United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard, sentenced LAQUAVIS DESHAWN ARCHER, 32, of Fayetteville to 30 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. ARCHER was named in a single-count Indictment on April 17, 2019, charging him with failing to register as a sex offender. On July 8, 2019, he pled guilty to the Indictment.
According to the investigation, on July 13, 2007, ARCHER was convicted of three counts of child molestation and one count of incest in Cobb County, GA. ARCHER was sentenced to 3 years’ incarceration and required to register as a sex offender for his lifetime. ARCHER first registered as a sex offender on July 2, 2009. On April 28, 2015, ARCHER was convicted in Georgia state court of failure to register as a sex offender. At that time, ARCHER again signed a form acknowledging his responsibility to register as a sex offender and to keep law enforcement informed of his residence if he were to move. In September of 2017, however, the Fulton County Sheriff's Office in Georgia found that ARCHER had absconded and obtained an arrest warrant for state sex offender registry violations.
The investigation revealed that ARCHER had relocated to North Carolina. Law enforcement obtained employment records showing that ARCHER had taken up residence in Fayetteville, NC, in August of 2017, and resided there until the time of his state arrest on July 10, 2018. During a post-arrest interview, ARCHER admitted that he had traveled to North Carolina during the summer of 2017 and had remained there as a resident. ARCHER had not registered as a sex offender in North Carolina, as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
This case is part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a national program aimed at ensuring that criminals exploiting children are effectively prosecuted by making full use of all available law enforcement resources at every level. For more information about this important national initiative, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
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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.
Essex County Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for his role in a scheme to use credit cards stolen by mail carriers from the mail, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Elhadj Fofana, 23, of Orange, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kathryn S. Hayden to an information charging him with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Judge Hayden imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From July 2017 to February 2018, Fofana and others used credit cards that were stolen by mail carriers to make unauthorized purchases of retail goods, such as Apple MacBook Pro devices and other Apple products, throughout New Jersey and New York, causing financial losses to the banks that issued the credit cards. Olagoke Araromi and Moussa Dagno, who bribed the mail carriers to steal the credit cards from the mail that were used for the scheme were sentenced in October to prison terms for their roles in the scheme.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Hayden sentenced Fofana to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $114,680.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, Northeast Area Field Office, and inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James V. Buthorn in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jihee G. Suh and Senior Trial Counsel Mark McCarren of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division.
Erie Tax Preparer Charged with Violating Federal Tax LawsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal tax laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The twenty-count Indictment named Erika A. Grandberry, 45, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, Grandberry, while working as a free-lance tax preparer, knowingly and repeatedly reported false and fraudulent income and expenses for non-existent businesses on Individual Tax Returns from 2015 to 2017.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Erie Man Indicted on Project Safe Childhood ChargesRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Superseding Indictment named Randy Dwayne Tate, 38, as the sole defendant.
According to the Superseding Indictment presented to the court, in October 2015, Tate attempted to produce child pornography by recording a video of a minor female in a bathroom without her permission. Tate was then found in possession of that video on his cell phone.
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 (CEOS), 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.justice.gov/psc.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses 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 Postal Inspection Service and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
A Superseding Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Dual Colombian-U.S. Citizen Charged with Illegally Exporting Assault Rifles from Florida to ColombiaRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Jhon Alejandro Marin-Moreno (39, Medellin, Colombia) with conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States, smuggling goods from the United States, and shipment of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. If convicted on all counts, Marin-Moreno faces a maximum penalty of 80 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, Marin-Moreno is a dual citizen of the United States and Colombia who recruited individuals in Florida to acquire firearms for him, including numerous types of assault rifles. Marin-Moreno then arranged to illegally export the firearms to Colombia by concealing the weapons in packages containing household items. Marin-Moreno and his coconspirators attempted to obliterate the serial numbers on the firearms so that they could not be traced. Some of the firearms were acquired to satisfy debts owed for drug purchases. Neither Marin-Moreno nor his coconspirators applied for or obtained the necessary licenses for exporting defense articles as required by federal law.
On February 10, 2020, Marin-Moreno was detained while traveling through Panama and was immediately removed to the United States to face the charges in the indictment.
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 Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Colombia’s Policía Fiscal y Aduanera (POLFA), a unit of the National Police of Colombia. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
Douglas County Man to Serve 26 Years in Prison for Sex Crimes Against Minor GirlsRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A rural Douglas County, Ill., man, Dennis H. West, was sentenced today to 26 years in prison for committing sex crimes against minor girls. West, 44, of Atwood, Ill., a rural community approximately 30 miles east of Decatur, Ill., appeared before U.S District Judge Michael M. Mihm in Urbana. Judge Mihm ordered that West remain on supervised release for 15 years following release from prison. West has remained in law enforcement custody since his arrest in March 2019.
On Sept. 9, 2019, West pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual exploitation of minors in 2017 and 2018. According to court documents, West began grooming the minors when they were in junior high school. West paid the children to engage in sex acts and to send pictures to him of sexually explicit conduct.
The charges were investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the police departments of Atwood, Tuscola, Arthur, and Decatur, Ill., in coordination with the Piatt and Douglas County State’s Attorney’s Offices. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
Dominican National Sentenced for Identity Theft and Stealing MassHealth BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national formerly residing in Lawrence was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for Social Security and benefit fraud.
