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Tuesday 10 December 2019
Former EDD Employee Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Benefits Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Pamela Emanuel, 59, of San Jose, pleaded guilty today for her role in a scheme to defraud the state of California by filing false unemployment insurance claims, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
Emanuel pleaded guilty to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. According to court documents, Emanuel worked as a tax compliance representative for the California Employment Development Department (EDD) and had access to the personal identifying information of workers throughout California. Between July 22, 2015, and July 14, 2016, Emanuel and her co-conspirators used that information to file fraudulent unemployment claims in the names of the unknowing victims.
In total, the conspirators filed at least 269 false claims seeking over $2.4 million in fraudulent benefits. EDD’s actual overpayment was approximately $887,199.
“Pamela Emanuel stole information from the Employment Development Department database, thereby violating the public trust afforded to her as a California government employee. The stolen information was then used in a conspiracy to file fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. We will continue to work with our federal and state law enforcement partners to safeguard unemployment compensation benefits programs for those who need it,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Los Angeles Region.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Employment Development Department, Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Schuller Hitchcock is prosecuting the case.
Four other co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced in relation to this scheme. On Aug. 16, 2018, Brittany Maunakea, 30, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and ordered to pay $139,071 in restitution. On Sept. 20, 2018, Sergio Doriante Sanchez Reyna, 26, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison and ordered to pay $436,091 in restitution. On Feb. 22, 2019, Gregory Lee, 57, of Antioch was sentenced to nine years in prison and ordered to pay $353,458 in restitution. On Sept. 19, Russell White III, 38, of San Jose, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison and ordered to pay $212,071 in restitution.
Emanuel is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2020. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for mail fraud, and a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 for aggravated identity theft. 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.
Former Civilian Employee of the U.S. Air Force Pleads Guilty to Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
A former civilian employee of the United States Air Force (USAF) pleaded guilty today for making false statements in connection with a federal investigation into the employee’s theft of government funds.
Gregory Burris, 48, of Miesau, Germany, pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen B. Molzen of the District of New Mexico. A sentencing date has not been set.
According to documents filed with the court and admissions made in connection with Burris’s plea, between approximately 2013 and 2016, Burris was employed by the USAF as a Resource Advisor and was assigned to a multinational electronic warfare training facility (Polygone) near Ramstein Air Base in Germany. In this position, Burris was responsible for, among other duties, generating and transmitting invoices and payment instructions to foreign militaries for their use of Polygone’s facilities.
Between early 2015 and early 2016, Burris generated and transmitted six invoices to foreign militaries for money owed to the U.S. government for expenses related to Polygone-sponsored training exercises. Burris directed these militaries to transmit payment of the invoices to Burris’s personal checking account at a German bank, held jointly with his wife, rather than the authorized Department of Defense (DOD) bank account. As a result of Burris’s instructions, foreign militaries unwittingly deposited approximately $144,953.41 into Burris’s personal bank account.
Federal investigators in Albuquerque, New Mexico, interviewed Burris on Aug. 29, 2018. During the interview, he falsely stated that after receiving the deposits from the foreign militaries in his personal bank account, he wire-transferred the funds from his personal bank account to the authorized DOD bank account by requesting and authorizing each transfer in person at his local bank branch in Germany. In fact, Burris used the entirety of these funds to pay for personal expenses.
The Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General investigated this case. Trial Attorney Erica O’Brien Waymack of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section is prosecuting the case.
Former Acton Woman Sentenced for Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An former Acton woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for stealing Social Security benefits intended for her children.
Elizabeth Smith, 40, currently of Pawtucket, RI, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to six months of home confinement, three years of supervised release, ordered to pay $74,464 in restitution to the Social Security Administration. In December 2019, Smith pleaded guilty to three counts of theft of public funds and two counts of making false statements. Smith was charged and arrested in September 2018.
From October 2012 through October 2015, Smith stole Social Security benefits that were paid to her on behalf of her three children. In August 2014, Smith fraudulently told Social Security that she used all of the money she received on behalf of her children for their care and support, despite the fact that her children were no longer in her care, but in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Smith stole approximately $74,464.50 in Social Security benefits.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Final defendant sentenced to federal prison for production of child pornographyRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: The second member of a couple who admitted producing and sharing child pornography has been sentenced to a substantial prison sentence.
Carrie Marie Minton, 25, of Cordova, S.C., was sentenced to 30 years in prison for Production of Child Pornography in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge J. Randal Hall, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Her co-defendant, Charles Brandon Powell, 33, of Hephzibah, previously was sentenced to 30 years in prison on the same charge. Both will be subject to supervised release after completion of their prison terms, and there is no parole in the federal system.
“The resolution of this horrifying case is a credit to the outstanding investigative and prosecutorial work of agencies dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable among us,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Our office will be unrelenting in hunting down and holding accountable those who would exploit children for their own sick gratification.”
As described in court documents and testimony, Minton and Powell held online discussions to plan a sexual encounter with an 8-year-old girl whom Minton planned to bring to Powell’s Hephzibah home from Neeses, S.C. After Minton sent an explicit photo of another juvenile, a 5-month-old girl, to Powell in June 2018, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted authorities, who intervened as the plot was in motion. Powell and Minton were taken into custody without either of the children subjected to further harm.
“This case is an outstanding example of how partnerships between the FBI and our state and local law enforcement agencies are essential in protecting our citizens and in particular, children, our most vulnerable citizens,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Hopefully, the severity of this sentence sends a strong message to anyone who would even think about hurting a child in this way.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the South Carolina Office of the Attorney General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Lyons prosecuted the case for the United States.
Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Lafon Ellis, age 25, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment, on or about August 21, 2018, Ellis, a convicted felon, was found to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm and/or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than ten years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00 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 Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police 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.
Federal Judge Sentences Eight Involved in Drug Conspiracy Operating in Mecklenburg CountyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. sentenced eight defendants today on drug conspiracy charges for their involvement in a narcotics distribution ring operating in Mecklenburg County.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearings, from 2015 until the 2018, the 10 defendants operated as a drug conspiracy responsible for trafficking methamphetamine and heroin in Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that the conspiracy trafficked hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine to the greater Charlotte area. Those sentenced to date are:
- Angelo Mejia, 28, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 235 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
- Rodolfo Felix Medina, 49, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 188 months in prison and five years of supervised release (sentenced on 9/30/19).
- Julio Cesar Sanchez, 28, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 180 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
- Emilio Mejia, 30, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 168 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
- Jose Javier Reyes, 21, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 78 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
- Mauco Contreras, 22, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 72 months in prison and two years of supervised release.
- Alejandro Jose Lopez Ceballos, 20, was sentenced to 60 months in prison and two years of supervised release.
- Kevin Eliezer Velasquez Melendez, 23, of Concord, N.C., was sentenced to 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
- Edgar Jesus Magana, 26, of Charlotte was sentenced to 41 months in prison and two years of supervised release.
- Martha Olivia Placencia Beltran, 39, of Mexico, was sentenced to 14 months in prison (sentenced on 5/1/19).
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray praised the outstanding efforts of special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, Charlotte Field Office (IRS-CI); the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department; the Gastonia Police Department; the Monroe Police Department; and the Union County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Eddie Cathey. U.S. Attorney Murray also noted the invaluable assistance provided by the North Carolina National Guard Counterdrug Program.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Dillon and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Lindahl of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
Farmington Man Sentenced to 41 Months for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Alexander A. Tsiros, 37, of Farmington, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 7, 2018, the Milton Police Department received a call from an individual who reported that Tsiros was in possession of a black handgun. Tsiros is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Tsiros was later arrested in Dover for violating a protective order. During the stop, police officers noticed a backpack on the front seat of his vehicle. The Farmington Police Department executed a search warrant of the vehicle and found a Hi-Point C9, nine millimeter pistol, a black nylon holster, and ammunition. Police also recovered a bag of crystal methamphetamine, packaging material, and drug paraphernalia.
Tsiros previously pleaded guilty on July 3, 2019.
“Guns and drugs are a potentially deadly combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Armed drug dealers present a serious threat to the safety of the citizens of New Hampshire. To counter that threat, we work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate the armed drug dealers are endangering public safety in the Granite State.”
“ATF will continue to work with our state and local law enforcement counterparts to vigorously combat drug traffickers and the threat they pose to our citizens by illegally possessing firearms in furtherance of their illegal drug trade," said Kelly D. Brady Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division.
