Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Monday 7 October 2019
Glens Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Nelson L. Gouge, age 47, of Glens Falls, New York, pled guilty today to bank robbery as his jury trial was set to begin.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Warren County Sheriff Nathan “Bud” York.
As part of his plea, Gouge admitted that on January 12, 2018, at approximately 1 p.m., he walked into the Trustco Bank branch on Route 9L in Lake George, New York, after attempting to conceal his face by use of a neck warmer. Gouge went to a line where a bank employee was standing, put a hard, black case on the counter and handed the employee a note that read, “I Have a weapon this is a robbery Just put all the money in the bag think about you and your employees + friends.” The bank employee did not have a drawer of money at her station, so she went to another station and took money out of the drawer. The employee turned back to her station where the defendant was holding a bag. The employee put money in the bag and Gouge left with $4,301.
The Warren County Sheriff’s Department quickly identified Gouge as a suspect and arrested him that night in South Glens Falls, New York.
Gouge faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on February 7, 2020. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the Warren County Sheriff’s Department, New York State Police, Warren County District Attorney’s Office, and the FBI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
Georgia Woman Pleads Guilty to Aiding Armed Robberies during Violent RampageRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Sharae Threadgill, 21, of Georgia, pled guilty Friday before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to aiding and abetting two business robberies and the use of firearms to facilitate the robberies, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On March 25, 2019, Threadgill aided another person in robberies of a Jimmy John’s restaurant in Meridian and of a McDonalds in Brandon. Threadgill drove the vehicle used during both robberies and provided a firearm used in both robberies. She was subsequently arrested by Warren County Sheriff deputies in Vicksburg.
Threadgill will be sentenced by Judge Jordan on January 6, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for aiding each robbery, and a minimum penalty of not less than 7 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for aiding the use of a firearm to facilitate each robbery. The sentences would run consecutively.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is 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. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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.
Fourth Mason City Man Sentenced for Involvement in Sale of Stolen GunsRead the Press Release
A man who assisted with the sale of a stolen firearm was sentenced October 4, 2019 to three years in federal prison.
Amador Ramos, age 46, from Mason City, Iowa, received the prison term after a guilty plea to one count of a two-count indictment filed on December 19, 2018. Ramos pled guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. Ramos, a convicted felon, admitted he arranged for the sale of a stolen firearm.
On May 12, 2017, a Thompson, Iowa residence was burglarized and seven firearms were stolen. Joshua Rudnicki, Kyle Krug, and Daniel Solano were involved in the theft of the firearms; Rudnicki, Krug, and Solano were all sentenced in September. Ramos admitted to assisting Krug with the sale of one of the firearms.
Ramos was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Ramos was sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment. Ramos must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Ramos is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jack Lammers and investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Mason City Police Department, and the Clear Lake Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-3058.
Former local official convicted of perjuryRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas –A former Weslaco city commissioner and economic development corporation board member has admitted he lied under oath, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick.
David Fox, 50, Weslaco, pleaded guilty today.
During a grand jury proceeding Nov. 20, 2018, Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Roberto Lopez Jr. asked Fox if he had received any money or any benefit from any individual or entity in connection with casting a vote as a member of the Weslaco City Commission. He responded “no.”
Later, he admitted he had received at least $2,000 in bribes. He believed the money was intended to influence his votes as a commissioner relating to the Weslaco water and wastewater treatment plants and facilities.
Fox served in this role from approximately December 2012 through November 2015. During portions of this time, Fox also served as a board member for the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez accepted the plea today and set sentencing for Jan. 9, 2020, at which time Fox faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI and IRS – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. AUSA Lopez is prosecuting the case.
Former Postal Employee Sentenced for Stealing MailRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Allegany, New York has been sentenced in federal court to 2 years probation, ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and complete 50 hours of community service on his conviction of theft of mail by postal employee, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Bryant Richard, 30.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around October 2018, to in and around November 2018, Richard, who was a postal employee, stole 18 items of mail which had been submitted to the Postal Service for delivery.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Richard.
Former Postal Employee Sentenced for Armed Robbery of a Postal TruckRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Gary Fellows, 45, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for his role in the armed robbery of a United States Postal Service tractor-trailer operator. In April, Fellows entered pleas of guilty to charges of Hobbs Act Robbery and Use of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Today the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Fellows to 300 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After serving his sentence, Fellows will began a five-year term of supervised release.
At 9:30 p.m. on December 14, 2018, while at the United States Post Office Distribution Center in Grand Island, Nebraska, a postal employee was approached by a masked man brandishing a handgun. The masked man forced the victim into the passenger seat of the victim’s tractor-trailer at gunpoint, covered the victim’s head, and bound his hands. Fellows then drove the tractor-trailer to a rest area off Interstate 80 where the men further restrained the victim and removed remittance bags from the trailer. They entered a pick-up truck and fled the scene. The loss to the United States Post Office from the robbery was $68,507.04. At the time of the robbery, Fellows was employed as a tractor-trailer operator for the United States Postal Service out of Omaha, Nebraska. Fellows has a prior federal court conviction for bank robbery.
“The sentencing today serves as yet another example of the unending dedication of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to protect the employees of the United States Postal Service. When someone violently kidnaps and robs one of our employees, we stop at nothing to identify those responsible,” said Bill Hedrick, Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, which covers Nebraska. “We are proud of the work done by the Postal Inspectors and our law enforcement partners, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Nebraska State Patrol, Grand Island Police Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Attorney’s Office, to bring these perpetrators to justice.”
Co-defendants, Sidney Britt and Joshua Britt, are scheduled to be sentenced on November 18, 2019, for their roles in the robbery.
This case was investigated by Bryce Husak of the Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Grand Island Police Department.
Former Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Official and Wife Charged with Theft, Wire Fraud, Money Laundering Conspiracy and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A former member of the Tribal Council for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and his wife have been arraigned on a Superseding Indictment for theft/embezzlement, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and false statements to a bank, in separate schemes to defraud the Tribal government with false claims for travel reimbursement payments and to improperly influence a federally-insured bank, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
A superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury on September 10, 2019, charges the former Tribal Council member and his wife with defrauding the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, as well as misleading a federally insured bank with intent to obtain loans. They are charged and identified as:
- Kevin Edwards, 48, of Walnut Grove, Miss. (One count of theft, two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, two counts of money laundering, and three counts of false statements to a bank)
- Sheena A. Edwards, 45, of Walnut Grove, Miss. (One count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, two counts of money laundering, and one count of false statements to a bank)
Between March 2015 and June 2017, the husband and wife are alleged to have forged hotel bills and receipts, and submitted those documents to the Tribal government in claims for reimbursement for official business travel by Kevin Edwards. Edwards is a former Member of the Tribal Council who left office in June 2017. After receiving the unlawful payments from the tribal government, the two defendants cashed and transferred the payments to multiple bank accounts and paid off personal loans in the name of Sheena Edwards. In addition, both defendants made false statements on multiple personal loan applications to a local bank, inflating Kevin Edwards’s salary and claiming Kevin Edwards was employed by the Tribe after he had left office and was not so employed.
Kevin Edwards appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda Anderson for arraignment on October 4, 2019. Sheena Edwards appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda Anderson for arraignment on September 25, 2019. Kevin Edwards is charged with one count of Theft or Embezzlement from a Tribal Organization, which carries a maximum sentence of imprisonment of five years. In addition, Kevin Edwards is charged with two counts of Wire Fraud, which charges carry a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years. Each count also can merit a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. Both Kevin and Sheena Edwards face charges of Conspiracy to launder money and substantive acts of Money Laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment for each count; and charges of False Statements to a Bank, which carries a maximum penalty of thirty years for each count. Each of those counts also can merit a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years of supervised release.
The case is set for trial before United States District Judge Henry T. Wingate on November 25, 2019, in Jackson, Mississippi.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the Special Agents with the FBI’s Jackson Division who investigated the case. The Leake County Sheriff’s Office assisted with arrests. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Former Executive Assistant Charged and Agrees to Plead Guilty in Connection with Embezzling over $3 MillionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former executive assistant of a Waltham-based technology company has been charged and agreed to plead guilty in connection with a fraud and embezzlement scheme that netted over $3 million.
Shivani Patel, 38, of Vineyard Haven, was charged with bank fraud, money laundering and filing false tax returns. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court. According to the terms of the plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence of 57 months in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine between $20,000 and $200,000, restitution and forfeiture.
According to court documents, as an executive assistant to the chief financial officer, Patel’s duties included retrieving incoming mail containing customer checks made payable to her employer, recording the checks into the payment system, and depositing the checks into her employer’s bank account.
From at least February 2012 through July 2017, Patel embezzled approximately $3,076,369 from her then employer for her personal use. Specifically, in February 2012, Patel created a company with a name nearly identical to that of her then employer — i.e., using her employer’s name but just adding an “s” to the end — and opened a business banking account in the sham company’s name. Thereafter, Patel took customer checks payable to her employer from the mail, deposited those checks into the sham company’s bank account, and concealed her embezzlement by making false entries in her employer’s billing system. To disguise and conceal the nature of these funds, Patel funneled this money through multiple bank accounts.
In addition, Patel filed income tax returns for the tax years 2012 through 2016 in which she intentionally underreported her income by failing to disclose the money she had stolen from her employer.
