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18 December 2019
Danville Man Sentenced to 54 Years and 7 months for Spree of Armed Robberies throughout Virginia, North CarolinaRead the Press Release
Lynchburg, VIRGINIA – Justin Stallings, a Danville man who was convicted in March of committing seven armed robberies of businesses in Danville, Bedford, Rocky Mount, and Prospect Hill, N.C., was sentenced today to 54 years and 7 months incarceration in U.S. District Court in Lynchburg. United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen and David W. Archey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement today as part of the Western District of Virginia’s ongoing Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative to reduce violent crime.
A jury convicted Stallings, 34, in March, following a three-day trial of six counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery, six counts of using a firearm in commission of a Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of being a convicted felon illegally in possession of a firearm.
“This case illustrates our commitment to prosecuting violent offenders and serious firearms offenses in federal court,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “I am grateful for the hard work and continuing support of our many state and local partners in helping us to identify violent offenders in specific communities and hold them accountable under federal law.”
“The FBI is fully committed to identifying violent offenders who prey on our communities and removing them from our streets,” Special Agent in Charge Archey said today. “Mr. Stallings robbed multiple businesses and victimized employees during his crime spree, and the sentence handed down today is just. This investigation was conducted by the FBI Richmond Safe Streets Gang Task Force, who along with our state and local partners, will continue to utilize our manpower and resources to protect the communities we serve.”
A jury found that Stallings committed seven armed robberies between December 2016 and February 2017. At each location, Stallings entered a store near closing time and pointed his firearm at employees. Through fear and intimidation of the employees, he then proceeded to steal cash from the register and goods from the store. All told, Stallings used a firearm to commit robberies at each of the following businesses in Virginia and North Carolina:
- Dollar General located on South Main Street in Danville, Va., on December 8, 2016;
- Dollar General located on Westover Drive in Danville, Va. on January 8, 2017;
- KFC located on Memorial Drive in Danville, Va., on January 11, 2017;
- Charlie’s Stop N Shop located on Westover Drive in Danville, Va., on January 20, 2017;
- Dollar General located in Caswell County, North Carolina, on January 25, 2017;
- Dollar General located on Blue Ridge Avenue in Bedford, Va., on February 5, 2017;
- Dollar General located on Pell Avenue in Rocky Mount, Va., on February 6, 2017.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Danville Police Department, the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the Caswell County (N.C.) Sheriff’s Office, the Bedford Police Department, the Rocky Mount Police Department and the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Bedford County. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Kavanaugh and Rachel Swartz prosecuted the case for the United States.
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.
Contract Postal Carrier Arrested on Theft of Mail ChargesRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, Arkansas – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas and Thomas Noyes, Inspector in Charge of the U. S. Postal Inspection Service’s Fort Worth Division, announced today that Joshua Wayne Williams was arraigned yesterday on federal charges. A federal grand jury in the Western District of Arkansas indicted Williams on four counts of Theft of Mail last month.
According to the Indictment, in October 2019, the Paris, Arkansas, Postmaster contacted a U.S. Postal Inspector and explained that several customers had complained about their greeting cards being stolen.
It was later learned that Williams was the driver on the route and that he had been working for Moore US Mail Contractors Incorporated delivering mail for the US Postal Service.
On October 30, 2019, Postal Inspectors conducted an undercover operation and were able to identify Williams as being the individual responsible for the mail theft.
A vehicle stop was conducted and Williams was placed under arrest for mail theft.
Duane (DAK) Kees, the United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas stated, “I applaud the hard work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and their efforts to combat and prevent those in our society that would take advantage of this holiday season in order to prey upon the innocent.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Fort Worth Division Inspector in Charge Thomas Noyes stated, “With the upcoming holidays, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to protecting our employees, customers, and the nation’s mail system from criminal attacks. We work to ensure America’s confidence in the U.S. Mail by enforcing over 200 federal laws in investigations of crimes that may adversely affect postal customers or the fraudulent use of the U.S. Mail. We will investigate any violation of the American public’s trust in the mail system and bring those responsible to justice. We encourage the public to visit our website, www.uspis.gov, to learn how best to protect themselves and how to report mail related crimes. We will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Logan County Sheriff’s Office and our federal and local law enforcement partners in the pursuit of justice.”
United States Magistrate Judge Mark E. Ford presided over Williams’s arraignment yesterday.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Logan County Sheriff’s Department is conducting the investigation and Assistant United States Attorneys Claude Hawkins and Kyra Jenner are prosecuting the case for the United States.
An Indictment is merely an accusation. An arrest warrant represents a finding of probable cause. A person is presumed innocent unless or until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Champlin Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for String of Twin Cities RobberiesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of MARTAVIS SHAWN DEMAR JAMES, 38, to 180 months in prison for the robbery and attempted robbery of 10 Twin Cities businesses. JAMES, who was convicted on May 17, 2019, was sentenced on December 17, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson.
United States Attorney Erica MacDonald said, “The defendant committed a series of robberies at businesses across the Twin Cities, terrifying its employees and customers. The outstanding collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies to bring Mr. James to justice is another example of the work under our Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.”
As proven at trial, between March and June of 2018, JAMES robbed or attempted to rob at least 10 businesses located across the Twin Cities metro area, including locations in Anoka, Hennepin, and Ramsey Counties. The robberies mostly involved CVS Pharmacy stores across the Twin Cities metropolitan area, as well as a Dollar Tree Store in Coon Rapids and a Blaine BigLots store. In each successful robbery instance, JAMES wore a black hooded coat, a black mask and black gloves. He would point a perceived firearm at the store employee(s), demand access to the business safe, order the employee(s) to put the cash into a duffel bag, and order them to the ground before fleeing.
Law enforcement identified JAMES and began conducting surveillance on him. On June 1, 2018, law enforcement agents followed JAMES as he drove to a CVS store in Eden Prairie. Law enforcement agents and officers, as well as CVS security personnel, were able to lock the front doors of the CVS store prior to JAMES’ arrival, preventing him from gaining entry when he approached. When JAMES returned to his vehicle he was apprehended by law enforcement.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Minneapolis Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from multiple local agencies and departments that initially investigated the robberies that occurred in their jurisdictions.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
MARTAVIS SHAWN DEMAR JAMES, 38
Champlin, Minn.
Convicted:
- Hobbs Act Robbery, 8 counts
- Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, 2 counts
Sentenced:
- 180 months in prison
- 3 years supervised release
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Carmel Attorney Pleads Guilty in White Plains Federal Court to Tax Evasion and Failure to Pay over Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Jonathan D. Larsen, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), announced today FRANCIS J. O’REILLY, a Carmel attorney, pled guilty to failure to pay over payroll taxes and tax evasion for the calendar year 2015. O’REILLY pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa Margaret Smith.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Francis O’Reilly is an attorney who has been in practice for three decades. He certainly ought to know his obligations under the law at least as well as any non-lawyer. And yet, today he admitted that he failed to pay over payroll taxes for years, and failed to report personal income and pay taxes due on that for years as well. Now O’Reilly awaits sentencing for his crimes.”
IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan D. Larsen said: “Francis O’Reilly spent over two decades trying to evade his personal and business tax obligations using a multitude of schemes. Not only did Mr. O’Reilly evade his own personal tax obligations, but he also stole payroll taxes collected from his own employees. It is ironic that Mr. O’Reilly specialized in criminal defense, as his actions in this case are wholly criminal. As we enter the beginning of the tax filing season, it’s important to remember the consequences associated with tax fraud and tax evasion. Today’s guilty plea demonstrates to Mr. O’Reilly and all other criminals that these types of offenses will not be tolerated. IRS-CI appreciates the assistance of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York in helping to bring Mr. O’Reilly to justice.”
According to the allegations contained in the Information to which O’REILLY pled guilty and statements made in court:
In or about 1989, O’REILLY was admitted to practice law in New York State. At all relevant times, O’REILLY was a self-employed attorney who maintained a law practice in Putnam County, New York (the “O’Reilly Law Practice”). The O’Reilly Law Practice specialized in, among other things, bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, and criminal defense.
O’REILLY operated the O’Reilly Law Practice as a sole proprietorship. In the calendar year 2015, O’REILLY had between approximately three and eight paid employees. As the owner and operator of the O’Reilly Law Practice, O’REILLY exercised control over the O’Reilly Law Practice’s financial affairs and was a responsible person under federal law for collecting, truthfully accounting for, and paying over payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).
During the calendar year 2015, O’REILLY withheld payroll taxes from the salaries of some employees of the O’Reilly Law Practice and filed Forms 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Returns, reporting substantial amounts of payroll taxes due and owing to the IRS. However, O’REILLY failed to pay over the payroll taxes for employees of the O’Reilly Law Practice to the IRS as required by law. Instead, O’REILLY spent the withheld payroll taxes, which O’REILLY was required to hold in trust for the United States Government, on personal and business expenses.
O’REILLY’s failure to pay over payroll taxes for 2015 was part of a long-running course of conduct. Between 1997 and 2018, O’REILLY failed to pay over a total of approximately $155,771 in payroll taxes, resulting in a liability of approximately $232,283 after interest and penalties.
In addition to failing to pay over payroll taxes to the IRS, O’REILLY also committed personal tax evasion. During the calendar year 2015, O’REILLY withdrew approximately $119,427 from his attorney trust account at KeyBank (the “Attorney Trust Account”) for personal use. O’REILLY did not report the income he realized from the Attorney Trust Account on his 2015 Form 1040, United States Individual Income Tax Return, which O’REILLY prepared and filed with the IRS in or about April 2016. Instead, O’REILLY’s 2015 Form 1040 declared only approximately $58,223 in business income and a corresponding tax liability in the approximate amount of $14,403, which O’REILLY did not pay.
O’REILLY’s conduct with respect to his personal income taxes in 2015 was also part of a long-running tax evasion scheme. During the calendar years 2013 through 2017, O’REILLY withdrew a total of approximately $481,673 from his Attorney Trust Account for personal use. O’REILLY did not pay taxes on this income and did not report it on his federal individual tax returns. In addition, O’REILLY failed to pay most of the taxes that O’REILLY reported on his tax returns for the calendar years 2007 through 2015 and 2018. In total, in the calendar years 2007 through 2018, O’REILLY evaded the payment of approximately $566,027 in personal federal income taxes, including interest and penalties.
In or about late 2016, in an effort to settle his outstanding tax liabilities, including his personal tax liabilities for the calendar years 2002 through 2015 and payroll tax liabilities for the period 2006 through 2015, O’REILLY submitted an offer in compromise to the IRS proposing to settle at least approximately $691,561 in outstanding tax liabilities for merely $12,400. In the 2016 offer in compromise, which O’REILLY signed under penalty of perjury, O’REILLY made several material misstatements and omissions regarding his income and assets. Among other things, O’REILLY’s offer in compromise: (a) failed to disclose the existence of O’REILLY’s Attorney Trust Account, from which, as described above, O’REILLY drew substantial income; (b) failed to disclose real property and land that O’REILLY owned in Socorro County, New Mexico; and (c) failed to disclose a 2010 Lincoln vehicle that O’REILLY had recently purchased for approximately $16,000.
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O’REILLY, 61, of Danbury, Connecticut, pled guilty to one count of failing to pay over payroll taxes and one count of tax evasion for the calendar year 2015, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. As part of the plea agreement, O’REILLY has agreed to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of at least $801,969. Sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., before U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding work of IRS Criminal Investigation in this case.
This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Olga I. Zverovich is in charge of the prosecution.
Carbon County Man Sentenced to 100 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on December 16, 2019, United States District Court Judge James M. Munley sentenced Donald Fritz, Jr., age 48, of Palmerton, Pennsylvania to 100 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release, for crystal methamphetamine trafficking and for possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking offense.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Fritz sold crystal methamphetamine in the Palmerton area in June and July 2015. During a search warrant executed at Fritz’s residence, law enforcement recovered over one kilogram of high-purity crystal methamphetamine, six firearms and associated ammunition, an explosive device, $1,200 in counterfeit currency, and over $29,000 in cash, all of which was seized and forfeited. The forfeited firearms were:
- Taurus .357 magnum;
- Walther PPK .380 ACP;
- Hi Point Model JCP .40 caliber, bearing a defaced serial number;
- Heritage .17 caliber revolver;
- Marlin .22 caliber rifle; and
- Traditions .50 caliber inline muzzleloader.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo is prosecuting the case.