This matter was investigated by the Farmington Police Department, Milton Police Department, Dover Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra M. Walsh.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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Erie Market Owner Charged with Food Stamp and WIC Program FraudRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of theft of government property, food stamp fraud and WIC program fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Kadhim A. Muhsin, 57, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, from in and around January 2015 to in and around December 2018, Muhsin, who is the owner and operator of New Sara’s Market in Erie, committed food stamp and WIC fraud by accepting food stamps and WIC checks for cash, store credit, and ineligible items.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, 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 United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General 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 Sentenced to 10 Years for Setting Fire that Destroyed Erie Furniture CompanyRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 years in jail on his conviction of malicious destruction of property by fire, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Tony Crawford, 35.
According to information presented to the court, in the early morning hours of February 5, 2016, authorities were alerted to a raging fire at Fred’s Bed’s and Furniture located about six blocks south of the federal courthouse in Erie. The building was completely destroyed within minutes. Investigators quickly determined that the fire was an arson after surveillance video from the area depicted an individual carrying a ladder to the store and then running away from the store once the fire started. Ultimately, attention turned to Crawford after several people came forward to reveal that Crawford had talked about setting the Fred's Beds fire. The ATF then conducted an analysis of Crawford's cell phone location that placed Crawford's phone in close proximity to Fred's Beds at the time of the fire.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Erie Police Department and the Erie Fire Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Crawford.
Erie Felon Indicted for Fentanyl Death and Possessing Firearm and AmmoRead 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 drugs and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment named Dona Arell Cowans, 37, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, Cowans sold a quantity of fentanyl that caused the death of R.R.W. on July 8, 2019. The Indictment also charges Cowans with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl on or about July 9, 2019 and possession of a firearm and ammunition while being a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, 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 Paul S. Sellers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police 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.
East Bay Residents Sentenced in Scheme to Sell Fraudulent Financial InstrumentsRead the Press Release
OAKLAND - Sharon Ringgenberg was sentenced to 15 months in prison for her role in a scheme to commit wire fraud, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter. In addition to the prison term, Ringgenberg was ordered to pay restitution totaling $705,000 to victims of the scheme. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. Jon S. Tigar, U.S. District Judge on December 6, 2019.
Ringgenberg, 70, of Martinez, Calif., pleaded guilty to the charge on August 10, 2018. According to her plea agreement, Ringgenberg conspired with codefendants Craig Scott, 53, of Oakland, and Kenneth Taylor, 57, of San Ramon, to commit wire fraud. In her plea agreement, Ringgenberg admitted that from November 2008 through May 2012, she and Taylor sold fraudulent standby letters of credit and proof of funds statements to clients of a company called Success Bullion USA, LLC (“Success Bullion”). These financial instruments were fraudulent because they reported false client creditworthiness and client balances that exceeded Success Bullion’s assets. Success Bullion falsely purported to be a subsidiary of a large Hong Kong financial institution. Ringgenberg acted as an officer of Success Bullion and signed and provided false documents on behalf of the company. Success Bullion used brokers, including co-defendant Scott, to find clients.
A federal grand jury indicted Taylor, Ringgenberg, and Scott on April 13, 2017, charging them with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, two counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and two counts of subscribing to a false tax return, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1).
In addition to the prison term and restitution, Judge Tigar ordered Ringgenberg to serve a three-year period of supervised release and forfeit $295,000 in additional proceeds that she received from the scheme.
Scott pleaded guilty to his part in the scheme on August 12, 2018. In his plea agreement, Scott admitted that from 2009 to May 2012, he was a broker for Success Bullion. Scott solicited customers and acted as a broker for fraudulent standby letters of credit and proof of funds statements sold by Success Bullion. Judge Tigar sentenced him on December 6, 2019, to five years of probation with a year of home confinement and ordered him to pay restitution of $527,575 to victims of the scheme, to forfeit $20,000 in additional proceeds he received from the scheme, and not to sell securities as part of his term of probation.
Similarly, Taylor, pleaded guilty to his part in the scheme on March 1, 2019. Judge Tigar sentenced him on October 18, 2019, to 36 months of prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to him to forfeit $3,436,002 and to pay $1,100,774 to the Internal Revenue Service and $90,000 to a victim of the fraud scheme. Before handing down the three-year sentence against Taylor, Judge Jon S. Tigar found that “Mr. Taylor enriched himself greatly, and he did so out of greed [. . . t]hat’s all,” and that “[t]his was a sophisticated, day-in-day-out fraud scheme that lasted for many years.”
Assistant United States Attorney Colin Sampson and Tax Division Trial Attorney Charles A. O’Reilly are prosecuting the case. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Domestic Violence Abuser Sentenced to 10 Years for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A convicted domestic violence offender discovered with a firearm was sentenced last week to 10 years in federal prison, the statutory maximum sentence, following an investigation by the ATF Dallas Division, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Desmond Greer, 26, pleaded guilty in March to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Dallas County Court records show that in in 2016, Mr. Greer was twice convicted of Assault Family Violence after repeatedly punching and choking the 22-year-old mother of his children – two offenses that disqualified him from having a gun.
In spite of this restriction, Mr. Greer was seen brandishing a M-15 multi-caliber rifle during a dispute with a customer at his auto shop, federal prosecutors said.
“Federal law forbids convicted abusers from carrying guns – in part because research shows domestic violence offenders are five times more likely to kill their partner when there’s a gun in the home,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “Prosecuting offenders who violate these domestic violence firearm restrictions is homicide prevention, plain and simple.”
“Mr. Greer is a convicted felon with a history of domestic violence offenses,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Division Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “When prohibited people and abusers unlawfully possess firearms, the probability of intimate partner homicide increases substantially. This sentence ensures Mr. Greer will not be a threat to the public, or to his family, for a very long time.”
The case was brought as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Domestic Violence Initiative, a push to fight domestic violence using federal firearm laws, which prohibits convicted abusers from possessing guns.
The prosecution is also part of Project Guardian, the Justice Department’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence using federal firearm laws.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Boyle prosecuted the case. Chief U.S. District Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn handed down the sentence.
Defense Contractor Admits Filing False Documents Relating to Machine Gun ContractRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The former chief operating officer of a New Jersey custom manufacturing firm admitted today that he made false statements and submitted false documents to the Department of Defense in fulfillment of a machine gun bipod assembly contract, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Mark Colello, 54, of Hackettstown, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William Martini in Newark federal court to an information charging him with two counts of making false statements and representations.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In April 2015, Colello’s company was awarded government contracts by the U.S. Army, Department of Defense, to manufacture bipod assemblies for the M249 light machine gun that required the use of a specific grade of steel. Colello falsified test results for the hardness of steel used to construct the bipod assemblies and for the magnetic particle inspection of the head and collar joints for the bipods. The weaker grade steel and the faulty head and collar joints caused the legs of the bipods to fail when soldiers attempted to use them to support their machine guns.
The count of making false statements carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 28, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey; special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark; special agents of Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael; and U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command, Major Procurement Fraud Unit, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L. Scott Moreland, for the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Mahoney of the National Security Unit.
DEA New England Field Division Announces Results of Two-Week New England SurgeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: Drug overdoses are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in the United States and every day we see the impact that prescription drug abuse has on our neighborhoods. This crisis is destroying communities throughout New England and our nation. In an effort to address this epidemic, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division (NEFD) recently conducted a two-week surge operation. During the operation, law enforcement made 645 arrests and seized 17.9 kilograms of fentanyl, 7,800 illicit fentanyl pills, 13.9 kilograms of cocaine, 3.1 kilograms of heroin, 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, 38.1 kilograms of marijuana, 51 firearms and $1.2 million in cash, announced Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle.
“DEA’s top priority is to aggressively pursue anyone who distributes these deadly drugs,” said SAC Boyle. “Those arrested need to be held accountable for their actions because they have chosen to distribute this poison and profit from the misery they spread.”
“Many Maine communities are battling the devastating effects of drug trafficking,” said Halsey B. Frank, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine. “Fighting this scourge is one of the top priorities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We applaud the results of the recent New England surge operation and will continue working with DEA and our state and local partners to investigate and prosecute those who choose to distribute drugs in our state.”
The NEFD thanked its many local, state and federal law enforcement partners for their assistance during the two-week operation, and for their strong commitment to drug law enforcement in New England.
“Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities,” said SAC Boyle. “Every time we take fentanyl off the streets we save lives. These enforcement actions demonstrate the strength of collaborative local, state and federal law enforcement efforts in New England.”
Credit Card Skimming in Kansas Sends Second Florida Man to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A second Florida man who planted credit card skimming devices on ATMs in Kansas was sentenced today to two years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Anderson Eduardo Seijas Chavez, 30, Miami, Fla., pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud. Last week, co-defendant Carlos Alberto Campos Rojas, 29, Summerfield, Fla., was sentenced to 24 months after pleading guilty to the same count.
In his plea, Chavez admitted placing skimming devices and pinhole cameras on ATMs in Overland Park and Olathe. A corporate security officer notified local police, who did surveillance to identify a rental car that visited the ATMs on a daily basis. They followed the car back to a hotel in Kansas City, Mo.
McAllister commended the Overland Park and Olathe police departments, the U.S. Secret Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.
Chicago Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Victor Phillips, 31, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced today to 70 months in prison by Senior United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. There is no parole in the federal system. In addition to his prison term, Phillips will serve five years of supervised release following his release from prison.
On February 28, 2019, the Nebraska State Patrol conducted a traffic stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer smelled marijuana. A probable cause search was conducted. While searching the vehicle, a kilo (or approximately 2.2 pounds) of cocaine was discovered in the back compartment area of the driver's seat.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Selling HeroinRead 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 Victor Quinones, 23, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to distribution of heroin. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Volkert, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that on July 16, 2019, the defendant sold heroin to an individual working with the FBI. A few days later, on July 18, 2019, a federal search warrant was executed at Quinones’ residence on Leroy Avenue where he was apprehended. Investigators recovered drug packaging and a quantity of butyryl fentanyl. Quinones admitted to selling heroin in the Buffalo area for approximately one year.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 24, 2020, before Judge Vilardo.
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Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ConspiracyRead 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 Wa1demar Martinez, a/k/a Crazy, 43, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a maximum $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan Leydecker and Charles J. Volkert, Jr., who are handling the case, stated that between December 2015 and June 7, 2016, the defendant conspired with others to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine in the Buffalo area. Martinez used a residence at 275 Tonawanda Street in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. On June 7, 2016, the defendant sold cocaine to an individual working with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The plea 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, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 1, 2020, before Judge Arcara.
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Brooklyn, NY Man Pleads Guilty in Wiretap Investigation into West End Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBUGH - A resident of Brooklyn, NY, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Kala Jones, age 48, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Kala Jones supplied conspirators in Pittsburgh with 500 grams or more of cocaine, which he obtained in New York and transported to Pittsburgh via couriers.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for May 14, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years in prison and up to life, a fine of $8,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Yvonne M. Saadi are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly led the multi-agency investigation, which also included the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Robinson Township Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department, that led to the prosecution of Kala Jones.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Broken Arrow Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
A Broken Arrow man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court for possessing a firearm in furtherance of cocaine distribution crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
Neville David Ewell, 45, of Broken Arrow, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. In a signed plea agreement, Ewell admitted that on March 8, 2019, he knowingly and intentionally possessed cocaine with intent to distribute and maintained a premises for the purpose of drug trafficking. He further admitted to possessing a Beretta, 9x19mm semi-automatic pistol to further his drug trafficking crimes.
Officers from the Tulsa Police Department’s Organized Gang Unit executed a search warrant based on probable cause that Ewell was storing proceeds from illegal drug sales at a Tulsa address. While officers attempted to gain entry, Ewell tried to destroy evidence. Upon entry, officers discovered a plastic baggie containing 5 grams of cocaine base, other empty plastic baggies, a digital scale, and other evidence of drug trafficking. Officers further discovered the loaded Beretta semi-automatic pistol.
“Drugs and guns are a lethal combination that often lead to violence. Together, they oppress our community by spreading addiction, fear and pain. They cause harm to families, businesses and neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Oklahomans deserve better, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will do its part to keep our neighborhoods safe and our business districts thriving.”
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan set sentencing for March 11, 2020. Ewell faces a minimum sentence of five years in federal prison, a maximum of five years supervised release and a fine not to exceed $250,000.
The Tulsa Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Duncombe is prosecuting the case.
Braddock Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Braddock, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Paula Debaker, 55, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that that the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around the Braddock section of Pittsburgh. In January of 2019, investigators obtained authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through May of 2019. Intercepted communications confirmed that Debaker obtained controlled substances from one of her co-defendants, who was a member of SCO, a neighborhood street gang, and permitted that SCO member and other members of the conspiracy to use her home to cook powder cocaine into cocaine base, commonly referred to as crack.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for May 5, 2020 at 10:00 AM. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine not more than $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Debaker remains on bond pending the sentencing hearing.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Other assisting agencies include the Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, and Allegheny County Adult Probation.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Bend Man Sentenced to Federal Prison After Hash Oil ExplosionRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—David Carl Paulsen, 33, of Bend, Oregon, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in federal prison and two years’ supervised release for illegally manufacturing and possessing marijuana during a March 2018 butane honey oil (BHO) explosion in Bend.
According to court documents, on March 18, 2018, Bend police officers responded to an explosion at a residence where David Paulsen lived with his wife, Jennifer Paulsen, 34, and their three-year-old daughter. Witnesses reported that, following the explosion, the Paulsens were running around their house, putting items in their truck and car, and telling neighbors not to call the police. Witnesses also reported that David Paulsen gave his daughter to a neighbor and told the neighbor to tell police that she had been with the neighbor during the explosion. Both Paulsens suffered severe burns.
During a search of the residence, investigators discovered more than 34 pounds of marijuana, multiple butane cans, and a BHO extraction device. BHO is a concentrated form of marijuana extracted using highly flammable or combustible solvents. Investigators believe David Paulsen was operating an illegal and unlicensed open flame BHO lab in his house, which caused the explosion.
On July 18, 2018, the Paulsens were charged by a federal grand jury with manufacturing or possessing with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense marijuana and endangering a human life while illegally manufacturing a controlled substance.
On September 18, 2019, David Paulsen pleaded guilty to one count of manufacturing or possessing with the intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense marijuana. Prior to David Paulsen’s sentencing in federal court, Jennifer Paulsen pleaded guilty and was sentenced for unlawful delivery of marijuana in Deschutes County Circuit Court. The government moved to dismiss Jennifer Paulsen’s federal charges during her husband’s sentencing.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bend Police Department. It was prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Five Bank Robberies, Five Armed Robberies of Liquor Stores, and Related Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland –Anthony Eugene Wiggins, age 40, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to a string of robberies, including five bank robberies and five armed robberies at liquor stores, committed between September 24, 2018 and November 15, 2018, as well as an attempted robbery on November 15, 2018. Wiggins was on federal supervised release at the time of the robberies, having previously been convicted for being a felon in possession of firearm. During each of the liquor and convenience store robberies, Wiggins brandished a firearm and, in two instances, discharged the firearm during the robberies. In nearly all of the robberies, Wiggins threatened victim employees with physical violence and, during one robbery, fought with and assaulted a store customer and a victim employee.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Chief Charles Moore of the Bel Air Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, between September 24 and October 18, 2018, Wiggins committed robberies at five separate Maryland banks, including two banks in Baltimore, and one each in White Marsh, Bel Air, and Arbutus.
As detailed in his plea agreement, between November 2 and November 15, 2018, Wiggins committed five armed robberies at four liquor stores in Dundalk, Middle River, and Baltimore, Maryland. Wiggins admitted that he discharged a firearm in two of those robberies, specifically, a robbery in Dundalk on November 2, 2018 and a robbery in Baltimore on November 13, 2018, and brandished a firearm in the other three robberies. Wiggins also attempted to rob a fifth liquor store, located in Dundalk, on November 15, 2018.
Wiggins and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Wiggins will be sentenced to between 10 years and 19 years in federal prison for the robberies and gun charge, and up to two years in federal prison for violating his federal supervised release. U.S. District Judge George L. Russell has scheduled sentencing for March 27, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.
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. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the Baltimore Police Department, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Bel Air Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Riley and Mary W. Setzer, who are prosecuting the case.
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Baden Woman Charged with Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Baden, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a charge of theft of government funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Kristian Kirkland, age 35, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from April 2016 to October 2017, Kirkland converted to her own use over $1,000 in Supplemental Security Income benefits belonging to a deceased beneficiary.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $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 Yvonne M. Saadi is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service 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.
