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12 December 2019
Burlington Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former civilian employee of the Hanscom Air Force Base was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with possessing thousands of files depicting child pornography, including a manual titled “How to Practice Child Love.”
William Gates, 41, of Burlington, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 30 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In April 2019, Gates pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.
In November 2017, law enforcement in Boston received information from authorities in Australia about an investigation involving an online personal photo site, known for hosting child pornography. Australian investigators observed a user of the site posting photographs of, and comments regarding, an approximately six-year-old boy on a school bus, who the user identified as a child on a field trip they were chaperoning. Australian and U.S. authorities were able to trace the account activity to IP addresses assigned to Gates’s home in Burlington and to Hanscom Air Force Base, where Gates was a civilian employee at the time.
A search of two of his digital devices revealed approximately 51 images of child pornography. More than 900 child pornography files were recovered during a search of Gates’s home. He was subsequently indicted by a Middlesex grand jury for possession of child pornography. Further forensic analysis of one of Gates’ laptops revealed an encrypted volume, where approximately 5,000 images and 440 videos of child pornography were hidden, as well as a document titled, “How to Practice Child Love,” which purports to serve as a guide to teach adults how to have sex with children.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and the Burlington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Lelling’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Broward County Fugitive Apprehended and Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
On December 10, 2019, former fugitive Stanley Simms was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joan A. Lenard to 96 months in prison, to be followed by 40 years of supervised release, for possessing child pornography.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.
In September of 2012, Simms was observed on a peer-2-peer file sharing program sharing child pornography. A number of videos and images of child pornography were downloaded by an undercover FBI agent. On June 2, 2013, a search warrant was executed on Simms residence in Sunrise, Florida. During the execution of the search warrant Simms asked to leave his residence. He was allowed to leave and did not return. A forensic analysis of the electronic devices seized from Simms’ home, pursuant to the search warrant, revealed images and videos of children engaged in sexual activity. Law enforcement made every attempt to locate Simms, however he could not be found.
On June 7, 2013, a warrant was issued for Simms’ arrest. On September 29, 2016, Simms, who had not yet been located, was indicted for possession of child pornography (Case No.16cr60285). In November of 2016, U.S. District Judge Lenard entered an Order transferring Stanley Simms to fugitive status. Law enforcement continued their search for the defendant. Simms was ultimately located in Jamaica. On May 10, 2019, Simms arrived at Miami International Airport and was arrested.
Simms pled guilty to possessing child pornography on September 11, 2019. A restitution hearing has been scheduled for February 24, 2020 at 11:30 a.m., before Judge Lenard.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigatory efforts of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force in this matter. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Koontz.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Bridgeport Woman Sentenced to Prison for Credit Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LATRICE M. COLVIN, 33, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 30 days of imprisonment, followed by seven months of home confinement and two years of supervised release, for operating a credit card fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between September 2015 and July 2017, Colvin used the internet, including the dark web, to obtain the personal identifying info of numerous victims. She then contacted credit card companies and used the victims’ information to change the mailing address on certain accounts to her own address, and also to apply for and obtain fraudulent credit cards in the names of victims. After fraudulently obtained cards were mailed to her residence, she used them and to buy merchandise in person and online, and to obtain cash advances at ATMs.
Thirty-seven individuals, many of whom were elderly, were victimized through this scheme. Judge Arterton ordered Colvin to pay restitution of $27,718.35 to the financial institutions that covered the loss of the victimized individuals.
On July 9, 2019, Colvin pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.
Colvin, who is released on a $25,000 bond, is required to report to prison on February 11, 2020.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Boston Man Charged in Large-Scale Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was charged today in connection with a scheme to defraud numerous life insurance companies.
Kellerman Jason Zheng, 33, was arrested and charged with one count of mail fraud and one count of wire fraud. Zheng was detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston today.
Between December 2016 and March 2018, Zheng allegedly took out at least 24 life insurance policies in his brother’s name. These policies, which carried total coverage limits in excess of $11.5 million, listed Zheng and his parents as the beneficiaries. The charging documents, however, allege that Zheng’s brother died months prior during a visit to China in April 2015. As part of the scheme, Zheng also took steps to make it appear as if his brother were still alive, such as opening and using bank accounts in his brother’s name and renewing his brother’s Massachusetts driver’s license.
Later, Zheng allegedly obtained a false Chinese death certificate, which indicated his brother died in August 2018, and submitted over $5 million in life insurance claims. Zheng admitted during meetings with an undercover agent, who was posing as a claims manager willing to assist in the fraud scheme, that his brother died prior to the inception of the insurance policies.
The charges of mail and wire fraud each carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. 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 W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordi de Llano, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Frauds Unit, is prosecuting the case.
Boat Captain Apprehended at Crown Bay Marina Pleads Guilty to Possessing Cocaine in St. ThomasRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced that Jehiel Peña-Estrada pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine yesterday in federal court.
According to court documents filed in the case, on the evening of September 16, 2019, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Caribbean Air and Marine Operations (CAMOC) began tracking a vessel travelling from the Maternillo area of Puerto Rico towards St. Thomas. The CPB Air and Marine (AMO) unit from St. Thomas located the vessel near the western portion of St. Thomas and followed it into the Crown Bay Marina. CMO agents detained two persons aboard the vessel, including Jehiel Peña-Estrada, later identified as the boat’s captain. The agents conducted a search of the defendant and located approximately $3,840.00 in cash and two baggies containing a white powdery substance later confirmed to contain approximately 15.7 grams of cocaine, a schedule II, narcotic controlled substance.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Juan Albino. The defendant will be sentenced at a later date.
Bethel Elementary Principal Arrested and Charged for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that Christopher Allen Carmichael, 55, a principal working in the Lower Kuskokwim School District in Bethel, Alaska, has been charged with attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Carmichael was arrested yesterday, and is currently awaiting his initial court appearance.
Carmichael became the subject of a federal investigation in November 2019, when the Bethel Police Department contacted the FBI concerning Carmichael’s online activities. During the course of the investigation, Carmichael began engaging in graphic sexual communications with an undercover FBI agent posing as a fictional 13-year-old girl. The complaint alleges that, in a series of text messages in December 2019, Carmichael described in graphic detail several acts he would do to her that were sexually explicit. The complaint alleges that Carmichael continued to remind the fictional 13-year-old girl to delete their messages, and that it was really important they keep referring to her like she was eighteen so that he wouldn’t get into trouble.
If the public has any further information regarding Carmichael’s activities,
please contact Anchorage FBI at (907) 276-4441.
If convicted, Carmichael faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison for the most serious charges alleged. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, the Bethel Police Department (BPD), the Alaska State Troopers (AST), and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon.
The investigation is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Under the Rural Alaska Anti-Violence Enforcement Network (RAAVEN), the U.S. Attorney’s Office is increasing engagement, coordination, and action on public safety in Alaska Native communities.
The charges in the criminal complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Atlanta pharmacy operators convicted of more than $4 million fraudRead the Press Release
ATLANTA –Three defendants who own and operate an Atlanta pharmacy have been convicted by a jury of a multi-million dollar fraud scheme that targeted the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (“WIC”) program. Each defendant was convicted of conspiracy and multiple fraud counts for buying WIC vouchers from low-income recipients and then fraudulently seeking reimbursement from the federal government at a higher dollar amount as if they had actually provided nutritious food to those recipients.
“The defendants bought vouchers from low-income recipients and sought refunds from the federal government at a significant profit instead of providing the nutritious foods to infants and children listed on the vouchers,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “The defendants’ scheme lined their pockets at the expense of federal taxpayers and the low-income women and children who stood to benefit from the program.”
“The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program was created to provide food and nutrition to those who truly need this assistance. Those who are involved in fraud and abuse of USDA feeding programs will be investigated by our office to the fullest extent,” stated United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), Special Agent-in-Charge Jason Williams. “The USDA-OIG will continue to dedicate investigative resources, working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, in order to protect the integrity of these programs and bring to justice those who commit fraud. We would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office as well as the Georgia Department of Public Health for assisting us with this investigation.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: Defendants Pauline Mediko Badiki and Ferdinand Mediko were siblings who owned and operated the Poly-Plex Pharmacy, which is located in the Bankhead neighborhood of Atlanta. Defendant Monica Mediko, who was Ferdinand Mediko’s wife, worked there as a pharmacy technician. In 2005, Poly-Plex became an authorized vendor of the WIC program, which is a U.S. Department of Agriculture food grant program administered statewide by the Georgia Department of Public Health. The WIC program provides healthy foods to low-income pregnant women, as well as infants and children up to age 5 who are nutritionally at risk. WIC recipients receive benefits in the form of paper vouchers, which can be exchanged at authorized vendors only for the healthy foods listed on the vouchers. As part of their participation as authorized vendors, the defendants received training on WIC program rules, including the prohibition on buying vouchers.
From at least 2009 through June 2013, the defendants bought WIC vouchers from low-income mothers for a fraction of their face value instead of providing the infant formula and food listed on the vouchers. After purchasing the vouchers, the defendants deposited them into their bank accounts as if they had provided recipients with the healthy foods listed on the vouchers and sought reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
During the time frame of the conspiracy, the defendants deposited tens of thousands of WIC vouchers that resulted in approximately $6.5 million in reimbursements from federal funds, which far surpassed the WIC redemptions from much larger big-box grocery stores located just miles away. Despite the massive amount of WIC redemptions, Poly-Plex Pharmacy had less than $1.3 million in actual expenses for food and infant formula during the same time frame.
Based on defendants’ multi-year scheme, the jury convicted the defendants of wire fraud conspiracy and 12 counts each of wire fraud, theft of government funds, and WIC fraud.
Sentencing for Pauline Mediko Badiki, 55, Ferdinand Mediko, 57, and Monica Mediko, 52, all of Atlanta, Georgia, has not yet been scheduled.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General is investigating this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan P. Kitchens and Thomas J. Krepp 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.
Atlanta man pleads guilty to multi-state health care fraud conspiracyRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Matthew Harrell has pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud and aggravated identity theft charges related to fraudulent claims filed with the Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana Medicaid programs.
“Harrell exploited the Medicaid system and stole funds to be used for mental health treatment,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “His fraud is particularly egregious because he replicated his fraud scheme in several states and continued stealing funds after he was released on bond.”
“Whenever someone fraudulently steals funding from federal programs like Medicaid they are not only stealing from the people who deserve it, but also from every American taxpayer,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Harrell and his co-conspirators will now have to pay for their own personal greed.”