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. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Berkeley County couple admit to fraudRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jimmie and Thanikwa Thompson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, have admitted to wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jimmie, age 26, and Thanikwa, age 25, each pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.” The Thompsons secured a renter’s insurance policy from Allstate Insurance Company for $85,000 in February 2018. Later that month, the Thompsons purchased a space heater from a retailer and positioned it against an inflatable air mattress in their apartment on Winchester Avenue in Martinsburg. The couple then left the apartment with their dog to allow the space heater time to catch the apartment on fire. They then filed a fraudulent claim with Allstate to recover $50,000 of losses from the fire, and to secure a hotel room for several months of temporary housing.
Jimme and Thanikwa are each facing up to 20 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. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Jarod J. Douglas are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Fire Marshal and Allstate Insurance Company investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Bergen County Man Charged with Defrauding Victim of $780,000Read the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man has been charged in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain $780,000 to purchase an apartment in Fort Lee, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Arthur Schwartz, 78, of Fort Lee, was indicted on four counts of wire fraud. He is scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In February 2018, Schwartz obtained $780,000 from Victim-1 to purchase an apartment in Fort Lee by falsely stating that he possessed the funds to repay a short-term loan, but that his bank had temporarily blocked access to his account. Victim-1 agreed to extend the loan to Schwartz due and payable in 30 days. Schwartz used the money to purchase the apartment.
From March 2018 to May 2018, Schwartz made numerous false statements intended to make Victim-1 believe that Schwartz would be sending him money to pay down the loan. On March 16, 2018, Schwartz sent a text message to Victim-1 falsely stating that he was liquidating investments in a trust account into cash for the benefit of Victim-1. Schwartz sent an email to Victim-1 on March 27, 2018, that was intended to deceive Victim-1 into believing that Schwartz had access to a Wells Fargo account with a balance of approximately $1.5 million, and that Schwartz could use that money to pay back Victim-1. Schwartz instead spent tens of thousands of dollars redecorating his Fort Lee apartment.
The wire fraud counts each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
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 the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Fayer and Catherine R. Murphy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that James Edwards Gamble, age 42, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been sentenced to 63 months in prison following his conviction of possessing firearms by a convicted felon. The Court further sentenced Gamble to 3 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the firearms involved be forfeited.
In a previous hearing before U.S. District Court Judge John deGravelles, Gamble pled guilty to possessing a Jimenez Arms, JA Nine, 9mm pistol, an Armscorp M14 7.62 caliber semiautomatic rifle, and a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun. Gamble had previously been convicted of possession of cocaine in 1999 and cruelty to juveniles in 2015 in East Baton Rouge Parish.
On July 14, 2018, Baton Rouge City Police responded to a burglary at a cell phone shop on North Foster Drive. An officer observed two men enter the shop. As the two men left the shop in a stolen pickup truck, the officer attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled and, after a short chase, wrecked the truck. Both men then fled on foot. A canine officer and his dog quickly apprehended the driver of the pickup truck and Gamble. The officers found the loaded 9mm pistol, next to Gamble after a short struggle.
Later, Gamble’s residence was searched pursuant to a warrant. Officers found and recovered two additional firearms.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This case highlights our efforts to work with our local law enforcement partners. As a result of the excellent work of the Baton Rouge Police, we have removed a violent offender from this community. I commend our prosecutor, and our federal and local partners for their outstanding work in obtaining this conviction and significant sentence.”
“The conviction of James Edwards Gamble reinforces the message that no one is above the law,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. “Justice has been served to an individual who has terrorized communities with senseless firearm violence and burglary. We thank our local and federal partners for their efforts and cooperation throughout this investigation.”
This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Baton Rouge City Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III.
Austin Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
In Austin today, 21-year-old Candido Rodriguez, III, admitted to assaulting a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security officer last month, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs.
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Hightower, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a federal officer. Rodriguez, who faces up to 20 years in federal prison, remains in federal custody pending sentencing. No sentencing date has been scheduled.
On November 5, 2019, the victim was driving to work at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport and stopped at a traffic light just before the airport entrance. According to the factual basis filed in this case, to which Rodriguez admitted in court, Rodriguez approached the victim, who was behind the wheel of the vehicle the driver’s side window open several inches. The victim was wearing an official TSA uniform with TSA insignia plainly visible. Rodriguez engaged in a brief verbal exchange with the victim, during which he referred to the victim being an “officer.” The victim responded by stating that the victim was employed as a security officer at the airport. Rodriguez then forcibly opened the driver’s side door of the vehicle and began striking, scratching and cutting the victim’s head, face and right hand with a piece of broken glass or other sharp object.
The victim ultimately escaped from Rodriguez by accelerating through the intersection and onto airport property. A number of stitches were necessary to close cuts on the victim’s face and right hand.
The FBI conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Buie is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the contributions of the Austin Police Department and the Travis County Sheriff’s Office.
Attorney General William P. Barr and U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson announce launch of Operation Relentless PursuitRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Attorney General William P. Barr and John C. Anderson, the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today the launch of Operation Relentless Pursuit, an initiative aimed at combating violent crime in seven of America’s most violent cities – including Albuquerque - through a stream of federal resources.
At a press conference in Detroit, Attorney General Barr pledged to intensify federal law enforcement resources into Albuquerque, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Memphis, and Milwaukee – seven American cities with violent crime levels several times the national average. Attorney General Barr was joined at the press conference by Acting Director Regina Lombardo of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Director Christopher Wray of the FBI, and Director Donald W. Washington of the U.S. Marshals Service.
United States Attorney John C. Anderson and Albuquerque-based federal and local law enforcement leaders announced their participation in the initiative in a press conference in Albuquerque immediately following the Attorney General’s press conference.
“Americans deserve to live in safety,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “And while nationwide violent crime rates are down, many cities continue to see levels of extraordinary violence. Operation Relentless Pursuit seeks to ensure that no American city is excluded from the peace and security felt by the majority of Americans, while also supporting those who serve and protect in these communities with the resources, training, and equipment they need to stay safe.”
“We sincerely appreciate the commitment of Attorney General Barr and the Department of Justice to addressing violent crime in Albuquerque,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “Operation Relentless Pursuit comes at a time when sustained federal support is urgently needed to help all the brave men and women in law enforcement who are daily called upon to respond to acts of violent crime on the streets of Albuquerque. We stand by them, and we will continue to work to strengthen all of our existing partnerships to meet the challenges ahead.”
“The U.S. Marshals Service is proud to work jointly with our law enforcement partners here in New Mexico to bring new resources to our state and enhance our ability focus on high-crime areas,” said Sonya K. Chavez, United States Marshal for the District of New Mexico. “This initiative will also send a strong message to those who choose to repeatedly break the law. We are not going away and we will continue to work together as a community to provide safe streets and a safe environment for New Mexico families.”
“The men and women of the Albuquerque FBI Division are eager and ready to participate in this initiative not only because fighting crime is what we do, but also because we live here and care deeply about the safety of our communities,” said James C. Langenberg, Special Agent in Charge of FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office. “We will use the extra resources that will come through Operation Relentless Pursuit to continue to go after the violent repeat offenders responsible for much of the crime in our neighborhoods.
“Reducing violent crime in our community is a challenge that must be tackled head-on with our long standing partnership with state and local law enforcement professionals,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Monique Villegas of the Phoenix Field Division. “Through the use of innovative crime gun enforcement strategies, combined with the skill sets and capabilities of all four of DOJ’s federal law enforcement agencies allows us to focus on those communities that are victimized by gun violence.”
“The DEA is proud to participate in this important nationwide initiative to reduce violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Kyle W. Williamson of DEA’s El Paso Division. “By working together with shared determination, law enforcement agencies can leverage their individual tools, resources and expertise to make a positive and lasting impact around the country and in our local communities like Albuquerque.”
Operation Relentless Pursuit will involve increasing the number of federal law enforcement officers to the selected cities, as well as bulking up federal task forces through collaborative efforts with state and local law enforcement partners. The surge in federal agents will be complemented by a financial commitment of up to $71 million in federal grant funding that can be used to hire new officers, pay overtime and benefits, finance federally deputized task force officers, and provide mission-critical equipment and technology.
Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Launch of Operation “Relentless Pursuit”Read the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Relentless Pursuit, an initiative aimed at combating violent crime in seven of America’s most violent cities - including Memphis, through a surge in federal resources.
Joined at a press conference in Detroit, Michigan by ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo, DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and United States Marshals Service Director Donald W. Washington, Attorney General Barr pledged to intensify federal law enforcement resources into Albuquerque, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Memphis and Milwaukee – seven American cities with violent crime levels several times the national average.
"Americans deserve to live in safety," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "And while nationwide violent crime rates are down, many cities continue to see levels of extraordinary violence. Operation Relentless Pursuit seeks to ensure that no American city is excluded from the peace and security felt by the majority of Americans, while also supporting those who serve and protect in these communities with the resources, training, and equipment they need to stay safe."
United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, along with federal law enforcement heads from the Western District of Tennessee as well as the Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office announced participation in the initiative in a press conference in Memphis immediately following the Attorney General’s national press conference.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Reducing violent crime requires all four of DOJ’s federal law enforcement agencies to work together with our individual tools and collective determination, as well as with our state and local law enforcement partners. Operation Relentless Pursuit reflects that coordinated team approach, and this surge of law enforcement resources will have an immediate impact to reduce violent crime, gang activity, and drug trafficking in Memphis."
"The U.S. Marshals Service is proud of our long and continuing practice of being an effective partner with federal, state and local law enforcement. We look forward to continuing the tradition with Operation Relentless Pursuit," said U.S. Marshal Jeffrey Holt.
"The FBI is prepared to expand our efforts under this initiative and work with all of the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies collaboratively to address the violent crime plaguing our communities," said Special Agent in Charge M.A. Myers of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "We will combat violent crime through sustained, proactive, coordinated investigations, and combine short term, street level enforcement activity with sophisticated techniques aimed to help build successful prosecutions."
"The dedicated men and women of the Drug Enforcement Administration stand ready to work closely with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to help rid the Memphis area of the drugs and violence plaguing our comment," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Pritts, of DEA’s Louisville Field Division. "The people of Memphis deserve to live in a safe community and DEA is committed to providing it to them."
ATF Special Agent in Charge, Marcus Watson remarked "ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence partnerships as part of ‘Operation Relentless Pursuit’ focuses on the devastating impact of firearms violence and works with the entire community to deter poor choices and provide alternatives to resolve disputes."
The Operation will involve increasing the number of federal law enforcement officers to the selected cities, as well as bulking up federal task forces through collaborative efforts with state and local law enforcement partners. The surge in federal agents will be complemented by a financial commitment of up to $71 million in general funding that can be used to hire new officers, pay overtime and benefits, finance federally deputized task force officers and provide mission-critical equipment and technology.
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Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Launch of Operation Relentless PursuitRead the Press Release
Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Relentless Pursuit, an initiative aimed at combating violent crime in seven of America’s most violent cities through a surge in federal resources.
Joined at a press conference in Detroit, Michigan, by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acting Director Regina Lombardo, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and U.S. Marshals Service Director Donald W. Washington, Attorney General Barr pledged to intensify federal law enforcement resources into Albuquerque, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Memphis, and Milwaukee – seven American cities with violent crime levels several times the national average.
“Americans deserve to live in safety,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “And while nationwide violent crime rates are down, many cities continue to see levels of extraordinary violence. Operation Relentless Pursuit seeks to ensure that no American city is excluded from the peace and security felt by the majority of Americans, while also supporting those who serve and protect in these communities with the resources, training, and equipment they need to stay safe.”