51-Count Superseding Indictment for Dogfighting ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging three
men – including a Federal Bureau of Prisons employee – with 51 counts of federal dogfighting
offenses. The charges stem from an investigation into drug trafficking and a large- scale illegal
dogfighting operation involving over 100 dogs. The superseding indictment was announced by Lawrence
Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.Most of the dogs used by the defendants were recovered by the United States Marshals Service and
have been placed with appropriate foster organizations.
The defendants named in this indictment are:● Jermaine Terrell Hadley, 31, Quincy, Florida;
● Leonard Safford, 37, Gretna, Florida;
● Decarlise Chapman, 46, Marianna, Florida.
The superseding indictment adds Chapman, who is an employee of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, as a
defendant in the case. Hadley and Stafford, among several other individuals, were named in the June
4, 2019, indictment in this case, but the other defendants have entered guilty pleas and therefore
are not included the superseding indictment.“From the beginning, this case has shocked the sensibilities of decent, law-abiding people
throughout the Northern District of Florida – and it’s even more shocking when an individual in a
position of public trust has been added to those charged with these shameful activities,” U.S.
Attorney Keefe said.The superseding indictment and arrests resulted from an extensive investigation by the Organized
Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a joint federal, state, and local cooperative, which
targeted a drug trafficking organization that also allegedly organized and conducted a large-scale
illegal dogfighting operation throughout the Northern District of Florida between 2014 and 2019.
During the investigation, undercover operations were conducted to infiltrate the ring; execute
multiple search warrants on properties allegedly involved in training, housing, and conducting illegal dogfights; and successfully raid a dogfight in progress.If convicted, the charged defendants face penalties of up to five years imprisonment and fines up
to $250,000, per count. Trial is set for February 3, 2020, at 8:15 a.m., at the United States
Courthouse in Tallahassee.Participating in the investigation of the cases were the Drug Enforcement Administration, the
Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau
of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the
U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air
and Marine Operations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office,
the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Chattahoochee Police
Department, the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Calhoun County
Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Air National Guard
Counterdrug Program. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric
Mountin.The OCDETF approach to combating drug trafficking is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and
dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug
trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to
disrupt and dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize its assets.An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of
federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and
entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a
reasonable doubt.The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that
serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access
public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern
District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.15 Defendants Charged in Manhattan Federal Court for $18 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Dermot Shea, the Commissioner of the Police Department for the City of New York (“NYPD”), Philip R. Bartlett, the Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), Patrick Freaney, the Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the United States Secret Service (“USSS”), and Peter C. Fitzhugh, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced the unsealing today of a criminal Complaint charging 15 defendants with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. Four defendants were arrested today in the District of Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the Eastern District of Virginia, and were to be presented today in those districts’ federal courts. One defendant is in state custody and will be presented at a later date. Ten defendants remain at large.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, these defendants conspired to steal millions of dollars by stealing identities, opening fictitious bank accounts, and depositing stolen checks – or conning victims to wire funds – into those accounts. All told, as alleged, the scheme netted more than $18 million and victimized numerous individuals and businesses. Thanks to the combined efforts of our law enforcement partners, the game is up.”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “This case shows that as criminals move into the areas of cyber-related frauds, law enforcement is following. I want to thank the members of the NYPD’s Financial Crimes Task Force, working alongside our federal partners and prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s office, in the Southern District, for their success today in this important investigation.”
USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Philip R. Bartlett said: “This Case is an excellent example of interagency cooperation and collaboration. Those who choose to break the law will be swiftly brought to justice to answer for their crimes.”
USSS Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Patrick Freaney said: “The success of this investigation illustrates the commitment of the U.S. Secret Service in working with our law enforcement partners to confront the continued threat of cyber enabled financial crimes. The Secret Service remains dedicated in actively pursuing those whose actions threaten the financial security of individuals, businesses, and the financial infrastructure of the United States.”
HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said: “As alleged in the criminal complaint, these 15 defendants used an elaborate bank and wire fraud scheme to steal over $18 million from victim. HSI New York will continue to work tirelessly to investigate criminals who target our citizens. Through our law enforcement partnerships, to include the NYPD, USPIS and USSS as well as the prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, HSI will work to help maintain the integrity of our financial systems.”
As alleged in the criminal Complaint:[1]
OLADAYO OLADOKUN, FAROUK KUKOYI, BALDWIN OSUJI, HENRY OGBUOKIRI, JOSHUA HICKS, ANTHONY LEE NELSON, DERRICK BANKS, IBRAHIIMA DOUKOURE, JAMAR SKEETE, PAUL YAW OSEI JR., KOWAN POOLE, DARREL WILLIAMS, DARYL BARTLEY, GARNET STEVEN MURRAY-SESAY, a/k/a “Steven Garnet Murray-Sesay,” and ANDREW HEAVEN participated in an $18 million fraud scheme consisting of three key phases. First, members of the conspiracy opened more than 60 business bank accounts using the real personal identifying information, including names and social security numbers, of identity theft victims. Second, members of the conspiracy deposited money into these bank accounts that they obtained by defrauding victims. Third, members of the conspiracy accessed the fraud proceeds by transferring the proceeds into other bank accounts or by withdrawing cash.
Members of the conspiracy typically defrauded their victims in one of two ways. In some instances, members of the conspiracy deposited stolen or forged checks. For example, members of the conspiracy obtained three checks that had been mailed by a national sports league from New York, New York, and deposited those stolen checks into bank accounts that were opened in the names of the intended recipients. In other instances, members of the conspiracy deceived victims into making electronic transfers. For example, a member of the conspiracy posing as a victim’s financial adviser caused the victim to wire money from a bank branch in New York, New York, to a bank account controlled by members of the conspiracy.
To date, law enforcement has identified more than 100 fraudulent transactions in furtherance of the scheme, totaling more than $18 million.
* * *
All defendants – OLADOKUN, 46, KUKOYI, 33, OSUJI, 31, OGBUOKIRI, 32, HICKS, 24, NELSON, 28, BANKS, 27, DOUKOURE, 61, SKEETE, 36, OSEI, 32, POOLE, 29, WILLIAMS, 62, BARTLEY, 58, MURRAY-SESAY, 35, and HEAVEN, 49 – are charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. Seven defendants – OGBUOKIRI, HICKS, BANKS, POOLE, WILLIAMS, BARTLEY, and MURRAY-SESAY – are also charged with aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding work of the Financial Crimes Task Force of the NYPD and the USSS, the Mail Theft Team of the USPIS, and the Dark Web and Crypto Currency Group of HSI. Mr. Berman also thanked the Washington Field Office of the USSS for its assistance in the apprehension of the defendants.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Li is in charge of the prosecution.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein are only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Monday 9 December 2019
West End Retail Store Owner Admits Role in Drug Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Willie Harris, age 40, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting extensive drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Willie Harris conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine out of the retail convenience store that he owned, Woogie’s Market, located on Chartiers Ave., in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s detention.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Yvonne M. Saadi are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly led the multi-agency investigation, which also included the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Robinson Township Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department, that led to the prosecution of Willie Harris.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Army Major charged with distribution of child pornographyRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: A U.S. Army Major assigned to the U.S. Army Cyber Command at Fort Gordon, Ga., has been charged with distribution of child pornography.
Jason Michael Musgrove, 39, of Grovetown, was charged in U.S. District Court Monday morning in a federal criminal complaint, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Musgrove, who is an Integrated Threat Operations Officer with Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmentalized Information clearance, is assigned to the Army Cyber Joint Headquarters at Fort Gordon.
According to court testimony and documents, the case in which Musgrove is charged occurred on or about Dec. 5. Following a hearing before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Brian Epps, Musgrove was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
A criminal complaint contains only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID), and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Lyons.
Tampa Man Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich has sentenced Thomas Ramon Castillo to two years in federal prison for filing two false personal income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.
Castillo had pleaded guilty on August 27, 2019.
According to court documents and proceedings, in March 2016, Castillo knowingly prepared and filed a false Individual Income Tax Return Form 1040 with the IRS for tax year 2015. Castillo’s false Form 1040 included a fraudulently inflated income figure supported by fictitious 1099-MISC forms. Based upon that false filing, the Department of Treasury issued a check to Castillo for $231,590, which he deposited into his bank account. Likewise, Castillo filed a false 2016 Form 1040, wherein he again fraudulently inflated his income and falsely claimed a refund of approximately $272,000. The IRS did not process that form.
