Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Wednesday 4 December 2019
Credit Card Skimming in Kansas Sends Florida Man to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A Florida man who planted credit card skimming devices on ATMs in Kansas was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Carlos Alberto Campos Rojas, 29, Summerfield, Fla., pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud. In his plea, he 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.
Concord Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
CONCORD - David Weekly, 23, of Concord, pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 2, 2019, a Manchester police officer stopped a vehicle for not having its lights turned on. The officer approached the vehicle and recognized Weekly from previous contacts.
When Weekly opened the side window, the officer noted a strong smell of freshly burnt marijuana. The officer also noted a bulge in Weekly’s waistband and asked Weekly to step out of the vehicle. As soon as Weekly stepped out of the vehicle, Weekly admitted that he had a gun in his waist. The officer found a handgun and a loaded extended 31-round magazine in Weekly’s possession. Weekly is a felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The firearm had been reported stolen on August 23, 2018 in Manchester.
Weekly is scheduled to be sentenced on March 26, 2020.
“In order to reduce violent crime, it is vital to keep guns out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “To this end, federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms. In conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we will vigorously enforce this law by identifying and prosecuting criminals who use or possess firearms.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manchester Police Department. The case is being 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.
###
Citizen of Peru Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering U.S. after Being DeportedRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CESAR RUBEN YLLESCAS, 45, a citizen of Peru last residing in Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 10 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 1, 2014, Yllescas was arrested by Hartford Police for possession of narcotics. On December 21, 2015, he pleaded guilty in state court to the drug offense and to a charge of failing to appear for a related court appearance. Yllescas served approximately six months of imprisonment and was removed to Peru in June 2016.
Yllescas was arrested on May 8, 2019, in Hartford, and has been detained since his arrest. On September 11, he pleaded guilty to illegal reentry.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.
Chicago Man Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Prison for Shooting ATF AgentRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal judge today sentenced a Chicago man to more than 16 years in prison for shooting an agent from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
ERNESTO GODINEZ shot the agent on May 4, 2018, in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago. At the time of the early morning shooting, the agent and several law enforcement officers were conducting a covert investigation in the 4300 block of South Hermitage Avenue. The agent was wounded in the head but survived.
A federal jury earlier this year convicted Godinez, 29, of both counts against him, including one count of assault of a federal officer, and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge Harry D. Leinenweber imposed a sentence of 16 years and eight months in prison.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Timothy Jones, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of ATF. Substantial assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Illinois State Police.
“The depravity of the defendant’s crime is remarkable,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kavitha J. Babu and Nicholas J. Eichenseer argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “This was indiscriminate, deadly violence by a recidivist shooter. It is critical that assaults on law enforcement be met with serious punishment.”
“The primary goal of our violent crime prosecutions is to ensure public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “To that end, we will continue to aggressively prosecute repeat violent offenders like Defendant Godinez in order to hold them accountable for their reprehensible conduct and to deter others from committing similar crimes. I commend the AUSAs, agents, and officers involved in this case for their outstanding work to seek justice. Our office will continue to use every available federal law enforcement tool to investigate, prosecute, and seek stiff prison sentences for those offenders who illegally use, possess, or transfer firearms.”
“This experience emboldens us to continue in our efforts to reduce gun violence in the city of Chicago,” said ATF SAC Jones. “We stand together with the families of all victims of violence in our city as they seek the closure we found today. We commit all of ATF’s resources to investigate violent crimes in partnership with the Chicago Police Department to ensure that offenders are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Chicago Man Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Federal Prison for Shooting ATF AgentRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal judge today sentenced a Chicago man to more than 16 years in prison for shooting an agent from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
ERNESTO GODINEZ shot the agent on May 4, 2018, in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago. At the time of the early morning shooting, the agent and several law enforcement officers were conducting a covert investigation in the 4300 block of South Hermitage Avenue. The agent was wounded in the head but survived.
A federal jury earlier this year convicted Godinez, 29, of both counts against him, including one count of assault of a federal officer, and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge Harry D. Leinenweber imposed a sentence of 16 years and eight months in prison.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Timothy Jones, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of ATF. Substantial assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Illinois State Police.
“The depravity of the defendant’s crime is remarkable,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kavitha J. Babu and Nicholas J. Eichenseer argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “This was indiscriminate, deadly violence by a recidivist shooter. It is critical that assaults on law enforcement be met with serious punishment.”
“The primary goal of our violent crime prosecutions is to ensure public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “To that end, we will continue to aggressively prosecute repeat violent offenders like Defendant Godinez in order to hold them accountable for their reprehensible conduct and to deter others from committing similar crimes. I commend the AUSAs, agents, and officers involved in this case for their outstanding work to seek justice. Our office will continue to use every available federal law enforcement tool to investigate, prosecute, and seek stiff prison sentences for those offenders who illegally use, possess, or transfer firearms.”
“This experience emboldens us to continue in our efforts to reduce gun violence in the city of Chicago,” said ATF SAC Jones. “We stand together with the families of all victims of violence in our city as they seek the closure we found today. We commit all of ATF’s resources to investigate violent crimes in partnership with the Chicago Police Department to ensure that offenders are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Camden County Man Charged with Being Felon in Possession of Weapon, Unlawfully Possessing Fake Law Enforcement CredentialsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County, New Jersey, man previously convicted of multiple felony offenses, including robbery, burglary, and aggravated assault, was indicted today for unlawful possession of a handgun and possessing fake law enforcement officer credentials, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Warren E. Shelton, 53, of Chesilhurst, New Jersey, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of imitation badges, identification cards, and other insignia prescribed for use by officers of a department or agency of the United States, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He will be arraigned at a later date.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Law enforcement authorities learned Shelton had designed and acquired counterfeit Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service (FPS), credentials and business identification cards, falsely representing that he was employed as a special agent with FPS.
During a court-authorized search of Shelton’s home in May 2018, investigators located and seized counterfeit FPS credentials, business identification cards, and a badge falsely representing that Shelton was employed as a special agent and authorized to carry a weapon and enforce federal laws. They also located a Colt .45 caliber handgun and ammunition along with two blank guns that resembled real firearms. As a previously convicted felon, Shelton is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Shelton was charged by criminal complaint on May 7, 2018 with being a felon in possession of a firearm and has been detained since.
Shelton faces a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearm offense. He also faces up to six months in prison and fine of up to $5,000 for possession of the counterfeit FPS credentials and badge.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Inspector General (OIG), under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Karen Jordan; special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Services (FPS), under the direction of Supervisory Special Agent Anthony Fuscellaro; special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael; special agents of the U.S. Secret Service, Philadelphia Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James Henry; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson; and the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Wysocki.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel J. Vidoni of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense counsel: Thomas Young Esq., Camden
California Woman Sentenced on Drug and Money Laundering ChargesRead 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 Sonia Hernandez, 44, of Norwalk, CA, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, and money laundering conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 72 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who handled the case, stated that in November 2007, the defendant was hired by a staffing agency in Los Angeles, CA, owned by co-defendant Herman Aguirre. In 2011, Aguirre closed most of the legitimate business operations but retained the defendant to work for him. Operations continued out of a warehouse in Montebello, CA, and Hernandez continued to provide secretarial support for the business. At some point between 2011 and 2013, the business transitioned to the illegal trafficking of narcotics and the defendant continued to assist Aguirre in that venture. From January 2013 to September 2015, Hernandez sold quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin.
In furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy, the defendant on two occasions transported shipments of cocaine and heroin to the Western District of New York. On May 23-26, 2014, Hernandez drove in a rental vehicle with co-defendant Martha Aguirre from Los Angeles to Buffalo. Eight kilograms of cocaine were hidden inside the rental vehicle. Additionally, on June 21, 2014, a Nebraska State Patrol officer stopped the defendant while she was driving a rental car on Interstate 80 in Seward County, Nebraska. Inside the rental vehicle were seven kilograms of cocaine and 10 kilograms of heroin. All 17 kilograms were destined for the Western District of New York to be distributed.
In addition, Herman Aguirre used “front” companies to launder over $12,000,000 in drug proceeds from Buffalo to Los Angeles, including Triton Foods, Inc. and Kamora Investment Enterprises, Inc., which were located in the State of California. Another fictitious company, Corral Seafoods, LLC, registered in the State of New York, was allegedly located in Cheektowaga, NY, but proved to be completely fake. Defendant Hernandez created fake invoices for the sale of sea cucumbers by these companies to the Western District of New York. Those invoices were intended to conceal the true source of these assets, which were the sale of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. The defendant also admitted to receiving cash totaling $1,997,174.07 that had been withdrawn from banks in the Central District of California and to providing that currency to Herman Aguirre for purposes of facilitating the unlawful activities organization.
On May 10, 2016, while under oath and testifying in a proceeding before a Federal Grand Jury, Hernandez made false material declarations regarding her participation in this conspiracy. The defendant falsely claimed before the Grand Jury that she had no knowledge of any drugs in the rental vehicles driven to the Western District of New York.
Hernandez is one of 17 defendants convicted in this case.
Sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special-Agent-in Charge Kevin Kelly; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Jonathan Larson; the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Voutour; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Steven Preisch; the Montebello, California Police Department; the Nebraska State Patrol; and the DEA, Los Angeles.
# # # #
California Man Guilty of Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Saul Carrasco, age 35, of Simi Valley, California, pleaded guilty on December 3, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Carrasco admitted to participating in the conspiracy during July through November 2018. Carrasco also admitted that he agreed with others to transport the heroin from California to Carbon County, Pennsylvania. A kilogram of heroin is approximately equivalent to 40,000 retail bags of heroin.
Judge Mannion ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
Carrasco was indicted by a grand jury in November 2018, as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offenses is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. There is also a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
# # #
Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Demarcus Davis, age 26, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 75 months in federal prison following his conviction of possessing a firearm by a convicted felon. The Court further sentenced Davis to 3 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the firearm involved be forfeited.
According to admissions made as part of the guilty plea, on August 18, 2018, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office was conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Highway 42. Davis’ vehicle was swerving as it entered the screening line, almost striking a metal guard rail, and Davis was seen reaching toward the floorboard upon entering the screening line.
Davis’ speech was rambling, his hands were shaking, and his travel plans did not make sense. Detectives observed a pineapple Fanta soft drink in the console that appeared to contain a controlled substance. Davis did not have a driver's license and admitted to being on probation for possession of codeine syrup.
After Davis provided verbal consent to search the vehicle, deputies noticed a plastic panel on the driver-side, lower-middle console that appeared to be broken or loose. Upon removing the plastic piece, a loaded FN, Model Five-Seven, 5.7mm handgun was located.
Prior to possessing the firearm, Davis was convicted in East Baton Rouge Parish in March 2017 of possession of codeine and November 2014 of simple robbery.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This conviction and sentence is the result of keen law enforcement and prosecution to ensure our district is free from convicted felons who illegally possess firearms. I want to thank our prosecutor, the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the ATF for their excellent work in removing this defendant from the streets of Livingston Parish.”
Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard stated, “I am proud of those at the LPSO and those in our LPSO Narcotics Division. Experience helped to break this case. The working relationship we have with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office helped to make a solid case for prosecution.’
This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with substantial assistance from the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Morris.
Batavia Man Pleads Guilty to EnticementRead 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 Guillermo Torres-Acevedo, 23, of Batavia, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to enticing a minor to travel to engage in criminal sexual activity. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan A. Tokash, who is handling the case, stated that on November 25, 2018, the defendant, then a 22 year old man, had sexual relations with Victim 1, a 14 year old girl. Torres-Acevedo was arrested the following day for, among other charges, rape in violation of New York Penal Law.
Following his arrest, the defendant persuaded Victim 1 to travel with him out of state to continue their relationship. On November 29, 2018, Torres-Acevedo picked up Victim 1 from school in Genesee County, NY, and drove her to Pennsylvania, where they had sexual intercourse. Under Pennsylvania law, that constituted the crime of statutory sexual assault.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr.; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton; the Pennsylvania State Police, under the direction of Commissioner Lieutenant Colonel Robert Evanchick; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 13, 2020, before Judge Geraci.# # # #
Antioch Man Sentenced to 41 Months for Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – David Leigh Cook was sentenced today to 41 months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable James Donato, U.S. District Judge.
