Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Wednesday 6 November 2019
Allen Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Allen, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Receipt of Child Pornography, Distribution of Child Pornography, Sexual Abuse of a Minor, and Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor.
Stacey Garnette, a/k/a Stacy Garnette, age 41, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 years in a federal prison, up to life of supervised release, and $700 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Garnette recording a minor female engaged in sexually explicit conduct and sending it via Facebook Messenger with his cellular phone connected to the Internet. Garnette is also alleged to have engaged in a sexual act with this juvenile female between May 2018 and January 2019, at a time when she had not attained the age of 16 years.
The charges are merely accusations and Garnette is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.
Garnette was released pending trial, which has been set for December 31, 2019.
Tuesday 5 November 2019
Wilkes Barre Man Sentenced to 60 Months’ Imprisonment for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on October 31, 2019, Jhaquil Moore, age 24, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release, by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, for fentanyl trafficking.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Moore was convicted of conspiring to distribute between 100 and 300 grams of a fentanyl mixed with acetyl fentanyl, which is equivalent to approximately 50,000 to 150,000 potentially lethal individual doses of fentanyl, in 2018.
Moore’s codefendants, Chyvonne Traver and Kayla Clark, both pleaded guilty to fentanyl trafficking and firearms offenses, and are awaiting sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and by the Luzerne Country Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip J. Caraballo prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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.
# # #
Westside Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Duane Allen Sikes (66, Jacksonville) to 10 years in federal prison for mail fraud, embezzlement of credit union funds, and filing a false federal income tax return. In addition, Sikes was ordered to pay restitution to VyStar Credit Union in the amount of $178,161, to CUMIS Insurance Society, Inc. in the amount of $5,284,800, and to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $1,009,175. The court also ordered Sikes to forfeit two pieces of real property, which are traceable to proceeds of the offenses, and entered a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $3,663,200, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.
Sikes had pleaded guilty on March 15, 2019.
According to court documents, over a 10-year period, Sikes, a mailroom employee of Vystar Credit Union, embezzled funds intended for Vystar’s postage costs. Sikes used the funds to purchase U.S. Postal Service stamps, which he sold to a third-party vendor. Sikes then used the proceeds from the stamp sales for his own benefit. According to evidence introduced at sentencing, this included grooming and enticing young boys to engage in sexual acts for money.
Upon discovery of the crime, Vystar Credit Union alerted the authorities and assisted with the investigation. The embezzlement did not impact account holders’ accounts but rather internal Vystar accounts.
Additionally, Sykes failed to report the funds he had embezzled on his federal income tax returns for the years 2007 through 2017, resulting in a total tax loss to the government of $1,009,175.
“IRS Special Agents tend to focus on crimes entirely motivated by greed,” stated Assistant Special in Charge Ronald A. Loecker of IRS Criminal Investigation. “That was the case when we teamed with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to investigate Mr. Sikes for embezzlement and tax fraud. Little did we know at the time that his fraudulent pursuits and ill-gotten gains supported a much more sinister plot. We hope that today’s sentence brings some sense of closure to the victims.”
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bonnie Glober and Kelly S. Karase.
Walpole Man Pleads Guilty to Filing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Walpole man pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with failing to report income from his landscaping business to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Stephen L. Petrucci, 57, pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return before U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr., who scheduled sentencing for Feb. 11, 2020. According to the terms of the plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence of two years in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine, and restitution to the IRS of $726,789.
Petrucci owes more than $700,000 in income taxes to the IRS after he failed to report income from his landscaping business on his federal tax returns for tax years 2012 through 2017.
The charging statute provides a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Un hombre de Mississippi condenado a 36 meses de cárcel por quemar una cruzRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – El Honorable Juez Keith Starrett, del Tribunal Federal de Distrito para el Distrito Sur de Mississippi condenó al acusado Graham Williamson, de 38 años de edad, a 36 meses de cárcel por cargos federales que se basan en su quema de cruces el 24 de octubre del 2017 en Seminary, Mississippi. Previamente, Williamson se había declarado culpable el 5 de agosto del 2019 a un cargo de interferencia al derecho a la vivienda, lo que es una vulneración de derechos civiles, y un cargo de confabulación a emplear un incendio para cometer un delito grave federal. Williamson, junto con su coconspirador, construyó y quemó una cruz de madera cerca de la casa de la víctima, M.H., un menor de edad que vivía en una zona residencial de Seminary habitada principalmente por afroestadounidenses. Quemó la cruz para amenazar, asustar e intimidar a M.H. y a otros residentes afroestadounidenses por motivos de su raza y color de piel y por vivir en y ocupar residencias en esa zona de Seminary.
«El acusado recurrió a un terrible símbolo de violencia racial con el fin de amenazar e intimidar a las víctimas únicamente por motivos de su raza y la zona en que vivían», declaró el Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles, Eric Dreiband. «Delitos de odio como este contravienen los principios bien arraigados de nuestra sociedad de igualdad y libertad de la intimidación por motivos de raza, y el Departamento de Justicia seguirá investigando y enjuiciando tales delitos con todo el peso de la ley».
«Cualquier individuo que aterrorice a nuestra gente y que cometa delitos por motivo del color de la piel de alguien será, sin lugar a dudas, enjuiciado rápidamente por parte de esta oficina», afirmó el Fiscal Federal del Distrito Sur de Mississippi, Mike Hurst. «Junto con nuestras agencias asociadas del orden público, continuaremos haciendo todo lo que podamos por prevenir tales delitos racistas para que nuestra gente pueda vivir en paz y sin miedo».
«Cuando las personas vulneran los derechos civiles de otros con el único motivo de intimidarles, en este caso fue una quema de cruces, aterroriza a la comunidad entera», dijo la Agente Especial Encargada del FBI en Jackson, Michelle A. Sutphin. «Los vecinos de Mississippi no deben temer por su seguridad dentro de sus propios barrios, y este caso debe transmitir un mensaje claro a aquellos que amenacen a otros por motivos de su raza o color de piel. Las investigaciones de contravenciones de los derechos civiles siguen siendo una de las prioridades principales del FBI en Mississippi, y proseguiremos con una investigación robusta de los hechos y buscaremos un enjuiciamiento por estas vulneraciones».
El acusado, Williamson, es el segundo individuo a ser condenado por su participación en esta quema de cruces. El coconspirador de Williamson, Louie Bernard Revette, previamente se había declarado culpable ante un cargo de interferencia al derecho a la vivienda y un cargo de uso de incendio para cometer un delito grave federal. El 10 de septiembre del 2019, el Honorable Juez Starrett condenó a Revette a 11 años de prisión por esos cargos.
Este caso fue investigado por la Oficina Local del FBI en Jackson, Mississippi, incluyendo el Equipo de Trabajo del FBI para promover las Calles Seguras y el Equipo de Trabajo de Jackson contra la Corrupción Pública. Julia Gegenheimer, Consejera Especial de Litigios de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia, y Candace Mayberry, Fiscal Federal Auxiliar para el Distrito Sur de Mississippi, enjuiciaron el caso.
US Attorney’s Office to Bring USA HEAT Program to Russell County Schools, CommunityRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – The United States Attorney’s Heroin Education Action Team (USA HEAT) is coming to Russell County, November 13 and 14 for a series of school and community presentations to raise awareness and understanding about the growing heroin and opioid epidemic and the impact it has on Virginia families.
“More Americans died in 2018 from drug overdoses than were killed in combat during the entire Vietnam War,” United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen stated, adding that a majority of those overdoses were caused by opioids. “Although targeted federal enforcement is critical to combatting the opioid epidemic, meaningful prevention and recovery initiatives are equally important. We are excited to launch our HEAT initiative in Russell County and look forward to hosting other forums in the near future.”
As a way to prevent young people from heading down a path that leads to addiction, USA HEAT will be presenting to ninth graders at three area high schools on November 13 and 14. In addition, a community forum is being held the evening of November 13. The community forum will take place at Lebanon High School at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
The goal of these presentations is to educate students and the community about the dangers of opioids. Families who have lost a loved one to opioid addiction will share stories of how this epidemic has touched their lives.
“These courageous families will share their stories in order to help others avoid the grief of losing a family member to drug overdose,” U.S. Attorney Cullen said. “Too many Virginia families have been robbed of a loved one because of heroin and opioid addiction. We are doing what we can to end this deadly cycle of abuse.”
These programs are a cooperative effort presented by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, The Russell County Prevention Coalition, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Russell County Public Schools.
For more information, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/heat
###
U.S. Attorney Sherri Lydon to Join U.S. Attorneys from North Carolina for a Press Conference Tomorrow in Myrtle Beach at 11:00 a.m.Read the Press Release
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that a press conference will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, November 6, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., in the lobby of the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel, 2101 North Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577.
Represented at the press conference will be U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina Sherri Lydon, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina Andrew Murray, and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina Robert Higdon, Jr.
WHEN: Wednesday, November 6, 2019, at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
2101 North Oak Street
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
NOTE: Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Lance Crick, 864-282-2105. Members of the media wishing to attend the remarks should gather in the lobby of the hotel at 10:30 a.m., 30 minutes in advance.
#####
U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph Announces Launch of Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task ForceRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today the creation and launch of the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force, which held its first meeting this morning. The task force, formulated and led by the United States Attorney’s Office and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, is a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, along with local non-governmental victim services organizations, including civic, faith-based, and social services organizations.
Members of the task force will work collectively to identify, investigate and prosecute criminals using a victim-centered approach, provide victims/survivors with assistance, offer training to law enforcement and service providers, and increase public awareness about human trafficking throughout northwest Louisiana. The task force will be led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell, and will meet monthly to share information, coordinate investigations, and discuss potential matters and active cases in preparation of prosecution.
The Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force consists of representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and its Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshal’s Service, U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control, Louisiana State Police, Bossier/Webster Parish District Attorney’s Office, Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Marshal’s Office, Bossier City Police Department, and Shreveport Police Department.
Additionally, the task force will work in collaboration with numerous non-governmental victim advocate organizations, such as Purchased: Not for Sale, Caddo Parish Juvenile Services, The Center for Children and Families, Department of Children & Family Services, FREE Coalition, Gingerbread House – Bossier, The Hub, Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice, United Way of Northwest Louisiana, and Volunteers for Youth Justice CASA Program. Task force meetings tailored for the non-governmental organizations will be hosted quarterly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“Human trafficking is a crime that involves the systematic abuse of individual rights, freedom, and human dignity,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “This task force will coordinate multiple entities and agencies, and help our citizens effectively battle this evil in northwest Louisiana. I want to thank our partners in this effort who have committed their resources to protect victims, prevent human trafficking, and apprehend and prosecute traffickers who exploit their victims for financial gain.”
“While we live in a good community, we know that this does go on. Most of these victims have no hope or means to get out of these situations,” said Louisiana Sheriff’s Association President, Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington. “Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office is proud to be a part of the federal, state and local efforts to combat human trafficking.”
“Investigating human trafficking is a national priority of the FBI and we continue to take a proactive approach to identify human traffickers involved with the exploitation of adults and children alike,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. “Through this effort we are committed to providing victims the resources they need to improve their situation and continue to bring human traffickers to justice.”