The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of $1 million, restitution and forfeiture. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years, three years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount involved in the transaction, restitution and forfeiture. The charge of filing false tax returns provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of $100,000, restitution and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin D. O’Connell of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Felons Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Possession of Guns in Quad City AreaRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. - U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid today sentenced three defendants to prison terms for possession of guns as felons. The cases are separate and unrelated, but all involve illegal weapons in the Quad City area.
Jerry Allen Green, 54, of Silvis, Ill., was ordered to serve 28 years (340 months) in prison. On May 22, 2019, Green pleaded guilty to distribution of ice methamphetamine in August and September 2018; possession of two pipe bombs; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and felon in possession of a gun. Green was initially charged by criminal complaint and was arrested on Oct. 25, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The charges against Green were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Quad City Bomb Squad; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Moline Police Department; Rock Island Police Department; and the FBI Gang Task Force, and prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney John K. Mehochko.
Donovan Cullen Smith, 30, of Sherrard, Ill., was sentenced to seven years in prison. On April 23, 2019, Smith, a convicted felon, pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a .45 pistol that was stolen on March 5, 2018, from a home in Rock lsland, and possession of another gun stolen from a mobile home in rural Milan, Ill., in October 2017. Agencies that investigated the case include ATF; the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office; Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office; Rock Island Police Department; and the FBI. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney John K. Mehochko represented the government in the prosecution.
Matthew Daquon Waters, 21, of Tennessee, was sentenced to nearly five years (57 months) in prison. On Feb. 19, 2019, Waters pleaded guilty to possession of a gun on April 24, 2018, in Rock Island, Ill. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney John K. Mehochko prosecuted the case which was investigated by the Rock Island Police Department and ATF.
On Oct. 4, Chief U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow sentenced another defendant, Elleck Christopher Vesey, 32, of Davenport, Iowa, to six years in prison for possession of a firearm by a felon on Aug. 19, 2018. Vesey pleaded guilty to the charge on April 17, 2019. The Rock Island Police Department and ATF investigated the case which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Raya.
Erie Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison in Sextortion CaseRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. -A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 96 months in jail and 6 years supervised release on his conviction of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Mark Joseph Bretz, 29.
According to information presented to the court, Bretz received computer images depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Bretz also used social media sites to coerce at least three victims into providing him sexually explicit images. Each victim was subjected to threats until they relented and provided Bretz the explicit material he demanded. Bretz recorded these interactions and kept them on his computer so he could relive the coercion whenever he wanted. Bretz also videotaped a minor as she walked to and from school.
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 the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie County Detectives Bureau and the Aurora, Colorado Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bretz.
Elk Point Woman Charged with Mail Theft and Mail FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Elk Point, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Mail Theft and thirteen counts of Mail Fraud.
Jennifer Groethe, age 46, was indicted on September 4, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 27, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $1,300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on between October 23, 2018, and December 3, 2018, Groethe stole, took, and abstracted letters, postal cards, packages, and mail from and out of authorized depositories for United States mail matter and removed such letters, postal cards, packages, and mail and secretly embezzled and destroyed them afterwards.
The Indictment also alleges that between February 21, 2018, and January 8, 2019, Groethe willfully and unlawfully devised, and intended to devise, a scheme and artifice to defraud for obtaining money and property by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises.
The charges are merely accusations and Groethe is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Groethe was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for December 3, 2019.
Eleven Venezuelan Nationals Arrested Following Apprehension Aboard a Venezuelan Vessel Near St. Croix and Seizure of 55 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that eleven (11) men claiming to be Venezuelan nationals, VICENT MATA ANYELO, ALFER RODRIGUEZ BOADAS, ALEXIS FUENTES, FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ INFANTE, JOHAN GARCIA SUAREZ, CARLOS RODRIGUEZ GARCIA, HENRY GONZALEZ NORIEGA, ALGLER RODRIGUEZ BOADAS, JHONNY RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, DANIEL JESUS SALAZAR GONZALEZ, and JOHAN JOSE PACHECO LEZAMA, appeared before Magistrate Judge George W. Cannon for an Initial Appearance after arrests by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agents on the charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance on Board a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States, Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Substance on Board a Vessel Subject to the Jurisdiction of the United States, and Destruction and Attempt or Conspire to Destroy Property Subject to Forfeiture.
According to court documents, on the evening of September 25, 2019, the United States Coast Guard Cutter DONALD HORSLEY intercepted a suspicious 55 foot vessel named LA GRAN TORMENTA displaying Venezuelan nationality approximately 38 nautical miles south of St. Croix. The LA GRAN TORMENTA did not reply to DONALD HORSLEY'S efforts to engage in questioning of the crew, and upon detection, LA GRAN TORMENTA changed course and jettisoned packages. Coast Guard Cutter DONALD HORSLEY was subsequently able to retrieve two bales from the water. The two jettisoned bales contained packages with brick shaped objects, with an estimated weight of 55 kilograms in total. Presumptive tests on the packages yielded positive results for the presence of cocaine. After requesting and receiving the permission from the flag state to stop the vessel, United States Coast Guard personnel attempted a right of visit boarding, which was ineffective because crew on the LA GRAN TORMENTA disregarded the Coast Guard personnel’s instructions. Eventually Coast Guard personnel obtained control of the LA GRAN TORMENTA through use of an "entanglement tactic" which stopped the vessel’s engine. A USCG counter-drug boarding team encountered 11 persons, later identified as the above-listed VICENT MATA ANYELO, ALFER RODRIGUEZ BOADAS, ALEXIS FUENTES, FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ INFANTE, JOHAN GARCIA SUAREZ, CARLOS RODRIGUEZ GARCIA, HENRY GONZALEZ NORIEGA, ALGLER RODRIGUEZ BOADAS, JHONNY RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ, DANIEL JESUS SALAZAR GONZALEZ, and JOHAN JOSE PACHECO LEZAMA.
The men face up to life imprisonment for the offense and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Detention and preliminary hearings in this case have been scheduled for Thursday at 9:00 a.m. in federal court.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz.
United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
East Bay Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for His Role in Firearms Trafficking and Robbery of Undercover Federal AgentRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Jesus Angel Sanchez was sentenced to 96 months in prison for using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Rayfield Roundtree. The sentence was handed down today by the Honorable Haywood S. Gilliam, Jr., U.S. District Judge.
Sanchez, 20, of Oakland, pleaded guilty to the charge on June 11, 2019. According to his plea agreement and other court filings, the charges against Sanchez arise from two separate, but related, conspiracies.
The first conspiracy was an agreement between multiple individuals in the East Bay to sell firearms without a license. Between January 2018 and October 2018, the ATF acquired 35 firearms from Sanchez; Anthony Reed, 23, of San Leandro; Rahsaan Faison, 23, of San Leandro; and Benjamin Gormley, 22, of Hayward. Sanchez’s co-conspirators acquired firearms in Nevada, brought them to the Northern District of California to sell, and advertised the firearms for sale on social media. Sanchez was personally responsible for the sale of at least 21 firearms to an undercover ATF agent.
With respect to the second conspiracy, in November of 2018, Sanchez agreed with Reed; James Medeiros, 25, of San Leandro; and Marcos Antonio Martenez, 25, of Oakland, to rob one of the firearms buyers. The buyer was, in fact, an undercover ATF agent. Sanchez coordinated a ruse transaction with the ATF agent, persuading the ATF agent to travel to a building in Oakland to purchase firearms for $8,000. Sanchez knew that his co-conspirators were carrying firearms to conduct the robbery. When the agent arrived, Sanchez met the agent in front of the building and instructed the agent to follow him to the back of the building. Medeiros and Martenez were waiting at the back of the building, and when the agent arrived, the co-conspirators robbed him. Medeiros and Martenez brandished firearms and pointed them at the agent while Sanchez demanded the agent’s money. Reed, Sanchez, and Medeiros were apprehended leaving the scene of the robbery. Martenez was arrested on November 23, 2018.
On November 29, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment, charging Sanchez, Reed, Medeiros, Martenez, Faison, and Gormley with multiple crimes related to the two conspiracies in which Sanchez admitted participating.
Sanchez and his co-conspirators have been sentenced as follows:
DEFENDANT
CONVICTIONS
SENTENCE
Anthony Reed
- Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii)
96 months’ imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, $100 special assessment
Jesus Angel Sanchez
- Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii)
96 months’ imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, $100 special assessment
James Medeiros
- Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii)
84 months’ imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, $100 special assessment
Marcos Antonio Martenez
- Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii)
84 months’ imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, $100 special assessment
Benjamin Gormley
- Conspiracy to Deal in Firearms without a License, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371
3 years’ probation including 6 months’ home confinement, $2200 fine, $100 special assessment
Rahsaan Faison
- Conspiracy to Deal in Firearms without a License, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371
Sentencing scheduled November 4, 2019
Also charged in the firearms trafficking conspiracy was Julaan Faison who remains a fugitive. He, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha Schott is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Jessica Rodriguez Gonzalez. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the ATF, with the assistance of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, and the Oakland Police Department.
Drexel University to Pay $189,062 to Resolve Potential False Claims LiabilityRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA, PA—United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Drexel University has agreed to pay the United States $189,062 to resolve potential liability under the False Claims Act for a former professor’s use of grant funds towards “gentlemen’s clubs” and other improper purchases.
For ten years, the head of Drexel’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dr. Chikaodinaka D. Nwankpa, submitted improper charges against federal grants. The majority of the charges were made to gentlemen’s clubs and sports bars in the Philadelphia area.