Cook, 51, of Antioch, Calif., pleaded guilty to the charge on July 17, 2019. According to the plea agreement, Cook admitted that at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday, February 3, 2019, he was in possession of a firearm and ammunition in Antioch, Calif., when he became involved in a dispute with another person. The dispute escalated, and the defendant fired his gun at the other man, striking him at least once. The defendant walked away, returned to his vehicle, and drove off. The defendant was arrested the next day. At the time of his arrest, the defendant did not possess a firearm; the firearm used in the Super Bowl Sunday shooting has never been recovered. The defendant acknowledged that at the time of the Super Bowl Sunday shooting, he knew he previously had been convicted of felonies in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014, and therefore was not eligible to possess a firearm or ammunition.
A federal grand jury indicted Cook on April 11, 2019. He was charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).
The investigation began when emergency medical personnel responded to the scene of the Super Bowl Sunday shooting and rendered emergency medical treatment to stem the victim’s life-threatening blood loss. Emergency medical personnel and responding law enforcement officers observed spent ammunition casings in close proximity to the victim’s location.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Donato sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release. After today’s sentencing hearing, the defendant was returned to state custody where he faces additional charges.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan U. Lee is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Jessica Rodriguez Gonzalez and Kathleen Turner. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Antioch Police Department.
Agencies throughout the Southern District awarded grants from U.S. Department of JusticeRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A series of grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice will fund a broad variety of crime-fighting initiatives in communities across the Southern District of Georgia.
Part of more than $376 million in nationwide grants from the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the grants range from $11,013 for the city of Hinesville, Ga., to a $399,998 grant to Chatham County, Ga., Altogether, eight grants to six agencies or government entities in the Southern District total more than $634,176, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
“Crime and violence hold families, friends and neighborhoods hostage, and they rip communities apart,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These programs help restore the health and safety of crime-ravaged communities by supporting prevention activities, aiding in the apprehension and prosecution of perpetrators, facilitating appropriate sentencing and adjudication, and providing communities and their residents the means for recovery and healing.”
“These grants represent a significant boost to our law enforcement partners throughout the Southern District,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Whether large or small, this additional funding will provide a wide range of assistance for continuing efforts to improve safety and security in our communities.”
Those receiving awards include:
- Chatham County, receiving a $399,998 grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to improve responses and outcomes for individuals with mental illnesses or substance abuse who come in contact with the justice system;
- The city of Savannah, receiving a $111,462 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on local needs and conditions;
- Augusta-Richmond County, receiving a $31,826 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on local needs and conditions; and, a $19,400 grant from the Bureau of Justice Statistics to assist in transitioning crime statistic reporting to the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS);
- The city of Hinesville, receiving an $18,000 grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to support the implementation of body-worn cameras for police officers, and an $11,013 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on local needs and conditions;
- The city of Hazlehurst, receiving a $26,000 grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to support the implementation of body-worn cameras for police officers; and,
- Glynn County, receiving a $16,477 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on local needs and conditions.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training and technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
10 Individuals Charged with Social Security Fraud in Operation Dead RingerRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the filing of federal charges against 10 individuals in Operation Dead Ringer. The individuals are charged in 10 separate cases with cumulatively stealing more than $500,000 by collecting benefits from the Social Security Administration on behalf of beneficiaries who were actually deceased. The maximum penalty for stealing federal benefits is 10 years in federal prison per count.
Those charged include:
Shayontay Johnson (32, Belleair) was charged with theft of government funds. According to her plea agreement, from February 2016 through July 2018, Johnson fraudulently collected more than $22,300 of her mother’s Social Security benefits following her mother’s death on February 6, 2016.
Robert Miller (53, Valrico) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from December 2009 through June 2019, Miller fraudulently collected approximately $75,000 of his mother’s Social Security benefits following her death in December 2009.
Santos Flores (62, Lakeland) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from August 2013 through June 2019, Flores fraudulently collected approximately $82,900 of his sister’s Social Security benefits after her death in August 2013.
Susan Hatfield (45, Brooksville) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from May 2013 through May 2019, Hatfield fraudulently collected approximately $61,000 of her father’s Social Security benefits after his death in May 2013.
Peggy Etheridge (56, Brooksville) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from January 2015 through June 2019, Etheridge fraudulently collected approximately $49,000 of her mother’s Social Security benefits after her mother had died in December 2014.
Dina Salem (64, Tampa) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from August 2013 through February 2017, Salem fraudulently collected approximately $59,500 of her former partner’s Social Security benefits after his death in August 2013.
Deborah Leonhardt (60, Sebastian) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from October 2013 through April 2019, Leonhardt fraudulently collected approximately $82,000 of her partner’s Social Security benefits after his death in October 2013.
Sondra Luke (45, Cocoa) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from August 2013 through March 2019, Luke fraudulently collected approximately $83,000 of her mother’s Social Security benefits after her death in August 2013.
Alex Keith (34, Ormond Beach) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from December 2014 though May 2019, Keith fraudulently collected approximately $50,800 of his mother’s Social Security benefits after her death in December 2014.
James Heide (37, Summerfield) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from November 2013 through July 2019, Heide fraudulently collected approximately $84,900 of his mother’s Social Security benefits after her death in November 2013.
Operation Dead Ringer, initiated in the Middle District of Florida, aggressively targets those individuals who steal Social Security benefits inadvertently paid to deceased beneficiaries.
“Theft of government program dollars will not be tolerated,” said United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “Those who steal Social Security benefits threaten the integrity of the program and divert vital resources away from those who have earned them and need them most.”
“We will continue to work closely with the Social Security Administration and other agencies to identify beneficiary deaths and pursue those who misuse those payments after someone dies,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “I want to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for its support of our investigations and its efforts to bring these individuals to justice and recover funds for Social Security.”
The cases are being investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from other federal and local law enforcement agencies. Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler is coordinating the Operation. She, along with Assistant United States Attorney Michael Felicetta, will be prosecuting the above cases.
An information and an indictment are merely formal charges that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
Tuesday 3 December 2019
“SCO” Gang Member Pleads Guilty in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of the Pittsburgh area pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of narcotics trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Rand Wolford, 31, formerly of Braddock PA, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised 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. Wolford and other individuals were identified as members or associates of a neighborhood based street gang, self-titled "SCO", which illegally distributed controlled substances in the Greater Pittsburgh Region. In January of 2019, investigators obtained authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through May of 2019.
As to Wolford, the Court was informed that intercepted communications confirmed that Wolford was conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute controlled substances. Wolford admitted, in conjunction with his guilty plea, that he is a member of "SCO." The Court was further informed that in conjunction with intercepted communications, law enforcement observed Wolford meeting with other members of the conspiracy at a location in Braddock where members of the conspiracy processed cocaine into cocaine base. Wolford accepted responsibility for obtaining multiple ounce quantities of cocaine base that he then distributed.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Wolford on April 30, 2020, at 10:00 AM. As to Wolford, the law provides for a sentence of not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Wolford remains detained pending sentencing.
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.
Ymer Shahini Sentenced to 18 Months in Connection with Scheme to Defraud Investors and ShareholdersRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that YMER SHAHINI was sentenced to 18 months in prison by United States District Judge P. Kevin Castel in connection with his role in a scheme to defraud shareholders of a publicly traded company and the investing public. SHAHINI pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud on September 10, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Ymer Shahini played a strategic role in a multimillion-dollar fraud. He wittingly and willingly served as a straw man to conceal beneficial ownership of stock, which facilitated a fraudulent scheme that reaped tens of millions in illegal profits. Now Shahini has been sentenced to prison for his role in this massive fraud.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment:
From 2009 to 2011, YMER SHAHINI, along with co-defendants Jason Galanis, John Galanis, Derek Galanis, Gary Hirst, and Gavin Hamels, engaged in a scheme to defraud the shareholders of a publicly traded company called Gerova Financial Group, Ltd. (“Gerova”), and the investing public, by obtaining secret control over millions of shares of Gerova stock and then manipulating the market for the stock as the defendants caused their secretly held shares to be sold. As part of the scheme, the defendants fraudulently generated demand for Gerova stock by bribing investment advisers to purchase for client accounts the Gerova stock that was sold by the defendants, thereby enabling the defendants to cash out from the scheme and make millions in illegal profits.
As a part of the scheme to defraud, Jason Galanis obtained such control over Gerova so as to be able to cause Gerova to enter into transactions of his design, and for his benefit, including the issuance of Gerova stock. Jason Galanis obtained this control without identifying himself as an officer or director of Gerova to avoid the SEC-imposed bar that prohibited him from holding such positions at publicly traded companies. Among other means and methods, Jason Galanis, with the assistance of Gary Hirst, caused more than 5,000,000 shares of Gerova stock, which represented nearly half the company’s public float and which were intended for Jason Galanis’s ultimate benefit, to be issued to and held in the name of YMER SHAHINI, who knowingly served as a foreign nominee for Jason Galanis. SHAHINI, Jason Galanis, John Galanis, Derek Galanis, and Hirst understood that the purpose of the stock grant to SHAHINI was to disguise Jason Galanis’s ownership interest in the stock, and to evade the SEC’s regulations for issuing unregistered shares of stock.
At the same time, and as a further part of the scheme to defraud, John Galanis and Derek Galanis, among others, with the knowledge and approval of YMER SHAHINI and Jason Galanis, opened and managed brokerage accounts in the name of SHAHINI (the “SHAHINI Accounts”), effected the sale of Gerova stock from the SHAHINI Accounts, and received and concealed the proceeds, knowing that this activity was designed to conceal from the investing public Jason Galanis’s ownership of and control over the Gerova stock.
Jason Galanis also fraudulently induced investment advisers, including Gavin Hamels and others, to purchase shares of Gerova stock in the investment advisers’ client accounts by offering compensation and/or other benefits to the respective investment adviser. By causing the purchase of Gerova stock at the time, quantity, and/or price of their choosing, Jason Galanis was able to, among other things, effectuate the sale of large quantities of Gerova stock from the SHAHINI Accounts that Jason Galanis controlled, while artificially maintaining the price of Gerova stock through coordinated match trading. Such coordinated trading served to manipulate the market for Gerova stock and deceive the investing public. As a result, Jason Galanis and his co-conspirators reaped nearly $20 million in profits.
* * *
SHAHINI, 49, a citizen of Kosovo, was the first defendant extradited to the United States pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States and the Republic of Kosovo, which went into effect on June 13, 2019. In addition to his term of imprisonment, SHAHINI was sentenced to two years of supervised release, and was ordered to forfeit $310,000.
Mr. Berman praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for its assistance.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Blais and Rebecca Mermelstein are in charge of the prosecution.
Wabasha County Brothers Sentenced to Prison for Violent Home Invasion Robberies, One Resulting in Victim’s DeathRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of LENNIE DWAYNE BROOKS, 34, RANDY LORENZO BROOKS, 24, and AUTUMN MARIE NICHOLS, 21, to prison for their roles in a string of violent home invasion robberies. Senior Judge David S. Doty sentenced LENNIE BROOKS to 365 months in prison, RANDY BROOKS to 240 months in prison, and NICHOLS to 120 months in prison. On November 5, 2019, co-defendant ESPERANZA CARDENAS, 30, was sentenced to 50 months in prison.
United States Attorney Erica MacDonald stated, “Lennie and Randy Brooks carefully planned and carried out multiple violent home invasion robberies, one resulting in the death of a victim. Although nothing can replace the lost sense of safety and security of one’s home or the loss of a loved one, today’s sentencings offer some measure of justice for the victims.”