Ismael Robles Tejeda, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $17,520 in restitution. Judge Saris signed a stipulated judicial order of removal thereby expediting the defendant’s removal proceedings to the Dominican Republic following his incarceration. In October 2019, Robles Tejeda pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Security number and one count of false statements in matters relating to health care.
On Aug. 3, 2015, Robles Tejeda applied for a Massachusetts identification card using the name, date of birth and Social Security number of a Puerto Rican citizen. In October 2015, Robles Tejeda used that Massachusetts identification card to apply for and receive over $17,500 worth of MassHealth benefits in the Puerto Rican citizen’s name. When Robles Tejeda was arrested in April 2019, he had in his pocket a Massachusetts driver’s license issued to him in the identity of the Puerto Rican citizen. Robles Tejeda was identified, among other things, from a fingerprint match with a Dominican Republic identification document issued to him and bearing his photo. The defendant obtained the Massachusetts identification card in a fraudulent identity less than one month after he provided his true identity and was arrested for selling heroin in Lawrence, posted bail, and failed to appear at his Lawrence District Court arraignment date.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; and Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of Department of Health and Humand Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistants U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein and Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Department of Justice Announces Agenda for Next Week's Workshop on Section 230 of the Communications Decency ActRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice has released a final agenda for the Feb. 19, 2020, public workshop on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The public workshop, titled “Section 230 – Nurturing Innovation or Fostering Unaccountability?,” will discuss the evolution of Section 230 from its original purpose in granting limited immunity to Internet companies, its impact on the American people, and whether improvements to the law should be made.
The released agenda includes welcome remarks from Attorney General William P. Barr and distinguished panelists with a wide variety of perspectives on Section 230. The final agenda, and more information on the event, can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/ag/webform/section-230-workshop-registration. The workshop is free and open to the public, and will be held in the FBI Auditorium, 935 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20535, from 9 a.m. Eastern Time to 12:45 p.m. Eastern Time.
The department has registered over 350 attendees for the event, but limited seats are still available. If you would like to attend, please RSVP before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, through the event webpage. As seating is limited, invitations to attend will be sent to registered participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Members of the press should also email [email protected].
Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. If you need such an accommodation, please contact the department by sending an email to [email protected]. Such requests should include a detailed description of the accommodations needed and a way to contact you if we need more information.
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.
Department of Justice Taking Steps to Combat Dangerous and Unlawful Polices of “Sanctuary Jurisdictions”Read the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – U.S. Attorney General William P. Barr highlighted steps the Department of Justice is taking to combat the dangerous and unlawful practices of “sanctuary jurisdictions” in a speech at the National Sheriffs’ Association Winter Legislative and Technology Conference in Washington, D.C., late Monday afternoon. Utah’s U.S. Attorney John W. Huber shares those concerns, but says continued communication, cooperation and a shared commitment to protect Utah communities from criminal conduct is working in ICE cases in Utah.
“Let us state the reality upfront and as clearly as possible: When we are talking about sanctuary cities, we are talking about policies that are designed to allow criminal aliens to escape. These policies are not about people who came to our country illegally but have otherwise been peaceful and productive members of society. Their express purpose is to shelter aliens whom local law enforcement has already arrested for other crimes. This is neither lawful nor sensible,” the Attorney General said in his remarks to the Sheriffs Association. “It is not lawful because the Constitution vests the federal government with the sole authority to make and enforce immigration law,” the Attorney General said Monday.
“In 2017, I spoke from the podium in the White House Press Briefing Room regarding unwise sanctuary policies across the nation. I was reminded of those concerns as I listened to the remarks Attorney General Barr shared with sheriffs Monday afternoon,” U.S. Attorney John W. Huber said. “Removing unnatural impediments to cooperation between local and federal law enforcement will help keep our neighborhoods safe,” Huber said today.
“Each year my office prosecutes hundreds of criminal aliens with extensive criminal records and, in many cases, multiple previous deportations. We find these criminals back in Utah committing new crimes. If these offenders are released from local jails into our communities without coordinating with federal officers, there is no question our communities will be less safe. Unlike some areas around the country, we have the support and cooperation of Utah law enforcement agencies as we all work together to protect Utah communities,” Huber said.
According to Huber, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Salt Lake City filed 42 illegal re-entry of previously removed alien cases in January of this year. The overwhelming majority of the defendants in these cases were illegal aliens found in local jails.
“Cooperation between law enforcement agencies and ICE is in the best interest of the residents of Utah,” said Robert Culley, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations field director in Salt Lake City. “Let me be clear, we target specific individuals, not random immigrants in our communities. These criminal aliens come to our attention specifically because they have been arrested and booked by local law enforcement following the alleged commission of a crime. Allowing criminal aliens to be released to the streets puts our communities in avoidable potential danger.”
Examples of Utah cases include:
U.S. v Luis Fernando Bueso-Romero: A federal complaint filed Feb. 5, 2020, charges Bueso-Romero with damaging a building by means of fire. The complaint charges him in connection with a Feb. 1, 2020, fire at the Overlook Point Apartments in West Valley City. At about 8:25 p.m. that day, West Valley Fire and Police Departments were dispatched to a fire at the apartments. They found an eight-unit apartment building engulfed in flames. Two residents had to evacuate by jumping off second story balconies. The investigation led police officers to Bueso-Romero, a citizen of Honduras living illegally in the United States. Police officers took him into custody and booked into the county jail for attempted murder, aggravated arson, criminal trespass, and causing a catastrophe. Federal authorities filed a detainer with the jail. The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed federal charges Feb. 5 and brought him into federal custody. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison with a five-year minimum mandatory sentence if he is convicted of the charges in the complaint. His next court hearing is Feb. 20, 2020.
