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16 January 2020
Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine in North Alabama Thanks to Joint Law Enforcement EffortRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –A federal judge today sentenced two men involved in a methamphetamine conspiracy to prison sentences ranging from twelve years to twenty-four years, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town, Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Clay Morris and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Melvin “Froggy” Rolin, of Cullman, to 24 years and 7 months in prison, as the leader of a North Alabama drug conspiracy that was responsible for importing over 90 kilograms of pure methamphetamine into Cullman, Morgan, Madison and Limestone counties. Rolin pled guilty in June 2019 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine between January 2016 and February 2018. Rolin also pled guilty to distributing 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on February 3, 2018 and to possessing a North American Arms .22 magnum caliber pistol firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The judge sentenced Barry Williams, of Morgan County, to 12 ½ years in prison for his role in the drug conspiracy. Williams pled guilty in October 2019 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine between January 2016 and February 2018. Rolin also pled guilty to distributing 5 grams or more of methamphetamine on January 31, 2018.
“There is no daylight between local, state and federal law enforcement,” Town said. “These prosecutions represent the hard work of many of our law enforcement partners and exemplify our global efforts to stop the influx of dangerous drugs like methamphetamine being brought into our communities. These defendants will now be joined by other drug dealers in a federal prison.”
“Drugs and guns are a deadly combination that often end with violent acts,” Morris said. “Today’s sentences should send a resounding message to all drug dealers in Alabama. We will target you, investigate you, and ensure that you go to prison in order to make our communities safe.”
“ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence as part of Project Guardian, continue to focus on reducing violent crime as the criminal element knows no geographical boundaries,” Watson said.
The DEA, ATF along with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, and Cullman County Sherriff’s Office investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Becher, Sr. prosecuted.
Two Former Correctional Officers Plead Guilty to Federal Offenses Following the In-Custody Death of a WomanRead the Press Release
Today, two more defendants pleaded guilty in connection with their roles in the death of Nimali Henry, an inmate in their custody. Henry, who had a rare blood disorder and other medical conditions, died in the St. Bernard Parish Prison in Chalmette, Louisiana, on April 1, 2014, after failing to receive treatment for her serious medical needs during the 10 days she was incarcerated there.
“Officers such as Andre Dominick and Lisa Vaccarella have a responsibility to protect the civil rights of all in their custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to defend the civil rights of all citizens.”
“The protection for all of our citizen’s civil rights is an essential part of our constitutional rights,” said U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Violation of these entitlements, especially in this case by the correctional officers sworn to protect the rights of inmates, erodes public confidence in our correctional system. The public must be able to trust that correctional officers are fulfilling their duties honestly and are truthful during the course of federal investigations or face the consequences of their actions. Our office along with DOJ, state and local law enforcement agencies will continue to investigate and prosecute any violations of our citizens civil rights.”
“Captain Andre Dominick and Correctional Officer Lisa Vaccarella were responsible for the welfare of inmates at the St. Bernard Parish Prison. Because of the choices each defendant made, Nimali Henry failed to get the care and attention that she needed to address known medical conditions, leading to her death,” said Bryan A. Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge. “The FBI New Orleans Field Office, in coordination with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office, remain committed to protecting the rights of all Americans, to include those incarcerated.”
Dominick, a former correctional captain, pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of Henry, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 242. In pleading guilty, Dominick – who was acting as the medical officer during Henry’s incarceration – admitted that he knew that Henry had serious medical needs, but failed to take any reasonable steps to get her the medical attention she needed during the 10 days that she was in the custody.
Vaccarella, a former correctional deputy, pleaded guilty to one count of misprision of a felony. In pleading guilty to that count, Vaccarella admitted that she knew that other officers at the jail had willfully deprived Henry of medical treatment for her serious medical needs, but she failed to take any affirmative steps to alert federal authorities to this federal civil rights violation. In addition, Vaccarella pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to the FBI, admitting that, during her voluntary interview with the FBI, she lied to the FBI about her observations of Henry.
Vaccarella is scheduled to be sentenced on April 29, 2020. Dominick is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10, 2020. Dominick faces a sentence of up to life imprisonment. Vaccarella faces a sentence of up to eight years of imprisonment.
Previously, in related cases, former Corporal Timothy Williams pleaded guilty on Sept. 18, 2018, to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242. In pleading guilty, Williams admitted that he willfully disregarded a substantial risk of serious harm to Henry’s health and safety by failing to take reasonable measures to address her medical conditions. On Jan. 7, 2020, former Deputy Debra Becnel pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with the federal investigation into Henry’s death, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted jointly by Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chandra Menon and Tracey N. Knight of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Two Former Correctional Officers Plead Guilty to Federal Offenses Following the In-Custody Death of a WomanRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, two more defendants pleaded guilty in connection with their roles in the death of Nimali Henry, an inmate in their custody. Henry, who had a rare blood disorder and other medical conditions, died in the St. Bernard Parish Prison in Chalmette, Louisiana, on April 1, 2014, after failing to receive treatment for her serious medical needs during the 10 days she was incarcerated there.
“Officers such as Andre Dominick and Lisa Vaccarella have a responsibility to protect the civil rights of all in their custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to defend the civil rights of all citizens.”
“The protection for all of our citizen’s civil rights is an essential part of our constitutional rights,” said U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Violation of these entitlements, especially in this case by the correctional officers sworn to protect the rights of inmates, erodes public confidence in our correctional system. The public must be able to trust that correctional officers are fulfilling their duties honestly and are truthful during the course of federal investigations or face the consequences of their actions. Our office along with DOJ, state and local law enforcement agencies will continue to investigate and prosecute any violations of our citizens civil rights.”
“Captain Andre Dominick and Correctional Officer Lisa Vaccarella were responsible for the welfare of inmates at the St. Bernard Parish Prison. Because of the choices each defendant made, Nimali Henry failed to get the care and attention that she needed to address her known medical conditions, leading to her death,” said Bryan A. Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge. “The FBI New Orleans Field Office, in coordination with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office, remain committed to protecting the rights of all Americans, to include those incarcerated.”
Dominick, a former correctional captain, pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of Henry, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 242. In pleading guilty, Dominick – who was acting as the medical officer during Henry’s incarceration – admitted that he knew that Henry had serious medical needs, but failed to take any reasonable steps to get her the medical attention she needed during the 10 days that she was in the custody.
Vaccarella, a former correctional deputy, pleaded guilty to one count of misprision of a felony. In pleading guilty to that count, Vaccarella admitted that she knew that other officers at the jail had willfully deprived Henry of medical treatment for her serious medical needs, but she failed to take any affirmative steps to alert federal authorities to this federal civil rights violation. In addition, Vaccarella pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to the FBI, admitting that, during her voluntary interview with the FBI, she lied to the FBI about her observations of Henry.
Vaccarella is scheduled to be sentenced on April 29, 2020. Dominick is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10, 2020. Dominick faces a sentence of up to life imprisonment. Vaccarella faces a sentence of up to eight years of imprisonment.
Previously, in related cases, former Corporal Timothy Williams pleaded guilty on Sept. 18, 2018, to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242. In pleading guilty, Williams admitted that he willfully disregarded a substantial risk of serious harm to Henry’s health and safety by failing to take reasonable measures to address her medical conditions. On Jan. 7, 2020, former Deputy Debra Becnel pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with the federal investigation into Henry’s death, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted jointly by Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chandra Menon and Tracey N. Knight of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
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Two Dentists and Office Manager Indicted for Medicaid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal grand jury in Boston has indicted a Worcester dentist, a Chelmsford dentist, and a Worcester office manager for their participation in a scheme to defraud the Massachusetts Medicaid program, commonly known as MassHealth.
Dr. Anthony DiStefano III, 70, of Worcester, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, one count of health care fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of tax evasion. Dr. Scott Cale, 65, of Chelmsford, and Robin Cronin, 58, of Worcester, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of health care fraud. The defendants were arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston this afternoon.
According to the indictment, in 2005, MassHealth excluded DiStefano, a dentist practicing in Worcester, from participation in the MassHealth program. DiStefano twice sought readmission into MassHealth’s provider network, but was denied both times in light of significant concerns regarding the quality of dental care he delivered to patients. In order to circumvent his exclusion, DiStefano recruited another dentist, Cale, to join his practice. From 2014 to 2018, dental services that DiStefano personally delivered were billed to MassHealth using Cale’s provider identification credentials. Cale then paid DiStefano a share of the money that MassHealth paid Cale. The purpose of this arrangement was to deceive MassHealth into paying for dental services that were not reimbursable (because MassHealth had terminated DiStefano from the MassHealth program). Cronin, DiStefano’s office manager, was aware of the arrangement and personally billed MassHealth for services that were not reimbursable, knowing that the claims were false.
In addition, according to the indictment, DiStefano owed substantial tax liabilities to the Internal Revenue Service for the years 2011-2014. The IRS notified DiStefano of his outstanding tax liability and DiStefano evaded paying his outstanding liability by, for example, ceasing the use of bank accounts and operating his business in cash; cashing Social Security checks and checks from dental insurance companies at check cashing institutions, thus avoiding IRS levies on his bank accounts; and using the aforementioned Medicaid fraud scheme to conceal his income.
The charges of health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of tax evasion provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey; Phillip Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan Panich and Chris Looney of Lelling’s Office, as well as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Lownds, detailed from Healey Office, are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Twenty-Six People Charged with Trafficking at least Five Kilograms of Cocaine, Heroin and Fentanyl Between Puerto Rico and MilwaukeeRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that 26 defendants have been charged in federal court with trafficking at least five kilograms or more of cocaine as well as distributable quantities of heroin and fentanyl. The defendants were also charged with money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison. According to the complaint, the defendants were part of a drug-trafficking organization that has been sending multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Postal Service from Puerto Rico to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
On January 15, 2020, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested 22 of these defendants. The officers also executed search warrants in both Milwaukee and Puerto Rico resulting in the seizure of approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine, at least 50 grams of heroin, at least 80 grams of crack cocaine, 35 firearms (25 handguns, 8 rifles, 1 fully automatic handgun, and 1 sawed off shotgun), and approximately $267,000 in U.S. currency.
United States Attorney Krueger said in announcing this takedown: “Our communities continue to suffer from an unprecedented drug epidemic that has taken far too many lives. The drug trafficking organizations that fuel this epidemic for their own profit must be stopped and held accountable. These arrests demonstrate the extraordinary commitment and partnership among all levels of law enforcement to pursue traffickers, wherever they are operate.”