“After more than a year of investigation and court proceedings, the Brooks brothers’ victims have justice,” said Special Agent in Charge William Terry Henderson, of the ATF Saint Paul Field Division. “ATF has worked closely with the victims in this case to provide status updates, resources, and support to help recover from the traumatic experiences resulting from the brothers’ violent crime spree. No one deserves what these people went through, and our hope is that peace can be found in the finality of this sentencing. We are grateful to our many law enforcement partners whose efforts led to the apprehension of those responsible for these crimes and ultimately for the success of this case.”
According to the defendants’ guilty pleas and documents filed in court, LENNIE and RANDY BROOKS, on three separate occasions that are chargeable under the Hobbs Act, committed violent home invasion robberies and, in one incident, caused the death of a robbery victim. On October 6, 2018, LENNIE and RANDY BROOKS broke into a private residence located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota while NICHOLS waited in the getaway car. RANDY BROOKS held two victims at gunpoint while LENNIE BROOKS searched the house for money and valuables. During that time, one of the victims went into cardiac arrest, however neither defendant called for medical help nor did they allow the second victim to call for help. The defendants stole approximately $50,000 in cash, which was the business proceeds of the Shuang Hur Asian Markets located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. The defendants admitted that the victim who went into cardiac arrest died as a direct result of the home invasion.
On September 23, 2018, LENNIE and RANDY BROOKS broke into a private residence located in Ellendale, Minnesota while CARDENAS waited in the getaway car. RANDY BROOKS held two victims at gunpoint while LENNIE BROOKS searched the house for money and valuables. The defendants stole approximately $40,000 in cash, which was the business proceeds of the Holland Auction Company located in Ellendale, Minnesota.
On August 16, 2018, LENNIE and RANDY BROOKS broke into a private residence located in Waite Park, Minnesota. RANDY BROOKS held two victims at gunpoint while LENNIE BROOKS searched the house for money and valuables. The defendants stole approximately $180,000 in jewelry and gemstones, which belonged to Trisko Jewelry located in Waite Park, Minnesota.
The Hobbs Act, passed by Congress in 1946, prohibits actual or attempted robbery affecting interstate or foreign commerce “in any way or degree.”
This case was the result of a multi-jurisdictional investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), Eden Prairie Police Department, Steele County Sheriff’s Office, Woodbury Police Department, Cottage Grove Police Department, St. Paul Police Department, Minneapolis Police Department, Winona Police Department, Wabasha Police Department, Prior Lake Police Department, Southeast Minnesota Violent Crime Enforcement Team, St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Olmstead County Sheriff’s Office, Winona County Sheriff’s Office, Waite Park Police Department, Owatonna Police Department, Nisswa Police Department, Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office, Red Wing Police Department, Mason City Police Department, Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, and the Albert Lea Police Department. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), an initiative that brings together federal, state and local law enforcement to combat violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey S. Paulsen prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
LENNIE DWAYNE BROOKS, 34
Zumbro Falls, Minn.
Convicted:
- Aiding and abetting interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), 3 counts
Sentenced:
- 365 months in prison
- Three years of supervised release
- $288,483.72 in restitution to victims
RANDY LORENZO BROOKS, 24
Wabasha, Minn.
Convicted:
- Aiding and abetting interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), 3 counts
Sentenced:
- 240 months in prison
- Three years of supervised release
- $288,483.72 in restitution to victims
AUTUMN MARIE NICHOLS, 21
St. Paul, Minn.
Convicted:
- Aiding and abetting interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), 1 count
Sentenced:
- 120 months in prison
- Three years of supervised release
- $50,000 in restitution to victims
ESPERANZA CARDENAS, 30
Conger, Minn.
Convicted:
- Aiding and abetting interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act), 1 count
Sentenced:
- 50 months in prison
- Three years of supervised release
- $238,483.72 in restitution to victims
###
Additional news available on our website.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst Announces Significant Progress in Making our Communities Safer through Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Two years ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the department’s violent crime reduction strategy. 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.
Throughout the past two years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. According to FBI’s Uniform Crime Report released this week, the violent crime rate nationally decreased for the second consecutive year, down 3.9 percent from the 2017 numbers.
“The revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods program is a major success,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “It packs a powerful punch by combining advanced data with local leadership, further reducing violence in communities across the country and improving overall public safety. U.S. Attorneys continue to focus their enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals and work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal police. The Justice Department’s relationships across the board have never been stronger.”
“We have been successful this past year because of the hard work of our prosecutors and staff, and the strong partnerships and trust we have developed among our law enforcement, our citizens, and our communities. Under Project EJECT, we have removed violent criminals from our communities, taken illegal guns off our streets, educated our young people, empowered our citizens, and helped offenders reenter society. We are committed to continuing this good work, protecting the public, supporting our law enforcement, and making our neighborhoods safer for everyone,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
For Fiscal Year 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi was ranked the top medium-sized office in the country for number of indictments, outpacing the other 24 medium-sized U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the nation. That is an outstanding improvement in just three years, where the Southern District was ranked 19 out of 25 medium-sized districts in Fiscal Year 2016. Since FY16, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has almost tripled the number of federal criminal indictments throughout the Southern District of Mississippi, charging more defendants with federal crimes than has ever been charged before in the history of the State of Mississippi.
In December 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Project EJECT was recognized and awarded Outstanding Overall Partnership/Task Force by the U.S. Department of Justice among all 94 U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the entire country. [link]
As we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, here are some of the highlights of our PSN actions over the past year:
Enforcement Actions
In Fiscal Year 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office began its second year of Project EJECT in the City of Jackson, and expanded Project EJECT into other areas of the Southern District, including Hattiesburg, Meridian, Natchez and Moss Point.
For the first time in its history, the U.S. Attorney’s Office assigned a full-time federal prosecutor to each of these areas with responsibility to carry out Project EJECT and reduce violent crime.
I. City of Jackson
- 88 individuals indicted for federal crimes
- 77% of them detained awaiting trial
- 85 illegal guns taken off the streets
Significant Cases
- Illegal Alien Who Shot Unarmed Individual in Convenience Store Found Guilty by Federal Jury of Illegally Possessing Firearm [link]
- Felon Who Almost Ran Over Police Officer Sentenced to 16 Years for Illegally Possessing Firearm [link]
- Carjacker Who Held Woman at Gunpoint Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Prison [link]
- Armed Career Criminal, with Prior Convictions for Armed Robbery and Selling Crack Cocaine Near School Multiple Times, Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison [link]
- Jackson Murder Suspect Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Carjacking and Discharging a Firearm During the Crime While on Bond by Local Judge [link]
- Jackson Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of Local Business [link]
- Jackson Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of Dollar General Store, Including Multiple Shoppers and Employees [link]
- Jackson Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Armed Carjacking Using Military Style Rifle [link]
- Georgia Man Sentenced to Almost 30 Years in Federal Prison for Carjacking and Multiple Robberies [link]
II. City of Hattiesburg
- Expanded Project EJECT to City of Hattiesburg on February 5, 2019 [link]
- 19 individuals indicted for federal crimes
- 40 illegal guns taken off the streets
Significant Cases
- Hattiesburg Man with Multiple Felony Convictions in High Speed Car Chase Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing Firearm [link]
- Hattiesburg Man Previously Convicted of Armey Robbery Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing Firearm [link]
III. City of Meridian
- Expanded Project EJECT to City of Meridian on February 26, 2019 [link]
- 10 individuals indicted for federal crimes
- 54 illegal guns taken off the streets
Significant Cases
- Meridian Man with Multiple Prior Felony Convictions Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Five Illegal Firearms [link]
IV. City of Natchez
- Expanded Project EJECT to City of Natchez on February 27, 2019 [link]
- 6 individuals indicted for federal crimes
- 8 illegal guns taken off the streets
Significant Cases
- Natchez Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Stealing a Firearm from a Licensed Firearms Dealer [link]
- Natchez Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Receiving a Firearm While Under Felony Indictment
V. City of Moss Point
- Expanded Project EJECT to City of Moss Point on February 21, 2019 [link]
Significant Cases
- Moss Point Man Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun and Methamphetamine Trafficking [link]
- Moss Point Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Charges
- Jackson County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Firearm by a Felon [link]
- Moss Point Man Sentenced to Over 5 years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearm
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Project EJECT is not only focused on prosecutions, but also prevention, reentry and awareness. Throughout the year, our office has participated with our communities, our law enforcement, our schools, our faith-based organizations, and many others in the following activities:
Prevention
- Presentation of the L.E.A.D. Program to Kids and Adults in Meridian [link]
- AUSA Trains Kids on L.E.A.D. Program at Boys and Girls Clubs in Jackson [link]
- AUSA Presents L.E.A.D. Program to Adams County Sheriff’s Youth Group [link]
- AUSAs Sponsor High School Mock Trial Team in Jackson [link]
- AUSAs Present L.E.A.D. Program to Osceola McCarty Youth Development Summer Camp and the Hattiesburg Parks and Summer Camp at N.R. Burger Middle School
- L.E.A.D. Program presented by AUSAs at Hattiesburg YMCA Summer Camp and the Hattiesburg Police Department P.A.L.S. program
Reentry
- United States Attorney’s Office Hosts Re-entry Services Fair in Meridian [link]
- United States Attorney’s Office to Host Re-entry Services Fair in Jackson [link]
- United States Attorney’s Office to Host Re-entry Services and Jobs Fair in Natchez [link]
- U.S. Attorney Participates in MDOC Second Annual Reentry Symposium [link]
Awareness
- Training Recruits with Jackson Police Department on Federal Crimes [link]
- U.S. Attorney’s Office Attends Coffee with a Copy in Hattiesburg [link]
- Project EJECT Awards to Law Enforcement, Community, Local Heroes [link]
- Public Awareness Campaign with Billboards Placed Around Southern District of Mississippi
Project EJECT is an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
U.S. Attorney DeVillers announces management teamRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, today announced the following appointments to his executive and supervisory staff.
Vipal J. Patel will continue as First Assistant U.S. Attorney. This position is the number two position in the U.S. Attorney's Office and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the office. Patel has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2000, first in the Central District of California in Los Angeles, and since 2005, in the Southern District of Ohio in Dayton. Patel served as the district Criminal Chief in 2010. Prior to that, he served as Deputy Criminal Chief in the Dayton office since 2006. He spent his 2011 on a one-year detail to Afghanistan, where he served as an advisor to the Afghan Ministry of Justice and other governmental and educational institutions, as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Rule of Law program. Patel received his law degree from George Washington University Law School in 1991. Prior to becoming a federal prosecutor, Patel was a litigation associate and then partner with the law firm of Hancock Rothert & Bunshoft LLP (currently, Duane Morris LLP), in Los Angeles. Patel also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Dayton Law School, where he has taught International Law and teaches courses in Cybercrime and Criminal Procedure. He is a Board Member (Immediate Past President) of the Dayton Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and a former Board Member for the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton.
Mark D'Alessandro will continue as Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney and District Civil Chief. The Executive Assistant is primarily responsible for personnel and facilities issues, Department of Justice reporting requirements, special projects, and other responsibilities. D’Alessandro served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney from 2010 to January 2016. He has been Civil Chief since 2009 and was Deputy Civil Chief - Columbus from 2001-2009. Before that, he served as a criminal Assistant U.S. Attorney for Health Care Fraud from 1997 until 2001, and was the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1995 until 1997. D'Alessandro is a 1975 graduate of Boston College and a 1979 graduate of the Capital University Law School. He also served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio from 1979 until 1995.
D’Alessandro will be assisted in his Civil Chief duties by Matthew Horwitz, who will continue to serve as Deputy Civil Chief. Horwitz was first named to the post in 2014. He has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Cincinnati since 2012. Horwitz graduated from the Ohio State University and received his J.D., with honors, from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. He previously practiced at Frost Brown Todd in Cincinnati.
Karl P. Kadon was named as the District’s Criminal Chief. Kadon most recently served as the District’s OCDETF Chief. Kadon joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2006, after serving as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in Cincinnati from 2005 to 2006. Kadon was the Chief Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor from 1999 to 2005. His prior experience also includes: Deputy Cincinnati City Solicitor, (1992-1999); Senior Assistant Cincinnati City Solicitor (1987-1992); Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor (1984-1987) United States Army Reserve, Lieutenant Colonel, Director of Legal Services, 9th Legal Support Organization.
