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Thursday 17 October 2019
South Carolina Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Traffcking Heroin and Cocaine into ConnecticutRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CARLITOS MOLINA, also known as “Carlos,” 48, of Lexington, South Carolina, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for trafficking heroin and cocaine into Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that Molina was transporting kilogram-quantities of heroin and cocaine to Connecticut from his home in South Carolina. He and his nephew, Efrain Molina, then sold the drugs in and around Bridgeport. In January 2019, members of the DEA and Bridgeport Police Department arranged a controlled purchase of approximately one kilogram of cocaine and 400 grams of heroin from the Molinas in exchange for $53,000. On January 17, 2019, Carlitos and Efrain Molina were arrested after they arrived at location in Bridgeport in possession of narcotics.
Carlitos Molina has been detained since his arrest. On May 17, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, more than 100 grams of heroin and more than 500 grams of cocaine.
Carlitos Molina has an extensive criminal history and, at time of this offense, was on parole in the State of Georgia for trafficking methamphetamine. He faces the remaining 10 years of a 20-year state sentence when he is released from federal custody.
Efrain Molina, also known as “Frankie,” pleaded guilty on October 8, 2019, and is awaiting sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bridgeport Police Department and Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez
South Bend, Indiana Man Sentenced to 43 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Donyea Fowler, age 34, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for six counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of felon in possession of a firearm, and six counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Mr. Fowler was sentenced to 516 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $7,253.19 in restitution.
According to documents in this case, between December 2017 and February 2018, Mr. Fowler robbed six South Bend area businesses at gun point. Mr Fowler was connected to these robberies, in part, because he committed the robberies while wearing the same clothing: maroon sweat pants, a hooded sweatshirt, a mask, gloves, and sneakers. Several times he used a blue satchel to carry the loot. Mr. Fowler repeatedly stole cash, change, lottery tickets, liquor, and tobacco products. When Mr. Fowler was arrested, police found the blue satchel, a gray glove, and the loaded chrome-colored handgun in the trunk of the car in which Mr. Fowler was a passenger. Police also found a picture of stolen items from the robbery that occurred in January of 2018 on Mr. Fowler’s cell phone. Mr. Fowler has four prior felony convictions.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Sister of Penitentiary Inmate Sentenced in Federal Case for Role in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on October 17, 2019, Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Hannah Pauly to a term of imprisonment of 70 months. Pauly, 24, of Kearney, Nebraska, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.
In January 2019, investigators received information from the Nebraska State Penitentiary regarding possible drug activity involving defendant’s brother, Dustin Pauly, who was then an inmate at the Penitentiary. Investigators determined that the defendant accepted a parcel containing several pounds of methamphetamine at her residence in Kearney, Nebraska. The delivery of the parcel was coordinated by Dustin Pauly while he was incarcerated. Investigators obtained a warrant to search the residence and recovered five bundles of methamphetamine in varying quantities totaling close to five pounds. Defendant and her roommate, Jose Santos-Zepeda, were arrested and indicted by the Grand Jury with Dustin Pauly. On August 15, 2019, Chief Judge Gerrard sentenced Dustin Pauly to a term of imprisonment of 262 months as a result of his role in the methamphetamine delivery.
The case was primarily investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Kearney Police Department, and the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force.
Seven people indicted for operating narcotics market from Savannah seafood restaurantRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: The owner of a seafood restaurant, three family members and three others have been charged in a drug trafficking conspiracy that alleges the store was used as a front for the sale of marijuana and THC vaping pens.
The indictments, unsealed this week, allege The Original Nancy’s Seafood, at 2211 Skidaway Road, Savannah, was used to take in large quantities of marijuana and THC oil for repackaging and sale, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
“Savannah is a wonderful city for seafood,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “It shouldn’t be a marketplace for illegal drugs.”
The investigation began in August 2019, when law enforcement agencies tracked the source of marijuana being sold in Bulloch County to Savannah. Those named in the four-count indictment include:
Trinh Kapu, 46, of Savannah, owner of The Original Nancy’s Seafood; Ikaika Kapu, 28, of Savannah; Micah Kapu, 21, of Savannah; Matthew Dulin, 36, of Savannah; and Paul Gonning II, 23, of Savannah, all charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises, and Money Laundering Conspiracy.
In addition, Thanh Nguyen, 44, of Roseville, Calif., is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Marijuana, Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises, and Money Laundering Conspiracy; and Chandler McMillian, 20, of Metter, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Marijuana.
The charges carry penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison, with an additional sentence of up to five years for the firearms charge.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division said, “These indictments should serve as a clear reminder to business operators who facilitate drug trafficking and money laundering schemes: While you think your criminal acts are going unnoticed, they are not. DEA, its law enforcement counterparts and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are watching; it’s just a matter of time before you are caught and brought to justice.”
“Unfortunately, drugs cross boundaries. In this case, they were being sold out of an establishment that was meant to be a safe place for patrons,” said Everett Ragan, Director of the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT). “We must remain vigilant when it comes to illegal activity and do our part to ensure our establishments are safe for visitors and not a danger.”
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Chatham-Savannah County Counter-Narcotics Team and the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank M. Pennington II and Joshua Bearden, in coordination with the Asset Recovery Unit.
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List of indicted defendants and charges
- Trinh Kapu, 46, of Savannah, owner of The Original Nancy’s Seafood, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises, and Money Laundering Conspiracy;
- Ikaika Kapu, 28, of Savannah, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises, and Money Laundering Conspiracy;
- Micah Kapu, 21, of Savannah, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises, and Money Laundering Conspiracy;
- Matthew Dulin, 36, of Savannah, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises, and Money Laundering Conspiracy;
- Paul Gonning II, 23, of Savannah, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises, and Money Laundering Conspiracy;
- Thanh Nguyen, 44, of Roseville, Calif., is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Marijuana, Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises, and Money Laundering Conspiracy; and,
- Chandler McMillian, 20, of Metter, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Marijuana.
Salt Lake City Man Sentenced to over 19 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Francis R. Casildo, 36, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also sentenced Casildo to serve five years of supervised release once he has completed his prison term.
According to court records, on or about March 12 and March 26, 2018, Casildo traveled to Pocatello, Idaho and distributed methamphetamine. On April 2, 2018, Casildo facilitated a third distribution of methamphetamine. As a result, Casildo caused 206.35 grams of pure methamphetamine to be distributed in Idaho. After a three-day trial earlier this year, Casildo was found guilty on all charged counts.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Idaho State Police, Bannock County Sherriff’s Office, Pocatello Police Department, Blackfoot Police Department, and the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office.
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Pottawattamie County Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on October 16, 2019, Jason Nicholas Feller, age 38, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Feller was sentenced to 200 months in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release of 5 years. Feller pleaded guilty in April of 2019.
On December 30, 2018, Council Bluffs Police conducted a traffic stop on Feller. Feller admitted he had drugs in the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle, officers recovered two baggies containing approximately 12 grams of methamphetamine. Officers later located a container with a false bottom that held approximately 63 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Council Bluffs Police Department, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Philadelphia Man Charged with EscapeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Terrance Baker, age 48, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 16, 2019, by a federal grand jury for escaping from a Dauphin County correctional facility.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Baker escaped from the Capital Pavilion Community Correction Center in Dauphin County on June 29, 2019.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is a term of five years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Philadelphia Bookkeeper Sentenced to 8 ½ Years in Prison for Embezzling Almost $1.6 Million from Former EmployerRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Peter Goodchild, 56, of Philadelphia, PA, was sentenced 102 months’ incarceration and ordered to pay $1,589,315 restitution by United States District Judge Gerald A. McHugh for his scheme to embezzle that amount from his former employer, QwikSource, over a ten-year period from 2005 until 2015. The defendant was convicted by a jury in April 2019 on 48 counts of wire fraud, 10 counts of money laundering, one count of aggravated identity theft and six counts of filing false income tax returns.
As the former bookkeeper for QwikSource LLC/GMI Technical Sales LLC of Florham Park, NJ, the defendant operated his scheme by opening a PayPal account using his employer’s name, transfering funds from QwikSource’s bank account to that PayPal account, moving the funds from that PayPal account to another PayPal account belonging to his girlfriend, and then moving the funds from his girlfriend’s PayPal account to one or more of his personal bank accounts. The defendant further concealed the embezzlement by making false financial entries on files he maintained for QwikSource that increased the cost of goods sold by the same amount of money that he had stolen from QwikSource’s bank account.