The defendants charged in this law enforcement action, called Operation Island Hopper, are:
Name
Age
Residence
Jose GONZALEZ-COLLADO
28
Milwaukee
Hector Yamil RODRIGUEZ-RODRIGUEZ
28
Milwaukee
Marcos APONTE-LEBRON
40
Milwaukee
Vladimir RODRIGUEZ-RODRIGUEZ
25
Milwaukee
Steven CORTES-IRIZARRY
38
Milwaukee
Kevin TORRES-BONILLA
29
Milwaukee
Andros MARTINEZ-PELLOT
30
Milwaukee
Eric ROSA
32
Milwaukee
Kadeja LEWIS
29
Milwaukee
Yadier ROSARIO
23
Milwaukee
Julio RIVERA-RAMIREZ
51
Milwaukee
Rafael RIVERA-QUINONES
34
Milwaukee
Ricardo BONILLA
48
Milwaukee
Jose BURGOS-RIVERA
42
Milwaukee
Jomar LABOY-SILVA
27
Milwaukee
Enid MARTINEZ
32
Milwaukee
Alexander MORALES-RIVERA
27
Milwaukee
Wilberto SANTIAGO-MARTINEZ
38
Milwaukee
Julio SEDA-MARTINEZ
39
Milwaukee
Jose M. AVILES-GONZALEZ
25
Milwaukee
David QUINONES-QUINONES
48
Puerto Rico
David Joel QUINONES-RIOS
29
Puerto Rico
Roberto ORENCH-FELICIANO
27
Puerto Rico
Carlos Omar CONCEPCION-RIVERA
31
Puerto Rico
Yashira Jehovalis CORTES-NIEVES
24
Puerto Rico
Keishla M. ORENCH-FELICIANO
27
Puerto Rico
“This case shows the impact that intensive investigations targeting large-scale drug trafficking can have,” said Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. “When local, state, and federal investigators work together, as they have in this case, we can disrupt the supply of narcotics to Wisconsin and help people avoid addiction. Thank you to the brave law enforcement professionals at DCI and other agencies who have worked on this case.”
“The DEA is committed working with its local, state and federal law enforcement partners to keep the citizens of Milwaukee safe from drug trafficking and the violence that is always associated with it. Today’s arrests shows the resolve of law enforcement to work together in order to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals who profit from the national drug epidemic,” said DEA Milwaukee District Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Paul E. Maxwell, Jr.
Chicago Division Postal Inspector in Charge Bill Hedrick said, “The incredible partnerships between law enforcement agencies are imperative to protect the American public from illegal drug activity and the violence that goes along with it. The criminal activity in this case was uncovered through the investigation of drug parcels by a well-trained Postal Inspector, and transformed into this multi-faceted investigation which led to the numerous arrests we have today. Postal Inspectors work not only to remove drugs from the mail, but to investigate and arrest individuals, and disrupt drug trafficking across the United States.”
“This investigation’s success is a direct result of the strong partnership between HSI and our local, state and federal law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge James M. Gibbons, HSI Chicago. “This close coordination between law enforcement agencies is essential to ensuring those allegedly involved in the illicit drug trade are brought to justice.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Tim Jones said, “Protecting the American people from criminal organizations is a priority of the ATF. Operations such as this are a great example of how law enforcement partnerships working in concert can help protect the public from criminal organizations and reduce violent crime.”
The defendants were charged based on a multi-year investigation led by law enforcement agents and officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Milwaukee Police Department, and the City of New Berlin Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Brady, Jr. and Assistant United States Attorney Gail Hoffman are prosecuting the case.
The public is cautioned that a criminal complaint is merely a charge and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales 414-297-1700
Troy Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jessica Pascale, age 34, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to defrauding the Social Security Administration (SSA) by diverting and stealing the benefit payments of two minor children while she was employed as a Social Security claims representative.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and John F. Grasso, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office.
As part of her guilty plea, Pascale admitted that in July and September 2019, she used the SSA computer system in the SSA’s Troy office to divert two Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit payments intended for two minor children, totaling $3,309.34, into her personal bank account. Neither the children, nor their parents, were aware of the thefts, which were discovered through internal controls at SSA. Pascale pled guilty to four felony charges: two charges of theft of government property and two charges of fraud in connection with identification information.
At sentencing on May 20, 2020, Pascale faces up to 15 years in prison and up to 3 years of supervised release. 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 SSA Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle.
Topeka Men Sentenced on Federal Carjacking ChargesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – Two Topeka men were sentenced today on federal carjacking charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Chauncey Elliott Lyles, 20, Topeka, Kan., was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. Co-defendant Mathdaniel Squirrel, 23, Topeka, Kan., was sentenced to 72 months. Both defendants pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking.
In their pleas, the defendants admitted that on Jan. 30, 2019, in Topeka, they threatened the driver of a 2007 Cadillac SUV and stole the driver’s vehicle.
McAllister commended the Topeka Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs for their work on the case.
Three Indicted in Warranty-Deed Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal grand jury has indicted LAURA R. JOHNSON, 44, THOMAS JOHNSON, SR., 51, and CHERYL M. ASHLEY, 69, all of Oklahoma City, for conspiracy, fraud, identity theft, and other crimes, based on allegations that they used fraudulent legal documents to take ownership of more than a dozen homes without the consent or knowledge of the actual owners, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing.
According to the indictment, the defendants used fraudulent documents from 2014 until 2019 to obtain title to homes and other properties. A number of properties the defendants are alleged to have targeted had delinquent property taxes and therefore were subject to being auctioned by the Oklahoma County Treasurer’s Office. By paying off one or more years of taxes, the indictment alleges, the defendants caused the properties to be removed from the auction process. The defendants then allegedly filed fraudulent warranty deeds to transfer properties into the names of fictitious companies and individuals. The conspiracy also allegedly included fraudulent confidential stamp tax affidavits, fake mortgages, and forged notary signatures and seals.
Some homeowners are alleged to have vacated their homes based on phony eviction notices posted as part of the conspiracy. When certain victims fought the takeover of their homes in court, the indictment alleges, the defendants filed pleadings with the names of fictitious lawyers and submitted affidavits in court signed by fictitious people.
According to the indictment, the defendants targeted one home that had been owned by a woman who died in 2012. After they gained control of the property, the defendants allegedly used bank records they found in the home and forged a power of attorney in an attempt to withdraw more than $100,000 from the dead woman’s bank account. It is alleged that when that failed, conspirators attempted to steal money by writing checks on the dead woman’s account with forged signatures. It is also alleged they filed a false will in Oklahoma County District Court after the woman’s nephew learned of the death and filed a probate action. According to the indictment, based on the fraudulent information, the court appointed Defendant Laura Johnson as the personal representative of the estate, which enabled her to withdraw $63,950 from the dead woman’s bank accounts and obtain $45,000 from her oil and gas interests.
"Oklahomans have to be able to rely on records county officials maintain to establish ownership of real property," said U.S. Attorney Downing. "When federal charges help uphold the integrity of governmental property records, the Department of Justice will eagerly work with state investigators and prosecute fraud. Thank you to Attorney General Hunter and his team for this outstanding example of federal-state cooperation."
"The elaborate coordination by these defendants and lengths to which they defrauded property owners is disturbing," Attorney General Hunter said. "They not only preyed on victims whose properties were vacant, but they also used forged eviction notices and court documents to remove people from their homes and even targeted the deceased. I appreciate the leadership of U.S. Attorney Downing and our other law enforcement partners for making this case a priority."
All three defendants were arrested this morning. They were arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary M. Purcell.
Each defendant is charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, which in the event of convictions could result in sentences of thirty years in prison and fines of up to $1,000,000. Each is also charged with conspiracy to commit identity theft, which could result in sentences of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Laura Johnson is charged with making a false statement to a financial institution and four counts of wire fraud; Thomas Johnson is charged with making a false statement to a financial institution, and one count of bank fraud. Each of these counts could carry a maximum sentence of thirty years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000. Furthermore, Laura Johnson is charged with four counts of aggravated identity theft, while Thomas Johnson is charged with two counts of aggravated identity theft. A conviction on one of these counts would trigger a mandatory two-year prison term, to be served in addition to any other imprisonment imposed in the case. Each defendant would also be ordered to pay restitution to victims for any counts of conviction.
These charges are the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service and the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kerry A. Kelly and Jessica L. Perry are prosecuting the case.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations and that each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Reference is made to public filings for more information.
Three Alleged Members of the Violent Extremist Group “the Base” Facing Federal Firearms and Alien-Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal criminal complaint has been filed charging three alleged members of the racially motivated violent extremist group “The Base” with firearms and alien-related charges. The complaint charges Brian Mark Lemley, Jr., age 33, of Elkton, Maryland, and Newark, Delaware, and William Garfield Bilbrough IV, age 19, of Denton, Maryland, with transporting and harboring aliens and conspiring to do so. Lemley is also charged with transporting a machine gun and disposing of a firearm and ammunition to an alien unlawfully present in the United States. Further, the complaint charges Lemley and Canadian national Patrik Jordan Mathews, age 27, currently of Newark, Delaware, with transporting a firearm and ammunition with intent to commit a felony. The complaint also charges Mathews with being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The complaint was filed January 14, 2020, and was unsealed today upon their arrests by the FBI.
The defendants are expected to have initial appearances beginning at 2:45 p.m. today in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, 6400 Cherrywood Lane, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles B. Day.
The criminal complaint was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; United States Attorney for the District of Delaware David C. Weiss; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division.
According to the criminal complaint, within The Base’s encrypted chat rooms, members have discussed, among other things, recruitment, creating a white ethno-state, committing acts of violence against minority communities (including African-Americans and Jewish-Americans), the organization’s military-style training camps, and ways to make improvised explosive devices. Lemley previously served as a Cavalry Scout in the United States Army, and as of August 2019, Mathews, a Canadian citizen in the United States illegally, was a combat engineer in the Canadian Army Reserve.
The affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint alleges that on August 19, 2019, Mathews unlawfully crossed from Canada into the United States near the Manitoba/Minnesota border. On August 30, 2019, Lemley and Bilbrough allegedly drove from Maryland to Michigan in order to pick up Mathews, and all three men returned to Maryland on August 31, 2019.
As detailed in the criminal complaint, on November 3, 2019, the three men drove from Virginia to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where Bilbrough resided. Lemley and Mathews then continued to the area of Elkton, Maryland, where Lemley obtained a motel room for Mathews. The following day, Lemley drove Mathews to Delaware, where Lemley rented an apartment in which the two have resided since that time.
According to the affidavit, during December 2019, Lemley and Mathews used an upper receiver ordered by Lemley, as well as other firearms parts, to make a functioning assault rifle. Also in December, Lemley, Mathews, and Bilbrough allegedly attempted to manufacture a controlled substance, DMT, at Lemley and Mathews’s apartment. Furthermore, Lemley, Mathews, and Bilbrough discussed The Base’s activities and spoke about other members of the organization. Mathews also allegedly showed the assault rifle to Bilbrough, who examined the assault rifle and returned it to Mathews.
In January 2020, according to the affidavit, that Lemley and Mathews purchased approximately 1,650 rounds of 5.56mm and 6.5mm ammunition; traveled from Delaware to a gun range in Maryland, where they shot the assault rifle; and retrieved plate carriers (to support body armor) and at least some of the purchased ammunition from Lemley’s prior residence in Maryland.
If convicted, Lemley and Bilbrough each face a maximum sentence of five years for transporting and harboring certain aliens, and 10 years for conspiracy to do so. Lemley also faces a maximum of five years in prison for transporting a machine gun in interstate commerce, and a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for disposing of a firearm and ammunition to an illegal alien. Lemley and Mathews each face a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for transporting a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony offense. Finally, Mathews faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorneys Robert K. Hur and David C. Weiss commended the FBI Baltimore Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and ATF for their work in the investigation, and thanked U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland State Police, and the Delaware State Police for their assistance. Mr. Hur and Mr. Weiss thanked their offices’ national security prosecutors, who are handling the case.