U.S. v Roberto Miramontes Roman – Roman is an armed drug dealer who boasted that he would kill a law enforcement officer to stay out of jail. He was previously deported to Mexico after being convicted of two felony drug offenses. On both occasions, he was found in possession of cocaine and firearms. After deportation, he twice re-entered the country illegally. On Jan. 5, 2010, he was stopped by Millard County Sheriff’s Deputy Josie Greathouse Fox on suspicion of drug trafficking. He had just sold methamphetamine and was armed with a handgun and a semi-automatic rifle. To avoid being apprehended, Roman intentionally shot and killed Deputy Fox. Following a state trial in the case, a federal grand jury charged Roman with intentionally killing a local law enforcement officer to avoid apprehension for a felony drug crime, drug trafficking offenses, firearms violations, and illegal re-entry by a previously removed alien. A jury convicted him on all counts. In May 2017, Roman was sentenced to life in prison plus 80 years in federal prison.
U.S. v Geronimo Cuara – Cuara had two previous removals from the United States – one on Aug. 9, 2012, and a second on Sept. 29, 2018. Prior to his removal in September 2018, he was convicted in Utah of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and illegal re-entry of a previously removed alien. He was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and one year of supervised release.
A few short months after his last conviction and removal, Cuara was back in Salt Lake County. On the Sunday evening, May 27, 2019, during Memorial Day weekend, many people were outside in their front yards celebrating a holiday weekend. Cuara was walking down the street when he pulled out a gun and began firing multiple shots into the air. Several people initially believed the shots were fireworks, but then realized what was actually happening. People grabbed their children and ran for cover inside their houses.
Residents of the neighborhood were in fear for their safety. Cuara walked a short distance and again removed the gun from his waistband, pointed it in the air, and fired several more shots. This was not new behavior for him. His prior conviction for illegal firearm possession was for the same conduct – using the firearm to shoot bullets into the air.
He was charged in a two-count indictment with felon in possession of firearm and illegal re-entry of a previously removed alien. He pleaded guilty to both counts and was sentenced to 46 months prison and three years of supervised release. He also received an eight-month sentence for his supervised release violation. Four months of that sentence will run consecutive to his new 46-month sentence.
U.S. v Harlin Colindres-Ramos: Ramos is an illegal alien with four previous deportations from the United States. Less than a year after his most recent removal, Ramos was discovered back in the United States.
“Please don't kill me. I have kids.” The victim's plea was in vain, as Harlin Ramos stabbed him eight times, including a fatal thrust to the heart. In April 2014, according to reports and court records, Joaquin Gonzalez had just left a movie when a complete stranger stabbed him to death. Gonzalez and a woman left the Gateway movie theater about 1:20 a.m. and returned to a car at 515 W. 100 South. Ramos was selling drugs in the area. He opened Gonzalez's passenger-side door, according to an arrest affidavit. Ramos and Gonzalez started fighting, during which time Ramos began stabbing Gonzalez. Ramos ultimately fled the scene. Despite aid from emergency responders, Gonzalez died at the scene. Officers eventually found Ramos at a motel near 1500 W. North Temple. They also found Ramos’ backpack, cellphone, and identification card at the scene. Bloodstained clothing, with Gonzalez’s DNA on it, was found in the room.
Ramos was convicted in state court of murder and was sentenced to 15 years to life. The United States Attorney’s Office also filed federal charges for illegal re-entry of previously removed alien. The federal case is pending.
Defendant Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that United States District Judge William H. Steele sentenced defendant Robert Bernard Carlise, also known as Robert Bernard Carlisle, 73, of Mobile, Alabama, to imprisonment for 46 months for bank robbery. As part of the sentence, the judge ordered the defendant to receive three years of supervised release after completing his prison term, pay a $100 mandatory special assessment, receive substance abuse testing and treatment as directed by the United States Probation Office, and pay restitution in the amount of $2,829.25 to BBVA Compass Bank.
The defendant has a lengthy criminal history and was previously convicted of federal felony offenses, including bank robbery, in the Southern District of Alabama. On September 14, 1973, the defendant appeared before the Court and was convicted of bank robbery. On October 17, 1980, he appeared before the Court and was convicted of forgery of a U.S. Treasury check and possession of stolen mail. On June 11, 1998, he appeared before the Court and was convicted of bank robbery and using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
On October 30, 2019, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama charged the defendant with one count of bank robbery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a). On February 11, 2020, the defendant pleaded guilty to the felony offense before the Court and was sentenced after his plea hearing.
The defendant admitted to facts to include the following at his plea hearing. On September 6, 2019, an unmasked black male with sunglasses, later identified as the defendant, entered BBVA Compass Bank, on Bel Air Blvd in Mobile, a federally insured bank. The defendant told the teller that he was robbing the bank and ordered her to give him all of the money. He said he did not want to have to hurt her but that she needed to comply and give him the money. He repeatedly said, “You know what time it is.” The teller complied with the defendant’s demands out of fear of being harmed and gave him $2,829.25 from her drawer. The bank’s video surveillance captured the robbery and showed the defendant inside the bank speaking with the teller.