“The men and women of ATF are deeply committed to and focused on reducing crime gun violence in our communities,” said ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “We are proud that our efforts have significantly contributed to the historic reductions in violence that our nation has realized in recent years. Operation Relentless Pursuit combines the resources of ATF, DEA, FBI, and U.S. Marshals to support our state and local law enforcement partners in those cities that – regrettably – continue to be plagued by rates of violent crime that are simply too high. Through Relentless Pursuit, we pledge to hold accountable the trigger-pullers, firearm traffickers, violent criminals and those who supply them the guns to terrorize our communities. ATF will aggressively utilize every available tool, including our crime gun enforcement teams, National Integrated Ballistic Information Network and firearms tracing to identify, investigate and support the prosecution of the most violent firearm offenders.”
“Drug traffickers – including cartels and street gangs – will stop at nothing to turn a profit, often using violence and intimidation to expand their reach,” said DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon. “This targeted surge of resources will further strengthen our ability to work with our federal, state, and local partners to pursue the worst offenders and make our communities safer.”
“The FBI remains committed to providing our specialized expertise and resources to assist our federal, state and local partners fighting violent crime,” said FBI Director Christopher A. Wray. “We are here today to reaffirm our dedication to reducing violent crime in the cities selected for Operation Relentless Pursuit to combat the threats that arise from gangs and criminal enterprises that drive violence in the communities we are sworn to protect.”
“The U.S. Marshals Service is proud of the integral role we play in supporting Attorney General Barr’s strong leadership and commitment to combating violent crime and enhancing public safety throughout our nation,” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Donald W. Washington. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to make communities safer by addressing violent crime at its core and taking the worst of the worst fugitives and other felons off the streets.”
The operation will involve increasing the number of federal law enforcement officers to the selected cities, as well as bulking up federal task forces through collaborative efforts with state and local law enforcement partners. The surge in federal agents will be complemented by a financial commitment of up to $71 million in federal grant funding that can be used to hire new officers, pay overtime and benefits, finance federally deputized task force officers, and provide mission-critical equipment and technology.
Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Launch of Operation Relentless PursuitRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Relentless Pursuit, an initiative aimed at combating violent crime in seven of America’s most violent cities—including Baltimore—through a surge in federal resources.
Joined at a press conference in Detroit, Michigan, by ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo, DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and United States Marshals Service Director Donald W. Washington, Attorney General Barr pledged to intensify federal law enforcement resources into Albuquerque, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Memphis, and Milwaukee – seven American cities with violent crime levels several times the national average.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur and Baltimore-based federal, state, and local law enforcement leaders announced their participation in the initiative in a press conference immediately following the Attorney General’s.
“Americans deserve to live in safety,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “And while nationwide violent crime rates are down, many cities continue to see levels of extraordinary violence. Operation Relentless Pursuit seeks to ensure that no American city is excluded from the peace and security felt by the majority of Americans, while also supporting those who serve and protect in these communities with the resources, training, and equipment they need to stay safe.”
“In spite of our efforts and achievements this year, violent-crime rates in our city remain stubbornly high,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Law enforcement here in Baltimore is committed to working together every day to get guns out of the hands of criminals and off of our streets, to reduce violent crime in our neighborhoods. The additional law enforcement personnel and funding provided by Attorney General Barr and the Department of Justice will help us work our way toward a safer Baltimore.”
“ATF is wholly focused on violent crime, removing the most dangerous and prolific offenders from the streets of Baltimore City. Our collaborative efforts with local, state, and federal law enforcement and prosecutors is critical to ensuring we are successful,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada. “Under Operation Relentless Pursuit, we will focus additional personnel and resources on our mission of identifying, investigating, and incarcerating Baltimore’s violent criminals.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Jesse R. Fong stated, “The DEA is committed, along with our federal partners here today, to this great effort to stem the tide of violence and drug trafficking activities we have seen across Baltimore. This new synchronization of investigative efforts inherent to Operation Relentless Pursuit will better target, disrupt, and dismantle violent criminal organizations across the area to help keep our neighborhoods safer.”
“The FBI is committed to pursuing those who commit violent crimes and threaten the safety of our communities. Together with our federal, state, and local partners, we have and will continue to pursue operations to bring violent criminals to justice,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone. “Under the auspices of Operation Relentless Pursuit, we will collectively devote additional resources and efforts to attack the most violent offenders plaguing the city of Baltimore.”
Maryland U.S. Marshal Johnny Hughes stated, “We are looking forward to doing what we do best striking fear in the hearts of evil locating and arresting these violent felons who prey on the innocent and helpless.”
The Operation will involve increasing the number of federal law enforcement officers to the selected cities, as well as bulking up federal task forces through collaborative efforts with state and local law enforcement partners. The surge in federal agents will be complemented by a financial commitment of up to $71 million in federal grant funding that can be used by the seven selected cities to hire new officers, pay overtime and benefits, finance federally deputized task force officers, and provide mission-critical equipment and technology.
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Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Launch of Operation Relentless PursuitRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr today announced the launch of Operation Relentless Pursuit, an initiative aimed at combating violent crime in seven of America’s most violent cities – including the combined metropolitan area of Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas - through a surge in federal resources.
Joined at a press conference in Detroit, Michigan, by ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo, DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and U.S. Marshals Service Director Donald W. Washington, Barr pledged to intensify federal law enforcement resources in Kansas City, Albuquerque, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Memphis, and Milwaukee – seven American cities with violent crime levels several times the national average.
U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison in the Western District of Missouri and U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister in Kansas, along with the federal law enforcement heads based in the Kansas City metropolitan area, announced their participation immediately following the Attorney General’s press conference.
“Americans deserve to live in safety,” said Barr. “And while nationwide violent crime rates are down, many cities continue to see levels of extraordinary violence. Operation Relentless Pursuit seeks to ensure that no American city is excluded from the peace and security felt by the majority of Americans, while also supporting those who serve and protect in these communities with the resources, training, and equipment they need to stay safe.”
“Kansas City, which has been wracked by too much violence for too long, is participating in this national initiative to focus more federal law enforcement resources where they are needed most,” Garrison said. “Operation Relentless Pursuit will deploy more agents and officers with additional resources to confront the epidemic of violent crime in our community. The very name of this operation – Relentless Pursuit – is a warning to violent criminals: We will not stop until you are behind bars.”
“I am excited about this opportunity for the Kansas City metro area to take part in a program that will provide us more manpower and more money to fight crime. Our goal is to make everyone in our community safer,” McAllister said.
“Driven by crime-gun intelligence, including the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network, firearms tracing data and our experience and expertise in investigating violent gun crime, ATF, as part of Operation Relentless Pursuit, will continue to identify and hold accountable the trigger pullers and firearms traffickers that expose our neighborhoods to violence,” said Marino Vidoli, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Kansas City Field Division.
“This operation will allow the DEA to enhance our existing forces in an effort to disrupt and dismantle violent drug trafficking organizations operating in the Kansas City metro area,” said Special Agent in Charge William Callahan. “These traffickers - including cartels and street gangs - will stop at nothing to turn a profit, often using violence and intimidation to expand their network.”
“The FBI remains committed to combatting violent crime throughout our city,” said Timothy R. Langan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Kansas City Division. “Through Operation Relentless Pursuit we will enhance existing forces to direct additional manpower and resources to target the hierarchy of criminal gangs and enterprises. Along with our federal, state and local partners we remain steadfast in our pursuit to dismantle and incapacitate the worst offenders responsible for violence in our community.”
“The U.S. Marshals Service will provide focused relentless pursuit of the most violent fugitives impacting the greater Kansas City area,” said U.S. Marshal Mark James of the Western District of Missouri. “We appreciate AttorneyGeneral Barr’s commitment of resources to help us in this fight.”
“Reducing violent crime in Kansas City will take a partnership involving law enforcement and the community,” said U.S. Marshal Ron Miller of the District of Kansas. “The U.S. Marshals Service is proud to work with our community every day, removing the most violent criminals from our streets.”
Operation Relentless Pursuit will involve increasing the number of federal law enforcement officers to the selected cities, as well as bulking up federal task forces through collaborative efforts with state and local law enforcement partners. The surge in federal agents will be complemented by a financial commitment of up to $71 million in federal grant funding that can be used to hire new officers, pay overtime and benefits, finance federally deputized task force officers, and provide mission-critical equipment and technology.
Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Launch of Operation Relentless PursuitRead the Press Release
The Operation will surge federal law enforcement resources into seven of America’s most violent cities – including Cleveland, Ohio
Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Relentless Pursuit, an initiative aimed at combating violent crime in seven of America’s most violent cities – including Cleveland – through a surge in federal resources.
Joined at a press conference in Detroit, M.I., by ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo, DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and United States Marshals Service Director Donald W. Washington, Attorney General Barr pledged to intensify federal law enforcement resources into Albuquerque, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Memphis, and Milwaukee – seven American cities with violent crime levels several times the national average.
United States Attorney Justin Herdman and the Cleveland-based federal law enforcement heads announced their participation in the initiative in a press conference immediately following the Attorney General’s remarks.
“Americans deserve to live in safety,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “And while nationwide violent crime rates are down, many cities continue to see levels of extraordinary violence. Operation Relentless Pursuit seeks to ensure that no American city is excluded from the peace and security felt by the majority of Americans, while also supporting those who serve and protect in these communities with the resources, training, and equipment they need to stay safe.”
“Operation Relentless Pursuit is aptly named, as it is what we do every day in law enforcement through great partnerships on the federal, state, and local level,” said United States Attorney Herdman, “With these additional Department of Justice resources, we will tirelessly pursue the most violent criminals, fugitives, gang members and drug traffickers in our city. We will also relentlessly pursue a brighter, safer future for all of our friends and neighbors in Cleveland.”
“ATF’s Columbus Field Division is focused on reducing crime gun violence in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan McPherson. “We will work aggressively, using every tool in our toolbox, to identify, investigate and support the prosecution of the most violent firearm offenders. Our combined goal with our partners is a safer Cleveland for us all.”
“Drug traffickers are using a double edged sword to destroy communities. On one side are the poisons they peddle and the other edge is the violence that often accompanies their criminal enterprise," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin. "Operation Relentless Pursuit will concentrate law enforcement action to combat violent crime in designated high impact areas. DEA will target the drug trafficking sources and distributors who comprise, finance, and otherwise sustain the operations of violent organizations."
“FBI Cleveland Division is proud to partner with numerous law enforcement agencies to enforce Operation Relentless Pursuit,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith. “We will continue to identify, investigate and hold accountable those choosing to engage in violent crime, but now we will have additional resources to utilize. Our strong, existing partnerships will benefit us greatly in our efforts to implement this DOJ initiative."
"The U.S. Marshals Service and the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force are prepared and committed to the Attorney General’s upcoming operation and surge into the community to reduce violence and increase safety,” stated U.S. Marshal Peter Elliott. “We will support this mission by working with our federal, state and local partners to take violent fugitives off the streets of Cleveland.”
The Operation will involve increasing the number of federal law enforcement officers to the selected cities, as well as bulking up federal task forces through collaborative efforts with state and local law enforcement partners. The surge in federal agents will be complemented by a financial commitment of up to $71 million in federal grant funding that can be used to hire new officers, pay overtime and benefits, finance federally deputized task force officers, and provide mission-critical equipment and technology.
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Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Launch of Operation Relentless PursuitRead the Press Release
Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Relentless Pursuit, an initiative aimed at combating violent crime in seven American cities – including Milwaukee – through a surge in federal resources.
Joined at a press conference in Detroit, Michigan., by ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo, DEA Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and United States Marshals Service Director Donald W. Washington, Attorney General Barr pledged to intensify federal law enforcement resources into Albuquerque, Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Memphis, and Milwaukee – seven American cities with violent crime levels above the national average.
United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger, supervisors of Milwaukee-based federal law enforcement agencies, and local law enforcement leaders announced their participation in the initiative at a press conference immediately following the Attorney General’s.
“Americans deserve to live in safety,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “And while nationwide violent crime rates are down, many cities continue to see levels of extraordinary violence. Operation Relentless Pursuit seeks to ensure that no American city is excluded from the peace and security felt by the majority of Americans, while also supporting those who serve and protect in these communities with the resources, training, and equipment they need to stay safe.”
“Milwaukee is a great city whose residents deserve to live in safe, flourishing neighborhoods,” said United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger. “Federal, state, and local law enforcement is committed working together to ensure the safety of every block in Milwaukee. Operation Relentless Pursuit represents an unprecedented pledge of new federal resources to enhance those efforts and hold accountable the small number of individuals who cause most of Milwaukee’s violence.”