“My Office takes offenses like embezzlement, tax fraud and money laundering very seriously,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “The defendant stole more than a million and a half dollars by abusing his position of trust. My Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect innocent individuals and businesses from being victimized by this type of fraud.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anita Eve.
Organizer of Complex Nigerian Fraud and Money Laundering Ring SentencedRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday today sentenced Ikechukwu Derek Amadi (38, Mississauga, Ontario) to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. The court also entered an order of forfeiture against Amadi for $10,632,546.36, representing the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct, and ordered him to pay restitution to his victims in the amount of $4,360,740.97.
Amadi had pleaded guilty on July 25, 2019, following his extradition to the United States from Canada.
According to court documents and evidence presented at the trials of his convicted coconspirators, Amadi, a dual citizen of Nigeria and Canada, worked with an international criminal organization based in Nigeria that defrauded dozens of victims across the United States and then laundered the funds through a complex network of bank accounts. The organization, known as the Black Axe Group, or Neo Black Movement of Africa, coordinated fraud and money laundering activity throughout the globe via cells or “zones” in Nigeria, Canada, the United States, and elsewhere.
The fraud schemes took several forms. Conspirators posed as suitors on dating websites, where they befriended widowed or divorced elderly women and then convinced their victims to wire money, often consisting of the victim’s entire retirement savings and cash taken out from home equity, to bank accounts in the United States as part of a purported investment opportunity. The conspirators also defrauded title companies with fake cashier’s checks in phony real estate transactions, leaving the companies on the hook for the losses once the checks bounced. And they targeted businesses using email spoofing and hacking schemes, as well as law firms that they solicited online to perform legal work and then provided fake cashier’s checks for deposit into the firms’ trust accounts.
Victims were instructed to wire their money into numerous funnel accounts held by conspirators in the United States, known as “money mules,” and the funds were then quickly moved to other accounts in the United States and around the world before the victims could discover the fraud. From 2012 to 2015, Amadi was accountable for at least $16.4 million in fraud proceeds that were traceable to the different schemes. Amadi himself recruited more than a dozen individuals in the United States to act as money mules for him and oversaw their activities. He then instructed those individuals to wire most of the victims’ funds overseas, including to Hong Kong, China, Canada and Nigeria, to promote the conspiracy and to conceal the source of the funds.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from various federal and local law enforcement partners throughout the country, including the Toronto Police Service in Ontario, Canada and the Toronto Strategic Partnership. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
Okmulgee Man Pleads Guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact with A Child Under 12Read the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Carl Ray Smith, age 52, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Abusive Sexual Contact With A Child Under 12 Years, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1152, 2244(a)(5), 2244(c) and 2246(3), punishable by not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleges that beginning on or about May 1, 2019 and continuing until on or about May 25, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, Carl Ray Smith, a non-Indian, did knowingly engage in and cause sexual contact as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2246(3), with an Indian, R.D., a person under the age of 12 years old.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Henryetta Police Department, the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, 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 Sarah McAmis and Special Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Jordan represented the United States.
New York Man Charged with Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York man was indicted in federal court in Boston with the Aug. 19, 2019, armed robbery of a branch of the Bank of America in Revere.
David J. Hattersley, 45, was indicted on one count of armed bank robbery. He was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Sept. 27, 2019.
According to the charging documents, on Aug. 19, 2019, at approximately 1:30 p.m., an individual entered a branch of the Bank of America in Revere. The individual approached a teller’s station, passed a threatening demand note, and pointed what appeared to be a black semi-automatic pistol at the teller. The teller handed the individual cash from her drawer and the individual exited the bank. Bank surveillance cameras captured images of the bank robber as a 6’ tall, heavily tattooed, white male, wearing a white tank top, and pointing a black semi-automatic handgun at the teller. A post-robbery audit revealed that the individual stole over $13,000 during the robbery.
Police who interviewed the bank employees, learned that the individual had escaped the area on an MBTA bus. A short time later, a person matching the individual’s description was located in a residential neighborhood. The individual, later determined to be Hattersley, was allegedly in possession of a large sum of cash and a black pistol, which was later determined to be a BB gun. Hattersley was arrested without incident. Police also discovered that Hattersley was the subject of outstanding warrants in New York.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Field Division; and Revere Police Chief James Guido made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Nevada Man Sentenced to 10 Months in Federal Prison for His Role in Staged Accident SchemeRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Randy Carl Sharp, age 40, of Henderson, Nevada, was sentenced after having pleaded guilty on July 17, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and one count of mail fraud. Chief United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Sharp to a 10-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison. Chief Judge Rice also ordered Sharp to pay restitution in the amount of $77,000 and forfeiture of $77,000.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, between September 2013, and November 2017, Sharp was involved in two phony automobile accidents in Henderson, Nevada, that defrauded insurance companies out of $527,967. Sharp played “injured victim” in one of the phony accidents and “at fault” driver in another.
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “Staged accident automobile insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. It affects every driver, as fraud causes insurance rates to increase. It also distracts police and medical personnel from responding to legitimate distress calls. I commend the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation and U.S. Marshals Service for their outstanding work investigating this case.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington Criminal Healthcare Fraud Investigator, with assistance from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. This case was prosecuted by George J.C. Jacobs, III, and Brian
Donovan, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
Nearly 14 Years in Federal Prison for Cedar Rapids Man Convicted of Selling Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
A man who sold heroin laced with fentanyl was sentenced on October 16, 2019, to more than 13 years in federal prison.
Reginald Love, age 28, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 6, 2019 guilty plea to one count of distributing heroin and fentanyl.
In a plea agreement, Love admitted that on two occasions in November 2018 he sold heroin laced with fentanyl to another individual. At sentencing, Love admitted that he had actually sold over 20 grams of heroin in the Cedar Rapids area. Love had a prior adjudication for aggravated assault in Chicago, during which he had displayed a firearm to another person and stated, “Don’t run, cause I’ll shoot you!” He also had prior convictions in Chicago for assault (after he again threatened to shoot another person), attempted battery, residential burglary, two convictions for delivery of cannabis, and a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Love was on parole for the firearm charge at the time he sold heroin and fentanyl in Cedar Rapids.
Love was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Love was sentenced to 166 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Love is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-00121-CJW-MAR.
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Monongalia County men admit to firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – DeRon Parrish and Andre Parrish, both of Morgantown, West Virginia, have admitted to firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
DeRon, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm as Convicted Felon.” DeRon, a convicted felon, admitted to having three shotguns in November 2018 in Monongalia County. Andre, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm as Drug User.” Andre, who is prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having three 12-guage shotguns and a pistol in Monongalia County in November 2018.
DeRon and Andre each face up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Michigan Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A Commerce Township, Michigan, resident pleaded guilty today in Detroit, Michigan to tax evasion, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to court documents, Firas Hajjar owns and operates Your Fantasy Warehouse Inc. (YFW), an internet-only retail business that sells popular-culture shirts, sweaters, and other items. Hajjar provided fraudulent information to his accountant regarding corporate sales’ deposits for YFW, resulting in the filing of a false corporate return for 2012 underreporting YFW’s income. Hajjar also filed a false personal tax return for 2012, failing to report his full income from YFW.
United States District Court Judge Denise Page Hood scheduled sentencing for Jan. 28, 2020. Hajjar faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Mark McDonald of the Tax Division, who is prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.
Methamphetamine trafficking in Sanders County sends man to prisonRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—An undercover investigation of methamphetamine trafficking in Sanders County led to a Thompson Falls man being sentenced to prison on Thursday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Derek Alan Dembowski, 41, was sentenced to eight years in prison and four years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty in July to distribution of meth and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The prosecution said in court records that during an undercover investigation, a confidential informant bought a half-ounce of meth from Dembowski on Jan. 21in a monitored buy which Dembowski also possessed firearms and ammunition. The informant had purchased meth from Dembowski on two previous occasions. When arrested by a Sanders County Sheriff’s Office deputy on Feb. 12, Dembowski had a loaded revolver, ammunition and a small amount of meth. Dembowski admitted to law enforcement that he distributed meth and had possessed firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Medicaid Biller Pleads Guilty to Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
NEW BERN – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced that today in federal court, PAMELA GRACE FAULKNER, 58, of Greensboro, North Carolina, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Health Fraud.