At 12:41am on September 7, 2019, the Mobile Police Department received a tip from a person who said he recognized and knew the defendant. Two days later, the Mobile Police Department visited BBVA Compass and met with its branch vice president, who said that the defendant was a BBVA customer who had an account with the bank.
On September 10, 2019, the Mobile Police Department arrested and interviewed the defendant. Post-Miranda, the defendant confessed to robbing BBVA Compass. The defendant said he was in debt to a drug dealer, that he owed the dealer lots of money, and that the dealer persuaded him to rob the bank. The defendant said that he had entered the bank and robbed it to get money to give to the drug dealer to get back his vehicle and phone, which the drug dealer was keeping as collateral.The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Sinan Kalayoglu prosecuted the case.
Dallas Man Who Threatened to Shoot up Daycare Charged with Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
A father who threatened to shoot up a Dallas daycare has been charged with a gun crime, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Joshua Martinez, 28, was charged via criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the complaint, Mr. Martinez – a felon convicted of robbery in 2010 – called his daughter’s mother on Feb. 6 and allegedly threatened to kill her. In a screenshot of the video call provided to law enforcement, Mr. Martinez could be seen brandishing a Glock handgun affixed to a laser/light apparatus.
The child’s mother told law enforcement Mr. Martinez had also allegedly threatened to shoot up his 4-year-old daughter’s daycare facility.
Following a high-speed chase through northwest Dallas, officers apprehended Mr. Martinez on a neighborhood side street. They then retraced the route the fleeing vehicle had traveled and found a Glock 22 – a weapon that matched the handgun in the screenshot of Mr. Martinez’s video call – on the roadway.
After waiving his Miranda rights, Mr. Martinez allegedly confessed to possessing the firearm, which had been reported stolen.
“This defendant allegedly threatened our city’s most precious, our most vulnerable,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “A formerly convicted felon, he was not legally permitted to possess firearms. We’re thankful law enforcement was able to get this man and his gun off the streets before tragedy could strike.”
"The FBI-led Dallas Violent Gangs Safe Streets Task Force is a great example of how agencies working together can prevent violent crime in our communities," said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno. “The task force is focused on finding ways to effectively prevent individuals from committing acts of violence. This includes using federal charges when convicted felons continue to possess weapons even though they are prohibited from doing so."
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The case was brought under Project Guardian, the Justice Department's signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.
It is also part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, a program that surges federal and local law enforcement resources to communities’ most violent neighborhoods in order to root out offenders and built positive relationships with victims and witnesses.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Violent Gangs Safe Streets Task Force, the Dallas Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl is prosecuting the case.
Cross Lanes Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cross Lanes woman pled guilty to a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Brandi Martin, 35, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.
“Although Martin attempted to flush evidence down the toilet, the only thing she was successful at flushing was her freedom,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “She now faces significant time – up to 40 years – in federal prison.”
On January 25, 2018, law enforcement intercepted a package of approximately 6 pounds of methamphetamine headed for Martin’s address. On January 26, 2018, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Martin’s residence. Officers executed the warrant and found Martin as she was attempting to flush 19 grams of cocaine, 73 grams of methamphetamine, and heroin. These drugs were recovered from the toilet and were sent to the DEA Mid-Atlantic Lab for forensic analysis. They analyzed the drugs and confirmed their substance and purity. The methamphetamine proved to be 96% pure. Ultimately, Martin admitted that she intended to distribute the methamphetamine she was attempting to flush. Two handguns were also recovered from her residence.
Martin has a previous federal felony conviction for the distribution of cocaine. She faces up to 40 years in prison when sentenced on June 15, 2020.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner is handling the prosecution.
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Construction company owner pleads guilty to mail fraud involving worker safety and embezzlement from company 401(k) programRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – The owner of a Cincinnati-based construction company pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining employee safety training certificates and embezzling from the company’s pension benefit program. Ron Craig Estes, owner of R&R Steel, LLC, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black to one count of mail fraud and one count of theft from an employee benefit plan.
According to the plea agreement, Estes devised a scheme in 2015 to skirt Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements by buying fake employee training certifications in order to compete for a contract to provide steel installation and other work for the 8th and Sycamore project in Cincinnati. Estes paid $800 for 10 fake training certificates to avoid the costs and time associated with ensuring that all of the company’s employees had completed appropriate safety training. R&R received the $450,000 contract to do the work.
Court documents also say Estes embezzled between $15,000 and $40,000 from the company’s 401(k) retirement benefit plan established for the workers. Estes completed distribution forms for workers who had left the company and forged the participant’s signature on the distribution checks in order to cash the checks for his own benefit and use.
In addition to entering his guilty pleas before Judge Black on January 28, Estes agreed to a money judgement of $25,000, and to pay restitution to any victims as determined by the court at sentencing. Mail fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and embezzlement has a statutory maximum sentence of five years. The court will determine a sentence based on federal sentencing guidelines which take into account the amount of loss, the number of victims and the victims’ vulnerability.
Sentencing has been set for May 13th. Victims are encouraged to contact Victim Witness Specialist Krista Zeller, at Toll Free: 888-283-5715 or [email protected], by March 3 for more information about submitting claims for restitution.
U.S. Attorney DeVillers and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and Employee Benefits Security Administration announced the plea. Assistant United States Attorney Ebunoluwa Taiwo is representing the United States in this case.