This case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay G. Trezevant.
Statement of United States Attorney Mike Stuart on Change in Leadership at the Huntington Police DepartmentRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart issued the following statement in response to the change in leadership at the Huntington Police Department:
“I congratulate Hank Dial on his appointment as City Manager for the City of Huntington and thank him for his leadership since becoming the Chief of the Huntington Police Department in 2018. I commend him for his service throughout his lengthy law enforcement career. During Chief Dial’s tenure, my office and the Huntington Police Department forged a strong partnership and took unprecedented actions to secure the safety of the City of Huntington and its citizens.
In turn, I congratulate Ray Cornwell on assuming the role of Interim Chief of the Huntington Police Department. I look forward to our continued partnership under Chief Cornwell’s leadership. Together, we’ll continue our efforts to make Huntington the safest city in America. The City of Huntington remains in good hands.”
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
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Statement of U.S. Attorney John H. DurhamRead the Press Release
“I have the utmost respect for the mission of the Office of Inspector General and the comprehensive work that went into the report prepared by Mr. Horowitz and his staff. However, our investigation is not limited to developing information from within component parts of the Justice Department. Our investigation has included developing information from other persons and entities, both in the U.S. and outside of the U.S. Based on the evidence collected to date, and while our investigation is ongoing, last month we advised the Inspector General that we do not agree with some of the report’s conclusions as to predication and how the FBI case was opened.”
Statement by Attorney General William P. Barr on the Inspector General's Report of the Review of Four FISA Applications and Other Aspects of the FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane InvestigationRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr issued the following statement:
"Nothing is more important than the credibility and integrity of the FBI and the Department of Justice. That is why we must hold our investigators and prosecutors to the highest ethical and professional standards. The Inspector General’s investigation has provided critical transparency and accountability, and his work is a credit to the Department of Justice. I would like to thank the Inspector General and his team.
The Inspector General’s report now makes clear that the FBI launched an intrusive investigation of a U.S. presidential campaign on the thinnest of suspicions that, in my view, were insufficient to justify the steps taken. It is also clear that, from its inception, the evidence produced by the investigation was consistently exculpatory. Nevertheless, the investigation and surveillance was pushed forward for the duration of the campaign and deep into President Trump’s administration. In the rush to obtain and maintain FISA surveillance of Trump campaign associates, FBI officials misled the FISA court, omitted critical exculpatory facts from their filings, and suppressed or ignored information negating the reliability of their principal source. The Inspector General found the explanations given for these actions unsatisfactory. While most of the misconduct identified by the Inspector General was committed in 2016 and 2017 by a small group of now-former FBI officials, the malfeasance and misfeasance detailed in the Inspector General’s report reflects a clear abuse of the FISA process.
FISA is an essential tool for the protection of the safety of the American people. The Department of Justice and the FBI are committed to taking whatever steps are necessary to rectify the abuses that occurred and to ensure the integrity of the FISA process going forward.
No one is more dismayed about the handling of these FISA applications than Director Wray. I have full confidence in Director Wray and his team at the FBI, as well as the thousands of dedicated line agents who work tirelessly to protect our country. I thank the Director for the comprehensive set of proposed reforms he is announcing today, and I look forward to working with him to implement these and any other appropriate measures.
With respect to DOJ personnel discussed in the report, the Department will follow all appropriate processes and procedures, including as to any potential disciplinary action."
Social Media Influencer Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison after Plotting to Hijack Internet DomainRead the Press Release
A man who enlisted his cousin to break into a Cedar Rapids man’s home and order him at gunpoint to transfer an Internet domain was sentenced today to 14 years in federal prison.
Rossi Lorathio Adams II, age 27, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, also known as “Polo,” received the prison term after an April 18, 2019, jury verdict finding him guilty of one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by force, threats, and violence.
The evidence at trial showed that Adams founded the social media company “State Snaps” while a student at Iowa State University in 2015. State Snaps operates on a variety of social media platforms, including Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter. At one time, Adams had over a million followers on his social media sites, which mostly contained images and videos of young adults engaged in crude behavior, drunkenness, and nudity. In 2015, a Des Moines area television station aired a news segment in which Adams, who in the interview would only identify himself as “Polo,” was continuing to operate his social media sites despite the objections of Iowa State University administrators and the policies of the social media platforms.
Adams’ followers often used the slogan, “Do It For State!” Adams tried to purchase the Internet domain “doitforstate.com” from a Cedar Rapids resident who had registered the domain with GoDaddy.com. Between 2015 and 2017, Adams repeatedly tried to obtain “doitforstate.com”, but the owner of the domain would not sell it. Adams also threatened one of the domain owner’s friends with “gun emojis” after the friend used the domain to promote concerts.
In June 2017, Adams enlisted his cousin, Sherman Hopkins, Jr., to break into the domain owner’s home and force him at gunpoint to transfer doitforstate.com to Adams. Hopkins was a convicted felon who lived in a homeless shelter at the time.
On June 21, 2017, Adams drove Hopkins to the domain owner’s house and provided Hopkins with a demand note, which contained instructions for transferring the domain to Adams’ GoDaddy account. When Hopkins entered the victim’s home in Cedar Rapids, he was carrying a cellular telephone, a stolen gun, a taser, and he was wearing a hat, pantyhose on his head, and dark sunglasses on his face.
The victim was upstairs and heard Hopkins enter the home. From the top of a staircase, the victim saw Hopkins with the gun on the first floor. Hopkins shouted at the victim, who then ran into an upstairs bedroom and shut the door, leaning up against the door to stop Hopkins from entering.
Hopkins went upstairs, kicked the door open, grabbed the victim by the arm and demanded to know where he kept his computer. When the victim told Hopkins that he kept his computer in his home office, Hopkins forcibly moved the victim to the office. Hopkins ordered the victim to turn on his computer and connect to the Internet. Hopkins pulled out Adams’ demand note, which contained a series of directions on how to change an Internet domain name from the domain owner’s GoDaddy account to one of Adams’ GoDaddy accounts.
Hopkins put the firearm against the victim’s head and ordered him to follow the directions on the demand note. Hopkins then pistol whipped the victim several times in the head. Fearing for his life, the victim quickly turned to move the gun away from his head. The victim then managed to gain control of the gun, but during the struggle, he was shot in the leg. The victim shot Hopkins multiple times in the chest. He then contacted law enforcement.
Adams was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Adams was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make nearly $9,000 in restitution. Adams was also ordered to pay costs of prosecution in the amount of $3,957.45 and to repay the Court $22,000 in attorney fees. Adams had court-appointed counsel during trial, but the Court later discovered Adams was earning significant amounts of money while the case was pending. Adams must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see /media/1122011/dl?inline.
Adams is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy L. Vavricek and Matthew J. Cole and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-86-CJW.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Senegalese National Sentenced to Federal Prison after Impersonating Deceased U.S. Citizen for 31 yearsRead the Press Release
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey D. Hill (619) 546-7924
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – December 9, 2019
SAN DIEGO – Almamy Baba Ly was sentenced in federal court this morning to 30 months in prison for misusing the identity of a deceased American citizen for 31 years in order to obtain identification documents and thousands of dollars in federal, state and local government benefits.
U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia also ordered Ly, 63, to pay restitution of $88,551 to the U.S. Department of Education and the County of San Diego. Ly will likely be deported at the conclusion of his prison sentence.
Ly pleaded guilty on September 12, 2019, admitting that he assumed the identity of Lyle Lindsey in 1988. Lindsey, a native San Diegan and the son of a military veteran, died in a tragic automobile accident as a toddler in 1957. Ly admitted that he actually was born in Senegal in 1955, that he lacked any legal status in the United States, and that in 1988 he used an altered copy of Lindsey’s birth certificate to apply for a Social Security number and a California Identification Card and Driver’s License. Ly thereafter committed many crimes, including drug sales and robbery, and went to prison under Lyle Lindsey’s identity on multiple occasions. Ly also admitted that he used Lindsey’s identity to apply for and receive federal student loans and Pell Grants, and CalFresh/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits that he was not legally entitled to receive.
“I commend the work of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Hill and our law enforcement partners in stopping this decades-long fraud and bringing to justice a man who exploited the identity of an American citizen,” said United States Attorney Robert Brewer. “This prison sentence sends a message to those who commit fraud and identity theft: There will be consequences, and your crimes will not go unpunished.”