“Medical identity theft from providers as well as patients in this case cost taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Derrick Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue working closely with our State and Federal law enforcement partners to protect our vital government healthcare programs.”
“This guilty plea is part of a years-long effort to uncover and prosecute a group of criminals who were willing to lie, cheat and steal at the expense our state’s youth and taxpayer dollars in Georgia, Florida and Louisiana,” said Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. “Our Medicaid Fraud Division’s investigators and prosecutors proudly assisted in this effort along with our counterparts in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and in Florida, and we will continued this spirit of collaboration to protect the interests of our citizens.”
“This fraudster deployed a scheme to steal the identities of children to defraud Florida and other states’ Medicaid programs out of millions. As a mother, I am especially outraged that this man targeted children, stealing information from summer and football camp registrations, but I am proud of our investigators working with other state Medicaid fraud units and federal authorities to stop the identity theft, protect our Medicaid program and secure a guilty plea for the architect of this nefarious scheme,” said Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.
“Medicaid welfare fraud not only steals from taxpayers, it also jeopardizes much-needed services for our most vulnerable citizens. The Louisiana Department of Justice and I will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to uncover, investigate, and arrest criminals who defraud Medicaid,” said Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry.
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: Harrell and co-conspirators owned or worked with companies that purportedly provided mental health counseling and treatment to children and adults. These companies included, Revive Athletics, Inc., R.A. Florida, Inc., Jode Counseling Treatment and Training Services, LLC, 118 Management and Consulting, Inc. and A Brighter Day, LLC. These companies billed over $3.7 million in Medicaid claims, and received approximately $2.5 million based on fraudulent billing.
According to the indictment, Harrell and co-conspirators fraudulently used or stole the Medicaid provider numbers of mental health service providers, including a psychologist and licensed clinical social workers, in Georgia and Florida. Harrell’s companies and related entities then used these identities to submit fraudulent Medicaid claims seeking payment for mental health services that were never provided. The Medicaid member numbers, many of which were assigned to children, were obtained from: summer and football camp registrations; a stolen government document which identified approximately 13,000 Louisiana Temporary Assistance for Needed Families (TANF) recipients; and children who were placed in foster care.
Harrell attempted to conceal the fraud scheme by directing employees and contractors to create fraudulent documentation and forge provider signatures to support the fraudulent billing. Harrell initially started the fraudulent billing scheme in Georgia and replicated the scheme in Florida and then Louisiana before his arrest. While on pretrial release in this case, Harrell opened a new company in Louisiana and continued to fraudulently bill Louisiana Medicaid until his bond was revoked and he was detained pending trial.
Sentencing for Matthew Harrell, 44, of Atlanta, Georgia, Harrell is schedule for March 9, 2020 at 2:30 p.m., before U.S. District Court Judge Steve C. Jones.
Co-defendants Nikki Richardson, 44, of Fairburn, Georgia, and Tomeka Howard, 44, of Decatur, Georgia, pleaded guilty previously to healthcare fraud and aggravated identity charges. On May 30, 2019, Richardson was sentenced to five years and five months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,719,189.00. On the same day, Tomeka Howard was sentenced to three years’ probation, with 18 months of home confinement and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $732,189.00.
The Georgia State Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Medicaid Fraud Control Units for Florida and Louisiana are investigating this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Brown, Deputy Chief of the Complex Frauds Section, is prosecuting the case. Georgia Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth Grofic also assisted with the prosecution.
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 home page for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia Atlanta Division is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Armed Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 6 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence man found to be in possession of a loaded firearm, ammunition, several bags of crack cocaine, and a large bag of marijuana when stopped by Pawtucket Police for a traffic violation, has been sentenced to 72 months in federal prison.
Scott Arnum, 30, was stopped by Pawtucket Police on September 18, 2017, after he failed to use a turn signal and his vehicle stopped short in front of a police cruiser. As the officer approached the vehicle she smelled a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and observed the driver making rapid movements. Arnum complied with the officer’s request to exit the vehicle.
Once out of the vehicle, officers discovered a large bag of marijuana and six bags of crack cocaine inside Arnum’s clothing. A seventh bag fell out of Arnum’s underwear after he was transported to the police station. An inventory of Arnum’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of a loaded 9mm pistol and two loaded 9mm magazines from the vehicle’s glovebox.
Arnum pleaded guilty on September 17, 2019, to possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to court records, in December 2010, Arnum was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison and 5 years supervised release, having been convicted for possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute and felon in possession of a firearm.
In this most recent case, Arnum was sentenced on December 6, 2019, by U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith to 72 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release.
Arnum’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle, and Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Kelly D. Brady.
This Project Safe Neighborhoods case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Air Force Veteran Sentenced on Charges Arising from False Claims to the Department of Veterans AffairsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, BRYAN PAUL WINQUIST, 39, of Cordova, Tennessee, was sentenced to 1 month of intermittent confinement and 9 months of house arrest as terms of a 3 year period of probation on a charge of Theft of Government Property. WINQUEST was also ordered to pay a $3,100.00 fine and $11,669.06 in restitution to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Mr. Higdon stated, “To commit a fraud upon the VA is to steal from those who have risked their lives to protect this nation. The limited funds available to the VA are critical to meeting the needs of those who have faithfully served our country and this office will continue to hold accountable all who obtain veterans benefits through fraud and deception. In this case, the defendant completely fabricated a battlefront incident, and injury and falsely claimed to have received a commendation as a result of that incident. Then, adding insult to injury, he stole the benefits and services due to those who have served and been injured. His conduct is shameful, illegal and an affront to those who have served honorably and with distinction and to those who bear the scars of defending this county.”
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) affords disability compensation to veterans for injuries and illnesses that are service-connected, that is, for conditions incurred or aggravated during military service. To receive disability compensation, a veteran must file a truthful claim alleging specific facts justifying the service-connected nature of the claimed disability.
On or about March 22, 2014, WINQUIST, submitted a claim to the VA alleging that he suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) arising from a service-connected incident. The claim falsely alleged that on September 18, 2003, WINQUIST was on patrol in the town of Balad, Iraq, as an augmented medic/EMT for an army infantry unit. The claim further alleged that while serving in this unit, WINQUIST was hit with shrapnel from an improvised explosive device (IED) and was shot in the left shoulder during a small arms firefight. WINQUEST further claimed to have “neutralized the threat and continued to assist in the firefight and treat those who were injured…” As a result of these events, WINQUIST claimed to have received the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
In fact, as WINQUIST knew at the time of his March 2014 Claim, he was not injured by an IED or shot in a small-arms firefight in Balad, Iraq. The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) confirmed this falsehood in a number of ways. A review of service records, and interview of a fellow service member, both showed that the claimed incident did not occur. Although WINQUIST was deployed to Balad, Iraq for one month, he was assigned to the base as a firefighter. A fellow fireman did not recall WINQUIST ever going off base on patrol, and also never knew of any small arms fire or injuries to WINQUIST. Likewise, VA OIG contacted the Air Force Historical Society to query records concerning an alleged IED and firefight incident at the place and time claimed. There was no record of the incident. Likewise, WINQUIST was not a recipient of the Purple Heart.
Nevertheless, based upon the representations in WINQUIST’s March 2014 Claim and supporting documentation, the VA began to pay benefits to WINQUIST under the auspices that WINQUIST suffered from PTSD arising from the alleged 2003 firefight in Balad, Iraq. WINQUIST received the VA benefits by withdrawing them from his bank account in various locations, including the Eastern District of North Carolina. At no time during receipt of these government funds did WINQUIST acknowledge the falsehoods in his claim or seek to return the funds.
On December 13, 2017, WINQUIST admitted during an interview that he fabricated the incident. In particular, he stated, “I was hurting for money, and I made it up.” WINQUIST also stated that he knew it was wrong.
In February of 2019, WINQUIST was charged in a federal indictment. WINQUIST pleaded guilty to Theft of Government Property on August 5, 2019.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney William M. Gilmore represented the United States.
7 Charged in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Seven residents of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on December 10 and unsealed today, named:
Martise Smith, 27, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
Lamont Goodwine, Jr., 31, of Carrick, Pennsylvania;
Raymond Jones, 33, of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania;
Robert Howard, 33, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania;
David Joyner, 24, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania;
Duane Henderson, 30, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and
Mbuitidem Essiet, 23, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to Indictment, from in and around June of 2019, and continuing thereafter to in and around December of 2019, the defendants conspired with each other to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The task force is headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is comprised of members drawn from Homeland Security Investigations, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Stowe Township Police Department, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Office of the Attorney General, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the North Versailles Police Department, the Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, the Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police. The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
12 Members of Crack Cocaine Distribution Ring Operating in Vicinity of 125th Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan Charged with Narcotics and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Dermot Shea, the Commissioner of the Police Department for the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging 12 individuals with operating a crack cocaine distribution ring in the vicinity of 125th Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. Six of the 12 defendants charged in the Indictment were arrested yesterday, and are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Sarah L. Cave in federal court later today. One of the defendants is already in state custody and will be presented at a later date. Five defendants remain at large. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Andrew L. Carter, Jr.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, the defendants were members of a Harlem crack distribution crew that peddled its wares in and around the AK Houses, the Metro-North station at 125th Street, and P.S. 30. Several members are also alleged to have used guns in the plying of their illegal trade. Our thanks to the NYPD for their continued efforts to rid our neighborhoods of illegal drugs and guns.”
NYPD Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “This case highlights our success in stopping those offenders who sow violence in our city’s neighborhoods. Working together, our mission to eradicate narcotics and illegal guns is clear and I want to commend our NYPD investigators and partners for targeting violent crime and dismantling it with precise effectiveness.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment[1]:
The defendants are members and associates of a drug trafficking organization (the “AK Houses Crew” or “Crew”) that sold crack cocaine in and around the AK Houses apartment complex, located at East 128th Street in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan. During the period 2017 to the present, the AK Houses Crew sold hundreds of grams of crack to customers on the streets of Harlem, and crew members carried and displayed firearms in furtherance of the drug trade. These crew members routinely sold crack in the vicinity of, among other locations, the area of the AK Houses, the Metro-North commuter rail station at East 125th Street, and Public School 30 at East 128th Street.