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Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm/Ammunition Charge Stemming from ShotSpotter AlertRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- Acting United States Attorney A. Lance Crick announced today that Corey Kimani Sanders, age 30, of Columbia, pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Evidence presented to the court showed that early Sunday morning, September 15, 2019, officers with the Columbia Police Department responded to a “ShotSpotter” alert of numerous shots fired on Oakland Avenue. The technology known as “ShotSpotter” relies on acoustic sensors to pinpoint where gunfire occurs. Information from the sensors is sent to officers of the Columbia Police Department and 9-1-1 dispatchers through real-time digital alerts. Upon canvassing the area, officers located Sanders and learned that he was in possession of two firearms, a Glock 9mm handgun and a Diamondback 5.56mm pistol with a 50-round drum magazine, as well as ammunition. The investigation also revealed that Sanders was a felon and prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Sanders, a gang member out on state bonds at the time of the incident, has prior state convictions for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and assault with intent to kill, both of which involved shootings.
Sanders faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs accepted the guilty plea and will sentence him after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
The charge against Sanders was the result of an investigation by the Columbia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
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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.
Cleveland man charged with insurance and housing fraud schemesRead the Press Release
Harvey Short, 32, of Cleveland, was arraigned today on two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud as well as 26 counts of wire fraud.
The indictment alleges that, from March 10, 2017, through October 10, 2018, Short was part of a conspiracy that entered into a lease and obtained renters insurance for a residential property in Cleveland that later burned in a fire under suspicious circumstances. Short submitted fictitious receipts to obtain monies for purported living expenses and personal property.
The indictment further alleges that, from April 14, 2017, through September 7, 2018, Short was part of a conspiracy that submitted fraudulent paperwork understating his income to obtain subsidized housing benefits as part of a housing assistance program. He claimed he had no present income when, in fact, he knew that he was receiving income.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cleveland Division of Fire Arson Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian McDonough and John Hanley.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at https://www.justice.gov/history.
Champaign Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm today sentenced Thomas L. Bishop, 60, of the 1600 block of West Bradley Ave., in Champaign, Ill., to nine years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor in August 2019. Judge Mihm ordered that Bishop remain on supervised release for a ten-year term following his release from the federal Bureau of Prisons. Bishop has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest in August 2019.
On Oct. 24, 2019, Bishop pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor. Bishop admitted that on Aug. 20, he initiated a text message conversation with an online covert profile of a law enforcement officer on a popular online dating / chatting application. Following the initial contact, Bishop and the undercover officer engaged in numerous sexually explicit text message conversations, including conversations in which Bishop asked the minor to send sexually explicit photos of himself. On Aug. 23, Bishop was arrested when he arrived at a pre-determined location in Champaign to meet who Bishop believed to be a 15-year-old boy with the intention to take the minor to his residence for a sexual encounter.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson prosecuted the case which was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Champaign Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Carrizo Springs Man Sentenced to 200 Months in Federal Prison for Setting up Hidden Camera to Videotape Minor FemalesRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, a federal judge sentenced a Carrizo Springs man to 200 months in federal prison for setting up a hidden camera in his bathroom to video minor females over a four-year period beginning in August 2012, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez ordered that 44–year-old Ruben Gallegos Loera pay a $10,000 assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) and be placed on supervised release for a period of five years after completing his prison term.
On October 28, 2019, Loera pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. According to court records, on April 6, 2019, Dimmit County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call from someone at the defendant’s residence concerning images of child pornography discovered on the defendant’s computer. A subsequent forensics review of the seized computer revealed the presence of approximately 200 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children.
“The reprehensible conduct in this case is yet another example of the child exploitation and abuse occurring all over this country. We will keep fighting for children. But this issue must be a priority for leaders everywhere,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash.
Loera has remained in federal custody since his arrest on April 18, 2019.
The FBI’s San Antonio Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Texas Rangers, with the assistance of the Dimmit County Sheriff’s Office, investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, 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.
Canfield, Ohio Man Pleads Guilty in Counterfeit Check SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Ohio plead guilty in federal court to a charge of identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Robert Lee Weaver, III, 35, of Canfield, OH, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, between February, 2017 and March, 2017, Weaver used false state photo identification cards from other states to negotiate counterfeit checks at several casinos, including the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh in February, 2017. Losses associated with counterfeit checks total approximately $32,000.
Judge Fischer scheduled the sentencing for July 9, 2020. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both, for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Robert Lee Weaver, III.
California Man Sentenced for Role in International Money Laundering NetworkRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with his role in an international money laundering scheme designed to hide the illicit proceeds of business email compromise (BEC) schemes.
Oghenetchouwe Adegor Ederaine, Jr. of Santa Monica, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 40 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In April 2019, Ederaine pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Ederaine and his co-conspirators were members of an organization that engaged in wire fraud, money laundering and related criminal activity. Ederaine acted as a money mule for the organization by opening numerous bank accounts using different fraudulent identities for the purpose of receiving, withdrawing and transferring proceeds of criminal activity. Specifically, between March 2016 and November 2017, Ederaine used counterfeit passports and other false identification documents to open approximately 23 fraudulent bank accounts at different banks in the Los Angeles area using six different false identities. Ederaine personally laundered between $1.5 million and $3.5 million in fraudulent funds between March 2016 and February 2018.