On behalf of the United States Border Patrol, San Diego Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Aaron M. Heitke said: “I am proud of the hard work and tenacity that has led to the conviction and now sentencing of this man, who has broken U.S. laws for over 30 years.”
In July 2019, U.S. Border Patrol agents served a search warrant and arrested Ly at his residence in La Mesa, California. During the search, agents seized a recently-issued Senegalese national identification card that revealed Ly’s true name and date of birth. The arrest and search warrant were the culmination of a lengthy investigation by the Border Patrol, with the assistance of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of State, and the United States Embassy and Homeland Security Investigations in Dakar, Senegal.
DEFENDANT Case Number 19-cr-2864-AJB
Almamy Baba Ly La Mesa, California.
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Unlawful Production of an Identification Document – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1028(a)(1)
Theft of Public Property – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 641
AGENCIES
United States Border Patrol – Sector Intelligence Unit / Chula Vista Station
United States Homeland Security Investigations
California Department of Motor Vehicles Investigations Division
Bureau of Public Assistance Investigations, County of San Diego
San Joaquin County Doctor Indicted for Prescribing Opioids to Patients Without a Medical NeedRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Dec. 5, a federal grand jury brought a 14-count indictment against a physician, Edmund Kemprud, of Dublin, charging him with prescribing opioids to patients outside the usual course of professional practice and not for legitimate medical purpose, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Kemprud was a physician licensed to practice medicine in California and maintained a medical practice in Dublin and Tracy. On 14 occasions between Sept. 6, 2018 and March 13, 2019, Kemprud allegedly prescribed highly addictive, commonly abused prescription drugs, including Hydrocodone, Alprazolam, and Oxycodone – outside the usual course of professional practice and not for legitimate medical purpose. The controlled substances affect the central nervous system and may only be prescribed when medically required. Kemprud was arrested today and pleaded not guilty at his arraignment.
U.S. Attorney Scott stated: “Diversion of drugs with a legitimate purpose to those who abuse them or sell to abusers is a costly and dangerous enterprise. Fortunately, with the cooperative efforts of our state and local partners, we have the ability to track powerful prescription drugs and find those who attempt to divert them. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has made it a top priority to prosecute those who engage in prescription drug diversion.”
“Doctors who violate their position of trust must be held accountable,” said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. “Prescription drug diversion and the resultant abuse has led to a public health crisis that affects communities and families across California and the nation. It takes all of us working together to combat this epidemic and heal our communities. Our office and special agents will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute bad actors. At the California Department of Justice, we stand ready to use the tools at our disposal to protect our communities.”
“Doctors take an oath to ‘first, do no harm.’ Prescribing powerful opiates without legitimate medical purpose violates that principle and the law. It places profits above patient welfare and the community suffers the consequences,” stated DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge William C. Fallin. “DEA and our counterparts will continue to work diligently to hold accountable those fueling the prescription drug crisis.”
“When doctors prescribe powerful and dangerous drugs for illegitimate purposes, the results can be deadly,” said Steven J. Ryan, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Working closely with our Federal and State law enforcement partners, we continue fighting to protect beneficiaries, government healthcare programs, and taxpayers picking up the bills.”
This case is the product of an investigation by the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse Drug Diversion Team, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Office of Inspector General for the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincenza Rabenn is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Kemprud faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison. Any sentence, however, would 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. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
San Diego Woman Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Federal Prison for Ponzi Scheme Run via Sham Commercial Real Estate InvestmentsRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A San Diego woman who ran a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme was sentenced today to 70 months in federal prison for deceiving investors by falsely claiming their money would be used to make short-term construction loans to other investors seeking to defer capital gains taxes through “1031 like-kind exchanges.”
Susan Margaret Werth, 58, was sentenced by United States District Judge James V. Selna, who ordered her to pay $6,290,510 in restitution to her victims.
Werth, who pleaded guilty on May 2 to one count of wire fraud, solicited millions of dollars from victims by falsely claiming their funds would be used to provide short-term construction loans to clients who were engaged in like-kind exchanges of commercial properties. She ran the Ponzi scheme out of two San Diego-based companies, Commercial Exchange Solutions, Inc. (CES) and Exchange Solutions Company, Inc. (ESC).
A 1031 like-kind exchange is a method of deferring the payment of capital gains taxes pursuant to section 1031 of the tax code in which a taxpayer sells an investment property and reinvests the proceeds to buy a like-kind investment property of equal or greater value.
Werth and others working at her direction falsely promised victims that their investments were risk-free and 100 percent guaranteed by CES’s “collateral account” at Wells Fargo. She lulled her victims by creating fictitious Wells Fargo bank statements to show that CES had an account with a balance of $7.2 million, as well as fabricating emails she claimed were from an employee of Wells Fargo Asset Management. Werth also falsely told investors that her companies were investing in properties that had been evaluated by the international valuation firm of Duff & Phelps.
In return for their short-term investments of 30 to 90 days, Werth promised victims a rate of return of at least 15 percent.
In reality, Werth knew the representations were false and fraudulent because she operated CES and ESC as a Ponzi scheme, in which the vast majority of its incoming revenue was comprised of victim-investor funds, which defendant Werth used to repay prior victim-investors, to pay her personal expenses, to withdraw cash, to repay investors’ principal, and to make fictitious profit payments to some investors.
The total loss resulting from Werth’s Ponzi scheme exceeded $6 million.
“[Werth’s] conduct affected honest citizens who entrusted [her] with significant amounts of money, some, their retirement funds and savings,” the prosecution wrote in its sentencing memorandum.
One victim lost two-thirds of his life savings to Werth and was forced – at age 72 – to seek employment in an attempt to recoup the money he lost. Another victim – a 62-year-old woman – planned to retire in the near future, but could not do so after losing more than $800,000 to Werth, according to court documents.
In December 2018, a default judgment was entered in a Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit against Werth in this matter.
The FBI investigated this matter.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Valerie L. Makarewicz of the Major Frauds Section.
Robert Dear Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for 2015 Planned Parenthood Clinic ShootingRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband and U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn for the District of Colorado announced today that a federal grand jury in Denver has returned a 68-count indictment charging Robert Lewis Dear Jr., 61, with crimes related to the Nov. 27, 2015, shooting at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where three people died, including a police officer. Eight others were wounded, including four police officers. Dear was taken into federal custody early this morning at the State Mental Hospital in Pueblo, Colorado. The defendant is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nina Y. Wang in Denver at 2:00 p.m. for an initial appearance, where he will be advised of his rights and the charges pending against him.
According to facts contained in the indictment, on Nov. 27, 2015, Dear traveled to the Planned Parenthood clinic intending to wage “war” because the clinic offered abortion services. Dear had with him four SKS rifles, five handguns, two additional rifles, a shotgun, more than 500 rounds of ammunition, as well as propane tanks. Dear first shot at people parked next to his truck, killing one and seriously injuring the other two. He then repeatedly shot at three additional people who were in various locations in front of the clinic, killing one and injuring another.
Dear then forced his way into the clinic by shooting through a door to the side of the main entrance. At the time, 27 healthcare providers, employees, patients, and companions were in the clinic and hid in various rooms until they were rescued by law enforcement. During his attack, Dear shot one of these civilians when a bullet he fired went through the wall and into the room where the individual was hiding.
After forcing his way into the clinic, Dear engaged in an approximately five-hour standoff with officials from several law enforcement and public safety agencies, including the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO), University of Colorado -- Colorado Springs Campus Police (UCCS), and the Colorado Springs Fire Department. Dear repeatedly shot at the firefighters and law enforcement officers, killing one officer and injuring four more.
The defendant fired approximately 198 bullets during the attack. Dear also placed a propane tank in the parking lot and when a law enforcement tactical vehicle was near the propane tank, Dear shot the tank in an attempt to create an explosion.
Dear was ultimately arrested and was subsequently charged in state court with first-degree murder. Subsequent court-ordered mental competency evaluations determined Dear was not competent to proceed at the time of those evaluations. He has remained in a state mental hospital in Pueblo, Colorado, since then.
Dear faces 65 counts of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (the FACE Act -- 18 USC 248(a)(1) and (b)) and three counts of use of a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death where the killing is a murder. If convicted, Dear faces a maximum penalty up to and including death. In the absence of death, he faces up to life imprisonment.