The leaders of the AK Houses Crew included defendants VAN WHITMORE, a/k/a “V-High,” RONALD NIXON, a/k/a “Jeter,” and BARRY WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Bistro.” WHITMORE, NIXON, and WILLIAMS were responsible for, among other things, obtaining supplies of powder cocaine, converting the cocaine into crack, and pushing that crack to customers on the street through the Crew’s network of street-level dealers. These leaders also maintained order and discipline within the Crew, including by using threats of violence. Other members of the AK Houses Crew, including defendants RODNEY ROBINSON, a/k/a “Stretch,” KAPRIE LAMBERT, a/k/a “Pri,” SHAROD BELL, a/k/a “Rodo,” and IAN HAYLOCK, a/k/a “E,” served the Crew by, among other things, managing and enforcing order within the Crew’s network of street-level crack dealers, and collecting proceeds from their crack sales to finance the Crew’s operations.
The Crew’s street-level crack dealers included defendants MALIK HAWKINS, a/k/a “Leeky,” ABDOUL HANNE, a/k/a “Buylot,” MALIK BREEDLOVE, a/k/a “LB,” TYRELL MURPHY, a/k/a “Fat Cat,” and ANTHONY MCDADE, a/k/a “Pap,” each of whom obtained crack from other members of the Crew and sold the crack to customers on the street. In addition, certain members of the AK Houses Crew, including WHITMORE, ROBINSON, HAYLOCK, BELL, and HAWKINS, used and facilitated the use of firearms in furtherance of the Crew’s crack dealing, including for the purposes of enforcing the collection of payment for drugs and to protect members of the Crew. In the course of the narcotics conspiracy, HAYLOCK and BELL also sold firearms to undercover law enforcement officers in Harlem.
During the execution of a search warrant at NIXON’s house yesterday, law enforcement recovered a firearm, more than 80 grams of heroin belonging to NIXON, and paraphernalia for packaging narcotics for distribution. During the execution of a search warrant at an apartment where BREEDLOVE was arrested yesterday, law enforcement recovered approximately 50 grams of crack cocaine.
The Indictment charges 12 defendants and contains two counts. A chart containing the names, ages, residences, and charges for the defendants is set forth below. The maximum term of imprisonment for both counts is life imprisonment. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Juliana Murray and Louis Pellegrino are in charge of the prosecution.
* * *
Defendant
Age
Hometown
Charges
VAN WHITMORE,
a/k/a “V High”
49
Harlem, New York
Narcotics Conspiracy; Firearms Offense
RONALD NIXON,
a/k/a “Jeter”
42
New Rochelle, New York
Narcotics Conspiracy
BARRY WILLIAMS,
a/k/a “Bistro”
42
Bronx, New York
Narcotics Conspiracy
RODNEY ROBINSON,
a/k/a “Stretch”
44
Harlem, New York
Narcotics Conspiracy; Firearms Offense
KAPRIE LAMBERT,
a/k/a “Pri”
22
Harlem, New York
Narcotics Conspiracy
IAN HAYLOCK,
a/k/a “E”
24
Harlem, New York
Narcotics Conspiracy; Firearms Offense
SHAROD BELL,
a/k/a “Rodo”
23
Harlem, New York
Narcotics Conspiracy; Firearms Offense
MALIK HAWKINS,
a/k/a “Leeky”
26
Harlem, New York
Narcotics Conspiracy; Firearms Offense
ABDOUL
HANNE
a/k/a “Buylot”
27
Harlem, New York
Narcotics Conspiracy
MALIK BREEDLOVE,
a/k/a “LB”
23
Harlem, New York
Narcotics Conspiracy
TYRELL MURPHY,
a/k/a “Fat Cat”
21
Harlem, New York
Narcotics Conspiracy
ANTHONY MCDADE,
a/k/a “Pap”
28
Bronx, New York
Narco
###
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
$1.7+ Million in DOJ Grants Awarded to Fight the Opioid Crisis in the Middle District of GeorgiaRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Athens and Columbus, Georgia governments were awarded significant federal funding to support their efforts combatting drugs and crime, announced Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. The Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) today announced awards totaling more than $333 million to help communities across the nation affected by the opioid crisis. In the Middle District of Georgia, the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County was awarded $600,000 under the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program. The Columbus Consolidated Government received a $735,360 grant under the Family Drug Court Program and a $400,000 grant under the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program. In addition, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, which supports law enforcement efforts across Georgia, received $2,000,000 under the Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program. Another statewide impact recipient is the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, awarded $1,250,000 under the Statewide and Regional Mentoring Initiatives for Youth Impacted by Opioids, one of only four states to receive this funding targeting youth. Information about these programs and awards announced today is available here.
“The opioid crisis has destroyed far too many lives and left too many Americans feeling helpless and hopeless,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “This epidemic—the most deadly in our nation’s history—is introducing new dangers and loading public health responsibilities onto the public safety duties of our law enforcement officers. The Department of Justice is here to support them during this unprecedented and extremely challenging time.”
“These grants reflect the Department of Justice’s commitment to helping local communities fight the opioid crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “As our state continues to grapple with opioid abuse, these grants will support effective treatment for abusers, develop stronger court programs and bolster mentoring for young people. Thank you to our law enforcement partners, local government, and community leaders for your help fighting this historic epidemic.”
With more than 130 people dying from opioid-related overdoses every day, the Department of Justice has made fighting addiction to opioids—including heroin and fentanyl—a national priority. The Trump Administration is providing critical funding for a wide range of activities—from preventive services and comprehensive treatment to recovery assistance, forensic science services and research—to help save lives and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
The awards announced today support an array of activities designed to reduce the harm inflicted by these dangerous drugs. Grants will help law enforcement officers, emergency responders and treatment professionals coordinate their response to overdoses. Funds will also provide services for children and youth affected by the crisis and will support the nationwide network of drug and treatment courts. Other awards will address prescription drug abuse, expand the capacity of forensic labs and support opioid-related research.
For more information about OJP awards, visit the OJP Awards Data webpage. The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training and technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
11 December 2019
Yankton Man Sentenced in Fentanyl Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Yankton, South Dakota, man convicted of conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl was sentenced on December 9, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Fletcher Stark, age 23, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Stark was indicted with others for conspiracy to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, by a federal grand jury on February 5, 2019. He pled guilty on August 21, 2019.
Stark was obtaining fentanyl from co-conspirators in Minneapolis for redistribution in South Dakota.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the police departments of Vermillion, Yankton, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Stark was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Woman from Santa Fe faces federal charges of illegally cashing more than $100,000 in checks drawn on U.S. TreasuryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Zayra Olivia Alvarado, 36, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, appeared in federal court in Albuquerque on December 6 for an arraignment on an indictment charging her with theft of public money from the United States.
A grand jury returned an indictment against Alvarado on November 20. The indictment charged Alvarado with 100 counts of allegedly cashing checks drawn on the U.S. Department of Treasury each in the amount $1000 or more. Alvarado allegedly committed these offenses between February 17, 2015, and October 26, 2015, causing a loss to the Treasury of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Alvarado is currently out of custody pending trial. She faces up to 10 years in prison for each offense. An indictment is only an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Brawley is prosecuting the case.
Westbrook Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Two Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: A Westbrook man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Portland for committing two bank robberies, the second of which he committed while on pretrial release for the first, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Aaron West, 38, to seven years in prison and three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $16,250 in restitution to Cumberland County Federal Credit Union and $1,140 in restitution to Norway Savings Bank. West pleaded guilty to both bank robberies on June 28, 2019.
According to court records, on January 31, 2018, West entered the Cumberland County Federal Credit Union in Falmouth. Holding his right hand in his sweatshirt pocket in a manner consistent with carrying a concealed weapon, he approached a teller and told her, “this is a robbery, no dye packs.” He obtained $16,250 in the robbery. He was subsequently arrested for the robbery and a federal grand jury indicted him in November 2018. He was released pending trial. In early March 2019, he became a fugitive from justice because he violated his pretrial release conditions and a warrant issued for his arrest.
On March 18, 2019, while in fugitive status, West entered a Norway Savings Bank in Portland. He held his right hand in his sweatshirt pocket, in a manner consistent with carrying a concealed weapon. He told the teller, “give me the money,” and after first receiving a small amount of money, demanded “more” and threatened to “start shooting.” He obtained $1,400 in the robbery.
The FBI and the Falmouth, Portland and Westbrook Police Departments investigated the case.
U.S. Attorneys Say Strike Force Targets Drugs, Violence in Kansas City MetroRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY – A new Kansas City Metro OCDETF Strike Force is targeting drug traffickers and violent criminals on both sides of the state line, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister in Kansas and U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison in the Western District of Missouri announced today.
McAllister and Garrison held a joint press conference to announce that local, state, and federal law enforcement officers are working together on Strike Force cases.
“The Strike Force already is conducting investigations and filing charges against the criminals who are poisoning our community with drugs and violence,” McAllister said. “Crime does not stop at the state line and neither does the Strike Force.”
“This new Strike Force presents a united front against drug trafficking and violent crime throughout the metropolitan area,” Garrison said. “We are marshaling agents and officers from both Missouri and Kansas under the same roof and equipping them with additional investigative resources to better protect our community from the violent scourge of drug trafficking.”
The Strike Force, which launched in April 2019, is targeting drug trafficking organizations that are making the streets of metro Kansas City less safe and more violent by importing large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and other drugs from Mexico and elsewhere.
JOINS OCDETF STRIKE FORCES NATIONWIDE
The Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) oversees the Strike Force initiative. Kansas City joins OCDETF Strike Forces in major cities including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, North Texas, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, San Juan, Southeast Michigan, and Tampa.
The OCDETF Strike Force in metro Kansas City includes members from the FBI, DEA, and ATF, as well as the police departments in Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Kansas and the Western District of Missouri will prosecute the Strike Force’s cases in federal court.
MISSION: DISRUPT, DISMANTLE CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS
The goal of the Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations, including gangs, cartels, and others that are trafficking in drugs and firearms, or engaging in money laundering.
Participating agencies have agreed to assign full-time personnel to the Strike Force. Police officers, federal agents, and prosecutors are working together under one roof. For security reasons, the location will not be made public.
An FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge manages the Strike Force’s three teams: a major crime squad, a major threat squad, and a fugitive squad. A Strike Force Executive Council, whose members include both U.S. Attorneys, will oversee the Strike Force.
CASES FILED
As an example of the work of the Kansas City Metro OCDETF Strike Force, an investigation across state lines resulted in separate indictments being brought in both Kansas and Missouri last month.
In Kansas City, Kansas, the Strike Force investigated a case (U.S. v. Jose Manuel Delgado-Hernandez, et al.) that resulted in federal drug conspiracy charges against six men who are accused of distributing methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl that came to Kansas through a pipeline that begins in Mexico.