The government’s investigation began in 2017 after Drexel voluntarily disclosed the improper charges to eight federal grants for energy and naval technology related research that it received from the Department of the Navy, the Department of Energy, and the National Science Foundation. After an internal audit in 2017, Drexel discovered that between July 2007 through April 2017, Dr. Nwankpa submitted improper charges against the federal grants for items such as personal iTunes purchases and for “goods and services” provided by Cheerleaders, Club Risque, and Tacony Club.
Drexel disclosed Dr. Nwankpa’s conduct to the government and cooperated with the investigation to identify the full scope of the misconduct. Dr. Nwankpa repaid $53,328 to Drexel, resigned his position in lieu of termination, and was debarred from federal government contracting for a period of six months. Drexel has implemented changes to prevent similar misconduct in the future, such as improvements to its charge approval and auditing policies.
“This is an example of flagrant and audacious fraud, and a shameful misuse of public funds.” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “The agencies providing these grant funds expect them to be used towards advancements in energy and naval technology for public benefit, not for personal entertainment.”
U.S. Attorney McSwain continued, “We appreciate Drexel’s self-disclosure and cooperation in this matter. At the same time, we are disappointed that Dr. Nwankpa’s conduct went unnoticed for so long, but Drexel’s strengthening of its charge approval process is certainly a step in the right direction.”
NCIS Northeast Field Office Special Agent in Charge Leo S. Lamont stated: "Fraud is never a victimless crime. In this case, the flagrant and wrongful misuse of American taxpayers’ funds not only eroded the public trust, but jeopardized the Department of Navy’s efforts to obtain the best technology and research for our brave men and women in uniform. NCIS will continue to battle fraud in all forms and tirelessly pursue all those who seek to cheat, steal, defraud, or harm the American Public and the Department of the Navy.”
The settled civil claims are allegations only. There has been no determination of civil liability. This case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Inspector General, and the National Science Foundation Office of Inspector General. It was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey L. B. Smith and Fraud Investigator Jeffrey Braun.
Dover Man Sentenced to over Nine Years in Federal Prison for Heroin Possession and Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – United States Attorney David C. Weiss announced that Kenneth Holland, 49, of Dover, was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika to 110 months in federal prison for possessing heroin with the intent to distribute and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, over the course of approximately four weeks in September and October 2018, Holland sold heroin on at least six occasions. He also illegally sold a handgun. On October 10, 2018, Holland was arrested. Law enforcement found over 10,000 baggies of heroin and an AR-15-style semi-automatic assault weapon in Holland’s car upon his arrest.
Holland’s arrest and conviction was part Operation Blue Hen—a prolonged campaign between March and September, 2018 by the ATF to remove illegal drugs and guns from Delaware cities.
In total, Operation Blue Hen resulted in
• 15 arrests;
• The seizure of 9 firearms;
• The seizure of 768 grams of crack cocaine;
• The seizure of 864 grams of methamphetamine; and
• The seizure of 37 grams of heroin.
U.S. Attorney Weiss commented on the sentence, “The Defendant repeatedly chose not only to sell heroin, but also worked to illegally arm others with firearms – including an assault rifle. The substantial sentence imposed sends the message that people who put drugs and guns onto the streets will face serious consequences for their actions.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) Wilmington Field Division investigated the case with the assistance from the Dover Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse S. Wenger prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 18-CR-96-001-MN.
Detroit Man Sentenced for Federal Heroin ConvictionRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit, Michigan man was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Huntington, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Brandon R. Ware, 35, was sentenced to 60 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Ware was also ordered to serve a four-year term of supervised release following his prison sentence.
“Ware, a Detroit drug dealer, is responsible for distributing nearly 400 grams of heroin in Huntington,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Now he is one of many heroin dealers going to federal prison as a result of the collaborative work between federal, state and local law enforcement and my prosecutors.”
Ware previously admitted that, from November 2014 to May of 2016, he conspired with others to distribute over 100 grams of heroin in the Huntington area. Ware frequently received quantities of heroin which had been transported from Detroit on consignment and he would distribute the heroin in Huntington. Ware then returned money from the sales to the source of the heroin in Detroit. Ware admitted that he was responsible for the distribution of up to 400 grams of heroin during the conspiracy.
The FBI Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
###
Detroit Man Sentenced for Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – A Michigan man was sentenced to federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Todd Stephens, 33, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl. His prison sentence is to be followed by three years of supervised release.
“Fentanyl is deadly,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “That’s why we have prosecuted every single fentanyl dealer brought to us by law enforcement.”
Stephens previously admitted that on August 28, 2017, he aided and abetted co-defendant Bree Eberbaugh in the distribution of heroin. Eberbaugh was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release on July 1, 2019. The two were arrested after law enforcement executed a search warrant on their residence. Inside, officers found two handguns, over $3,000 in cash, and over 54 grams of fentanyl.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys John Frail and Alexander Hamner handled the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
###
Department of Justice Reaches Agreement Resolving Investigation of Virginia Department of Corrections over Religious Practice PoliciesRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced that it reached an agreement with the Commonwealth of Virginia to resolve its investigation of the Virginia Department of Corrections (VDOC), pursuant to the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), 42 U.S.C. §2000cc. The investigation and agreement addressed VDOC’s five-person minimum for group worship and religious activities, its policy of preventing prisoners from attending religious services if they missed services in the past, and its restrictions on access to the religious diet.
“This settlement will ensure that men and women in VDOC’s custody can practice their religions consistent with their sincerely held beliefs, including through group worship and an appropriate religious diet,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “We commend the Commonwealth for its willingness to make changes to further its commitment to rehabilitating prisoners and preparing them for reentry into their communities.”
“The right to worship and engage in religious activities within correctional facilities is protected by the Constitution and federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen for the Western District of Virginia. “We are pleased that the VDOC recognizes this and is taking appropriate steps to ensure that individuals under its supervision are better able to exercise this fundamental right.”
“We are pleased that the Commonwealth of Virginia has reached this agreement with the Department involving the VDOC,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This settlement makes certain that those in VDOC installations will be able to exercise their religious beliefs, whatever they may be, as guaranteed by the United States Constitution.”
Before signing the agreement, VDOC made policy changes addressing all three issues. The new policy (1) removes the five-person minimum requirement for religious services and activities; (2) prohibits removal from the religious diet for failing to pick up a minimum number of common fare meal trays per month; and (3) removes the requirement that prisoners regularly attend services in order to remain eligible to attend religious services and activities.
Under the agreement, VDOC affirmed the importance of protecting the rights of men and women in its custody to engage in religious practice and acknowledged that the policy revisions are consistent with its goals. As part of its implementation efforts, VDOC will provide training to staff and chaplains involved in implementing the revised policy.
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section. Those interested in finding out more about RLUIPA may visit https://www.justice.gov/crt/religious-land-use-and-institutionalized-persons-act-0. The Department of Justice issued a Report on the Tenth Anniversary of RLUIPA in 2010, and an Update on RLUIPA Enforcement in 2016.
Davenport Man Sentenced to Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on October 2, 2019, Martell Roberts, age 24, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Roberts was sentenced to a prison term of 100 months to be followed by a term of supervised release of three years. Roberts was ordered to pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Roberts pleaded guilty to the offense on March 20, 2019. On July 31, 2018, Roberts possessed two loaded firearms located in his residence during the execution of a search warrant conducted by the Bettendorf Police Department. Roberts admitted one of the firearms had been reported stolen out of Muscatine. Roberts further acknowledged he had two prior felony convictions for drug felonies.
This case was investigated by the Bettendorf Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
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.
Dallas Charter School CEO involved in Contractor Kickback Scheme Found GuiltyRead the Press Release
A Dallas charter school CEO was convicted for her role in a corruption scandal Friday evening, following an investigation by the FBI Dallas Field Office, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
After five days of trial, a federal jury in Dallas found Nova Academy CEO Donna H. Woods, 65, guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and three individual counts of wire fraud. The jury deliberated for just over four hours to reach its verdict.
Woods’s co-conspirator, Donatus Anyanwu, 61, pleaded guilty to conspiracy in July.
“We are gratified that the jury saw through Ms. Woods’ scheme and held her accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “Ms. Woods took advantage of her leadership role at Nova to steer a lucrative government contract to a company that wasn’t equipped to handle it – and to pocket a tidy sum in kickbacks for herself. The Northern District of Texas will not tolerate corruption.”
“The defendant used her position for personal gain and blatantly disregarded the children she pledged to serve. On the heels of this fraud, E-rate ran out of funding and was forced to deny money to schools with legitimate contract proposals,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Office Matthew J. DeSarno. “The FBI works with our law enforcement partners to investigate individuals who use their positions of trust to commit fraud and corruption. It is crucial for us to protect federal funds and guarantee they help the intended recipients.”
According to evidence presented at trial, Ms. Woods approved the granting of a federal telecommunications E-rate contract, worth approximately $337,951, to ADI Engineering, a company owned by Mr. Anyanwu. In return for the E-rate contract, Anyanwu paid Woods $50,000 in kickbacks.
When the charter school initially selected another contractor for E-rate, prosecutors explained, Ms. Woods filed a falsified E-rate application re-directing the contract to ADI – despite the company’s shoddy record. To ensure that ADI’s bid was accepted by E-rate program managers, Ms. Woods also allowed Mr. Anyanwu to copy portions of the original winning bid and pass off the work as his own.
Then, when, ADI botched the E-rate job, Ms. Woods falsely certified that it had completed the work when it had not.