According to the Criminal Information to which FAULKNER pled guilty, FAULKNER conspired with Renee Christine Borunda to commit Medicaid fraud. FAULKNER was the sole officer of Skeen Services, Inc. which was a company that offered behavioral health services to Medicaid recipients. Borunda submitted claims to Medicaid on behalf of Skeen. In 2013 and 2014, Borunda submitted fraudulent electronic claims that falsely represented that Skeen had provided services to approximately 200 different Medicaid recipients who lived in Beaufort, Greene, Guilford, Lenoir, Mecklenburg, Pitt, and Wilson Counties, when in fact these services were never rendered. FAULKNER was aware that Borunda was submitting fraudulent claims. In fact, on numerous occasions, FAULKNER provided Borunda with the names of Skeen clients for whom FAULKNER wanted Borunda to submit false claims. FAULKNER and Borunda had agreed to split the monies received for these claims. Medicaid paid Skeen approximately $213,927 for the fraudulent claims. FAULKNER paid Borunda approximately $144,000 from Skeen’s account.
Borunda previously pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Health Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft for her involvement with the health care fraud involving Skeen, as well as fraud involving another company, and the theft of a therapist’s provider number. On November 7, 2018, Borunda was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Higdon commented: “Medicaid fraud jeopardizes the program that is designed to help serve the most vulnerable members in our society, diverts taxpayers dollars, and increases the cost of healthcare. The USAO-EDNC is committed to aggressively seeking out, charging, and bringing to justice those who compromise the integrity of this program for their own financial gain.”
“This individual wasted taxpayer money that should have gone to people who need health care,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “My office will protect taxpayers and hold health care providers and practices accountable when they commit fraud.”
Agents of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (“SBI”) assigned to the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office (“MID”), Financial Investigators with the MID, and agents with the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistance was provided by the Office of Compliance and Program Integrity of the North Carolina Division of Health Benefits, EastPointe, Sandhills Center, and Trillium Health Resources. The investigation and prosecution of this matter was handled in a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney John Parris and Special Assistant United States Attorney Mike Heavner represented the United States.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Sues Orange County Horse Racing Training Center over Violations of Federal Clean Water ActRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Peter Lopez, Regional Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), announced today that the United States has filed a civil lawsuit against MARK FORD, MARK FORD STABLES, INC., MARK FORD STAGE ROAD PROPERTY, INC., and FORD EQUINE, LTD. (collectively, “Defendants”), seeking injunctive relief and civil penalties for violations of the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) in connection with Defendants’ construction and operation of a horse racing training facility in Orange County.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “The defendants violated the laws protecting our Nation’s wetlands and have repeatedly discharged waste from their horse training facility into the waters of the United States. This lawsuit will hold the defendants accountable for violating our environmental laws and require them to remedy the significant damage they have caused to federal wetlands.”
EPA Regional Administrator Peter Lopez stated: “EPA is taking this action to enforce the Clean Water Act and protect America’s wetlands. The defendants in this case showed a disregard for the law, resulting in the destruction of federal wetlands, among other violations.”
According to the Complaint filed today in White Plains federal court:
Defendants own and operate a 76-acre horse racing training center and stables on two adjacent properties in the Town of Wallkill in Orange County, New York. From 2007 to 2017, Defendants destroyed existing federal wetlands and rerouted streams in the course of building a horse racing training center at both properties. In addition, Defendants have operated a concentrated animal feeding operation without a permit, allowing horse washwater and process wastewater to be discharged into waters of the United States. Defendants also violated the terms of a stormwater construction general permit during construction work at one of the properties from January 2016 to February 2017.
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This case is being handled by the Office’s Environmental Protection Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Tomoko Onozawa is in charge of the case.
Manhattan Man Charged with 1995 Double MurderRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging RAMON SOLLA, a/k/a “Ray,” a/k/a “RB,” with the March 3, 1995, murders of Ricky Santiago and Christopher Torro, a/k/a “Christopher Rossy,” in New York, New York. SOLLA was arrested today and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. This case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “For more than two decades, the families of Ricky Santiago and Christopher Torro have been waiting for justice. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the FBI and the NYPD, Ramon Solla will now face justice for his alleged role in the brutal murder of two teenage boys. We hope today’s arrest brings some measure of comfort to the victims’ families.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “Decades have gone by since these young boys were murdered, but the detectives and agents working the case never gave up on finding the killer who pulled the trigger. The fact that we have an alleged suspect in handcuffs today is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and our strong partnerships with the NYPD through the FBI New York Metro Safe Streets Task Force and working with the NYPD Cold Case Squad. Time doesn’t wear away the guilt of anyone who takes a human life, and it doesn’t erode our determination to find those responsible.”
NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said: “The ability of investigators to bring justice for these two victims and provide a sense of closure to their loved ones is paramount. The identification and arrest of the suspect in this case would not have been possible without the collaboration between the NYPD and our law-enforcement partners. I thank the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the FBI, and the hardworking members of the NYPD, who efforts resulted in this arrest.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court[1]:
On March 3, 1995, on the rooftop of 250 East 105th Street in New York, New York, SOLLA shot and killed both Ricky Santiago, 17, and Christopher Torro, 17. SOLLA committed both murders in furtherance of a conspiracy to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin.
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SOLLA, 45, of New York, New York, is charged with two counts of using a firearm to commit murder, each of which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison or death, and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, and with two counts of murder in furtherance of a drug crime, each of which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison or death, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum and minimum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the NYPD.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Maurene Comey and Allison Nichols are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Madre e hija de Luisiana condenadas por vulnerar los derechos civiles de una mujer discapacitadaRead the Press Release
Raylaine Knope, de 43 años, fue condenada hoy en el Distrito Oriental de Luisiana a 336 meses de cárcel por obtener trabajo y servicios domésticos forzosos y sin paga de D.P., una mujer adulta con discapacidades cognitivas, así como por conspirar a obtener el trabajo forzoso de D.P. y encubrir un delito grave. La hija de Knope, Bridget Lambert, de 22 años, fue condenada a 48 meses de cárcel por conspirar con Knope y otros miembros de su familia a obtener trabajo forzoso de D.P.
«Knope y Lambert conspiraron a coaccionar brutalmente a una víctima vulnerable con discapacidades a trabajar muchas horas en condiciones deplorables y sin compensación monetaria alguna», informó el Fiscal General Auxiliar Eric Dreiband. «El Departamento de Justicia sigue luchando contra la trata de personas por trabajo forzoso, y la condena de hoy refleja el compromiso de la División a buscar la justicia para las víctimas más vulnerables en nuestra sociedad».
«Lambert y Knope participaron en un delito verdaderamente horroroso contra uno de los miembros más susceptibles de nuestra sociedad. Espero que estas condenas aporten un atisbo de justicia a la víctima. Alarmantemente, delitos como este son cada vez más comunes», confirmó Peter G. Strasser, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oriental de Luisiana. «Nuestra oficina, junta con el Departamento de Justicia, está comprometida a buscar la justicia en nombre de toda víctima, incluyendo en nombre de individuos vulnerables como D.P., y seguiremos colaborando con la policía federal, estatal y local para hacer que los autores rindan cuentas de sus delitos».
«Las acciones de las acusadas en este caso fueron crueles e inhumanas. Raylaine Knope y Bridget Lambert maltrataron y abusaron psicológicamente de otro ser humano, un miembro de su familia y a quien debían considerar como un ser querido», declaró Bryan A. Vorndran, el Agente Especial Encargado de la Oficina Local del FBI en Nueva Orleans. «En nuestro carácter como la agencia federal principal encargada de la investigación de alegatos relacionados con vulneraciones de leyes federales de derechos civiles, el FBI seguirá defendiendo los derechos civiles de toda persona, tanto de ciudadanos como de no ciudadanos. Quisiera agradecer a los hombres y mujeres de la Oficina Local del FBI en Nueva Orleans, la Oficina del Sherriff de Tangipahoa, el Departamento de Justicia, la Fiscalía Federal – Distrito Oriental de Luisiana y la Fiscalía del Distrito de Tangipahoa por su enorme esfuerzo en llevar a las acusadas ante la justicia».
