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16 January 2020
Laurel County Man Convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. - A Laurel County man was convicted today by a federal jury in London for possessing with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine.
After two hours of deliberation following a two day trial, the jury convicted 58-year-old Timmy L. Fields of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
According to testimony at trial, on April 21, 2019, a Kentucky State Police Trooper stopped Fields’ vehicle and found Fields in possession of over 985 grams of methamphetamine. Fields has prior felony drug convictions for unlawful possession of a methamphetamine precursor and trafficking in a controlled substance.
Fields was indicted in June 2019.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Dan Dodds, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville Field Division, and Commissioner Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the conviction.
The investigation was conducted by KSP and DEA. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenna E. Reed.
Fields will appear for sentencing on May 8, 2020. He faces a statutory minimum of 25 years in prison, up to a maximum of Life in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence.
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Latrobe Woman Sentenced for Role in Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to two years probation on her conviction of money laundering conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed sentence on Kathy Darling, age 62.
In connection with sentencing, the court was advised that during the period from January 2011 through May 2016, Darling became a member of a money laundering conspiracy. Darling conducted financial transactions affecting interstate commerce, knowing that the property involved in the financial transactions represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity. Darling knew that each of the financial transactions was designed in whole or in part to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds. As part of the money laundering conspiracy, the defendant and her co-conspirators conducted the following financial transactions: 1) withdrew funds from prepaid debit cards and credit cards; 2) transmitted and received funds via MoneyGram, Walmart and Western Union; 3) cashed checks and money orders; and 4) sent and received wire transfers of funds. The funds involved in these transactions, which totaled thousands of dollars, were the proceeds of wire fraud.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.
Latin King Gang Member Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HAMMOND-Sean Pena, 37, of Portage, Indiana, and a member of the Chicago-based Latin Kings, was sentenced by Judge Simon to 108 months in prison following his guilty plea to conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, Pena was held responsible for drug trafficking activity involving between 5 kilograms and 15 kilograms of cocaine distributed by the Latin Kings street gang. As a member of the Latin Kings, Pena attended gang meetings and paid dues, which went to the purchase of such things as firearms and narcotics for the gang. Pena was involved in distributing narcotics and patrolled Latin King neighborhoods looking out for rival gang members and police.
This case is the result of the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the East Chicago Police Department, the Gary Police Department, the Hammond Police Department, the Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Department and Lake County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area officers and agents. The Lake County, Indiana Prosecutor’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Illinois, have also provided assistance. The Latin King case is being prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Nozick and Nicholas J. Padilla.
Kentucky Man Pleads Guilty to Illicit Sexual Conduct While Traveling and Residing in CambodiaRead the Press Release
A Kentucky resident pleaded guilty in federal court today that he, a U.S. citizen, engaged and attempted to engage in illicit sexual conduct with two minor females while he traveled and resided in Cambodia.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr. for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jerry Templet of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Nashville, and Kentucky State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer made the announcement.
Micky Rife, 36, formerly of Salyersville, Kentucky, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove. In his plea agreement, Rife admitted that between Sept. 3, 2012, and Dec. 9, 2018, he traveled in foreign commerce, and between March 7, 2013 and Dec. 9, 2018, he resided in Cambodia, and that during those periods he touched two minor females under their clothing and inside or on their genital areas on more than one occasion. He further admitted that both minor victims were under the age of 12 when the illicit conduct occurred.
Rife was previously indicted for two separate counts of the same offense in February 2019. He pleaded guilty to a single-count information filed today. Sentencing is scheduled for April 7, 2020.
The investigation was conducted in Cambodia and Kentucky by HSI and the Kentucky State Police. Trial Attorney Lauren S. Kupersmith of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Marye prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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.
Juvenile Carjacker Sentenced to 134 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Elijah Roberts, 19, of St. Louis City, was sentenced to 134 months in prison for his involvement in a February 2018 carjacking. Roberts appeared today before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey who imposed the sentence.
According to the court documents, on February 13, 2018, the victim was securing her two minor children in their car seats. When she got into the driver’s seat, Roberts, who was 17 years old at the time, yanked open her car door. Roberts pointed a firearm at her and demanded her keys. The victim handed over her keys and removed her infant daughter from the vehicle. Before she could remove her second child -- a fifteen-month old boy -- from his car seat, Roberts drove off in the stolen vehicle. Police responded and found the toddler unharmed in an alley.
Police eventually located Roberts who was still inside the carjacked vehicle. Roberts fled from police officers for approximately 45 minutes – ramming two police cars and injuring one police officer during the pursuit. After driving through parks and over curbs, the vehicle broke down. Roberts was arrested.
Roberts pleaded guilty in October to carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime.
“To the young people in our community, know that you have a choice when it comes to guns: Pick one up or put it down. We want you to put it down,” said United States Attorney Jeff Jensen after today’s sentencing. “Whether you are 17 or 70, if you choose to commit a violent crime in this district, you will be aggressively prosecuted at the federal level. A federal prosecution means no parole; significant prison time; serving that prison sentence far from Saint Louis; and intensive supervised release once prison is over.”
Jensen continued, “In the last two years, this office has doubled the number of federal prosecutions of individuals who have chosen to pick-up firearms and commit violent acts with them. This specifically includes increased prosecution of juveniles.”
The Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.
Jury convicts Texas man for illegally transporting aliensRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A Laredo federal jury has convicted a 60-year-old San Antonio man for transporting two dozen illegal aliens in a hidden compartment within a moving truck, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
They deliberated for eight hours before returning the verdicts against Clarence James Lee following a one-day trial on two counts of transporting an alien.
On Sept. 26, 2019, authorities at the Bruni immigration checkpoint on Texas Highway 359 stopped a Penske truck. Lee was driving. He said he lived in San Antonio and was moving furniture to Kingsville. During the initial inspection, a K-9 detected contraband in the cargo area of the truck.
The jury heard Lee had consented to a search a search of the truck. Soon after, law enforcement discovered 24 illegal aliens hidden behind a false wall built into the truck. Furniture and appliances were blocking the door, leaving those inside with no means of escape. Upon their release, the aliens were sweating profusely, gasping for air and immediately asked for water.
A temperature reading inside the truck measured 94 degrees.
At trial, the jury heard Lee was to be paid cash and narcotics to drive the truck from Laredo to Kingsville. Testimony revealed he admitted he thought it contained contraband. However, Lee claimed he did not know people were in the back of the truck until he received a call about eight minutes prior to arriving at the checkpoint. He still decided to continue his trip.
The defense attempted to argue that Lee thought he was smuggling narcotics. Therefore, he did not have the required intent to be convicted of alien smuggling. The jury was not convinced and found him guilty.
Two others in a scout car pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaňa presided over the trial and will set sentencing at a later date. At that time, Lee faces up to five years in prison and well as a maximum $250,000 fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Harrison and Jennifer Day are prosecuting the case.
Jury Convicts Independence Man of Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Missouri, man was convicted by a federal jury today of illegally possessing a firearm.
Jose D. Drew, 29, was found guilty of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that Drew was in possession of a loaded Glock .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine on July 13, 2018.
Agents stopped a vehicle when it pulled into a parking spot in front of an apartment building and arrested Drew. When agents searched the vehicle, they found the Glock pistol between the passenger seat (where Drew was sitting) and the center console. A DNA comparison later confirmed that Drew’s DNA was located on the trigger guard area of the pistol.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Drew has three prior felony convictions for robbery and armed criminal action.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for less than an hour before returning the guilty verdict to U.S. District Judge Greg Kays, ending a trial that began Wednesday, Jan. 15.
Under federal statutes, Drew is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Marquez. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.Hyannis Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Cape Cod man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his role in a wide-ranging heroin trafficking conspiracy.
Krymeii Fray, 24, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for May 7, 2020.
In May 2019, Fray and 10 co-defendants were arrested and charged with various drug distribution offenses. According to court documents, in 2018, federal, state and local law enforcement began an investigation focusing on Edwin Otero, the alleged leader of a Cape Cod-wide drug trafficking organization. It is alleged that Otero and his co-conspirators distributed large quantities of heroin throughout Cape Cod -including Hyannis, Mashpee, Centerville, and Osterville and Pawtucket, R.I. Interceptions from Otero’s phone identified Fray as a drug trafficker supplied by Otero.