Kadon will be assisted in his Criminal Chief duties by four Deputy Criminal Chiefs and three Assistant Deputy Criminal Chiefs. They are:
- Christy L. Muncy, Deputy Criminal Chief (OCDETF). Muncy will oversee the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force. She has served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio since 2007. Muncy was the District’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator from 2008 to 2009 and Violent Crimes Coordinator from 2015 until 2018. Her prior experience includes serving as the First Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney from 2005 to 2007 and as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney from 2002 to 2005 in Kenton County, Ky.
- Brian J. Martinez, Deputy Criminal Chief (Columbus). Martinez is the former Chief of Staff for the Associate Attorney General of the United States (2012-2014) and Chief of Staff of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division (2009-2012). He was also an Associate at Morrison & Foerster LLP from 2003 to 2009 and clerked for the United States District Court for the Northern District of California from 2002 until 2003. He joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in 2014 and has served as an Assistant United States Attorney since 2015.
- Gary L. Spartis, Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief (Columbus). Spartis most recently served as a Deputy Criminal Chief in the Columbus office since 2001. Prior to that, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney beginning in 1987. Spartis graduated from Grove City College (PA) in 1976 and the Capital University Law School in 1979. He served as an Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor from 1981 until 1987.
- Emily N. Glatfelter, Deputy Criminal Chief (Cincinnati). Glatfelter has served as a Deputy Criminal Chief in the Cincinnati office since 2015. She joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Cincinnati in 2012, primarily handling financial crimes matters. She previously served in the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Maryland, beginning in 2006. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Butler University in 1999 and her law degree from the University of Indiana in 2002 before working for Arnold & Porter LLP in Washington D.C. She also clerked for the Hon. David F. Hamilton while he served as U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Indiana.
- Timothy S. Mangan, Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief (Cincinnati). Mangan has been as Assistant United States Attorney for the District since 2009. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he was an Associate and Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP (1997-2004, 2006-2009); Senior Counsel at Cinergy Corporation (2005-2006) and Associate at Bassford Lockhart Truesdell & Briggs (1995-1997).
- Dominick S. Gerace, Deputy Criminal Chief (Dayton). Gerace has been an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio since 2016. Prior to joining the criminal division in Dayton, he was an AUSA in the Eastern District of Virginia from 2012 to 2016. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy and his law degree from Georgetown University. Gerace’s other work experience includes: Associate, Taft, Stettinius and Hollister LLP (2008-2012); Clerk to the Hon. John M. Rogers, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (2007-2008); Armor Officer, United States Army (1999-2004).
- Laura I. Clemmens, Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief (Dayton). Clemmens most recently served as a Deputy Criminal Chief in the Dayton office since 2009. She began her service as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Dayton criminal division, in 2002. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from The College of Wooster, and received a certificate in Environmental Management from the School of Public Administration at the University of Southern California. She earned her law degree from the University of Oregon. Prior to earning her law degree, Clemmens worked as a scientist at the Denver regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Douglas W. Squires will continue as Senior Litigation Counsel. Doug Squires has served as the District’s Senior Litigation Counsel (“SLC”) since 2014. As the SLC, Squires is responsible for legal training and development. For nearly 20 years, Squires has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Columbus and has focused on the prosecution of complex cases involving white-collar crime, corruption, terrorism and espionage. Squires also serves as the office’s Professional Responsibility Officer and Criminal Discovery Coordinator. In 2016, Squires was honored with the Exceptional Service Award from the National Association of Former U.S. Attorneys. In 2009, he received the U.S. Department of Justice Distinguished Service Award. In 2001, he was the recipient of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General’s Integrity Award. From 1994 to 2000, Squires was a state prosecutor in California prosecuting violent crimes and drug offenses, and served as Interim Supervising District Attorney. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law where he teaches white collar crime and criminal procedure. He has authored several published materials on fraud and corruption, including a chapter entitled "Forensic Accounting" in Scientific Evidence in Civil and Criminal Cases, 6th Ed., 2013, Foundation Press, a legal textbook on scientific and technical evidence. Squires received a B.A. from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio and his law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law.
Mary Beth Young will continue as Appellate Chief, a position she has held since 2016, with supervisory responsibility for criminal and civil filings in the Court of Appeals and coordination of the District’s appellate practice with other divisions of the Department of Justice. Young became an Assistant United States Attorney in 2012 in Columbus after serving two years as a Special AUSA. Prior to joining the District, Young was in private practice in Columbus and served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the Moritz College of Law, where she currently serves as an Adjunct Professor. Young received her B.S. from the University of Kentucky, her M.S. from Georgia Tech, and her J.D. from the University of Chicago. Following law school, Young served as law clerk to Judge David Sentelle of the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, then to Justice Antonin Scalia of the United States Supreme Court.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, with a staff of 115, represents more than five million people in 48 of Ohio’s 88 counties. The Southern District of Ohio includes the metropolitan areas of Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton.
DeVillers was nominated by the President in September 2019 to become the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and after he was confirmed by the United States Senate in late October, DeVillers was sworn into office on Nov. 1, 2019.
# # #
Two Massachusetts Law Enforcement Officers Receive Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in PolicingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Cohasset Police Officers were among the 19 law enforcement officers honored today by Attorney General William P. Barr for distinguished service in policing.
Officers Aaron Bates and Alexander Stotik, of the Cohasset Police Department, were honored at the Third Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing for their courageous actions that saved the life of a woman who was being brutally attacked.
The officers were dispatched to a home where neighbors complained of loud noises and a fight. After investigating, the officers heard a muffled scream, kicked in a locked door, and saw what they described as an “attempted murder in progress.” After a heated struggle, the officers were able to subdue the suspect, place him under arrest, and get medical attention for the victim. The officers exhibited extraordinary valor, bravery, courage, and professionalism in the face of extreme danger that would no doubt have resulted in the murder of the victim.
“Officers Bates and Stotik represent the very best of the law enforcement officers who protect and serve the people of Massachusetts every day,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Their commitment to protecting the lives of others – at great personal risk – should be a model for the rest of us. I congratulate Officers Bates and Stotik on this tremendous honor.”
“Honoring and supporting the work of law enforcement officers and deputies is a top priority for the Trump Administration, and today is an opportunity for me to personally express my gratitude and commitment to those who risk their lives daily to protect our communities,” said Attorney General Barr. “The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing honors exceptional police officers and the vital public service they provide. The brave men and women in law enforcement are engaged in an unrelenting and often unacknowledged fight to keep our communities safe each and every day. It is an honor to thank them for their service.”
The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and tribal sworn rank-and-file police officers and deputies for exceptional efforts in policing. The awarded officers and deputies have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations or innovations in community policing. The Department received 199 nominations for 414 individuals ranging from state police departments, to local police, to campus public safety agencies. This award highlights the work that troopers, officers and deputies do to prevent, intervene in, and respond to crime and public safety issues.
Two Florida Brothers Sentenced to Prison for Identity Theft and Credit Card Scam at BelkRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, GUSTAVO TEIXEIRA MENDES DE ALMEIDA (GUSTAVO ALMEIDA), 35, of Coral Springs, Florida, and HENRIQUE TEIXEIRA MENDES DE ALMEIDA (HENRIQUE ALMEIDA), 30, of Coral Springs, Florida, were both sentenced to 30 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release on charges of Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft. Additionally, the court ordered restitution for $54,806 payable to Belk and forfeiture of the proceeds of the offense.
United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon stated, “Credit card fraud and identity theft crimes can place an enormous mental strain upon victims. Often times, victims are left trying to convince merchants, law enforcement and reporting agencies that they were not responsible for the offenses. These crimes also drive up costs for all law-abiding citizens. This office will continue to bring to justice those who seek to commit crimes using the identities of others.”
The investigation showed that in December of 2018, security personnel for Belk Department Sores became aware of a scheme whereby two men would enter one of various Belk store locations in North and South Carolina and purchase gift cards in $300 increments using credit card numbers associated with foreign banks. The men presented identification in the form of passports from Brazil and Portugal. The men would then travel to other Belk locations and use the previously acquired gift cards to purchase large quantities of merchandise. Among other items, the purchased merchandise frequently consisted of computer gaming equipment or NEST cameras. On or about December 10, 2018, Belk security personnel in Charlotte issued a “be on the lookout” alert with respect to the two men due to the suspicious activity.
On December 18, 2018, the two men were seen by Belk security personnel at the Belk store at the Independence Mall in Wilmington, North Carolina, purchasing $300 Belk gift cards and several NEST products. The Belk representatives at Independence Mall contacted fellow Belk security personnel at Belk’s store located near Wrightsville Beach (Belk Mayfaire) and advised them that the two suspects were in the Wilmington market.
Belk security personnel then observed one of the two suspects over Belk Mayfaire’s closed circuit television. The individual was in possession of a shopping cart filled with NEST products on the store’s second floor. A Belk store manager spoke to the individual during the checkout process. At that time, the suspect stated that he was planning to sell the merchandise in Brazil due to the large markup on the items. After the transaction, the suspect exited the building, but was monitored by Belk security personnel, who had already contacted the Wilmington Police Department.
Outside of the store, Belk security personnel caught up to and stopped the two suspects, both of whom matched the photographs of the subjects under investigation from prior video surveillance. Shortly thereafter, officers with the Wilmington Police Department arrived and questioned the men, which turned out to be HENRIQUE ALMEIDA and GUSTAVO ALMEIDA. Both men were found to be in possession of counterfeit identification cards. Additionally, a search of the vehicle driven by the brothers revealed large quantities of merchandise and receipts pertaining to known prior purchases by the two men. Officers also found evidence that the men had been shipping the stolen equipment to their home in Coral Springs Florida. A search in Florida resulted in the recovery $17,000 in currency, several suspected counterfeit passports, and numerous items previously purchased at Belk stores in North Carolina.
The ALMEIDA brothers were indicted in December of 2018, and both pled guilty on September 9, 2019.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Wilmington Police Department and the Kure Beach Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney William M. Gilmore represents the United States.
Two Florence Residents Plead Guilty in Federal Court to Committing Tax Fraud While Operating a Tax Preparer BusinessRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Donna Faye Shird, age 41, and Felicia Renee Shird, age 42, both of Florence, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to aid in the preparation and filing of false federal income tax returns. Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence accepted the pleas and will impose sentence after he has received and reviewed sentencing reports prepared by the United States Probation Office.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that Donna and Felicia Shird operated a business known as Donna’s Income Tax Service, which provided tax preparation and filing services for customers. During the period from 2012 and 2017, both Donna and Felicia began routinely adding fictitious information to the personal tax returns of customers to artificially increase the amount of tax refund the customers would receive from the IRS. Investigators discovered that customers of Donna’s Income Tax Service provided correct tax related information to Donna or Felicia with the expectation that they would accurately prepare and file the returns for the customers. Instead, the Shirds would create returns which falsely claimed deductions, credits, exemptions, and other tax benefits to which the taxpayers were not entitled. Falsely claimed items included child and dependent care credits, business profits and losses, education credits, residential energy credits, and earned income credits. As a result, customers received fraudulently inflated tax refunds and Donna’s Income Tax Service attracted more customers based on their reputation for producing such large refunds. The illegal operations of Donna’s Income Tax Service, and the fraudulent conduct by Donna and Felicia Shird, resulted in a significant loss of tax revenue for the United States Government.
Donna and Felicia Shird a subject to a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.00.
The case was investigated by agents of the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham of the Florence office is prosecuting the case.
#####
Two Associates of Nuestra Familia Prison Gang Plead Guilty to Federal Rico ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE- Juan Alvarez, a/k/a Chucky, and Ramon Montoya, a/k/a Little Ray, pleaded guilty today to racketeering conspiracy charges for their respective roles as associates of the Nuestra Familia prison gang, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The guilty pleas were accepted by the Honorable Beth L. Freeman, United States District Judge.