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Superseding Indictment Charges Man for Making Threats Against a Maryland SynagogueRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Stephen Orback, 65, for threatening on multiple occasions to attack a Baltimore-area synagogue. Count One charges Orback with intentionally attempting to obstruct persons in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs through the threatened use of force, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 247. Count Two charges Orback with making threatening interstate communications, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875.
According to the superseding indictment, between May 12 and July 21, 2019, Orback made numerous telephone calls to an employee of a synagogue in Owings Mills, Maryland, threatening to kill members of the synagogue’s congregation with firearms, by using explosives, and by burning the synagogue down. The superseding indictment replaces a previous indictment, handed down by the grand jury on Aug. 15, 2019, which charged the defendant only with the interstate-threats count.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. If convicted, Orback faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case is being investigated by the FBI's Baltimore Field Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Michael Cunningham of the District of Maryland and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Zachary Dembo.
For more information about the Department of Justice’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to Department of Justice hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals.
Steubenville man admits to his role in a drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Bernard Barnett, of Steubenville, Ohio, has admitted to his role in a crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Barnett, age 44, also known as “Gator,” pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Barnett admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in January 2019 in Brooke County.Barnett faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Jefferson County, Ohio, Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office; the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office; the Weirton Police Department; and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Staten Island Man Sentenced to 33 Months’ Imprisonment for Defrauding Investors in Virtual CurrencyRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Patrick McDonnell was sentenced by United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis to 33 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud related to a scheme to defraud investors in virtual currency. In addition, McDonnell was ordered to pay $224,352 in restitution. McDonnell pleaded guilty in June 2019.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Philip R. Bartlett, Inspector-in-Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS), announced the sentence.
“Patrick McDonnell is headed to prison for deceiving investors, using an alias, false promises and false balance statements for one purpose only—so that he could steal their money,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This Office will continue to vigorously prosecute white-collar criminals who defraud the investing public.” Mr. Donoghue expressed his grateful appreciation to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for its assistance with the investigation.
“Mr. McDonnell used his knowledge of virtual currencies to scam investors. While he thought he could outsmart law enforcement, his arrest and today’s sentence shows, no matter where you are, what’s done in the dark will be brought to the light,” stated USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Bartlett.
Between approximately November 2014 and January 2018, McDonnell portrayed himself on social media as an experienced trader in virtual currency, promising investors he would provide trading advice and purchase and trade virtual currency on their behalf. Beginning in approximately May 2016, McDonnell made similar representations and promises to investors through his Staten Island-based company, CabbageTech, Corp., also known as Coin Drop Markets. However, neither McDonnell nor CabbageTech provided investment services. Instead, McDonnell sent investors false financial statements showing that their investments had been profitable, and stole their money for his personal use. In total, McDonnell defrauded at least 10 victims of at least $194,000 in U.S. currency, 4.41 Bitcoin, 206 Litecoin, 620 Ethereum Classic and 1,342,634 Verge currency, for a total loss of $224,350.32. In addition to lying to investors about his company’s prowess, McDonnell also solicited customers using a false alias, “Jason Flack,” an individual that did not actually exist.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorney Hiral D. Mehta is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
PATRICK MCDONNELL (also known as “Jason Flack”)
Age: 47
Staten Island, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-148 (NGG)
St. Louis Man Sentenced for Robbing the Richmond Heights Post Office at GunpointRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Dywane Upchurch, 39, of St. Louis, MO, was sentenced to 60 months for his role in robbing the Richmond Heights Post Office and assaulting a Postal employee while committing robbery. Upchurch appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry.
According to court documents, on December 6, 2018, Dywane Upchurch entered the rear door of the U.S. Post Office in Richmond Heights located on Big Bend Boulevard. He was armed with a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol. Once inside, Upchurch brandished the firearm and forced both employees into a restroom. Upchurch then went to the cash register and stole approximately $8,800 in cash.
On January 17, 2019, Upchurch was taken into custody after United States Postal Inspectors executed an arrest warrant at a residence on Blakemore Place, St. Louis, Missouri. A firearm possessed by Upchurch was seized from the residence.
Upchurch pled guilty in October to felon in possession of a firearm and assault while committing a robbery.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Richmond Heights Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ware is handling the case.
Soldotna Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Matthew Sean Bremond, 32, of Soldotna, Alaska, was sentenced yesterday by Sr. U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline, to serve nine years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing large quantities of heroin throughout the Kenai Peninsula. In September 2019, Bremond pleaded guilty to one count of drug distribution.
According to court documents, on two occasions in Soldotna in May 2018, Bremond sold 126 and 96 grams of heroin from his residence. A search of Bremond’s house, storage units, and vehicle revealed evidence of drug trafficking activities such as large quantities of firearms and cash, bullet proof vests, vehicles, as well as 700 more grams of heroin and 40 grams of cocaine intended for distribution. The amount of cash and heroin seized, as well as the prior sales of heroin, represented over 20,000 dosage units that were distributed, or intended to be distributed, into the community.
In addition to the sentence imposed, Bremond agreed to forfeit $101,173.00, two Polaris 800 snow machines, one Xtreme utility trailer, a 2014 Raptor Ford F150 truck, a 2008 Dodge Charger SRT sedan, a 2006 Nissan 350Z coupe, 58 firearms, two bullet proof vests, two fully automatic modifications for handguns, two bump stocks, and one silencer. Bremond agreed that these were proceeds from, or used to facilitate, his drug trafficking enterprise.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Beistline expressed concern that “large scale” drug traffickers like Bremond were “destroying communities.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Alaska State Troopers (AST), and the Kenai Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Cavanaugh of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska.
Sex Trafficker Convicted Following A Jury Trial of Using Crack Cocaine and Heroin to Coerce Victims into Prostitution Going to Prison for 30 YearsRead 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 Valentino Shine, Sr., 52, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted following a jury trial of five counts of sex trafficking, and one count each of sex trafficking conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, using and maintaining a drug-involved premises, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. He was also ordered to pay $73,600 to the victims of his crimes.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth R. Moellering and Meghan A. Tokash, who prosecuted the case, with support from the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, stated that the defendant ran a sex trafficking operation out of his Humboldt Parkway residence in Buffalo. Shine preyed upon and exploited women who were vulnerable and addicted to drugs, coercing them to engage in commercial sex acts. The defendant provided or withheld drugs to coerce the victims to engage in commercial sex acts.
According to evidence presented by the government at trial, Shine was recovering from a cocaine addiction and knew the power that drug addiction could have over someone. The defendant used this as a weapon to target vulnerable women. Shine’s motto was “BABI PAE” – Break a (expletive) Incorporated; Pimping Ain’t Easy.
At the urging of the defendant, victims advertised on backpage.com. After performing sex acts for money, they would give that money to Shine. Money was important to Shine. When signing his name, the defendant wrote CREAM: “Cash Rules Everything Around Me.”
In addition to using drugs to control his victims, Shine also used physical beatings, manipulation, and brainwashing.
Three women who worked for the defendant died of drug overdoses as a result of their addictions.
“The defendant’s campaign to dehumanize the victims he ensnared was reprehensible,” noted U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Through manipulation, brainwashing, and torture, the defendant cashed-in by robbing—and then selling—the dignity of a number of young, often vulnerable, women in our community. Hopefully, this prosecution and the lengthy prison sentence imposed will give Mr. Shine—and others like him—plenty of time to reflect on my Office’s unwavering commitment to the value and worth inherent in the lives of all those who live in our District.”
“The successful criminal prosecution of Valentino Shine highlights the brutality with which sex traffickers treat their victims and the lack of regard they have for human life,” said Kevin Kelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of HSI Buffalo. “This sentence should serve as a stark warning to all individuals and criminal groups involved that traffickers will be held accountable and brought to justice. Additionally, HSI will ensure the survivors get the help they need.”
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, and the Human Trafficking Task Force of the Western District of New York.
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San Antonio Area Pharmaceutical Sales Representative Sentenced to Prison for Paying over $400K in Bribes to Physicians and Physician AssistantsRead the Press Release
In San Antonio this morning, a federal judge sentenced 46-year-old former pharmaceutical sales representative Holly Blakely, of San Antonio, TX, to 30 months in federal prison for a Bribery/Health Care Fraud scheme that netted her over $1 million, announced U.S. Attorney John Bash, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
In addition to the prison term, Senior U.S. District Judge Fred Biery ordered that Blakely pay $ 1,746,222 in restitution and be placed on supervised release for a period of 3 years after completing her prison term. Federal authorities had previously forfeited approximately $88,800 in proceeds from the sale of Blakely’s house. Judge Biery also ordered Blakely, who remains on bond, to surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service by June 15, 2020, in order to begin her prison term.
On February 21, 2019, Blakely pleaded guilty to one conspiracy count that involved wire fraud, Health Care Fraud, violating the Texas Commercial Bribery statute, and paying and receiving illegal kickbacks.
According to court records, from February 2013 through December 2014, Blakely and others submitted numerous fraudulent prescriptions on behalf of unsuspecting individuals to two different pharmacies for compounding medications. Numerous prescriptions were for patients who never sought treatment from the medical professional who wrote, or whose name was used to obtain, the prescription.
Blakely received commissions from pharmacies based on the amount of money the pharmacies received from private and government health care insurers for prescriptions submitted by conspirators and filled by the pharmacies. Blakely, in turn, paid kickbacks to medical professionals to induce them into writing prescriptions for insured patients.
The total loss amount due to the defendant’s scheme was approximately $8,846,972.
The FBI, together with investigators from DEA Diversion, the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Texas Department of Public Safety; Office of Professional Management – Office of the Inspector General (OPM - OIG); Defense Criminal Investigation Service (DCIS) and Air Force Office of Investigations (AFOSI) investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Chung and Antonio Franco, Jr. are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government, with assistance from Steven Seward of the Financial Litigation Unit.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Psychiatrist Sentenced to Prison for Healthcare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach doctor was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for defrauding Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare, and other health care benefits programs out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Additionally, Udaya K. Shetty, 64, agreed to pay over $1 million to settle related civil claims.
According to court documents, was a licensed psychiatrist practicing medicine at his own practice, Behavioral & Neuropsychiatric Group. Beginning in 2013, Shetty created a scheme by which he could overbill healthcare benefit programs by seeing patients for only five to 10 minutes, but then billing for services that were on average 41 to 63 minutes long. Shetty instructed his staff to often double, triple, or even quadruple book appointment times. The fraud became apparent when investigators discovered that on dozens of instances Shetty would need more than 24 hours a day of working to perform the services for which he billed.
In 2017, Shetty closed his own practice and joined another psychiatric practice, Quietly Radiant Psychiatric Services. While there Shetty, and one of his former employees, Mary Otto, engaged in a similar scheme. Although other Quietly Radiant staff members were responsible for billing, Shetty directed Otto to access the billing system and change all of his billing data to a higher billing rate. Otto complied and changed the data without the knowledge of Quietly Radiant’s staff. As a result of their actions, Shetty and Otto defrauded various healthcare benefit programs of more than $450,000. Otto pled guilty for her role in the scheme and was sentenced to 15 months in prison on January 10.