On May 8, 2019, Otero, and others were involved in a shooting at Fray’s residence related to a drug debt Fray allegedly owed Otero. After the shooting, agents intercepted Otero discussing the fact that he had shot at Fray.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin carries a mandatory sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Barnstable Police Chief Paul MacDonald made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Lauren Graber of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Huntsville Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –A federal judge today sentenced a Huntsville man to 25 years in prison for sexually exploiting a 10-year-old child, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge James G. Hernandez.
United States District Court Judge Abdul K. Kallon sentenced Darnell Lawson to 25 years in prison for producing child pornography and enticing a young girl to engage in sexual activity for the purpose of creating obscene images. Lawson pled guilty to these charges in August 2019 and is required to register as a sex offender.
“A long prison sentence is well-deserved for this defendant,” Town said. “Lawson stole the innocence of a young girl and gave her no sanctuary of a childhood. He will now spend the next 25 years in federal prison where there is no sanctuary of parole.”
“This case demonstrates how HSI seeks to partner with all the relevant stakeholders to protect those among us that are the most vulnerable,” Hernandez said. "HSI partnered with Huntsville PD, and the NCAC multidisciplinary team to get this predator off our streets.”
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/pcs.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) 347-2423. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone application www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations along with the Huntsville Police Department investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Becher, Sr. prosecuted.
Houston Woman Latest to be Sentenced in Smith County Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A 31-year-old Houston woman has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Angelica Iczayana Jaimes-Loredo pleaded guilty on July 25, 2019 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder III.
According to information presented in court, between January 2018 and August 2018, Jaimes-Loredo and others were involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Smith County, Texas area. On Nov.14, 2018, Jaimes-Loredo; Suri Surai Rivera-Zuniga, 25, of Houston; Kevin Russ Ivy, 58, of Whitehouse, Texas; and Stephen Paul Barton, 55, of Tyler; were charged in a six-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Jaimes-Loredo and Rivera-Zuniga admitted to distributing approximately three kilograms of methamphetamine on Aug. 18, 2018 in Whitehouse, Texas. Ivy admitted to possessing with intent to distribute 88 grams of methamphetamine on Aug. 16, 2018 in Whitehouse, Texas. Barton admitted to distributing 48.7 grams of methamphetamine on Aug. 16, 2018 and 35.7 grams of methamphetamine on July 20, 2018 in Whitehouse, Texas.
Rivera-Zuniga pleaded guilty on April 2, 2019 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison on Sep. 26, 2019. Ivy pleaded guilty on May 13, 2019 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 49 months in federal prison on Sep. 19, 2019. Barton pleaded guilty on July 25, 2019 to possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison on Jan. 13, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division and Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Hurst.
Harrison County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Scott Collins, of Stonewood, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Collins, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearm.” Collins admitted to having a .22 caliber rifle, a 9mm pistol, and a .223 caliber rifle in Barbour County in July 2018. All three firearms are stolen.
Collins 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Gulfport Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Preparing False ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Gulfport, Mississippi, tax return preparer was sentenced to 15 months in prison today for aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst for the Southern District of Mississippi.
According to documents and information provided to the court, Stacey Pritchett Williams owned and operated Stacey’s Unique Tax Service, a tax return preparation business located in the Gulfport area. From 2015 through 2016, Williams filed returns for her clients that reported false business income, education credits, and fuel credits, in an effort to obtain inflated refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Williams often deducted her fee from the client’s refunds and, at times, charged $999 to prepare a return. In all, Williams caused a tax loss to the United States of at least $100,000.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr., ordered Williams to serve one year of supervised release and to pay restitution of $102,382 to the United States.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Hurst thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris and Trial Attorney Kevin Schneider of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Gilford Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Phillip R. Andrews, 80, of Gilford, pleaded guilty in federal court on Wednesday, to transportation of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on or before June 13, 2016, Andrews used his cellular phone to produce sexually explicit images of a child under eighteen years of age. These images were uploaded onto his social media accounts using the internet.
Andrews is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28, 2020.
“Protecting the innocence of children is a top priority for federal law enforcement agencies,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who create, transport or distribute child pornography do grave harm to the victims who are portrayed in these images. In order to safeguard our young people, we work closely with HSI and all of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute child exploitation and child pornography crimes.”
“The conduct of Mr. Andrews will never be tolerated in any way, shape or form. The protection of innocent minors will always be an investigative priority of HSI. Investigations like this are a prime example of our public safety mission,” said, Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Boston. “HSI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to stand up for the victims who are subjected to unacceptable abuse with each and every downloaded image.”
This matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Gilford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Getaway Driver Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges Related to Two 2019 Bank Robberies in BaltimoreRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Richard Adams age 59, of Baltimore, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to aiding and abetting armed bank robbery and aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence, in connection with armed bank robberies committed in Baltimore on January 23 and February 1, 2019.
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; and Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department.
According to Adams’ guilty plea, he served as the getaway driver in connection with two armed bank robberies committed by his two co-defendants. On January 23, 2019, Adams drove his co-defendants to a bank in the 3600 block of Boston Street in Baltimore, in a car he had rented two weeks earlier. Adams’ co-defendants were each armed and wore masks and gloves when they entered the bank. The robbers told everyone to put their hands up and one of the robbers approached the victim teller, pointed his firearm at her, and demanded $100 dollar bills and “loose bills” from the bottom drawer of the till. Meanwhile, the other robber held the customers and other bank employees at gunpoint in the lobby area of the bank. The victim teller handed over the cash and the robbers ran away. As they ran through a parking lot adjacent to the bank, they accidentally dropped more than $5,000 in cash. They then got into the gray car driven by Adams, who had been waiting for them, and Adams drove them away from the area.
On February 1, 2019, Adams drove his co-defendants to a bank located in the 2900 block of O’Donnell Street in Baltimore, in a 2006 Chevy Monte Carlo that was registered to Adams. Adams’ co-defendants entered the bank armed with the same firearms they had used in the previous robbery and again wore masks and gloves to conceal their identities. The robbers pointed their firearms at the tellers and demanded money. After the tellers handed over cash from the till, the robbers demanded more cash. The tellers provided the robbers with cash from the bank’s vault and included a GPS tracker, which was activated. The robbers fled the bank and got into Adams’ car and Adams drove them away from the bank.
Baltimore Police Department (BPD) units responding to the robbery were provided with the GPS tracking information and located the vehicle with Adams and his co-defendants inside. All three were arrested. At the time of their arrests, one of the robbers had the gun used in the robbery on his person. A subsequent search of the vehicle recovered the second firearm and a blue backpack containing the cash stolen during the robbery and the GPS tracking device. Later that day, a search was executed at Adams’ residence which recovered clothing and a leather duffel bag used during the first robbery.
Adams faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison for aiding and abetting armed bank robbery, and faces a minimum mandatory sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum of life in federal prison for aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence. 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. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has scheduled sentencing for April 27, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
Adams’ co-defendants are scheduled to go to trial on June 1, 2020. All three defendants remain detained.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Baltimore Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Riley and Daniel A. Loveland, Jr., who are prosecuting the case.
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Georgia Man Admits Engaging in Distributed Denial of Service Attacks Against CompanyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Georgia man today admitted his role in initiating a cyberattack known as a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) against a company that maintained servers in New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Tucker Preston, 22, of Macon, Georgia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of damaging protected computers by transmission of a program, code or command.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
DDoS is a type of cyberattack that purposefully directs such a large volume of superfluous traffic to a victim’s web server or other computer system that it can slow or shut down service. In or around December 2015, Preston arranged for an entity that engages in DDoS attacks to initiate attacks against a company. The entity directed DDoS attacks against the victim company, causing damage and disrupting the victim’s business.
The count to which Preston pleaded guilty is punishable by a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for May 7, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Malagold of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division.
Defense counsel: Ijeoma Eke Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
Four Texas Men Arrested for Transporting Stolen MoneyRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK— Four Texas men were arrested today on federal charges of transporting stolen money as well as conspiring to transport stolen money. The defendants, all of Dallas—Antonio Denard Few, 34; Christopher Landelle Burns, 31; James Darron Miller, Jr., 32; and Steven Jadon Williams, 39—were charged by a grand jury in an indictment handed down on January 7, 2020.
Cody Hiland, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Diane Upchurch, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Little Rock Field Office, announced the indictment, which details a scheme in which the defendants targeted ATMs located in Walmart Neighborhood Market Stores in Conway and Benton, as well as locations in Oklahoma including Edmond, Oklahoma City, and Broken Arrow.