Ms. Woods now faces up to 80 years in federal prison, 20 years per count. Mr. Anyanwu faces up to five years for pleading to single a conspiracy count. Sentencing for Woods is set for Jan. 16, 2020; sentencing for Anyanwu is set for Jan. 30, 2020.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and Federal Communications Commission Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. U.S. Attorneys Russ Fusco and Nick Bunch prosecuted the case. Senior U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater presided over the trial.
Corry, Pa. Felon Sentenced in Project Safe Neighborhoods CaseRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Corry, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 16 months in jail on his conviction of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on William Jay Blazes, 51.
According to information presented to the court, between May 9, 2018 and June 14, 2018, Blazes possessed an England Firearms Pardner pump shotgun, rifle cartridges and ammunition while being a convicted felon.
Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reductions 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 prevent and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Probation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Blazes.
Coatesville “Armed Career Criminal” Convicted of Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Dayvon Nicole Brown, 25, of Coatesville, Pennsylvania was convicted at trial of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
During the week-long trial, the government presented evidence which showed that in May 16, 2018, the defendant was the rear seat passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by Coatesville Police Department officers for being operated without headlights on. After Brown was asked to step out of the car, a 9mm handgun loaded with 7 live rounds of 9mm ammunition was located on the rear passenger floor, partially hidden under the seat directly in front of where Brown had been sitting. During an interview following his arrest, Brown stated that the handgun was his. Because he qualifies as an “Armed Career Criminal” under federal law, the defendant is now facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment.
“Reducing violent crime is a top priority of my Office and of the Department of Justice, and successful prosecutions of cases like this remain a key part of our deterrence strategy,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “My Office remains committed to working with local police departments to clear the streets of Chester County, and all counties in our district, of firearms in the hands of convicted felons.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michelle V. Barone and Assistant United States Attorney Mark S. Miller.
Clay County Man Sentenced to 4 Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Joseph Dominic Konegan (56, Fleming Island) to four years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. Konegan was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and pay restitution to the victims. He has been detained since his arrest on April 2, 2019.
Konegan had pleaded guilty on May 21, 2019.
According to court documents, in August 2018, detectives from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) received two cyber-tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reporting the uploading of child sexual abuse material on the internet. On October 24, 2018, CCSO detectives and Homeland Security Investigation agents executed a warrant at Konegan’s residence. A forensic review of two computers used by Konegan yielded more than 1,650 images of child pornography. Konegan admitted to agents that he had viewed images of child pornography, including files depicting infants.
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
This is another case 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 the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Citizen of the Dominican Republic Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FREDDY ANTONIO MARTE-JEREZ, 58, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to approximately 15 months of imprisonment, time served, for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 1998, Marte’s wife filed an I-130 Petition for an Alien Relative with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (“INS”) providing documentation that she was a U.S. citizen and that she and Marte were legally married. After the petition was approved, Marte filed an I-485 Application for Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status. This application was denied based on Marte’s failure to disclose a prior narcotics conviction in the State of Rhode Island. In November 2000, Marte appeared before an Immigration Judge in Hartford and was released on bond while awaiting a hearing date.
In October 2007, Marte was convicted in Danbury Superior Court for sale of illegal drugs. On March 3, 2010, following completion of his state sentence, he was deported to the Dominican Republic.
Marte illegally reentered the U.S. and was arrested while using the name “Antonio Nunez” in Danbury. In December 2015, Marte was convicted in Danbury Superior Court of burglary in the third degree. He was sentenced to three years of incarceration, execution suspended, and three years of probation. Based on his use of a false identity, his arrest and conviction did not become known to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
On March 19, 2018, Marte, using a different identity, was arrested in Danbury for motor vehicle offenses. His true identity was subsequently discovered through a fingerprint comparison and ICE took him into custody following his release from a state court appearance on June 27, 2018.
Marte has been detained since his arrest. On July 22, 2019, he pleaded guilty to reentry of a removed alien.
Marte was released into ICE custody for removal proceedings.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Bulldog Gang Member Sentenced to over 20 Years in Prison for Drug and Sex Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Today, U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill sentenced Filiberto “Beto” Chavez, 38, of Fresno, to 20 years and 10 months in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, conspiring to engage in interstate travel for prostitution and use of a cellphone to promote prostitution, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents and testimony at trial, on July 8, 2017, Chavez, a Bulldog gang member, sold methamphetamine to convicted co-defendant, Robert Lockhart. Convicted co-defendant Amina Padilla stored methamphetamine for Chavez and gave a portion of what she had stored to convicted co‑defendant Carlos Melgar to deliver to Lockhart. On July 11, 2017, agents served search warrants at Padilla’s and Lockhart’s apartments and seized methamphetamine from both.
Additionally, in June and July of 2017, Chavez and others travelled to New York to engage in prostitution activities. During the trip, Chavez used his cellphone to communicate with his co-defendants about prostitution and to make arrangements for posting prostitution ads. The ads were located in New York on Backpage.com.
“We’re pleased with the outcome of this investigation as it represents another important stride in our ongoing efforts to combat gang-related crime and sex trafficking in Northern California,” said Tatum King, special agent in charge, HSI (San Francisco and Northern California). “HSI will continue to partner with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in focusing our collective resources to pursue, disrupt, and dismantle transnational criminal organizations that show no regard for our nation’s laws or human welfare.”
Chavez is one of more than 25 defendants who were charged as part of “Operation Alpha Dog,” an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fresno Police Department, the Multi‑Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly A. Sanchez, Jeffrey Spivak, and Thomas Newman are 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. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF Program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multi-level 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.
Bluefield Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Bluefield woman pled guilty to selling drugs, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Cassandra Tiller, 36, pled guilty to distribution of heroin.
Tiller admitted that on March 13, 2017, she sold heroin to a confidential informant in Montcalm in Mercer County.
Tiller faces faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on February 3, 2020.
The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys John File and Negar Kordestani are handling the prosecution.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
###
Beaver Falls Man Charged with Robbing Cranberry Twp. PNC BankRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on Oct. 1 and unsealed today, named Michael Ryan Neppach, 40, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about August 28, 2019, defendant robbed the PNC Bank at 20940 Route 19 in Cranberry Township of approximately $1,400.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Cranberry Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Armstrong County Couple Sentenced for Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- Two residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania have each been sentenced in federal court to three years’ probation after being convicted of theft of government money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today. Additionally, the defendants were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $25,164, which is the total amount of the benefits that the couple received but were not entitled to receive.
United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentences on Tara Jo Frain, 34, and Danny Ray Alexander, 46, of Apollo, Pa.
According to information presented to the court, Frain and Alexander, who were married in May of 2012, had been receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability payments prior to their marriage. Although Frain and Alexander were each informed of their responsibility to report to the Social Security Administration (SSA) any changes affecting their eligibility to receive SSI, including their marital status, they each neglected to inform the SSA of their marriage and continued to receive benefits to which they were not entitled from May 2012 to December 2016. Frain and Alexander’s marital status was material to the SSA’s decision to pay benefits, because the SSA would have imputed each spouse’s income to the other. Additionally, on September 10, 2016, both Frain and Alexander submitted signed statements to the SSA falsely claiming that they were not married.
Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Adam N. Hallowell prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Frain and Alexander.
Sunday 6 October 2019
Fremont Man Sentenced to 7 ½ Years for Possessing Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announces that Seth Perina, age 43, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana. Perina was also sentenced for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Senior United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Perina to 90 months of imprisonment. The sentence included 60 months’ imprisonment because Perina possessed firearms in connection with the drug charge. After completing his term of imprisonment, Perina will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.
On September 11, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Perina’s Fremont, Nebraska, residence. Inside, officers located Perina and a safe containing more than 50 jars of marijuana, drug packaging materials, $12,200 in cash, and more than 7 grams of actual methamphetamine. A gun case containing ammunition and two .22 caliber handguns were found behind the safe.
This case was investigated by III CORPS Drug Task Force.
Saturday 5 October 2019
Woman Sentenced to 10 Years for Trafficking a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Brooklyn Pohl, age 37, of Wisconsin, was sentenced today in federal court by United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. Pohl received a sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, she will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On November 22, 2016, law enforcement made contact with a 16-year-old minor who was found to be by herself at a truck stop in Gretna, Nebraska. Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol determined that between November 18, 2016, and November 22, 2016, Brooklyn Pohl and the minor female traveled from Illinois to Iowa and Nebraska. While traveling together, Pohl transported and advertised the minor for the purpose of engaging in prostitution in the States of Iowa and Nebraska. Pohl and the minor stayed together at various motels in Iowa and Nebraska, posting online advertisements offering to perform sex acts for money. Pohl, using her cell phone as well as the cell phone of the minor, advertised the minor’s picture on Backpage.com to solicit commercial sex. After posting the minor’s picture and advertisement on Backpage.com, Pohl would assist the minor with negotiating the price of the commercial sex acts with potential customers.
As a result of the Backpage.com advertisements, the minor engaged in numerous commercial sex acts in Iowa and Nebraska. Oftentimes, Pohl would remain in the motel room while the minor engaged in sex acts with customers. Pohl used at least some of the money from the minor’s commercial sex acts to purchase a vehicle in Iowa, which Pohl then used to transport herself and the minor to Nebraska, where they continued to advertise and engage in sex acts.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, and the Sheboygan Police Department, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez Announces Progress in Making Communities Safer Through Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - Two years ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the department’s violent crime reduction strategy. 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.
Throughout the past two years, we have partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. According to FBI’s Uniform Crime Report released this week, the violent crime rate decreased for the second consecutive year, down 3.9 percent from the 2017 numbers.