To report suspected human trafficking or to obtain resources for victims, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, text “BeFree” (233733), or live chat at HumanTraffickingHotline.org. The toll free phone number, SMS text lines, and online chat function are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English and Spanish, or in more than 200 additional languages. The National Hotline is not managed by law enforcement, immigration or an investigative agency. Correspondence with the National Hotline is confidential and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and support. The National Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking, and will facilitate sharing that information with the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force. Through information received by the National Hotline, law enforcement authorities can connect investigations that span jurisdictions across the country.
To learn more about the National Resource Hotline, visit: www.humantraffickinghotline.org. To learn more about the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking visit: www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
For more information about the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force, please contact AUSA Earl Campbell or Victim Coordinator Vicki Chance at 318-676-3600.
# # #
U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph Announces Launch of Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task ForceRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today the creation and launch of the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force, which held its first meeting this morning. The task force, formulated and led by the United States Attorney’s Office and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, is a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, along with local non-governmental victim services organizations, including civic, faith-based, and social services organizations.
Members of the task force will work collectively to identify, investigate and prosecute criminals using a victim-centered approach, provide victims/survivors with assistance, offer training to law enforcement and service providers, and increase public awareness about human trafficking throughout northwest Louisiana. The task force will be led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell, and will meet monthly to share information, coordinate investigations, and discuss potential matters and active cases in preparation of prosecution.
The Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force consists of representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and its Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshal’s Service, U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control, Louisiana State Police, Bossier/Webster Parish District Attorney’s Office, Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Marshal’s Office, Bossier City Police Department, and Shreveport Police Department.
Additionally, the task force will work in collaboration with numerous non-governmental victim advocate organizations, such as Purchased: Not for Sale, Caddo Parish Juvenile Services, The Center for Children and Families, Department of Children & Family Services, FREE Coalition, Gingerbread House – Bossier, The Hub, Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice, United Way of Northwest Louisiana, and Volunteers for Youth Justice CASA Program. Task force meetings tailored for the non-governmental organizations will be hosted quarterly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“Human trafficking is a crime that involves the systematic abuse of individual rights, freedom, and human dignity,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “This task force will coordinate multiple entities and agencies, and help our citizens effectively battle this evil in northwest Louisiana. I want to thank our partners in this effort who have committed their resources to protect victims, prevent human trafficking, and apprehend and prosecute traffickers who exploit their victims for financial gain.”
“While we live in a good community, we know that this does go on. Most of these victims have no hope or means to get out of these situations,” said Louisiana Sheriff’s Association President, Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington. “Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office is proud to be a part of the federal, state and local efforts to combat human trafficking.”
“Investigating human trafficking is a national priority of the FBI and we continue to take a proactive approach to identify human traffickers involved with the exploitation of adults and children alike,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. “Through this effort we are committed to providing victims the resources they need to improve their situation and continue to bring human traffickers to justice.”
To report suspected human trafficking or to obtain resources for victims, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, text “BeFree” (233733), or live chat at HumanTraffickingHotline.org. The toll free phone number, SMS text lines, and online chat function are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English and Spanish, or in more than 200 additional languages. The National Hotline is not managed by law enforcement, immigration or an investigative agency. Correspondence with the National Hotline is confidential and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and support. The National Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking, and will facilitate sharing that information with the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force. Through information received by the National Hotline, law enforcement authorities can connect investigations that span jurisdictions across the country.
To learn more about the National Resource Hotline, visit: www.humantraffickinghotline.org. To learn more about the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking visit: www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
For more information about the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force, please contact AUSA Earl Campbell or Victim Coordinator Vicki Chance at 318-676-3600.
# # #
Two Individuals Plead Guilty for Working on Behalf of IranRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ahmadreza Mohammadi-Doostdar, 39, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, and Majid Ghorbani, 60, an Iranian citizen and resident of California, have entered pleas of guilty to charges stemming from their conduct conducting surveillance of and collecting identifying information about American citizens and U.S. nationals who are members of the Iranian dissident group Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK).
On Oct. 8, 2019, Doostdar entered a guilty plea to one count of acting as an agent of the Government of Iran without notifying the Attorney General, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 951, and one count of conspiring to violate that statute, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. On November 4, 2019, Ghorbani entered a guilty plea to one count of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. § 1705, and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part 560.
“The Iranian government thought it could get away with conducting surveillance on individuals in the United States by sending one of its agents here to task a permanent resident with conducting and collecting that surveillance,” said Jessie K. Liu, United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. “This case highlights our efforts to pursue those who threaten national security and disrupt foreign governments that target U.S. persons.”
“This alleged activity demonstrates a continued interest in targeting the United States, as well as potential opposition groups located in the United States,” said Executive Assistant Director Jay Tabb. “The FBI will continue to identify and disrupt those individuals who seek to engage in unlawful activity, on behalf of Iran, on US soil.”
As part of his plea, Doostdar admitted under oath that he traveled to the United States from Iran on three occasions in order to meet with Ghorbani and to convey directions for Ghorbani’s activities on behalf of the Government of Iran. Prior to Doostdar’s first trip to the United States, his handler with the Government of Iran identified Ghorbani by name, showed Doostdar a photograph of Ghorbani, and told him where Ghorbani worked.
During Doostdar’s first trip to the United States in July 2017, Doostdar met Ghorbani at Ghorbani’s workplace. Doostdar admitted that during a subsequent conversation, Ghorbani told Doostdar that he was willing to work for the Government of Iran in the United States.
On Sept. 20, 2017, Ghorbani attended an MEK rally in New York City. The rally consisted of constitutionally protected activity, including U.S. citizens denouncing the Iranian regime. At the rally, Ghorbani photographed rally attendees, including MEK leaders.
During Doostdar’s second trip to the United States as part of the conspiracy, in December 2017, Doostdar met with Ghorbani and collected the rally photographs from Ghorbani. The photographs depicted MEK leaders, and included hand-written notes identifying the individuals and listing their positions in the group. Ghorbani and Doostdar also discussed Ghorbani’s planned travel to Iran in March 2018, and Ghorbani offered to provide an in-person briefing on rally attendees during this trip. Under oath, Ghorbani admitted to attending the September 2017 MEK rally and to photographing and gathering information on rally attendees to provide to Doostdar and ultimately to individuals in Iran.
In December 2017, Doostdar departed the United States for Iran with the photographs and the handwritten notes provided by Ghorbani. Doostdar paid Ghorbani $2,000 for his work, which Doostdar admitted had been provided by Doostdar’s Government of Iran handler.
In May 2018, Ghorbani traveled to another MEK rally in Washington, D.C., where he again collected information on participants critical of the Iranian regime. Following that rally, Doostdar admitted that he and Ghorbani spoke by telephone and discussed the methods that Ghorbani could use to provide information collected at that rally to Doostdar in Iran.
Doostdar further admitted that during his travel to the United States to task Ghorbani with collecting information on U.S. persons on behalf of the Iranian regime, he communicated with his Government of Iran handler through another co-conspirator. Doostdar’s handler relayed instructions and encouragement, and answered Doostdar’s questions that came up during his mission to the United States.
Doostdar is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 17, 2019, at 2:00 p.m., before the Honorable Paul L. Friedman of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Ghorbani is scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Friedman on Jan. 15, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.
The maximum penalty for conspiracy is five years; the maximum penalty for acting as an agent of a foreign power is 10 years; and the maximum penalty for violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act is 20 years. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. Each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation into this matter was conducted by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and Los Angeles Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division of the Department of Justice.
Two Indicted in Pawtucket Police Fentanyl Trafficking InvestigationRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket couple allegedly found to be in possession of significant quantities of fentanyl, cash, and drug packaging materials were indicted by a federal grand jury today on drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves.
Adrian Montalvo, 32, and Erin Lawrence, 34, were arrested by members of the Pawtucket Police Narcotics Division on October 1, 2019, simultaneous to the execution of a court-authorized search of their residence by Pawtucket Police Detectives. The search resulted in the seizure of 2,118.35 grams of fentanyl contained in more than five-dozen plastic baggies.
Additionally, law enforcement seized a loaded Glock 26 handgun, 62 individual bags containing fentanyl, $79,106 in cash - $73,000 of which was located in a locked safe - and various items used in the packaging and sale of illegal narcotic drugs.
The grand jury today returned an indictment charging Adrian Montalvo with conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The grand jury indicted Lawrence on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
Conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl are each punishable by statutory penalties of a minimum mandatory 10 years up to life in federal prison and at least 5 years supervised release. Possession of a firearm in furtherance pf a drug trafficking crime is punishable by a mandatory minimum 5 years up to life imprisonment consecutive to any other sentences imposed in this matter.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman thanks the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their assistance to the Pawtucket Police Department in the investigation of this matter. U.S. Attorney Weisman also thanks the DEA for their support during the execution of the court-authorized search of the defendants’ residence.
###
Syrian National Sentenced for Stalking OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALAA HASAN QALB ALLOUZ, 34, a citizen of Syria last residing in New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for stalking in violation of a protective order.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2016, Allouz, his wife and their children emigrated from Syria and settled in New Haven. In April 2017, Allouz’s wife filed a petition for dissolution of marriage, after incidents of domestic violence and Allouz’s state arrests for risk of injury, assault, breach of peace, and violation of a protective order offenses. In July 2017, Allouz’s wife obtained a Standing Criminal Protective Order ordering Allouz not to contact his wife. In August 2017, after Allouz threatened his wife, Allouz’s wife withdrew her petition for dissolution of marriage.
On February 2, 2018, Allouz was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on a federal arrest warrant and order of deportation, and he was transferred from a Connecticut state prison to a detention center in Massachusetts. While he was detained in ICE custody, Allouz made multiple phone calls to his wife during which he repeatedly harassed, threatened and intimidated her. He also made calls to other individuals during which he threatened to harm his wife and her family members. Allouz also threatened his wife and her family members in letters and e-mails.
Allouz has been detained, first in state and then federal custody, since January 10, 2017. On February 5, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging him with one count of stalking in violation of a protective order. He pleaded guilty to the offense on May 15, 2019.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Maplewood Steak and Shake at GunpointRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Frank Brothers, 30, of St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to felony charges of robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Brothers appeared in federal court today before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for January 31, 2020.
According to court documents, on October 24, 2018, Brothers entered the Steak and Shake located in Maplewood. Brothers pointed a firearm at the manger, forced her to the floor and then forced her to open a safe. The manager handed Brothers the U.S. currency in the safe. Brothers then fled out the rear door to his vehicle.
Brothers faces up to 20 years in prison on the robbery charge. In addition, Brothers faces between seven years nor more than life in prison on the charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Maplewood Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case.
Septuagenarian guilty of stealing deceased parents’ benefitsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal jury has convicted a 70-year-old Houston man of fraudulently taking government money for more than 20 years, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The jury deliberated for less than an hour before convicting Fred Samson following a two-day trial.
Samson’s parents passed away in Poland in 1995. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) was unaware of this and believed they still resided in Houston. As such, SSA continued to pay their monthly retirement benefits.
The government provided evidence and testimony demonstrating Samson wrongly collected these benefits that were intended for his deceased parents.
The jury saw copies of U.S. Treasury checks with endorsements containing Samson’s signature. Bank records also revealed Samson opened a joint bank account in his and his mother’s name more than a decade after she had passed away and directed her monthly benefits into that account. Witness testimony detailed withdrawals made from accounts held in both his parents’ names. Samson was the only person who had made those withdrawals.