The indictment alleges that from December 2018 through January 2019, the defendants rented vehicles to drive from Dallas to Oklahoma and Arkansas in order to break into Walmart Neighborhood Market stores to steal or break into ATMs. The defendants allegedly utilized tools and bought gloves and clothing to conceal their identity while they conducted the break-ins, and they communicated by cell phone to orchestrate the robberies.
The indictment charges all four defendants with two counts of transporting $5,000 or more of stolen money—one count relating to the Walmart Neighborhood Market in Conway, and one count relating to the robbery of an ATM at a Shell Superstop in Benton. All four are also charged with one count of conspiracy to transport $5,000 or more of stolen money.
During today’s arrests, authorities seized 15 firearms, including eight handguns and seven rifles; approximately $15,000 cash and a currency counter; and multiple crowbars, bolt cutters, and heavy gauge cables with hooks.
The joint investigation was conducted by the FBI Little Rock Field Office, FBI Dallas Field Office, and FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, with assistance from Benton Police Department and Conway Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bart Dickinson.
The penalty for transporting stolen money is not more than ten years’ imprisonment, and the penalty for conspiracy to transport stolen money is not more than five years’ imprisonment. Both charges carry potential penalties of not more than three years of supervised release and not more than a $250,000 fine.
An indictment only contains allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Former Salyersville Resident Pleads Guilty to Illicit Sexual Conduct While Traveling and Residing in CambodiaRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. — A former resident of Salyersville, Kentucky, Micky Rife, 36, admitted in federal court on Thursday, that he, a U.S. citizen, engaged and attempted to engage in illicit sexual conduct with two minor females while he traveled and resided in Cambodia.
Rife pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove. In his plea agreement, Rife admitted that between September 3, 2012, and December 9, 2018, he traveled in foreign commerce, and between March 7, 2013 and December 9, 2018, he resided in Cambodia, and that during those time frames, he touched two minor females under their clothing and inside or on their genital areas on more than one occasion. He further admitted that both minor victims were under the age of 12 when the illicit conduct occurred.
Rife was previously indicted for two separate counts of the same offense in February 2019. He pleaded guilty to a single count Information filed on January 16, 2020.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Jerry Templet, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security- Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI), SAC Nashville, and Rodney Brewer, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted in Cambodia and Kentucky by HSI and the Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Marye and Trial Attorney Lauren S. Kupersmith of the Child Obscenity and Exploitation Section of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Rife is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27, 2020. He faces up to 30 years in prison and lifetime supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statutes.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Former President of Newell Rubbermaid Sentenced for Tax Fraud Related to Offshore Asset Protection CompanyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Jeffrey Cooley, 66, of Toledo, OH was sentenced to one month incarceration, 12 months’ supervised release, and a $210,000 fine by United States District Court Judge Joshua D. Wolson for filing a false tax return which reported that Cooley had purchased an offshore trust company years after he actually did in order to evade paying appropriate taxes.
Cooley served as global president of Newell Rubbermaid from 1998 to 2004. Sometime in or around 2005, after his retirement, Cooley and others purchased an offshore trust company named Southpac Trust (BVI) Limited, an asset protection company that owned and operated a bank in the Cook Islands. According to the charges in this case, Cooley’s 2012 tax return falsely reported that he had purchased Southpac in 2012, when in fact he had co-owned it continuously through nominee entities since 2005.
On October 3, 2019, Cooley pleaded guilty. In addition to the charged conduct, Cooley admitted that, after purchasing Southpac in 2005, he established an offshore bank account in Switzerland in the name of a nominee entity which allowed him to covertly receive his income from Southpac and its subsidiaries. Cooley received more than $300,000 of income into this Swiss account. In addition, in order to access these funds covertly, Cooley traveled from his home in the United States across the border into Canada multiple times to withdraw funds in cash via debit cards. Cooley no longer owns or holds any interest in Southpac.
“This case is an example of sheer greed,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Cooley was already wealthy through his earnings as the president of a globally recognized company, but that simply wasn’t enough for him. Instead, he felt the need to cheat in order to line his pockets through fraud. He invested in a company and then went to great lengths to hide that investment so he wouldn’t have to pay his fair share of taxes. That was an intolerable affront to every honest American taxpayer.”
“Every American who pays his or her taxes should be offended that a select few use anonymous offshore accounts to evade their tax liability,” said Guy Ficco SAC, IRS Criminal Investigation. “We owe it to every American taxpayer to use all lawful means to identify and prosecute individuals, like Mr. Cooley, who willfully and intentionally violate their known legal duty to pay their fair share of taxes.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Murray and by First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams.
Former Pastor and Counselor Sentenced to 17 years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
A former pastor and counselor from Burtchville, Michigan (just outside Port Huron) was sentenced yesterday to 17 years in prison for sexually exploiting preteen and teenage girls, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider of the Eastern District of Michigan.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.
Sentenced was Jackie Douglas Woodburn, 64, who was the Director of the Colonial Woods Christian Counseling Center, a place he worked for 28 years. In addition to his prison sentence, Woodburn will serve 5 years of supervised release upon his release from custody. Judge Paul D. Borman imposed the sentence.
According to court records, Woodburn used an unmonitored chatroom-based website to target and manipulate girls. Woodburn, who pretended to be a teenage boy when speaking to preteen and teenage girls on the website, isolated his victims by transitioning conversations from the website to email and popular social media application platforms. After isolating the victims, Woodburn used his sizable age, educational, and life experience advantages over the girls to manipulate, pressure, coerce, and entice the girls into undressing and engaging in sexual acts on camera. The Indictment alleged that Woodburn sexually exploited a 12 year-old girl from Texas, a 13 year-old girl from Kansas, and attempted to entice a 9 year-old girl from Virginia. However, the FBI’s investigation revealed that Woodburn targeted and exploited several additional victims not identified in the Indictment.
“It’s completely reprehensible for any person — let alone a pastor and counselor — to abuse young children in this way,” said United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “We hope this sentencing will bring some closure to the innocent victims and their families who were so badly harmed by the defendant.”
"By the nature of his position, Mr. Woodburn was entrusted with protecting the mental and spiritual health of his community," said SAC D'Antuono. "But he was a wolf in sheep's clothing - looking to prey on the most vulnerable members of our society. Our office remains committed to working with our state and local partners to find and hold accountable this type of sexual predator."
Assistant United States Attorneys April N. Russo and Kevin M. Mulcahy of the Eastern District of Michigan, prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Detroit Field Office investigated the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Member of Barbados Parliament and Minister of Industry Found Guilty of Receiving and Laundering Bribes from Barbadian Insurance CompanyRead the Press Release
A former member of the Barbados Parliament, who also served as the Minister of Industry of Barbados, was found guilty today by a federal jury for his role in a scheme to launder bribes paid to him by executives of the Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited (ICBL).
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue of the Eastern District of New York and Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. of the FBI’s New York Field Office made the announcement.
Following a one-week trial and two hours of jury deliberations, Donville Inniss, 54, a U.S. legal permanent resident who resided in Tampa, Florida, and Barbados, was found guilty of two counts of money laundering and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
According to the evidence presented at trial, in 2015 and 2016, Inniss took part in a scheme to launder into the United States approximately $36,000 in bribes that he received from high-level executives of ICBL. At the time, Inniss was a member of the Parliament of Barbados and the Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce, and Small Business Development of Barbados. The trial evidence demonstrated that, in exchange for the bribes, Inniss leveraged his position as the Minister of Industry to enable ICBL to obtain two insurance contracts from the Barbados government to insure over $100 million worth of government property. To conceal the bribes, Inniss arranged to receive them through a U.S. bank account in the name of his friend’s dental company, which had an address in Elmont, New York. The trial evidence further showed that Inniss used a personal email account to communicate with an executive from ICBL in connection with the bribe payments and the laundering of the money through the dental company in New York.
The FBI’s International Corruption Squad in New York City investigated the case. In 2015, the FBI formed International Corruption Squads across the country to address national and international implications of foreign corruption. Trial Attorney Gerald M. Moody Jr. of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Gopstein and Sylvia Shweder of the Eastern District of New York prosecuted the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance in this matter. The Department appreciates the cooperation provided by its law enforcement colleagues in Barbados during this investigation.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Former Member of Barbados Parliament Convicted of Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
Donville Inniss, a former member of the Barbados Parliament and Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development of Barbados, was convicted today by a jury in federal court in Brooklyn of money laundering conspiracy and two counts of money laundering relating to bribe payments the defendant received from Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited (ICBL) to secure government contracts for ICBL. The verdict followed a one-week trial before United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto. When sentenced, Inniss faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Brian A. Benczkowski, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the verdict.