In January 2018, Ederaine’s co-conspirators gained access to email accounts belonging to a Massachusetts real estate attorney. Ederaine’s co-conspirators sent emails to individuals in Massachusetts that “spoofed” the real estate attorney’s account in an attempt to cause these individuals, who were purchasing real estate, to transfer $531,981 to the account of a woman who, in turn, sent $60,000 to an account controlled by Ederaine. Ederaine then withdrew approximately $9,000 in cash from the account.
In a separate scheme from approximately 2017 through 2018, Ederaine made fraudulent purchases and engaged in fraudulent online transactions using the personally identifiable information (PII) and financial information of numerous students at a Santa Monica ELS Education Services, Inc. Ederaine, who worked at ELS, had access to the PII and financial information of the students, and used that access to make purchases of personal items.
United States Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Harman Burkart and David J. D’Addio of Lelling’s Cybercrime Unit prosecuted the case.
California Man Admits Plot to Distribute over 30 Pounds of Crystal Methamphetamine and Five Kilos of Fentanyl into New JerseyRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A California man today admitted shipping approximately 30 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and conspiring to send an additional 5 kilograms of fentanyl into New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Jesus Zavala-Torres, 34, of San Jacinto, California, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Noel Hillman in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In September 2018, law enforcement officers received information that an individual identified as Isabel Otanez-Sanchez, was shipping large quantities of narcotics to New Jersey from California. On Jan. 28, 2019, Sanchez agreed to send 30 pounds of methamphetamine to a law enforcement confidential source (the “CS”) in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Torres and Sanchez hid 28 packages of methamphetamine inside a salvaged vehicle that was shipped from California to New Jersey. Agents recovered the 28 packages, totaling approximately 30 pounds, from the car’s gas tank. On Feb. 12, 2019, the CS met with Sanchez and Torres in Riverside, California. At this meeting, Sanchez and Torres also agreed to sell an additional five kilograms of fentanyl that would be shipped to the CS in New Jersey in the same manner as the methamphetamine. Following this meeting, Sanchez and Torres were arrested by law enforcement and the five kilograms of fentanyl they intended to ship to New Jersey were recovered. Sanchez and Torres were charged by criminal complaint in the District of New Jersey with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
The conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Cherry Hill, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael in Newark, with the investigation leading to the arrests. He also thanked HSI in Riverside, CA; the New Jersey State Police; the Hemet, California, Police Department; and the Atlantic City Task Force for their assistance.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Meriah Russell of the U.S. Attorney's Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Buffalo Man Going to Prison for Selling Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Julian Brown, 47, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of distribution of crack cocaine, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Volkert, Jr., who handled the case, stated that on February 16, 2018, the defendant supplied his co-defendant, Andre Honeycutt, with a quantity of crack cocaine. Honeycutt in turn sold the drugs to an individual working with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Brown also supplied crack cocaine on two other occasions during the investigation.
Andre Honeycutt was previously convicted and sentenced.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
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Brockton Man Sentenced for Narcotics Distribution and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for cocaine distribution and illegal firearm possession.
Raul Robles, 30, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 48 months in prison and six years of supervised release. In November 2019, Robles pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute of cocaine, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
In May 2018, an undercover officer made a controlled purchase of cocaine from Robles. In June of 2018, during the execution of an arrest warrant at Robles’s home in Brockton, law enforcement seized approximately 30 grams of cocaine, a Glock, Model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and nine (9) rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. In 2012, Robles was convicted of possession with intent to distribute heroin, and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This case was part of Operation Landshark, a federal investigation that targeted impact players and repeat offenders in Brockton and Boston who have prior convictions for acts of violence, firearm offenses and/or drug trafficking.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz; Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins; Boston Police Commissioner William G. Gross; and Acting Brockton Police Chief Emanuel Gomes made the announcement. The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s North Shore Gang Task Force and Southeastern Massachusetts Gang Task Force. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Plymouth and Essex County Sheriff’s Offices; Massachusetts Department of Corrections; U.S. Parole Commission; U.S. Postal Inspection Services; and the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Soivilien of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Operation Landshark 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 our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Bridgeport Tax Preparer Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that VERONICA HUITZIL, 39, of Bridgeport, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to preparing false tax returns for clients.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Huitzil, who operated a tax return preparation practice in Bridgeport, assisted in the preparation and filing of more than 3,700 federal tax returns for the 2014 through 2018 tax years. Many of the filed tax returns claimed dependents who were not dependents, deducted thousands of dollars in business losses for fictitious businesses, and included inflated or fabricated medical expenses, charitable contributions and employee business expenses.
Huitzil pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.
In pleading guilty, Huitzil agreed that losses suffered by the IRS as a result of her fraud totaled $898,665.
As a result of Huitzil’s fraudulent conduct, many of her clients’ filed tax returns will need to be amended. The amount of Huitzil’s restitution may be reduced as her clients resolve their own tax liability with the IRS.
Huitzil is released pending sentencing, which is scheduled for May 6, 2020.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Brattleboro Man Charged with Distributing Heroin and Fentanyl Leading to Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Curtis Bunkley, a.k.a. “Punisher,” of Brattleboro, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for distributing heroin and fentanyl leading to the overdose death of a Winhall, VT resident. Bunkley was arraigned today by United States Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy, who ordered Bunkley detained pending trial.
According to court records, a resident of Winhall, VT was found deceased on January 16, 2019. The cause of the resident’s death was determined to be “acute mixed (heroin and fentanyl) intoxication.” Inside the decedent’s residence were five empty bags and three bags containing heroin and fentanyl, all stamped with the symbol “12/24.” Text messages found on the decedent’s cell phone showed communications with the individual who distributed the heroin and fentanyl to the decedent. Witness testimony further revealed that the individual who distributed the heroin and fentanyl to the decedent purchased the substances from Bunkley.