The indictment alleges the organization’s distributors at the street level were operating within 1,000 feet of Kensington Park playground and Wyandotte High School.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized 19 pounds of methamphetamine, 66 pounds of marijuana, and firearms, including handguns and a military style rifle.
In Kansas City, Missouri, the parallel Strike Force investigation resulted in a case (U.S. v. Christie D. Holloway, et al) that included federal drug conspiracy charges against four defendants who are accused of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. One of the defendants is accused of illegally possessing a firearm
Other Strike Force cases include:
- U.S. v. Luis Martinez-Carrango, et al.: Agents seized more than 220 pounds of methamphetamine when they served a search warrant at a house in Kansas City, Kansas. Fourteen defendants were charged in a 33-count grand jury indictment. During the investigation, the agents also seized approximately 140 gallons of liquid methamphetamine being transported from Douglas County, Kansas, to Lees Summit, Missouri.
- US v. Lionel Simpson: In November, Simpson was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to selling crack cocaine to undercover agents during meetings in grocery store parking lots and gas stations in Kansas City, Kansas. He was arrested with a backpack containing gloves, a mask, a gun, and a 50-round magazine. He said he kept it in case he ever ran into a rival gang member who was responsible for the death of his sister.
- U.S. v. Jovanny Medina, et al.: Medina was indicted Oct. 23, 2019. The indictment alleges he was arrested during the unloading of 35 pounds of methamphetamine from a car hauler truck in the parking lot of a Dollar General in Kansas City, Kansas.
- U.S. v. Ladele D. Smith, et al.: Twenty defendants were indicted for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy. Approximately 200 federal agents and local law enforcement officers were involved in an Oct. 2, 2019, operation in which most of the defendants were arrested. During the operation, officers seized 23 firearms, heroin and other illegal drugs, and $75,000 in cash. The indictment alleges the defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute at least a kilogram of heroin, as well as cocaine, crack cocaine, oxycodone, codeine, and marijuana.
The charges contained in these indictments are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
STATEMENTS FROM PARTNERS
Agency officials who are working with the Strike Force made the following statements:
- Timothy Langan, FBI Special Agent Charge, Kansas City Division: “The creation of the KC Metro OCDETF Strike Force provides a collaborative effort, serving as a force multiplier to effectively protect the public, by targeting the command structure of major international and interstate drug organizations. We have already seen success with the establishment of this task force locally, through the recent indictment and arrest of multiple subjects in an ongoing drug conspiracy investigation in the Western District of Missouri. That investigation, as well as future investigations, will aim at dismantling, disrupting and prosecuting the hierarchy of these organizations through a concerted effort of federal, state and local law enforcement.”
- Erik Smith, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge: “The DEA Kansas City District Office is pleased to collaborate with our federal, state, and local partners in this Strike Force endeavor. The prevalence of drugs and violence is a threat to this community, and a concerted focus on addressing these threats is required from all federal, state, and local law enforcement. We are committed to doing our part.”
- Marino Vidoli, ATF Special Agent in Charge: “ATF’s unique expertise in using crime gun intelligence to identify those involved in gun crime and our experience in investigating how firearms are acquired by violent criminals in our communities, allows us to be an integral part of the Strike Force efforts to find, and hold accountable those responsible for violent crime. The Strike Force strengthens ATF’s long standing tradition of partnering with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to reduce violence and make our communities safer.”
- Richard Smith, Chief of the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department: “Drugs and violence have no boundaries in Kansas City or the metropolitan area. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Strike Force to combat violence and provide a safer community for all. Working together provides additional tools and resources to identify violent offenders and remove them from our streets.”
- Michael York, Chief of the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department: “The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department is looking forward to working with our federal partners and local agencies with the hopes of reducing violent crime not just in our city but the entire metropolitan area. The new Metro Strike Force will be a force multiplier for agencies that are dealing with violent crime such as homicides and drive by shootings. We have already experienced success in the short time that Strike Force has been operational.”
- Ron Miller, U.S. Marshal of the District of Kansas, and Mark James, U.S. Marshal of the Western District of Missouri: “The U.S. Marshals Service looks forward to combining its fugitive targeting expertise with the overall significant drug and violent crime investigations pursued by the KC Metro OCDETF Strike Force. Together, we are a stronger force against criminal organizations impacting the Greater Kansas City area.”
- Paul Shade, U.S. Postal Inspection Service: “Our agency will assist in any matters that involve criminal activity while using the USPS to further their crimes. This includes but is not limited to the trafficking of narcotics and narcotics related U.S. currency being shipped through the mail.”
- Karl Stiften, IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge: “IRS-Criminal Investigation (CI) is a proud participant of the KC Metro OCDETF Strike Force. CI special agents contribute our financial investigative skills to track and seize proceeds of illegal activities from the criminals involved. Pooling the skills and resources of each agency makes a formidable team.”
The prosecutions announced in this release were brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s OCDETF Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led, co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime.
OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s illicit drug reduction strategy. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
U.S. Attorneys Say Strike Force Targets Drugs, Violence in Kansas City MetroRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison (left) announced the new KC Metro Strike Force to target drug traffickers and violent criminals on both sides of the state line. Garrison was joined by U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister (District of Kansas, center), Adam Cohen, director of the Executive Office of the Organized Crime Drug EnforcementTask Forces (right), and law enforcement partners from 13 agencies.KANSAS CITY – A new Kansas City Metro OCDETF Strike Force is targeting drug traffickers and violent criminals on both sides of the state line, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister in Kansas and U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison in the Western District of Missouri announced today.
McAllister and Garrison held a joint press conference to announce that local, state, and federal law enforcement officers are working together on Strike Force cases.
“The Strike Force already is conducting investigations and filing charges against the criminals who are poisoning our community with drugs and violence,” McAllister said. “Crime does not stop at the state line and neither does the Strike Force.”
“This new Strike Force presents a united front against drug trafficking and violent crime throughout the metropolitan area,” Garrison said. “We are marshaling agents and officers from both Missouri and Kansas under the same roof and equipping them with additional investigative resources to better protect our community from the violent scourge of drug trafficking.”
The Strike Force, which launched in April 2019, is targeting drug trafficking organizations that are making the streets of metro Kansas City less safe and more violent by importing large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and other drugs from Mexico and elsewhere.
JOINS OCDETF STRIKE FORCES NATIONWIDE
The Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) oversees the Strike Force initiative. Kansas City joins OCDETF Strike Forces in major cities including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, North Texas, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, San Juan, Southeast Michigan, and Tampa.
The OCDETF Strike Force in metro Kansas City includes members from the FBI, DEA, and ATF, as well as the police departments in Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Kansas and the Western District of Missouri will prosecute the Strike Force’s cases in federal court.MISSION: DISRUPT, DISMANTLE CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS
The goal of the Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations, including gangs, cartels, and others that are trafficking in drugs and firearms, or engaging in money laundering.
Participating agencies have agreed to assign full-time personnel to the Strike Force. Police officers, federal agents, and prosecutors are working together under one roof. For security reasons, the location will not be made public.
An FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge manages the Strike Force’s three teams: a major crime squad, a major threat squad, and a fugitive squad. A Strike Force Executive Council, whose members include both U.S. Attorneys, will oversee the Strike Force.
CASES FILED
As an example of the work of the Kansas City Metro OCDETF Strike Force, an investigation across state lines resulted in separate indictments being brought in both Kansas and Missouri last month.
In Kansas City, Kansas, the Strike Force investigated a case (U.S. v. Jose Manuel Delgado-Hernandez, et al.) that resulted in federal drug conspiracy charges against six men who are accused of distributing methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl that came to Kansas through a pipeline that begins in Mexico.
The indictment alleges the organization’s distributors at the street level were operating within 1,000 feet of Kensington Park playground and Wyandotte High School.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized 19 pounds of methamphetamine, 66 pounds of marijuana, and firearms, including handguns and a military style rifle.
In Kansas City, Missouri, the parallel Strike Force investigation resulted in a case (U.S. v. Christie D. Holloway, et al) that included federal drug conspiracy charges against four defendants who are accused of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. One of the defendants is accused of illegally possessing a firearm
Other Strike Force cases include:
U.S. v. Luis Martinez-Carrango, et al.: Agents seized more than 220 pounds of methamphetamine when they served a search warrant at a house in Kansas City, Kansas. Fourteen defendants were charged in a 33-count grand jury indictment. During the investigation, the agents also seized approximately 140 gallons of liquid methamphetamine being transported from Douglas County, Kansas, to Lees Summit, Missouri.
US v. Lionel Simpson: In November, Simpson was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to selling crack cocaine to undercover agents during meetings in grocery store parking lots and gas stations in Kansas City, Kansas. He was arrested with a backpack containing gloves, a mask, a gun, and a 50-round magazine. He said he kept it in case he ever ran into a rival gang member who was responsible for the death of his sister.
U.S. v. Jovanny Medina, et al.: Medina was indicted Oct. 23, 2019. The indictment alleges he was arrested during the unloading of 35 pounds of methamphetamine from a car hauler truck in the parking lot of a Dollar General in Kansas City, Kansas.
U.S. v. Ladele D. Smith, et al.: Twenty defendants were indicted for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy. Approximately 200 federal agents and local law enforcement officers were involved in an Oct. 2, 2019, operation in which most of the defendants were arrested. During the operation, officers seized 23 firearms, heroin and other illegal drugs, and $75,000 in cash. The indictment alleges the defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute at least a kilogram of heroin, as well as cocaine, crack cocaine, oxycodone, codeine, and marijuana.The charges contained in these indictments are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
STATEMENTS FROM PARTNERS
Agency officials who are working with the Strike Force made the following statements:
Timothy Langan, FBI Special Agent Charge, Kansas City Division: “The creation of the KC Metro OCDETF Strike Force provides a collaborative effort, serving as a force multiplier to effectively protect the public, by targeting the command structure of major international and interstate drug organizations. We have already seen success with the establishment of this task force locally, through the recent indictment and arrest of multiple subjects in an ongoing drug conspiracy investigation in the Western District of Missouri. That investigation, as well as future investigations, will aim at dismantling, disrupting and prosecuting the hierarchy of these organizations through a concerted effort of federal, state and local law enforcement.”