The evidence at trial established that between August 2015 and April 2016, Inniss accepted approximately $36,000 in bribes from high-level executives of ICBL and laundered that money through banks on Long Island. In exchange for the bribes, Inniss leveraged his position as the Minister of Industry to enable ICBL to obtain government contracts. Inniss concealed the bribes by arranging to receive them through a friend’s dental company and a bank located in Elmont, New York. ICBL executives transferred the funds to the dental company using an invoice falsely claiming that the payments were for consulting services.
During the time of the charged conspiracy, Inniss was a legal permanent resident of the United States residing in Tampa, Florida and Barbados.
“As a government official, Inniss was responsible for improving the economic development and quality of life for Barbados and its people. But as proven at trial, he corruptly abused his position and the U.S. financial system to enrich himself,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “With today’s verdict, the defendant will face the consequences.” Mr. Donoghue thanked the FBI’s New York Office for its outstanding investigative work on the case.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Sylvia Shweder and David Gopstein, and Trial Attorney Gerald M. Moody, Jr., of the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
DONVILLE INNIS
Age: 54
BarbadosE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-134 (KAM)
Former Gwinnett County deputy indicted on excessive force and obstruction chargesRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Former Gwinnett County, Georgia, Deputy Sheriff Aaron S. Masters, who was assigned to the Rapid Response Team (RRT) at the Gwinnett County Jail, has been charged with using excessive force against a female inmate in 2018. Masters was indicted by a federal grand jury for unnecessarily assaulting the inmate and writing a false incident report to justify his use of force.
“We recognize that corrections officers have a difficult job as they maintain order and protect inmates in our district's prisons and county jails,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “However, this deputy sheriff must be held accountable for allegedly abusing his authority by committing a violent and unnecessary assault on an inmate, and then writing a false report to cover up the incident.”
“The vast majority of sworn officers working in our jails and prisons protect the civil rights of inmates no matter the difficult challenges they face,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “It is an insult to those officers when one of their own violates those rights, and that is why Masters must face his peers in court for his alleged actions.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the indictment, and other information presented in court: At the time of the alleged misconduct, Aaron Masters was employed as a deputy sheriff assigned to work on the Gwinnett County Sheriff Office’s RRT inside the Gwinnett County Jail. The RRT was a specialized unit which resolved high-risk incidents and provided general assistance in maintaining order in the jail. On August 20, 2018, Masters, without justification, is alleged to have repeatedly struck an inmate in the face with his closed fist, injuring her. Following the assault, Masters wrote a report about the encounter in which he falsely claimed that the physical force was necessary to gain the inmate’s compliance.
Aaron S. Masters, 27, of Jefferson, Georgia, was indicted on January 14, 2020, for violating an inmate’s civil rights and for writing a false report. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The FBI is investigating this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Alan Gray and Department of Justice Civil Rights Trial Attorney Tim Visser are prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Former Gwinnett County Deputy Arraigned on Excessive Force and Obstruction ChargesRead the Press Release
Former Gwinnett County Deputy Sheriff Aaron S. Masters, who was assigned to the Rapid Response Team (RRT) at the Gwinnett County Jail, has been arraigned after a federal grand jury indicted him of acting under color of law to deprive an inmate of her civil rights and of falsifying a report of the incident. The indictment follows an investigation of an allegation that Masters used excessive force against a female inmate in 2018 by repeatedly striking her in the head. The indictment was announced by Eric. Dreiband, Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division; Byung J. (BJay) Pak, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia; and Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.
According to the indictment and other information presented in court, at the time of the alleged misconduct, Masters was employed as a deputy sheriff assigned to work on the Gwinnett County Sheriff Office’s RRT inside the Gwinnett County Jail. The RRT was a specialized unit that resolved high-risk incidents and provided general assistance in maintaining order in the jail. On Aug. 20, 2018, Masters, without legal justification, repeatedly struck an inmate in her face with his closed fist, injuring her. Following the assault, Masters wrote a report about the encounter in which he falsely claimed that the physical force was necessary to gain the inmate’s compliance.
Masters, 27, of Jefferson, Georgia, was indicted on Jan. 14, 2020.
The charge of deprivation of civil rights under color of law resulting in injury provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of falsifying a police report provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the FBI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Alan Gray and Department of Justice Civil Rights Trial Attorney Tim Visser.
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.
Federal Superseding Indictment Charges Man for Making Threats Against a Maryland SynagogueRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury today returned a superseding indictment charging Stephen Lyle Orback, age 65, on the federal charges of intentionally attempting to obstruct persons in the free exercise of their religious beliefs through the threatened use of force, and making threatening communications, specifically multiple telephone calls threatening a synagogue.
The superseding indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division; and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to the indictment, between May 12 and July 21, 2019, Orback made multiple telephone calls to an employee of a synagogue in Owings Mills, Maryland, threatening to kill many members of 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.
If convicted, Orback faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for intentionally attempting to obstruct persons in the free exercise of their religious beliefs through the threatened us of force; and a maximum of five years in prison for making threatening communications. 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. Orback remains detained on unrelated state charges in Colorado.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings. .
United States Attorney Hur and Assistant Attorney General Dreiband commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Hur and Mr. Dreiband thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Michael Cunningham and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Zachary Dembo, who are prosecuting the case.
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Enrolled member of Mescalero Apache Tribe pleads guilty to abusive sexual contact in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – David Joe Melendrez, 55, of Mescalero, New Mexico pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to abusive sexual contact with a child in Indian Country as part of a pattern of sexual abuse of children committed over the course of more than 20 years.
In Melendrez’s plea agreement, he admitted to abusive sexual contact with a child in December 2018 at a home within the boundaries of the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Melendrez, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, sexually abused the victim as she was sleeping during the night. He continued to abuse her after she woke up. Melendrez also abused the victim, who is also a member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, on other previous occasions over the course of seven years. Melendrez also admitted sexually abusing four other child victims in New Mexico and Arizona dating back to 1995. Three of these other victims are also members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe.
Melendrez is currently in custody awaiting sentencing. He faces up to life in prison.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI investigated this case with the assistance of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa A. Ong is prosecuting the case.
Eleven People Charged in Federal Court with Heroin and Fentanyl Trafficking in the Milwaukee AreaRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that 11 defendants have been charged with conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl in the Milwaukee area. Over one kilogram of fentanyl has been seized during the course of the investigation. If convicted of the heroin and fentanyl charges, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum term of 5 years in prison.
The defendants charged are:
Name
Age
ADOLFO REYES-FELICIANO.
26
JONATHAN ARANZAMENDI-MALDONADO
43
AZAHEL VELAZQUEZ-MELGOZA
22
BRIAN A. MELENDEZ-SANTIAGO
22
JOMUEL LOZANO-MARTINEZ
27
MALEK A. FARAKHNA
32
KENDELL R. NEWKIRK
24
ANGEL R. PADILLA-COLON
25
EDUARDO I. GUTIERREZ-ARMEDARIZ
36
EDUARDO DE JESUS ROBLES-CAMBRONERO
27
MARIO J. NAVARRO
21
On January 15, 2020, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested ten of the defendants. Two of the arrested defendants were undocumented aliens from Mexico and subject to immediate removal. The officers also executed search warrants in Milwaukee resulting in the seizure of approximately 800 grams of black tar heroin, 200 grams of fentanyl, and one firearm.
“Fentanyl and heroin are extremely dangerous opioids that have led to numerous overdose deaths,” said United States Attorney Krueger in announcing the charges. “As these charges show, law enforcement is devoted to working collaboratively and aggressively to combat drug trafficking.”
“In 2019, fentanyl was the leading cause for overdose deaths in the City of Milwaukee. The DEA, along with our local, state, and federal partners have been and will continue to aggressively investigate and arrest those individuals who profit from the pain and suffering of others. Yesterday’s law enforcement operations are a shining example of this common goal to save lives and make our communities a safer place to live,” said DEA Milwaukee District Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Paul E. Maxwell, Jr.
The defendants were charged based on a multi-year investigation led by law enforcement agents and officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, the City of Kenosha Police Department, the City of Greenfield Police Department, and the City of West Allis Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mario Gonzales.