On August 20, 2019, Bunkley pled guilty to a separate indictment charging him with distributing heroin and fentanyl. In that case, according to Court records, Bunkley sold 50 bags of heroin and fentanyl to an informant on January 14, 2019. The bags containing the heroin and fentanyl were stamped with the symbol “12/24.” At the time of Bunkley’s arrest on April 11, 2019, he was found to be in possession of 320 additional bags of heroin and fentanyl.
The new charges against Bunkley are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Bunkley faces up to life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years. Bunkley’s ultimate sentence will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The case will be prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Jonathan Ophardt and Assistant United States Attorney Nate Burris. Bunkley is represented by Attorney Lisa Shelkrot.
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.
Belmont County, Ohio man admits to fentanyl chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathan Parker, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, has admitted to a fentanyl distribution charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Parker, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” Parker admitted to selling fentanyl near Madison Elementary School in July 2019 in Ohio County.
Parker faces at least one year and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Bank of San Juan Internacional, Inc. and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico Resolve Pending Litigation and Related MattersRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Bank of San Juan Internacional, Inc. (“BSJI”) and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico (“USAO-PR”) have resolved pending investigations and litigation and matters related to that litigation. The litigation stemmed from a federal investigation of BSJI that involved the search of BSJI’s offices in February 2019, and the subsequent seizure of $53,082,824.19 from BSJI and related accounts. The funds were seized based on their connection to certain sophisticated financial transactions (“Financial Transactions”) and underlying agreements to which BSJI was a party. The litigation also involved the USAO-PR filing of a civil forfeiture action relating to those funds. The federal investigation by the USAO-PR further involved review of BSJI’s practices with respect to compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”), including laws and regulations relating to BSJI’s actions, policies and procedures with respect to the filing of suspicious activity reports (“SARs”).
During the period following the February 2019 searches and the seizure of funds from BSJI, Counsel for BSJI and the USAO-PR met and exchanged information regarding the facts underlying the investigation and litigation. BSJI provided to the USAO-PR a comprehensive explanation of the Financial Transactions and relevant facts known to it regarding those Financial Transactions, including the background to, and the mechanics and accounting governing, the Financial Transactions. BSJI cooperated fully in the investigation, agreed to requests from the USAO-PR for information and provided access to its subject matter experts and counsel.
After a thorough review and careful consideration of the information and materials BSJI provided to the USAO-PR with respect to the Financial Transactions, the USAO-PR agreed that dismissal of the civil forfeiture action and returning of the seized funds ($53,082,824.19) to BSJI was appropriate and warranted. As a result, on February 5, 2020, the USAO-PR dismissed the civil forfeiture action, will return all seized funds to BSJI, and has ended its investigation of BSJI and its officials.
In addition to providing the USAO-PR with information and materials relating to the Financial Transactions, BSJI has represented that, as of February 2019, BJSI engaged in numerous substantive measures to strengthen its governance, risk management and control procedures.
As noted above, the USAO-PR conducted an investigation of BSJI regarding its BSA compliance and BSJI’s activities relating to the filing of SARs. In connection with the USAO-PR’s BSA investigation, BSJI has acknowledged that it had opportunities to improve governance, risk management and controls with respect to its BSA compliance and the filing of SARs with respect to a number of depositor account-holders. In turn, the USAO-PR has acknowledged (and taken into consideration in reaching an agreement) the corrective actions BSJI has undertaken in order to improve its BSA and Anti-Money Laundering policies and procedures. As part of the agreement to resolve the USAO-PR’s BSA investigation, BSJI has agreed to pay to the USAO-PR the sum of $1,000,000.
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Auburndale Man Sentenced to 8 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Edward W. Prickett (53, Auburndale) to eight years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.
Prickett had pleaded guilty on November 26, 2019.
According to court documents, on August 22, 2019, Prickett was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over by an officer with the Lake Wales Police Department. As the officer approached the vehicle, he saw Prickett attempting to conceal a green bag under the dashboard. The officer called for a narcotics detection dog, which alerted positively to the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and recovered the green bag, which contained approximately 182 grams of methamphetamine that had been packaged for distribution.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lake Wales Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Callan L. Albritton.
This investigation is also the result of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program. 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.
Attorney General William Barr Makes Announcement on Sanctuary Cities at National Sheriffs’ Association ConferenceRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Attorney General William Barr has announced further actions the Department of Justice will take to protect the American people and allow for the proper and lawful functioning of our nation’s federal immigration system. Barr delivered remarks at the National Sheriffs’ Association Winter Legislative and Technology Conference in Washington, D.C., and announced the filings of lawsuits against various jurisdictions around the country, including the State of California, the State of New Jersey, and King County, Washington, alleging that the policies of these states and counties interfere with lawful federal immigration and enforcement activities and jeopardize public safety. Read more details here:
• https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-sues-state-california-california-governor-and-california-attorney-general
• https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-sues-state-new-jersey-new-jersey-governor-and-new-jersey-attorney-general
• https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-sues-king-county-washington-and-king-county-executive-prohibiting-usAttorney General Barr said: "Today is a significant escalation in the federal government’s efforts to confront the resistance of ‘sanctuary cities.’ But by no means do the efforts outlined above signify the culmination of our fight to ensure the rule of law, to defend the Constitution, and to keep Americans safe. We will consider taking action against any jurisdiction that, or any politician who, unlawfully obstructs the federal enforcement of immigration law." Read the Attorney General’s full remarks at this link: https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/attorney-general-william-p-barr-delivers-remarks-national-sheriffs-association-winter. Sanctuary jurisdiction policies jeopardize public safety by preventing the federal government from locating, arresting, and prosecuting removable aliens inside the United States. While jurisdictions are not compelled by federal law to participate in federal immigration enforcement activities, they are not permitted to actively obstruct the enforcement of federal law.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Our office actively partners with local, state and federal law enforcement across the district to help remove these violent and drug offenders from our communities. I support the actions of Attorney General Barr and join him in our quest to make America’ cities safer by the aggressive and unapologetic federal prosecution of dangerous criminal aliens."