“The revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods program is a major success,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “It packs a powerful punch by combining advanced data with local leadership, further reducing violence in communities across the country and improving overall public safety. U.S. Attorneys continue to focus their enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals and work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal police. The Justice Department’s relationships across the board have never been stronger.”
“We are proud of the dedication and hard work by our law enforcement and community partners as we strive to reduce crime throughout our district,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “Project Safe Neighborhoods only works when we enlist the support, expertise, and perspectives of our law enforcement partners and the community. Together, we will continue to make our communities safer places to live, work, and play.”
As we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, here are some of the highlights of our PSN actions over the past year:
Enforcement Actions
The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to work with federal, state, and local partners to implement PSN throughout the Middle District of Florida. These coordinated efforts ensure that federal efforts are focused against the most violent offenders.
- Beginning in December 2018, a long-term investigation of a violent drug trafficking organization known as the “Bird Gang,” operating primarily in Tampa, has culminated in the indictment of 26 individuals charged with various federal firearms and drug offenses. Since the arrests, no reported shootings have occurred in the neighborhood where the gang had operated.
- In May 2019, Jacksonville’s new Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) officially opened. CGIC is a collaborative effort among the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Several individuals have already been arrested and indicted as a result of leads generated from CGIC.
- As part of the U.S. Marshals Service’s Operation Triple Beam, Ft. Myers PSN efforts resulted in more than 120 arrests involving firearms, drugs, and violent crime.
Community Partnerships
Community engagement is a critical component in the successful implementation of PSN. The USAO-MDFL frequently engages diverse stakeholders in providing training, prevention, intervention, and reentry strategies and programs. Some recent activities include:
- National Night Out and Coffee with a Cop
- Great American Teach-In
- Preventing Targeted School Violence
- Federal Reentry Courts and Local Networks (Tampa; Orlando; Jacksonville)
- Engagement with more than 10,600 citizens
Improvements to Community Safety
- For the second consecutive year, the estimated number of violent crimes in the nation decreased when compared with the previous year’s statistics, according to FBI figures released today. In 2018, the number of violent crimes was down 3.3 percent from the 2017 number.
- The 2018 statistics also show the estimated rate of violent crime was 368.9 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants. The violent crime rate fell 3.9 percent when compared with the 2017 rate.
- According to the recently released FBI Uniform Crime Report, the violent crime rate decreased for several cities in the Middle District of Florida. The 2018 statistics show the greater Tampa Bay region’s estimated rate of violent crime was 306 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants. This represents an 8 percent reduction in the violent crime rate when compared with the 2017 rate. Ft Myers saw a reduction of 9 percent and Jacksonville had a reduction of almost 6 percent.
These enforcement actions and partnerships are 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. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
Tarpon Springs Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Endangered Species ActRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Nicholas Skaroulis (58, Tarpon Springs) has pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Endangered Species Act by causing the unlawful export of wildlife. Skaroulis faces a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Skaroulis owned and operated Sponges Direct, Inc., a business located in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Among other things, the company sold non-living natural sponges to customers, both domestic and foreign. During 2014 through 2018, the company sold and exported non-living sponges to customers outside of the United States. The company failed to disclose the contents of these shipments on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Declaration Forms as required by federal regulation. By doing so, the company evaded the payment of inspection and user fees on each shipment.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Friday 4 October 2019
York Man Charged with Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Adrian Moye, age 28, of York, was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 2, 2019, and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment charges Moye with possession of a SCCY CPX-2 9mm firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, in York County between July 20, 2019 and August 20, 2019.
The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the York City Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy 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 in this case for possessing a firearm or ammunition after being convicted of a felony offense is life in prison, 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.
# # #
Woman Sentenced to Prison for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A woman formerly from McLean was sentenced today to more than four years in prison for stealing the identity of a woman from Alexandria, who had been her housemate.
According to court documents, Sau Hoong Lee, 66 years old, is a native of Malaysia. Since first entering the United States at least 18 years ago, she has accumulated numerous convictions related to identity theft. Preying on other women with whom she either lived or ingratiated herself, Lee resided in this country under a series of assumed identities. Each of Lee’s identity theft schemes was built on the prior scheme’s foundation, as Lee would often introduce herself to her newest victim under the assumed name of her last victim.
In 2012, using the name of Cindy Tran (a housemate of Lee and a victim of the Lee’s earlier identity theft in California), Lee met and befriended Cindy Lin, and then stole her driver's license. Between 2014 and 2017, Lee used the identity of “Cindy Lin” to raise funds, travel around the country, and engage in various businesses, including multiple EIGC subsidiaries. Under the identity of Cindy Lin, Lee raised funds and engaged in negotiations in 2016 to purchase a controlling interest in Monumental Sports, owner of the Washington Wizards.
Using the identity of Cindy Lin, Lee convinced individuals including YD, WH, and Alan Perez, to borrow money to purchase nine Porsche and six Ferrari automobiles in their names (with purchase prices totaling more than $2 million), but for her use, in return for her promise to give them money in excess of the vehicle payments.
In June 2014, Lee was stopped for speeding in McLean, in a 2013 Ferrari, registered to WH. In September 2014, she was stopped for speeding on the Dulles Toll Road in a 2014 Porsche, registered to YD. In July 2015, she was stopped by Maryland State Police in Talbot County, while driving a 2015 Porsche 911 Turbo, registered to WH. In November 2015, she was stopped by Fairfax County Police on the Dulles Toll Road, while driving a 2016 Ferrari, registered to WH. During each of the traffic stops, Lee provided to the police the Virginia driver’s license of Cindy Lin.
In June 2016, Lee was stopped by an officer of the Sheriff’s Office in Brunswick County, while driving a 2015 Porsche 911 Turbo registered to Alan Perez. During the traffic stop, Lee provided the police officer the Virginia driver’s license of Cindy Lin.
According to Perez's letter to the Court, he was close friends with Lee and even lived with her. Perez told the Court that she reduced him and his family to financial ruin by convincing him and his parents to give her money for various activities, investments, sign over properties and buy exotic cars.
In 2017, FBI agents executed a warrant on Lee’s $14,000/month rental apartment in Los Angeles, and found there the Virginia driver’s license of Cindy Lin.
Upon her release from a California state prison in 2006, after conviction for an identity fraud offense, Lee was turned over to custody of federal immigration authorities. To avoid removal from the United States, Lee requested asylum. Under the name Sau Hoong Lee, and on the basis of an application which claimed that she had never used any other name, Lee was granted deferral of removal from the United States.
According to evidence received from the government of Malaysia, a 66-year-old woman by the name of Sau Hoong Lee reported to Malaysian authorities that her identity was being used by a woman in America. Today, Lee admitted in Court that she was born Siew Im Cheah in 1959, and started using the name Sau Hoong Lee about 20 years ago.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Timothy R. Slater, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon D. Kromberg and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Attias prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-62.
Wilmington Gang Member Receives 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced JACQUEZ HILL, 21, of Wilmington North Carolina to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
HILL was named in an eleven-count indictment filed on February 13, 2019, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, eight-counts of distribution of heroin and one-count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin. On June 11, 2019, HILL pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, distribution of a quantity of heroin, and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.
Between October 2017 and April 2018, the Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made ten controlled purchases of heroin from HILL at various locations in Wilmington, North Carolina. During this period of time, HILL was wearing an ankle monitor related to North Carolina State Court convictions for possession with intent to deliver heroin and discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling. HILL discharged the firearm during a prior drug deal.
On January 17, 2019, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents and members of the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office received information that Taveon Nixon was the passenger in a car driven by HILL. Nixon had an outstanding federal arrest warrant. Law enforcement attempted to stop the car at a gas station in New Hanover County in order to arrest Nixon. HILL struck a law enforcement car while Nixon fled on foot. HILL was removed from the car and placed under arrest. Nixon was arrested on federal charges following a foot chase. Raquel Adams, a back seat passenger, was found in possession of a quantity of heroin and United States Currency. Law enforcement found an additional 250 heroin bindles and $2,500 in the car. Nixon was sentenced in federal court last week and received a 10-year prison sentence. More Here Adams was sentenced yesterday and received 37months in federal prison.
On February 19, 2019, agents with ATF and the Wilmington Police Department attempted to arrest HILL near his apartment in the Mayfaire area of Wilmington. HILL observed the officers and fled at a high rate of speed. Agents were able to apprehend HILL later that evening. Following HILL’S arrest, law enforcement found an additional quantity of heroin that HILL had hidden.
These cases are part of an FBI-led Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation named “Dodge Ball.” This operation is focused on members of the Nine Trey sect of the United Blood Nation, a violent gang in Wilmington, North Carolina involved in the distribution of heroin, possession of firearms and associated violence. This is a joint investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force (Gang Unit), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Wilmington Police Department, and New Hanover Sheriff’s Office. The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and ATF utilize resources from federal, state, and local law enforcement in order to efficiently and effectively target and combat criminal gangs and drug trafficking organizations operating in coastal southern North Carolina. A key component of federal task force’s success involves the use of task force officers from local law enforcement who have direct knowledge of the criminal gang activity in their areas.
These cases are also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Police Department, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Webster Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Thomas Ingrassia, 31, of Webster, NY, pleaded guilty Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to possession of child pornography. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that investigators discovered the defendant sharing child pornography on a peer-to-peer file sharing network. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Ingrassia’s residence and seized his electronic devices. A forensic analysis recovered 125 images and 18 videos containing child pornography, some of which depicted violence and the sexual abuse minors.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 24, 2020, before Judge Geraci.