In regards to the civil settlement, Shetty agreed to pay $1,078,000 to the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia to resolve his liability under the False Claims Act and the Virginia Fraud Against Taxpayers Act for submitting or causing the submission of false claims to the Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE programs.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office; Robert E. Craig, Special Agent in Charge for the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office; Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); and Mark R. Herring, Attorney General of Virginia, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph L. Kosky prosecuted the criminal case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clare P. Wuerker handled the civil case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-089.
Providence Woman Admits to Role in Fraudulent Opioids Prescription ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence woman admitted to a federal court judge on Wednesday that she participated in a conspiracy to create and use fraudulent prescriptions to gain and distribute opioid pills.
Tammy Bonham, 55, admitted her role in a scheme to manufacture fraudulent prescriptions utilizing the identities, Drug Enforcement Administration identification numbers, and signatures of medical practitioners without their consent. Prescriptions for varying amounts of oxycodone pills were written and presented to pharmacies by some members of the conspiracy and others working at the direction of the conspirators. Often times, the prescriptions were paid for with the fraudulent use of medical insurance.
Most of the oxycodone pills gained with the use of fraudulent prescriptions were sold to others for distribution.
Appearing before U.S. District Court William E. Smith, Bonham pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Jeffrey Ebersole Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations.
Bonham is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, 2020. Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute oxycodone is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment to be followed by 3 years supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island Food and Drug Administration-Office of Criminal Investigations task force, with the assistance of Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Jeffrey Ebersole Special Agent in Charge of Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigation, thank the Office of Program Integrity, Executive Office of Rhode Island Health and Human Services for their assistance during this investigation.
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Prolific Wholesale Fentanyl Distributor Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison After His Trial Conviction on Federal Charges for a Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy and Related Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett today sentenced Paul Alexander, a/k/a David Paul Hayes and Shorty, age 47, of Hanover, Maryland, to 35 year in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, on five federal charges including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substances—specifically fentanyl, possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Judge Bennett also ordered that Alexander forfeit more than $4 million in cash seized during the investigation, three luxury vehicles, seven Rolex watches, two Cartier bracelets with diamonds, a diamond tennis bracelet, and two designer bags. The jury returned its verdict in the evening on Monday, October 1, 2019.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Orville O. Greene of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.
“More people die of opioid overdoses than murder in Maryland, while drug dealers spend their profits on luxury cars and jewelry,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Fentanyl dealers, like Paul Alexander, sell death and despair, and dealing in fentanyl and using a gun increases their odds of federal prosecution. As a result of his conviction, Paul Alexander will now spend 35 years in federal prison, where there is no parole—ever. He will also forfeit to the government all of the proceeds from his drug business, including the cash, cars, jewelry, and other items he bought with drug money.”
According to the evidence presented at his five-day trial, from April 2018 through January 2019, Paul Alexander distributed large amounts of fentanyl in and around the Baltimore area. An 11-month investigation by DEA into Alexander’s drug trafficking activities resulted in the seizure of more than 10 kilograms of fentanyl—enough fentanyl to kill 5 million people—and over $4 million in cash from Alexander’s car and apartments on January 2, 2019.
The evidence showed that Alexander distributed fentanyl on several occasions to a Baltimore County drug trafficker in 2018. In addition, he was observed conducting narcotics-related transactions with another drug dealer, and surveillance video at his apartment complex revealed that Alexander used several vehicles to store and deliver drugs. The evidence proved that Alexander utilized vehicles and residences in the names of relatives and associates in furtherance of his drug trafficking operation.
Witnesses testified that the DEA and Anne Arundel County police executed search warrants on January 2, 2019, at two apartments associated with Alexander. Law enforcement testified that they recovered a loaded pistol with an extended magazine that contained 24 rounds of ammunition, multiple bags filled with over $4 million in cash, jewelry, and narcotics distribution paraphernalia.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA and Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew DellaBetta and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan F. Lenzner, who tried the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anatoly Smolkin, who handled pre-trial litigation.
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Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to Nearly 5 Years in Prison for Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 57 months’ imprisonment followed by three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Brian Horvath, 48.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around September 2016, and continuing thereafter to November 30, 2017, Horvath conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms but less than 15 kilograms of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The court was further informed that during the period of the conspiracy, Horvath frequently received cocaine from two of his co-defendants in quantities ranging from, at the beginning of the conspiracy, one-half ounce to, towards the end of the conspiracy, 18 ounces, which he then redistributed to various individuals in Allegheny and Westmoreland County.
Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Jerome A. Moschetta prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Horvath. The task force was headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is comprised of members drawn from the Borough of Baldwin Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police. The Stowe Township Police Department also provided assistance in this investigation. 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.
Pennsylvania Anesthesiologist Sentenced to Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
A Pennsylvania anesthesiologist was sentenced to 30 months in prison today for filing a false income tax return, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
From 2010 through 2018, James G. Allen Jr., 54, filed and caused the filing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of sixteen false tax returns for himself and his wife. On these tax returns, Allen did not report more than $3 million in income that the pair earned as anesthesiologists. In addition to filing false tax returns, Allen took steps to conceal the couple’s assets and income from the IRS, including depositing money in an offshore bank account held in the Bailiwick of Jersey, wiring money to Columbia to purchase a house, purchasing cryptocurrency and gold, and registering a vehicle in the name of a purported church. In total, Allen caused a tax loss of more than $900,000 to the United States.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab ordered Allen to serve a one year term of supervised release and pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $ 1,084,658.52.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Trial Attorneys Melissa S. Siskind and Carl F. Brooker, IV of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website at www.justice.gov/tax.
Pasadena Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Cyberstalking and Causing Intentional Damage to a Protected ComputerRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Ahmad Kazzelbach, age 26, of Pasadena, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to federal charges of cyberstalking and intentional damage to a protected computer.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department, and Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess.
According to Kazzelbach’s plea agreement, beginning in June 2015, Kazzelbach and the victim both worked at Company A, an insurance broker located in Glen Burnie, Maryland, and in December 2015 began a romantic relationship, moving into a shared apartment. In late May 2016, the victim ended her relationship with Kazzelbach. Although Kazzelbach moved out of their shared apartment, he subsequently began a year-long scheme to harass the victim by compromising her personal online accounts, forging policy cancellation letters on behalf of her clients, and filing false reports with law enforcement that ultimately resulted in the victim being wrongfully arrested and incarcerated on multiple occasions.
Specifically, on July 25, 2016, Kazzelbach created an e-mail account that mimicked the victim’s real e-mail address and within 10 minutes, changed the name on the victim’s Apple account to the fake e-mail address he had created. Two days later, Kazzelbach initiated a password reset, locking the victim out of the account which controlled certain settings on her iPhone, as well as access to the photos, music, and videos associated with her account. Kazzelbach also accessed the victim’s Instagram account and changed a portion of her user name to “whore,” and accessed the victim’s online student loan account and changed the account e-mail address to the fake address he had created.
Kazzelbach also admitted that in late August 2016, he used a fax machine at Company A to send two letters purporting to cancel supplemental health insurance policies belonging to two of the victim’s clients, whose information Kazzelbach had accessed through his position at Company A. On August 28, 2016, Kazzelbach accessed the victim’s own online health insurance account, to which she had previously given Kazzelbach limited access for initiation purposes, and made unauthorized changes to the victim’s race, pregnancy status, and income. The change in income resulted in the victim being disqualified from the plan in which she had enrolled, potentially modifying or impairing her medical care.
On September 1 and October 1, 2016, Kazzelbach attempted to access the victim’s bank account and tax-filing account, respectively, using a proxy server, which can be used to hide an electronic device’s true location or identity. However, investigators were able to identify the true Internet Protocol (IP) address from which the attempts were made and determine that the account was subscribed to by Kazzelbach’s father at a residence where Kazzelbach was then residing.
On September 30, 2016, Kazzelbach sent a text message to the victim in which he disguised his real identity by using a “spoofing” program, which used computer software to make it appear as though the message originated from a Florida-based cell phone number that did not belong to Kazzelbach. In the message, Kazzelbach wrote, “Prepare yourself for what’s coming…the last 3 months were just the beginning. I have bigger plans for you…I love how easily manipulated you can be.”
As detailed in his plea agreement, Kazzelbach filed a petition for a protective order against the victim on December 10, 2016, in the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County, falsely alleging that the victim had physically abused him and made violent threats in text messages and on social media. A temporary protective order was granted on December 13 and a hearing on a final protective order was scheduled for December 29, 2016. Between December 13 and December 29, Kazzelbach contacted Anne Arundel County on four occasions to falsely report that the victim was continuing to harass and threaten him in violation of the temporary protective order. Based on Kazzelbach’s sworn statement, and text messages and phone calls on Kazzelbach’s phone that he had spoofed to make it appear that the victim had contacted him, when in fact, she had not, the court issued four arrest warrants for the victim. On December 29, 2016, the final protective order against the victim was granted, effective for a period of one year. Then, between December 29, 2016 and June 2017, Kazzelbach made 14 additional false reports to law enforcement, causing 7 more criminal actions to be filed against the victim in Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties, and resulting in her false imprisonment for four nights.
In March 2017, the Anne Arundel County prosecutor handling Kazzelbach’s case asked for Kazzelbach’s consent to download the contents of his iPhone, but Kazzelbach refused. The prosecutor told Kazzelbach that if he did not permit a full search of his phone, the Anne Arundel charges against the victim would be dismissed. In response, Kazzelbach began making false reports to Baltimore County instead. In May 2017, the Anne Arundel charges against the victim were dismissed. Baltimore County Police officers subsequently began their own investigation and determined that no attempted or completed text messages were sent from any of the victim’s accounts on the dates and times alleged by Kazzelbach.
Kazzelbach faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for cyberstalking and a maximum of 10 years in federal prison for intentional damage to a protected computer. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has scheduled sentencing for May 1, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI Baltimore Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey J. Izant and P. Michael Cunningham, who are prosecuting the case.
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Owner of Unlicensed D.C. Row House Indicted for Murder in Connection with Fatal FireRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – James G. Walker, 61, the owner of a commercially zoned row house at 708 Kennedy Street, N.W., was arraigned by Superior Court of the District of Columbia Judge Ronna L. Beck on two counts of second degree murder and two counts of involuntary manslaughter. The grand jury indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division Ashan M. Benedict; Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Peter Newsham; and Fire and EMS Chief Gregory M. Dean.
According to the indictment and related court documents, on August 18, 2019, Fitsum Kebede, Yafet Solomen, and others resided at the row house on Kennedy Street owned by Walker. Although Walker used the structure as a boarding house, he did not have a certificate of occupancy for the building and the structure was in violation of several fire safety codes. During the morning of August 18, 2019, a fire broke out inside the building. Kebede and Solomen were in the basement at the time and were unable to exit the premises. They subsequently died from smoke inhalation. Following the indictment, Walker was arrested on January 15, 2020.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. If convicted, Walker faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and five years of supervised release.
In announcing the indictment and arraignment, U.S. Attorney Liu, ATF SAC Benedict, MPD Chief Newsham, and Fire and EMS Chief Dean commended the work of the ATF Arson and Explosives Task Force that investigated the case, including MPD, ATF, and Fire and EMS. Finally, they acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Vinet Bryant, who is prosecuting the case.