Erik Smith, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge: “The DEA Kansas City District Office is pleased to collaborate with our federal, state, and local partners in this Strike Force endeavor. The prevalence of drugs and violence is a threat to this community, and a concerted focus on addressing these threats is required from all federal, state, and local law enforcement. We are committed to doing our part.”
Marino Vidoli, ATF Special Agent in Charge: “ATF’s unique expertise in using crime gun intelligence to identify those involved in gun crime and our experience in investigating how firearms are acquired by violent criminals in our communities, allows us to be an integral part of the Strike Force efforts to find, and hold accountable those responsible for violent crime. The Strike Force strengthens ATF’s long standing tradition of partnering with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to reduce violence and make our communities safer.”
Richard Smith, Chief of the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department: “Drugs and violence have no boundaries in Kansas City or the metropolitan area. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Strike Force to combat violence and provide a safer community for all. Working together provides additional tools and resources to identify violent offenders and remove them from our streets.”
Michael York, Chief of the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department: “The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department is looking forward to working with our federal partners and local agencies with the hopes of reducing violent crime not just in our city but the entire metropolitan area. The new Metro Strike Force will be a force multiplier for agencies that are dealing with violent crime such as homicides and drive by shootings. We have already experienced success in the short time that Strike Force has been operational.”
Ron Miller, U.S. Marshal of the District of Kansas, and Mark James, U.S. Marshal of the Western District of Missouri: “The U.S. Marshals Service looks forward to combining its fugitive targeting expertise with the overall significant drug and violent crime investigations pursued by the KC Metro OCDETF Strike Force. Together, we are a stronger force against criminal organizations impacting the Greater Kansas City area.”
Paul Shade, U.S. Postal Inspection Service: “Our agency will assist in any matters that involve criminal activity while using the USPS to further their crimes. This includes but is not limited to the trafficking of narcotics and narcotics related U.S. currency being shipped through the mail.”
Karl Stiften, IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge: “IRS-Criminal Investigation (CI) is a proud participant of the KC Metro OCDETF Strike Force. CI special agents contribute our financial investigative skills to track and seize proceeds of illegal activities from the criminals involved. Pooling the skills and resources of each agency makes a formidable team.”The prosecutions announced in this release were brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s OCDETF Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led, co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime.
OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s illicit drug reduction strategy. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
Two Reagor Dykes Employees Plead Guilty to Wire Fraud Conspiracy, 11 Pleas TotalRead the Press Release
Two Reagor Dykes Auto Group employees pleaded guilty this week to participating in the auto group’s floor plan fraud scheme, following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Elaina Marie Cabral, a 30-year-old Reagor Dykes office manager who worked at RDAG’s Toyota store in Plainview, and Whitney Erin Maldonado, a 44-year-old Reagor Dykes office manager who worked at RDAG’s Mitsubishi store in Lubbock, pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud before Magistrate Judge Lee Ann Reno in Amarillo.
Their colleague, executive assistant to the CEO Ashely Nicole Dunn, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in a related Reagor Dykes check kiting scheme last Wednesday.
They are three of eleven employees who have confirmed their roles in the $50 million Reagor Dykes scam. Admitted coconspirators include Reagor Dykes Chief Financial Officer Shane Andrew Smith and employees Sheila Miller, Lindsay Williams, Diana Urias, Paige Johnston, Pepper Rickman, Sherri Wood, and Brad Fansler.
In plea papers, Ms. Cabral and Ms. Maldonado admitted the company engaged in a practice they called “dummy flooring.”
Employees routinely dug through records for vehicle identification numbers (VIN) of cars Reagor Dykes had already sold, then submitted new loan applications to Ford Motor Credit Company using the old VINs – falsely indicating that the company was seeking a loan in order to repurchase the vehicle for resale, the pair admitted. After acquiring the new floor plan funding, instead of re-buying the car, Reagor Dykes used the ensuing loan to cover other expenses.
Ms. Dunn admitted in her plea papers that Reagor Dykes also engaged in systematic check kiting, a ploy that involves concealing fraud by cross-depositing checks across several banks.
Ms. Cabral and Ms. Maldonado each face up to five years in federal prison and may be required to pay approximately $27 million in restitution. Ms. Dunn also faces up to five years in prison and may be required to pay approximately $23 million in restitution.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Frausto, Jeffrey Haag, and Sean Taylor are prosecuting the case.
Two Ocean County Men Charged in Scheme to Distribute Cocaine, Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two Ocean County, New Jersey, men were charged with possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute; one defendant was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Mario Galli III, 27, and Jason Vella, 37, both of Toms River, New Jersey, are each charged by complaint with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Galli is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Sept. 19, 2019, investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office executed search warrants on each of the defendants’ residences and recovered in excess of 150 grams of cocaine and drug paraphernalia, including digital scales, glassine envelopes, a money counter, baking soda, grinders, and $2,295 in cash. Also recovered from Galli’s residence was a FEG 9mm Model PGK-9HP gun loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition. At the time, Galli was on supervised release from a 2016 federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute in excess of 500 grams of cocaine.
The charge of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any sentence on the drug count and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited the members of the FBI’s Organized Crime Task Force under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark; and investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel V. Grady O’Malley of the U.S. Attorney=s Office’s Organized Crime/Gangs Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Brothers Convicted of Shooting A U.S. Postal Carrier Are Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced that two brothers convicted of shooting a U.S. Postal Carrier were sentenced to prison today. U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. sentenced Rashawn Donnell Williams, 31, of Charlotte to 28 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay $$3,396 as restitution. Judge Conrad ordered Dion Lamar Williams, 28, also of Charlotte, to serve 15 years in prison, and three years of supervised release. Both defendants previously pleaded guilty to attempted murder of a federal employee. Rashawn Williams also pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm during, in relation to, and in furtherance of a crime of violence.
David M. McGinnis, Inspector in Charge of the Charlotte Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) joins U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.
“The Williams brothers knowingly and intentionally attempted to kill an innocent U.S. postal carrier while he was performing his official duties. This was a reprehensible crime and the punishment reflects the severity of the violent act. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their thorough investigation of this case, which has led to the federal convictions,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.
"Protecting the employees of the Postal Service is a top priority of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. When someone attempts to take the life of one of our employees, we stop at nothing to identify those responsible,” stated Inspector in Charge McGinnis. We extend our appreciation to all our law enforcement partners for their assistance and would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their continued support in the prosecution of those who assault postal employees.”
According to filed court documents, on August 31, 2017, Rashawn Williams and Dion Williams conspired to kill a U.S. Postal Carrier. As part of the conspiracy, Dion Williams picked up Rashawn Williams at a location on Executive Street in Charlotte. The two men traveled to the Days Inn located at 4924 Sunset Road in Charlotte, where Rashawn Williams obtained a firearm. Then, the defendants traveled to Archer Avenue in Charlotte, where they located the victim, and attempted to kill the victim while he was delivering mail on his mail route.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray commended USPIS for their investigation of the case. U.S. Attorney Murray and Inspector McGinnis thanked the FBI, ATF, the U.S. Probation Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for their invaluable assistance with this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Dillon, of the U.S. Attorney’s office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
Tuba City Man Sentenced to Prison for Sexually Abusing Minor and Possessing Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. On December 9, 2019, Andrew Al Littleman, 39, of Tuba City, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven P. Logan to 57 months in prison. The defendant previously pleaded guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The defendant will also be required to register as a sex offender, and will be on supervised release for the remainder of his life.
The defendant, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, sexually abused the minor in 2014-2015 while both were living on the reservation. In 2018, the defendant also possessed between 40 and 50 grams of methamphetamine for the purpose of distributing the drugs on the reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Christine D. Keller and Sharon K. Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Three North Bay Defendants Charged in Fentanyl Overdose Death CaseRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged Leanna Zamora, Lindsay Williams, and Shane Cratty with distribution of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Acting Special Agent in Charge William “Curt” Fallin. The charges were made in a complaint filed today.
The complaint, described by U.S. Attorney Anderson in a press conference today, describes how Zamora, 29, Williams, 32, and Cratty, 26, all from Santa Rosa, each are alleged to have played a role in supplying the fentanyl that resulted in the death of a 13-month-old boy and his father in Santa Rosa.
“Drug dealers sometimes justify themselves by claiming that their conduct is ‘harmless’ or ‘victimless,’” said U.S. Attorney Anderson. “As this case demonstrates, these claims are false. The dark reality for many opioid drug users is that their lives are short and miserable, and their deaths are horrible. Street drugs are not ‘medicine,’ and drug dealers are not ‘doctors.’ The day-to-day work of a drug dealer consists of pushing his victim-customers into a downward spiral of dependency and despair.”
“This case involves fentanyl and a $125 drug transaction that led to the untimely deaths of a father and his 13-month old son,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Fallin. “The circumstances surrounding this investigation are arguably the most tragic we have seen. It not only serves as a reminder, but also underscores our commitment to do everything in our power to prevent these bold criminals from destroying any more lives.”
According to the complaint, Cratty drove Williams to meet with Zamora. Zamora sold the fentanyl to Williams, and Williams gave it to Cratty. Cratty then delivered it to the baby’s father. Late that night or early the next morning, the father and the baby ingested some of the drug and died. According to the complaint, the fentanyl that ultimately found its way to the victims’ house was obtained by Zamora in the open-air drug markets of the Tenderloin in San Francisco.
Zamora, Williams, and Cratty each are charged with distribution of controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison. A term of supervised release, fines, forfeitures, and restitution also may be ordered, however, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The complaint contains allegations only and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Zamora and Williams are in state custody. Shane Cratty is in custody on a federal arrest warrant. Appearances for the defendants in federal court have not yet been scheduled.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Santa Rosa Police Department, with assistance from the DEA.
Three Defendants Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – Three defendants were sentenced to federal prison today for gun crimes, announced in United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
“We are prosecuting record numbers of gun crimes aimed at keeping guns out of the wrong hands,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “If you violate federal gun laws, whether you are a prohibited person, a gun-toting drug dealer, you steal firearms or possess illegal weapons, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
Jeffery Turley, 31, of Lincoln County, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for using an unregistered sawed off shotgun when he stole a car. Turley previously admitted that he possessed a sawed off shotgun that was not registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Turley had a long history of prior convictions and was prohibited from being in possession of a gun. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the West Virginia State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Arthur handled the prosecution.