El 20 de mayo del 2019, Knope se declaró culpable ante un cargo de conspiración al trabajo forzoso, un cargo de vulneración de trabajo forzoso substantiva y un cargo de encubrimiento de un delito grave. En la audiencia en la que se declaró culpable, Knope admitió que entre el 13 de agosto del 2015 y el 30 de junio del 2016, en Amite, Luisiana, ella conspiró con otros miembros de su familia para obtener de D.P. trabajo y servicios domésticos sin pagar por los mismos, por distintos medios, entre ellos la fuerza, amenazas de fuerza y la restricción física. Knope admitió que obligó a D.P. a vivir encerrada en una jaula en el patio y a realizar tareas domésticas y de jardinería a cambio de comida y agua. Más aún, admitió que ella y sus coconspiradores sometieron a D.P. a abusos físicos rutinarios, amenazas y abusos verbales y psicológicos con el fin de garantizar el cumplimiento continuo de D.P. con las ordenes de la familia. Como ejemplo de estos abusos, la acusada admitió que en una ocasión le obligó a D.P. a consumir las cenizas incineradas de su madre difunta. Knope también admitió que empleó este abuso generalizado para obtener el trabajo forzoso de D.P. y que había ayudado a otro coconspirador a robarle a D.P. sus beneficios federales de discapacidad.
El 27 de septiembre del 2018, Lambert se declaró culpable ante un cargo de conspiración a trabajo forzoso. En la audiencia en la que se declaró culpable, Knope admitió que entre el 13 de agosto del 2015 y el 30 de junio del 2016, en Amite, Luisiana, ella conspiró con otros miembros de su familia, incluyendo a Raylaine Knope, para obtener de D.P. trabajo y servicios domésticos sin pagar por los mismos, por distintos medios, entre ellos la fuerza, amenazas de fuerza y abusos verbales y psicológicos. Más aún, Lambert admitió que, en una ocasión, ella fomentó la conspiración al golpear a D.P. en la cabeza con una tabla de madera, lo que causó a D.P. sangrar de la cabeza, y en otra ocasión fomentó la conspiración al restringir el brazo de D.P. para que otro coconspirador pudiera castigar a D.P. quemándola con un mechero.
El caso fue investigado por la Oficina Local del FBI en Nueva Orleans, Luisiana, la Oficina del Sheriff de la Parroquia de Tangipahoa y la Fiscalía de Distrito de la Parroquia de Tangipahoa. El caso ha sido enjuiciado por la Abogada de Litigios Risa Berkower, de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia, la Fiscal Federal Auxiliar Julia Evans, de la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Oriental de Luisiana, y la Fiscalía de Distrito de la Parroquia de Tangipahoa.
Louisiana Mother and Daughter Sentenced for Violating Civil Rights of Woman with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Raylaine Knope, 43, was sentenced to 336 months imprisonment today in the Eastern District of Louisiana for obtaining forced, unpaid household labor and services from D.P., an adult woman with cognitive disabilities, as well as for conspiring to obtain D.P.’s forced labor and misprision of a felony. Knope’s daughter, Bridget Lambert, 22, was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment for conspiring with Knope and their other family members to obtain forced labor from D.P.
“Knope and Lambert conspired to brutally coerce a vulnerable victim with disabilities to work long hours in despicable conditions and with no monetary compensation,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Department of Justice continues to combat human trafficking by forced labor and today’s sentencing reflects the Division’s commitment to seeking justice for the most vulnerable victims in our society.”
“Lambert and Knope participated in a truly horrific crime against one of the most susceptible members of our society. I hope that these sentences will bring a measure of justice to the victim. Shockingly, crimes such as this are becoming more common,” said Eastern District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser. “Our office, along with DOJ, is committed to seeking justice on behalf of all victims including vulnerable individuals such as D.P., and we will continue to partner with federal, state and local law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.”
“The defendants’ actions in this matter were nothing short of cruel and inhumane. Both Raylaine Knope and Bridget Lambert mistreated and psychologically abused another human being, a family member, and someone who should have been considered a loved one,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan A. Vorndran of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “As the primary federal agency responsible for investigating allegations regarding violations of federal civil rights statutes, the FBI will continue to protect the civil rights of all persons—citizens and non-citizens alike. I applaud the tremendous efforts put forth by the men and women of the FBI New Orleans Field Office, the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office, Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Louisiana, and Tangipahoa District Attorney’s Office to bring these defendants to justice.”
On May 20, 2019, Knope pleaded guilty to one count of a forced labor conspiracy, one count of a substantive forced labor violation, and one count of misprision of a felony. At her plea hearing, Knope admitted that, between Aug. 13, 2015, and June 30, 2016, in Amite, Louisiana, she conspired with other family members to obtain D.P.’s uncompensated household labor and services through a number of means, including by force, threats of force, and physical restraint. Knope admitted that she forced D.P. to live in a locked backyard cage and to perform housework and yard work in exchange for food and water. She further admitted that she and her co-conspirators subjected D.P. to routine physical abuse, threats, and verbal and psychological abuse designed to ensure D.P.’s continued compliance with the family’s orders. As examples of this abuse, the defendant admitted that she once forced D.P. to eat D.P.’s deceased mother’s cremated ashes. Knope also admitted that she used this overarching abuse to obtain D.P.’s forced labor, and that she helped another co-conspirator steal D.P.’s monthly federal disability benefits.
On Sept. 27, 2018, Lambert pleaded guilty to one count of a forced labor conspiracy. At the plea hearing, Lambert admitted that, between Aug. 13, 2015, and June 30, 2016, in Amite, Louisiana, she conspired with other members of her family, including Raylaine Knope, to obtain D.P.’s uncompensated household labor and services by a number of means, including by force, threats of force, and verbal and psychological abuse. Lambert further admitted that, on one occasion, she advanced the conspiracy by striking D.P. in the head with a wooden board, causing D.P. to bleed from her head, and on another occasion advanced the conspiracy by holding D.P.’s arm in place so that a fellow conspirator could punish D.P. by burning her with a cigarette lighter.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Field Office in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney’s Office. The case has been prosecuted by Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Assistant United States Attorney Julia Evans of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and by the Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney’s Office.
Louisiana Mother and Daughter Sentenced for Violating Civil Rights of Woman with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
Raylaine Knope, 43, was sentenced to 336 months imprisonment today in the Eastern District of Louisiana for obtaining forced, unpaid household labor and services from D.P., an adult woman with cognitive disabilities, as well as for conspiring to obtain D.P.’s forced labor and misprision of a felony. Knope’s daughter, Bridget Lambert, 22, was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment for conspiring with Knope and their other family members to obtain forced labor from D.P.
“Knope and Lambert conspired to brutally coerce a vulnerable victim with disabilities to work long hours in despicable conditions and with no monetary compensation,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Department of Justice continues to combat human trafficking by forced labor and today’s sentencing reflects the Division’s commitment to seeking justice for the most vulnerable victims in our society.”
“Lambert and Knope participated in a truly horrific crime against one of the most susceptible members of our society. I hope that these sentences will bring a measure of justice to the victim. Shockingly, crimes such as this are becoming more common,” said Eastern District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser. “Our office, along with DOJ, is committed to seeking justice on behalf of all victims including vulnerable individuals such as D.P., and we will continue to partner with federal, state and local law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.”
“The defendants’ actions in this matter were nothing short of cruel and inhumane. Both Raylaine Knope and Bridget Lambert mistreated and psychologically abused another human being, a family member, and someone who should have been considered a loved one,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan A. Vorndran of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “As the primary federal agency responsible for investigating allegations regarding violations of federal civil rights statutes, the FBI will continue to protect the civil rights of all persons—citizens and non-citizens alike. I applaud the tremendous efforts put forth by the men and women of the FBI New Orleans Field Office, the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office, Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office – Eastern District of Louisiana, and Tangipahoa District Attorney’s Office to bring these defendants to justice.”