Owner of D.C. Area Tax Preparation Business Indicted for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C. returned an indictment today charging an Indianapolis, Indiana, resident with conspiracy to file false claims, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, aiding and assisting the preparation of false tax returns, and tax evasion, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to the indictment, Awett Tedla was the owner and operator of Speedy Tax Services LLC, a tax preparation business in Washington, D.C. and District Heights, Maryland. From 2012 through 2016, Tedla and her coconspirators allegedly obtained and used third party identities to file fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) claiming tax refunds. The indictment also charges that from 2013 through 2016, Tedla falsified her own personal returns by omitting business receipts.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Tedla faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, 10 years in prison for conspiring to file false claims for refunds, five years in prison for each count of tax evasion, and a mandatory sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. Tedla also faces a term of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman thanked agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Mark McDonald and Sean Green of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Owner of Construction Company Sentenced to Prison for Disaster Fraud in the United States Virgin IslandsRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Juli Campbell was sentenced to 14 months in prison for fraud related to FEMA’s Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) Program. Campbell, the owner of a Puerto Rico construction company, pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining disaster relief funds intended to help the Territory rebuild following the 2017 hurricanes.
The STEP Program provides federal funds for essential repairs to homes damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. According to the plea agreement previously filed in the case, Campbell operated Campbell Development, LLC, which was a subcontractor performing STEP-funded work in St. Croix, VI. Campbell executed a scheme whereby the company submitted fraudulent invoices and timesheets related to a STEP-funded subcontract, showing work not actually performed. As part of her sentence, Campbell was also ordered to pay $179,033 in restitution.
"Disaster relief funds are intended to aid Virgin Islanders who suffered during the hurricanes" said U.S. Attorney Shappert. "Individuals and contracting companies that fraudulently diverted these funds must be held to answer for their actions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has made disaster fraud a priority and will continue to prosecute individuals and companies that violate federal law."
"The DHS OIG takes any and all allegations of fraudulent activity seriously and intends to hold accountable those who try to use natural disasters such as Hurricane Maria to take advantage of others," said Special Agent in Charge Jay H. Donly of the DHS-OIG Miami Field Office. "The DHS OIG will continue to use its investigative resources to stop those who use these circumstances for personal and illegal gain."
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security – Office of the Inspector General as well as Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Brooks.
Oshkosh Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Buying a Firearm for a Juvenile who featured it in an Instagram Post with the comment “Revealing New School Shooter Gun”Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on January 15, 2020, U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Hunter C. Nicholson (age: 19) to 30 days’ imprisonment and 3 years’ supervised release after Nicholson pled guilty to Making a False Statement to a Federal Firearms Dealer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(a)(6).
On June 17, 2019, the resource officer for the Oshkosh Area School District alerted the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department that 16-year-old “Juvenile Male”—an Oshkosh North student—posted an Instagram video of someone shooting an assault-style rifle, accompanied by the following comment: “Revealing new school shooter gun.” As a result of the post, Winnebago County deputies questioned Juvenile Male and seized the firearm—an Anderson Manufacturing, Model AM-15, 5.56-millimeter rifle with a Magpul pistol grip. Deputies also recovered two ammunition magazines for the rifle and several rounds of ammunition.
Juvenile Male told deputies that he posted the video and made the comment, but said that he meant it as a joke. Juvenile Male admitted that Hunter C. Nicholson bought the rifle for him at a federally licensed firearms dealer in Oshkosh. During the transaction, Nicholson completed the federally required ATF Form 4473 and falsely answered that he was the actual purchaser of the firearm. Deputies and ATF agents subsequently interviewed Nicholson, who admitted making the unlawful purchase and false statements when he bought the firearm for Juvenile Male.
Making a false statement to a federal firearms dealer is a felony punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years’ supervised release.
This case was prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The Project Safe Neighborhoods’ strategy brings together all levels of law enforcement and community resources to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in all our neighborhoods.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://go.usa.gov/xpBrs
This case was investigated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tim Funnell and Farris Martini.
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Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales 414-297-1700
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Ohio County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Shawndale Davis, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Davis, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Davis, having been convicted of two prior felonies and prohibited from having firearms, admitted to 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Northern Iowa Doctor Sentenced to Federal Prison for Making False Statements and Will Pay More Than $315,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Nursing Facility ResidentsRead the Press Release
Dr. Joseph X. Latella, a primary care doctor in Webster City, Iowa, was sentenced today to two months in prison and to pay a fine after previously pleading guilty to making false statements related to health care matters. Dr. Latella has also agreed to pay $316,438.96 to resolve False Claims Act allegations relating to claims he submitted for routine visits for nursing facility residents between January 1, 2014, and November 30, 2018. The United States alleged that Dr. Latella submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid for the most intensive and expensive claim code for such visits when, in fact, he was not performing services sufficient to justify use of that code.
Dr. Latella admitted in a plea agreement that, in June 2018, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa was conducting a civil investigation about concerns that Dr. Latella was “upcoding” claims submitted to Medicare and Medicaid and billing for more intensive visits with patients at Webster City area nursing homes than he had performed. The United States Attorney’s investigation indicated that Dr. Latella was billing over 93% of his nursing home visits to Medicare under the most intensive and expensive claim code. For these claims to be valid, a doctor typically must spend 35 minutes at the patient’s bedside and on the patient’s facility floor or unit. Medicare paid more than $94 for these claims, but would only have paid no more than $32 if the least expensive claim code, for routine ten minute visits, had been billed. In July 2016, a Medicare contractor sent Dr. Latella a letter warning him that his billing patterns were significantly more expensive than other doctors.
In July 2018, Dr. Latella submitted sworn written answers to the United States Attorney, in which Dr. Latella falsely declared that, with respect to certain Medicare claims in 2017 and 2018, he had spent approximately 35 minutes for each of 12 patients’ care at two nursing homes. With respect to one particular date in October 2017, Dr. Latella falsely swore he “started visiting the nursing home patients at 7:30 a.m. and completed my visits with each patient at approximately 5:30 p.m.” In truth, a federal agent had conducted in-person surveillance of Dr. Latella on that date, and Dr. Latella only was on site at the first nursing home for a total of 47 minutes and did not visit the second nursing home at all on that date. The administrator of the first nursing home estimated that Dr. Latella spent approximately five minutes with each nursing home patient during his visits to that nursing home.
Dr. Latella made further false statements about claims in January and February 2018, which the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit discovered through videotaped surveillance. For example, Dr. Latella billed nine claims for services allegedly provided to nine Medicare patients, on February 2, 2018, at a nursing home, but the surveillance showed that Dr. Latella was only on site at the nursing home for a total of 14 minutes.
Dr. Latella provided the United States Attorney with fraudulent, re-created treatment notes in order to cover up his overbilling scheme. Dr. Latella’s staff had a practice of shredding all notes for all nursing home patients immediately after billing the taxpayers for those services; at the time of the audit, therefore, Dr. Latella had no records of any of the treatment he had ever provided to patients at the nursing homes. To re-create the notes, Dr. Latella contacted the nursing home administrators and nursing managers of various nursing homes and asked for copies of patients’ charts. In truth, elderly residents of nursing homes did not receive the care for which taxpayers paid him, and these vulnerable nursing home residents’ family members cannot know whether and to what extent those nursing home residents received medical care from Dr. Latella over the years.
Dr. Latella was the medical director of two nursing homes at which he was billing fraudulently. Dr. Latella also was the Hamilton County Coroner, provided services to inmates in the Hamilton County Jail and in the custody of the United States Marshal’s Service, and he also evaluated workers’ compensation claims for a major Webster City employer.
In total, Dr. Latella admitted that, between January 1, 2014, and November 30, 2018, he submitted 1,140 false claims to Medicare, which were not justified, and he was paid $107,980.59 by Medicare for those claims. Dr. Latella also admitted that he caused Medicaid to make unjustified payments in the total amount of $9,218.73 for these claims. As a part of his plea agreement, Dr. Latella has agreed to pay no less than $107,980.59 to Medicare and $9,218.73 to Medicaid for economic losses caused by his commission of the offense.
“Like all providers, doctors who treat Iowa’s elderly population have a duty to provide needed medical services and bill accurately for those services. By his alleged actions, Dr. Latella scammed the healthcare system and left his elderly patients and their families wondering if the patients received care they needed,” said Peter E. Deegan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. “When our office’s civil investigators made an official inquiry into his billing practices, Dr. Latella tried to throw the government off the scent by lying and creating false records. This settlement and prosecution demonstrate my office’s focus on ensuring Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries receive the care to which they are entitled, public monies are well spent, and individuals or entities responding to my office’s civil investigative demands provide complete and truthful responses.”
“Government health care rules require bills be submitted only for services actually provided - anything more is fraudulent and a disservice to patients needing vital care,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue to protect the integrity of government health care programs and taxpayers funding these vital services by holding providers fully accountable.”
The civil matter arose from an affirmative investigation. False Claims Act cases can also be brought under the qui tam provisions of the Act, which encourage whistleblowers to bring suit on behalf of the United States and share in any financial recovery. The civil case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Melissa Carrington and Jacob Schunk. The criminal case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek. The cases were investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, and the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
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New York Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Attempted Drug RobberyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: A New York City man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Bangor to conspiring and attempting to interfere with commerce by robbery, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
According to court records, in July 2016, Hector Munoz, 52, and others developed a plan to commit a robbery in Rangeley and steal controlled substances from a residence in the town. On July 28, 2016, Munoz and an unnamed conspirator entered the residence intending to take the controlled substances by using actual and threatened force, violence and fear of injury. Munoz and his conspirator were armed with knives and a baseball bat at the time of the attempted robbery.
Munoz faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the two charges. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Maine State Police; and the Rangeley Police Department investigated the case, with assistance provided by the Maine Office of the Attorney General.
Muskogee Man Found Guilty of Possession of Material Involving Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Glenn Randall Ferguson, age 48, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was found guilty by a federal jury of Possession Of Certain Material Involving The Sexual Exploitation Of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and 2252(b)(2). The jury trial began with testimony on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 and concluded on Friday, January 10, 2020 with the guilty verdict.
Evidence presented at trial proved that between March 6, 2014 and April 16, 2014, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant knowingly possessed, attempted to possess and accessed with intent to view images and videos which contained visual depictions, the production of which involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Those images and videos had been transported in interstate commerce by computer. The evidence included the seizure from the defendant’s computer of over 1,900 images and more than 50 videos of children, ranging in age from infants to pre-teens, engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The verdict was the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Muskogee Police Department as part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood (“PSC”) is a Department of Justice initiative launched to combat the proliferation of technology facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Through a network of federal, state, local, and tribal enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, PSC attempts to protect children by investigating and prosecuting offenders involved in child sexual exploitation.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the trial and ordered the completion of a presentence report. Sentencing will be scheduled following its completion.
Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis and Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.
Multi-Kilo Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Mecklenburg County man was sentenced today to more than 15 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute over 27 kilograms of cocaine.
According to court documents, Vincent Maurice Lewis, 45, arranged for the delivery of 28 kilograms of cocaine from Texas to Virginia. On May 30, 2019, a tractor-trailer that originated in Texas and was driven by co-defendant Jorge Enrique Suarez, delivered the cocaine to Lewis in Brodnax. Lewis had received multiple shipments of cocaine from the suppliers in Texas and had distributed at least 71 kilograms of cocaine starting before January 2018 and through his arrest in May 2019.