“The men and women of ATF are deeply committed and focused on reducing crime gun violence in our communities and we are honored to participate in this important initiative in the city of Milwaukee,” commented Tim Jones, the Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Chicago Field Division. “By fully exploiting National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) leads and other crime gun intelligence, we will focus on identifying and investigating criminals who are engaged in the commission of violent crime. These leads make connections to firearms that are used at various crime scenes. The Milwaukee Police Department does a fantastic job of using these leads to investigate and charge violent offenders. ATF will support the Milwaukee Police Department in this ongoing effort as well as follow up on the leads that have a federal nexus. We pledge to partner with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin to hold accountable the trigger-pullers and other violent criminals, as well as the illegal firearms traffickers who supply the firearms used to terrorize our communities.”
DEA Chicago Field Division Special Agent in Charge Robert Bell commented, “The DEA has a long history of working closely with our valued local, state, and federal partners to fight the drug trafficking and violence which plagues too many Milwaukee neighborhoods. The announcement of Operation Relentless Pursuit signals an increased focus by the U.S. Department of Justice, DEA, and our partners on saving lives that might otherwise be destroyed by drug trafficking and violence.”
FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Robert E. Hughes said: "A key factor in combating violent gangs here in Milwaukee and across the country will always be strong partnership and collaboration. We share resources, information, and intelligence with our law enforcement partners, dedicated to disrupting and dismantling the most significant gangs."
The US Marshals Service is honored to participate in the Attorney General’s operation to bring the most dangerous criminals in the Milwaukee area into custody. With the infusion of resources and coordinated law enforcement effort, the US Marshals Service is confident the operation will have a significant impact in reducing the true source of violence in our community.
The Operation will involve increasing the number of federal law enforcement officers within the selected cities, as well as enhancing federal task forces through collaborative efforts with state and local law enforcement partners. The surge in federal agents will be complemented by a financial commitment of up to $71 million in federal grant funding that can be used to hire new officers, pay overtime and benefits, finance federally deputized task force officers, and provide mission-critical equipment and technology.
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For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales 414-297-1700
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Assault, strangulation of partner sends Hardin man to prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Hardin man who admitted punching and strangling his partner last year on the Crow Reservation was sentenced today to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
James Keith Bellrock, Jr., 44, pleaded guilty in August to assault resulting in serious bodily injury to a dating partner and to assault of a dating partner by strangulation.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The prosecution said in court records that on Jan. 10, 2018, the victim told FBI agents during an interview at St. Vincent Healthcare’s emergency room in Billings that Bellrock had assaulted her at their St. Xavier residence, on the Crow Reservation.
Bellrock had become angry and then violent with the victim, punching her in the head and face several times and strangling her until she lost consciousness. Blood samples collected from the residence and from coveralls worn by Bellrock at the time of the assault showed strong support that the blood belonged to the victim.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek and Law Intern Ryan Warner prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Ansonia Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ABDUL JALIL HUMPHREY, 26, of Ansonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Humphrey in 2017 after a report that Humphrey had stolen a firearm out of a car in Stratford. During the investigation, Humphrey s denied stealing this firearm. In May 2018, ATF special agents examined a video of Humphrey handling a firearm in the summer of 2017. Analysis of the video revealed that the firearm was a Taurus, PTIII Millennium G2, 9mm pistol, which had been purchased by Humphrey’s friend at a gun shop in North Carolina on June 21, 2017.
Humphrey’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for sale of a controlled substance and assault in the second degree. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Humphrey was arrested on October 30, 2018. On August 19, 2019, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Humphrey, who is released on a $25,000 bond pending, is required to report to prison on February 18, 2020.
This matter was investigated by the ATF and New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
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.
American Airlines Mechanic Pleads Guilty to Attempted Aircraft Destruction ChargeRead the Press Release
MIAMI -Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Miami Field Office announced that Abdul-Majeed Marouf Ahmed Alani, 60, of Tracy, California pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Marcia G. Cooke, to a single count indictment charging him with attempted destruction of an aircraft.
According to the court record, including the facts admitted at the change of plea hearing, on or about July 17, 2019, Alani, a mechanic then employed by American Airlines at Miami International Airport (MIA), tampered with the air data module (ADM) system of an aircraft that was scheduled to depart MIA for Nassau, Bahamas.
On or about July 17, 2019, approximately two hours after its arrival into MIA, the aircraft pulled out for its scheduled departure to the Bahamas. Passengers and crew members were aboard the aircraft. While number one for taking the departure runway, the flight crew increased power to the aircraft engines in preparation for take-off. This resulted in an error reading by the aircraft’s computer related to the ADM system and the take-off was aborted.
Prior to the aircraft’s scheduled take-off from MIA, Alani had inserted a foam substance into the ADM system and used super glue to hold the substance in place.
Alani is currently detained and is scheduled to be sentenced in March of 2020, before Judge Cooke. He faces a maximum statutory sentence of twenty years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of the FBI’s South Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). She thanked the U.S. Federal Air Marshal Service, Miami-Dade Police Department’s Airport Division, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Transportation and Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Miami-Dade County Aviation Authority and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for their invaluable assistance. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy A. Hummel and Maria K. Medetis.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Ada Woman Sentenced to 36 Months Probation for False Statement in Acquisition of A FirearmRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Reagan Sydney Clark, age 22, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 3 years’ probation for False Statement In Acquisition Of A Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(a)(6) and 924(a)(1)(A). The charges arose from an investigation by the Ada Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Indictment alleged that on November 30, 2018, the defendant knowingly made a false and fictitious statement intended and likely to deceive Gunrunners, a licensed dealer of firearms within the meaning of Chapter 44, Title 18, United States Code, as to a fact material to the lawfulness of the sale of a Walther, Model CCP, 9x19mm caliber semi-automatic pistol, serial number WK066579, a firearm under Chapter 44 of Title 18, in that the defendant represented she was the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm.
Cases like this are sometimes referred to as “lie and buy” or “straw purchase” cases. Investigating and prosecuting these crimes is consistent with the principles 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. A key principle of Project Guardian is enhancing coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes to ensure that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information on Project Guardian, see the Attorney General’s memorandum at: https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced IVAN ARRELLANO-CRUZ, 39, of Mexico on December 13, 2019 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Arrellano-Cruz was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received time served plus ten days to allow for deportation proceedings and was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. Arrellano-Cruz had previously been deported to Mexico in January of 2013. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Nancy D. Freudenthal sentenced JEFFREY WAYNE POWELL, 56, of Gillette, Wyoming on December 17, 2019 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Powell was arrested in Gillette, Wyoming. He received one hundred twenty months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay community restitution in the amount of $400.00 and a $200.00 special assessment. The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
10TH CBL-BFL Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy and Selling FentanylRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Shawn Woods, a/k/a Pif, 28, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to racketeering conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute of 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul C. Parisi, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant was a member of the CBL/BFL Gang, which stands for, among other things, “Cash Been Long” and “Brothers for Life.” The gang, which was involved in the illegal possession and distribution of narcotics, was formed around 2009 and operates primarily in the City of Buffalo at the Towne Gardens Housing Complex. The gang used violence, including murder and attempted murder, threats, and intimidation to defend their territory against rivals and anyone deemed to be a threat to the gang.
During his plea, defendant Woods admitted that he possessed and sold controlled substances at various times and that on February 1, 2017, he and a co-defendant possessed, at 974 Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo, three firearms, ammunition, metal spoons, digital scales, grinders, kilogram presses, and quantities of heroin and various types of fentanyl.
Woods is the 10th defendant charged in this case to be convicted. Charges remain pending against three other defendants. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Edward Kennedy; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack; Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Michel; and the Erie Crime Analysis Center. Additional assistance was provided by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney John Flynn.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 23, 2020, before Judge Vilardo.
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17 December 2019
Woman who Smuggled Meth across the Border Sentenced to Nine Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Jaclyn Stahl (619) 546-8456
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – December 17, 2019
SAN DIEGO – Laura Casas, who was convicted by a federal jury of smuggling $128,000 worth of methamphetamine through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry with her three children in the car, was sentenced in federal court Monday to 108 months in prison.
Casas was convicted of importation of methamphetamine following a two-day jury trial that concluded on September 6, 2019.
“Methamphetamine is ravaging our community and is a lethal drug,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “It is strong, pure, cheap, and – because of the actions of this defendant and others like her – plentiful. I commend trial attorney Jaclyn Stahl for her excellent work on this case.”
“Methamphetamine is a powerful drug that continues to devastate our communities,” said Cardell T. Morant, acting special agent in charge of HSI San Diego. “This sentencing should serve as a stark reminder that those who facilitate the movement of dangerous drugs for transnational criminal organizations will be held accountable for their actions.”
On November 15, 2018, at approximately 12:04 a.m., the defendant, a U.S. Citizen, presented a California driver’s license and applied for entry into the United States at the port of entry. A narcotic detection dog alerted to the vehicle. In the secondary inspection area, officers removed paneling from the dashboard and discovered fifty packages of methamphetamine in a secret compartment. The packages weighed approximately 69 pounds. The drugs were concealed in a sophisticated non-factory compartment that required significant modifications to the vehicle and would have taken hours to construct.
According to evidence presented at trial, messages from the defendant’s phone, when compared with her crossing history, paint a clear picture of her planning and preparation to commit this crime.
Prosecutors argued for a longer sentence because the defendant testified falsely at trial that she did not know there were drugs in the vehicle. She also testified that the damning text messages on her phone were about a scheme of smuggling pug puppies – not drugs - into the United States. Her testimony was directly contradicted by the evidence.
Further, the United States believes that the defendant intended to suborn false testimony from the defendant’s sister-in-law and mother-in-law at trial. Both women told the pug smuggling story to agents when they were interviewed in anticipation of trial. They were set to testify to the pug smuggling story but chose not to at the last moment.
Evidence collected in anticipation of their testimony shows that the in-laws crossed into the United States from Mexico three months after the defendant’s arrest with puppies that were too young to enter the country legally. This evidence suggests that the defendant and her family not only manufactured this defense after her arrest but went to significant lengths to do so.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 18-CR-5355-AJB
Laura Casas Age: 28 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Importation of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960
Maximum penalty: Life in prison and $10 million fine
AGENCY
Homeland Security Investigations
Customs and Border Protection
Wife of Lightfoot Drug Trafficking Organization Leader Pleads Guilty to Maintaining a Drug-Involved Location which was the Site of Large FBI SeizureRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - One former resident of Verona, PA, has plead guilty to federal narcotics charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Kaylin Lightfoot-Homa, age 26, pleaded guilty to one count of maintaining a drug involved premises before Chief United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak.
According to information presented to the court, from May 2017 to November 2017, Kaylin Lightfoot-Homa lived at a home on Harvest Drive in Verona, PA with her husband and co-defendant Jamie Lightfoot, Jr. and co-defendant Chace Johnson. Both of these individuals have previously pleaded guilty. During this time, Lightfoot-Homa facilitated the use of the house as a drug involved premises where large amounts of cocaine and money were stored and distributed from there. On November 5, 2017, Lightfoot-Homa was present when FBI executed multiple search warrants at the residence and recovered 51 kilograms of cocaine, 85 kilograms of marijuana, multiple firearms, and over $500,000 in US Currency.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than 20 years in prison and/or a fine of not more than $500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni and Shaun Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the South Strabane Police Department, the Elizabeth Borough Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the Perryopolis Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the Indictment in this case.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Wichita Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. - A Wichita man was sentenced Monday to 70 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jason E. Silcott, 30, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a sawed off shotgun and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In his plea, he admitted that on May 27, 2018, Wichita police stopped him with a short barreled shotgun in his vehicle. The shotgun was not registered as required by federal law. On Dec. 5, 2018, Wichita police stopped him and found a .380 caliber handgun in a glove compartment of his vehicle. Because of a prior felony conviction, Silcott was prohibited from having a firearm.
McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger for their work on the case.
West Virginia Medical Doctor Sentenced to Prison for Unlawfully Distributing OpioidsRead the Press Release
A medical doctor who practiced in West Virginia was sentenced to prison today for his role in unlawfully distributing opioids.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart of the Southern District of West Virginia and Acting Special Agent in Charge Daniel D. Dodds of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Louisville Division made the announcement.