The public is cautioned that an indictment 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
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Duo Charged in a Criminal ComplaintRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Steven Hecke, age 44, and Samuel Battell, age 34, both of Fort Wayne, Indiana were charged in a criminal complaint filed late January 15, 2020 with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl along with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in this case, on or about January13, 2020, agents executed a series of search warrants at multiple locations in Allen County. During the execution of search warrants, law enforcement found approximately 19 pounds of methamphetamine, 900 grams of fentanyl, multiple firearms and U.S. Currency.
United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch said, “We are focused on working with our local, state and federal agencies to curb drug and gun crimes in the Northern District of Indiana. This case is an excellent example of agencies working together to accomplish those goals.”
“DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon said, “DEA commends the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners. If the alleged amount of fentanyl recovered would have hit the streets, it could have been devastating given that only 2mg could kill the average person. DEA will continue to use all resources available to target criminal organizations that introduce drugs into our communities.”
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that a Criminal Complaint is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the Judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Allen County Drug Task Force with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Noble County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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Drunken Assault at Sea Nets Federal Prison Sentence for Winchester Bay ResidentRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—Brandon Michael Vanderploeg, 39, of Winchester Bay, Oregon, was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison and two years’ supervised release for assaulting his then-girlfriend aboard a fishing vessel in August 2018.
According to court documents, on August 16, 2018, members of the U.S. Coast Guard were dispatched to a situation at sea involving the report of a woman who had been assaulted by her boyfriend onboard a commercial fishing vessel. A coast guard helicopter located the vessel 17 nautical miles off the Oregon Coast. Two members of the coast guard boarded the vessel and made contact with Vanderploeg and the victim.
The victim reported that Vanderploeg had assaulted her on several occasions after leaving Winchester Bay. She specifically reported that Vanderploeg held her down, punched her repeatedly in the face, head-butted her in the nose, and slammed her head down on a tool box. The assault resulted in a three-inch laceration to her right cheek, a depressed nasal fracture, multiple contusions to her knees and arms, and a cervical strain.
During the investigation, the coast guard crew who boarded and conducted a sweep of the vessel, immediately noted a strong smell of alcohol coming from Mr. Venderploeg, who admitted to drinking. Mr. Vanderploeg tested positive for alcohol, registering a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .183. An individual operating a commercial vessel is considered intoxicated at a BAC of .04 or more.
On September 30, 2019, Vanderploeg pleaded guilty to assault within the maritime jurisdiction of the U.S. and operating a commercial vessel under the influence of alcohol.
As part of his plea agreement, Vanderploeg agreed to pay restitution in full to his victim as ordered by the court. A restitution hearing will be held at a later date.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Dominican Man Sentenced to 34 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute over 100 Grams of HeroinRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Dominican man was sentenced today to 34 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to transport more than 100 grams of heroin from New York to New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Bienvenido Perez Lazala, 31, of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court to an information charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In January 2018, a Mexican narcotics trafficker provided another individual with Lazala’s name and identified Lazala as someone who could assist in establishing narcotics sales in New Jersey. Lazala was contacted and agreed to obtain heroin to sell in New Jersey.
On Feb. 5, 2018, following a series of intercepted calls, Lazala obtained 955.9 grams of heroin in Haverstraw, New York, for purposes of transporting it back to New Jersey. Lazala then sold the heroin to another individual, who, unbeknownst to Lazala, was a law enforcement officer.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Lazala to two years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ari Fontecchio of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit.
District Woman Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison on Federal Mail Fraud Charge, Admits Her Role in Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Belinda McKenzie, 45, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for her role in an embezzlement scheme targeting District of Columbia government funds earmarked for at-risk tenants, through a program administered by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu; Special Agent in Charge Matthew S. Miller, U.S. Secret Service, Washington Field Office; Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD); and Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas, District of Columbia’s Office of Inspector General.
Belinda McKenzie pled guilty in May 2019 to one count of mail fraud charge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. She was sentenced by the Honorable Trevor N. McFadden. In addition to her prison term, McKenzie must pay restitution in the amount of $234,249, as well as a forfeiture money judgement in the same amount. Following her prison term, she will be placed on two years of supervised release.
The defendant, Belinda McKenzie, was a Family Support Worker at Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Washington (“CC ADW”), working in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”). Between 2015 and 2017, the defendant, along with others, recruited family members, neighbors, and friends, and used their information, and that of others, on fraudulent ERAP applications stealing $234,249.00 in ERAP funds administered by CC ADW (and from DC government which finances the program). CC ADW is one of six agencies that administers the ERAP program for the District of Columbia’s Department of Human Services.
After an anonymous complaint to CC ADW, an outside auditing firm identified approximately 42 ERAP files (all processed by the defendant) comprising of payments to approximately 16 landlords on behalf of 31 tenants. In truth, the listed tenants were not at risk of eviction, did not rent from the listed landlords, and instead of assisting families from eviction, the emergency rental money was shared with the co-schemers involved in the fraud. After a referral by CC ADW, law enforcement conducted an independent investigation and found that the defendant created fraudulent files using forgeries from the legitimate documents to “paper” the requests for the fraudulent tenant assistance. Armed with an array of falsely manufactured “supporting” documentation, the defendant tricked CC ADW into issuing approximately 42 checks totaling $234,249.00 to individuals who posed as landlords, on behalf of individuals who posed as tenants at risk of eviction from the “landlords’” property.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu, Special Agent in Charge Miller, Chief Newsham, and Inspector General Lucas commended the work performed by those who investigated the case from the U.S. Secret Service’s Washington Field Office, MPD, and DC Office of Inspector General. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Financial Accountant Bryan Snitselaar, Paralegal Specialists Amanda Rohde, Mariela Andrade, and Quiana Dunn-Gordon, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Chubin Epstein, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Virginia Cheatham, who prosecuted the case.
Detroit Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
A Detroit resident was convicted by a federal jury today on charges of sex trafficking using force and coercion, distribution of controlled substances, and maintaining a drug premises, announced United States Matthew Schneider.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.
Richard Knider Jackson, 70, of Detroit, was convicted following a 5-day jury trial before United States District Judge Stephen J. Murphy, III. The jury deliberated approximately 2 hours before returning their verdicts.
“This defendant treated his victims like goods to be bought and sold,” stated U.S. Attorney Schneider. “He targeted vulnerable women and exploited them for his own profit. He manipulated his victims’ drug addictions and provided them with a constant supply of heroin and crack cocaine. We hope that cases like this one will raise awareness that sex traffickers are exploiting victims in our communities."
Jackson was also convicted of distribution of heroin and crack cocaine and maintaining a drug premises.
Evidence presented at the trial established that a woman called 911 in 2016 pleading for help. When Detroit Police responded, the officers quickly determined that the location was used for human trafficking. In the home, officers observed a house in complete disrepair, with signs of intravenous drug use throughout the home. Defendant had installed a security gate within the home at the top of the stairs.
Sentencing is set for April 16, 2020. Jackson faces a mandatory-minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, and up to life.
The case was investigated by special agents of the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sara D. Woodward and Barbara Lanning.
Derry Woman Sentenced for Participating in a Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to two years probation on her conviction of money laundering conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed sentence on Barbara Miller, 58, of Derry, Pennsylvania.
In connection with sentencing, the court was advised that during the period from January 2011 through May 2016, Miller became a member of a money laundering conspiracy. Miller conducted financial transactions affecting interstate commerce, knowing that the property involved in the financial transactions represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity. Miller knew that each of the financial transactions was designed in whole or in part to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds. As part of the money laundering conspiracy, the defendant and her co-conspirators conducted the following financial transactions: 1) withdrew funds from prepaid debit cards and credit cards; 2) transmitted and received funds via MoneyGram, Walmart and Western Union; 3) cashed checks and money orders; and 4) sent and received wire transfers of funds. The funds involved in these transactions, which totaled thousands of dollars, were the proceeds of wire fraud.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.
Department of Justice Announces Proposed Rule Regarding Equal Treatment of Faith-Based Organizations and Guidance on School PrayerRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced a proposed rule today that would implement President Trump’s Executive Order No. 13831 (May 3, 2018), remove regulatory burdens on religious organizations, and ensure that religious and non-religious organizations are treated equally in DOJ-supported programs. The proposed rule ensures that DOJ-supported social service programs are implemented in a manner consistent with the Constitution and other applicable federal law.
The department also announced, in conjunction with the Department of Education, guidance on school prayer. The updated guidance provides information on legal protections for prayer and other religious expression in public schools.