Suarez was sentenced to 36 months in prison in December 2019.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Operation Swan Song. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principle mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division; and Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne. Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-089.
Mortgage Fraud Broker Sentenced for His Role in Mortgage Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. announced today that Gregory Gibbons, 54, of Mobile, Alabama, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution, was sentenced to time served by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $1,458,847.90 to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, CitiBank, and M&T Bank.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen A. Lynch and Elizabeth Moellering, who handled the case, stated that between June 2008 and February 2009, the defendant conspired with others, including Alagi Samba, a realtor, and Daniel Badu, to devise a scheme to obtain eight loans for unqualified borrowers for homes in the Bronx, NY. As part of the scheme, Gibbons acted as the mortgage broker and altered income and asset documents of the borrowers before they were sent to financial institutions.
For instance, Gibbons altered and created documents to make it appear that defendant Badu qualified for a mortgage on a property at 814 Faile Street in the Bronx. The defendant indicated that Badu was a research ophthalmologist and earned a specific income when in fact, Badu was not a research ophthalmologist nor did he receive the income stated on a loan application. Gibbons knew that these false loan documents were submitted to
The Funding Source, a mortgage bank, in order to secure a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Based on that false application and supporting documentation, the loan was approved. The Funding Source then sold the loan on the secondary market to M &T Bank, which wired funds from New York through the State of Ohio to purchase the loan.
The defendant and his co-conspirators arranged for additional fraudulent loans to be approved, including another loan for Badu, and caused wire communications to be transmitted in interstate commerce for those loans. These fraudulent transactions caused losses of approximately $4,800,007 affecting M&T Bank and other financial institutions including SunTrust Bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, and Citibank.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Joseph Cronin, Boston Division; the Department of Housing and Urban Development, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brad Geary; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.
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More than two dozen defendants charged in major gang-related drug trafficking indictmentRead the Press Release
STATESBORO, GA: A major investigation targeting an expansive, gang-related drug trafficking ring operating in Georgia has resulted in a 61-count indictment naming 26 defendants on federal charges.
Indictments in Operation Ace in the Hole were returned under seal in U.S. District Court in Statesboro, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. After the indictments were unsealed, the charges were announced in a news conference at the Toombs County Courthouse. Additional defendants face state charges in the investigation.
“With leaders that included a regional boss of the Gangster Disciples, this drug trafficking organization was a major source of illicit narcotics, gang violence and illegal guns throughout the Toombs County area and beyond,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Our brave local, state and federal law enforcement partners pursued this conspiracy tirelessly for more than a year, and our office’s prosecution of these charges will be just as relentless.”
Investigators from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, working with federal and local law enforcement agencies, started the investigation in August 2018 in response to increasing gang violence and drug-related activities in the Vidalia, Ga., area. The investigation identified Deltinaud Toussaint, a/k/a “Black,” a/k/a “Tino,” a/k/a “Tino Black,” 44, of Vidalia, as the primary supplier of the organization’s narcotics – including methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA or “Ecstasy,” and marijuana – through connections in Atlanta.
An alleged member of the conspiracy for whom the operation is named, Justin Adams, a/k/a “Ace,” 39, of Vidalia, was identified as a regional leader of the Gangster Disciples criminal street gang.
In June 2019, investigators executed search warrants at eight houses in Atlanta and Vidalia used for stashing or distributing narcotics, seizing more than two kilos of cocaine, four kilos of marijuana, half a kilo of methamphetamine, more than two kilos of MDMA, pints of Codeine, 600 grams of Xanax, pill presses, and surveillance equipment. The drugs were hidden in such items as children’s backpacks and baby-formula bottles. Investigators also seized 20 firearms, including a fully automatic machine gun and several assault-style rifles, a trove of gang-related documents, and approximately $49,000 in cash.
A full list of the defendants charged in the case follows. If convicted, each of the defendants faces a possible sentence of up to life in prison.
“The amazing work on ‘Operation Ace in the Hole’ demonstrates the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) model of prosecutor-led, intelligence driven, multi-agency investigative and prosecution strategy that proves effective against command and control elements of regional, national and international gangs,” said Adam W. Cohen, Director of the OCDETF Program for the U.S. Department of Justice.
“The confiscation of drugs, guns and money, and the removal of 26 defendants from the streets, will immediately make the citizens of Toombs County safer,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “None of it would have been possible without the cooperative effort of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Our commitment to dismantling gangs that wreak havoc in our communities and endanger the people who live in them will never end.”
Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division stated, “These notorious gang-related drug dealers distributed poison to the community and caused fear through means of violence and intimidation. Step by step, the government disrupted and dismantled this once-thriving criminal network. This effort would not have been successful without the spirited level of cooperation between DEA, its federal, state and local law enforcement counterparts and the subsequent prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
“This case is the product of a concerted collaborative effort on the part of ATF and its federal, state and local partners to target, investigate, and eliminate the perpetrators of violent crime, to include eradicating criminal gang activity,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “This case is a great example of how you leverage law enforcement resources to target the offenders driving crime in Toombs County area and beyond.”
“We are committed to working with our partners to get dangerous guns and drugs off the streets,” said Vic Reynolds, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “We will not allow gangs to continue to terrorize neighborhoods with hardworking citizens who want to raise their families in a safe environment.”
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), the premier U.S. Department of Justice program to dismantle multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking organizations. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office, the Lyons Police Department, the Oconee Drug Task Force, and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys E. Greg Gilluly Jr. and Joseph McCool.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Those charged in the indictment of Operation Ace in the Hole are:
- Deltinaud Toussaint, a/k/a “Black,” a/k/a “Tino,” a/k/a “Tino Black,” 44, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; Distribution of Methamphetamine and Marijuana; two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine; two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Crack Cocaine, Alprazolam, Codeine and Marijuana; two counts of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and 17 counts of Use of a Communications Facility;
- Justin Adams, a/k/a “Ace,” 39, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; four counts of Distribution of Cocaine; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
- Andre Jackson, a/k/a “Dre,” 30, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; two counts of Distribution of Marijuana; two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine and Marijuana; and Distribution of Cocaine;
- Monica Mitchell, 38, of East Point, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; and Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms;
- Daniel Asberry, 31, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; and two counts of Use of a Communications Facility;
- Ozell Johnson, a/k/a “Bip,” 38, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Crack Cocaine, Alprazolam, Codeine and Marijuana; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
- Laporshia Canty, 44, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Crack Cocaine, Alprazolam, Codeine and Marijuana; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
- Stacy Tobler Sr., a/k/a “Turtle,” 46, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Distribution of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Crack Cocaine, Alprazolam, Codeine and Marijuana; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; and Use of a Communications Facility;
- Audrea Salem, 42, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; and Use of a Communications Facility;
- Darryl Marcus Allen, a/k/a “Twin,” 37, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; and Distribution of Cocaine;
- Alonzo Roberts Jr., a/k/a “Toot,” a/k/a “Two,” 31, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Crack Cocaine and Marijuana; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
- Taneka Warren, 29, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; and Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms;
- Jermaine Bouie, a/k/a “Dollar,” 29, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Cocaine and Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine;
- India Mitchell, a/k/a “Shay,” 32, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Crack Cocaine, Alprazolam, Codeine and Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime; and two counts of Use of a Communications Facility;
- Crystal Wheeler, 36, of Allenhurst, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; and Use of a Communications Facility;
- Vincent Page, a/k/a “VP,” 31, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
- Terry Williams, a/k/a “Young Buck,” 31, of Mount Vernon, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Crack Cocaine and Hydrocodone;
- Torey Johnny Lee Washington, a/k/a “Fool,” 39, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; and Use of a Communications Facility;
- Tyson Ransom, 34, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; and Use of a Communications Facility;
- Donnie Edmonds Jr., a/k/a “Hotboy,” 35, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; and two counts of Use of a Communications Facility;
- Lee Syntell Kelley, a/k/a “Truth,” 39, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; and Use of a Communications Facility;
- Nicole Mitchell, 30, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; and two counts of Use of a Communications Facility;
- Lanard Wallace, a/k/a “Nardo,” 30, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Use of a Communications Facility;
- Frederick Cooper, a/k/a “Coop,” 40, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Use of a Communications Facility;
- Ryan Antwain Harris, 34, of Lyons, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; and two counts of Distribution of Crack Cocaine; and,
- Otis Peeples, a/k/a “Bull,” 26, of Vidalia, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; and two counts of Distribution of Marijuana.
Monongalia County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeremy Matthew Cralton, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cralton, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms by Person Convicted of Domestic Violence Crime.” Cralton, having previously convicted of a domestic violence charge and prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to an AR-15 rifle in March 2019 in Monongalia County.Cralton 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Moberly Man Sentenced for Aggravated Identity Theft After Withdrawing Money from Missing Wife's AccountRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Lawrence Warfel, 76, of Moberly, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for aggravated identity theft. Warfel appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Henry A. Autrey who ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $11,688.11.
According to court records, in September 2017, Lawrence Warfel’s wife, Penny, disappeared. Prior to her disappearance, Penny had been receiving monthly Social Security benefits deposited directly into her bank account. After Penny’s disappearance, her Social Security benefits were withdrawn at an ATM, and investigators retrieved surveillance footage showing Lawrence withdrawing money from that ATM using the debit card connected to the bank account where Penny’s Social Security benefits were being deposited. In September 2018, Lawrence admitted he had been using Penny’s debt card in order to withdraw her Social Security benefits following her disappearance.
Warfel pled guilty in October 2019.
This case was investigated by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and the Social Security Administration. Special Assistant United States Attorney Diane Klocke handled the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Milwaukee Woman Convicted of Unlawfully Possessing and Transferring a Firearm that was later recovered from a Convicted Felon and Shooting SuspectRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that after a court trial on January 14, 2020, U.S. District Judge JP Stadtmueller found Ayse E. Duncan (age: 32) guilty of Possessing a Firearm as an Unlawful User of Controlled Substances and Transferring a Firearm to an Unlawful User of Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(d)(3) & (g)(3). Sentencing is scheduled for April 10, 2020. On each count, Duncan faces maximum penalties of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release.
According to the trial evidence, Duncan bought a 9-mm pistol on December 9, 2018, from a federally licensed firearms dealer at a gun show in Waukesha, Wisconsin. At the time, Duncan was an unlawful user of crack cocaine, and was therefore prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm. In completing the required ATF Form 4473 for the sale, Duncan falsely answered “no” when asked if she was an unlawful user of a controlled substance. Thereafter, in January 2019, Duncan transferred the pistol to her then-boyfriend, knowing that he was an unlawful user of crack cocaine and that he intended to give the pistol to the couple’s drug dealer to satisfy their drug debt. Duncan later learned from her boyfriend that he had, in fact, transferred the pistol to the drug dealer. Duncan’s boyfriend subsequently died from a drug overdose on August 7, 2019.
On August 14, 2019, Milwaukee police officers responded to a report of gunfire that was detected by the city’s automated ShotSpotter system. Upon arrival in the area, officers chased the suspected shooter as he ran away with a pistol in his hand. The suspect refused officers’ commands to drop the gun and turned toward them, raising the pistol. An officer reacted by firing at the suspect, who was struck and fell to the ground. The suspect was successfully treated for his injuries and is charged in Milwaukee County Circuit Court from the incident. The pistol recovered from the suspect was the same 9-mm pistol that Duncan had unlawfully purchased and transferred months earlier.