“Defendants Juan Alvarez and Ramon Montoya admitted that they have committed heinous crimes for the purpose of enhancing their membership in the Norteño prison gang,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “This case should serve as yet another reminder to people tempted by the allure of gang membership that gangs provide no benefits for their members other than long prison terms and lives of unpredictable violence.”
“Violent street gangs are a plague to our society,” said FBI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. “They prey on and terrorize our citizens and lay waste to our communities. These guilty pleas stand as a step towards ensuring justice is served and as a reminder that such behavior will not be tolerated.”
According to the plea agreements, between December 2, 2012, and April 14, 2014, Alvarez, 39, and Montoya, 36, both were members of the Nuestra Familia/Salinas Norteños Enterprise. The Enterprise consisted of members and associates of the Nuestra Familia prison gang as well as Norteño street gangs in Salinas, Calif., and the surrounding areas. Members and associates of the Enterprise agreed to commit crimes such as murder, narcotics trafficking, and other acts of violence through a pattern of racketeering activity. Norteño gang members pledge their allegiance and loyalty to Nuestra Familia and are instructed on its rules, rituals, and obligations. Gang rules and discipline are maintained by assaulting and threatening those individuals who violate the rules or pose a threat to the organization; inside prisons and local jails, all members and associates of Nuestra Familia and Norteños work together to maintain the structure and follow the rules of the Enterprise.
In their plea agreements, Alvarez and Montoya admit to participating in the distribution of narcotics to other inmates at Monterey County Jail. Also, the plea agreements describe the roles of the defendants in “removals” as a means of violently enforcing the most important of the gang’s rules while they were in the jail. The term “removal” refers to a violent attack designed to remove (from both the custodial housing unit and the gang itself) a member of the gang who committed a serious violation of the gang’s rules. A removal is accomplished by having one or more “hitters” stab the victim and then having at least two “bombers” assault the target by punching and kicking the victim without weapons. The purpose of the subsequent beating is to inflict upon the victim maximum damage while giving the hitters time to wash themselves and get rid of weapons.
Montoya and Alvarez both admitted that they participated in the October 23, 2013, removal of a victim from one of the housing units at the Monterey County Jail. Montoya admitted that he transmitted the order from the Norteño leadership that the removal was authorized. Alvarez admitted that he was a hitter in the attack and that he used a weapon made out of plexiglass to stab the victim in the neck. Both Montoya and Alvarez acknowledged that immediately after the victim was stabbed, two bombers began punching and kicking the victim to allow Alvarez to escape being caught by guards with the stabbing weapon. Montoya also admitted being a bomber on the November 13, 2013, removal of a victim. Montoya punched and kicked the victim after a hitter stabbed the victim approximately ten times. The victim was stabbed in the head, torso, and arms before Montoya began punching and kicking the victim to inflict the maximum damage possible.
On September 27, 2018, a federal grand jury indicted Alvarez, Montoya, and several other defendants with racketeering conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d). Both Alvarez and Montoya also were charged with conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5), and conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(6). Both defendants pleaded guilty to the racketeering conspiracy charge, wherein they admitted that murder was an object of the conspiracy. If they comply with their plea agreements, the additional charges will be dismissed at sentencing.
Judge Freeman scheduled the sentencing hearings for both defendants for March 31, 2020. The defendants face a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Pursuant to the terms of their plea agreements, both Montoya and Alvarez have agreed that a reasonable and appropriate disposition of their respective cases would include a term of imprisonment of 10 years. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Claudia A. Quiroz and Stephen Meyer are prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI with assistance from the Salinas Police Department, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Texas Man Sentenced in Kansas for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A man from Houston was sentenced today to four years in federal prison for driving a load of methamphetamine to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Osiel Armando Siquerios, 28, El Paso, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted police in Lawrence, Kan., stopped his car Feb. 26, 2017, on the Kansas Turnpike in Douglas County. Officers found approximately 12 pounds of methamphetamine in a compartment hidden beneath the back seat of the car. Siqueiros was taking the drugs to Kansas City.
McAllister commended the Lawrence Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Morehead for their work on the case.
Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to a Year and a Half in Prison for Conspiring to Straw Purchase HandgunsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison for conspiring to straw purchase handguns on behalf of a woman who allegedly tried to smuggle the firearms into Egypt.
OMRAN ISMAIL purchased four handguns in November 2013 from a licensed firearms dealer in Tinley Park, and then immediately transferred the guns to co-defendant OLA SAYED so that Sayed could bring them to Egypt. The guns were discovered in Sayed’s checked luggage at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago as she attempted to board a flight to Cairo, via London.
A federal jury in Chicago earlier this year convicted Ismail, 53, of Burbank, of both firearm counts against him. U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis imposed the 18-month sentence after a hearing in federal court.
Sayed, of Palos Park, was charged in the conspiracy but fled and is considered a fugitive.
Ismail’s sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and James M. Gibbons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“Unlawfully purchasing and transferring firearms is an incredibly serious offense,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abigail L. Peluso and Katie M. Durick argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Ismail’s conduct was deliberate and reckless, and it could have resulted in additional unlawful activity had the guns been successfully smuggled to Egypt.”
According to evidence presented at Ismail’s trial, Ismail purchased four 9mm firearms from the dealer on Nov. 18, 2013. When he purchased the firearms, Ismail completed a federal form falsely certifying that he was the actual buyer. Ismail picked up the guns from the dealer five days later, at which time he confirmed that all of his answers on the form were “still true, correct, and complete.” Ismail then immediately transferred all four firearms to Sayed, so that Sayed could take the firearms with her to Egypt.
Sayed purchased two other 9mm firearms, and then took all six guns with her to O’Hare Airport on Dec. 23, 2013, according to the charges pending against her. Authorities at the airport discovered the guns in Sayed’s checked luggage as she waited to board her flight, the charges against Sayed allege.
St. Louis County Woman Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to the Social Security Administration and Defrauding Meredes BenzRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Tayon Hutchins Fowler, 42, of Florissant, MO, pled guilty to one count of making a false statement to the Social Security Administration and one count of wire fraud regarding a scheme to defraud Mercedes Benz. Hutchins Fowler appeared today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White who accepted her plea and set sentencing for March 11, 2020.
According to the plea agreement, Hutchins Fowler submitted an application to the U.S. Social Security Administration (“SSA”) for disability payments in which she claimed to be disabled and unable to work because of major depression and other conditions. In reliance on her representations, SSA paid Hutchins Fowler periodic disability payments from November 2012 through March 2019. These SSA payments totaled approximately $200,000.
During 2012-17, Hutchins Fowler owned a home health care business and annually received over $100,000 in income from this business during 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. In 2018, Ms. Hutchins Fowler made a series of false statements to SSA in order to continue to receive disability payments from SSA, telling the agency that she had not worked, had not received income from working, and had difficulty with shopping, driving, understanding directions, remembering, and getting along with people.
Hutchins Fowler also pled guilty to committing wire fraud. During December 2017, Ms. Hutchins Fowler purchased a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLC 43 automobile at a dealership located in St. Louis, Missouri, using falsified monthly bank statements, checks, corporate records, and tax materials to fraudulently obtain financing for the vehicle.
The false statement charges carry a maximum possible penalty of five years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or both imprisonment and a fine. The wire fraud charges carry a maximum possible penalty of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both imprisonment and a fine. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.
St. Louis County Man Sentenced to 16 years in Prison for Four Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Carlos Robinson, 28, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 192 months in prison for four separate armed store robberies committed in early 2017 and ordered to pay $1,077.24 in restitution. Robinson appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey.
According to court documents, on February 6, 2017, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Robinson entered the Conoco Gas Station located at 3600 Big Bend Boulevard in St. Louis County. He pulled a bandana over his mouth and pointed a silver firearm at the clerk. Robinson instructed the clerk to open the cash register and demanded money before exiting the service station.
On February 10, 2017, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Robinson entered the Mobil on the Run gas station located at 9371 Olive Boulevard, also in St. Louis County. He pointed a small silver firearm at the clerk, told her to open the cash register drawer and give him the money.
On February 13, 2017, at approximately 1:39 p.m., Robinson entered the BP gas station located at 7003 Manchester Avenue, St. Louis City. He entered the store wearing sunglasses and asked to use the bathroom key, which the cashier provided. Robinson returned the key, walked inside the Plexiglas partition and revealed a firearm to the cashier, demanding money. The cashier was able to physically push Robison out of the secure cashier area, close the door, and push the alarm.
On February 15, 2017, at approximately 7:01 p.m., Robinson entered the Family Dollar located at 4344 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, also in St. Louis City. He approached the register and asked for a pack of Newport cigarettes. Robinson displayed a firearm, demanded money, and threatened to hurt the cashier if she did not comply.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Maplewood Police Department, the Olivette Police Department, and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Settlement with Lehigh Cement Company and Lehigh White Cement Company to Reduce Thousands of Tons of Air EmissionsRead the Press Release
In a settlement to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Air Act, Lehigh Cement Company LLC (Lehigh) and Lehigh White Cement Company, LLC (Lehigh White) have agreed to invest approximately $12 million in pollution control technology at their 11 portland cement manufacturing plants, announced the Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Today’s settlement will reduce more than 4,555 tons of harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 989 tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) pollution each year.
“This settlement with Lehigh and Lehigh White will significantly reduce harmful air emissions at their cement plants nationwide,” said Bruce Gelber, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The settlement is a product of the federal government’s close work with state and local agencies who all share the goal of improving air quality in their regions in compliance with state and federal laws.”
“Today’s settlement will require these cement manufacturers to improve their operations to reduce harmful air pollutants,” said Assistant Administrator of the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Susan Bodine. “The upgrades at these facilities will improve air quality for the surrounding communities.”
Under this settlement, the companies will install and operate equipment to control NOx and meet emission limits that are consistent with controls at comparable cement kilns across the country. This settlement also requires the companies to operate existing pollution controls at four kilns and meet more stringent emission limits. For controlling SO2, Lehigh will install and operate pollution control equipment at several kilns, and will meet low SO2 emission limits at all kilns.
Lehigh has agreed to mitigate the effects of past excess emissions from its facilities by replacing old diesel truck engines at its facilities in Union Bridge, MD, and Mason City, IA, at an estimated cost of approximately $650,000, which is expected to reduce smog-forming NOx by approximately 25 tons per year. Lehigh will also pay a civil penalty of $1.3 million to resolve Clean Air Act violations.
The settlement is the 12th settlement to address harmful air pollution from Portland cement manufacturing facilities. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, two key pollutants emitted from cement plants, can harm human health and are significant contributors to acid rain, smog, and haze. These pollutants are converted in the air into fine particles that can cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular impacts and premature death. Reducing these harmful air pollutants will benefit communities located near the Lehigh plants, particularly communities disproportionately impacted by environmental risks and vulnerable populations, including children.
The Lehigh cement plants covered by the settlement are located in Leeds, AL.; Cupertino, Redding, and Tehachapi, CA.; Mason City, IA; Mitchell, IN; Union Bridge, MD; Glens Falls, NY, and Fleetwood, PA. Lehigh White’s facilities are located in York, PA and Woodway, TX. Seven state and state or regional agencies have joined the United States in the settlement, consisting of Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, New York, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Jefferson County Board of Health (Alabama), and Bay Area Air Quality Management District (California). The states and state and regional agencies will share in the civil penalty.
The settlement was lodged today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval. It will be available for viewing at www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
More information about this settlement:
https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/lehigh-cement-company-llc-and-lehigh-white-cement-company-llc-clean-air-act-settlement
More about EPA’s National Enforcement Initiatives:
https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/cement-manufacturing-enforcement-initiative
Second Pharmaceutical Company Admits to Price Fixing, Resolves Related False Claims Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
Rising Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Rising), a generic pharmaceutical company headquartered in New Jersey, was charged for conspiring to fix prices and allocate customers for a generic hypertension drug, the Department of Justice announced today.