On May 20, 2019, Knope pleaded guilty to one count of a forced labor conspiracy, one count of a substantive forced labor violation, and one count of misprision of a felony. At her plea hearing, Knope admitted that, between Aug. 13, 2015, and June 30, 2016, in Amite, Louisiana, she conspired with other family members to obtain D.P.’s uncompensated household labor and services through a number of means, including by force, threats of force, and physical restraint. Knope admitted that she forced D.P. to live in a locked backyard cage and to perform housework and yard work in exchange for food and water. She further admitted that she and her co-conspirators subjected D.P. to routine physical abuse, threats, and verbal and psychological abuse designed to ensure D.P.’s continued compliance with the family’s orders. As examples of this abuse, the defendant admitted that she once forced D.P. to eat D.P.’s deceased mother’s cremated ashes. Knope also admitted that she used this overarching abuse to obtain D.P.’s forced labor, and that she helped another co-conspirator steal D.P.’s monthly federal disability benefits.
On Sept. 27, 2018, Lambert pleaded guilty to one count of a forced labor conspiracy. At the plea hearing, Lambert admitted that, between Aug. 13, 2015, and June 30, 2016, in Amite, Louisiana, she conspired with other members of her family, including Raylaine Knope, to obtain D.P.’s uncompensated household labor and services by a number of means, including by force, threats of force, and verbal and psychological abuse. Lambert further admitted that, on one occasion, she advanced the conspiracy by striking D.P. in the head with a wooden board, causing D.P. to bleed from her head, and on another occasion advanced the conspiracy by holding D.P.’s arm in place so that a fellow conspirator could punish D.P. by burning her with a cigarette lighter.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Field Office in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney’s Office. The case has been prosecuted by Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Assistant United States Attorney Julia Evans of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and by the Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney’s Office.
Lewis County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA –Dustin Lee Watson, of Roanoke, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 13 months incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Watson, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in May 2019. Watson, having previously been convicted of a felony and domestic violence, admitted to having a .380 caliber pistol in October 2017 in Upshur County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police; and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Level 1 Sex Offender Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Zachary Feeterman, 24, of Tonawanda, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on August 8, 2019, two Erie County Probation Officers were conducting a routine home visit at the defendant’s residence where they discovered a cellular telephone. In November 2015, Feeterman was convicted of Attempted Possession of a Sexual Performance by a Child less than 16 years old, and was a Level 1 Sex Offender on probation. As a result, he is prohibited from possessing a cell phone.
During a search of the phone, the probation officers several anonymous chatting and social media applications. One of the applications was KEEPSAFE, a vault storage application that looks like a calculator. The application contained files with images and videos of child pornography. Investigators also found numerous other images and videos of child pornography on the phone. Some of the images and videos included prepubescent children and depictions of violence.
A detention hearing was held today before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and Feeterman was detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by members the Erie County Probation Department, under the direction of Commissioner Brian McLaughlin; the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief James P. Stauffiger.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Levant Man Sentenced on Federal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: A Levant, Maine man was sentenced today in federal court in Bangor for possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony crime, United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
U.S. District Court Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Damian A. Ouellette, 27, to six years in prison and three years of supervised release. Ouellette pleaded guilty on January 30, 2019.
According to court records, on November 2, 2018, deputies responded to a report of domestic violence at Ouellette’s Levant residence, where they recovered a 9 mm pistol that he hid in a bin of clothes in his bedroom. Ouellette was prohibited from possessing the firearm because he had three prior felony convictions for robbery and theft.
The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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. For more information about PSN please visit www.justice.gov/psn.
Leader of Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that JAMEL JONES, a/k/a “Mel Murda,” was sentenced to 135 months in prison in connection with his participation in the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods (“Nine Trey”) and the distribution of narcotics, including heroin and fentanyl. JONES pled guilty on April 3, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, who imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Under Jamel Jones’s leadership, the Nine Trey gang acted with impunity to ensure their narcotics business remained intact, including shootings, assaults, and robberies. Now, Jones faces more than a decade behind bars for his role and involvement in this violent gang.”
According to court documents and the evidence presented at the trial of JONES’ co-defendants:
Nine Trey was a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including shootings, robberies, and assaults in and around Manhattan and Brooklyn. Members and associates of Nine Trey engaged in violence to retaliate against rival gangs, to promote the standing and reputation of Nine Trey, and to protect the gang’s narcotics business. Members and associates of Nine Trey enriched themselves by committing robberies and selling drugs, such as heroin, fentanyl, furanly fentanyl, MDMA, dibutylone, and marijuana.
The leadership structure of Nine Trey is divided into two parts: the Prison Lineup, which consists of incarcerated members, and the Street Lineup, which consists of members who are not incarcerated. JONES was the Godfather of the Street Lineup.
JONES pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy for his participation in the Nine Trey enterprise and to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute ten grams and more of an analogue of fentanyl.
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In addition to the prison term, JONES, 39, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $10,000.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Longyear, Jacob Warren, Jonathan Rebold, and Sebastian Swett are in charge of the prosecution.
Latin Counts Gang Member Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Drive-By Shooting in Southwest DetroitRead the Press Release
A Latin Counts gang member was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider, Special Agent in Charge James Deir of the ATF’s Detroit Division, and Chief James Craig of the Detroit Police Department.
Alberto Jackson, a/k/a “Berto,” 20, of Detroit, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert H. Cleland for planning and carrying out with fellow Latin Counts gang members a drive-by shooting in a residential neighborhood of southwest Detroit that occurred on October 7, 2017, killing one victim and injuring two others.
According to court records, the Latin Counts gang operates primarily in southwest Detroit and the downriver communities of Lincoln Park and Ecorse. The Latin Counts are a criminal enterprise responsible for murders, robberies, and the distribution of illegal drugs. The Latin Counts use violence to retaliate against rivals, intimidate citizens in the community, and advance members’ positions within the gang.
Under the Detroit One initiative, and through the lead efforts of the ATF, FBI, and the Detroit Homicide Task Force, law enforcement identified and charged a total of seven violent members of the Latin Counts gang responsible for the drive-by shooting, all of whom have since pleaded guilty.
“Gang violence is a grave threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Schneider. “Today’s stern sentence is the latest example of how our office is aggressively prosecuting violent gang members who endanger the citizens of Michigan.”
“The ATF with our law enforcement partners will continue to relentlessly investigate gang and gun crimes to protect the public,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Deir. “This sentence shows that our efforts are working.”
Detroit One is a collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community to reduce homicides and other violent crimes in Detroit. By working together, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies strive to maximize their ability to identify and arrest individuals and groups initiating violence in Detroit.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Louis Crisostomo, Robert VanWert, and Eric Straus.
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Nearly 18 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Chief Judge Miranda Du to a total of 17 ½ years in federal prison for sexually exploiting children and possessing more than 200 images and videos of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Danny Ray Salzer, 53, pleaded guilty in May 2019, to three counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Salzer must register as a sex offender for life.
According to court documents, in August 2017, detectives with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to a call reporting concern that Salzer was sexually abusing children in the home. The detectives were given a tablet belonging to Salzer that contained sexually explicit images of the three children. During an interview, two of the children disclosed that Salzer had sexually abused them and their siblings. The third child was not interviewed. Later, in September 2017, Salzer was located living at a storage facility and admitted that the tablet turned over to law enforcement and cell phones left in the storage shed belonged to him. A forensic review of the seized devices revealed 214 images and 17 videos of child pornography of the three children and other known victims. In his plea agreement, Salzer acknowledged that the children he abused were under his care, custody or supervisory control.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elham Roohani prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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LaPorte Man Sentenced to 60 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Eric R. Weiler, 46, of LaPorte, Indiana, was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio after entering a plea of guilty to production of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and making a destructive device, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Weiler was sentenced to 720 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay 26,250 in restitution.
“The facts of this case are horrific,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch. “Mr. Weiler’s crimes caused great pain to the victim’s family and could have, but for the swift intervention of law enforcement, resulted in severe and permanent injury to other potential victims. His 60 year sentence reflects the seriousness of his heinous crimes.” Mr. Kirsch went on to express his sincere thanks to all the law enforcement officials involved in this case.
“This lengthy sentence will deliver some justice to the young victims and their families and ensure this defendant will never harm again,” said Special Agent in Charge Tim Jones of the ATF Chicago Field Division. “We will continue to investigate these serious crimes with our law enforcement partners and appreciate the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their diligence in prosecuting this particular case.”