In 2016, SSA attempted to contact Samson’s father at his address of record in Houston. The jury heard testimony Samson had claimed, falsely, that his parents moved to Poland two years prior.
The jury also heard about several inconsistent statements Samson made over the course of the investigation. He first claimed he had been sending the money to Poland, but later said he was using the money because his parents gave him permission to do so. He also stated he had been using the funds since 2000, but later admitted he had done so since they had passed away.
He later acknowledged he wrote a letter to SSA saying his parents were still alive, admitting he was afraid of getting in trouble and did not have the money to pay it back.
At trial, Samson tried to claim he had been unaware his parents had passed away. He said he had a falling out with his family and had not spoken with his parents since they moved back to Poland in the early ‘90s. He also argued there was a language barrier and may not have understood details he discussed with authorities.
The jury did not believe Samson’s claims and found him guilty as charged.
Authorities estimate Samson illegally claimed more than $90,000 in government funds as a result of the scheme.
U.S. District Judge Sim Lake presided over the trial and set sentencing for February 2020. At that time, Samson faces up to 10 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He may be required to also pay restitution to SSA. Samson was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
SSA-OIG conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Sandel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day are prosecuting the case.
San Diego Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Politically Motivated ArsonsRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys John Parmley (619) 546-7957 and Caroline Han (619) 546-6968
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 5, 2019
SAN DIEGO – Daniel Hector Mackinnon was sentenced in federal court today to seven years in prison for committing two politically-motivated arsons, including one that endangered the lives of children.
During today’s hearing, U.S. District Judge William Q. Hayes described Mackinnon’s conduct as “cold blooded and cowardly” and expressed concern that Mackinnon is a danger to the community. “In light of what you did, I think every day is warranted,” Judge Hayes told the defendant, referring to the length of the sentence.
According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, Mackinnon’s conviction covered two separate arsons, both occurring in the early morning hours of April 24, 2019. Investigators believe Mackinnon targeted the victims based on the nature of the business and/or their professional/political ties. Beginning early that morning, Mackinnon attempted to set fire to the La Jolla home of a prominent San Diego real estate developer. At the time of the arson, the home was occupied by two adults and three small children, all of whom were sleeping. The defendant poured an accelerant onto the door and ignited it, causing damage to the door. Investigators found remnants of a plastic water bottle, a pry bar and a bottle cap at the scene and were able to tie Mackinnon to the arson based on DNA recovered from the bottle cap.
Mackinnon’s second arson that morning occurred at the Kearny Mesa building of Raytheon, a defense contractor that does weapons systems work for the military at the facility. Based on surveillance video, Mackinnon first drove his car into Raytheon’s building. After his car bounced back, he exited his car and opened the vehicle’s back hatch. A short while later, fire shot out, engulfing the vehicle and causing damage to the building’s exterior. Surveillance video showed Mackinnon fleeing the scene after which he drove into Mexico. A multi-agency effort of federal, state and local partners worked to identify Mackinnon and he was arrested the same day as he attempted to re-enter the United States at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
As set forth in the government’s sentencing memorandum, Mackinnon has previously committed politically-motivated petty crimes in the early 2000s, including remaining at the scene of a riot after being arrested at a Southern Kalifornia Anarchist Alliance May Day demonstration and “keying” a media vehicle at an environment protest.
“Fire is a dangerous and indiscriminate weapon,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “Mackinnon’s arsons not only caused damage to a business, but also endangered the lives of small children who were asleep in their homes. Because of the quick response and savvy investigative efforts of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, Mackinnon was quickly apprehended and his crime spree was swiftly ended.” Brewer also thanked prosecutors Caroline Han and John Parmley for working hard to keep the public safe.
“This conviction and sentence sends an important message to those who use violence to express their discontent,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Brunner. “The FBI will identify and bring to justice arsonists and other violent actors who put the safety of San Diegans at risk.”
DEFENDANT Criminal Case No. 19CR1849-WQH
Daniel Hector Mackinnon Age 37 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Malicious damage to building by means of fire, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Section 844(i).
Mandatory minimum penalty: Five years in prison
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
San Diego FBI - Joint Terrorism Task Force
San Diego Police Department
Metro Arson Strike Team
U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Preventing His Departure from the United StatesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that JOSE ARMANDO VILLALOBOS (“VILLALOBOS”), age 49, pleaded guilty on October 31, 2019 to a one-count indictment for preventing or hampering his departure from the United States after he was ordered removed by a U.S. Immigration Court in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1253(a)(1)(C).
According to the indictment, VILLALOBOS, who had an order of removal pending against him from a U.S. Immigration Court, hampered his removal when he fled immigration officers as they tried to arrest him on July 25, 2019. VILLALOBOS, faces a maximum term of imprisonment of four years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. Judge Nannette Brown set his sentencing for December 12, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
* * *
Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud in Multi-Million Dollar Nationwide Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Perry Santillo, age 39, of Rochester, New York, pleaded guilty on November 4, 2019, to mail fraud.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Santillo admitted to defrauding investors around the country as part of a Ponzi scheme that included victims in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Santillo admitted as part of his plea that the scheme took in approximately $115 million in fraudulent investments, and resulted in a total loss to investors of $70.7 million.
Perry Santillo was a founder, member, manager, and CEO of First Nationle Solution, LLC. Santillo offered and sold securities in First Nationle, Percipience Global Corporation, United RL Capital Services LLC, and other issuers to investors. Santillo also provided investment advice to those same investors.
In fact, First Nationle, Percipience Global and United RL did not conduct their purported businesses. Rather, Santillo and others working with him operated each business primarily as a Ponzi scheme by issuing securities in the form of promissory notes, soliciting and then misappropriating substantial amounts of investor funds, and using some remaining investor funds to pay off redeeming investors.
As part of the scheme, Santillo and others travelled the country and bought books of business from investment professionals such as registered representatives and investment advisors.
In the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Santillo and those who aided and abetted him purchased a book of business from an investment advisor and conducted their fraud scheme under the guise of an “investment business” located in Scotrun, Monroe County, using various business names, including Advice and Life Group, Poconos Investments, First American Securities, and Financial Planners Group of America.
Santillo, with the help of others, then solicited investors from within those acquired books of business to withdraw money from traditional investments such as annuities, and reinvest the funds in issuers controlled by Santillo and others, including First Nationle, Percipience, and United RL, sometimes without disclosing that Santillo and his confederates controlled those issuers.
Through offering documents, company websites, and in-person pitches, Santillo and his confederates falsely indicated that investments would be used to fund legitimate businesses. However, rather than use investors’ funds for purported legitimate business purposes, Santillo and his confederates misappropriated vast amounts of the funds for their personal use and used some of the funds to pay redeeming investors to perpetuate the Ponzi scheme.
Santillo and his associates also misrepresented the ongoing performance – or lack thereof – of investors’ investments. Santillo and others provided account statements to investors falsely stating that investor funds were invested, falsely stating investment returns, and in some cases falsely stating that a bonus had been credited to investor accounts. In certain instances, Santillo and others provided investors with bonus funds or interest payments, and in other cases Santillo and others provided redeeming investors with all or part of their funds, at times with returns. These were Ponzi payments derived from new investor funds rather than actual investment returns. In other cases, Santillo and others failed to fulfill the requests of investors to redeem their investments.
Among the victim investors defrauded in the Middle District of Pennsylvania was an individual with the initials “JP.” Victim JP first invested $159,000 in First Nationle in September 2015, and invested another $380,000 in June 2016. In 2017, JP also invested twice in United RL, the first an investment of $20,000 and the second $52,000. Santillo and confederates also induced JP to invest $325,000 in a third fraudulent issuer. JP was repaid only $15,000, and was defrauded of the remainder of the $936,000 total investment. The specific charge in the information to which Santillo pled guilty related to a mailing sent in relation to the fraudulent investments JP was sold by Santillo and his confederates.
“As he did in districts throughout the country, Perry Santillo came to the Middle District of Pennsylvania and purchased a business from a trusted investment advisor for the sole purpose of finding new victims to exploit,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “This massive nationwide fraud was committed for one simple reason – to enrich Santillo and his confederates. This was a scam from day one, and Santillo and the others knew it. Thankfully, federal law enforcement was on the case. I want to particularly thank my friend and colleague U.S. Attorney J.P. Kennedy and his team for their hard work on this case and commend all of the federal agencies involved for their industry and cooperative efforts.”
Santillo had previously pled guilty in the Western District of New York to a three-count information in a related case in October 2019. The investigation is continuing in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, as well as, the Western District of New York with respect to others who may have participated in the scheme.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations; the Securities and Exchange Commission; United States Postal Inspection Service; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Labor Racketeering and Fraud; the New York State Department of Financial Services; and the Harrisburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean A. Camoni in Scranton, and Assistant United States Attorney John Field in Rochester are prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
# # #
Rhode Island Man Sentenced for Million Dollar Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Rhode Island man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with a scheme to embezzle over $1 million from a Massachusetts company.
Michael H. Tran, 35, of Woonsocket, R.I., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 46 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay forfeiture and restitution each in the amount of $1,284,792. In August 2019, Tran pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud.
Tran and co-conspirator Darren Cormier, who worked as a product manager for a Bellingham manufacturing company, worked together to embezzle millions of dollars from the company. From December 2013 to May 2016, Cormier told the company owners that he was purchasing equipment for the company using his PayPal account, which was linked to the company’s credit cards. Instead of making legitimate equipment purchases, however, Cormier used his PayPal account to pay Tran, who withdrew the money in cash and used it to pay for personal expenses. Tran and Cormier concealed the fraud by adjusting the names settings in Tran’s PayPal account to make it appear on account statements as if the payments were submitted to legitimate vendors. Tran and Cormier also submitted fraudulent invoices and purchase orders to the company in the name of some non-existent vendors, such as “A Plug Tool Supply” and “MHT Industrial.”
Cormier was charged separately for his role in the conspiracy and wire fraud scheme and pleaded guilty in March 2019. He is set to be sentenced on Nov. 26, 2019.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordi de Llano, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit, prosecuted the case.
Rhode Island Man Pleads Guilty to Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HENRY FELLELA, JR., 61, of Johnston, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to credit card fraud and identity theft offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2018, Fellela was released from federal prison following a 48-month sentence imposed in the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island for credit card fraud, aggravated identity theft and other offenses. Between March 2018 and March 2019, while he was on federal supervised release, Fellela stole credit cards from Connecticut residents and used the cards to make approximately $48,000 in fraudulent purchases at various retail stores throughout Connecticut and elsewhere.
Fellela pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of two years. Fellela also faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 13, 2020.
Fellela has been detained since his arrest on March 8, 2019.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Donovan and Sarala Nagala.
Retired DEA Agent Indicted on Charges of Bribery, Obstruction, and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an 11-count indictment charging Joseph Bongiovanni, 55, of Tonawanda, NY, with conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; accepting a bribe; obstruction of justice; and making false statements to an agency of the United States. The drug conspiracy charge carries a maximum possible sentence of up to life in prison, while the maximum possible sentences for the remaining counts range from five years to 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Tripi and Brendan T. Cullinane, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 1998 and February 1, 2019, the defendant served as a Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration. From 2001 until his retirement, Bongiovanni was assigned to the Buffalo Resident Office.