# # # #
Wallingford Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging ERIC RUNDSTROM, 45, of Wallingford, with two counts of receipt and possession of child pornography.
As alleged in court documents, an FBI investigation revealed that Rundstrom had accessed an online website to connect with others interested in collecting and sharing images and videos of child pornography, and he would exchange emails with others. Investigators discovered a link to an online file hosting account associated with Rundstrom where hundreds of images and videos of child pornography had been stored, including images of adult males sexually abusing prepubescent females.
The charge of receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Rundstrom was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 14, 2019, and is released on a $25,000 bond.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
W. Stephen Muldrow Takes Oath as United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Today, The Honorable W. Stephen Muldrow took the oath of office as the United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. In a private ceremony at the United States District Courthouse in Hato Rey, The Honorable Gustavo Gelpí administered the oath of office. While no public comments were made during the ceremony, United States Attorney Muldrow issued the following statement:
I would like to begin my term as United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico by stating that I am both excited and honored to have been selected to lead this highly regarded office, which is filled with many talented and hard-working people.
I would like to thank President Donald J. Trump for appointing me and giving me the privilege of serving as United States Attorney. I also thank the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate. Finally, I am grateful for the support of Attorney General William P. Barr and Congresswoman and Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González-Colón.
My priorities as United States Attorney, first and foremost, will be to follow the strategic goals established by the United States Department of Justice, which include: Enhancing National Security and Countering the Threat of Terrorism; Securing the Borders and Enhancing Immigration Enforcement and Adjudication; Reducing Violent Crime and Promoting Public Safety; and Promoting the Rule of Law, Integrity, and Good Government.
As for our district’s priorities, I will emphasize investigations and prosecutions focusing on public corruption, large-scale drug trafficking, and violent crime. We will work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to accomplish these priorities on behalf everyone who resides in Puerto Rico.
As I begin my work as the United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, I would be remiss if I did not first recognize my predecessor, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, for her years of dedicated service to the people of Puerto Rico and the United States of America. During my first tour here in Puerto Rico from 1995 until 2001, and afterwards following her remarkable work from Florida, I can attest that Rosa Emilia has shown great leadership and commitment to protecting the people of this wonderful island. I thank her, and wish her nothing but the best.
# # #
W. Stephen Muldrow Juramenta Como Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Puerto RicoRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Hoy, el Honorable W. Stephen Muldrow prestó juramento como Fiscal Federal del Distrito de Puerto Rico. En una ceremonia privada en el Tribunal Federal en Hato Rey, el Honorable Gustavo Gelpí administró el juramento de cargo. El Fiscal Federal Muldrow emitió la siguiente declaración:
Quiero comenzar mi término como Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Puerto Rico expresándoles que me siento emocionado y honrado de haber sido seleccionado para dirigir esta oficina de gran prestigio, donde trabajan personas muy talentosas y trabajadoras.
Quiero agradecerle al presidente Donald J. Trump por nombrarme y darme el privilegio de servir como Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Puerto Rico. También agradezco al Comité Judicial del Senado y al Senado de los Estados Unidos. Finalmente, agradezco el apoyo del Fiscal General William P. Barr y la Congresista y Comisionada Residente Jenniffer González-Colón.
Mis prioridades como Fiscal Federal, en primer lugar, serán seguir los objetivos estratégicos establecidos por el Departamento de Justicia que incluyen: Mejorar la Seguridad Nacional y Contrarrestar la Amenaza del Terrorismo; Asegurar las Fronteras y Mejorar la Aplicación y Adjudicación de Inmigración; Reducir el Crimen Violento y Mejorar la Seguridad Pública; y Promover el Estado de Derecho, la Integridad y el Buen Gobierno.
En cuanto a las prioridades de nuestro Distrito, haré hincapié en las investigaciones y acusaciones enfocadas en la corrupción pública, el tráfico de drogas a gran escala y los delitos violentos. Continuaremos trabajando con las agencias de ley y orden federales, estatales y locales para hacer cumplir la ley y lograr llevar a cabo estas prioridades por el bien y la seguridad de todos los que vivimos en Puerto Rico.
Al comenzar mi trabajo como Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Puerto Rico, sería negligente si no reconociera primero a mi predecesora, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez por sus años de servicio dedicado al pueblo de Puerto Rico y los Estados Unidos. Durante mi primer término aquí en Puerto Rico como fiscal federal auxiliar, del 1995 al 2001, y siguiendo su destacado trabajo desde Florida, puedo dar fe de que Rosa Emilia ha demostrado un gran liderazgo y compromiso para proteger al pueblo de esta maravillosa isla. Le doy las gracias y le deseo lo mejor.
# # #
United States Attorney’s Office Reaches Settlement with York County over Polling Place Access for VotersRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced a settlement with York County under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act to improve physical accessibility at the county’s polling places for individuals who use wheel chairs and other mobility aids, and for individuals who are blind or have vision impairments.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, during the May 15, 2018 primary election, the United States Attorney’s Office, along with an architect from the Department of Justice, surveyed a portion of the county’s polling place locations. The survey resulted in a finding that many of the county’s polling places contain barriers to access for persons with disabilities. Title II of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by a state or local government in any of its programs or services, including its voting program.
York County is working collaboratively with the United States Attorney’s Office to make all polling places accessible. Under the terms of the agreement, the county will use an evaluation form for each current and prospective polling place based on ADA architectural standards. The settlement requires the county to either relocate inaccessible polling places to new, accessible facilities, or to use temporary measures such as portable ramps, signs, traffic cones and doorbells, where appropriate to ensure accessibility on Election Day.
“The right of individuals to participate in our democratic system of government must not be diminished by barriers and obstacles at polling place locations,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “Every voter with a disability should have full and equal access to polling sites. Under this agreement, voters with disabilities will now be able to cast their ballots in person at their polling places alongside their neighbors.”
This investigation was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Butler, the civil rights coordinator, with the assistance of the United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division (Disability Rights Section). Those interested in finding out more about the ADA can access the ADA website at www.ada.gov.
# # #
US Attorney Blader Marks 2nd Anniversary of Revitalization of Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Two years ago, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the department’s violent crime reduction strategy. 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.
In the Western District of Wisconsin, the area of emphasis for Project Safe Neighborhoods is the City of Madison and surrounding communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office works with the Dane County District Attorney’s Office, the Madison Police Department, the Dane County Sheriff’s Department, other area law enforcement agencies, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in a coordinated and collaborative effort to identify and prosecute the most violent offenders – those who commit violent crimes with firearms and felons found in possession of firearms.
Throughout the past two years, the U.S. Department of Justice has partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. According to FBI’s 2018 Crime in the United States Report released this week, the violent crime rate decreased for the second consecutive year, down 3.9 percent from the 2017 numbers. In the City of Madison, shots fired calls between January and August 2019 decreased 32% from the same timeframe in 2018. Robberies and burglaries each decreased 37% in August 2019 from their numbers in August 2018.
“The revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods program is a major success,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “It packs a powerful punch by combining advanced data with local leadership, further reducing violence in communities across the country and improving overall public safety. U.S. Attorneys continue to focus their enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals and work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal police. The Justice Department’s relationships across the board have never been stronger.”
“My office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively address violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Blader. “Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we are ensuring that violent offenders are being prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law to meet our obligation to make our communities safer.”
Some examples of recent PSN cases prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office include:
- Jeffrey Parker pleaded guilty yesterday to robbing the Summit Credit Union in Portage, Wisconsin, on August 16, 2019. After the robbery, Parker led law enforcement on a high speed chase into Madison, during which Parker sped through a stoplight, striking and overturning a Federal Express truck. Parker faces 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 17, 2019.
- David A. Kelly was sentenced in May to 54 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Kelly brandished a firearm at a group of people, threatening to kill them. Kelly had been convicted in Dane County Circuit Court four days prior to the incident for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and he also has three prior felony drug convictions.
- Jonathan Thompson, Kiefah Marbra, and Robert Minette were convicted of a series of bank robberies that occurred in Madison, Middleton, Sun Prairie, and Fitchburg in January and February 2018. During these bank robberies, the suspects brandished handguns, pointing them at bank employees and customers. Thompson, the ringleader, was sentenced to 22 years, while Marbra was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison, and Minette was sentenced to nine years.
The PSN efforts in Madison are complemented by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). The SIU works with serial offenders as they re-enter the community. Representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, local law enforcement, and faith-based community members hold meetings with recently released offenders. The offenders are offered assistance in finding housing and employment, and they are told that if they commit additional crimes, they will be prosecuted and that the sentencing judge will know they chose not to embrace the services offered to them.
To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
U.S. Attorney Robert Duncan Jr. Announces Progress in Making our Communities Safer through Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.—Two years ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the department’s violent crime reduction strategy. 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.
Throughout the past two years, we have partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. According to FBI’s Uniform Crime Report released this week, the violent crime rate decreased for the second consecutive year, down 3.9 percent from the 2017 numbers.
“The revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods program is a major success,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “It packs a powerful punch by combining advanced data with local leadership, further reducing violence in communities across the country and improving overall public safety. U.S. Attorneys continue to focus their enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals and work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal police. The Justice Department’s relationships across the board have never been stronger.”