“Since our nation’s founding, there has always been a strong consensus about the centrality of religious liberty in the United States and the freedom of religious expression,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The Framers of the Constitution believed that both were indispensable to sustaining our free system of government. The actions taken by the administration today will hopefully help secure religious freedom in our country for decades to come.”
Background on Equal Treatment of Faith-Based Organizations
Under current regulations that govern DOJ-supported programs, religious providers of social services — but not other providers of social services — must make referrals under certain circumstances and must post notices regarding this referral procedure. These regulatory burdens had been required by then-President Obama’s Executive Order No. 13559 (Nov. 17, 2010). Consistent with President Trump’s Executive Order No. 13831 (May 3, 2018), the DOJ’s proposed rule would eliminate them from DOJ regulations. As the DOJ’s proposed rule observes, these burdens were not required by any applicable law, and because they were imposed only on religious social service providers, they are in tension with recent Supreme Court precedent regarding nondiscrimination against religious organizations. The proposed rule also will foreclose other unequal treatment of religious organizations by ensuring that they are not required to provide assurances or notices that are not required of secular organizations.
In addition, the proposed rule will clarify that religious organizations may apply for awards on the same basis as any other organization and that when DOJ selects award recipients, DOJ will not discriminate based on an organization’s religious character. The proposed rule also clarifies that religious organizations participating in DOJ-supported programs retain their independence from the government and may continue to carry out their missions consistent with religious freedom protections in federal law, including the Free Speech and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment.
The proposed rule incorporates the Attorney General’s 2017 Memorandum for All Executive Departments and Agencies, Federal Law Protections for Religious Liberty. That memorandum was issued pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order No. 13798 (May 4, 2017), and it guides all federal administrative agencies and executive departments in complying with federal law.
Background on School Prayer Guidance
Section 8524(a) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act and codified at 20 U.S.C. § 7904(a), requires the Secretary of Education to issue guidance to State educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and the public on constitutionally protected prayer in public elementary and secondary schools. It requires the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel to review the guidance prior to distribution to ensure that it represents the current state of the law. In addition, section 8524(b) requires that, as a condition of receiving ESEA funds, an LEA must certify in writing to its SEA that it has no policy that prevents, or otherwise denies participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in public schools as detailed in this updated guidance.
The purpose of this updated guidance is to provide information on the current state of the law concerning religious expression in public schools. Part I is an introduction. Part II clarifies the extent to which prayer in public schools is legally protected. LEAs and SEAs are responsible, under section 8524(b) of the ESEA, to certify their compliance with the standards set forth in Part II.
Part III of this updated guidance generally addresses principles of religious liberty that relate to religious expression more broadly, including prayer, in accordance with Executive Order 13798 (May 4, 2017), 82 Fed. Reg. 21675 (May 9, 2017), and the Attorney General’s Memorandum on Federal Law Protections for Religious Liberty of October 7, 2017, 82 Fed. Reg. 49668 (Oct. 26, 2017) (AG Memo). It is meant to advise SEAs and LEAs on how to comply with governing constitutional and statutory law, but it is not a part of the required certification under section 8524(b) of the ESEA. Part IV discusses the Equal Access Act, which provides statutory protection for religious expression in public schools. These broader principles were drawn substantially from a 1995 presidential memorandum, Memorandum on Religious Expression in Public Schools, 2 Pub. Papers 1083 (July 12, 1995), and a 1998 Department of Education memorandum, Richard W. Riley, U.S. Secretary of Education, Religious Expression in Public Schools: A Statement of Principles (June 1998).
The Office of Legal Counsel in the Department of Justice and the Office of General Counsel in the Department of Education have jointly approved this updated guidance as reflecting the current state of the law. This updated guidance will be made available on the Department of Education’s website (www.ed.gov) and the Department of Justice’s website (www.justice.gov).
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.
Denver Man Sentenced to 44 Months Imprisonment and $200,000 Restitution After Conviction for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Harrel Keeling, 44, of Denver, Colorado, was sentenced today for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft. United States District Judge Christina Reiss sentenced Keeling to a 44-month total term of imprisonment, followed by a 5-year total term of supervised release, and ordered Keeling to pay $200,000 in restitution to the victim of his offense.
According to Court records, on January 2, 2019, Keeling and a coconspirator flew from Denver to Burlington. The next day, Keeling obtained a driver’s license in the name of D.P from the Vermont DMV, after presenting a legitimate birth certificate for D.P. and fraudulent supporting materials. After obtaining the identification in D.P.’s name, Keeling went to the Citizens Bank branch in Burlington, Vermont, where he obtained an $180,000 teller check from D.P.’s business account. Keeling and his coconspirator also visited a Citizens Bank branch in South Burlington, where Keeling withdrew an additional $8,000 in cash. Keeling and his coconspirator traveled to the Mohegan Sun Casino, where they utilized the fraudulently obtained $180,000 teller check to establish a front-money account. Keeling and his coconspirator then laundered the fraud proceeds through casino chips over the following days. Keeling and his coconspirator withdrew additional currency in Connecticut, then traveled to New York City, and flew back to Denver shortly thereafter. On January 31, 2019, Keeling was arrested in Aurora, Colorado on a federal warrant issued by the United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Vermont. When Keeling was arrested, he was found to be in possession of approximately $7,500 in cash and $12,900 in postal money orders which he had obtained in New York City. A federal seizure warrant recovered an additional $151,697 of funds from Keeling’s bank accounts, which will be used toward restitution.
United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan commended the investigative efforts of the United States Secret Service; the Mohegan Tribal Police; and the Burlington Police Department, in the successful arrest and prosecution of Keeling.
Keeling was represented by Ian Carlton, Esq. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt.
Culebra, Puerto Rico Captain Sentenced for Knowingly Transporting Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Arturo Serrano-Arizmendi, 27, of Culebra, Puerto Rico, was sentenced today after being convicted of knowingly transporting illegal aliens for commercial advantage or private financial gain, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Arizmendi to 6 months in prison followed by three years supervised release, and ordered Arizmendi to pay a special assessment of $100. Gomez also ordered Arizmendi to forfeit $500 and a 1980 22-foot Maco boat.
According to court documents, on June 7, 2019, Arizmendi captained his Maco boat from St. Thomas in the direction of Culebra with no navigational lights. On board his vessel were five individuals that he knew were illegal aliens: four from Brazil and one from the Dominican Republic. A Customs and Border Patrol marine unit intercepted the vessel and returned it to St. Thomas where Arizmendi and the illegal aliens were taken into custody by Homeland
St. Thomas, USVI – Arturo Serrano-Arizmendi, 27, of Culebra, Puerto Rico, was sentenced today after being convicted of knowingly transporting illegal aliens for commercial advantage or private financial gain, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Arizmendi to 6 months in prison followed by three years supervised release, and ordered Arizmendi to pay a special assessment of $100. Gomez also ordered Arizmendi to forfeit $500 and a 1980 22-foot Maco boat.
According to court documents, on June 7, 2019, Arizmendi captained his Maco boat from St. Thomas in the direction of Culebra with no navigational lights. On board his vessel were five individuals that he knew were illegal aliens: four from Brazil and one from the Dominican Republic. A Customs and Border Patrol marine unit intercepted the vessel and returned it to St. Thomas where Arizmendi and the illegal aliens were taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations. When he was questioned, Arizmendi admitted that he received $100 per person to transport them to Culebra, PR.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Security Investigations. When he was questioned, Arizmendi admitted that he received $100 per person to transport them to Culebra, PR.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
Crack Cocaine "Broker" Sentenced to 5 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A former Woonsocket man, one of more than a dozen people arrested in July 2019 as the result of a four-month FBI Safe Streets Task Force Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation into the trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine on the streets of Woonsocket, was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for brokering sales of crack cocaine.
In October 2019, Christian Nieves, 34, admitted to the Court that in April 2019, he arranged on multiple occasions for an individual to purchase a total of 34.18 grams of crack cocaine from David Kennedy, 29, formerly of Woonsocket. Nieves was present for each transaction and was paid a fee for his efforts.
Nieves pleaded guilty on October 1, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.
At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., sentenced Nieves to 60 months imprisonment to be followed by 4 years supervised release, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, and Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates.
David Kennedy pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court on October 1, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 20, 2020.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sandra R. Hebert and Christine D. Lowell.
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.
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Contractor Charged with Lying to OSHA InvestigatorsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael C. Mikulka, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging LUIS F. ESTRADA, 46, of Bridgeport, with making false statements and submitting false documents to the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”).