The indictment alleges that between 2008 and approximately June 2019, the defendant had friends and associates who he knew were involved in the possession, use, distribution, and importation of controlled substances including marijuana and cocaine. Those friends and associates included individuals whom the defendant believed to be members of, connected to, or associated with Italian Organized Crime (IOC).
Bongiovanni is accused of using his position as a DEA Special Agent to shield his friends and associates from criminal investigations in exchange for payments. The defendant is also accused of using his position to attempt to dissuade other members of law enforcement from conducting investigations of certain individuals. The indictment alleges that between 2008 and 2017, Bongiovanni took bribes totaling at least $250,000. The defendant was paid bribes on a recurring basis in exchange for regular debriefings during which Bongiovanni provided information designed to protect and conceal the drug trafficking activities of his friends, associates, and co-conspirators.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General New York Field Office Special Agent in Charge Guido Modano. The Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division, also assisted in the investigation.
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.
# # # #
Ravenna woman charged with embezzling almost $500,000 from former employerRead the Press Release
A Ravenna, Ohio woman was charged with bank fraud for allegedly embezzling approximately $490,000 from her former employer. Victoria A. Ladd, age 50, is alleged to have used her employment position, which allowed her access to company funds and bank accounts, to write checks to herself that she then cashed or deposited into her personal bank accounts. The stolen funds were then allegedly used to pay her personal expenses.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brendan D. O’Shea.
An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Plaquemine Man Accused of Stealing over $450,000 in Fraudulent Social Security Benefits SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that Donald “Duck” Daigle, age 62, of Plaquemine, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles to fraudulently obtaining disability payments from the Social Security Administration. As a result of his conviction, Daigle faces a significant term of imprisonment, a fine, and a period of supervised release.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, Daigle falsely claimed he was disabled and unable to work as a result of a 1998 automobile accident. He also admitted that from June 2002 through October 2018, on numerous occasions he concealed and failed to disclose to the Social Security Administration that he built, opened and ran daily operations as a small business owner, Duck’s Quick Stop and Pizza, in Plaquemine, Louisiana until it closed in 2009. Thereafter, Daigle failed to disclose that he performed work as a commercial truck driver and as a forklift operator employed at a chemical plant. He further admitted that, as a result of his fraudulent scheme, he knowingly and illegally collected $457,460 in payments to which he was neither entitled nor eligible.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Those who steal benefits from any federal program deserve the attention of federal investigators and will be aggressively prosecuted. This plea should serve as a clear warning to those who mistakenly believe their fraudulent conduct will continue indefinitely and undetected. I commend the efforts of our prosecutor and our partners at the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General for bringing this defendant to justice.”
“We are gratified by the guilty plea in this egregious case,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “We will continue to uphold the integrity of Social Security’s disability programs by pursuing those who knowingly receive benefits they’re not eligible for. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its support in pursuing justice in this case and recovering funds for those who truly need them.”
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Dallas Field Division of the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III
Pascagoula Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by an Unlawful User of a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Brian Keith Blalock, Jr., 25, of Pascagoula, Mississippi, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent-in-Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Blalock will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on February 18, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
On March 20, 2019, the Pascagoula Police Department responded to a call about a drive-by shooting. Upon arriving at the scene, police officers spoke with residents who reported seeing a black car with dark colored windows and a missing front bumper leave the scene immediately after multiple shots were fired. A witness also reported that a man had been seen throwing something over a nearby fence. Police investigated and found a rifle, wrapped in clothing, at the location indicated by the witness. Police later determined that the description given of the man seen throwing the rifle matched the description of Blalock.
Officers searched the surrounding area and located the vehicle. When officers initiated a traffic stop, Blalock exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers secured the car for evidence and alerted other officers who were able to locate Blalock. Officers found sixteen 7.62 caliber ammunition shell casings in the car Blalock had been driving. It also was documented that Blalock was a habitual user of marijuana.
As part of an ATF investigation, the casings found in the car Blalock was driving, were identified as Tula 7.62 caliber ammunition casings, the same caliber as fired from the recovered rifle. Further examination by the ATF Forensic Science Laboratory in Atlanta showed the casings had been fired in the rifle recovered at the scene.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the coordinated investigation by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and by the City of Biloxi Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.
Owner of North Reading Restaurant Sentenced for Failing to Report $1.9 Million in Business ReceiptsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of Mike’s Famous Roast Beef & Pizza in North Reading was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for committing tax fraud by failing to report approximately $1.9 million in business receipts.
Emanuel Panousos, a/k/a Mike Panousos, 44, of Peabody, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to 21 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a fine of $7,500 and restitution of $387,180. In May 2019, Panousos pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting in filing false corporate tax returns.
From 2013 through 2015, Panousos skimmed business cash receipts totaling about $1.9 million, and failed to report those cash receipts to his tax preparer or on the restaurant’s corporate tax returns. As a result, Panousos avoided paying both corporate and personal taxes totaling approximately $387,180 during those years.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Balthazard of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Alex R. Ives, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court to 37 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. for bank robbery. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Ives will serve a three-year term of supervised release. Ives was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $9,073.
On February 4, 2019, Ives entered Bank of the West at 8707 West Center Road in Omaha with a blue scarf covering his face. He demanded money from multiple tellers. Ives left the bank with approximately $13,769.99, including some $20 bait bills. On February 13, 2019, Ives contacted the Omaha Police Department stating he was responsible for the robbery. Omaha Police officers responded to his location and placed him under arrest.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Omaha Police Department.
Ohio man admits to plotting July 4th attack in Cleveland as part of plot to provide support to al QaedaRead the Press Release
A Maple Heights man pleaded guilty to crimes related to his plot to launch a terrorist attack in Cleveland on Independence Day.
Demetrius Nathaniel Pitts, aka Abdur Raheem Rafeeq, aka Salah ad-Deen Osama Waleed, 50, pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, threats against the President of the United States and threats against family members of the President of the United States.
Pitts is scheduled to be sentenced on February 11, 2020. Under the terms of his guilty plea, Pitts is likely to be sentenced to 14 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
“This defendant admitted to plotting an attack on families and children in downtown Cleveland on Independence Day, as well as making threats against the President and his family,” U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin Herdman said. “He planned to inflict pain and terror on the day we celebrate our nation’s most cherished freedoms. We remain committed to protecting our nation from people who adhere to ideologies that promulgate violence.”
“Pitts has acknowledged his desire and plan to commit a terrorist attack supporting al-Qaeda in Cleveland during the July 4th parade, the very day innocent citizens would be celebrating the freedoms we have in this country,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith said. “The FBI thanks the public for reporting individuals espousing their radical beliefs that threaten our way of life. Law enforcement reminds the public, if you see something, say something, we must interrupt plans for violent attacks before they occur.”
According to an affidavit filed in the case, between 2015 and 2017, Pitts expressed anti-American sentiments and expressed a desire to recruit people to kill Americans. The defendant expressed a desire to meet with an al Qaeda “brother” and in June he was introduced to an FBI employee acting in an undercover capacity (UCE), who Pitts believed was such a “brother.”
Pitts and the UCE met in Walton Hills, Ohio, in 2018, where they discussed launching an attack for al Qaeda during the July 4th holiday.
Pitts said: “I’m trying to figure out something that would shake them up on the 4th of July.” He later stated: “What would hit them at their core? Blow up in the, have a bomb blow up in the 4th of July parade.”
Pitts searched Google for a map of downtown Cleveland. After learning the fireworks would be launched from Voinovich Park, Pitts said: “Oh there you go. Oh yeah.” He was also pleased the park was near the U.S. Coast Guard station, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Celebrezze Federal Building.
The meeting concluded with Pitts indicating to the UCE that he would travel to downtown Cleveland soon to take photographs and videotape footage as part of surveillance efforts of Voinovich Park and the U.S. Coast Guard station. He also expressed a desire to take a tour of the U.S. Coast Guard station to gain as much information as he could about the layout of the facility.
On June 25, Pitts met with an FBI confidential human source (CHS) in Maple Heights, Ohio, to retrieve items used to conduct surveillance for the July 4th attack.
On June 26, Pitts contacted the UCE via text message and relayed that he had completed the reconnaissance of the designated spots in downtown Cleveland and that he desired to “destroy the government.”
Pitts also indicated he intended to travel to Philadelphia, since Philadelphia is his hometown and he knows it best. Pitts indicated it was his “job” to “go look at the base of the ground” and that it was up to other “brothers” to complete other parts of the job.
On June 27, Pitts met with the CHS and turned over the phone that contained the reconnaissance photos and videos, so they could be provided to the al Qaeda brothers.
Later on June 27, Pitts and the UCE met in Maple Heights then drove to downtown Cleveland, where they discussed the impending July 4th bombing.
“And I’m gonna be downtown when the – when the thing go off. I’m gonna be somewhere cuz I wanna see it go off,” Pitts said.
A search of the phone that Pitts provided to the CHS revealed that he made two videos in which he pledged allegiance. He stated, in part: “We serve Allah . . . We fight our enemies. We destroy them and destroy those who try to oppose…”
The phone also had four videos taken by Pitts that show him walking down East 9th Street in Cleveland, pointing out potential targets such as the federal building, the Coast Guard station and St. John’s Cathedral, which he said could be taken “off the map.”
On July 1, Pitts met with the UCE in Garfield Heights, Ohio, for Pitts to explain his plan for Philadelphia. Pitts said he planned to travel there to conduct reconnaissance for a future attack in Philadelphia. Pitts stated a truck bomb packed with explosives, such as the one used in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, would be the best way to cause maximum damage.
Pitts was reminded by the UCE that people would die and body parts would by flying around. Pitts responded “I don’t care” and that he had “no regrets,” would be able to “go to sleep” and “I don’t give a (expletive).”
Pitts also pleaded guilty today to threatening to kill the President of the United States and his immediate family members, namely his daughter and son-in-law.
The FBI-Cleveland Division’s Joint Terrorism Task investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Baeppler and Jerry Teresinski of the Northern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorney Paul Casey of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Plotting July 4th Attack in Cleveland as Part of Plot to Provide Support to Al QaedaRead the Press Release
A Maple Heights man pleaded guilty to crimes related to his plot to launch a terrorist attack in Cleveland on Independence Day. The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General of National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman for the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith for the FBI Cleveland Field Office.
Demetrius Nathaniel Pitts, aka Abdur Raheem Rafeeq, aka Salah ad-Deen Osama Waleed, 50, pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, threats against the President of the United States and threats against family members of the President of the United States.
According to an affidavit filed in the case, between 2015 and 2017, Pitts expressed anti-American sentiments and expressed a desire to recruit people to kill Americans. The defendant expressed a desire to meet with an al Qaeda “brother” and in June he was introduced to an FBI employee acting in an undercover capacity (UCE), who Pitts believed was such a “brother.”
Pitts and the UCE met in Walton Hills, Ohio, in 2018, where they discussed launching an attack for al Qaeda during the July 4th holiday.
Pitts said: “I’m trying to figure out something that would shake them up on the 4th of July.” He later stated: “What would hit them at their core? Blow up in the, have a bomb blow up in the 4th of July parade.”
Pitts searched Google for a map of downtown Cleveland. After learning the fireworks would be launched from Voinovich Park, Pitts said: “Oh there you go. Oh yeah.” He was also pleased the park was near the U.S. Coast Guard station, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Celebrezze Federal Building.