"While the dangers to public safety as a result of sanctuary polices cannot be understated, Homeland Security Investigations in Tennessee is proud to work in cooperation with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure our communities remain safe," stated Jerry C. Templet Jr, Special Agent in Charge, Nashville, Tennessee.
Past examples of dangerous illegal aliens detained and prosecuted through this office include:
• Argel Hernandez-Escobar, 32 – was indicted in December, 2019, for Unlawful Reentry Into the United States After Deportation and Illegal Possession of a Firearm Used in the fatal shooting of his minor child. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/illegal-alien-indicted-unlawful-reentry-united-states-after-deportation-and-illegal.
• Christino Alcazar-Ortiz, 37 and Armando Alcazar-Ortiz, 40, were both sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and Illegal Reentry into the United States after having been previously deported. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/two-illegal-aliens-sentenced-120-months-imprisonment-federal-drug-trafficking-charges.
• An illegal alien from Mexico, Jesus Vega, 38, was sentenced to over 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/illegal-alien-sentenced-10-years-federal-prison-role-drug-trafficking-organization.
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated these cases.
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Attorney General William Barr Holds National Press Conference on Sanctuary CitiesRead the Press Release
Knoxville, Tenn. - On February 10, 2020, Attorney General William Barr announced the filing of 3 lawsuits against California, New Jersey and Washington State, alleging that sanctuary city municipal jurisdiction policies interfere with lawful federal immigration and enforcement activities.
Sanctuary jurisdiction policies jeopardize public safety by preventing the federal government from locating, arresting, and prosecuting removable aliens inside the United States. While jurisdictions are not compelled by federal law to take part in federal immigration enforcement activities, they are not permitted to actively obstruct the enforcement of federal law. The consequences of cities establishing themselves as sanctuary cities impact more than just the communities of the sanctuary jurisdiction where heinous, violent crimes have been committed by those in this country illegally.
Past examples of federal prosecution of violent persons who were illegally present in the Eastern District of Tennessee include the cases of Martinez Rubi and Gama Bahena.
- Rubi has been removed from the United States a total of seven times and has twice been prosecuted for illegal reentry in this district. His criminal history includes six prior felony convictions, one of which was for aggravated assault when he threatened to kill a woman at knifepoint. His most recent illegal reentry conviction netted him a 78-month sentence in prison.
- Bahena has a criminal history that includes stabbing his wife in the stomach. He later committed another aggravated assault when he pointed a loaded gun at her and their daughter while threatening to kill them. That conduct was the basis for his federal conviction for possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien, which resulted in a 65-month sentence in federal prison.
“These two defendants highlight the need for the aggressive stance the Eastern District of Tennessee takes in the prosecution of violent persons who are in the United States illegally. By working closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we are able to identify and remove dangerous offenders from our communities,” said United States Attorney J. Douglas Overbey.
Cases are investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ERO”).
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Arnold, PA Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl and Accepts Responsibility for Causing a Man’s DeathRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A Westmoreland County man has pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jarrel Williams, age 32, of Arnold, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
During the guilty plea hearing, Williams admitted to distributing fentanyl on January 17, 2017. As part of his plea agreement, Williams accepted responsibility for causing the death of M.S., a 33-year-old male who lived in Westmoreland County, and agreed to serve 162 months in prison.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing to occur on June 3, 2020, at 9:30 a.m.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, the West Leechburg Police Department, the Allegheny Township Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.
Armed Heroin Dealer Sentenced to 65 MonthsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Reginald Lawrence, 53, of Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 65 months in federal prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release, for possessing heroin with intent to distribute and for possessing two firearms in furtherance of that offense. Lawrence pleaded guilty to these charges on November 21, 2019.
On July 22, 2019, a woman called police and said Lawrence had pulled a gun on her and that he pushed her out of his apartment by her neck. When police arrived, Lawrence was observed by an officer carrying a backpack as he was running away from the apartment building. When police subsequently arrested Lawrence, he was not carrying a backpack, but was in possession of a large amount of cash.
Lawrence consented to a search of his apartment, and officers recovered small quantities of heroin. They searched the area where Lawrence had been seen running, and recovered a green backpack. Lawrence's Medicare card was in the backpack, as was as a loaded 9mm pistol. Two additional, loaded firearm magazines were also in the backpack, along with 94 grams of heroin, drug packaging materials, and a scale. In another pocket of the backpack, there was a .380 caliber pistol. Lawrence later admitted he had been selling heroin for six months.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence.
The charges against Lawrence were the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.