Joseph Keith Abshire, 33, of Dunbar was sentenced to 16 months in prison for being felon in possession of a firearm. Abshire previously admitted that on March 18, 2018, he was pulled over for his reckless driving in St. Albans, while following members of the Last Rebels Motorcycle Club. A St. Albans Police Officer smelled alcohol on his breath. With permission, the officer began to conduct a field sobriety test. Pursuant to the officer’s request, Abshire acknowledged that he had a knife on his belt. When the officer lifted Abshire’s shirt to take possession of the knife, a handgun in his waistband was observed. A loaded Para Ordnance, model p12-45, semi-automatic pistol was recovered. In addition to the knife and gun, the officer removed a sharpened deer antler from Abshire’s boot. Inside of Abshire’s truck, the officer found a magazine and holster to a separate firearm, as well as a denim cut typical of a prospect in the Last Rebels Motorcycle Club. Abshire had previously been convicted of a misdemeanor offense of domestic battery in Kanawha County Circuit Court and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the St. Albans Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner handled the prosecution.
Keanna Carter, of Charleston, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Carter previously admitted that she possessed 251 oxycodone pills at her house to be distributed for money. She further admitted that she possessed firearms in the house for the purpose of assisting her with drug trafficking. The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Arthur handled the prosecution.
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Texas personal assistant imprisoned for stealing from elderly clientRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 41-year-old Richmond resident has been ordered to federal prison after admitting she committed fraud and made false statements regarding her participation in a scheme to defraud her 94-year-old client, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Amy Anglin pleaded guilty Sept. 25.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nancy Atlas handed Anglin a 36-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony from the victim, now 95 and blind, that detailed the extent of his losses and how the Anglin preyed on his trust. In handing down the sentence, the court concurred with the government in describing the defendant as a “predator whose version of blood in the water is human kindness and trust.” Judge Atlas further ordered Anglin to pay restitution of at least $249,000.
“Amy Anglin preyed on the trust of a 94-year-old, legally blind man. She should be punished for her actions,” said Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen. “Families should always thoroughly vet people working for our elderly.”
Anglin began working for a successful real estate developer in Houston in approximately 2015 when he 91 years old and his eyesight was beginning to fail. Anglin admitted she took advantage of the victim’s poor health and began to steal money from his bank accounts and misused his credit cards to purchase, among other things, Hawaiian vacations and airline tickets for herself and her family. Anglin would get her elderly victim to sign checks he believed were legitimate and authorized expenditures. She would then have the funds deposited into her personal bank account.
Anglin would also convert the victim’s assets by use of both his bank account and his credit cards. In addition to using her access to the victim’s banking accounts and business credit cards, Anglin wired herself large amounts of money and used Western Union to transfer the victim’s money to her friends and acquaintances. Anglin transferred funds from the victim’s accounts to pay for vacations in Las Vegas, resorts in Hawaii and trips to her hometown. Anglin also used the stolen money to pay for country club memberships, golf lessons, overdue child support payments and major home improvements, including a hot tub.
At the time of her plea, Anglin admitted she was not authorized to make these transfers or payments.
Anglin’s scheme was uncovered when the victim’s family began to question certain payments associated with his accounts. With the help of a Houston-based attorney, the family has estimated the total amount of fraud associated with Anglin’s scheme to be more than $249,000.
The scheme continued until approximately December 2018.
Previously released on bond, Anglin was taken into custody following the sentencing today where she will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The case is the result of a renewed law enforcement effort to protect America’s older citizens from elder abuse.
The FBI and Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heyward Carter and Steve Mellin are prosecuting the case.
Tampa Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Producing Child Pornography of 7-Year-Old BoyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Ronald Manns Seaman, Jr. (50, Tampa) to 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography. Seaman had pleaded guilty on November 28, 2018.
According to court records and proceedings, Seaman produced sexually explicit images of a 7-year-old boy who was under his supervision. The investigation began when Seaman distributed child pornography over the internet to an undercover FBI agent. Further investigation revealed that Seaman ran an online trading site for child pornography with more than 400 members, who traded “extreme” child pornography. Seaman advertised on the site that he had 10,000 child pornography files to trade. Seaman’s computer was found to contain more than 500 images and 40 videos of child pornography—many of which depicted babies and toddlers—including seven explicit images that he had produced of the 7-year-old victim.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
St. Francis Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on December 10, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Steven William Emery, age 48, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, forfeiture of a firearm, ammunition, and firearm accessories, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Emery was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 11, 2018. He pled guilty on August 13, 2019.
Beginning in June 2016 and continuing to May 2018, Emery knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota, in and around the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Emery admitted that over 50 grams of methamphetamine was distributed during the course of the conspiracy. During a vehicle and residence search, several drug paraphernalia items were found, in addition to a loaded firearm, ammunition and firearm accessories.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
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 local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
Emery was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Social Worker Convicted of Defrauding Program for Developmentally Delayed ChildrenRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Brooklyn yesterday returned a guilty verdict for public benefits theft and healthcare fraud against Enock Mensah, a social worker participating in the New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP) that provides remedial services to developmentally delayed children. When sentenced by United States District Judge Sterling Johnson, Jr., the defendant faces up to 10 years in prison.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Margaret Garnett, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), announced the verdict.
“Mensah was more interested in lining his pockets than serving the developmentally delayed children and their families who depend on social work services,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “With today’s verdict, the defendant faces the consequences for abusing the trust placed in him, which should also serve as a deterrent to those who would attempt to defraud public benefit programs.”
“Early intervention therapies are essential to the progress of young developmentally disabled and delayed children. The defendant, convicted today of fraud and other charges, chose greed over honesty – accepting public money as if he had provided these crucial services and pocketing those funds for himself, denying children and their families care that would help them reach important developmental milestones. DOI thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for its prosecution of and partnership in this important investigation,” stated DOI Commissioner Garnett.
From August 2013 to October 2018, Mensah fraudulently billed Medicaid and EIP for more than 1,700 therapy sessions that never occurred, resulting in the theft of more than $145,000 in Medicaid funds and more than $29,000 in New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene funds. At trial, several parents of special needs children testified that Mensah did not provide therapy sessions to their children. This was despite documents showing that he claimed to have done so and submitted claims forms for payment to the health care agencies. One parent testified that she was in the Dominican Republic with her autistic child when Mensah billed for two purported therapy sessions with them. In some cases, Mensah forged the parents’ signatures on these claims forms; in others, he persuaded them to sign blank forms.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Harris, Anthony Bagnuola, Oren Gleich and Erin Reid are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
ENOCK MENSAH
Age: 60
Fort Lee, New JerseyE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-60 (S-1) (SJ)
Schenectady Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting a ChildRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Robert Kirk, age 36, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty yesterday to sexually exploiting a child, and to distributing and possessing child pornography.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Kirk admitted that on two occasions in July 2018, he used a sleeping, minor child to create sexually explicit images and videos on his cellular telephone. Kirk also admitted to distributing child pornography over a group messaging application and possessing hundreds of images of child pornography.
Kirk is scheduled to be sentenced on April 10, 2020 by Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue. Kirk faces at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison on the sexual exploitation counts, at least 5 and up to 20 years in prison on the distribution count, and up to 20 years in prison on each of the child pornography counts. Sentences of imprisonment may be concurrent or consecutive at the discretion of the Court. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The Court also will impose a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of between 5 years and life.
This case was investigated by HSI, with assistance from the New York State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Giglio Suarez.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Saugus Woman Charged with Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Saugus woman was arrested and charged yesterday in connection with a scheme to defraud her elderly uncle of his life’s savings.
Jayne Carbone, 52, was charged with one count of wire fraud. Carbone was arrested and appeared in federal court in Boston.
Between approximately December 2016 and September 2018, Carbone allegedly stole at least $400,000 from her elderly uncle, whose personal finances she managed. Carbone fraudulently withdraw funds from his brokerage account and transferred those funds into bank accounts held by Carbone and members of her immediate family for personal use. To further and conceal the scheme, Carbone allegedly provided her uncle with falsified statements for his accounts reflecting inflated balances.
The charge of wire fraud carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. 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 today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie A. Wright of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Romanian Man Sentenced in Capital Region ATM Card Skimming ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Gheorghe Cirstea, age 33, and a citizen of Romania, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for conspiring to steal bank customers’ account information and personal identification numbers (PINs) by using skimming devices that he secretly installed on bank ATMs in the Capital Region from August through October 2015.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On March 30, 2018, Cirstea was arrested on an international arrest warrant while travelling through Bogota, Colombia. On October 19, 2018, Cirstea was formally extradited by Colombian authorities to the Northern District of New York, and he has remained in custody since then.
As part of his guilty plea on August 8, 2019, Cirstea admitted that from August 30, 2015 through October 24, 2015, he and co-conspirator Ilie Sitariu used skimming devices and pinhole cameras to secretly capture the account numbers and PINs of customers who used ATMs at First Niagara Bank, Trustco Bank, and Berkshire Bank branches in Chatham, New York, Delmar, New York, and Great Barrington, Massachusetts, respectively. The skimming devices captured the information encoded on the magnetic strips of customers’ bank debit cards, while the pinhole cameras allowed the defendants to record the PINs used by the customers. The conspirators then used the information to steal approximately $127,000 from the customers’ accounts by making withdrawals at ATMs in New York City.
Sitariu, who was arrested in September 2015, pled guilty on November 22, 2016, and was sentenced to 48 months in prison by Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn.
Judge Kahn also ordered that Cirstea pay $127,389 in restitution to the three banks whose customers’ account information was skimmed and used to make unauthorized withdrawals.
This case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, and the New York State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on December 6, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken.
Nicholas Perry, age 31, was sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
From May 2017 through August 2017, co-conspirator Dana Faulkner transported and arranged transportation of 15-45 kilograms of methamphetamine to South Dakota from Colorado. Perry was one of the multiple sub-distributors who dealt Faulkner’s methamphetamine in the Rapid City area. Faulkner was previously sentenced to 25 years in federal prison.
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.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case. Multiple co-conspirators have already been sentenced.
Perry was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on December 9, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Eugene Leon Featherman, age 31, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Featherman was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 14, 2018. He pled guilty on October 9, 2019.
Featherman was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in January 2012. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender for a period of 25 years. Between August 25, 2018, and November 14, 2018, Featherman failed to properly update his registration.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
Featherman was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Failure to RegisterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on December 10, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Cody Grass, age 35, was sentenced to 8 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stemmed from Grass, who is a person required to register for a period of 25 years under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, knowingly failing to register and update his registration from July 2018 until the time of his apprehension in June 2019.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.