The indictment was returned on January 2, 2020. Estrada appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $75,000 bond.
As alleged in the indictment, Estrada is the owner of a construction company named L.L.E. Construction, LLC. In February 2018, Estrada and L.L.E. Construction entered into a written contract to perform roof repairs and other construction services at a property located on Main Street in Bridgeport. In February and March 2018, Estrada was provided with three checks totaling $11,000 for performing the work. On March 1, 2018, a compliance officer with OSHA visited the property and observed what he believed to be various safety infractions by construction workers who were making the roof repairs. The officer then initiated an on-site inspection into the suspected infractions. Estrada was not present at the Main Street property at the time, but spoke to the compliance officer by mobile phone.
It is further alleged that, on May 22, 2018, OSHA compliance officers served Estrada with a subpoena that demanded documents and records related to L.L.E. Construction’s work at the Main Street property in February and March 2018. On July 30, 2018, Estrada hand-delivered a written response stating that he “did not do any work for the ‘LLE Roofing Project,’” that “[t]here is no payroll because [he] did not work on the ‘LLE Roofing Project,’” and that he “do[es] not have any contract or any documents regarding the ‘LLE Roofing Project.’”
The indictment charges Estrada with one count of making false statements to the U.S. Department of Labor, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and one count of falsification of records in a federal investigation, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.
Cleveland man charged with allegedly shooting at agents further charged with sex trafficking of a juvenile and producing child pornographyRead the Press Release
Reuben Rankin, 34, was charged in a superseding indictment with one count of sex trafficking of a juvenile and one count of production of child pornography.
These charges come in addition to Rankin’s pending federal charges for assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
The first three charges were brought after Rankin allegedly fired six shots at federal agents during the execution of a search warrant on a house on Dove Avenue in Cleveland.
A federal grand jury has now returned a superseding indictment adding two additional charges for sex trafficking of a juvenile and production of child pornography.
The superseding indictment alleges that between “in or about May 2019 and in or about September 2019, Rankin did knowingly recruit, entice, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, maintain, patronize, and solicit by any means a minor under the age of 18 years, knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that means of force, threats of force, fraud and coercion would be used to cause the minor to engage in a commercial sex act, and that the minor had not attained the age of 18 years and would be caused to engage in a commercial sex act.
The superseding indictment further alleges that during that time, Rankin did employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranya Elzein.
A charge is only an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Chowan County Man Sentenced After Firing Gun in Domestic DisputeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH — United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle, sentenced Nicholas Elliott, 32, of Tyner, NC to 36 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. ELLIOTT was named in a single-count Indictment on August 22, 2019, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. On November 13, 2019, he pled guilty to the Indictment.
According to the investigation, a woman called 911 on June 20, 2019, reporting that her ex-boyfriend, Nicholas ELLIOTT, had fired a gun at her outside a residence in Tyner, NC, in Chowan County. She had fled to a Family Dollar Store, where she placed the 911 call. Chowan County Sheriff Deputies met the woman there. She explained she had been at her home that she shared with ELLIOTT when they had had a physical altercation. She ran out of the house after he grabbed a gun. As she ran toward the woods, she looked back to see him repeatedly firing a black handgun with an extended magazine in her direction. She hid in the woods until she heard ELLIOTT’s car start, then got a ride to Family Dollar and called 911.
The Chowan County Sheriff’s Office responded to ELLIOTT’s residence. ELLIOTT claimed a friend had fired the shots and left with the gun, but he agreed to allow a detective to check the house for firearms. On the bed in ELLIOTT’s bedroom, the detective spotted a silver magazine with four spent and one unspent .40 caliber bullets. On a closet shelf, the detective found a black and silver Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine, as ELLIOTT’s ex-girlfriend had described. ELLIOTT later confessed that he had shot the gun in the air several times after the fight with his ex-girlfriend.
Prior to these events, ELLIOTT had sustained three state convictions for Assault on a Female, as well as a Domestic Violence Protective Order Violation. He also had a state felony drug conviction, for which he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
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: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina implements the PSN Program through its Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The Chowan County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Cherokee County Man Sentenced for having Methamphetamine at County CourthouseRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A 24-year-old Jacksonville, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
David Anthony Ebanez pleaded guilty on Sep. 4, 2019, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle.
According to information presented in court, on April 10, 2019, Ebanez was found in possession of over 50 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine at the Cherokee County Courthouse in Rusk, Texas. Ebanez was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 15, 2019, and charged with federal drug trafficking violations.
This case was investigated by the DEA Dallas Field Division, Tyler Resident Office; the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Police Department, and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary Ann Cozby and Colleen Bloss.
Camden County Man Admits Sending Obscene Images to MinorsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County, New Jersey, man today admitted sending obscene material to minors over the internet, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Zackary McFerren, 28, of Winslow Township, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman in Camden federal court to an information charging him with two counts of transferring obscene matter to minors, as well to violating the terms of his supervised release by contacting those minors.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
McFerren admitted that he previously pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography and transferring obscene material to a minor and was sentenced Oct. 17, 2016, to 33 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, which started May 3, 2019.
McFerren acknowledged that the terms of his supervised release included not committing another federal crime; required him to submit to computer monitoring by the U.S. Probation Office and restricted his contact with minors.
McFerren admitted that starting on July 15, 2019, he used a mobile phone to communicate with an individual he believed to be a 13-year old girl living in New York. Unbeknownst to McFerren, he was actually communicating with an undercover FBI employee. McFerren admitted that he had expressed an interest in having sex with the 13-year old girl and sent her obscene images of himself. McFerren acknowledged that his communicating with the person he believed to be a minor and sending the obscene photos was a violation of the terms of his supervised release.
McFerren also admitted to conduct from August 2015. McFerren admitted to using the “Kik” messaging application to communicate with other Kik users over the Internet. While using the Kik application, McFerren used the screen name “Emily” and begin communicating with an underage girl in the Eaton Rapids, Michigan, area. He exchanged obscene images with the girl.
The charges to which McFerren pleaded guilty each carry a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison per count and a fine of $250,000. McFerren faces up to an additional four years for violating the term of supervised release from his previous conviction. Sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents and task force officers of the FBI, Newark Division’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, Child Exploitation Task Force, which is made up of FBI special agents and detectives from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, the New Jersey State Police, and the N.J. Department of Human Services Police, under the direction of FBI Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked FBI special agents and task force officers in the FBI Buffalo Division and officers and detective with the Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Police Department for their work on this investigation.
The government is represented by Senior Trial Counsel Jason M. Richardson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Cleveland Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Joshua Gilchrist, age 35, was sentenced in federal court to 147 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for armed bank robbery. The Court also ordered that this term of incarceration be served consecutive to a previously imposed sentence of 36 months in prison that Gilchrist received for an armed bank robbery in Oklahoma.
According to evidence presented at sentencing, in the afternoon of December 8, 2017, Joshua Gilchrist, brandished a handgun as he robbed the Key Bank located at 3602 Chester Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio. The bank was busy at the time with multiple customers waiting in the bank’s lobby. Gilchrist ordered everyone to the ground and demanded money from the tellers. He fled on foot with $3,496 in U.S. currency. Surveillance video showed the robbery occur with Gilchrist’s face clearly visible. He also left behind a bag, which was later tested for and confirmed the presence of Gilchrist’s DNA.
Approximately two months later, on February 6, 2018, Gilchrist robbed the Bank of Oklahoma in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He brandished what appeared to be a handgun and threatened to kill the tellers. Gilchrist ordered everyone to the ground, demanded cash, and fled with $740. The same day, local law enforcement identified and arrested Joshua Gilchrist in Joplin, Missouri where he confessed to the Tulsa Oklahoma bank robbery. A fake gun was recovered from his vehicle. On September 11, 2018, Gilchrist pled guilty to the Bank of Oklahoma robbery in federal court in the Northern District of Oklahoma. On December 12, 2018, that court sentenced Gilchrist to 36 months in prison. After the resolution of his Oklahoma case, he was brought to Cleveland to face his charges for the Key Bank robbery.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott C. Zarzycki.
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Browning woman sentenced to prison for meth distributionRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A Browning woman who admitted selling methamphetamine in the community for more than two years was sentenced on Jan. 15 to 42 months in prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Nicole Smith, 34, pleaded guilty in October to possession with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Brian Morris presided.