U.S. District Judge John T. Copenhaver Jr. of the Southern District of West Virginia sentenced Jeffery Addison, M.D., 65, of Charleston, West Virginia, to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Addison pleaded guilty in September 2019 to one count of distribution of oxycodone.
Pursuant to his guilty plea, Addison admitted that in December 2018 he surrendered his DEA license due to his failure to comply with the federal requirements pertaining to his controlled substance prescriptions. After surrendering his license, between January 2018 and March 2019, Addison continued to distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, to patients without a valid DEA license.
The DEA investigated the case. Assistant Chief Kilby Macfadden and Trial Attorney Andrew B. Barras of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for nearly $19 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
The Fraud Section leads the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 districts, has charged more than 70 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 40 million pills.
Individuals who believe that they may be a victim in this case should visit the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness website for more information.
Virginia Attorney Arrested for Engaging in Scheme to Extort a Public CompanyRead the Press Release
A licensed Virginia attorney was arrested today on federal extortion and interstate threat charges for allegedly trying to extort a public company by threatening to inflict substantial financial and reputational harm on the company if his demands for a $200 million payment disguised as a purported “consulting agreement” were not met, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Inspector in Charge Delany De Leon-Colón of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Criminal Investigations Group.
Timothy Litzenburg, 37, of Charlottesville, Virginia, was charged in a criminal complaint unsealed today with transmitting interstate communications with intent to extort, attempted extortion and conspiracy to commit extortion and transmit interstate communications with intent to extort.
Litzenburg was arrested this morning and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel C. Hoppe of the Western District of Virginia. Litzenburg was released on bail.
According to the criminal complaint, in approximately October 2019, Litzenburg approached a company (Company 1) and threatened to make public statements alleging that Company 1 had significant civil liability for manufacturing a purportedly harmful chemical used in a common household product used to kill weeds. Litzenburg allegedly also said that after making these statements, he would use media and other means to find plaintiffs to sue Company 1. Litzenburg allegedly threatened that he would only refrain from any such public actions if Company 1 (and its parent company) paid Litzenburg and his associates $200 million in “consulting fees.” In exchange for the $200 million, Litzenburg allegedly indicated that he would not tell any existing or future clients about Company 1 or its purported role in manufacturing the product. Litzenburg also allegedly made clear that the $200 million would not be a settlement for any clients, but rather would be a payment for Litzenburg and his associates.
Litzenburg allegedly communicated his extortionate demands by telephone and email and during an in-person meeting. During the in-person meeting, Litzenburg allegedly threatened that he and his law associates would be Company 1’s “biggest problem” unless they received the $200 million payment, and that the public disclosure of the purportedly damaging information about Company 1 would cause a “40 percent stock loss,” and “public relations nightmare” for Company 1’s publicly traded parent company.
During other communications with Company 1, Litzenburg allegedly told Company 1 that if he received the $200 million in “consulting fees,” he was willing to “take a dive” during a civil deposition of a Company 1 toxicologist to prevent any of his purported current clients or prospective future plaintiffs from suing Company 1.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The USPIS is investigating the case. Assistant Chief L. Rush Atkinson and Principal Assistant Chief Henry P. Van Dyck of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs Officer Convicted of Bribery and Solicitation of a Bribe by a Public Employee Following Trial in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Robert Defreitas, an officer with the Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA), was convicted at trial of Travel Act Bribery and Solicitation of a Bribe by a Public Employee.
According to the evidence presented at trial, in August 2018 Defreitas assisted with a DLCA inspection of a St. Thomas business, during which time he discovered that one of the company’s workers had not entered the country by legal means. Defrietas attempted to use this information against the victim. The victim later recorded a phone call in which Defreitas sought sexual favors in return for not reporting the victim’s immigration status. A recording of the phone call was played for the jury during the prosecution’s case-in-chief. Evidence at trial also showed numerous calls by Defreitas to the victim’s phone number and efforts by Defrietas to disguise the purpose for his phone calls.
Defreitas was remanded to custody following trial, and the court scheduled the defendant’s sentencing for April 15, 2020. This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Brooks.
Ukrainian Man Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court to 84 Months in Prison for Role in Check Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that MARKO STASIV was sentenced to seven years in prison today by U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel for his participation in a scheme to defraud banks and check-cashing stores by cashing hundreds of thousands of dollars in unfunded payroll checks. STASIV was convicted, after a seven-day jury trial in May 2019, of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Marko Stasiv was sentenced today for his leading role in a choreographed scheme to defraud. He led a group of conspirators in bilking banks and check-cashing businesses in state after state, staying one step ahead of the law – until he was caught. Now he faces seven years in federal prison for his crimes.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “There was nothing about Marko Stasiv’s payroll scheme that was on the up and up. As one would imagine, his initial success couldn’t be sustained for long. Today’s sentencing ensures a long, well-deserved stay in prison, and this time the government will make the room arrangements.”
According to a Superseding Indictment filed December 18, 2018, other court documents, and the evidence presented at trial:
From approximately September 2016 through February 2018, the defendant and his co-conspirators engaged in a coordinated scheme to defraud check-cashing businesses and federally insured banks (the “Check Scam”). The Check Scam’s primary objective was to generate illicit profit for its participants by deceiving check-cashing businesses and banks into honoring ostensible payroll checks for which insufficient funds were available to cover the face-value of the checks. The Check Scam involved building trust and confidence with check-cashing businesses and banks through a purportedly legitimate course of dealings before taking advantage of that trust and confidence to stage intentional, coordinated overdrafts. This included the use of fraudulently obtained identity documents, sham companies, and interstate wires.
As part of the scheme, the conspirators incorporated multiple sham companies (the “Sham Companies”) in multiple states, and then opened bank accounts in the names of those sham companies (the “Sham Bank Accounts”). The individuals opening the Sham Bank Accounts often did so by using legitimate state identification cards (“State IDs”), obtained under false pretenses. Upon opening the Sham Bank Accounts, members of the Scheme would obtain and print payroll checks, issued by a Sham Company and issued to a member of the Scheme (a “Check Casher”), who posed as an employee of the Sham Company. Over the course of several weeks, the Check Cashers cashed multiple payroll checks, of gradually increasing values, at multiple check-cashing stores in the state of the Sham Company’s incorporation. Members of the Scheme would then immediately redeposit these funds into the Sham Bank Account, so that the checks would clear. In doing so, the Check Cashers developed credibility with the check-cashing stores. In each state, the Check Scam would culminate during a final week (the “Bomb Week”). During the Bomb Week, the Check Cashers would cash high-value checks at as many check-cashing stores as possible. However, during the Bomb Week, the conspirators would not redeposit these funds into the Sham Bank Account, and would instead divide the proceeds among themselves. By the time the checks bounced, the conspirators had moved on to the next state, where they executed the Check Scam again, using a new Sham Company and Sham Bank Account.
The defendant was one of the Check Scam’s leaders. Among other things, he recruited Check Cashers; helped Check Cashers obtain State IDs and open Sham Bank Accounts under false pretenses; distributed payroll checks to the Check Cashers; drove the Check Cashers to various check-cashing stores; instructed Check Cashers on how to execute the Check Scam; and collected and redistributed the proceeds of the Check Scam. The defendant and his conspirators executed or planned to execute the Check Scam in various locations throughout the United States, including in and around New York City, Pennsylvania, Florida, Maryland, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, Illinois, and California.
As a way to keep overhead costs lower while executing the Check Scam in various states, the conspirators obtained hotel rooms, unlawfully and without authorization, by using the names and hotel loyalty program accounts of real persons who were neither part of nor aware of the Check Scam (the “Hotel Scam”). The defendant personally executed the Hotel Scam with the assistance of at least two associates in Ukraine, who helped arrange dozens of days-long hotel stays for the Check Scam’s participants at various locations by unlawfully accessing victims’ hotel rewards points, and using them to book hotel rooms listing the defendant and other conspirators as authorized guests.
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In addition to the prison term, Judge Castel sentenced STASIV to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $548,178.70, forfeiture in the amount of $122,424.92, and a $100 special assessment.
Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the FBI and its Eurasian Organized Crime Squad. He also thanked the New York City Police Department and United States Customs and Border Protection for their assistance in the matter.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Rebold is in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida Collects over $60 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2019Read the Press Release
MIAMI, FL - U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida collected $60,236,230.99 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2019. Of this amount, $56,913,999.14 was collected in criminal actions and $3,322,231.85 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the Southern District of Florida worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $110,962,642.62 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $17,511.44 was collected in criminal actions and $110,945,131.18 was collected in civil actions.
“The millions of dollars collected in civil, criminal and forfeiture actions by the U.S. Attorney’s Office is exponentially more than the Southern District of Florida’s operating budget,” stated U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan. “We work tirelessly to ensure that criminals do not profit from their illicit acts, crime victims receive restitution and our tax dollars fund federal programs and initiatives, not criminal enterprises.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Southern District of Florida, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $106,739,543 in asset forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year 2019. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Reaches ADA Settlement with Middlesex County Day Care Facility over Discrimination Against Child Perceived to Have HIV or HepatitisRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey has reached a settlement with a Middlesex County, New Jersey, day care facility to ensure equal access for children with HIV or Hepatitis under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Following an investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office found that Children’s Choice Academy (CCA) of East Brunswick, New Jersey, violated the ADA by denying a child admission to its day care based on the parent’s disclosure that the child may have Hepatitis or HIV, without making an individualized assessment that the child posed a direct threat to the health or safety of others that could not be mitigated by reasonable modifications of CCA’s policies, practices, or procedures.
The ADA prohibits public accommodations, such as CCA, from discriminating against people with, or perceived to have, disabilities, including HIV or Hepatitis. Public accommodations also cannot deny access to goods and services to people associated with someone with a disability.
“The ADA prohibits day care centers from denying services on the basis of disability or perceived disability,” U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said. “Today’s settlement sends a clear message that denying access, or suggesting that a person should seek services elsewhere, is discrimination that this office will take action to address.”
Under the settlement agreement, CCA has agreed to implement policies and procedures to ensure that children with disabilities are afforded full and equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from its programs and services, to publish on its website a statement of its policy on the prohibition of disability discrimination, and to provide mandatory training on the ADA and its prohibition of disability discrimination to all CCA employees. CCA will also pay $5,000 in damages to the child and his parent.
For more information on the ADA and HIV discrimination, visit www.ada.gov/aids.
Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may file a complaint with the U.S Attorney’s Office at http://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement/complaint. Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD).
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Meyler and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor Williamson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Unit in Newark.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects Nearly $20 Million for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2019Read the Press Release
Portland, Maine: U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine collected over $19.8 million in civil, criminal and asset forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019.
Working with partner agencies and divisions, the office collected $15,248,809 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2019. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
Additionally, the office collected $4,410,030.33 in criminal and civil actions in FY 2019. Of this amount, $2,914,099.52 was collected in criminal actions and $1,495,930.81 was collected in civil actions.
The office also worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $200,926.17 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Collections in civil actions comprised $194,516.17 of this amount.
“I’m proud of my team’s efforts to collect funds on behalf of American taxpayers this past fiscal year,” said U.S. Attorney Frank. “We will keep working tirelessly to seek justice for crime victims and ensure that those who commit crimes do not profit from their illegal actions.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
U.S. Attorney's Office Reaches ADA Settlement with Newtown RestaurantRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached settlement agreements with the Market Place Kitchen & Bar (the “Market Place”) in Newtown and its landlord, Mesa Contractors, to resolve allegations that the restaurant facility and its premises did not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).
The settlement agreements resolve an ADA complaint filed by an individual with disabilities alleging that the Market Place was not fully accessible for individuals with physical disabilities. The Market Place and Mesa Contractors are in the process of making the changes required by the settlement agreements. As part of its settlement agreement with the government, the Market Place will provide accessible dining tables throughout its restaurant facility, ensure equivalent service for individuals in the restaurant’s bar area, ensure access to the restaurant’s patio area, post accessible signage, and ensure that the restaurant’s restrooms meet accessibility requirements. As part of its settlement agreement with the government, Mesa Contractors will increase accessible parking spaces in the parking lot at 32 Church Hill Road in Newtown.