"Mr. Weiler took advantage of some of the most vulnerable members of our society and his sentence reflects the heinous nature of his crime," said Special Agent in Charge Grant Mendenhall, FBI Indianapolis. "It also is a testament to the strong partnerships the FBI has with our law enforcement partners and should send a strong message that we will identify and pursue charges against those who perpetrate these illegal activities."
According to documents in this case, Weiler drugged several people so that they would be unconscious while he recorded a video of himself performing sex acts on an unconscious child. Weiler relived the abuse by writing about it many times in drawings and notes that were later recovered from his house. In the summer of 2017, Weiler fixated on another child, who, according to his writings, he intended to kidnap and sexually abuse after killing the child’s guardians. During that summer, Weiler became suspicious of a person and jerry-rigged that person’s car to explode by re-routing turn signal wires into the gas tank to create a spark. Weiler had also been going into an abandoned house to watch the child playing outside. Investigators went into the vacant house and discovered writings on interior walls documenting the writer’s attempts to acquire a girl under the age of twelve, ideally a newborn baby, for sexual contact. Investigators recovered two incendiary devices, in Weiler’s home, one of which is commonly referred to as an improvised explosive device (IED) and had to later be detonated at the LaPorte County Fair Grounds. Investigators also recovered multiple electronic devices and electronic storage devices in his home, which contained over 24,000 images and over 80 videos of child pornography, including the videos he had produced of himself with the unconscious drugged child. Weiler’s electronic devices also contained videos of him threatening to use one of the explosive devices to extort sex from an unidentified woman.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office, LaPorte Police Department, Michigan City Police Department, and the Porter County Sheriff’s Department and Bomb Squad. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John M. Maciejczyk and Molly E. Donnelly.
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La Crosse Man Charged with Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that a federal grand jury, sitting in Madison, returned an indictment yesterday charging Martin W. Curlee, Jr., 38, La Crosse, Wisconsin, with a gun crime.
The indictment alleges that Curlee was a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. It alleges that he possessed a loaded 9mm handgun and 9mm ammunition on October 8, 2019.
If convicted, Curlee faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Kentucky Physician Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Distributing OpioidsRead the Press Release
A Floyd County, Kentucky-based physician pleaded guilty today for his role in unlawfully distributing opioids by pre-signing blank prescriptions that were ultimately completed by others and delivered to patients not seen by him.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr. of the Eastern District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Derrick Jackson of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Atlanta Field Office, Special Agent in Charge D. Christopher Evans of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Louisville Field Division and Director Michelle Rudovich of the Kentucky Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) made the announcement.
Mohammed A.H. Mazumder, M.D., 48, of Prestonsburg, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 19, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove of the Eastern District of Kentucky, who accepted his plea.
Mazumder was a licensed physician employed by a family practice clinic located in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. A substantial part of the clinic’s practice was pain management, and Mazumder routinely prescribed controlled substances, including opioids, to patients of the clinic. According to admissions made as part of his plea agreement, on occasion, when Mazumder was planning to be absent from the clinic, in anticipation of patients nevertheless coming to the clinic, Mazumder pre-signed prescriptions for opioids, which later were completed by other staff members of the clinic and ultimately delivered to patients not seen by Mazumder. Specifically, as part of his plea, Mazumder admitted to pre-signing prescriptions for opioids prior to traveling abroad.
HHS-OIG, the DEA and the Kentucky MFCU investigated the case. Assistant Chief Dustin M. Davis of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Smith of the Eastern District of Kentucky are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the ARPO Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 districts, has charged more than 70 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 40 million pills.
KC Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for a $145,000 fraud scheme in which he purported to sell classic automobiles that he did not actually own.
Travis D. Oberg, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court sentenced Oberg to eight years and four months for the conviction in this case, plus 20 months consecutively for violating the terms of his supervised release on an unrelated conviction for an earlier fraud scheme. The court also ordered Oberg to pay a total of $145,070 in restitution to his victims.
On April 4, 2019, Oberg pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of transporting a stolen vehicle. Oberg admitted that he engaged in a scheme to defraud persons who could be induced to purchase automobiles he offered for sale, although he did not own the automobiles and had no authority to sell the automobiles.
During the time he was engaged in this criminal fraud scheme, Oberg was under supervised release for a prior felony conviction. Oberg had been sentenced to eight years and four months in federal prison after defrauding dozens of victims of more than $900,000. He was released to supervision in 2016 and immediately embarked on the fraud scheme in this case.
Oberg operated under the business name “Maaco” (after establishing “maaco sales and reconditioning LLC”) as a pretense to imply that he was involved in a legitimate automobile-related business. Oberg obtained photographic images of the automobiles and images of title documents. He showed the images of the automobiles and title documents to buyers to bolster the pretense that he was authorized to sell the automobiles. After a buyer agreed to purchase an automobile, and after a buyer sent payment for an automobile, Oberg sent text messages and email messages giving false excuses and false information regarding failure to deliver the automobile.
For example, a victim in Connecticut paid $53,000 to purchase four classic automobiles: a 1973 BMW, a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL, a 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe, and a 1967 Jaguar XKE 2+2 Coupe. Oberg did not own these vehicles, and had no authority to sell them. He refused the victim’s demand to refund the money when he failed to deliver the automobiles. Oberg then induced another victim in California to purchase the same 1967 Jaguar and 1985 Porsche he had purported to sell to the victim in Connecticut. The California victim paid Oberg $37,000, but the automobiles were never delivered, nor did Oberg refund the purchase prices.
Oberg also admitted that he induced another victim into a consignment agreement for the restoration and sale of a 1957 Thunderbird. Oberg falsely represented that he would restore the Thunderbird and sell it on the victim’s behalf. Oberg did not tell the owner that he sold the automobile to a person in Connecticut for $12,500 and shipped the automobile from Missouri to Connecticut.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Larson and Matthew N. Sparks. It was investigated by the FBI.
Justice Department Settles Immigration-Related Discrimination Claim Against Texas-Based National Restaurant Franchise OwnerRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with MUY Brands LLC, a San Antonio, Texas-based owner and operator of approximately 78 Taco Bell restaurant franchises in six states, and a related management company, MUY Consulting Inc. The settlement resolves the Department’s investigation into whether the companies violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by discriminating against lawful permanent residents because of their citizenship status when verifying their authorization to work in the United States.
"Employers cannot require that a worker provide more or different documents than necessary to legally prove work authorization based on the worker’s citizenship status or national origin,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to enforcing the Immigration and Nationality Act and rooting out unlawful discrimination in the employment eligibility verification process to help ensure equal employment opportunities.”
The Department’s investigation concluded that, from at least July 2015 to March 2017, MUY Brands and MUY Consulting required specific work authorization documents from all lawful permanent residents who worked at their Taco Bell restaurants, while not imposing a similar requirement on U.S. citizens. As a result, some lawful permanent residents lost work opportunities, even though they had presented sufficient documentation to prove their authorization to work. Federal law allows all work-authorized individuals, regardless of citizenship status, to choose which valid, legally acceptable documents to present to demonstrate their ability to work in the United States. The anti-discrimination provision of the INA prohibits employers from requesting more or different documents than necessary to prove work authorization based on employees’ citizenship status or national origin.
Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will pay a civil penalty of $175,000, establish a $50,000 backpay fund to pay affected workers, and be subject to departmental monitoring and reporting requirements. Additionally, certain employees will be required to attend training on the requirements of the INA’s anti-discrimination provision.
The Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. Among other things, the statute prohibits discrimination based on citizenship status and national origin in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; retaliation; and intimidation.
More information on how employers can avoid discrimination in the Form I-9 and E-Verify processes is available here. For more information about protections against employment discrimination under immigration laws, call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a free webinar; email [email protected]; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites. Subscribe to GovDelivery to receive updates from IER.
Applicants or employees who believe they were subjected to discrimination based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; or discrimination in the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify) based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin; or retaliation can file a charge or contact IER’s worker hotline for assistance.
Jury Convicts Businessman of $1.4 Million Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury convicted a North Carolina man late yesterday on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud for his role in orchestrating a scheme that caused over $1.4 million in losses to multiple victims.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Anthony Eric Mitchell, 52, of Charlotte, was one of the two managing principals of a company called Aura Exchange LLC (AURA). Mitchell and his co-conspirator Armando Almirall, through AURA, promised their clients that they could help obtain funding for a host of business purposes, such as real estate transactions and television projects. Instead, Mitchell and Almirall spent large portions of their clients’ funds on personal expenses, including trips to casinos, concert tickets, stays at beach resorts, cash withdrawals and wire transfers.