In court records filed in the case, the prosecution said Smith possessed and distributed meth on and near the Blackfeet Reservation and out of Cut Bank. The Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Cut Bank Police Department received information in June 2018 that Smith was selling meth. Confidential sources indicated they had bought meth from Smith on numerous occasions and at times bought “pound quantities.” Law enforcement also conducted a controlled meth buy from Smith that same month.
In April 2019, Drug Enforcement Administration agents met with Smith, who was in custody on a traffic stop. After advising Smith of the evidence against her, Smith admitted she had obtained and sold several eight-balls of meth every week for more than the past two years. Smith also admitted getting five to six ounces of meth from a different supplier for redistribution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Starnes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and DEA.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime in Montana increased by 36% from 2013 to 2018. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.
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Blood Gang Member Sentenced to 12 Years for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and NarcoticsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced DENNIS STEWARD MOORE, 43, of Raleigh, NC, to 144 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
MOORE was named in an Indictment filed on May 22, 2019 charging him with Distribution of a Quantity of Cocaine Base (crack), Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity of Cocaine Base (crack), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime on November 1, 2018. On October 17, 2019, with a written plea agreement, MOORE pled guilty to distribution of crack, possession with intent to distribute crack, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
On August 21, 2018, the Raleigh Police Department (RPD), in Raleigh, North Carolina, conducted a controlled purchase of cocaine base (crack) from MOORE based on information from a confidential source (CS) indicating MOORE was distributing crack. MOORE sold 0.12 gram of crack to the CS from his room at the Wake Inn located on New Bern Avenue in Raleigh.
On November 1, 2018, RPD went to MOORE’s room at the Wake Inn and arrested him based on a warrant to arrest. Incident to his arrest, MOORE was searched and RPD seized $1,051 in U.S. currency, 3.04 grams of cocaine base (crack), and 11.86 grams of cocaine. The RPD also recovered a loaded .22 caliber pistol, drug-packaging material, and a digital scale with drug residue. MOORE was arrested by the RPD.
MOORE admitted to RPD officers that he has sold cocaine base (crack) since 1988, and approximated that he sold 2 ounces (56.7 grams) of cocaine base (crack) per week. Furthermore, MOORE admitted the firearm found in his room belonged to him and that he had recently purchased it.
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: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina implements the PSN Program through its Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel William Smith represented the government.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Bettendorf Doctor Sentenced to Prison for Failure to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, IA-- On January 15, 2020, Narinder Kumar, age 66, from Bettendorf, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to six months in prison after pleading guilty to Failure to Pay Employment Taxes, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Kumar was ordered to serve three years of supervised release, pay a $10,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Kumar was also ordered to pay $721,394.34 in restitution, which has been paid in full.
In July 2014, Kumar was responsible for paying withheld employment taxes on behalf of Jai Mata Lakshmi, doing business as Embers of Phoenix. Jai Mata Lakshmi operated two businesses at the same Davenport location – Echelon Sports Bar and Embers of Phoenix. In violation of federal tax laws, Kumar willfully failed to pay the second quarter 2014 withheld employment taxes due on behalf of Jai Mata Lakshmi. In total, Kumar admitted from 2010-2016, he was responsible for paying employee withholding taxes for Bettendorf Pediatric, Echelon Sports Bar, Embers of Phoenix, and Funky Desi, and failed to pay $461,390 in taxes. These businesses also failed to pay $260,004.16 in Social Security taxes and Medicaid.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Bay Area Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Mark Miner was sentenced to 48 months in prison for possessing child pornography, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Edward M. Chen, U.S. District Judge.
Miner, 51, of San Francisco, Calif., pleaded guilty to the charge on July 17, 2019. In pleading guilty, Miner admitted he possessed more than 800 images and videos of child pornography that he stored online with an internet file-hosting service. According to the plea agreement, Miner sent links to his online account via texts and other electronic communications in order to try to distribute the images and videos to others.
A federal grand jury indicted Miner on April 25, 2019, charging him with one count of possession of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2). Miner pleaded guilty to the count.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Chen sentenced the defendant to a five-year period of supervised release. The defendant was immediately remanded into custody.
Assistant United States Attorney Aseem Padukone is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Margoth Turcios. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the San Francisco Police Department.
Armed New Haven Drug Dealer Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that SHANNON WICKER, also known as “Bishop,” 34, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 16, 2019, law enforcement in New Haven conducted a court-authorized search of a Chapel Street apartment and found a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol; quantities of heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana; items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, and other items. Wicker, who was present during the search, was arrested on related state charges at that time.
Wicker has been detained since his federal arrest on November 6, 2019.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for April 8, 2020, at which time Wicker faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Wicker’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions, including convictions for weapon in a motor vehicle, sale of illegal hallucinogens or narcotics, sale of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics, tampering with evidence, and failure to appear.
This matter is being investigated by the New Haven Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Arizona Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas; announced yesterday that Marc Stovall, age 32, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 5 Kilograms of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Cocaine. The Honorable Judge P. K. Holmes III presided over the sentencing hearing yesterday in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
In March of 2019, an Arkansas State Police (ASP) Trooper made consensual contact with the driver and passenger of a Nissan Pathfinder while the vehicle was parked at the rest area in Van Buren, Arkansas on Interstate 40. During the consensual encounter, a K-9 was called to the location. After the K-9 alerted on the vehicle, Officers searched it. The search revealed approximately five and one half kilograms of suspected cocaine located inside the rear cargo compartment of the vehicle. The front passenger, later identified as Stovall was interviewed and he advised Officers that the suspected cocaine belonged to him.
Stovall was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2019 and entered a guilty plea in August 2019.
This case was investigated by Arkansas State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant United States Attorney Candace Taylor prosecuted the case for the United States.
Acusación formal sustitutiva acusa a un hombre de amenazar a una sinagoga en MarylandRead the Press Release
Un gran Jurado federal emitió una acusación formal sustitutiva que acusa a Stephen Orback, de 65 años, de amenazar, en múltiples ocasiones, con atacar una sinagoga cerca de Baltimore. El primero cargo le acusa a Orback de intentar intencionalmente a impedir en el disfrute del libre ejercicio del culto amenazando con el uso de fuerza, en contra de la Sección 247 del Título 18 del Código de los EE. UU. El segundo cargo le acusa a Orback de hacer amenazas a través de comunicaciones interestatales, en contra de la Sección 875 del Título 18 del Código de los EE. UU.
Según la acusación formal sustitutiva, entre el 12 de mayo y el 21 de julio del 2019, Orback realizó diversas llamadas telefónicas a un empleado de una sinagoga en Owings Mills, Maryland, y amenazó que mataría a miembros de la congregación con armas de fuego y explosivos y que quemaría la sinagoga. La acusación formal sustitutiva reemplaza una acusación formal previa que fue emitida por el gran jurado el 15 de agosto del 2019, la cual únicamente había acusado al acusado del cargo de amenazas interestatales.
Una acusación formal es una acusación de conducta delictiva y no se considera como prueba de culpabilidad. Al acusado se le considera inocente mientras no se pruebe su culpabilidad. De ser condenado, Orback se enfrenta a una pena máxima de 20 años de cárcel, tres años de libertad supervisada y una sanción de hasta $250.000.
El caso está siendo investigado por la Oficina Local del Buró Federal de Investigaciones (FBI, por sus siglas en inglés) en Baltimore y enjuiciado por el Fiscal Federal Auxiliar para el Distrito de Maryland, P. Michael Cunningham, y el Abogado de Litigios para la División de Derechos Civiles, Zachary Dembo.
Para más información sobre el trabajo del Departamento de Justicia para combatir y prevenir los delitos de odio, vaya a www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: es un portal único con enlaces a recursos del Departamento de Justicia relacionados con delitos de odio para la policía, los medios de comunicación, investigadores, víctimas, grupos de apoyo, y otras organizaciones y personas.
15 January 2020
Wood County Parolee Pleads Guilty to Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County man pled guilty to a drug offense, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Joshua Michael Conger, 41, of Parkersburg, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
“388 grams of meth and two guns,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Conger has two prior drug convictions in state court and was on parole at the time of his arrest. He won’t get parole in the federal system.”
On June 19, 2018, members of the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant on Conger’s Chevrolet pickup truck at his residence on Gihon Road. Police seized approximately 388 grams of methamphetamine and two handguns from the vehicle. Conger admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine. Conger had previously been convicted in Wood County Circuit Court of operating a methamphetamine laboratory in 2012 and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in 2016. He was on parole at the time of his arrest in June 2018.
Conger faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 16, 2020.
The Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution.
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