Under federal law, private entities that own or operate places of “public accommodation,” including restaurants and bars, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of disability. Federal law also bars the landlord of a place of public accommodation from discriminating on the basis of disability. The ADA authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate complaints and undertake periodic reviews of compliance of covered entities. The Justice Department is also authorized to commence a civil lawsuit in federal court in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance, and to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, and civil penalties.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that the owners of Market Place Kitchen & Bar and Mesa Contractors cooperated throughout this investigation and he thanked their commitment to make changes in order for their facilities to comply with the requirements of the ADA.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica H. Soufer of the District of Connecticut in coordination with the Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Any member of the public who wishes to file a complaint alleging that any place of public accommodation or public entity in Connecticut is not accessible to persons with disabilities may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 203-821-3700.
Additional information about the ADA can be found at www.ada.gov, or by calling the Justice Department’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.
Two South Bay Residents Indicted for Securities Fraud Relating to Palo Alto Networks, Inc.Read the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury indicted Janardhan Nellore and Sivannarayana Barama with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and six counts of securities fraud, and Nellore with three counts of aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett.
“As alleged in this indictment, Janardhan Nellore worked in an information technology department and repeatedly used his access to his employer’s confidential information to profit on option trades in his employer’s stock,” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “Corporate insiders who abuse their access to inside information for personal gain will face the consequences for their actions, whether they sit in the executive suite or the IT department. The integrity of our financial markets requires everyone to follow the rules.”
“The defendants unlawfully made millions of dollars by concocting a complex trading scheme using valuable inside information to profit by trading ahead of authorized disclosures to the investing public,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. “By arresting these individuals, we set a clear example that we will not tolerate those who undermine the integrity of the markets and fair trade.”
According to the superseding indictment unsealed today, Nellore, 42, of Santa Clara, Calif., and Barama, 45, of Fremont, Calif., are alleged to have participated in an insider trading scheme in which Nellore traded on and provided Barama and others with confidential, non-public, material, inside information about the financial performance of Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (“PANW”), headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. Nellore worked in PANW’s Operations and Support group, an information technology department. Using his position at PANW, Nellore accessed and obtained material nonpublic information regarding PANW’s quarterly financial performance, including PANW’s target and actual billings, bookings, revenue, and growth rate. With that inside information, Nellore acted as both a trader and a tipper. Nellore traded PANW securities using inside information before the company disclosed its financial results to the public. In a number of “straddle trades,” Nellore placed call and put options before earnings announcements and sold the options after the announcements.
As alleged in the superseding indictment, Nellore shared the inside information with Barama and others, who Nellore knew would trade PANW securities using the inside information he had provided. Nellore also sometimes tried to conceal this scheme to defraud by using the brokerage accounts of others.
According to the superseding indictment, from March 2015 through September 2018, Nellore, Barama, and others placed approximately 800 straddle trades of PANW securities, generating illegal profits in excess of $7 million as a result of the insider trading scheme. When making non-straddle trades of PANW securities or trading in other stocks, the conspirators lost money.
Barama was arrested this morning in Fremont and will make his initial appearance in federal court in San Jose today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Virginia K. DeMarchi, where Barama and Nellore will be arraigned on the superseding indictment.
Nellore was previously detained as a flight risk by United States Magistrate Judge Nathanael M. Cousins, after Nellore was arrested at the San Francisco International Airport with a ticket to leave the United States and without any apparent intention to return. The FBI interviewed Nellore in connection with this investigation on May 7, 2019. After the interview, Nellore purchased one-way tickets to New Delhi, India, for himself and his family on an Air India flight departing the very next morning, May 8, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. FBI agents intercepted Nellore while he was trying to board the flight.
The indictment charges both Nellore and Barama with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, and six counts of securities fraud and aiding and abetting, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1348 and 2. The indictment also charges Nellore with three counts of aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A(a)(1).
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted of the conspiracy to commit securities fraud charge, both Nellore and Barama face a maximum statutory sentence of 25 years in prison and a fine in the amount of $250,000. If convicted of the securities fraud charges, both Nellore and Barama face a maximum statutory sentence of 25 years in prison and a fine in the amount of $250,000. If convicted of the aggravated identity theft charges, Nellore faces a mandatory minimum statutory sentence of 2 years in prison and a fine in the amount of $250,000. The court also may order an additional term of supervised release, fines or other assessments, restitution, and forfeiture, if appropriate. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission filed a separate civil action against Nellore, Barama, and three others today in the Northern District of California.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Kaleba and Patrick R. Delahunty are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Susan Kreider. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, with the assistance of the San Francisco Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Two Illegal Aliens Plead Guilty to Unlawfully Returning to United States After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. –Mario Castellano Machado, 37, an illegal alien from Honduras, and Teodulio Ramos Ramos, 30, an illegal alien from Guatemala, recently pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to unlawfully returning to the United States after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles of U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Both defendants will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on April 2, 2020. They each face a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison followed by one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine, as well as removal proceedings.
On November 11, 2019, a Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Interdiction Unit deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on I-10 east bound. The deputy encountered a Honduran driver, Mario Castellanos Machado, who provided a Honduran driver’s license with a false name. He told the agent that they were going from Texas to Georgia for work. A Border Patrol Agent arrived at the scene and spoke with the passengers in the vehicle. The agent recognized this as an alien smuggling event. All vehicle occupants were transported to the Border Patrol station for processing, and Homeland Security Investigation special agents responded to the Border Patrol office to assist. All eight occupants were found to be illegally present in the United States.
Mario Castellano Machado and Teodulio Ramos Ramos were positively identified by computer scans of their fingerprints into a Homeland Security Database that automatically accessed their official immigration records together with fingerprint cards, photographs and prior immigration removal documents. Both men were determined to have illegally returned to the United States after having been lawfully removed back to their home nations of Honduras and Guatemala.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Two Former Camp Lejeune Marines Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Oxycodone and Fentanyl Linked to Fellow Marine’s DeathRead 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 ANTHONY P. TOGNIETTI, 27, of Paradise, California, and Marcos jamie villegas, 24, of St. Charles, Illinois, for distributing a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of oxycodone and fentanyl, and aiding and abetting. TOGNIETTI was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release and VILLEGAS was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release. Both TOGNIETTI and VILLEGAS were recently separated from the United States Marine Corps as a result of their federal prosecution.
According to the investigation, on April 14, 2017, a United States Marine Corporal and VILLEGAS were visiting at a local residence in Richlands, North Carolina. During the party, VILLEGAS provided the Corporal with pills that he and TOGNIETTI had purchased over the dark web. The pills had been advertised as oxycodone laced with fentanyl, a highly powerful opiate that can be lethal in even small doses. In the early hours of April 15, 2017, VILLEGAS discovered the Corporal unresponsive. The Corporal was taken to Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and died shortly after his arrival. The Corporal’s autopsy revealed his cause of death as fentanyl overdose and low alcohol content. The Corporal was just 20 years old at the time of his death.
Investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) revealed that just a few weeks later, similar pills were seized from VILLEGAS’s barracks room. The pills were later sent off for testing and came back positive for fentanyl. Examination of VILLEGAS’s cellular phone revealed text messages discussing purchases of drugs. Further coordination by NCIS with the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration linked the pills purchased by VILLEGAS and TOGNIETTI to a manufacturer and dark web distributor in Texas. That man, Alaa Mohammed Allawi, 30, was later charged and pled guilty in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl resulting in death or serious bodily injury and using a gun during a drug crime. He also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money. As part of the deal, Allawi agreed to be sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Laura S. Howard represented the government.
Trial Jury Finds Two New Orleans Residents Guilty of String of RobberiesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that, on December 12, 2019, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against JOHN WELDON and ERISTON WILSON relating to nine robberies of gas stations, convenience stores, and a bank.
According to the evidence presented at trial, between December 2018 and February 2019, WELDON and WILSON committed armed robberies of three gas stations on General de Gaulle Drive, multiple convenience stores on the West Bank and in the Seventh Ward, and a bank in Algiers. They carried firearms and wore blue gloves in each of the robberies.
At the conclusion of a three-day trial, the jury found WELDON and WILSON guilty on all counts each defendant faced. The defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years in prison and a maximum life sentence. Sentencing is set for April 1, 2020 before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the FBI, which led this investigation and was assisted by the New Orleans Police Department and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office
Assistant United States Attorneys Kathryn McHugh, Greg Kennedy, and Michael Redmann are in charge of the prosecution.
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Three Defendants Arrested in Cellphone Account Takeover Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Peter C. Fitzhugh, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced charges against HENRY PEREZ, ASHLEY GOMEZ, and MISTY ALIZETTE INFANTE for participating in a multi-year cellphone account takeover fraud conspiracy that impersonated legitimate cellphone accountholders to fraudulently obtain smartphones and electronic devices that were charged to compromised accounts. The scheme also caused a number of individual victims across the United States to lose cellphone service for a period of time. PEREZ, GOMEZ, and INFANTE were all arrested today and were presented before Magistrate Judge Kevin N. Fox in Manhattan federal court. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, these defendants participated in a sophisticated fraud that impersonated victims, changed victims’ account information so that victims would not receive fraud alerts, charged purchases to victims’ accounts, and deprived victims of cellphone service. Thanks to the dedicated work of our partners at HSI, these alleged cellphone fraudsters will now face the call of justice.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said: “Regardless of the fraud or the methods employed by criminal elements, HSI and our partner law enforcement agencies will continue to unmask those responsible. The individuals arrested today allegedly used social engineering techniques to impersonate victim account holders which may have provided them with a false sense of anonymity, however, our special agents will continuously identify and bring those responsible to justice.”
According to the Indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court:[1]
From June 2017 through December 2019, PEREZ, GOMEZ, and INFANTE were members of a criminal fraud ring that committed cellphone account takeover fraud and identity theft across the United States, including in the Southern District of New York. The scheme’s primary objective was to obtain new, valuable technological devices, including iPhones, and charge these purchases to someone else’s account, without the knowledge or consent of that victim accountholder. Over the course of the conspiracy, the scheme attempted to fraudulently obtain more than $1 million worth of devices and, in fact, fraudulently obtained more than $500,000 worth of devices, by charging purchases to victims’ accounts.
To conduct the scheme, members of the scheme, including HENRY PEREZ, used stolen identity information to impersonate a victim who had a cellphone account with a particular cellphone service provider (“Provider-1”). Members of the conspiracy then called customer service representatives of Provider-1 and used social engineering techniques to take over accounts by making various misrepresentations, including impersonating accountholders and indicating a purported need to regain access to their accounts. Through these misrepresentations, the conspiracy was able to gain unauthorized access to, and control of, accounts belonging to victim accountholders. Once they gained access, members of the conspiracy made various unauthorized changes to victim accounts, so that fraud alerts, and emails notifying an accountholder of account changes, were sent to them, rather than the legitimate accountholders. Members of the conspiracy then purchased new electronic devices – typically but not exclusively iPhones – which they charged to victim accounts, without the knowledge or consent of victims.
In many instances, the conspiracy arranged for the fraudulently ordered devices to be shipped to addresses under their control. In other instances, members of the scheme, including HENRY PEREZ, ASHLEY GOMEZ, and MISTY ALIZETTE INFANTE, personally entered stores operated by Provider-1 in order to pick up fraudulently obtained devices. In total, members of the conspiracy conducted in-store pickups of fraudulently obtained devices in at least 10 different states.
Once they had successfully exploited a particular victim’s account, members of the conspiracy typically relinquished control of that account, and moved on to exploiting other victim accounts. During the period in which the conspiracy compromised, and retained control of, a particular victim’s cellphone account, that victim typically lost cellphone service.
* * *
The Indictment contains six counts. A chart containing the names, ages, residences, charges for each defendant, and maximum penalties, is set forth below. The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised HSI’s El Dorado Task Force for its outstanding work on the investigation. He added that the investigation is continuing.