In order to induce the victims to provide AURA with money, Mitchell and Almirall made a host of fraudulent misrepresentations, including representing to clients that they were guaranteed to receive their initial equity deposits back when, in fact, none of the victims ever received any money from AURA. Mitchell and Almirall claimed that AURA had offices in Zurich, London, and New York when no such offices existed. Mitchell also claimed to victims and their associates that AURA was a widely-successful global company that was backed by the assets of billionaires when, in reality, AURA had never closed a deal for a single client.
Mitchell and Almirall also maintained a website for AURA that contained a number of misrepresentations, including claims that AURA was an industry leader in a number of fields, that AURA was an international business with access to hundreds of financiers, and that AURA could turn around funding to its clients in as little as 24 hours. AURA never made any money for any of its clients, and in fact, victims of the fraud suffered losses of at least $1.6 million.
Mitchell’s business partner and co-conspirator, Armando Almirall, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 63 months in prison in February.
Mitchell faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count of conviction when sentenced on Jan. 3, 2020. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Timothy M. Dunham, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamar K. Walker and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell L. Carlberg are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-101.
Indianapolis Man Indicted for Money Laundering funds from Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – An Indianapolis man was indicted Thursday for conspiring to launder money illegally obtained from victims of elder financial exploitation.
A federal grand jury in Lexington returned an indictment charging 33-year-old Ismaila Fafunmi, a Nigerian national who is a lawful permanent resident of the United States, with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court records, a female victim living in the Eastern District of Kentucky met an individual on an online dating website, and was eventually defrauded into believing she was in a romantic relationship with a member of the United States military, who was stationed abroad. Through the course of their online communications, the perpetrator convinced the victim to send him money, electronics, and other items, to give him access to her bank accounts online, and to obtain a home equity line of credit to pay for his separation fee from the military. In total, she lost approximately $200,000 at the direction of her supposed online companion.
These same records indicated there was another female victim, who was defrauded into believing a friend on Facebook had pointed her to an opportunity to win a grant. She sent approximately $183,000 at the direction of the perpetrators, believing these up-front costs would lead to her award of the grant money.
According to the indictment, a portion of this money was either sent to Fafunmi himself, through the mail, or to individuals he recruited to receive money in bank accounts he had them set up, in and around the Indianapolis area.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s efforts to identify and prosecute those persons who facilitate elder financial exploitation.
The Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Mission, being carried out through the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force, is to seek justice for victims of elder financial exploitation. Anyone who knows someone who may be a victim of an elder financial exploitation, is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, jointly announced the indictment.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn M. Anderson.
A date for the defendant to appear in court has not yet been scheduled. The defendant faces up to twenty years in prison for the money laundering conspiracy and a maximum fine of $500,000. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statutes.
Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Illegal Immigrant, Twice Deported, Again Facing Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – October 17, 2019 – Angel Daniel-Garcia, 35, of Mexico, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on charges of being an aggravated felon who illegally re-entered the United States after having been previously deported; being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm; and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Court records indicate that Daniel-Garcia was deported in 2010 after he brandished a pistol and robbed two gas stations on Murfreesboro Road in Nashville, Tennessee. Daniel-Garcia returned to the United States and was charged and convicted in federal court of being an aggravated felon who illegally entered the United States after previously being deported. In October 2015, he was sentenced to 27 months in prison and deported after the completion of his sentence.
Daniel-Garcia again returned to the United States and according to the indictment, on September 10, 2019, he was found in possession of a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol. Daniel-Garcia is also facing felony drug and firearms charges in Davidson County, Tennessee in relation to a shooting incident on the same day.
If convicted, Daniel-Garcia faces up to 10 years in prison on each firearm violation and up to 20 years in prison on the immigration charge.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Department of Homeland Security-Immigration & Customs Enforcement; and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ahmed Safeeullah is prosecuting the case.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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INTERPOL Washington Leads U.S. Delegation to INTERPOL General AssemblyRead the Press Release
The U.S. Delegation to the INTERPOL General Assembly.Wayne H. Salzgaber, director of INTERPOL Washington—the U.S. National Central Bureau—is leading the U.S. Delegation to the 88th INTERPOL General Assembly this week in Santiago, Chile. The General Assembly meets annually and makes all of the major decisions affecting general policy, the resources needed for international cooperation, working methods, finances and programs of activities for INTERPOL.
From October 15th to 18th, the conferees will discuss proposals to advance INTERPOL’s technical and operational support to police worldwide. This year’s gathering of law enforcement officials from around the world will also address current and future organized crime and terrorism threats.
In addition to setting INTERPOL’s agenda and budget, the General Assembly voted yesterday to reappoint Mr. Jürgen Stock INTERPOL Secretary General to a second and final five-year term.
The General Assembly is INTERPOL's supreme governing body and comprises delegates appointed by the governments of member countries.
A component of the U.S. Department of Justice, INTERPOL Washington is co-managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As the designated representative to INTERPOL on behalf of the Attorney General, INTERPOL Washington serves as the national point of contact for all INTERPOL matters, coordinating international investigative efforts among member countries and the more than 18,000 local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies in the United States.
Houston man charged in Laredo for transporting nearly 100 undocumented aliensRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A Laredo grand jury has returned a nine-count indictment against a 50-year-old Houston man for a firearms charge in addition to conspiracy and transporting undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Bernard Jerome Leffyear is set to appear in Laredo federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon at 1 p.m. today. Originally charged by criminal complaint, a grand jury returned the f0rmal indictment Oct. 8.
The charges allege that on Sept. 21, authorities were working their assigned duties at the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo. Leffyear allegedly approached the primary inspection lane, driving a tractor-trailer.
Agents inspected the vehicle, at which time they detected anomalies resembling human bodies inside his trailer, according to the charges.
Court records indicate he was transporting a total of 93 undocumented aliens.
In addition to discovering the undocumented aliens inside his trailer, authorities also found a black Smith & Wesson pistol. Having a prior felony conviction, he is prohibited by federal of possessing any type of firearm or ammunition.
If convicted of any of the charges, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Harrison County Constable Indicted for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Harrison County Constable and former Bourbon County firefighter was indicted today, for the producing child pornography.
A federal grand jury in Lexington returned an indictment charging 36 year-old William Michael Fields Jr. with two counts of using a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating a visual depiction of that conduct.
The indictment alleges that Fields produced child pornography on March 17 and 23, 2019, each time in Bourbon County, Kentucky.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Chief Raymond Johnson of the Cynthiana Police Department, and John Condon, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), jointly announced the indictment.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Cynthia Police Department with assistance from HSI. The indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Roth and Mary Melton.
A date for Fields to appear in court has not yet been scheduled. He faces up to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000 for each count. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statutes.
Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Harrisburg Man Indicted for Cumberland County Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Aaron Johnson, age 29, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 16, 2019, by a federal grand jury on four counts of armed bank robbery.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Johnson committed four armed bank robberies in Cumberland County between February and September 2019:
- AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union on February 15, 2019;
- Centric Bank on July 12, 2019;
- BB&T Bank on July 31, 2019; and
- PNC Bank on August 19, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lower Allen Police Department, East Pennsboro Township Police Department, Camp Hill Borough Police Department, and the Hampden Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is up to 100 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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GBK Gang Member Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A member of the Greenway Boy Killas (GBK) gang has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months’ imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Rashem Littleberry, age 29, of Pittsburgh, PA.
According to information presented to the court, in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Rashem Littleberry and his co-conspirators conspired to distribute quantities of heroin.
According to additional information presented to the court, Littleberry has a pending state court homicide case for criminal activity that occurred at the Greenway Park Apartments during the wiretap investigation.