The meeting concluded with Pitts indicating to the UCE that he would travel to downtown Cleveland soon to take photographs and videotape footage as part of surveillance efforts of Voinovich Park and the U.S. Coast Guard station. He also expressed a desire to take a tour of the U.S. Coast Guard station to gain as much information as he could about the layout of the facility.
On June 25, Pitts met with an FBI confidential human source (CHS) in Maple Heights, Ohio, for to retrieve items used to conduct surveillance for the July 4th attack.
On June 26, Pitts contacted the UCE via text message and relayed that he had completed the reconnaissance of the designated spots in downtown Cleveland and that he desired to “destroy the government.”
Pitts also indicated he intended to travel to Philadelphia, since Philadelphia is his hometown and he knows it best. Pitts indicated it was his “job” to “go look at the base of the ground” and that it was up to other “brothers” to complete other parts of the job.
On June 27, Pitts met with the CHS and turned over the phone that contained the reconnaissance photos and videos, so they could be provided to the al Qaeda brothers.
Later on June 27, Pitts and the UCE met in Maple Heights then drove to downtown Cleveland, where they discussed the impending July 4th bombing.
“And I’m gonna be downtown when the – when the thing go off. I’m gonna be somewhere cuz I wanna see it go off,” Pitts said.
A search of the phone that Pitts provided to the CHS revealed that he made two videos in which he pledged allegiance. He stated, in part: “We serve Allah . . . We fight our enemies. We destroy them and destroy those who try to oppose…”
The phone also had four videos taken by Pitts that show him walking down East 9th Street in Cleveland, pointing out potential targets such as the federal building, the Coast Guard station and St. John’s Cathedral, which he said could be taken “off the map.”
On July 1, Pitts met with the UCE in Garfield Heights, Ohio, for Pitts to explain his plan for Philadelphia. Pitts said he planned to travel there to conduct reconnaissance for a future attack in Philadelphia. Pitts stated a truck bomb packed with explosives, such as the one used in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, would be the best way to cause maximum damage.
Pitts was reminded by the UCE that people would die and body parts would by flying around. Pitts responded “I don’t care” and that he had “no regrets,” would be able to “go to sleep” and “I don’t give a (expletive).”
Pitts also pleaded guilty today to threatening to kill the President of the United States and his immediate family members, namely his daughter and son-in-law.
Pitts is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 11, 2020. Under the terms of his guilty plea, Pitts is likely to be sentenced to 14 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
The FBI-Cleveland Division’s Joint Terrorism Task investigated the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Baeppler and Jerry Teresinski of the Northern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorney Paul Casey of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
November 5th 2019 Election Day monitoring announcedRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia Byung J. “BJay” Pak announces that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Brent Gray has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) and, in that capacity, is responsible for overseeing the handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have their vote counted,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “On Election Day, federal monitors will be located at polling places in Gwinnett County to monitor voting procedures. Free and fair elections depend, in large part, on the cooperation of the American electorate.”
The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that we protect the right to vote. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 5, 2019, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, he Gray will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. AUSA Gray can be reached by the public at the following telephone number (404) 581-6077. Members of the public also can call the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Norwich Man Arrested in Connection with New London ShootingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TREMAINE DOWDELL, 26, of Norwich, was arrested today on an indictment charging him with a federal firearm offense related to his alleged participation in an assault and shooting in New London in September.
On October 3, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Dowdell with one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to the indictment and statements made in court during Dowdell’s initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven, video surveillance from the H&T Mart on Ocean Avenue in New London on September 14, 2019, shows four individuals assaulting a customer as the customer left the store. Video captured Dowdell removing a gun from his pants and firing a single shot toward the victim of the assault. When police arrived a short time later, officers found a .40 caliber cartridge casing at the location where Dowdell fired the gun.
It is alleged that Dowdell has prior state felony convictions for larceny, burglary and failure to appear offenses. 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.
If convicted of the offense charged in the indictment, Dowdell faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Dowdell is currently detained.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the New London Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Norwich Police Department and Connecticut State Parole. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Narducci of the New London State’s Attorney Office.
Nigerian national sentenced to a decade in prison for role in $1.83 million romance fraud scheme involving elderly victimsRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Olu Victor Alonge has been sentenced for his role in a multi-year wire fraud scheme that targeted users of American dating websites and caused a total loss of $1,835,279. Six other Nigerian nationals have been charged as part of the conspiracy; three have pled guilty, and Alonge is the first to be sentenced.
“The conspirators in these cases, including some who were overseas, used fake personas on online dating websites to trick individuals, including elderly retirees, into giving them large amounts of money,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “The conspirators would spend weeks cultivating online relationships with their victims before defrauding them of hundreds of thousands of dollars, often taken from their retirement savings or inheritances. The judge rightly called the romance fraud scheme ‘pure evil’ before handing down the defendant’s sentence. Combating this type of transnational fraud targeting elderly Americans is a top priority of my office and the Department of Justice; would-be cybercriminals should think twice before engaging in such vile conduct.”
“This sentencing exemplifies IRS Special Agents' intense focus on the rigorous pursuit of crimes against our most vulnerable citizens, the elderly,” said Atlanta Field Office IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman, III. “Individuals who commit fraud and identity theft of this magnitude and with this degree of trickery, dishonesty and deceit, deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Olu Alonge perpetuated an elaborate scheme driven by insatiable greed and a blatant disregard for the tremendous damage inflicted on innocent victims. Be assured that IRS Criminal Investigation, together with our partners at the U.S. Attorney's Office, will hold those who engage in similar behavior fully accountable.”
“I greatly appreciate the hard work of our investigators in pursuing this crime, and that of the U.S. Attorney’s staff for prosecuting this case. Everyone did an excellent job in bringing this serious matter to a satisfactory conclusion,” said Steven A. Sund, Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police.
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: The defendants and other conspirators created phony dating profiles on popular online dating websites that described fictitious personas. These profiles displayed photographs of men and women that, in some instances, were public figures, such as government officials or models, taken from publically available websites. The conspirators then used their fake online personas to target users of online dating websites and falsely pose as potential paramours by expressing strong romantic interest in the targeted users. These conspirators often targeted vulnerable individuals who possessed financial assets and in some cases spent months cultivating romantic relationships with them through online messaging, text messaging, and voice calls.
After gaining their affection and trust, the conspirators, posing as the fake paramours, provided the targeted users with elaborate false stories to cause the users to send them money through interstate wire or online transfers to bank accounts controlled by the conspirators. The fake paramours often claimed to be working overseas and in need of money to travel back to the United States or to complete business deals abroad. Once the conspirators received money from targeted users, the conspirators quickly withdrew the funds and dispersed them into other accounts, domestically and abroad.
The conspirators caused a total loss of $1,835,279.00 to the eight identified victims. One victim lost $610,319.00. Four other victims lost $418,697.00, $388,900.00, $260,000.00, and $148,800 respectively.
The two superseding indictments returned by a grand jury on June 20, 2018 charged the defendants with a total of 60 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, identity theft, and use of false passports. The defendants charged include:
- Olu Victor Alonge, a/k/a Serge Damessi, a/k/a Didier Baraze, a/k/a Mobo Marcus Adeh, a/k/a Ayo Baraze, a/k/a Nicolas Soglo, 35, of Newnan, Georgia, who was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr., on October 30, 2019, to 10 years of imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,835,279.00 in victim restitution.
- Ugochukwu Lazarus Onebunne, a/k/a Policap Tizhe, a/k/a Saheed Ademoha, 41, of Douglasville, Georgia;
- Olajide Olalekan Adara, a/k/a Kelvin Mensah, 33, of Loganville, Georgia;
- Joshua Adedeji Ipoade, 28, of Atlanta, Georgia;
- Oladunni Temitope Oladipupo, 24, of Lynn, Massachusetts; and
- Two other defendants are fugitives and their identities remain sealed.
Onebunne and Adara have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Ipoade and Oladipupo are awaiting trial dates pending the completion of pretrial litigation. Alonge, Onebunne, and Adara will face immigration removal proceedings after the completion of their criminal cases, as will Ipoade, if convicted.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendants who have not been convicted are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
Users of online dating websites should be aware of romance scams involving internet dating sites and should exercise extreme caution if asked for money by anyone online or over the phone.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is part of the Department Of Justice Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force. The Strike Force focuses on investigating and prosecuting defendants associated with foreign-based fraud schemes that disproportionately affect American seniors. These include phone scams, mass-mailing fraud schemes, and tech-support fraud schemes.
The U.S. Capitol Police and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division are investigating this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Ghose and Sekret Sneed are prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
- Olu Victor Alonge, a/k/a Serge Damessi, a/k/a Didier Baraze, a/k/a Mobo Marcus Adeh, a/k/a Ayo Baraze, a/k/a Nicolas Soglo, 35, of Newnan, Georgia, who was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr., on October 30, 2019, to 10 years of imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,835,279.00 in victim restitution.
Nigerian Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Nigerian woman pleaded guilty today to leading a conspiracy to import more than five kilograms of cocaine, as well as to her role in a separate bank fraud scheme, and to making false statements relating to fraudulent claims submitted to Medicaid for reimbursement.
“Tammy Olaiya is a ‘triple threat’ of criminality – drug trafficker, a fraudster, and a liar,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Olaiya, a Nigerian immigrant who has spent the last two decades with the privilege of living in the United States as lawful permanent resident, clearly has zero respect for American laws pertaining to our borders, controlled substances, our financial system, or our health care system.”
According to court documents, Temitope Ayoni Olaiya, aka “Tammy”, 40, a Nigerian national residing in Hyattsville, Maryland, recruited men from the greater Washington, D.C. area to act as drug courier; i.e., to travel to foreign countries to obtain drugs to bring back into the United States. Olaiya opened bank accounts in the couriers’ names, assisted them in obtaining passports and visas, and booked their travel arrangements. The couriers that Olaiya recruited traveled primarily to São Paulo, Brazil, where they picked up kilogram quantities of cocaine hidden in the lining of soft-sided briefcases or attaché cases. Altogether, law enforcement seized nearly seven kilograms of cocaine at three different U.S. airports from three separate couriers recruited by Olaiya.
“Every single Medicaid dollar is precious and must be carefully guarded,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Accordingly we will continue working with all our law enforcement partners to preserve these vital funds.”
In addition to the cocaine importation scheme, Olaiya also submitted falsified and fraudulent claims to the D.C. Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF), a health care benefit program funded by Medicaid. Olaiya worked as a personal care aide for various home health agencies in the Washington D.C. area, and in order to receive payment for services rendered, Olaiya was required to submit timesheets signed by her clients documenting the services rendered. Instead of submitting time sheets for time actually worked providing health care services, Olaiya recruited Medicaid recipients to act as her “patients” and to sign her falsified timesheets in return for a small amount of money as a kickback. On at least two occasions, Olaiya billed DHCF for home health services she claimed to have provided while she was out of the country.
Separate and apart from the cocaine importation and the home health services scheme, Olaiya also used her African goods business in Maryland to carry out a bank fraud. Olaiya used accounts with payment platforms Square and Stripe to make fraudulent charges on stolen credit card numbers. Between June and December 2017, Olaiya submitted, or caused to be submitted, $381,500 in fraudulent credit card charges to the Stripe account. Thereafter, Olaiya switched over to Square, and in the course of about two months, racked up more than $100,000 in fraudulent charges. When Square informed Olaiya that the true account holder had challenged the transaction, Olaiya created handwritten, falsified invoices documenting items purportedly purchased by the account holder, and provided the fake invoices to Square.