According to a one-count felony charge filed today in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, from about April 2014 until at least September 2015, Rising participated in a criminal antitrust conspiracy with a competing manufacturer of generic drugs and its executives to fix prices and allocate customers for Benazepril HCTZ, a medicine used to treat hypertension. This charge is the fourth in the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division’s ongoing criminal investigation in the generic pharmaceuticals industry; previously, two executives were charged and pleaded guilty to criminal antitrust violations, and a corporation, Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc., was charged and entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the Antitrust Division.
Today, the Antitrust Division also announced a deferred prosecution agreement resolving the charge against Rising, under which the company admits that it conspired to fix prices and allocate customers for Benazepril HCTZ. Under the deferred prosecution agreement, Rising agrees that $1,543,207 is the appropriate amount of restitution it owes to victims of the charged conduct. To account for Rising’s separate agreement with the Department’s Civil Division, which requires Rising to pay approximately $1.1 million in civil damages for False Claims Act violations predicated on Rising’s antitrust conduct, the deferred prosecution agreement calls for an offset of Rising’s restitution, to $438,066. The agreement also requires Rising to pay a $1.5 million monetary penalty, reduced from the fine of approximately $3.6 million called for under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, due to Rising’s financial condition and liquidation. Both the deferred prosecution agreement and civil settlement agreement require approval in the bankruptcy court. Once approved, the deferred prosecution agreement will be filed in district court.
In addition, under the deferred prosecution agreement, Rising has agreed to cooperate fully with Antitrust Division’s ongoing criminal investigation. To allow Rising to comply with the agreement’s terms, the United States will defer prosecuting Rising for three years, or until its ongoing bankruptcy proceedings become final, whichever comes first. The agreement will not be final until accepted by the court.
“Today’s charge, like the previous corporate and individual charges announced in this investigation, publicly affirms the Antitrust Division’s steadfast commitment to prosecuting the companies and executives who fixed prices of generic pharmaceuticals,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “Rising and its co-conspirators exploited patients that rely on Benazepril HCTZ as a low-cost alternative to brand-name medications to treat high blood pressure. The deferred prosecution agreement is an important step in restoring integrity to the generics industry. It will require from Rising not only an admission of guilt, a criminal penalty and cooperation in the ongoing investigation, but also restitution to the direct purchasers that bought Benazepril HCTZ at artificially inflated prices.”
“The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General appreciates the opportunity to assist in these critical generics industry antitrust investigations,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott Pierce. “Aggressively pursuing those companies and executives who foster behavior related to price fixing, bid rigging and market allocation helps to ensure an open process by which generic pharmaceuticals can be competitively priced and sold. Working closely with the Department of Justice and our counterparts at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General stands ready to support these vital efforts going forward.”
“The FBI is proud to join our partners in this effort to uncover companies and individuals who attempt to exploit necessary medicines to cheat the economic system and illegally amass wealth,” said Timothy R. Slater, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “Today’s announcement shows the FBI’s level of commitment to investigating allegations of antitrust violations and illuminating criminal behavior so that the perpetrators can be held accountable.”
The Antitrust Division entered into this deferred prosecution agreement with Rising based on the individual facts and circumstances of this case. Among those facts and circumstances, the agreement specifically identifies the company’s substantial and ongoing cooperation with the investigation to date, including its disclosure of information regarding criminal antitrust violations involving drugs other than those identified in the criminal charge and the agreement. According to the agreement, this cooperation has allowed the United States to advance its investigation into criminal antitrust conspiracies among other manufacturers of generic pharmaceuticals. Other facts and circumstances identified in the agreement include Rising’s agreement to pay restitution, and the fact that a conviction (including a guilty plea) would result in substantial delay to Rising’s ongoing bankruptcy proceeding and liquidation. The agreement can ensure that Rising is held accountable for its criminal conduct and preserves the United States’ ability to prosecute it should material breaches occur.
In a separate civil resolution, Rising has agreed to pay $1.1 million to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act related to the price-fixing conspiracy. The government alleged that between 2013 and 2016, Rising paid and received remuneration through arrangements on price, supply, and allocation of customers with another pharmaceutical manufacturer for certain generic drugs in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, and that its sale of these drugs resulted in claims submitted to the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
“My Office is proud to announce the next civil healthcare fraud settlement with the Antitrust Division and the Civil Division,” said William M. McSwain, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “We remain focused on price-fixing and market allocation in generic drugs and addressing the impact on federal healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. This resolution with Rising is another important accomplishment in that area, which will only serve to accelerate our ongoing investigation.”
“Hypertension medicines are vital for patient health, and engaging in schemes to price fix these generic medicines is illegal and could potentially be dangerous, as some patients may have an inability to pay for the medicines they need,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services. “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of companies engaging in actions that put the public and the Medicare program at risk.”
The criminal charge is the result of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the generic pharmaceutical industry, which is being conducted by the Antitrust Division with the assistance of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Anyone with information on market allocation, price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct related to the generic pharmaceutical industry should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.
The civil settlement was handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania with support from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. Except for those facts admitted to in the deferred prosecution agreement, the claims resolved by the civil settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Second NJ-Based Pharmaceutical Company Admits to Price Fixing, Resolves Related False Claims Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain and the Department of Justice announced that Rising Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Rising), a generic pharmaceutical company headquartered in New Jersey, was criminally charged for conspiring to fix prices and allocate customers for a generic hypertension drug, and in a related enforcement action, reached a civil settlement for violations of the False Claims Act, subject to bankruptcy court approval.
According to a one-count felony charge filed today in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, from about April 2014 until at least September 2015, Rising participated in a criminal antitrust conspiracy with a competing manufacturer of generic drugs and its executives to fix prices and allocate customers for Benazepril HCTZ, a medicine used to treat hypertension. This charge is the fourth in the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division’s ongoing criminal investigation into the generic pharmaceuticals industry; previously, two executives were charged and pleaded guilty to criminal antitrust violations, and a corporation, Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc., was charged and entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the Antitrust Division in May 2019.
U.S. Attorney McSwain and the Antitrust Division also announced a deferred prosecution agreement resolving the charge against Rising, under which the company admits that it conspired to fix prices and allocate customers for Benazepril HCTZ. Under the deferred prosecution agreement, Rising agrees that $1,543,207 is the appropriate amount of restitution it owes to victims of the Benazepril HCTZ conspiracy. To account for Rising’s separate agreement with the Department of Justice’s Civil Division, which requires Rising to pay approximately $1.1 million in civil damages for False Claims Act violations predicated on Rising’s antitrust conduct, the deferred prosecution agreement calls for an offset of Rising’s restitution, to $438,066. The deferred prosecution agreement also requires Rising to pay a $1.5 million criminal penalty, reduced from the fine of approximately $3.6 million called for under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, as a result of Rising’s inability to pay a larger fine without impeding its ability to pay restitution and in light of its ongoing bankruptcy proceedings that will result in liquidation. Both the deferred prosecution agreement and civil settlement agreement are pending approval in the bankruptcy court. Once approved, the deferred prosecution agreement will be filed in district court.
In addition, under the deferred prosecution agreement, Rising has agreed to cooperate fully with the Antitrust Division’s ongoing criminal investigation. To allow Rising to comply with the agreement’s terms, the United States will defer prosecuting Rising for three years, or until its ongoing bankruptcy proceedings become final, whichever comes first. The agreement will not be final until accepted by the court.
The Antitrust Division entered into this deferred prosecution agreement with Rising based on the individual facts and circumstances of this case. Among those facts and circumstances, the agreement specifically identifies the company’s substantial and ongoing cooperation with the investigation to date, including its disclosure of information regarding criminal antitrust violations involving drugs other than those identified in the criminal charge and the agreement. According to the agreement, this cooperation has allowed the United States to advance its investigation into criminal antitrust conspiracies among other manufacturers of generic pharmaceuticals. Other facts and circumstances identified in the agreement include Rising’s agreement to pay restitution, and the fact that a conviction (including a guilty plea) would result in substantial delay to Rising’s ongoing bankruptcy proceeding and liquidation. The agreement ensures that Rising is held accountable for its criminal conduct and preserves the United States’ ability to prosecute the company should material breaches occur.
In the separate civil resolution, Rising has agreed to pay $1.1 million to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act related to the price-fixing conspiracy, subject to bankruptcy court approval. The government alleged that between 2013 and 2016, Rising paid and received remuneration through arrangements on price, supply, and allocation of customers with another pharmaceutical manufacturer for certain generic drugs in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, and that its sale of these drugs resulted in claims submitted to the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
“My Office is proud to announce our next round of enforcement actions in this criminal and civil investigation with the Antitrust Division and the Civil Division,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “We and our partners at the Antitrust and Civil Divisions remain heavily focused on price-fixing and market allocation in generic drugs and addressing the impact on federal healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. These criminal and civil resolutions with Rising, if approved by the bankruptcy court, are yet another important accomplishment in that area.”
“Hypertension medicines are vital for patient health, and engaging in schemes to price fix these generic medicines is illegal and could potentially be dangerous, as some patients may have an inability to pay for the medicines they need,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services. “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of companies engaging in actions that put the public and the Medicare program at risk.”
“Today’s charge, like the previous corporate and individual charges announced in this investigation, publicly affirms the Antitrust Division’s steadfast commitment to prosecuting the companies and executives who fixed prices of generic pharmaceuticals,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “Rising and its co-conspirators exploited patients that rely on Benazepril HCTZ as a low-cost alternative to brand-name medications to treat high blood pressure. The deferred prosecution agreement is an important step in restoring integrity to the generics industry. It will require from Rising not only an admission of guilt, a criminal penalty and cooperation in the ongoing investigation, but also restitution to the direct purchasers that bought Benazepril HCTZ at artificially inflated prices.”
“The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General appreciates the opportunity to assist in these critical generics industry antitrust investigations,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott Pierce. “Aggressively pursuing those companies and executives who foster behavior related to price fixing, bid rigging and market allocation helps to ensure an open process by which generic pharmaceuticals can be competitively priced and sold. Working closely with the Department of Justice and our counterparts at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General stands ready to support these vital efforts going forward.”
“The FBI is proud to join our partners in this effort to uncover companies and individuals who attempt to exploit necessary medicines to cheat the economic system and illegally amass wealth,” said Timothy R. Slater, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “Today’s announcement shows the FBI’s level of commitment to investigating allegations of antitrust violations and illuminating criminal behavior so that the perpetrators can be held accountable.”
The criminal charge is the result of an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the generic pharmaceutical industry, which is being conducted by the Antitrust Division with the assistance of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Anyone with information on market allocation, price fixing, bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct related to the generic pharmaceutical industry should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.
The civil settlement was handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania with support from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. Except for those facts admitted to in the deferred prosecution agreement, the claims resolved by the civil settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Previously Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore and Greenbelt, Maryland - U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Mark Steven Bartles, age 55, of Hagerstown, Maryland, to 10 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for possession of child pornography. Judge Hollander also sentenced Bartles to 10 months in prison for violating his supervised release for a previous federal conviction for receipt and possession of child pornography, concurrent to his 10 year sentence. In addition, Judge Hollander ordered Bartles to pay $5,000 restitution to one of the children depicted in the images.
In a separate case, U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel ordered Kevin Patrick Wilson, age 58, of Bowie, Maryland, to serve 20 months in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for failure to register as a sex offender.
Both sentences were imposed on December 2, 2019.
Judges Hollander and Hazel also ordered that, upon their release from prison, defendants Bartles and Wilson must continue to register as sex offenders in the places where they reside, where they are employees, and where they are students, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
The sentences were 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 U.S. Marshal Johnny Hughes; and Washington County Sheriff Douglas W. Mullendore.