This case was prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The Project Safe Neighborhoods’ strategy brings together all levels of law enforcement and community resources to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in all our neighborhoods.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://go.usa.gov/xpBrs
This case was investigated by the Milwaukee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tim Funnell and Farris Martini.
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For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales 414-297-1700
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Miami-Dade Resident Charged Federally for Importing Cocaine into Key LargoRead the Press Release
Today, a federal grand jury indicted a Miami-Dade resident with importing cocaine into Key Largo, Florida.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of Florida, Zinnia P. James, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), Southeast Region, made the announcement
Elio Diaz Hernandez, 55, of Miami, was arrested on January 3, 2020 and initially charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine (Case No. 20-mj-05001). U.S. Magistrate Judge Lurana Snow is scheduled to arraign Diaz Hernandez on the federal indictment in Key West tomorrow, January 17, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. (Case No. 20-CR-10003-MOORE).
According to allegations in the court record, Diaz Hernandez was operating his boat at night without navigation lights, on the waters east of Key Largo. The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Charles Sexton was also in the area and launched a pursuit boat with law enforcement officers to investigate. As the U.S. Coast Guard boat approached, Diaz Hernandez threw a bag into the water and attempted to flee. After a brief chase, the officers were able to stop Diaz Hernandez.
The officers recovered the bag Diaz Hernandez threw into the water. Inside the bag were fifteen packages that contained a substance which field tested positive for cocaine. The approximate combined weight of the packages is thirty-six pounds.
If convicted of the charged offense, he faces a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison.
A criminal complaint and indictment are charging documents that contain allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Sattler.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Mexican national sentenced to prison for repeatedly entering U.S. illegallyRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Julian Patino-Espinoza, 29, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 36 months in prison for illegally reentering the United States and violating supervised release from his prior federal illegal reentry conviction.
This marks Patino-Espinoza’s third illegal reentry conviction. Two of those convictions have occurred in Dayton.
Most recently, according to court documents, Patino-Espinoza was deported in November 2018 from the Brownsville, Texas port of entry.
In June 2019, Patino-Espinoza was encountered by federal immigration agents at the Clinton County Jail in Wilmington, Ohio where he was being held after arrest for a misdemeanor offense.
Likewise, Patino-Espinoza had been encountered by federal immigration agents at the Montgomery County Jail in March 2018, when he was booked there after an arrest for unrelated offenses.
In August 2019, Patino-Espinoza pleaded guilty to one count of illegally reentering the United States after being convicted of a felony.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Rebecca Adducci, Field Office Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Walter H. Rice. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Hunt is representing the United States in this case.
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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 six months in federal prison.
Daniel Espinosa-Rodriguez, age 24, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Coralville, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 23, 2019, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
At his earlier guilty plea, Espinosa-Rodriguez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States three times and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Espinosa-Rodriguez was first deported on April 5, 2017, following an arrest for aggravated assault in Texas. Espinosa-Rodriguez was deported a second time on June 10, 2017, following a conviction for illegal entry into the United States which occurred on April 27, 2017, and a conviction for driving while intoxicated which occurred in September 2016. Espinosa-Rodriguez was deported a third time in December 2017 after he illegally entered the United States on June 27, 2017. Espinosa-Rodriguez was convicted of illegal entry into the United States a second time on June 29, 2017, and was sentenced to 180 days’ imprisonment which he served prior to being deported.
On July 31, 2019, Espinosa-Rodriguez and other illegal aliens came to the attention of immigration agents following a traffic stop in Benton County, Iowa.
Espinosa-Rodriguez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Espinosa-Rodriguez was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Espinosa-Rodriguez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States 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-84.
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Metairie Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Obtain Oxycodone by Fraud and to Distribute OxycodoneRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that CHRISTIE LYNN BROWNING, age 42, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana pled guilty on January 15, 2020 to a dual object conspiracy to obtain possession of oxycodone by fraud and to unlawfully distribute oxycodone.
According to court documents, between November 2017 and January 2019, BROWNING conspired to acquire oxycodone pills by using fictitious prescriptions and to then distribute those oxycodone pills on the black market. BROWNING faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000 and at least three years of supervised release. United States District Court Judge Martin L.C. Feldman set sentencing for April 8, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office for their work investigating the case.
The case is being prosecuted by Jared Hasten of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier.
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Media AdvisoryRead the Press Release
WHEN: Friday, January 17, 2020 at 1:00 PM
WHERE: New Hanover County Historic Courthouse
Commissioners Assembly Room 301
24 North 3rd Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Re: Operation DodgeBall
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office announces a press conference to discuss the sentencing of multiple gang member defendants in a multi-year heroin/fentanyl and heroin conspiracy investigation in Wilmington and New Hanover County. These defendants were not only responsible for the sale of narcotics in Wilmington, but also multiple violent acts. We will also highlight the important partnerships between all levels of law enforcement in this and other investigations during the preceding year. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, consisting of FBI Special Agents, Wilmington Police Department investigators and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office detectives investigated this case.
In addition to United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., District Attorney Ben David, and members of the FBI, ATF, ICE/HSI, Wilmington Police Department, and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office are expected to be present at this event.
Credentialed members of the media are invited to attend. For additional information, please e-mail Don Connelly at [email protected]. Please RSVP your intentions to attend the event.
Mark Hulett Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on January 16, 2020, Mark Hulett, 48, of Ferrisburgh, Vermont, was sentenced in United States District Court in Rutland to serve 120 months in prison after his guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography. Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford also ordered Hulett to serve a ten-year term of supervised release, and to pay a $100 special assessment.
According to court records, the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) which reported that a file depicting child pornography had been uploaded to an Internet search engine. Subsequent investigation of the CyberTip revealed that the file had been uploaded from Hulett’s residence in Ferrisburgh. On May 14, 2019, members of law enforcement executed a search warrant at that residence and recovered Hulett’s computer and phone. A forensic search of those devices revealed that Hulett possessed over 2,000 images of child pornography, including images depicting prepubescent minor children.
Hulett was previously convicted in 2005, in Vermont Superior Court, of aggravated sexual assault and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child.
U.S. Attorney Nolan commended the efforts of the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barbara A. Masterson and Spencer Willig handled the prosecution of Hulett. Assistant Federal Public Defender David L. McColgin represented Hulett.
U.S. Attorney Nolan noted that this prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Marion man sentenced for illegal transportation of grizzly bear clawsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—A Marion man who admitted illegally transporting grizzly bear claws to Washington after shooting the bear in the Bob Marshal Wilderness in 2017 was sentenced today to three years of probation and ordered to pay $5,000 restitution to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Bryan Berg, 35, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today to illegal transportation of grizzly bear claws, a Lacey Act Violation.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided.
Berg faced a maximum one year in prison, a $10,000 fine and one year of supervised release.
The prosecution said in court records that law enforcement received a tip in September 2017 that Berg shot a grizzly bear, which is a threatened species, in the Hart Basin area of the Bob Marshal Wilderness in Montana. Agents flew to the scene and found a dead grizzly bear that was pushed down the mountain. The bear’s front claws had been removed.
In an interview with law enforcement officers in March 2018, Berg said he shot the grizzly bear in self-defense, which the investigation confirmed to be accurate. Berg, however, did not report the grizzly bear shooting as required by law. Berg then removed the claws and took them to Washington. Berg cannot legally possess or transport the claws. Berg knew that taking the grizzly bear claws was illegal and turned them over to law enforcement during the interview. Berg also provided law enforcement with photographs and video of him near the grizzly bear after the shooting.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
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Manhattan Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography, Enticing A Minor to Have SexRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOEL DAVIS pled guilty to enticing a child to engage in illegal sexual activity, possession of child pornography, and distribution and receipt of child pornography. DAVIS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison. DAVIS pled guilty today before United States District Judge George B. Daniels.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As he admitted today, Joel Davis arranged to meet a 15-year-old boy for sex, and engaged in illegal sexual activity with the 15-year-old. He also possessed child pornography that included children under the age of 12. Davis rightly faces a lengthy prison sentence for victimizing children.”
According to the Information and other documents filed in the case to which DAVIS pled, as well as statements made during the plea proceeding:
In or about June 2018, DAVIS used a cellphone to arrange a meeting to engage in sexual activity with a 15-year-old boy and in fact met with the 15-year-old boy and engaged in illegal sexual activity. In addition, between at least in or about May 2018 and June 2018, DAVIS possessed images and videos of child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors who were not yet 12 years old, and received and distributed material containing child pornography using a cellphone.
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DAVIS, 24, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of enticement of a minor under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity, which carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison; one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison; and one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
DAVIS is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Daniels on May 7, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding work of the FBI in this investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J.C. Hellman and Juliana N. Murray are in charge of the prosecution.
Man with Long Criminal History Pleads Guilty to Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that STEVEN A. FINKLER, 55, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to credit card fraud and identity theft offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2017, Finkler stole credit cards from two of his employer’s customers and used the cards to make more than 40 fraudulent charges in Connecticut and New York. The charges included Finkler’s purchase of jewelry for his girlfriend, Apple products and electronic devices, and other high-end consumer and retail goods for either himself or his friends. The total loss to the victims was $20,892.75.
In September 2018, Finkler, using another individual’s identity, opened a membership at a fitness center with gym locations throughout Connecticut. Finkler also used the same stolen identity to create accounts with mobile device payment applications. Between September 2018 and May 2019, Finkler visited multiple gym locations and stole credit cards from lockers and other locations while the victims were located elsewhere in the gym. Using the stolen credit cards, and the mobile device payment applications, he made approximately $144,000 in fictitious charges to bank accounts that he created and controlled. He then returned the credit cards to the victims’ wallets before the victims returned to the locker room. At least 49 individuals were victimized through this scheme.
Finkler pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud (credit card fraud), one count of wire fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for April 1, 2020, at which time Finkler faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of two years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years.
Finkler also has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $145,682.08.
Finkler has been detained since his arrest on August 15, 2019.
Finkler has a criminal history that spans 35 years and includes numerous convictions, including five federal convictions stemming from various fraud schemes.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, and the Wallingford, Avon, North Haven, Madison, Glastonbury and Branford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala Nagala and Margaret Donovan.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that Steven Finkler has also used the name “Andrew Finkler,” as well as other aliases. Individuals who believe they have been victimized by this scheme, or by this defendant, are encouraged to call the U.S. Secret Service at 203-865-2449.
Man Who Escaped from Federal Custody Sentenced to Another Six Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who escaped from his federal custody at a residential reentry center was sentenced today to another six months in prison.
Franklin Foster, age 27, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 1, 2019, guilty plea to escape from custody.
Foster has a long criminal history, including numerous convictions for theft and a conviction for attempted burglary. Fosters’ first federal conviction and sentence of imprisonment was imposed on September 2, 2014, after he pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. In that case, police attempted to stop Forster while he was driving a stolen car. Foster sped away and led officers on a high speed chase through multiple counties. He eventually stopped, but was then in an armed standoff for about an hour with officers. After he surrendered, officers found three guns in his possession. After pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms, Foster was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison.
On June 8, 2019, Foster was serving the end of his prison term at a residential reentry center in Waterloo, Iowa. After being told he was going to be punished for violating the rules of the center, Foster left the center and never returned. He was arrested by the United States Marshal’s Service eight days later.