Olaiya pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine, bank fraud, and making false statements relating to health care matters. She faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison for the cocaine importation charge when sentenced on Feb. 28, 2020. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was prosecuted as part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation Girl From Ipanema. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the DC Office of Inspector General provided significant assistance with the investigation.
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. 1:19-cr-294 and 1:19-cr-323.
New Jersey Man Sentenced for Virginia-Based Gun-Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A New Jersey man was sentenced today to 34 months in prison for conspiring to purchase firearms in Virginia and traffic them to New Jersey for resale on the streets.
“Clifton Walston admitted to trafficking multiple firearms from Virginia to New Jersey,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We will continue to use federal firearms laws to prosecute straw purchasers and hold them accountable for their role in trafficking illegally purchased firearms. Every straw purchased firearm is a gun that can wind up in the hands of a prohibited person. I want to commend the ATF for their commitment to investigating these important cases.”
According to court documents, Clifton K. Walston, aka “Moosky,” 32, of Jersey City, arranged for Virginia residents to obtain and traffic firearms from Virginia to New Jersey and sell the firearms in New Jersey to New Jersey residents for a profit. None of the conspirators was licensed to conduct interstate firearm transactions.
“ATF will continue to work diligently to uncover and expose firearms trafficking schemes such as we saw in this case as part of its mission to combat violent crime,” said Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division. “Gun traffickers are not simply committing paperwork violations. These criminals put guns in the hands of serious criminals who pose a significant threat to the safety of our communities. I’m incredibly proud of the outstanding investigative work put in by the agents and prosecutors to bring to justice these two criminals.”
In early October 2017, a Virginia associate contacted Walston and asked how to make some easy money. Walston knew that the associate was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing firearms, but still said that if the associate were to obtain firearms in Virginia, he would set the associate up with prospective buyers in New Jersey, where it is much more difficult to obtain firearms. The two would then profit from the resale.
Over the next several months, the two men conspired together to use a straw purchaser to traffick multiple firearms from Virginia to New Jersey, including at least one firearm that was recovered by law enforcement during a traffic stop.
Within weeks of that arrest, Walston ordered three more handguns and an extended magazine from the Virginia associate. However, ATF agents arrested the Virginia associate before he could engage in additional firearms trafficking.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which 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.
Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar announced the sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Jackson prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-183.
NDTX Round-Up November 5, 2019Read the Press Release
SENTENCING - Erick Dewayne Freeman and Kendrick Lamel Washington
On October 25, Erick Dewayne Freeman, 44, and Kendrick Lamel Washington, 40, were each sentenced to 30 years in federal custody for the crimes of possession with the intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The defendants were involved in the Han Gil Hotel case. Freeman and Washington worked together to instill fear in customers to the “trap” rooms they managed in the hotel. Click here if you would like to learn more about their sentencing and the Han Gil case. This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the case was prosecuted by AUSA Rick Calvert and AUSA Phelesa Guy.
SENTENCING – Montrey Jerod Green
On October 28, Montrey Jerod Green, 27, was sentenced to 8 years in federal custody for the crime of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. In October of 2017, Green was paid $1,900 to deliver a 110 gram bag of methamphetamine and .45 caliber firearm to another individual. This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the City of Carrollton Police Department and prosecuted by AUSA George Leal.
GUILTY PLEA – Sherman Lakeith Ross
On October 31, Sherman Lakeith Ross, 45, pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute heroin and aiding and abetting. Ross and his coconspirators used cell phones to communicate about their drug enterprise, and these communications were intercepted by the police. Law enforcement seized the drugs distributed from multiple customers, and after confirming that it was heroin, arrested Ross while he was in his probation officer’s office. Ross faces up to 20 years in federal prison. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by AUSA John Kull.
SENTENCING – Shawnetta Laruth Jones
Shawnetta Laruth Jones was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for the crime of aiding and abetting a felon in possession of a firearm. Jones acted a straw-purchaser at a pawnshop in Mesquite after the owner refused to sell to her coconspirator for being a convicted felon. Jones knew the coconspirator because she had previously served as his parole officer. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the DeSoto Police Deparment and prosecuted by AUSA Walt Junker.
Monmouth County Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Evading More Than $2 Million in TaxesRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for evading more than $2.3 million in personal and corporate income taxes between 2002 and 2011, and in 2015, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Tito Viteri, 41, of Cream Ridge, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson to an information charging him with one count of tax evasion. Judge Wolfson imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Since 2002, Viteri was the owner and operator of numerous commercial trucking companies that performed delivery services. Between 2002 and 2011, and in 2015, Viteri evaded the payment of more than $2 million in personal and business-related taxes by:
• “pyramiding” companies and using nominees as the purported owners of several of the companies in order to shield business assets while incurring employment tax liabilities;
• failing to file timely and accurate quarterly federal tax returns by falsely categorizing employees as independent contractors, for whom employment taxes did not have to be paid;
• receiving unreported kickback income from an employee;
• concealing personal income and assets by using nominees, and depositing substantial amounts of income into nominee bank accounts and failing to report that income on his personal tax returns.In 2008, an IRS audit determined that Viteri owed approximately $785,000 in unpaid taxes for one of his companies, and that he himself owed approximately $315,000 in unpaid personal income taxes. Although Viteri began making payments to the IRS in August 2011, he stopped making those payments in December 2013, claiming he was not “bringing enough money home.” Despite his claims, from February 2013 to February 2016 Viteri made approximately $111,000 in rental payments (approximately $3,000 per month) for a property in Chesterfield. In 2016, although he still had substantial outstanding tax liabilities, Viteri purchased a home in Cream Ridge for more than $920,000. To conceal from the IRS the source of the funds used to purchase the home, Viteri arranged for the home to be purchased in his mother’s name.
In addition to the prison term, Chief Judge Wolfson sentenced Viteri to two years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John R. Tafur; special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark: and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Mikulka in New York, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Brendan Day of the Criminal Division in Trenton.
Defense counsel: Darren Gelber Esq., Woodbridge, New Jersey
Mississippi Man Sentenced to 36 Months for CrossburningRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Honorable Judge Keith Starrett, of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, sentenced Defendant Graham Williamson, 38, to serve 36 months incarceration on federal charges for his commission of a crossburning on Oct. 24, 2017, in Seminary, Mississippi. Williamson previously pleaded guilty on Aug. 5, 2019, to one count of interference with housing rights, a federal civil rights violation, and one count of conspiring to use fire to commit a federal felony. Williamson, along with a co-conspirator, built and burned a wooden cross near the home of a juvenile victim, M.H., who lived in a predominantly African-American residential area of Seminary. He burned the cross to threaten, frighten, and intimidate M.H. and other African-American residents because of their race and color, and because they lived in and occupied residences in that area of Seminary.
“The defendant invoked a terrifying symbol of racial violence to threaten and intimidate the victims for no other reason than their race and where they lived,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Hate crimes like this contravene our society’s well-established principles of equality and freedom from race-based intimidation, and the Department of Justice will continue to pursue and prosecute such crimes to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Those who terrorize our people and commit crimes based on the color of someone’s skin will receive swift and certain prosecution from this office,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to do all that we can to prevent such racist crimes so that all our people can live in peace and without fear.”
“When people violate the civil rights of others for the sole purpose of intimidation, specifically burning a cross as in this case, it terrorizes an entire community,” said FBI Jackson Division Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin. “Mississippians shouldn't have to fear for their safety within their own neighborhoods, and this case should send a strong message to those who threaten others based on race or color. Civil rights investigations remain a top priority for the FBI in Mississippi, and we will continue to vigorously investigate and seek prosecution for these violations.”
Defendant Williamson is the second individual to be sentenced for participation in this crossburning. Williamson’s co-conspirator, Louie Bernard Revette, previously pleaded guilty to one count of interference with housing rights and one count of using fire to commit a federal felony. On Sept. 10, 2019, the Honorable Judge Starrett sentenced Revette to 11 years incarceration on those two charges.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi Field Office, including the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Jackson Public Corruption Task Force. Special Litigation Counsel Julia Gegenheimer of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Candace Mayberry of the Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case.
Mississippi Man Sentenced to 36 Months for CrossburningRead the Press Release
The Honorable Judge Keith Starrett, of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, sentenced Defendant Graham Williamson, 38, to serve 36 months incarcertation on federal charges for his commission of a crossburning on Oct. 24, 2017, in Seminary, Mississippi. Williamson previously pleaded guilty on Aug. 5, 2019, to one count of interference with housing rights, a federal civil rights violation, and one count of conspiring to use fire to commit a federal felony. Williamson, along with a co-conspirator, built and burned a wooden cross near the home of a juvenile victim, M.H., who lived in a predominantly African-American residential area of Seminary. He burned the cross to threaten, frighten, and intimidate M.H. and other African-American residents because of their race and color, and because they lived in and occupied residences in that area of Seminary.
“The defendant invoked a terrifying symbol of racial violence to threaten and intimidate the victims for no other reason than their race and where they lived,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Hate crimes like this contravene our society’s well-established principles of equality and freedom from race-based intimidation, and the Department of Justice will continue to pursue and prosecute such crimes to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Those who terrorize our people and commit crimes based on the color of someone’s skin will receive swift and certain prosecution from this office,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to do all that we can to prevent such racist crimes so that all our people can live in peace and without fear.”
“When people violate the civil rights of others for the sole purpose of intimidation, specifically burning a cross as in this case, it terrorizes an entire community,” said FBI Jackson Division Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin. “Mississippians shouldn't have to fear for their safety within their own neighborhoods, and this case should send a strong message to those who threaten others based on race or color. Civil rights investigations remain a top priority for the FBI in Mississippi, and we will continue to vigorously investigate and seek prosecution for these violations.”
Defendant Williamson is the second individual to be sentenced for participation in this crossburning. Williamson’s co-conspirator, Louie Bernard Revette, previously pleaded guilty to one count of interference with housing rights and one count of using fire to commit a federal felony. On Sept. 10, 2019, the Honorable Judge Starrett sentenced Revette to 11 years incarceration on those two charges.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi Field Office, including the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Jackson Public Corruption Task Force. Special Litigation Counsel Julia Gegenheimer of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Candace Mayberry of the Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case.
Minnesota Couple Charged with International Elder Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Minnesota couple with their roles in a sophisticated fraud scheme that primarily targeted elderly Americans.
According to court documents and allegations in the indictment, Chirag Janakbhai Choksi, 35, and his wife, Shachi Naishadh Majmudar, 35, were members of a criminal conspiracy who had members that impersonated law enforcement officials to trick and coerce victims into mailing and shipping cash to other conspiracy members by convincing the victims that it was in their best interests to do so.
These schemes generally start with “robocalls”, designed to create a sense of urgency with unsuspecting recipients. The messages typically tell the recipient that they have some sort of serious legal problem, and that if they do not immediately take a particular action demanded by the callers, then there will be drastic consequences, typically involving the arrest of the recipient, significant financial penalties, or cessation of government benefits. The fraudsters almost invariably instruct the call recipient that, in order to prevent these dire consequences, the recipients must pay money, by wire transfer or cash, to some purported government entity.