According to Bartles’s guilty plea, in 2007 he was convicted federally for receipt and possession of child pornography, and in 2015 Bartles was convicted in Washington County, Maryland for possession of child pornography. As a condition of his state probation, Bartles was prohibited from accessing the internet or possessing internet-capable devices. In September 2018, state probation agents received information from a family member that Bartles possessed an internet capable smart phone in a green case, which he used on a regular basis to access free wireless internet to view and download child pornography. The probation agents then went to the motel room where Bartles resided and asked for his phone. Bartles provided a ZTE phone that was lying on the bed. The agents then asked Bartles for the phone in the green case, which Bartles retrieved from the nightstand. The phone was forensically examined by the FBI and determined to contain over 40 images of child pornography, including images documenting the sexual abuse of prepubescent minors by adult men. FBI special agents also located evidence that the phone had accessed WiFi networks at the motel and a local convenience store.
According to Wilson’s guilty plea, he was convicted in March 2000, and again in August 2008, in Magnolia County West Virginia of two counts of first degree sexual abuse. On October 13, 2004, when Wilson was released from prison after his first conviction, and again on August 17, 2017, after his release from prison on his second conviction, Wilson completed the sex offender registration and verification form with the West Virginia State Police, as required under West Virginia state law. On August 17, 2017, Wilson advised that he was moving out of state to an address in Annapolis, Maryland.
In late 2017 or early 2018, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) received information that Wilson was living unregistered in West Virginia. A USMS inspector went to the address of the homeless shelter in Annapolis where Wilson had represented he would be living following his release from prison, but officials there had no record of contact with him and Wilson had never registered as a sex offender in Maryland. On February 5, 2018, Wilson was arrested in West Virginia for failing to register as a sex offender. Wilson subsequently provided law enforcement with addresses in Bowie and in Crofton, Maryland, but investigators found that Wilson had never lived at either address. In February 2019, USMS investigators discovered that Wilson had not registered as a sex offender in any jurisdiction. U.S. Marshals subsequently located and arrested Wilson at an address in Bowie on April 25, 2019. The investigation revealed that Wilson had lived in Maryland since October 16, 2018, but had failed to register as a sex offender.
These cases were 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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and Washington County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the Bartles investigation, and the U.S. Marshals Service for its work in the Wilson investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Davio, who prosecuted the Bartles case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dana J. Brusca, who prosecuted the Wilson case.
# # #
Pottsville Woman Sentenced to 5+ Years in Prison for Perpetrating Elder Financial Fraud Known as “Grandparents Scheme”Read the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Yahaira Diaz, 33, of Pottsville, PA was sentenced to 65 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay more than $165,000 in restitution by United States District Judge Jeffrey Schmehl for her leadership of an elder fraud scheme commonly known as the “Grandparents Scheme.” The defendant was immediately taken into custody after the hearing today.
The scheme operated as follows: an individual called an elderly victim posing as the grandchild of the victim, or posing as an attorney representing the grandchild. The caller claimed that the grandchild was in a vehicular accident and was arrested for driving under the influence (or some type of legal trouble). The caller then said that the grandchild needed money for bail or legal representation, and persuaded the victim to send thousands of dollars in cash via overnight delivery service to an address where the schemers retrieved the package. The schemers then continued to call the victim and demanded more money until the victim realized that he or she had been defrauded and stopped sending money.
Diaz played a leadership role in this scheme, which was based in Allentown and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. For example, she identified and arranged for access to residential locations where her co-schemers instructed victims to send the fraud proceeds. Diaz recruited and controlled additional participants in the scheme who allowed her to use their residences for the receipt of proceeds, and who helped retrieve the packages and shared the proceeds with other co-schemers. Diaz engaged in numerous incidents of the Grandparents Scheme, as well as credit card fraud. In the Grandparents Scheme, Diaz and her co-schemers defrauded at least 10 elderly victims of at least $158,800 and attempted to defraud those victims of at least an additional $69,000.
“Diaz’s actions here were despicable: she callously preyed upon vulnerable seniors by exploiting their concern for their loved ones. And she played a leadership role, which makes her actions even more deserving of condemnation,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Today, Diaz got what she deserved. My Office will continue to prioritize prosecuting criminals who prey upon our elderly residents.”
“Yahaira Diaz played a central role in this scam,” said Michael T. Harpster, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Philadelphia Division. “She had no compunction about swindling elderly victims out of their money, or playing on their emotions to do so. The FBI will never stop working to shut down elder fraud schemes like this, to protect older folks from those who would take advantage of them.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Service, the Bethlehem Police Department, and the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Deputy United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
The Department of Justice is committed to combating elder fraud. The Department’s historic 2018 and 2019 Elder Fraud Sweeps collectively brought criminal and civil actions against more than 500 defendants responsible for defrauding more than $1.5 billion from at least 3 million victims.
Postal Employee Charged with Stealing Cash from MailRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Westmoreland County woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of mail by a postal employee, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Dorothy Petrick, 56, of New Kensington, PA.
According to the Indictment, on or about December 22, 2018, Petrick was an employee of the United States Postal Service and stole $60 in United States currency that was intended to be conveyed by mail.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Bond of $5,000 unsecured has been requested.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Czarnecki is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General and the Lower Burrell Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Felon Charged with Possession of Crack Cocaine and a GunRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count indictment named Dorian Montgomery, age 42, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about July 12, 2019, Montgomery possessed with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. Montgomery, a convicted felon, also possessed a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than 5 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000, or both, for the narcotics charges; and not less than 5 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both, for the firearms charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Czarnecki is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Montgomery.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pascagoula Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Traffic MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Derek Erwin Graves, 52, of Pascagoula, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent-in-Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Graves is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on March 13, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and $1,000,000 fine.
On December 30, 2018, the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team executed a search warrant on an apartment in Pascagoula. During the search, agents made contact with Derek Erwin Graves, who was found to be in possession of a plastic bag containing about 6 grams of methamphetamine. Agents also found methamphetamine in Grave’s bedroom and elsewhere in his apartment, along with a semi-automomatic .380 caliber pistol. Graves, who was a previously convicted felon, was arrested and transported to the Jackson County Adult Detention Center.
The methamphetamine seized in Graves’ apartment was determined to be actual methamphetamine with purity rates ranging from 96% to 100% pure methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, and the City of Pascagoula Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.
Owner of a Shreveport Medical Laboratory Service Admits Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Robert C. Poimboeuf, a Shreveport business owner, pleaded guilty today in federal court, to filing false tax returns, announced David C. Joseph, the United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to documents and information provided to the court, Robert C. Poimboeuf, 57, along with his wife, owned and operated D&G Holdings, LLC, (D&G) a local medical business operating as Doctors Lab, that provided laboratory and phlebotomy services. From 2011 through 2015, Poimboeuf filed false tax returns that underreported gross receipts earned from D&G. In particular, Poimboeuf provided false and misleading information to his tax return preparers – hiding income, failing to disclose bank accounts and falsely characterizing business receipts as non-taxable loans.
D&G maintained an operating account and two accounts that received revenue – one for electronic payments and the other for physical deposits of checks. For 2011 through 2014, Poimboeuf concealed the nature of deposits into D&G’s operating bank account by falsely reporting to his accountant that the deposits were transfers from a billing service. Although D&G used a billing service, these deposits were not transfers from the billing service, but from D&G’s revenue accounts that Poimboeuf did not disclose to his accountant.
The Poimboeufs hired a different accountant to prepare their 2015 tax return and provided information for the electronic deposit account in addition to the operating account, but continued to withhold information about the physical deposits account. When the accountant asked for additional information concerning a loan, Poimboeuf provided a document to support the deposit for the loan, when in fact it was actually a transfer from the undisclosed physical deposits account. In addition, Poimboeuf did not provide numerous Forms 1099 reflecting earnings for D&G.
Poimboeuf underreported earnings for D&G in order to understate taxes due for 2011 through 2015. As a result of Poimboeuf’s conduct, the filing of false federal income tax returns for the years 2011 through 2015 caused a tax loss of more than $1.9 million to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
“Mr. Poimboeuf cheated on his taxes in order to lower his tax bill. In doing so, he committed a crime and failed in a duty we all owe as American citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “He now awaits sentencing for this crime.”
Sentencing is set for April 21, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. in Shreveport, Louisiana. Mr. Poimboeuf faces a statutory maximum sentence of six years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release and monetary penalties. Mr. Poimboeuf has agreed to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $1,904,477.
Special agents with the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook and Trial Attorney Kevin Schneider of the Tax Division, are prosecuting the case.
# # #
Owner of Medical Laboratory Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Shreveport, Louisiana, business owner pleaded guilty today to filing false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana.
According to documents and information provided to the court, Robert C. Poimboeuf, 57, was a part owner of D&G Holdings, LLC, a medical laboratory in the Shreveport area. From 2011 through 2015, Poimboeuf filed false tax returns that underreported gross receipts earned from his business. In particular, Poimboeuf provided false information to his tax return preparers and concealed income from them by failing to disclose several bank accounts and falsely characterizing business receipts as non-taxable loans. Poimboeuf’s conduct caused a tax loss of more than $1.9 million to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
U.S. District Judge Maurice Hicks, Jr., scheduled sentencing for April 21, 2020. Mr. Poimboeuf faces a statutory maximum sentence of six years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release and monetary penalties. Mr. Poimboeuf has agreed to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $1,904,477.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Joseph thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook and Trial Attorney Kevin Schneider of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Ohio County man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Shawndale Davis, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Davis, age 36, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Davis, having been convicted of two prior felonies and prohibited from having firearms, is accused of having a .45 caliber revolver in October 2019 in Ohio County.
Davis faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
North Carolina Man Sentenced for Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Alexander M. Kingston, 27, formerly of Locust, North Carolina, was sentenced today in Lincoln, Nebraska, to 10 years in prison by United States Senior District Judge Richard G. Kopf for enticement of a minor. In addition to his prison sentence, Kingston will also serve 10 years on supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
In March of 2019, Lincoln Police Department Task Force Officers learned that a 14-year-old female met Kingston on a chatting website for teenagers. The minor communicated with Kingston through this website and other social media accounts.
Kingston offered to drive to Lincoln, Nebraska to pick her up. Officers learned Kingston was also talking to the minor through her friend’s social media account. Officers were granted access to the friend’s account, and continued the conversation with Kingston in an undercover capacity. Kingston believed that he was communicating with a 14-year-old female.
Kingston told the undercover officer he would drive from Kentucky and pick up the minor and take her to another state where she would live with him. Kingston then negotiated a meeting place in Lincoln, Nebraska. Kingston indicated he wanted to meet with the minor in a hotel room in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Through several search warrants to social media sites, Kingston was identified and located as living in Monroe, North Carolina.
On April 19, 2019, Kingston arrived at the pre-determined meeting site located in Lincoln to meet with the minor and her friend. Kingston got out of a vehicle with North Carolina license plates and was approached and arrested by Lincoln Police Department Officers. Kingston was holding a cellphone at the time of his arrest. The cellphone was observed to be open to an Instagram conversation between Kingston and the undercover officers.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue minors. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
NDTX Round-Up December 3Read the Press Release
SENTENCING - LEONARDO MARROQUIN
On November 21, Leonardo Marroquin, 30, was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in federal custody for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. On February 23, 2017, Marroquin committed a traffic violation and was stopped by officers. During the traffic stop he was found to be in possess of 498 grams of methamphetamine. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Dallas Police Department and prosecuted by AUSA George Leal.
SENTENCING – DEBRA DAVIS THOMPSON
On November 21, Debra Davis Thompson, 47, was sentenced to 2 years in federal custody for tax evasion. In 2013, Thompson filed a false Income Tax Return Form and submitted it to the Internal Revenue Service. She underrepresented her income by $218,304, defrauding the American government of $69,064 in taxes. This case was prosecuted by AUSA Nick Bunch and investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service.
SENTENCING – RICKY LOVELY
On November 21, Ricky Lovely, 31, was sentenced to 3 years and 5 months in federal custody for possession of stolen firearms and aiding and abetting. In May 2017, an ATF agent, acting on information provided to the agency, called and arranged a meeting with Lovely. The agent purchased three firearms from Lovely at a QuikTrip gas station, and confirmed through records checks that two of the pistols were stolen. Lovely was found to be in possession of another pistol that he intended to sell at the time of his arrest. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by AUSA Myria Boehm and AUSA Cara Pierce.