This matter is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Neff is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant, Age, Hometown
Charges, Maximum Penalties
HENRY PEREZ, 32
Fort Lee, New Jersey
Wire fraud: 20 years’ imprisonment
Wire fraud conspiracy: 20 years’ imprisonment
Computer intrusion: 10 years’ imprisonment
Computer intrusion: 5 years’ imprisonment
Aggravated identity theft (2 counts): mandatory minimum term of 2 years’ imprisonment, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment
ASHLEY GOMEZ, 21
Bronx, New York
Wire fraud: 20 years’ imprisonment
Wire fraud conspiracy: 20 years’ imprisonment
Aggravated identity theft: mandatory minimum term of 2 years’ imprisonment, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment
MISTY ALIZETTE INFANTE, 23
Bronx, New York
Wire fraud: 20 years’ imprisonment
Wire fraud conspiracy: 20 years’ imprisonment
Aggravated identity theft: mandatory minimum term of 2 years’ imprisonment, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment
[1] The entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Thompson Falls man charged with firearms crime after having been committed to mental institutionRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—A Thompson Falls man accused of possessing a firearm after having been found to suffer from a mental disorder appeared Dec. 16 on charges, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Suede Jeffrey Shuttle, 25, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. Desoto on a criminal complaint. The complaint charges Shuttle with person in possession of a firearm that has been previously adjudicated mentally defective or had been previously committed to a mental institution.
If convicted of the most serious crime, Shuttle faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
The complaint is merely an accusation, and Shuttle is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Shuttle was detained pending further proceedings.
The complaint alleges that Shuttle, after having been advised by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that he was no longer allowed to possess firearms because he had been previously committed to a mental hospital, possessed a .308 caliber bolt action, military style rifle on Dec. 10.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the ATF and the Thompson Falls Police Department.
Pacer case reference. 19-73.
If the above cases is of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Thirteen Members of Peoria Street Gang Convicted of Racketeering Conspiracy; Acts of Gang Violence, Murder, Attempted MurderRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A jury today convicted 13 members of the Peoria street gang known as Bomb Squad for conspiracy to organize and operate the gang as a criminal enterprise that has plagued the Peoria community with gun violence for years. These violent acts included murder, attempted murder, arson, and drug trafficking. After presentation of seven weeks of evidence, the jury deliberated over a period of three days before returning the guilty verdicts this afternoon.
U.S. Attorney John C. Milhiser; ATF Special Agent in Charge Tim Jones, Chicago Field Division; and, Peoria Chief of Police Loren Marion III made the announcement.
“These convictions represent the dedication and commitment of our law enforcement partners and serve to signal to others our pledge to continue to work together to investigate and prosecute those who commit violent acts in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Milhiser. “There is no higher priority than keeping our communities safe.” Milhiser also recognized U.S. Marshal Brendan Heffner and his team: “The Marshals Service has done tremendous work during this lengthy trial to manage 13 defendants in custody and maintain security throughout the trial.”
“These guilty verdicts and potentially long sentences these violent criminals face is reassuring to the communities they terrorized that law enforcement is on their side,” commented ATF Special Agent in Charge Tim Jones of the Chicago Field Division. “We will continue to relentlessly pursue these cases in collaboration with our local partners and appreciate the diligence the U.S. Attorney’s Office dedicated to bringing these criminals to justice.”
Peoria Police Chief Marion stated: “The Peoria Police Department recognizes the hard work and effort that went into this case. I would personally like to commend the officers and agencies involved in this investigation for the outstanding work that was done. Due to their hard work, several of Peoria’s most violent criminals have been taken off the street and they will no longer be able to inflict violence upon our community.”
The defendants were convicted of federal racketeering conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Under the RICO statute, the indictment alleged and the jury found, that from 2013 to the present, members and associates of Bomb Squad engaged in acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, assault; and arson, to protect itself, its members, and associates from rival gangs and to protect the standing and reputation of Bomb Squad.
Those convicted of RICO conspiracy are: Eugene Haywood, 25; Raevaughn Rogers, 20; Kenwan Crowe, 21; Ezra Johnson, 24; Jahlin Wilson, 23; Andre Neal-Ford, 21; Lance Washington, 23; Torieuanno White, 25; Sherman Williams, 25; Lloyd Dotson, 29; Keith Gregory, 20; Mytrez Flora, 25; and Kentrevion Watkins, 21.
Sentencing of the defendants has been scheduled in mid-June. At sentencing, each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison with several facing more lengthy prison sentences including up to life.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Peoria Police Department conducted the investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Illinois State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ronald L. Hanna, Adam W. Ghrist, and Douglas F. McMeyer represented the government in the investigation and prosecution of the case in the Peoria Division, Central District of Illinois.
The charges are the result of an ongoing investigation by an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working together to identify, disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and violent street gangs.
This case is prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The program was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department of Justice’s renewed focus on targeting each community’s most violent criminals.
Third Conspirator Pleads Guilty to Participation in a Ponzi Scheme Involving $2.5B in Transactions and $1B in LossRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Robert A. Karmann, 53, of Clayton, pleaded guilty today to his participation in a massive fraud scheme involving a solar energy company in Benicia that defrauded investors of approximately $1 billion, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
Those losses resulted from investment transactions in solar energy hardware valued at approximately $2.5 billion. Karmann is the third person to plead guilty to federal criminal charges relating to the fraud scheme since October.
According to court documents, between 2011 and 2018, the solar energy company manufactured mobile solar generator units (MSG), solar generators that were mounted on trailers. The company touted the versatility and environmental sustainability of the MSGs and claimed that they were used by cellphone companies to provide emergency power to cell towers in the case of a power failure. They were also claimed to be used to power lights at sporting and other events.
The company solicited investors by claiming that there were very favorable federal tax benefits associated with investments in alternative energy. The company structured the transactions in order to maximize the tax benefits to the investors. Investors would buy the MSGs without ever taking possession of them. They would pay a percentage of the sales price and finance the balance with the company. Then the investors would lease the MSGs back to the company, which in turn leased them to third parties. A portion of the lease revenue would be used to pay the investors’ debts to the company and to the investors. The third‑party leases, however, generated little income and the company paid early investors with funds contributed by later investors.
According to court documents, Karmann, a certified public accountant, joined the company in 2014 and became its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Karmann and his co-conspirators used fraudulent financial statements and other false information to hide from investors the company’s use of later investor payments to pay financial obligations the company made to earlier investors—in a classic Ponzi scheme. In his role as CFO, Karmann managed and directed the periodic transfers of new investor money to pay the company’s obligations to existing investors. Karmann also disseminated false financial and other information to investors to mislead them about material aspects of the MSG investments. Karmann’s criminal conduct was intended to create the false impression for investors that the MSG investments were operating as promised, which helped lull existing investors, lured prospective investors, and caused investors to seek more than $1 billion in tax benefits from the Internal Revenue Service to which they were not entitled. Karmann also pleaded guilty to securities violations associated with the same investment fraud scheme.
On Oct. 22, Joseph W. Bayliss, 44, of Martinez, and Ronald J. Roach, of Walnut Creek, each pleaded guilty to related charges. The investigation into the fraud is ongoing.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS‑Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys André M. Espinosa and Kevin C. Khasigian are prosecuting the case.
Karmann is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on March 31, 2020. Karmann faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
South Florida Doctor Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Illegally Distribute OxycodoneRead the Press Release
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Omar Pérez Aybar, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI’s Miami Field Office, and Adolphus P. Wright, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division announced that Dr. Rodolfo Gonzalez Garcia, 65, of Weston, Florida was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman to 8 years in prison, after previously pleading guilty to conspiring to dispense a controlled substance, Oxycodone.
According to the court record, including the agreed upon factual proffers in support of the defendants’ guilty pleas, from November 2016, through and including September 2018, Dr. Rodolfo Gonzalez Garcia, his wife Arlene Gonzalez, 59, also of Weston, Annie Suarez- Gonzalez, 35, of Chicago, Illinois, and Fidel Marrero-Castellanos, 57, of Hialeah, Florida and others, used West Medical Office, Inc. located in Hialeah (later named West Pines Medical Office) for illicit purposes (Case No. 19cr20055). During this time period, the defendants agreed to prescribe purported patients that had been brought to the office by patient recruiters, prescriptions for Oxycodone. They also agreed that patient recruiters could merely bring lists containing the names of purported patients directly to West Medical Office, instead of requiring the patients’ presence. In either scenario, the defendants agreed that the patient or patient recruiters would pay West Medical Office a certain cash amount per patient present in the office or per patient name on a list, in exchange for an Oxycodone prescription. Sometimes, these agreements—money for prescriptions—were directly with the purported patient. The defendants knew that these patients were Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and that filling those prescriptions at pharmacies would result in the submission of claims to Medicare and Medicaid for payment of those prescriptions.
The defendants played various roles in the conspiracy. Marrero-Castellanos acted as a patient recruiter, bringing lists and paying cash in exchange for a prescription for the names on his list. Marrero-Castellanos took the patients with their prescriptions to pharmacies, including Medicare Part D participating pharmacies, to fill the aforementioned prescriptions. When he got the prescriptions based on just a patient list, he provided the aforementioned prescriptions to pharmacies, including Medicare Part D participating pharmacies. Sometimes, the patients went to the pharmacies on their own. All of the recruited patients gave Marrero-Castellanos their Oxycodone pills. Marrero-Castellanos sold those pills to others. Suarez-Gonzalez and Arlene Gonzalez facilitated the exchange of cash for prescriptions and filled out prescriptions. At times, Arlene Gonzalez wore a white lab coat and patients referred to her as a doctor, which she was not. She would bring pre-signed prescriptions to the clinic, and later signed prescriptions for oxycodone in her husband’s name, along with other staff members. These activities occurred even when Dr. Gonzalez Garcia was not in the office.
To facilitate the conspiracy, Dr. Gonzalez Garcia provided prescriptions for Oxycodone, even though he did not provide patients with a meaningful consultation or examination commensurate with prescribing oxycodone according to national standards and norms, nor those of the State of Florida, for such prescriptions. Dr. Gonzalez Garcia referred to himself as “El Chapo of Oxycodone." As a result of the conspiracy, Dr. Gonzalez Garcia unlawfully distributed Oxycodone.
Co-defendants Arlene Gonzalez and Suarez-Gonzalez pled guilty to conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks and were sentenced to 4 months in prison and 1 year of probation, respectively. Co-defendant Marrero-Castellanos pled guilty to conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 13 months in prison. The co-defendants were ordered to collectively pay $26,306 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of HHS-OIG, FBI and DEA. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Gilfarb and Lindsey Lazopoulos Friedman. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling the asset forfeiture aspects of the case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Six Indicted for Claiming Benefits for Properties Destroyed in Paradise Camp Fire that Were Not Their True ResidencesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Thursday, Dec. 12, a federal jury returned indictments against six defendants who made false claims for benefits in connection with the 2018 Camp Fire and received funds from FEMA to compensate for their losses, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
U.S. Attorney Scott stated: “In 2018, in the aftermath of the Carr Fire and Camp Fire, we encouraged the public to report any suspected fraudulent activity and promised to aggressively pursue and prosecute fraud and abuse. Today we are announcing federal charges against individuals who abused the goodwill of the taxpayers and claimed losses that they had not incurred. These investigations are ongoing, and we are not done holding people accountable for fraudulent claims.”
Amanda Thandi, Special Agent in Charge Department of Homeland Security, OIG, Office of Investigations, of the San Diego Field Office stated: “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Inspector General (OIG) remains committed to eradicating these and other cases of disaster fraud. As a result of the recent indictments, these individuals will no longer benefit from illegally manipulating the programs designed for assessing the critical needs, home repairs, replacement of personal property, and shelter for persons displaced from their residences due to the California wildfires.”
“Disaster fraud re-victimizes communities devastated physically and emotionally by natural disaster by diverting federal funds from communities and stealing from the victims with significant needs. This is why the FBI is committed to working closely with our local, state, and federal partners to identify and investigate allegations of fraud related to disaster recovery and we want people to both protect themselves and report fraud as it is discovered,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “Together, we continue to aggressively pursue those who prey upon innocent victims of natural disasters and the people who want to help them.”