The conspiracy operated cells in multiple states, including New Jersey, California, Indiana, Texas, Illinois and Minnesota. In one particular alleged scheme, members of the conspiracy impersonated DEA agents and advised Victim 1 that a vehicle located near the southwest border contained cocaine and her bank information. The fraudsters then convinced Victim 1 to surrender half the cash in her bank accounts in good faith until a thorough investigation had been completed to clear her name of any criminal activity.
According to the indictment, Choksi used counterfeit driver’s licenses to identify himself when picking up cash shipments from victims, and then made multiple deposits of that cash into bank accounts controlled by conspiracy members. The indictment also alleges that Majmudar went to the online websites of FedEx and the U.S. Postal Service to track shipments of cash sent by victims, and made multiple deposits of victims’ cash into conspiracy-controlled bank accounts.
Choksi and Majmudar are both charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as one count of mail fraud. The maximum possible sentence for each of those charges is 20 years in prison. Choksi is also charged with aggravated identity theft, which provides for a mandatory minimum term of two years in prison that must run consecutive to any other sentence imposed. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Timothy M. Dunham, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Greg Weber, Chief of Eden Prairie Police, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Hood is prosecuting 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-160.
Milton Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Milton man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with schemes to use false identification documents to obtain funds from bank customers’ accounts.
Fesnel Lafortune, 30, of Milton, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Senior Judge Douglas P. Woodlock scheduled sentencing for Feb. 18, 2020. Lafortune was charged in June 2019.
In April 2017, an unindicted co-conspirator obtained two bank checks totaling more than $340,000 from a Santander Bank customer’s account, using a fraudulent passport and credit card in the customer’s name. Lafortune deposited one of the checks in the amount of $175,500 to a business bank account he had opened using a false name, date of birth and Social Security number. Within days of depositing the check, Lafortune withdrew nearly $30,000 in cash in three transactions at three different bank branches. In June 2017, LaFortune used a second false identity of a real person to open two more business bank accounts, into which other co-conspirators wired more than $200,000. LaFortune withdrew about $165,000 from those accounts in cash and checks. The loss to banks totaled about $200,000.
The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a two year mandatory minimum sentence, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie A. Wright and Mark J. Balthazard of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the cases.
Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Michigan man pled guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Abdullah Myles, 25, entered a guilty plea to an indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute heroin.
“Another day and another Michigan drug dealer will soon be going to prison for peddling heroin in Huntington,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “My office has taken a tough, tough stance against these drug thugs. Sentences have more than doubled and we will continue with a sense of urgency until these poison peddlers figure it out. Drug dealers and poison peddlers are no longer welcome here.”
On February 7, 2019, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence Myles was living in at 825 21st Street in Huntington. Officers recovered 13 grams of heroin from the room Myles was living in.
Myles faces up to twenty years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 3, 2020.
The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
###
Mexican National Man Sentenced for Immigration CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national man was sentenced to twelve months and one day of incarceration for the felony offense of reentry of a removed alien, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Jose Guadelaupe Camarena-Jacinto, 38, entered a guilty plea on September 4, 2019. At the conclusion of his federal incarceration, he faces possible removal from the United States through administrative proceedings. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Ripley Police Department.
“Camarena-Jacinto has four prior removals,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “He will now serve a year in prison before being deported for a fifth time. No one likes a line skipper -- not at Disney World and not at the border.”
On June 17, 2019, ICE agents traveled to the South Central Regional Jail in Charleston to confirm Camarena-Jacinto’s legal status after he had been arrested by Ripley police officers for the state offense of obstruction. Camarena-Jacinto admitted to agents that he was in the United States illegally. He was arrested and ICE agents matched his fingerprints to previous removals from the United States. ICE agents further spoke to defendant to confirm his identity. Camarena-Jacinto again admitted being in the United States illegally. Camarena-Jacinto had no identification documents permitting him legal status in the United States.
Fingerprinting matched Camarena-Jacinto to four prior removals from the United States in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012. His previous removals also included a prior conviction of illegal reentry into the United States from Federal Court in Jefferson City, Missouri. In all four cases, Camarena-Jacinto was found by immigration judges to be in the United States illegally and he was deported to Mexico. He had not obtained permission to legally enter the United States and had not sought legal status or citizenship. Camarena-Jacinto further admitted to ICE agents that he was a Mexican citizen.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
###
Metairie Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute OxycodoneRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that AARON JEFFREY DENN, age 34, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana pled guilty on November 5, 2019 to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.
According to court documents, between March and April 2019, DENN conspired to distribute oxycodone pills, which he obtained unlawfully on the black market. DENN faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000 and at least three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office for their work investigating the case.
The case is being prosecuted by Jared Hasten of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier.
Merrillville Woman Sentenced to 90 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND –Tanisha Banks of Merrillville, Indiana was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Theresa Springmann after being convicted during a 4-day trial in January 2019. She was convicted of conspiring to rob the United States Postal Service, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Banks was sentenced to 90 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5595.
According to documents in this case and evidence presented at trial, James Caffey conspired with Tanisha Banks and Leeroy Beck to rob the Tolleston Station Post Office in Gary, Indiana on August 3, 2017. Tanisha Banks, a Postal Service employee with experience working at the Tolleston Station, provided the logistics for the robbery while her boyfriend, James Caffey, handled transportation to and from the robbery. Together Banks and Caffey recruited the gunman, Leeroy Beck, who would actually carry out the robbery. At trial evidence was presented establishing that Caffey provided Beck with the handgun used during the robbery. After holding two employees at gun point, Leeroy Beck stole money and mail from the Postal Service. The cash was divided between the conspirators.
James Caffey was sentenced on November 1, 2019 to 90 months in prison. Leeroy Beck was sentenced on May 14, 2019 to 96 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Gary Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Northern District of Indiana Assistant United States Attorneys Diane Berkowitz and Thomas McGrath.
###
MS-13 gang member sentenced to 42 months in federal prisonRead the Press Release
Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that Walter Adan Martinez, 37, El Salvador, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon. Martinez previously pleaded guilty by information to charges of illegal re-entry.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to prosecuting those individuals who illegally re-enter the country, especially those who have violent criminal histories, and are a risk to public safety,” said Minkler.
Martinez, an MS-13 gang member from El Salvador, has a lengthy criminal history and was originally deported in 2011, subsequent to two previous felony convictions for second degree assault and leaving the scene of an accident causing injury. Martinez later returned to the United States and was arrested again in January of 2014 on felony charges of sexual misconduct with a minor. Martinez was sentenced to the Indiana Department of Correction. Following Martinez’s release from state custody in January of 2019, Martinez was turned over to the federal immigration authorities on a previously issued detainer and was held in custody until being arrested in 2019.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Removal Operations (ERO).
“Walter Martinez is a known MS-13 gang member and convicted felon who was removed from the United States only to resurface and be arrested – and convicted, for sexual misconduct of with a minor,” said Field Office Director Robert Guadian, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago. “It is the job of the brave men and women of ERO to continue to take those who break the laws of this country off the streets and see that they are removed back to their home countries.”
According to Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn E. Olivier, who prosecuted this case for the government, Martinez will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence and is subject to deportation.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to utilize and partner with law enforcement agencies to prosecute illegal immigration cases. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 1.8.
Local woman admits to tax fraudRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A woman has admitted she for made and subscribed to a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Vanessa Ben pleaded guilty today.
Ben willfully filed her U.S. Individual Income Tax return. However, upon signing the form attesting to its validity, she was aware it contained false information. She filed that return even though she knew she was not entitled to claim several items as stated, to include business income, taxable income, total tax and an income tax refund.
U.S. District Judge Hittner accepted the plea today and set sentencing for Feb. 3, 2020. At that time, Ben faces up to three years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
IRS - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez is prosecuting the case.
Local men charged in drug conspiracy, shooting of federal task force officerRead the Press Release
DAYTON – A local man has been charged federally with assaulting a law enforcement officer engaged in a federal investigation with a deadly weapon. The charge is a result of a shooting that took place during the execution of a federal search warrant during the evening of Nov. 4. Two others have also been charged in a drug conspiracy.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Nathan S. Goddard Jr., 39, assaulted a federal officer using a deadly weapon. Goddard is also charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of cocaine and marijuana.
Two others are charged with also conspiring to distribute the drugs. They include Cahke Cortner, 39, and Lionel Combs III, 40.
Between mid-July and late-October 2019, the DEA’s Dayton resident office conducted an investigation into a Dayton-based fentanyl operation.
As a result of that investigation, Goddard was named as an alleged source of supply of narcotics and a federal search warrant was subsequently authorized for 1454 Ruskin Road.
At approximately 6:50pm on Nov. 4, DEA and Dayton Police executed the search warrant. Officers entered the home and a task force officer descended the stairway to the basement of the residence. The officer immediately came under gunfire from the basement and was struck by the gunfire.
In the residence, authorities discovered two pistols with extended magazines, loaded with armor piercing ammunition.
Nine kilograms of suspected fentanyl were located in a duffel bag. A bag containing 50 to 60 pounds of marijuana was discovered on the floor of the basement, and approximately $11,000 in cash was spread out on a coffee table and more than $40,000 was in a duffel bag in a storage area under the stairs.
Assaulting a federal officer is punishable by up to 20 years in prison; using a firearm in doing so includes a mandatory additional 10 year prison term. The narcotics conspiracy in this case is punishable by a mandatory minimum 20 years and up to life in prison. Congress sets the minimum and maximum penalty ranges. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The government is seeking that the defendants be detained pending trial. Each of the three defendants is scheduled for a detention hearing at 1:30pm on Nov. 8 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon L. Ovington.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Dayton Police Chief Richard S. Biehl; Keith Martin, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Joseph M. Deters, Acting Special in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Jonathan McPherson, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Montgomery County Prosecutor Mathias H. Heck, Jr. announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Dominick S. Gerace is representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
Lewes Businessman Indicted for Federal Tax Evasion and Skimming Payroll TaxessRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Bruce Kevin Fleming of Lewes, Delaware, was indicted today in the District of Delaware on tax charges.
The indictment includes five counts of tax evasion, regarding the tax years 2012 through 2016. The counts charge that Fleming operated Kevin Fleming, Inc., and generated personal income, for which he did not file returns, and evaded the payment of taxes by diverting corporate funds to pay his personal expenses.
The indictment further charges that from on or about March 31, 2016, through September 30, 2017, Fleming conducted business through Kevin Fleming, Incorporated, a photo gallery in Lewes, Delaware and deducted and collected from the taxable wages of his employees federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act taxes and then willfully failed to pay a total of $22,584 of those taxes over to the Internal Revenue Service.
Each of the offenses is punishable by a maximum penalty of 5 years’ incarceration, a $250,000 fine and restitution for unpaid taxes.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edmond Falgowski.
The charges in the Indictment are only allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Leader of the Violent “Murdaland Mafia Piru” Bloods Gang Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Murder in Aid of Racketeering and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake today sentenced Dante Bailey, a/k/a “Gutta,” “Almighty,” and “Wolf,” age 40, of Windsor Mill, Maryland, to life in federal prison. Bailey, the leader of Murdaland Mafia Piru (MMP), a subset of the Bloods gang, was convicted on April 30, 2019 after a six-week trial of murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, conspiracy to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute heroin. The jury found that Bailey participated in the gang’s affairs through a pattern of racketeering activities that included murder, extortion, witness tampering, witness retaliation, conspiracy to distribute drugs, and drug distribution.