Foster was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Foster was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
Foster is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-2057.
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Man Sentenced for Heroin and Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced today to over 19 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine.
According to court documents, in September 2018, Dante Jermel Davis, 40, was the subject of a court-authorized surveillance of his telephone communications by law enforcement. Law enforcement heard a series of phone conversations concerning the imminent delivery of controlled substances by another party to Davis. The investigators detained Rawl Christopher Stennett after he was seen carrying a backpack and entering the lobby of an apartment building in downtown Norfolk, where Davis’ maintained a “stash” apartment. The investigators discovered five kilograms of cocaine inside Stennett’s backpack. The agents then detained Davis’ outside his “stash” apartment. Pursuant to a search warrant, the agents searched Davis’ apartment and discovered approximately 397 grams of heroin, 14 grams of cocaine, over $160,000 in cash, two digital scales, and a money counting machine. The investigators also searched Davis’ other residence in Virginia Beach, and discovered $100,000 in cash, a Glock 9mm pistol, ammunition, marijuana, and another money-counting machine. Davis has a previous conviction for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute from 2010.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jim Stitzel, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk; Jim O’Sullivan, Chesapeake Sheriff; and Michael A. Moore, Portsmouth Sheriff, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl J. Mitchell prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-158-3.
Malian Terrorist Leader Charged with the Death of U.S. Citizen Michael J. Riddering and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and Al-MurabitounRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was filed yesterday in federal court in Brooklyn charging Mimi Ould Baba, a citizen of Mali, with the murder of United States citizen Michael J. Riddering, and conspiring to provide and attempting to provide material support, including personnel, to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (“AQIM”) and al-Murabitoun, designated foreign terrorist organizations. The defendant is currently in custody in Mali.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; John Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) and Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges.
“The Eastern District of New York and our partners in U.S. law enforcement will continue to work tirelessly with foreign counterparts to identify, incapacitate and prosecute terrorists who target American citizens anywhere in the world,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “Counter-terrorism remains our number one priority.” Mr. Donoghue expressed his grateful appreciation to the governments of Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire and Mali for their continued support and assistance throughout this investigation
“The charges allege that Mimi Ould Baba played a central role in the planning of two separate terrorist attacks directed at Westerners in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire in early 2016. Those attacks resulted in the murder of American citizen Michael Riddering and 48 other innocent victims from numerous countries,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “Baba is currently in Malian custody for his terrorism-related activities. We fully support the Malian investigation and prosecution of Baba and will continue to work with the authorities there to pursue our shared goal of holding Baba accountable for his crimes. At the same time, these charges reflect that the U.S. justice system remains a powerful tool to bring to bear against those who harm our citizens abroad. We will continue to pursue justice for Mr. Riddering and for all American victims of terrorism. Our memories are long and our commitment to justice is unending.”
“There’s nothing we could ever do to take away the pain felt by the families of those Baba killed during his 2016 terrorist attack in Burkina Faso, but four years later, we take some comfort in the fact that he will be held accountable for his egregious crime. I can only hope that as time goes on, we will remember the victims’ names instead of the attacker's, especially our own American citizen Michael Riddering, who was killed that day,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
“Among the 30 killed in the attack four years ago was an American, Michael Riddering. Michael was in charge of an orphanage and a women’s crisis center in Burkina Faso. This case is another reminder that when terrorists kill an American, even half a world away, the FBI Special Agents and New York City Police Detectives of the JTTF will work as long as it takes, and go as far as it takes to bring justice,” stated NYPD Commissioner Shea.
As alleged in the complaint, Baba and the operations chief of al-Murabitoun planned and executed the January 15, 2016 terrorist attack at the Café Cappuccino and Hotel Splendid in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The attack resulted in the deaths of 30 individuals, including Riddering. Prior to the attack, Baba surveilled attack locations in Ouagadougou, arranged the transport of AK-47 machine guns and hand grenades to be used in the attack, and transported the three suicide attack operatives to the Café Cappuccino. Riddering, a patron at the Café Cappuccino, was shot multiple times by the attackers and died at the scene. Following the attack, AQIM issued a public statement claiming responsibility for the attacks on behalf of AQIM and al-Murabitoun.
Baba also allegedly participated in the planning and execution of the March 13, 2016 resort attack in Grand Bassam, Cote d’Ivoire. Following the attacks in Ouagadougou, Baba once again met with the operations chief of al-Murabitoun to plan an additional attack against western targets in Cote d’Ivoire. Thereafter, Baba identified an individual to further plan and execute the operation, and assisted in identifying three suicide operatives. Baba also procured the vehicle used to transport the weapons for the attack. On March 13, 2016, three individuals armed with AK-47s and grenades attacked resort patrons along the beach of Grand Bassam, Cote d’Ivoire, killing 19 individuals and wounding many others. Subsequently, AQIM issued a public statement claiming responsibility for the attack.
The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret E. Lee and Michael T. Keilty are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Stephanie Sweeten of the Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division of the Department of Justice. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department also assisted in the investigation.
The Defendant:
Mimi Ould Baba
Age: 32
MaliE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-MJ-56
Malian National Charged with the Overseas Murder of a U.S. Citizen and Providing Material Support to Two Foreign Terrorist OrganizationsRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was filed yesterday in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging Mimi Ould Baba, 32, a citizen of Mali, with the murder of U.S. citizen Michael J. Riddering and conspiring to provide material support, including personnel (including himself), services, and property to two designated foreign terrorist organizations, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and al-Murabitoun. The defendant is currently in custody in Mali pending investigation and prosecution by Malian authorities.
“The charges filed allege that Mimi Ould Baba played a central role in the planning of two separate terrorist attacks directed at Westerners in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire in early 2016. Those attacks resulted in the murder of American citizen Michael Riddering and 48 other innocent victims from numerous countries,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “Baba is currently in Malian custody for his terrorism-related activities. We fully support the Malian investigation and prosecution of Baba and will continue to work with the authorities there to pursue our shared goal of holding Baba accountable for his crimes. At the same time, these charges reflect that the U.S. justice system remains a powerful tool to bring to bear against those who harm our citizens abroad. We will continue to pursue justice for Mr. Riddering and for all American victims of terrorism. Our memories are long and our commitment to justice is unending.”
“The Eastern District of New York and our partners in U.S. law enforcement will continue to work tirelessly with foreign counterparts to identify, incapacitate and prosecute terrorists who target American citizens anywhere in the world,” said United States Attorney Richard P. Donoghue for the Eastern District of New York. “Counter-terrorism remains our number one priority.” Mr. Donoghue expressed his grateful appreciation to the governments of Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire and Mali for their continued support and assistance throughout this investigation.
“There’s nothing we could ever do to take away the pain felt by the families of those Baba killed during his 2016 terrorist attack in Burkina Faso, but four years later, we take some comfort in the fact that he will be held accountable for his egregious crime. I can only hope that as time goes on, we will remember the victims’ names instead of the attacker's, especially our own American citizen Michael Riddering, who was killed that day,” said FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney.
“Among the 30 killed in the attack four years ago was an American, Michael Riddering. Michael was in charge of an orphanage and a women’s crisis center in Burkina Faso. This case is another reminder that when terrorists kill an American, even half a world away, the FBI Special Agents and New York City Police Detectives of the JTTF will work as long as it takes, and go as far as it takes to bring justice,” said NYPD Commissioner Dermot F. Shea.
As alleged in the complaint, Baba, along with the operations chief of al-Murabitoun and others, planned the Jan. 15, 2016, terrorist attack at the Café Cappuccino and Hotel Splendid in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Baba assisted in the planning and preparation for the attack by conducting surveillance of potential targets frequented by Westerners, facilitating the transportation and storage of AK-47 assault rifles and hand grenades to be used in the attack, conducting a walk-through of the attack with the three suicide operatives, and driving the armed operatives to the attack site on the day of the attack. Thirty people were killed in the terrorist attack, including American Michael J. Riddering and numerous victims from other Western countries and Burkina Faso. Riddering, a patron at the Café Cappuccino, was shot multiple times by the attackers and died at the scene. Following the attack, AQIM issued a public statement claiming responsibility for the attacks on behalf of AQIM and al-Murabitoun.
Baba also participated in the planning and preparation for the March 13, 2016, resort attack in Grand Bassam, Cote d’Ivoire. Following the attack in Ouagadougou, Baba met with the operations chief of al-Murabitoun to plan another attack against Westerners, this one in Cote d’Ivoire. Thereafter, Baba identified an individual to assist with the preparations for the attack and in identifying three suicide operatives to conduct the attack. Baba also procured the vehicle that was used to transport the weapons that were used in the attack. On March 13, 2016, three suicide operatives armed with AK-47s and grenades attacked resort patrons along the beach of Grand Bassam, Cote d’Ivoire, killing 19 people from a number of countries and wounding many others. Following the attack, AQIM issued a public statement claiming responsibility for the attack.
The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret E. Lee and Michael T. Keilty are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Katie Sweeten of the Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division of the Department of Justice. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department assisted in the investigation.
MS-13 defendant sentenced to 35 years in prison for directly participating in three homicides in aid of racketeeringRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A defendant in the MS-13 racketeering case was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 420 months in prison for his involvement in multiple homicides, including the murder of a former confidential informant.
Juan Jose Jimenez-Montufar (also known as Chele Trece), 35, of Columbus, pleaded guilty in August 2019. He admitted to his involvement in multiple homicides, including the 2006 murder of a confidential informant who was working with law enforcement agencies in the Columbus area.
Jimenez-Montufar is one of 23 individuals charged in a second superseding indictment in February 2018 who are alleged to be members and associates of MS-13 in Columbus.
The defendants are charged in a racketeering conspiracy, which includes five murders as well as attempted murder, extortion, money laundering, drug trafficking, assault, obstruction of justice, witness intimidation, weapons offenses and immigration-related violations.
The second superseding indictment alleges that the defendants committed a host of overt acts in furtherance of the conspiracy, including: 1) the December 2006 murder of Jose Mendez, a confidential informant, in Perry County; 2) the November 2008 murder of Ramon Ramos on Lockbourne Road in Columbus; 3) the mid-2015 murder of Carlos Serrano-Ramos, a suspected rival gang member, near Innis Road in Columbus; 4) the November 2015 murder of Wilson Villeda near Innis Road in Columbus; and 5) the December 2016 murder of Salvador Martinez-Diaz, a suspected rival gang member, on Melroy Avenue in Columbus.
As part of his August guilty plea, Jimenez-Montufar admitted to shooting and killing Jose Mendez in 2006. At that time, Mendez was a confidential informant working with law enforcement agencies in the Columbus area. In December 2006, Jimenez-Montufar and other MS-13 members drove Mendez to a remote location east of Columbus to murder him. Jimenez-Montufar shot Mendez in the head and left his body in Perry County.
Jimenez-Montufar also participated in other homicides, assaulted victims, set fire to an extortion victim’s car, and took part in drug trafficking, extortion and money laundering.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Chris Hoffman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Rebecca Adducci, Detroit Field Office Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations; Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Court Judge Edmund A Sargus, Jr. Deputy Criminal Chief Brian J. Martinez and Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Litton are representing the United States in this case.
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