Monroeville Felon Charged with Multiple Federal Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The four-count Indictment named Davon Carter Williams, also known as “Big Boy”, age 31, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, from April 2018 until February 6, 2019, Williams conspired with others to possess with the intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. The indictment further alleges that on February 6, 2019, Williams possessed with the intent to distribute and did distribute fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. The indictment further alleges that from December 2016 until February 6, 2017, Williams conspired with others to possess with the intent to distribute heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. Further, Williams knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on two occasions. Federal law prohibits those convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year of possessing firearms.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $17,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Monroeville Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Milford Man Involved in Marijuana Trafficking Ring Sentenced to Nearly 8 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that Robert Capelli, 34, of Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 95 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a large-scale marijuana trafficking conspiracy. Judge Arterton also ordered Capelli to pay a $30,000 fine.
According to court documents and the evidence presented during Capelli’s trial, in 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration began investigating a Piper single-engine aircraft, owned by Donald Burns of Milford, that was making regular flights between Stratford, Connecticut, and northern California via the southwest United States. On June 28, 2017, Burns flew the aircraft from northern California to Lubbock, Texas. The next day, Burns flew the aircraft from Texas to Arkansas, and then to West Virginia and Connecticut, where he landed in the evening at Sikorsky Airport in Stratford. After it landed, a law enforcement search of the plane revealed approximately 400 pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed packages, and Burns was arrested. Investigators determined that the marijuana was intended for Capelli, Scott Bodnar, Terrell Givens and others to distribute in Connecticut.
The investigation revealed that, for more than two years, Capelli and his associates earned millions of dollars by trafficking nearly two tons of marijuana from California to Connecticut. Members of the conspiracy also laundered more than $6 million to purchase marijuana in California, maintain properties for distribution in Connecticut, pay Burns to transport the marijuana, and for other expenses related to the conspiracy.
On July 25, 2019, a jury found Capelli guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. Capelli was found not guilty of one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and one count of money laundering.
As part of this case, Capelli also has forfeited $55,000.
Capelli, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on January 14, 2020.
On May 2, 2019, Bodnar, of Ansonia, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. On September 4, 2019, he was sentenced to 55 months of imprisonment and ordered to forfeit his 2012 Toyota Camry.
On May 3, 2019, Givens, of Beacon Falls, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. On September 11, 2019, he was sentenced to 55 months of imprisonment and ordered to forfeit his 2009 Jaguar XF and jewelry valued at approximately $8,000.
On May 6, 2019, Burns, of Milford, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana. He also has agreed to forfeit the Piper aircraft. Burns awaits sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Task Force, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP), the Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations Center, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Stratford, Derby and West Haven Police Departments, and the Second Judicial Drug Task Force in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale and Marc Silverman.
Mexican man admits role in substantial cocaine smugglingRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 28-year-old Mexican citizen has entered a guilty plea to conspiring to import more than 16 kilograms of cocaine into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On Sept. 3, Jose Antonio Garza Gutierrez attempted entry into the United States at the World Trade Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo driving a semi-truck and trailer. During inspection, authorities observed an unusual compartment hidden within the sleeper area of the truck. They conducted a search and found 14 tightly-wrapped bundles of cocaine weighing more than 16.94 kilograms.
The cocaine has an estimated street value of nearly $407,000.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia-Marmolejo will impose sentencing March 18, 2020. At that time, Garza Gutierrez faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison is prosecuting the case.
Mexican Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.
Diego Perez-Vasquez, age 26, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and living in Iowa received the prison term after an October 10, 2019, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At the guilty plea, Perez-Vasquez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States on March 12, 2015, and March 18, 2015, and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Perez-Vasquez was found by immigration agents in August 2019 after two aliens under ICE supervision entered a car containing Perez-Vasquez in a parking lot near the Cedar Rapids ICE office. Perez-Vasquez was arrested after he presented the ICE agents with a fraudulent California driver’s license as a form of identification.
Perez-Vasquez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Perez-Vasquez was sentenced to 97 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Perez-Vasquez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-92.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Memphis Man Sentenced to 31 Years for Bank Robbery and CarjackingRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Lorenzo Davis, 29, has been sentenced to 376 months in federal prison for armed bank robbery and carjacking. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on July 26, 2018, defendant Lorenzo Davis, 29, and two other males robbed a Memphis man at gunpoint. Davis then walked the victim two miles to an ATM machine and forced him to withdraw his last $40 at gunpoint. The next day, Lorenzo Davis committed a carjacking by shooting a Memphis man in the neck and taking his Toyota Solara.
On June 20, 2019, after a four-day trial, a federal jury convicted Davis of bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during a bank robbery, carjacking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm during both incidents.
On December 2, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Mark Norris sentenced Davis to 376 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "This is precisely the type of violent gun offender that threatens lives and public safety in Memphis. These federal bank robbery, carjacking, and firearms charges are evidence of the aggressive approach taken by this office to remove the worst of the worst offenders from our streets. This sentence confirms that there is a significant consequence for sowing lawlessness and violence in our communities, and Davis will now reap a long prison sentence for his brazen and recidivist behavior."
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Memphis Police Department Violent Crimes Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Rogers and Neal Oldham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Maryland Announces New Nationwide FBI Tipline to Gather Information About Crimes Committed by the MS-13 GangRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Maryland is the first District to announce the new nationwide FBI tipline, 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), to gather information about the criminal activities of the MS-13 gang. To help publicize the tipline and encourage people who may have information about the gang to call, a Spanish-language public service announcement was also debuted today.
The tipline 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; Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Special Agent in Charge John Eisert of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore Office; Chief Edward G. Hargis of the Frederick Police Department; Chief Edward Jackson of the Annapolis Police Department; Chief Timothy J. Altomare of the Anne Arundel County Police Department; Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Chief Amal Awad of the City of Hyattsville Police Department.
“This new tipline adds to our tool box in the fight against MS-13,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “MS-13 is terrorizing and preying upon entire communities. We want to help end the fear and violence, but we need the community’s help to fight back. Please, if you have information, call 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713). Federal, state, and local law enforcement are working together to find and bring to justice MS-13 members who commit heinous crimes—and your information will help us to do that. Your identity will be protected.”
“MS-13 uses violence to strike fear in our communities and they count on that fear resulting in silence,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Boone. “We must not allow fear and silence to be weapons MS-13 is allowed to use. Please call the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713). Use your voice to tell them, no more.”
The FBI tipline allows individuals to provide information about MS-13 activities to a central location and the FBI will then disseminate the information to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for investigation. The Spanish-language public service announcement (PSA) features a mother who was extorted by MS-13 and whose child was murdered by the gang. In the PSA the victim encourages others to call the FBI so the FBI can help them. The PSA is available for download at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtCqeAA_LlY and has captions enabled for both English and Spanish. In addition, the video will be live in the videos section on the FBI’s website.
MS-13 is a national and international gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador. Branches or “cliques” of MS-13, one of the largest street gangs in the United States, operate throughout Frederick County, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County, Maryland. MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence both to maintain membership and discipline within the gang, as well as against rival gang members. To protect the gang and to enhance its reputation, MS-13 members and associates are expected to use any means necessary to force respect from those who show disrespect, including acts of intimidation and violence. MS-13 has mottos consistent with its rules, beliefs, expectations and reputation including “mata, viola, controla,” which translates as, “kill, rape, control,” and “ver, oir y callar,” which means, “see nothing, hear nothing and say nothing.”
# # #
Madison Man Sentenced to 67 Months on Crack Cocaine ChargeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Daniel Norris, 32, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 67 months in federal prison for possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. Norris pleaded guilty to this charge on September 4, 2019.
On January 7, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Norris’ residence in Madison. During the search, officers recovered 54 grams of crack cocaine, 82 grams of powder cocaine, a stolen Glock pistol, and $6,906 in cash. Norris was on supervision at the time of the search for a felony conviction for 3rd degree sexual assault in Dane County.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson was troubled by Norris’ lengthy criminal history and the fact that he was involved with dealing drugs while on supervision. Judge Peterson also noted that Norris’ possession of a stolen firearm was particularly alarming.
The charge against Norris was a result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, Madison Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Long Island Felon Admits Possessing Loaded Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Hassan Raheem, age 43, of Uniondale, New York, pled guilty today to possessing and intending to distribute crack cocaine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and John B. Devito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Raheem, who has 6 prior felony convictions, admitted that on July 26, 2016, he possessed a loaded .22 caliber semiautomatic pistol and 17 grams of crack cocaine packaged for distribution at a motel in Colonie, New York. He further admitted that he intended to distribute the crack cocaine to others in exchange for cash, and that he possessed the pistol, which he obtained illegally, to protect his crack and drug proceeds from potential robbers. The pistol itself was reported stolen from a Mechanicsville, Virginia gun store in 2013.
Raheem faces at least 5 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and at least 3 years of post-release supervision, when he is sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Fredrick J. Scullin, Jr. on June 9, 2020. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Colonie Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.
Laredoan pleads guilty to role in drug trafficking schemeRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 24-year-old Laredo resident has admitted he conspired to possess with intent to distribute a large quantity of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On July 18, authorities observed six individuals carrying bundles near the Rio Grande River in Laredo. They quickly responded to that area and witnessed a pickup truck driving towards the river.
Jose Gonzalo Ojeda was the driver and fled on foot as law enforcement approached the vehicle. Authorities soon apprehended him and recovered 480 pounds of marijuana from his truck.
The drugs have an estimated street value of more than $380,000.
Ojeda has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing, which will be set at a later date before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana. At that time, he faces a minimum of five and up to 40 years in prison as well as a possible $5 million fine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.
Laredo drug smuggler pleads guilty in marijuana conspiracyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 28-year-old Laredo native has admitted to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute more than 135 kilograms of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On Sept. 13, authorities observed a man - later identified as Jose Eduardo Flores – carrying a black bundle near an entrance to a ranch in Laredo. After he returned to his vehicle, authorities attempted to conduct a traffic stop. However, Flores quickly fled the scene.
Law enforcement found his abandoned vehicle at a nearby gas station. They conducted a search and removed four black bundles of marijuana weighing 135.8 kilograms.
The marijuana has an estimated street value of nearly $66,000.
Authorities were able to locate Flores and took him into custody. He admitted he knew he was illegally transporting a controlled substance.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia-Marmolejo will impose sentencing March 18, 2020. At that time, Flores faces a minimum of five and up to 40 years in federal prison and a possible $5 million maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yoona Lim is prosecuting the case.
KC Man Guilty of $2.5 Million Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man has been convicted in federal court of a scheme to obtain more than $2.5 million in fraudulent federal income tax refunds, in part by stealing his children’s identities.
Michael A. Kheop, 52, was found guilty at the conclusion of a one-day bench trial before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Monday, Dec. 2, of three counts of making false claims, two counts of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to evidence introduced in the trial, Kheop created a fraudulent business entity in 2013. He then created fraudulent W-2 forms that contained false income and withholding in order to fraudulently claim refunds in his own name and using his three minor children’s names.
Kheop filed 12 fraudulent claims for refunds on behalf of his three minor children for tax years 2014 through 2017. He filed three fraudulent claims for refunds in his own name for tax years 2015 through 2017.
By filing the 15 fraudulent claims for refunds, Kheop attempted to defraud the government of $2,591,706. The U.S. Treasury actually paid Kheop $24,322.
The false claims convictions are specifically related to three tax returns Kheop filed in 2018, one in his own name and two in the names of his minor children. The mail fraud convictions are specifically related to refund checks mailed to Kheop’s post office box. The aggravated identity theft conviction is specifically related to the use of his minor child’s name and Social Security number on a federal income tax return.
Under federal statutes, Kheop is subject to a sentence of up to 55 years in federal prison without parole for the false claims and mail fraud convictions, plus a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in federal prison without parole for aggravated identity theft. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen D. Mahoney and Bradley Cooper. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.