Yesterday, Judge Blake sentenced MMP member Jamal Lockley, a/k/a “T-Roy” and “Droid,” age 40, of Baltimore to 30 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Lockley was also convicted after trial of the racketeering and drug conspiracies. The jury found that Lockley participated in MMP’s affairs through a pattern of racketeering activities that included distribution of drugs, conspiracy to distribute drugs, and witness tampering and retaliation.
The sentences were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby; and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger.
“Dante Bailey led the violent and destructive MMP gang that brought terror and death to Baltimore and Baltimore County neighborhoods with guns and drugs. Now, Dante Bailey will spend the rest of his life in federal prison, where there are no suspended sentences and no parole—ever. And Jamal Lockley will be over 65 years old before he is released from prison. Due to their choices, most of the 25 defendants convicted in this case will spend between 14 and 30 years in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to get guns out of the hands of drug dealers and off of our streets, in order to reduce violent crime in our neighborhoods. Over the course of this investigation, law enforcement seized 42 firearms and convicted 25 gang members. I urge anyone who’s thinking of following these defendants’ example: Please, put down the guns and save a life—maybe even your own.”
According to the evidence presented at the six-week trial, MMP, also known as the “Mob” or “Mobsters,” is a violent subset of the Bloods gang that operates in Maryland and elsewhere. Founded by Dante Bailey, MMP was modeled after the Italian Mafia. The MMP oath was called the “Omerta Code.” The gang was organized hierarchically, with Dante Bailey as “the Don” at the top and various “Bosses,” “Underbosses,” “Capos,” “Lieutenants,” and “Mobsters” underneath. MMP gang paperwork laid out certain rules of conduct by which members were governed, including that “retaliation is a must,” “[w]hen at war fight like you are ready to die,” and “[w]henever we are forced to strike, our only option is to kill.” The most important rule was that “co-operation with authorities that lead[s] to incriminating others” was punishable by death. MMP members enhanced their status in the gang by carrying out acts of violence; for instance, members could earn a “lightning bolt” tattoo for “killing for the Mob.” Dante Bailey has multiple lightning bolt tattoos on his face.
MMP members operated street-level drug distribution shops in various locations in Northwest Baltimore City and neighboring Baltimore County, where they sold large volumes of heroin and crack cocaine, among other controlled substances. The gang’s drug shop in the 5200 block of Windsor Mill Road was particularly lucrative due to its close proximity to Interstate 70, and it frequently attracted drug customers driving from Western Maryland and neighboring states.
MMP members, including Bailey, used social media websites to assert the gang’s claim to particular drug territories, intimidate rival gangs and drug traffickers, enhance MMP’s status, and enhance members’ status within the gang. Bailey posted rap videos under the stage name “Gutta Almighty,” in which he and other members of MMP flaunted actual firearms, and threatened to kill those who stood in the way of the gang.
The evidence proved that Bailey ordered and committed numerous murders in order to retaliate against rivals, impose discipline within the gang, and eliminate potential witnesses against the gang. He distributed large volumes of heroin and crack cocaine in the gang’s territories in Northwest Baltimore. After he was arrested, he continued to conduct the gang’s affairs from behind bars, ordering hits on rivals and witnesses, and plotting various ways to obstruct justice.
For example, on October 15, 2012, Bailey directed another MMP member to murder Victim 1 because Victim 1 was believed to be cooperating with law enforcement. That MMP member shot Victim 1 multiple times in the head and torso with a .45-caliber firearm outside the crowded Mirage Nightclub in downtown Baltimore. A closed-circuit television camera captured the shooting, and showed Bailey arriving at the club with the shooter and other MMP members, one of whom was wearing a shirt that said “MOBB SQUAD.” Bailey recounted the events surrounding the attempted murder of Victim 1 in a semi-autobiographical screenplay that investigators recovered from his residence in 2016. The screenplay included a scene in which Bailey learned that Victim 1 was “a rat” and a scene in which Victim 1 “gets hit” at “Club Mirage.”
In November 2012, Bailey ordered another MMP member to murder Antoine Ellis because Ellis had allegedly shown disloyalty to the gang. On Thanksgiving Day, that MMP member shot Ellis to death in a baseball field in the 5200 block of Windsor Mill Road. A few hours before the murder, the shooter had posted a comment to his Facebook profile that said: “198 n risen”—a reference to that year’s murder tally in Baltimore City, which he was about to increase by one.
On February 12, 2015, Dante Bailey murdered James Edwards for showing disloyalty to the gang. Bailey shot Edwards to death in the 300 block of Collins Avenue, using the same gun he had used to shoot at rivals in the 5200 block of Windsor Mill Road three nights earlier.
On April 28, 2016, Bailey armed himself and went looking to retaliate against members of a rival drug organization they believed were responsible for killing an MMP member. Jamal Lockley drove Bailey to the rival drug organization’s territory, where Bailey observed Anthony Hornes, whom he suspected—wrongly—had been involved in the MMP member’s murder. Bailey shot Hornes in the head, killing him. Lockley was the getaway driver.
In September 2017, while in pretrial custody, Dante Bailey caused a hit letter to be mailed to a co-conspirator that directed the murder of a witness against the gang, and included the witness’s address. ATF Special Agents arrested the co-conspirator while in possession of the hit letter as well as a recently purchased firearm.
The evidence showed that Lockley worked in concert with other MMP members to distribute heroin and crack cocaine in MMP’s territory in the area around Windsor Mill Road and Forest Park Avenue, and to avoid detection by law enforcement. He distributed heroin that caused a young woman to overdose and nearly lose her life, and he continued to deal drugs after learning of the overdose. He was the getaway driver for a retaliatory gang murder committed by Dante Bailey. He discussed retaliating against a rival of the gang with another MMP member and he conspired with Bailey to kill a witness against the gang by sending him to an MMP hitman.
Twenty-five defendants have been convicted in the case and twenty-four defendants, including Bailey and Lockley, have been sentenced, with most receiving between 14 and 30 years in federal prison. The final defendant is awaiting trial.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
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 its 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.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the ATF, the Baltimore City and Baltimore County Police Departments, and the Baltimore City and Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Offices for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Christina Hoffman and Lauren E. Perry, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
# # #
Law Enforcement Officers Join Students for A Day of LearningRead the Press Release
BLAST (Building Lasting Relationships Between Police and Community) Program
Brings Law Enforcement and Communities Together
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Four of the region’s top law enforcement officials will speak with students
at Rickards High School this Wednesday, November 6, as part of the police- community BLAST Program.
United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe, Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil, Tallahassee Police Chief
Steve Outlaw, and State Attorney Jack Campbell all will participate in the BLAST event that offers
students an opportunity to meet representatives of the criminal justice community to ask questions,
share their perceptions of law enforcement, and positively interact in a familiar setting.During the four-hour program at Rickards, law enforcement officers will provide students with their
perspective on responding to dangerous or uncertain circumstances and the importance of remaining
calm and following the officers’ directions in these situations. Members of the media are welcome
to attend and photograph/video most demonstrations of the BLAST (Building Lasting Relationships
Between Police and Community) Program demonstrations.“This laudable program encourages productive interactions between citizens and officers to improve
our community,” said Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida,
who will be one of the participants in the Tallahassee program. “Public safety is significantly
enhanced when residents and law enforcement work as partners, and the BLAST Program is an excellent
way to replace misgivings and apprehension with familiarity and trust.”Agencies participating in the program include the ATF, DEA, FBI, United States Marshals Service,
United States Secret Service, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Tallahassee Police
Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol.Event: BLAST Program
Location: James S. Rickards High School 3013 Jim Lee Road Tallahassee, FL 32301
Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Time: 9:15 am – 1:30 pm EST
Media: Please RSVP to [email protected] if you plan to attend.
The BLAST Program schedule will include the following discussion sessions, during which students
will have a chance to participate in role-play with law enforcement officers. (Students with media
permissions will be identified.)• Federal Crimes Scenario: Students will evaluate video scenarios and learn about each phase of a
federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing. This session is open
to the media, and videography and photography are permitted.• Domestic Violence Response / K-9 Demonstration: Students will participate in a scenario in which law enforcement officers respond to a domestic disturbance. Discussion includes the challenges
officers’ face, rights of witnesses and suspects, and benefits of providing information to law enforcement.
This session is open to the media, and videography and photography are permitted.• Traffic Stop Simulation: Students and officers engage, alternating the roles of civilians and
officers, conducting a traffic stop. Discussion includes de-escalation and the uncertainty officers
and vehicle occupants face during a traffic stop.
This session is open to the media, and videography and photography are permitted.• Use of Force: Facilitators and students will discuss when law enforcement officers may use
force and an officer’s reaction time when confronted with a life-threatening situation. This
session is closed to the media. Reporters may try the simulator equipment after the event ends.The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that
serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access
available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office,
Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.Laredo woman admits role in smuggling cocaineRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 40-year-old Laredoan faces up to life in prison for importing a large amount of cocaine via the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Yuriria Verastegui attempted to enter the United States July 24 driving a Ford SUV. Authorities noticed tampering with its interior quarter panels, lifted a tray to access them and found 16 bundles of cocaine.
The drugs weighed a total of approximately 16 kilograms with a value of $512,000.
Verastegui pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, admitting she knew there were narcotics in her vehicle and expected to be paid $9,600 for transporting them.
U.S. District Court Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing Feb. 24, 2020. At that time, Verastegui faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine. She has been in custody since her arrest where she will remain pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony J. Evans is prosecuting the cases.
Leader of Bloods Gang Pleads Guilty to Assaulting 15-Year Old Boy and Carving Gang Name into Boy’s ChestRead the Press Release
Doniel A. Heard, 37 of Canton, pleaded guilty on October 29, 2019, to assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, United States Attorney Matthew Schneider announced.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Steven M. D'Antuono of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division (FBI), John C. Mullaly, Chief of Police of the Genesee Township Police Department, and David S. Leyton, Genesee County Prosecuting Attorney.
Heard entered the guilty plea before United States District Court Judge Linda V. Parker.
In his guilty plea, Heard admitted that at the time of the assault he was the leader of a Michigan set of the national Bloods street gang. Believing that the 15-year old victim had disrespected two fellow gang members, Heard and three other gang members beat and robbed the boy. After the beating, the other gang members held the boy down while Heard used a large knife to carve the name of the local Bloods set, “MOB 662,” into the boy’s chest. The 15-year old victim suffered permanent bodily injury as a result of the assault.
“This was a vicious attack on a 15-year old boy by a violent street gang. This type of senseless violence will not be tolerated. We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to bring the full force of federal law upon gang members who seek to destroy our communities with violence and intimidation,” stated United States Attorney Schneider.
“The reason for this callous and violent crime was as senseless as the brutality of the assault itself,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge D'Antuono. “This investigation sends a clear message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners throughout Michigan will not stand by as gangs attempt to terrorize our community, and that those involved in violent gang activity will be brought to justice.”
Heard faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Sentencing has been scheduled for March 4, 2020 before Judge Parker in the United States District Court in Flint. Two other gang members who participated in the assault are also scheduled to be sentenced that day. Talasha Willis, a gang member who also participated in the assault, was sentenced in May of this year to 100 months in federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Genesee Township Police Department and special agents of the FBI, with assistance from the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Rawsthorne, Ann Nee, and Anthony Vance.