“The Project Safe Neighborhoods program is a cornerstone of our violent crime reduction efforts. Drawing on the strong partnerships among our federal, state, and local law enforcement, we are protecting the public and holding the most violent offenders accountable for their criminal actions,” said United States Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr. “We recognize there is still work to be done, and we remain committed to this important public safety initiative.”
As we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, here are some of the highlights of our PSN actions across the Eastern District of Kentucky over the past year:
Enforcement Actions
In January 2018, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies created the Fayette County Violent Crime Task Force. The Task Force focuses investigative and prosecutorial resources on those individuals responsible for violent crime and significant drug trafficking in this area, particularly those who commit acts of violence while armed with a firearm and those who commit armed drug trafficking.
“Working in a collaborative way with stakeholders across our community as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program is producing positive results in Lexington,” Chief Lawrence Weathers said. “Patrol officers are building relationships with residents, detectives are coordinating investigations with other law enforcement agencies, and we are developing solid cases with prosecutors. The effectiveness of the Project Safe Neighborhoods model cannot be overstated.”
The Agencies participating in this effort include the ATF, DEA, FBI, Lexington Police Department, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Lexington Community Corrections, the Fayette County Public Schools Law Enforcement Division, the Fayette County Attorney’s Office, the Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
“ATF strives to be ‘no better partner’ to other law enforcement agencies,” stated ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Tommy Estevan of the Louisville Field Division. “During the past year, ATF and these agencies investigated illegal sources of crime guns and persons who illegally possessed or used guns to commit violent crimes in the Lexington area. Together, we pursued ‘traffickers and trigger pullers’ with every resource, including new ballistic technology and other crime gun intelligence to disrupt the shooting cycle. ATF remains committed to the continued success of Project Safe Neighborhoods and this comprehensive approach to public safety.”
In response to recent shootings and related criminal activity, law enforcement in Fayette County have worked proactively to identify and apprehend those responsible. Illegally possessing or using a firearm in criminal activity will likely result in a lengthy sentence of imprisonment.
In the past year, our established partnerships have been an integral factor in our PSN prosecutions. Some examples of these prosecutions include:
- Keith A. Jefferson, 26, of Lexington, who was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Read more.
- Gregory Thomopolous, 39, of Lexington, who was an Armed Career Criminal and sentenced to 262 months in federal prison for armed drug trafficking. Read more.
- D’Vonta Middlebrooks, 24, of Lexington, who was sentenced to 115 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Read more.
Community Partnerships
In addition to enforcement efforts aimed at removing the most violent offenders from our streets, law enforcement personnel have engaged in community outreach and education. Working with the City of Lexington’s ONE LEX initiative, PSN participants have attended community safety days, provided information about community resources available, and served as mentors to school children in Fayette County. Read more about the coordinated efforts to reduce violent crime in Lexington.
“PSN is not only about vigorous prosecution of violent crime, it also about a commitment to crime prevention, problem solving and community partnerships. We recognize the need for more complex solutions that not only seek positive outcomes for victims, but also strive for long-term solutions for defendants, potential defendants, and the community at large,” said Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney Lou Anna Red Corn. “It is my hope, that as our community partnerships grow, we will earn and keep the trust of the communities where crime has the greatest impact.”
Improvements to Community Safety
- For the second consecutive year, the estimated number of national violent crimes decreased when compared with the previous year’s statistics, according to FBI figures released today. In 2018, the number of violent crimes was down 3.3 percent from the 2017 number.
- The 2018 statistics also show the estimated rate of violent crime was 368.9 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants. The violent crime rate fell 3.9 percent when compared with the 2017 rate.
- According to statistics released earlier this year by the Lexington Police Department, violent crime in Lexington decreased by 13 percent in 2018, compared to 2017. This decrease included declines in homicides (down 21 percent), robberies (down 21 percent), aggravated assaults (down 11 percent), and shootings (down 23 percent). Additionally, shots fired calls decreased by 9 percent. Preliminary data through July 2019 shows a 9.1 percent decrease in Part I crime as compared to year to date in 2018.
These enforcement actions and partnerships are 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. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey Announces Progress in Making our Communities Safer through Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
Knoxville, Tenn. – Two years ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the department’s violent crime reduction strategy. 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.
Throughout the past two years, we have partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. According to FBI’s Uniform Crime Report released this week, the violent crime rate decreased for the second consecutive year, down 3.9 percent from the 2017 numbers.
“The revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods program is a major success,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “It packs a powerful punch by combining advanced data with local leadership, further reducing violence in communities across the country and improving overall public safety. U.S. Attorneys continue to focus their enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals and work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal police. The Justice Department’s relationships across the board have never been stronger.”
As we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, here are some of the highlights of PSN actions in the Eastern District of Tennessee (TNE) over the past year:
Enforcement Actions
The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) collaborates with the police departments of Chattanooga, Knoxville, Morristown, and Johnson City, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, federal law enforcement agencies that include the ATF, FBI, DEA, ICE, U.S. Marshals Service, and District Attorneys General from Hamilton County, Knox County, Washington County, and Hamblen County to reduce violent crime. Based on detailed analysis of violent crime data, these partners work together to prosecute the most violent offenders and disrupt gang violence.
In September of 2018, the USAO, in conjunction with our federal and local partners in Chattanooga, met with the U.S. Marshall Service to bring their Triple Beam initiative to Chattanooga. This initiative involved planning a six-week fugitive round-up from late October through December that targeted violent fugitives who were gang members. This operation was responsible for the arrest of 126 people and seizure of seven firearms during the operation.
https://newschannel9.com/news/local/operation-triple-beam-126-violent-offenders-gang-members-arrested-in-hamilton-county
Community Partnerships
The USAO collaborates with cities to bring together community organizations and faith-based organizations to offer social services to gang members and other potentially violent individuals in an attempt to ease re-entry into society and prevent future violence.
Improvements to Community Safety
- For the second consecutive year, the estimated number of violent crimes in the nation decreased when compared with the previous year’s statistics, according to FBI figures released today. In 2018, the number of violent crimes was down 3.3 percent from the 2017 number.
- The 2018 statistics also show the estimated rate of violent crime was 368.9 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants. The violent crime rate fell 3.9 percent when compared with the 2017 rate.
- As of September, in 2018 criminal homicides had decreased in Chattanooga by 61% compared to that same period in 2017, including a 53% drop in gang-related homicides.
- From 2017 through 2018, TNE’s firearm cases filed increased from 195 to 257, which is higher than the national average of 187 filed in large districts. Similarly, TNE’s firearm defendants increased from 250 to 355, which is also higher than the 229 average defendants for large districts during that same period of time.
- From 2017 through 2018, TNE’s reported a 32% increase in firearm cases filed as well as a 42% increase in number of firearm defendants.
These enforcement actions and partnerships are 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. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
U.S. Attorney David J. Freed Announces Progress in Making Our Communities Safer Through Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
FBI Uniform Crime Report Shows 3.9 Drop in Violent Crime in 2018
Two years ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the department’s violent crime reduction strategy. 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.
Throughout the past two years, we have partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. According to FBI’s Uniform Crime Report released this week, the violent crime rate decreased for the second consecutive year, down 3.9 percent from the 2017 numbers.
“The revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods program is a major success,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “It packs a powerful punch by combining advanced data with local leadership, further reducing violence in communities across the country and improving overall public safety. U.S. Attorneys continue to focus their enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals and work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal police. The Justice Department’s relationships across the board have never been stronger.”
“In neighborhoods negatively impacted by violent crime across the Middle District of Pennsylvania I hear the same refrain from law abiding citizens: focus your efforts on the violent offenders that are preventing us from enjoying our homes and forcing us to keep our children inside,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “We have heard the call. Targeted enforcement and tough cooperative prosecutions are a proven formula for reducing violent crime. Project Safe Neighborhoods allows us to direct law enforcement assets to the areas of greatest need throughout the District. Our extremely strong cooperative relationships among local, state and federal investigators and prosecutors mean that the right offenders are prosecuted in the right venue for the right crimes. Nothing is more important to us than public safety. PSN proves it.”
As we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, here are some of the highlights of our PSN actions over the past year:
Enforcement Actions
The Middle District of Pennsylvania’ strategy for reducing and preventing violent crime in the Middle District focuses on the Harrisburg, York, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport areas. Federal, state and local law enforcement officers joined forces to coordinate their activities in high-crime areas and vigorously enforce the laws, which punish gun offenses, gang activity, drug-related crimes and other acts of violence. These partnerships have resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of federal prosecutions against the most violent individuals in our district.
Just this month, Maurice L. Ross, a previously convicted felon, was sentenced to 77 years’ imprisonment for committing armed robbery of a convenience store on three separate occasions in Harrisburg.
Derek Pelker was sentenced in July 2019, to 533 months’ imprisonment for the armed robbery of four banks. Pelker’s co-defendants received sentences that ranged from 132 months’ imprisonment to nine months imprisonment for their involvement in the robberies.
Anthony Johnson was convicted on May 16, 2019, following a two-day jury trial, for Hobbs Act Robbery and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence in York. Johnson and his co-conspirator robbed and shot the victim in the head.
In U.S. v. Adrian Ortiz-Diaz, et. al., U.S. v. Kevin Robles, et al. and U.S. v. Jose Miguel Guman Ruiz, et. al., twenty-nine individuals were charged in March 2019 in three separate indictments, for a drug trafficking conspiracy that entailed kilogram quantities of cocaine hydrochloride sent from Puerto Rico through the United States Postal Service to Pennsylvania and being purchased in California and transported to Pennsylvania, which was then distributed to customers in Dauphin, Cumberland, Northumberland and Union Counties.