Prior to imposing sentence, Senior Judge Schwab stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Yvonne M. Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration along with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Robinson Township Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Littleberry.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Fresno Man Indicted for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin and CocaineRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment today against Israel Chavez Tamayo, 33, of Fresno, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, distribution of cocaine, distribution of methamphetamine, and two counts of possessing methamphetamine and heroin with the intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Tamayo negotiated the sale of 8 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1 kilogram of heroin to an individual and was then stopped on his way to deliver the drugs. Officers found approximately 17 pounds of methamphetamine and over 2 pounds of heroin in his vehicle. An additional quantity of methamphetamine and heroin was found at his residence pursuant to a search warrant.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, California Highway Patrol, the Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Team, the Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fresno High Impact Investigation Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel J. Montoya is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Tamayo faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years to life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF Program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
Frederick, Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Teion Enlyn Vandamm, age 43, of Frederick, Maryland, entered a guilty plea to Possession With Intent To Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), punishable by not less than 5 and not more than 40 years imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleges that on or about December 20, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, 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 Jarrod Leaman represented the United States.
Four Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, False Attestation, Fraud and Misuse of Visas, Permits, and Other Documents, False Representation of Social Security Number and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging EDWIN MONROY-ABASOLO, age 30, of Mexico, JOSE QUISTIAN-LUPES, age 34, of Mexico, and OSCAR GEOVANI OLIVERA-HERNANDEZ, age 26, of Honduras with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
Additionally, the grand jury returned an indictment charging JOSE JUAN PEREZ-CAMPOZANO, age 47, of Mexico, with false attestation, fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents, false representation of a social security number, and aggravated identity theft.
If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, MONROY-ABASOLO, previously deported and found in Wake County, and QUISTIAN-LUPES, previously deported and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
OLIVERA-HERNANDEZ, previously deported twice and found in Wake County, is alleged to have been previously removed subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction (3 counts of indecent liberties with a child). Therefore, if convicted, he would face a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of false attestation, fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents, false representation of a social security number, and aggravated identity theft, PEREZ-CAMPOZANO, found in Sampson County, would face maximum penalties of 27 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.
Former employee admits guilt in $63K bank embezzlement schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 33-year-old Brenham resident and ex-employee of Wells Fargo bank has admitted to embezzlement, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Natasha Hudgeons pleaded guilty today.
From December 2014 through March 2019, she embezzled $63,500 while employed as a teller. Hudgeons admitted she took the money in $500 to $1,000 increments. She concealed the theft by putting falsified entries into the bank’s books and records and “selling” back and forth between the cashbox and coin machine cash lines. Both were considered “single control” cash lines, meaning tellers could conduct transactions on that account line without a second person.
U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea and set sentencing for Jan. 9, 2020. At that time, Hudgeons faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case.
Former Prince George’s County Delegate Pleads Guilty to Federal Wire Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Former Maryland State Delegate Tawanna P. Gaines, age 67, of Berwyn Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to a federal wire fraud charge, admitting that she converted more than $22,000 in campaign funds to her personal use.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
“Our elected officials are entrusted to make decisions in the best interests of the people they represent, not to use their positions of authority to line their own pockets,” said United States Attorney Robert K. Hur. “We will pursue and prosecute those who betray the public trust and break the law, and bring them to justice.”
“Those who serve in public office positions must uphold the public’s trust. Sadly, Tawanna Gaines abused her position for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Boone of the FBI's Baltimore Division. “Today’s plea announcement sends a signal that the FBI will investigate any public official who attempts to abuse their position of trust to enrich themselves.”
According to her plea agreement, Gaines was a Maryland State Delegate from December 2001 through the present, representing District 22, which covered portions of Prince George’s County. Over her years in the House of Delegates, Gaines held many committee assignments, including vice-chair of the Appropriations Committee and Assistant Majority Leader. The “Friends of Tawanna P. Gaines” (FTPG) candidate committee was the name of the finance entity for the Gaines campaign for Maryland State Delegate from June 2002 to the present. FTPG was a regulated state election campaign committee with a designated bank account. Separately, Gaines held exclusive control over a PayPal account used to accept electronic donations to FTPG which was not disclosed in State campaign finance filings.
Gaines admitted that from at least January 2015 through April 2018, she defrauded the campaign and its contributors of more than $22,000. Specifically, Gaines solicited campaign contributions, falsely representing to contributors that the funds would be used to facilitate her reelection and maintain her leadership positions within the Maryland General Assembly. Gaines accepted donations from campaign contributors into the FTPG PayPal account, then without authorization and in violation of Maryland campaign finance laws, utilized campaign funds from the FTPG account for her personal use. Gaines admitted that she received campaign contributions and converted them to her own use without causing the contributions to be identified on reports made to the Maryland State Board of Elections.
As detailed in her plea agreement, Gaines used the campaign funds from the FTPG PayPal account to pay for personal expenses, such as fast food, hair styling, dental work, a cover for the pool at her personal residence, an Amazon Fire TV stick, Amazon Prime membership, and payments to Amazon.com. In addition, during the course of the conspiracy Gaines withdrew a total of approximately $1,952.75 in cash from ATM machines and electronically transferred at least $2,061.55 from the FTPG PayPal account directly to her personal checking account. The total loss as a result of Gaines’ fraud was at least $22,565.03. As part of her plea agreement, Gaines is required to forfeit and pay restitution in that amount.
Gaines faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for January 3, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. She is released on her own recognizance under the supervision of U.S. Pretrial Services.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Windom, who is prosecuting the case.
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Former Postal Employee Indicted for Theft of MailRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Vashaurid Gibbs, age 24, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 16, 2019, by a federal grand jury for theft of mail by a postal employee.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges Gibbs removed money from letters, postal cards, packages, and mail that had come into his possession as a postal employee on July 8, 2019.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian T. Haugsby is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is a term of five years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former Postal Employee Charged with EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kassidy D. Atherton, age 24, of McVeytown, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 16, 2019, by a federal grand jury on embezzlement charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that between December 2018 and January 31, 2019, in Huntington and Fulton Counties, Atherton, while a Postal Service employee, knowingly issued fraudulent postal money orders and deposited the funds into her own bank account.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. Clancy is prosecuting the case.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Former Mammoth Cave Employee Sentenced to Prison for TheftRead the Press Release
PADUCAH, Ky. – United States Chief Judge Greg Stivers has sentenced Leslie Lewis to 2 years imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release following the sentence, and ordered him to pay restitution of $169,322 for theft of public money.
“Instead of serving as a steward to protect Mammoth Cave National Park, Ms. Lewis stole from one of the most iconic public spaces in our Commonwealth,” said U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “As a consequence, the defendant will soon find herself in radically different surroundings, federal prison.”
Lewis, age 61 of Cave City, a former 30-year employee of Mammoth Cave National Park was charged by a Grand Jury on January 9, 2019, with one count of Theft of Public Money. Lewis pled guilty to the charge, admitting that she has stolen more than $1,000 from the Park.
According to a victim impact statement from Mammoth Cave National Park, Lewis, who was employed to supervise, track, reconcile, and safeguard recreational fees to the park instead repeatedly used her position to steal publicly collected funds from the park by manipulating the fee collection system and the employees she supervised. During a five-year period examined by investigators, it was determined Lewis stole nearly $170,000. Lewis confessed to using several means to steal from the Park, including: cutting and pasting to create false deposit documents, filling out false deposit reports, and utilizing a duplicate check scheme, allowing her to take cash for a check amount that didn’t exist.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Madison Sewell and investigated by the Office of the Inspector General and the National Park Service.
Former Madison County Man Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE – Federal agents yesterday arrested a former Madison County man on various charges of child exploitation involving multiple victims, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
A 16-count indictment filed in the U.S. District Court charges JUSTIN DAVID BEATTY, 29, with production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and coercion and enticement of a minor between March 2013 and August 2014. Beatty was indicted in September.
“These crimes are detestable and our investigators and prosecutors will remain ever vigilant in protecting victims,” Town said. “He now faces federal charges in federal court, and if convicted will occupy bed space reserved for him in federal a prison.”
According indictment, Beatty persuaded, induced and coerced 5 minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct and to engage in sexual activity for which any person could be charged with an offense. Beatty received and attempted to receive child pornography and material that contains child pornography involving 6 minor victims.
Beatty is charged with 5 counts of production of child pornography which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and 5 counts of coercion and enticement of a minor which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. Beatty is also charged with 6 counts of receipt of child pornography which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
FBI Huntsville Resident Agency and FBI Birmingham Division Child Exploitation Task Force, along with the City of Madison Police Department investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White is prosecuting.
An indictment contains only charges. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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