Grass was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pittsburgh Woman Facing Theft ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge relating to theft of Social Security funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count indictment named Kristie Marraccini, age 40, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from in and around August 2016, to in and around December 2017, Marraccini knowingly received and converted Supplemental Security Income benefits to which she knew she was not entitled, in an amount exceeding $1,000.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 5 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Czarnecki is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pierre Woman Indicted for Theft of Federal FundsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today a Pierre, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Theft from a Program Receiving Federal Funds.
Dawn R. Seaboy Block, age 52, was indicted on November 13, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 6, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between October 2018 and May 2019, while she was employed as an agent of the United Sioux Tribes of South Dakota Development Corporation (USTDC), Block did embezzle, steal, obtain by fraud, and intentionally misapply property of USTDC, an organization receiving Federal funds.
The charge is merely an accusation and Block is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
For additional information about The Guardians Project, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.
Philadelphia Man Convicted of Two North Philadelphia Cell Phone Store Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Darius Carter, 40, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was convicted today at trial of two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery (i.e., robbery which interferes with interstate commerce) arising from the robbery of two cell phone stores on the same block in the Fairhill section of North Philadelphia, both within one week in October 2018.
During the first incident, two men entered a Boost Mobile store on the 2700 block of North Fifth Street -- one of whom was the defendant, who brandished what appeared to be a Glock-style pistol, took $600 and fled. During the second incident five days later, the defendant entered a second store alone, a Metro PCS on the same block, and took $500 while once again displaying what appeared to be a handgun.
“The complete disregard that Carter displayed for the safety of others is appalling,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “The employees of these stores were simply doing their jobs, while the defendant terrorized them in a very short span of time. The streets of Philadelphia are safer now that Carter has been convicted and is facing significant prison time.”
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.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly Harrell and Nancy Winter.
Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Transfer Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: A New Cumberland, Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Bangor to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
According to court records, Aaron Dyer, 34, using the multimedia messaging application Snapchat, sent images of his genitalia to the internet connected device of a 10-year-old girl living in Maine. Dyer requested in a message accompanying the images that the girl send back nude images of herself. The defendant admitted that he was aware that the intended recipient of his Snapchat message was 10 years old. The images were intercepted by the girl’s mother before they were viewed by the girl.
Dyer faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Maine State Police investigated the case.
Pennsylvania Man Indicted in “SIM Swapping” Scheme to Steal CryptocurrencyRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury indicted Anthony Francis Faulk with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and extortion, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agent in Charge John Bennett.
The indictment, unsealed today, alleges that Faulk, 23, of Latrobe, Penn., engaged in a scheme to obtain cryptocurrencies and other money and property by fraud and extortion. According to the indictment, Faulk targeted assets owned and controlled by executives of cryptocurrency-related companies and cryptocurrency investors. The indictment alleges Faulk and others engaged in a “SIM swapping” scheme. A SIM card—short for Subscriber Identity Module or Subscriber Identification Module—is a technology used to identify and authenticate subscribers on mobile phone devices. According to the indictment, Faulk and others used fraud, deception, and social engineering techniques to induce representatives of cellphone service providers to transfer or port cellphone numbers from SIM cards in the devices possessed by victims to SIM cards in devices possessed by the conspirators, a practice known as SIM swapping. The indictment further alleges that after Faulk and his co-conspirators gained control of victims’ cellphone numbers, the conspirators used additional deceptive techniques to gain access to email, electronic storage, and other accounts of victims and ultimately to cryptocurrency accounts of victims. Faulk and his co-conspirators also allegedly extorted victims of the SIM swapping scheme.
The indictment charges Faulk with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, and one count of interstate communications with intent to extort, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(d).
In addition, the indictment alleges that Faulk used the proceeds of the SIM swapping scheme to obtain real and personal property for his own use and benefit, including a house, a Ferrari and three other cars, jewelry, a Rolex watch, and royalty rights in twenty songs. According to the indictment, the property obtained with the proceeds of the SIM swapping scheme is subject to criminal forfeiture.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted of the conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge, Faulk faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine in the amount of $250,000. If convicted of the extortion charge, Faulk faces a maximum statutory sentence of 2 years in prison and a fine in the amount of $250,000. The court also may order an additional term of supervised release, fines or other assessments, restitution, and forfeiture, if appropriate. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Faulk was arrested today in Latrobe, Penn., and made his initial appearance in the Western District of Pennsylvania on December 11, 2019. He was released on a $250,000 bond. His next scheduled appearance is at 10:30 a.m. on January 9, 2020, before the Honorable Sallie Kim, U.S. Magistrate Judge.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Leach is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Mimi Lam, Rebecca Shelton, and Kimberly Richardson. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Pair of Drug Conspirators Convicted Following Jury Trial in AbingdonRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A pair of men charged with distributing crystal methamphetamine were convicted by a jury in Abingdon earlier this week following a four-day jury trial, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen and Special Agent in Charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives [ATF] Washington Field Division Ashan M. Benedict announced today.
“Methamphetamine use and distribution are among the greatest threats to public safety in far Southwest Virginia,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated. “We will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local partners to identify the individuals and organizations responsible for dealing this deadly drug in our communities and put them in federal prison.”
“The combination of firearms and illegal drugs is not only a dangerous one, it is a criminal one, and that’s what you see in this case. These men brought meth into Virginia neighborhoods knowing the harm it causes to people’s lives, and one used a firearm to helped them do it,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Benedict. “ATF will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners and prosecutors to stop violent crime and trafficking in our communities.”
Earlier this week, following a four-day trial, a jury sitting in U.S. District Court in Abingdon convicted Omar Kareem Banks, 44, of Coeburn, Va. and Jimmy Shupe Jr., 37, of Pennington Gap, Va., of Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Banks was also convicted of possession of 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to evidence presented at trial, Banks and Shupe were indicted in May 2019, along with 19 others, as part of a large-scale methamphetamine distribution organization that operated in the counties of Lee, Wise, and Scott.
During trial, the jury heard testimony and received documentary evidence, including messages from social media accounts, that established that Banks and Shupe were associated with and acquired significant quantities of methamphetamine from other members of the conspiracy for several years prior to May 2019.
At sentencing, Banks faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years imprisonment on the conspiracy charge and an additional consecutive term of five years on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Shupe faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years imprisonment on the conspiracy charge.
To date, 18 of the 21 defendants have pleaded guilty and two were convicted after a jury trial. The one remaining defendant is scheduled for trial in April.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau or Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Norton Police Department and the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony P. Giorno, Jonathan Jones, and Lena Busscher prosecuted the case for the United States.
Omaha Man Convicted for Trafficking Drugs and GunsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Gatruol Puol, 20, of Omaha, was sentenced today in federal court for two counts of using and/or carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and distributing marijuana. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Puol to 10 years’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Puol will begin a four-year term of supervised release after the completion of his prison term.
On November 14, 2018, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to purchase marijuana and a Savage model 64, .22 cal. rifle from Puol. On December 28, 2018, Puol sold marijuana and an AMT.45 cal. handgun to the confidential informant.
This case was part of a Project Safe Neighborhood initiative and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Omaha Police Department.
New Mexico Man Is Sentenced to 15 Years for Transporting A Minor with Intent to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Late yesterday, U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger sentenced an Albuquerque, New Mexico man to 180 months in prison for transporting a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Judge Reidinger also ordered Jacob Gardea, 24, to serve 10 years of supervised release and to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison.
John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, joins U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents and yesterday’s sentencing hearing, beginning in August 2018, Gardea met the minor on the internet. Court records show that Gardea, who knew the victim was a 13-year-old female residing in Rutherford County, initially told the victim he was 16 years old. Also according to court records, in November 2018, Gardea traveled 1,500 miles, from New Mexico to North Carolina, picked up the minor, and traveled west toward New Mexico with her. Following an intense four-day search by law enforcement, Gardea was arrested by the FBI in Oklahoma.
Gardea is currently in federal custody. He will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. All federal sentencings are served without the possibility of parole.
The FBI, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service led the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.
New Haven Crack Dealer Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HUSAIN REDMOND, also known as “Pullie,” 39, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven drug trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2017, the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force initiated an investigation into a New Haven drug trafficking organization headed by Jermayne Butler. The investigation, which included physical surveillance, 13 controlled purchases of narcotics, and court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, revealed that members of the organization were distributing crack cocaine and oxycodone in the New Haven area.
Redmond was intercepted on a wiretap communicating with Butler. The conversations confirmed that Butler supplied crack cocaine to Redmond, who sold the drug to customers in and around New Haven.
Butler, Redmond and several other members of the organization were arrested on federal criminal complaints on February 6, 2018. On February 8, 2018, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 30-count indictment charging 19 individuals with various offenses.
Redmond has been detained since his arrest. On August 5, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, cocaine base. (“crack”).
Butler pleaded guilty to the same offense on August 9, 2019. He awaits sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, which includes members from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, West Haven Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and David C. Nelson.
NIBIN “Hit” Links Gang Member to Drive-By Shooting, Charged with Firearms Violations in Project Guardian CaseRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – A complaint signed by a federal magistrate judge Monday morning charges Edward Jose Peralta-Moran, age 19, of Taylorsville with possessing a firearm following a felony conviction and possession of a stolen firearm. Ramon Avila, age 22, of Salt Lake City is charged with possession of a stolen firearm.
Based on an analysis of the ballistic evidence using the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN), Utah Bureau of Forensic Services analysts linked casings recovered from a drive-by shooting in Taylorsville on Sept. 3, 2019, to a .45 caliber Smith and Wesson firearm recovered from Peralta-Moran. The U.S. Department of Justice Project Guardian initiative emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.
NIBIN is a database system that captures, stores, and correlates digital images of spent cartridge casings recovered from crime scenes and test-fired firearms. The Utah Crime Gun Intelligence Center uses NIBIN technology to assist law enforcement agencies in solving firearms crimes. So far this year, 1,644 NIBIN entries have been entered in Utah. This figure includes 1,100 firearms and 544 casings from shooting scenes submitted by 38 different Utah law enforcement agencies. The entries have resulted in 69 “hits” involving 170 cases.
According to the complaint, Unified Police Department (UPD) officers responded to a drive-by shooting at a home in Taylorsville, on Sept. 1, 2019. Officers observed bullet entry points on the exterior of the home and collected six 9 mm shell casings. They were unable to identify anyone involved in the shooting.