On Nov. 8, 2018, the “Camp Fire” started in Butte County and burned for approximately 18 days. It burned approximately 153,336 acres, destroyed approximately 13,972 residential structures and caused approximately 85 deaths. The Camp Fire is known as the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. On Nov. 12, 2018, the President declared that a major disaster existed in California, and as a result of this declaration, some residents of Butte County who were affected by the fire were eligible to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA.
FEMA provides Direct Housing Assistance to eligible applicants, such as a manufactured home or trailer for use as temporary housing. FEMA also may provide rental assistance to rent alternative housing accommodations. This assistance is available to eligible individuals whose primary residence was damaged or destroyed by the fire regardless of whether they own or rent the home. In certain circumstances, residents can also receive benefits to replace or repair personal property (including standard appliances, essential clothing, standard room furnishing, and essential tools) damaged or destroyed due to a disaster.
The following defendants have been charged with one count of fraud in connection with a major disaster or emergency benefit. According to the charges, they each falsely claimed that a residence in Paradise that had been destroyed in the fire was their primary residence.
Deborah Laughlin, 64, falsely claimed 7209 Skyway, Apt 18 in Paradise as her primary residence and received $9,674.70 in benefits and a FEMA trailer. According to court documents, on Nov. 3, 2018, Laughlin was arrested at her residence in Willows and remained in jail until Nov. 13, 2018, which was several days after the Camp Fire began.
Evan Palmer, 30, of Chico, falsely claimed 4440 Clark Road, #1 in Paradise as his primary residence and received $26,490.67 for his travel trailer that was destroyed in the fire. His primary residence, however, was in Chico.
Kristy Marie Tapp, 34, falsely claimed 5152 Pentz Road in Paradise as her primary residence and received $3,263.91 in benefits. She filed her application for assistance after the Butte County Sheriff had issued a public notification identifying a couple, aged 67 and 70, as deceased victims of the fire. Tapp falsely claimed they were her landlords.
Patrick Prigmore, 54, falsely claimed 1040 Pearson Road in Paradise as his primary residence and received $12,837.71 in benefits and a FEMA trailer.
Two indictments remain sealed.
These cases are the result of investigations by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shelley Weger is prosecuting the cases.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.
California residents are encouraged to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves, and other criminals who may try to prey on vulnerable survivors of this disaster. Anyone with knowledge of fraud, waste, or abuse may call the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ftccomplaintassistant.gov. You may also send an email to [email protected].
School Owner Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Department of Veterans Affairs Program Dedicated to Rehabilitating Disabled Military VeteransRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The owner of a physical security school pleaded guilty today to defrauding a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program dedicated to rehabilitating military veterans with disabilities.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia, Assistant Director in Charge Timothy R. Slater of the FBI’s Washington Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Kim Lampkins of the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG), Mid-Atlantic Field Office made the announcement.
Francis Engles, 63, of Bowie, Maryland, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge John D. Bates of the District of Columbia. Sentencing has been scheduled for April 2, 2020.
According to admissions made in connection with Engles’s guilty plea, Engles was the owner and operator of Engles Security Training School (Engles Security). In August 2015, Engles Security became an approved vendor of the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) program, which provides disabled U.S. military veterans with services. Thereafter, Engles Security obtained over 80 percent of its total revenue from the VA in exchange for purporting to provide certain courses to disabled military veterans.
To further the scheme, Engles falsely represented to the VA that he was providing veterans with months-long courses for 40 hours per week and over 600 total hours. In fact, Engles Security offered veterans far less than what Engles represented to the VA. In some instances, he offered only a few hours of class per day for several weeks. Some veterans did not attend more than one day of class. Engles nevertheless sent to the VA “Certificates of Training” stating that veterans had completed courses that they had not completed or, in some instances, had not taken at all. Similarly, Engles submitted letters to the VA falsely stating that the veterans were employed by Engles’ private security business. Engles also instructed veterans to sign attendance sheets for classes that they did not in fact attend. In total, Engles obtained $337,960 from the VA for the purported education of veterans.
Engles also attempted to obstruct the investigation into his fraud. During an interview with federal agents, Engles lied about veteran students’ attendance at the school, among other things. Later, when Engles Security was served with a grand jury subpoena, Engles prevented his employee from producing responsive documents that she had gathered. Some of these documents were later discovered in the government’s search of Engles Security’s office.
In February 2019, four other individuals were sentenced in related cases following their guilty pleas. James King, a former VA employee, was sentenced to serve 11 years in prison for committing bribery, defrauding the VA, and obstructing justice. Albert Poawui, the owner of Atius Technology Institute, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison for committing bribery. Sombo Kanneh, Poawui’s employee, was sentenced to serve 20 months in prison for conspiracy to commit bribery. Michelle Stevens, the owner of Eelon Training School, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison for committing bribery.
The FBI’s Washington Field Office and the VA Office of Inspector General are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Simon J. Cataldo and Victor R. Salgado of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Lallas of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
School Owner Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Department of Veterans Affairs Program Dedicated to Rehabilitating Disabled Military VeteransRead the Press Release
The owner of a physical security school pleaded guilty today to defrauding a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program dedicated to rehabilitating military veterans with disabilities.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia, Assistant Director in Charge Timothy R. Slater of the FBI’s Washington Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Kim Lampkins of the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG), Mid-Atlantic Field Office made the announcement.
Francis Engles, 63, of Bowie, Maryland, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge John D. Bates of the District of Columbia. Sentencing has been scheduled for April 2, 2020.
According to admissions made in connection with Engles’s guilty plea, Engles was the owner and operator of Engles Security Training School (Engles Security). In August 2015, Engles Security became an approved vendor of the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) program, which provides disabled U.S. military veterans with services. Thereafter, Engles Security obtained over 80 percent of its total revenue from the VA in exchange for purporting to provide certain courses to disabled military veterans.
To further the scheme, Engles falsely represented to the VA that he was providing veterans with months-long courses for 40 hours per week and over 600 total hours. In fact, Engles Security offered veterans far less than what Engles represented to the VA. In some instances, he offered only a few hours of class per day for several weeks. Some veterans did not attend more than one day of class. Engles nevertheless sent to the VA “Certificates of Training” stating that veterans had completed courses that they had not completed or, in some instances, had not taken at all. Similarly, Engles submitted letters to the VA falsely stating that the veterans were employed by Engles’s private security business. Engles also instructed veterans to sign attendance sheets for classes that they did not in fact attend. In total, Engles obtained $337,960 from the VA for the purported education of veterans.
Engles also attempted to obstruct the investigation into his fraud. During an interview with federal agents, Engles lied about veteran students’ attendance at the school, among other things. Later, when Engles Security was served with a grand jury subpoena, Engles prevented his employee from producing responsive documents that she had gathered. Some of these documents were later discovered in the government’s search of Engles Security’s office.
In February 2019, four other individuals were sentenced in related cases following their guilty pleas. James King, a former VA employee, was sentenced to serve 11 years in prison for committing bribery, defrauding the VA, and obstructing justice. Albert Poawui, the owner of Atius Technology Institute, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison for committing bribery. Sombo Kanneh, Poawui’s employee, was sentenced to serve 20 months in prison for conspiracy to commit bribery. Michelle Stevens, the owner of Eelon Training School, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison for committing bribery.
The FBI’s Washington Field Office and the VA Office of Inspector General are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Simon J. Cataldo and Victor R. Salgado of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Lallas of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case.
Rowan County Doctor Sentenced for Unlawful Distribution of Prescription OpioidsRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – A Salisbury medical doctor who unlawfully prescribed oxycodone was sentenced to prison, announced Matthew G.T. Martin, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.
DR. OKECHUKWU DIMKPA, age 50, of Salisbury, North Carolina, was sentenced to a total of 46 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Catherine C. Eagles on December 16, 2019. DIMKPA was also ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release following his imprisonment, and to pay a $50,000 fine. DR. DIMKPA pleaded guilty on September 11, 2019, to six counts of knowingly causing to be distributed oxycodone, a schedule II controlled substance, while acting outside the course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.
Court records show DR. DIMKPA, an Internist and former owner and operator of Care Plus Urgent Care in Kannapolis, was over-prescribing prescription pain medication, specifically, oxycodone. In 2016, investigators learned that DR. DIMKPA was prescribing opioids to known “drug seekers” with little or no physical examination and for cash. One person who was prescribed oxycodone by DR. DIMPKA died in 2016 from Acute Combined Drug Toxicity.
As part of the plea agreement, DR. DIMKPA was required to surrender his DEA Registration numbers, effectively barring him from prescribing controlled substances.
“Our office is focused on stemming the tide of opioid abuse by prosecuting opioid dealers, whether they are on the street corner or wearing a white coat in a medical office. This investigation demonstrates the exceptional coordination between federal, state, and local authorities to address the over-prescription of opioids,” stated United States Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health and Human Services, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. DeFranco. This case was brought by the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit of the Middle District of North Carolina, which is focused on identifying and prosecuting medical professionals who are contributing to the opioid epidemic.
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Rockford Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Aiming Laser Pointer at AircraftRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Rockford man was sentenced today in federal court by U.S. District Judge Philip G. Reinhard to 15 months in prison for aiming the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft.
BRENTON WELLS, 45, admitted in a written plea agreement that on Dec. 6, 2018, while standing in the backyard of a residence in Rockford, he knowingly aimed his laser pointer at an aircraft flying over the residence. Wells also admitted that he continued to aim his laser pointer at the aircraft for a period of time even as the aircraft moved through the sky over the residence. Wells pleaded guilty to the charge on Aug. 20, 2019.
The sentencing was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI; Dan O’Shea, Rockford Chief of Police; and on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security: Marc Sledge, Director of Air and Marine Operations, Great Lakes Air and Marine Branch, and James Gibbons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Paccagnini.
Richmond Mail Carrier Sentenced for Accepting BribesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to 13 months in prison for accepting bribes in exchange for packages believed to contain marijuana that had been sent through the United States mails.
According to court documents, Christopher Grant, 59, accepted multiple bribes over a nearly one-year period from several different individuals while working as a U.S. mail carrier. In exchange, Grant gave those individuals at least 20 suspected marijuana parcels, all of which had been shipped from other states to vacant addresses and false aliases along Grant’s route. One such parcel was intercepted, searched, and found to contain over 11 pounds of marijuana. To hide his crimes, Grant attempted to alter U.S. Postal Service tracking records to falsely show that he had delivered the packages as addressed. Grant was confronted after surveillance recordings showed him accepting five cash bribes from individuals receiving the suspected marijuana parcels.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Imari Niles, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; and Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin G. Cooke prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-125.
Repeat Crack Dealer Sentenced to More than Fifteen Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Dubuque man who distributed crack cocaine near playgrounds was sentenced on December 16, 2019, to over fifteen years in federal prison.
Cory Dukes, age 33, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 1, 2019 guilty plea to the distribution of cocaine base within 1000 feet of a protected location.
In a plea agreement, Dukes admitted to knowingly selling crack cocaine to a confidential informant near two playgrounds in Dubuque, Iowa. Dukes has three previous convictions for selling narcotics in Dubuque near protected locations.
Dukes was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Dukes was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Dukes is being held by the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Dupuich and was investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-1014.
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Reno Man Sentenced to over Eight Years in Prison for Role in Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A Reno resident was sentenced Monday to eight years and two months in federal prison for transporting 10 pounds of methamphetamine from California for sale in Nevada, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Leon DeJesus Munera, aka Looney, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on April 24, 2018, co-defendant Jose Mora asked Munera to drive to Orange County, California, to pick up a load of methamphetamine for him. Munera and co-defendant Kelsea Riley drove to California to pick up the drugs. Upon arrival in California, Munera picked up six large bundles of methamphetamine, weighing ten pounds, in the parking lot of a restaurant near an amusement park. On their return drive to Reno, Munera and Riley were stopped by police and the methamphetamine was recovered. In addition to drug trafficking, Munera assisted Mora with transporting firearms to co-defendant Alberto Acosta.
These charges stem from an investigation by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force with assistance from federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, including the Reno Police Department and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James E. Keller and Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case.
Munera and 16 co-defendants were charged for their alleged roles in the drug conspiracy. All 16 defendants have pleaded guilty. Two have been sentenced, and the remainder await sentencing.
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