No decision has been made on whether to seek the death penalty in this case. The department will follow the usual rigorous protocol to thoroughly consider all factual and legal issues relevant to that decision, which will necessarily involve consultation with the counsel for the defendant. In addition, consultation with the victims’ families is an important part of this decision making process and no decision will be made before conferring with them. This investigation was led by the CSPD with the assistance of the FBI, ATF, EPSO, and the UCCS. The state prosecution was handled by the District Attorney for the 4th Judicial District, Dan May.
Dear is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Pegeen Rhyne and Rajiv Mohan along with Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Mary Hahn. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Robert Dear Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for 2015 Planned Parenthood Clinic ShootingRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn and Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband announced today that a federal grand jury in Denver has returned a 68-count indictment charging Robert Lewis Dear, Jr., age 61, with crimes related to the November 27, 2015, shooting at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs where three people died, including a police officer. Eight others were wounded, including four police officers. Dear was taken into federal custody early this morning at the State Mental Hospital in Pueblo, Colorado. The defendant is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nina Y. Wang in Denver at 2:00 p.m. for an initial appearance, where he will be advised of his rights and the charges pending against him.
According to facts contained in the indictment, on November 27, 2015, Robert Dear traveled to the Planned Parenthood clinic intending to wage “war” because the clinic offered abortion services. Dear had with him four SKS rifles, five handguns, two additional rifles, a shotgun, more than 500 rounds of ammunition, as well as propane tanks. Dear first shot at people parked next to his truck, killing one and seriously injuring the other two. He then repeatedly shot at three additional people who were in various locations in front of the clinic, killing one and injuring another.
Dear then forced his way into the clinic by shooting through a door to the side of the main entrance. At the time, twenty-seven healthcare providers, employees, patients, and companions were in the clinic and hid in various rooms until they were rescued by law enforcement. During his attack, Dear shot one of these civilians when a bullet he fired went through the wall and into the room where the individual was hiding.
After forcing his way into the clinic, Dear engaged in an approximately five-hour standoff with officials from several law enforcement and public safety agencies, including the Colorado Springs Police Department (“CSPD”), El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (“EPSO”), University of Colorado -- Colorado Springs Campus Police (“UCCS”), and the Colorado Springs Fire Department. Dear repeatedly shot at the firefighters and law enforcement officers, killing one officer and injuring four more.
The defendant fired approximately 198 bullets during the attack. Dear also placed a propane tank in the parking lot and when a law enforcement tactical vehicle was near the propane tank, Dear shot the tank in an attempt to create an explosion.
Dear was ultimately arrested and was subsequently charged in state court with first-degree murder. Subsequent court-ordered mental competency evaluations determined Dear was not competent to proceed at the time of those evaluations. He has remained in a state mental hospital in Pueblo, Colorado since then.
“The dozens of victims of this heinous act, as well as the Colorado Springs community itself, deserve justice,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “After four years of lengthy delays in state court, and in consultation with the 4th Judicial District Attorney and victims, this office made the decision to charge Mr. Dear.”
Dear faces 65 counts of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (the FACE Act -- 18 USC 248(a)(1) and (b)) and three counts of use of a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in death where the killing is a murder. If convicted, Dear faces a maximum penalty up to and including death. In the absence of death, he faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment.
No decision has been made on whether to seek the death penalty in this case. The Department will follow the usual rigorous protocol to thoroughly consider all factual and legal issues relevant to that decision, which will necessarily involve consultation with the counsel for the defendant. In addition, consultation with the victims’ families is an important part of this decision making process and no decision will be made before conferring with them.
This investigation was led by the Colorado Springs Police Department (“CSPD”) with the assistance of the FBI, ATF, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (“EPSO”), and the University of Colorado -- Colorado Springs Campus Police (“UCCS”). The state prosecution was handled by the District Attorney for the 4th Judicial District, Dan May.
Dear is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Pegeen Rhyne and Rajiv Mohan along with Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Mary Hahn. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Q&A Regarding Robert Dear Prosecution
Q: Why are the charges being filed now?
A: Given that the incident happened over 4 years ago, that the state case has failed to advance, the applicable 5 year statute of limitations under the FACE Act, and in consideration of the views of both the 4th Judicial District Attorney and victims, the decision was made to file charges now.
Q: Why has this case not yet gone to trial at the state level?
A: Since May of 2016, Dear has been deemed incompetent by the state District Court in El Paso County to decide whether he can represent himself, as he has requested.
Q: Where will Dear be held in federal custody?
A: Assuming that he is detained following his detention hearing, the U.S. Marshals will make that determination.
Q: Where was Dear being held prior to this?
A: He was being held at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo.
Q: How was he transferred into federal custody?
A: Federal agents took custody of Dear at the CMHIP on Dec. 9th and drove him to Denver, where he appeared in federal court.
Q: Why do the charges not include homicide, as was charged by the state?
A: Federal law does not have an applicable homicide offense.
Q: When were the victims informed that the DOJ was taking over the case?
A: They were told after Dear was arrested and before he made his initial appearance. A victim’s advocate in the USA’s office is in touch with them.
Q: What is happening to the state charges?
A: The state charges remain pending.
Retired CHP Officer from Redding Charged with Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment on December 5, against Timothy Allen Horwath, 50, of Redding, charging him with receipt of child pornography, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, between Feb. 25 and Oct. 10, Horwath knowingly received visual depictions of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Horwath was arrested today at his residence and made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison Claire.
This case is the product of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol’s Computer Crime Investigation Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Sacramento Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, a federally and state-funded task force managed by the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department with agents from federal, state, and local agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina McCall is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Horwath faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and restitution to the victims of the offense. Any sentence, however, would 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. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet safety education.
President and Chief Financial Officer of New Jersey Company Charged with $17 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The president and the chief financial officer of a now defunct New Jersey-based marble and granite wholesaler have been arrested for allegedly orchestrating and participating in a scheme to defraud a bank in connection with a $17 million secured line of credit, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Rajendra Kankariya, 61, of Tenafly, New Jersey, and Rakesh Sethi, 44, of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, are charged by complaint with one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution. Both defendants made their initial court appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court and were each released on $500,000 bonds secured by property.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From late 2015 to early 2016, Lotus Exim International Inc. (LEI) obtained from the victim bank a $17 million line of credit to discharge a prior debt and gain working capital. The line of credit was to be secured by LEI’s accounts receivable and assets. In reality, LEI’s accounts receivable and assets were insufficient to serve as collateral for the line.
In order to conceal the lack of sufficient collateral, LEI and its employees, including Kankariya and Sethi, devised a scheme to create fake email addresses on behalf of LEI’s customers so they could pose as those customers and answer the bank’s and outside auditor’s inquiries about the accounts receivables. The scheme involved numerous fraudulent accounts receivable where the outstanding balances were either inflated or entirely fabricated. The scheme caused the victim bank losses of approximately $17 million.
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss derived from the offense, whichever is greater.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, with the investigation leading to these charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense counsel:
Kankariya: Michael Baldassare Esq., Newark
Sethi: Danielle M. Corcione Esq., West Orange, New JerseyPhiladelphia Man Sentenced to a Decade in Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Philadelphia, Pa. has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 10 years (120 months) in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Kenneth Watts, 35.
According to information presented to the court, from March 6, 2018, through April 2, 2018, Watts and a co-defendant conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Mr. Brady commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Watts.
Paramedic Sentenced to Prison for Tampering with Fentanyl and Ketamine VialsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – COLIN ANDREW DAVIS, 34, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to six months in prison for tampering with fentanyl and ketamine vials while working as a paramedic for an emergency air evacuation company, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing.
On April 30, 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed an information that charged Davis with tampering with the labeling and container for consumer products in November 2017 in Weatherford, Oklahoma. According to the information, Davis removed fentanyl and ketamine from vials and replaced them with a sterile saline solution. As a result, patients undergoing emergency air evacuation could have received saline when medical professionals intended to administer fentanyl or ketamine. Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance in the opioid family; ketamine is a Schedule III analgesic often used in anaesthesia.
According to the government’s charges, Davis acted with reckless disregard for the risk that another person would be placed in danger of death or bodily injury and under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to that risk. In a court filing in anticipation of sentencing, the United States stated that a narcotics log showed medical professionals had administered fentanyl to three patients and ketamine to one patient before Davis admitted to his employer that he had tampered with the vials. The government also pointed out that a life flight had to be canceled because Davis was so confused and disoriented he was unable to perform his duties.