Two days later, on Sept. 3, 2019, a UPD officer heard what sounded like gunfire in the area of 4700 South and 2700 West and observed a car leaving the area and entering I-215. According to the complaint, about the same time dispatch started receiving emergency calls reporting shots fired at the same residence as the Sept. 1, 2019, incident. Responding officers observed numerous new bullet entry points on the exterior of the home and collected six expended .45 caliber shell casings and a .223 projectile, but were unable to locate any suspects.
One occupant of the home told officers he had been in a recent confrontation with an individual. He identified the individual for the officer. The information pointed officers to Peralta-Moran, a known Sureno-affiliated convicted felon. Peralta-Moran was on state probation and had an outstanding arrest warrant.
On Sept. 4, Sandy City police officers responded to a report of firearms thefts at The Amory Firearms and Shooting Range, a Federal Firearms Licensee. The manager told them three males entered the business and stole three handguns while he was speaking to another customer. According to the store manager, the individuals took a Glock 17 handgun with a green slide from behind the sales counter and a Glock 19 handgun from the manager’s office. (Only two of the three stolen firearms are related to charges included in this case.)
Viewing store surveillance video, officers observed the three males enter The Armory and go to different areas in the store. The video shows them taking guns from behind the counter and from the store manager’s office. The three left in a vehicle described by the store manager as a silver or blue Lexus with “In God We Trust” on the license plate. The store manager was able to provide the officers with a partial plate number, according to the complaint.
UPD officers looking for Peralta-Moran on Sept. 5, 2019, observed a Lexus sedan similar to the description of the passenger car leaving the scene of the Sept. 3, 2019, drive-by shooting. Officers executed a traffic stop. According to the complaint, as the vehicle pulled into a residential driveway, officers heard the distinctive sound of a metal object hitting the pavement.
Avila was driving the car and Peralta-Moran was a passenger in the front seat. Officers located a .45 Smith and Wesson handgun on the ground adjacent to the passenger side of the vehicle and found a Glock 17 handgun with a green slide under the front portion of the driver’s seat, similar in description to one of the guns stolen from The Armory. The license plate on the car matched the description given by the store manager.
According to the complaint, Peralta-Moran told officers he paid someone to shoot up the house on Sept. 3, 2019. He also admitted the Lexus was used in the Sept. 3 shooting and the .45 Smith and Wesson officers found on the pavement on the passenger side of the Lexus was used in the drive-by shooting. Officers executed a search warrant at Peralta-Moran’s residence and found a Glock 19 handgun concealed in his bed – one of the handguns stolen from The Armory.
Peralta-Moran is appearing Wednesday morning on the charges in the complaint. A warrant is pending for Avila. Both defendants face a potential 10-year statutory sentence, a fine of $250,000, and a three-year term of supervised release if convicted of the charges in the complaint. Defendants charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Utah U.S. Attorney’s Office are prosecuting the case. Officers from the UPD and Sandy City Police Department and special agents from the ATF are investigating the case. The Utah Crime Gun Intelligence Center is also contributing to the investigation.
Muskogee Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing Firearm from Licensed DealerRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that David Neil Dunn a/k/a David Neil Dunn, Jr., age 20, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Stealing A Firearm From A Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(m), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that from on or about July 12, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly steal from Mike’s Outdoors, a federal firearms licensed dealer, a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(m).
The charges arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.
Multi-Agency Investigation and Prosecution of Eleven Drug Conspirators Concludes with Final SentencingsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced the sentencing of eleven defendants as a result of a multi-agency investigation referred to as “Operation Cesar’s Palace.” They were indicted on March 22, 2018, and were sentenced on various dates from April 2019 to October 2019 following their guilty pleas or jury verdicts and the completion of pre-sentence reports for each.
Those sentenced were: Waylon Lee Williams, age 38, of Stilwell; Chassidy Dawn Burke, age 38, of Stilwell; Jesse Ryan Catron, age 39, of Stilwell; Evonnie Marie Simmons, age 38, of Stilwell; Josh Caleb Simmons, age 39, of Stilwell; Amber Rae Kirk, age 38, of Lincoln, Arkansas; Carl Alvin Cushing, age 61, of Westville; Megan Charise Watkins, age 27, of Stilwell; Kris Lee Hall, age 41, of Stilwell; Sharon Eloise Davis, age 53, of Bunch; and Donnie Dean Burke, age 36, of Westville. A twelfth individual named in the indictment, Brianna Deanyae Smith, age 49, of Westville, was acquitted at a jury trial of the charge of Drug Conspiracy, on January 25, 2019.
Each defendant was sentenced for Drug Conspiracy pursuant to 21 United States Code Section 846. Williams was sentenced on October 8, 2019 to 125 months in prison and 5 years’ supervised release. Chassidy Dawn Burke was sentenced on June 26, 2019 to 21 months in prison and 3 years’ supervised release. Catron was sentenced on October 8, 2019 to 46 months in prison and 5 years’ supervised release. Evonnie Marie Simmons was sentenced on October 10, 2019 to 51 months in prison and 5 years’ supervised release. Josh Caleb Simmons was sentenced on August 14, 2019 to 51 months in prison and 5 years’ supervised release. Kirk was sentenced on May 15, 2019 to 21 months in prison and 3 years’ supervised release. Cushing was sentenced on October 9, 2019 to 180 months in prison and 10 years’ supervised release. Watkins was sentenced on June 27, 2019 to 33 months in prison and 3 years’ supervised release. Hall was sentenced on October 9, 2019 to 121 months in prison and 5 years’ supervised release. Davis was sentenced on April 17, 2019 to 15 months in prison and 3 years’ supervised release. Donnie Dean Burke was sentenced on May 15, 2019 to 18 months in prison and 3 years’ supervised release.
The law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation were the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (“OBN”), the National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the District 27 District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the Stilwell Police Department, the Broken Arrow Police Department, the Tulsa Police Department., and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The investigation was coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney.
“An investigation and prosecution of this magnitude cannot be accomplished without many cooperating law enforcement agencies. Much of the work by investigators and prosecutors alike did not happen during normal business hours. They worked late nights and weekends for months on end. Their dedication to this investigation and prosecution for the benefit of rural Oklahoma was inspiring,” said United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester. “We cannot lose sight of the fact that every year hundreds of Oklahomans die as a result of methamphetamine overdose. Drug trafficking organizations profit while communities deal with tragic outcomes caused by addiction. That is why investigations like this are so important.”
John Scott, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Oklahoma City District Office said, “The remote location of targets and lack of law enforcement assets in rural Eastern Oklahoma allowed the Waylon Williams DTO to operate with impunity for many years. The combined efforts of federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement resulted in the dismantlement of this organization, significantly impacting the distribution of methamphetamine in rural Eastern Oklahoma. Let this case serve as a reminder to the criminals in our community, your illegal activity will be brought to light and justice will be served.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over each of the sentencing hearings. The defendants will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-parolable sentences will be served. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.
Michigan man sentenced to more than 24 years for drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Terrence D. Marsh, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 295 months incarceration for drug distribution and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
After a four-day trial in August 2019, a jury deliberated for 35 minutes before finding Marsh, age 38, guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Possess With the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession With the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession With the Intent to Distribute Heroin within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession With the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime.”
Marsh conspired with others to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in Marion County and elsewhere from the fall of 2018 to January 2019. Some of the drug dealing took place near West Fairmont Middle School, and included the presence of firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Traci M. Cook and Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Three Rivers Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Michigan Falconer Pleads Guilty to Violating Lacey ActRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Edward Taylor, 64, Fruitport, Michigan, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Madison to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act. This charge carries maximum penalties of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
The information filed against Taylor alleges that in late 2016 through August 2017, Taylor and a Wisconsin falconer arranged to barter a northern goshawk taken from the wild in Vilas County, Wisconsin, in exchange for a captive-bred Finnish goshawk, and then cover up the receipt and transport of the northern goshawk from Wisconsin to Michigan in violation of the Migratory Bird Act and the Lacey Act.
According to the information, on May 26, 2018, Taylor’s conspirator took from the wild a female northern goshawk from a nest located on state land in Vilas County. The co-conspirator traded the northern goshawk for a Finnish goshawk from Taylor. The information alleged that both Taylor and his coconspirator filled out false reports with the Michigan and Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources to cover up their actions. The information also alleged that the conspirator told his associates to “keep it hush-hush and not tell anybody” that the conspirator was giving the female goshawk nestling to Taylor.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker scheduled Taylor’s sentencing for February 25, 2020, at 3:00 p.m.
The charges against Taylor were the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Law Enforcement, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Graber.
Mexican Citizen Convicted After Trial for Immigration Document FraudRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – A jury voted yesterday to convict Alfredo Carballo Nava, age 26, a citizen of Mexico staying in Homer, New York, of one count of immigration fraud for using a counterfeit permanent resident card. The jury acquitted the defendant of one count of social security fraud.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Buffalo Field Office Director of Operations Thomas Feeley.
Evidence presented during the two-day trial established that, in 2008, Carballo Nava unlawfully entered the United States and obtained a counterfeit permanent resident card. This document contained obvious errors including an incorrect date of birth, incorrect date of entry into the U.S., and a fingerprint that did not belong to Carballo Nava. In 2019, after arrest on another matter, an investigation revealed that Carballo Nava used the counterfeit permanent resident card in 2017 to obtain employment in Cortland County.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2020, at which time Carballo Nava faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant may also face immigration proceedings that could result in his removal from the United States[1].A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General, United States Citizenship and Immigrations Services, and the City of Cortland Police Department.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristen Grabowski and Tamara Thomson.
[1] Immigration proceedings are civil in nature and are adjudicated separately in Immigration Court.
McLaughlin Woman Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, woman convicted of assault of a federal officer was sentenced on December 4, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Claudette Mae Has Horns, age 32, was sentenced to time served, which was 10 months in federal custody and over 3 months in tribal custody, totaling over 13 months. She was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
According to court documents, on October 10, 2018, Has Horns forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with a federal officer, with such assault involving physical contact and with the intent to commit another felony. At the time of the assault, the victim was employed as a federal law enforcement officer with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of Interior, assigned to perform law enforcement functions and while he was engaged in the performance of his official duties.
In the afternoon of October 10, Has Horns and a third-party approached a residence in McLaughlin, South Dakota, seeking a ride from the homeowner. Has Horns and the third-party appeared intoxicated, and they subsequently engaged in a physical altercation on the front lawn. Law enforcement was then summoned, and the assault occurred.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services and the Corson County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
At the time of her sentencing, Has Horns had served the entirety of her sentence and was released to begin supervised release.