Today, U.S. District Judge Charles B. Goodwin sentenced Davis to six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
"When medical professionals tamper with pharmaceuticals, the risk of patient harm warrants criminal prosecution, particularly when the patients at issue are so badly injured they need emergency evacuation," said U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing. "I am thankful to the Food and Drug Administration for its partnership in addressing the opioid crisis."
"Patients deserve to have confidence that they are not only receiving the proper treatment from those entrusted with providing their medical care, but also that they are not being placed at an increased risk of harm," said Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Grinstead, of the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, Kansas City Field Office. "We will continue to protect the public health and bring to justice health care professionals who take advantage of their unique position and compromise their patients’ health and comfort by tampering with needed drugs."
This case was the result of an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacquelyn M. Hutzell prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Nora Springs Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who possessed child pornography pled guilty on December 6, 2019, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Aaron Olson, age 36, from Nora Springs, Iowa, was convicted of two counts of possession of child pornography, including depictions of prepubescent children. At the plea hearing, Olson admitted that, between 2017 and 2019, he knowingly possessed child pornography on a computer and a memory card.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Olson remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Olson faces a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, $10,200 in special assessments, and supervised release for 5 years to life following any imprisonment. In a plea agreement, Olson agreed to be sentenced to 40 years’ imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Nora Springs Police Department.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 19-2029.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Nigerian Citizen Extradited to Memphis in Connection with Prosecution of Africa-Based Cybercrime and Business Email Compromise ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Nigerian citizen residing in Accra, Ghana, has been extradited to Memphis to stand trial for an indictment charging him with wire fraud, money laundering, computer fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge M.A. Myers of the FBI’s Memphis Field Office made the announcement.
On Aug. 23, 2017, a federal grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee indicted Babatunde Martins, 64, and others with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit computer fraud and aggravated identity theft. Following his extradition, Martins’ initial appearance was made today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton for the Western District of Tennessee.
The indictment alleges that various Africa-based co-conspirators committed, or caused to be committed, a series of intrusions into the servers and email systems of a Memphis-based real estate company in June and July 2016. Using sophisticated anonymization techniques, including the use of spoofed email addresses and Virtual Private Networks, the co-conspirators identified large financial transactions, initiated fraudulent email correspondence with relevant business parties and then redirected closing funds through a network of U.S.-based money mules to final destinations in Africa. Commonly referred to as business-email compromise, or BEC, this aspect of the scheme caused hundreds of thousands in loss to companies and individuals in Memphis.
In addition to BEC, the defendant is also charged with perpetrating romance scams, fraudulent-check scams, gold-buying scams, advance-fee scams and credit card scams. The indictment alleges that the proceeds of these criminal activities, both money and goods, were shipped and/or transferred from the United States to locations in Africa through a complex network of both complicit and unwitting individuals that had been recruited through the various Internet scams. The defendant is specifically alleged to have owned and operated a company called Afriocean LTD that he used in furtherance of these crimes. The defendant, along with his co-conspirators, is believed to have caused millions in loss to victims across the globe.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Five other individuals have pleaded guilty to being involved in the scheme. Two others, Olufalojimi Abegunde, 33, and Javier Luis Ramos-Alonso, 30, were convicted in March after a seven-day trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Abegunde received a 78-month sentence and Ramos-Alonso received a 31-month sentence for their roles in the scheme. Several individuals remain at large.
The FBI led the investigation. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, as well as the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Accra, the FBI Transnational Organized Crime of the Eastern Hemisphere Section of the Criminal Investigative Division, the FBI’s Major Cyber Crimes Unit of the Cyber Division, and FBI’s International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center all provided significant support in this case, as did the U.S. Marshals Service, INTERPOL Washington, the INTERPOL Unit of the Ghana Police Service, the Republic of Ghana’s Office of Attorney General, and Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office.
Senior Trial Attorney Timothy C. Flowers of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra L. Ireland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs.
For more information or to view a list of aliases used by members of the conspiracy on dating websites and social media, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/victim-witness-program.
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Nigerian Citizen Extradited in Connection with Prosecution of Africa-Based Cybercrime and Business Email Compromise ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Nigerian citizen residing in Accra, Ghana, has been extradited to stand trial for an indictment charging him with wire fraud, money laundering, computer fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge M.A. Myers of the FBI’s Memphis Field Office made the announcement.
On Aug. 23, 2017, a federal grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee indicted Babatunde Martins, 64, and others with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit computer fraud and aggravated identity theft. Following his extradition, Martins’ initial appearance was made today before U.S. Magistrate Judge U.S. Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton for the Western District of Tennessee.
The indictment alleges that various Africa-based coconspirators committed, or caused to be committed, a series of intrusions into the servers and email systems of a Memphis-based real estate company in June and July 2016. Using sophisticated anonymization techniques, including the use of spoofed email addresses and Virtual Private Networks, the co-conspirators identified large financial transactions, initiated fraudulent email correspondence with relevant business parties and then redirected closing funds through a network of U.S.-based money mules to final destinations in Africa. Commonly referred to as business-email compromise, or BEC, this aspect of the scheme caused hundreds of thousands in loss to companies and individuals in Memphis.
In addition to BEC, the defendant is also charged with perpetrating romance scams, fraudulent-check scams, gold-buying scams, advance-fee scams and credit card scams. The indictment alleges that the proceeds of these criminal activities, both money and goods, were shipped and/or transferred from the United States to locations in Africa through a complex network of both complicit and unwitting individuals that had been recruited through the various Internet scams. The defendant is specifically alleged to have owned and operated a company called Afriocean LTD that he used in furtherance of these crimes. The defendant, along with his coconspirators, is believed to have caused millions in loss to victims across the globe.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Five other individuals have pleaded guilty to being involved in the scheme. Two others, Olufalojimi Abegunde, 33, and Javier Luis Ramos-Alonso, 30, were convicted in March after a seven-day trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Abegunde received a 78-month sentence and Ramos-Alonso received a 31-month sentence for their roles in the scheme. Several individuals remain at large.
The FBI led the investigation. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, as well as the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Accra, the FBI Transnational Organized Crime of the Eastern Hemisphere Section of the Criminal Investigative Division, the FBI’s Major Cyber Crimes Unit of the Cyber Division, and FBI’s International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center all provided significant support in this case, as did the U.S. Marshals Service, INTERPOL Washington, the INTERPOL Unit of the Ghana Police Service, the Republic of Ghana’s Office of Attorney General, and Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office.
Senior Trial Attorney Timothy C. Flowers of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra L. Ireland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs.
For more information or to view a list of aliases used by members of the conspiracy on dating websites and social media, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/victim-witness-program.
New York Man Sentenced to 72 Months’ Imprisonment for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that United States District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann sentenced Leonard Lewis, age 58, of New York City, New York, to 72 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release on December 5, 2019, for the production and distribution of obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children.
According to United States David J. Freed, Lewis created images depicting sexual acts by placing the image of a minor on photographed bodies of adult men engaged in sexual activity. He then sent these images to the minor along with marijuana, solicited the minor to take photographs of himself to send to Lewis, and attempted to entice the minor to travel to New York to have sex with Lewis.
The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Schinnour and Geoffrey MacArthur prosecuted the case
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
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Monongalia County man sentenced to more than 15 years for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Khareem Sampson, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 188 months incarceration for distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sampson, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in April 2019. Sampson admitted to distributing methamphetamine in July 2018 in Monongalia County.Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Monongalia County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Lemar Sheldon Conliffe, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 72 months incarceration for a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Conliffe, also known as “AB,” age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base” in April 2019. Conliffe admitted to working with another to sell cocaine base in April 2018 in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Mississippi man sentenced to more than 12 years for role in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kedric Pearson, of Waynesboro, Mississippi, was sentenced today to 148 months incarceration for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Pearson, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in April 2019. Pearson admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine in Harrison County and elsewhere from the fall of 2017 to September 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Marshall County man admits to firearms chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Demetrius Moore, of Benwood, West Virginia, has admitted to firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Moore, age 46, pled guilty to one count of “Prohibited Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” Moore, having previously been convicted for a felony, is accused of illegally having a 7.62 caliber rifle and a 9mm caliber pistol from July to August 2018 in Marshall County. The rifle was allegedly stolen.
Moore is facing up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. 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 David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.