In December 2018, Tyree Eatmon, a member of the violent York based gang known as “Southside” was sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment for his activities that ravaged the York area for over a decade. Eatmon assaulted, kicked and stomped a member of a rival gang. During the altercation, multiple shots were fired striking an innocent bystander in the head, causing permanent damage. Four Southside gang members have received a sentence of life imprisonment for their gang activities.
Community Partnerships
The Middle District of Pennsylvania joined community and law enforcement partners in York as part of the York Group Violence Initiative (GVI). GVI is designed to reduce street group–involved homicide and gun violence. Two call–ins of 17 persons were conducted in 2018. The participants were educated on the effects of gun violence on themselves and on their community. They heard from law enforcement officials and received information from community outreach members who provide mentoring and other services. Several of the participants have contacted the GVI project manager for help with job placement, securing household items, finding temporary living facilities and help with childcare issues.
The Middle District joined with the York City Police Department, the York City Mayor, the York County District Attorney’s Office, the York City Community Street Solders, FBI, DEA, and ATF to participate in a community walk on May 22, 2019 in York. U.S. Attorney Freed acknowledged the work performed by federal, state, and local law enforcement by participating in a community walk and promoting the dialogue between law enforcement and the community. The community walk was meant to demonstrate that law enforcement agencies are committed to working with each other and community organizations and residents to reduce crime in these areas.
Improvements to Community Safety
- For the second consecutive year, the estimated number of violent crimes in the nation decreased when compared with the previous year’s statistics, according to FBI figures released today. In 2018, the number of violent crimes was down 3.3 percent from the 2017 number.
- The 2018 statistics also show the estimated rate of violent crime was 368.9 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants. The violent crime rate fell 3.9 percent when compared with the 2017 rate.
- According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report for 2018, violent crime in Pennsylvania decreased from 40,030 events in 2017 to 39,192 events in 2018. According to the report, violent crimes include: Murder and non-negligent manslaughter; Rape; Aggravated assault; and Property crime.
These enforcement actions and partnerships are 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. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
# # #
U.S. Attorney Announces Progress in Making Our Communities Safer Through Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that according to the FBI’s 2018 Crime in the United States Report released this week, the estimated number of violent crimes in the District of South Dakota decreased in 2018 for the first time in five years, dropping 4.9 percent from the 2017 number. Even more significantly, the violent crime rate fell 5.8 percent when compared with the 2017 rate. The 2018 statistics show the estimated rate of violent crime in South Dakota was 404.7 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants.
This was first decline in the violent crime rate in South Dakota in five years. (See Table 1 below). The most dramatic drop was seen in the category of murders and non-negligent homicides, which declined by 56 percent from 2017 to 2018. (See Table 2 below).
“These numbers are a testament to the tireless efforts and dedication of our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers working to protect us every day,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “We must always remember that these men and women cannot do their jobs effectively without the help and support of the general public. Fortunately, we have that here in South Dakota. We are grateful for the tremendous community support shown for law enforcement officers across the state.”
As announced by Attorney General William P. Barr earlier this week, the estimated number of violent crimes in the United States as a whole decreased 3.3 percent from the 2017 number. The national violent crime rate fell 3.9 percent when compared with the 2017 rate. This was the second consecutive year that violent crime has decreased nationwide.
Two years ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the department’s violent crime reduction strategy. 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.
Throughout the past two years, the department’s United States Attorneys have partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Table 1
Table 2
Two Rockford Men Sentenced for Stealing Guns from Firearms DealersRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD —A Rockford man was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey to a total of ten years in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on firearms charges.
KYLAND WILLIS, 21, who was charged in two separate cases, pleaded guilty on June 28, 2019, to conspiracy to steal firearms from a licensed firearms dealer and two counts of stealing firearms from a licensed firearms dealer.
According to a written plea agreement, Willis broke into the store of a firearms licensee in Loves Park on Dec. 15, 2017, and stole approximately eleven firearms. On Dec. 27, 2017, Willis and another individual broke into the store of the same firearms licensee again and stole an additional 13 firearms. Willis and the other individual also attempted to break into the store of a second firearms licensee in Loves Park on Dec. 26, 2017.
On Jan. 3, 2018, Willis, co-defendant MARTAEVIEN Q. STEVENSON, 21, also of Rockford, and a third individual broke into the store of a firearms licensee in Belvidere, and stole 30 firearms. Stevenson admitted to attempting to break into the firearms licensee store a second time on Jan. 8, 2019. Willis, Stevenson and other individuals also attempted to break into the firearms licensee’s store a third time on Jan. 10, 2018.
Stevenson pleaded guilty on May 24, 2019, to conspiracy to steal firearms from a licensed firearms dealer and stealing firearms from a licensed firearms dealer. Stevenson was sentenced on Sept. 13, 2019, to four years and nine months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
The sentencings were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Timothy Jones, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The investigations were conducted by ATF, the Loves Park Police Department, the Belvidere Police Department, and the Rockford Police Department. The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigations. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Talia Bucci.
Two Effingham County Area Drug Dealers Sentenced on Methamphetamine Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Maggie L. Matlock, 30, of Mason, Illinois, and Nathan G. Kirkley, 25, of Gays, Illinois, were
recently sentenced in federal court on methamphetamine related charges, Steven D. Weinhoeft, United
States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.On October 2, 2019, Matlock was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment and fined $200. Matlock had
previously pleaded guilty to a one-count federal indictment which charged that from on or about
2017, until on or about December 2018, in Effingham County, the State of Colorado, and elsewhere,
Matlock conspired to distribute 50 grams or more of crystal methamphetamine (Ice).On September 30, 2019, Kirkley was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment and fined
$200. Kirkley had previously pleaded guilty to a two-count federal indictment. Count 1 charged that
from on or about June 2017, until on or about October 2018, in Effingham County, and elsewhere,
Kirkley conspired to distribute 50 grams or more of crystal methamphetamine (Ice). Count 2 charged
that on July 2, 2018, in Effingham County, Kirkley possessed with intent to distribute five grams
or more of methamphetamine.The investigation in this case was conducted by the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force,
the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department, and the Effingham City Police.
Three Time Federal Felon Sentenced to over Sixteen Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who was convicted in federal court for illegally possessing a gun for the third time was sentenced October 3, 2019, to more than sixteen years in federal prison.
Fernaris Braggs, age 38, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 25, 2019 guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
At the guilty plea, Braggs admitted he illegally possessed a handgun on December 23, 2018. On that day, Braggs was in a car involved in a hit-and-run accident. Law enforcement officers learned Braggs was involved and searched the area of the accident for him. The officers found Braggs near a gas station. Braggs saw the officers and ran from them. Officers caught and tackled him. Braggs continued to struggle with the officers. During the struggle, Braggs dropped a loaded handgun onto the ground.
At the time he possessed the handgun, Braggs was a convicted felon. In 2001, he was convicted in federal court of distributing crack cocaine two times and illegally possessing a firearm as a drug user. In 2011, approximately two months after he got out of federal prison, Braggs was caught with a gun and marijuana he planned to sell. Braggs was then convicted of possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute it and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was still on supervised release from that conviction when he possessed the handgun on December 23, 2018.
Braggs was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Braggs was sentenced to 195 months’ imprisonment in total. He was sentenced to 135 months in prison on the new charge and 60 months in prison for violating his prior supervised release. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Braggs is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-31.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Three Men Arrested in Connection with Suburban Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Three men have been arrested in connection with a bank robbery in Elmwood Park earlier this week. Law enforcement is also investigating whether the trio committed other recent bank robberies in Chicago and nearby suburbs.
ANDRES ADAME, 34, of Melrose Park, AARON FLORES, 21, of Chicago, and MANUEL MARTINEZ, 23, of Chicago, are charged with one count of bank robbery in connection with the Wednesday heist at U.S. Bank, 7312 W. Grand Ave. in Elmwood Park.
According to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago, Adame and Martinez were wearing sunglasses and surgical masks when they entered the bank shortly after 2:30 p.m., approached the teller counter and demanded cash. After the tellers complied with the demands, Adame and Martinez left the bank and drove off in a Honda CR-V sport-utility vehicle driven by Flores, the complaint states. Law enforcement pursued the defendants into Chicago, where the defendants’ vehicle collided with another car and came to a stop in a yard near West Altgeld Street and North Neva Avenue, the complaint states. Martinez was arrested at the scene, while Adame and Flores were taken into custody after a foot chase, the complaint states.
Flores and Martinez are scheduled to appear for detention hearings on Oct. 8, 2019, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey I. Cummings. Adame’s initial court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Chicago Police Department, in coordination with the Elmwood Park Police Department.
The complaint and arrests were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Larry L. Lapp, acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI; and Eddie Johnson, Superintendent of CPD. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley A. Chung.
The robbery charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Superior Resident Sentenced to 6 Years for Methamphetamine CrimeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Brian Kainu, 36, Superior, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to six years in federal prison for possessing of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Kainu pleaded guilty to this charge on June 25, 2019.
In March 2019, law enforcement officers conducted an investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in Superior. As part of their investigation, officers executed a search warrant at Kainu’s residence on April 4, 2019. During this search, officers found approximately 443 grams of methamphetamine, a cell phone, a digital scale, and drug paraphernalia. After his arrest, Kainu told officers that he started distributing methamphetamine three years ago, and that he sold approximately a pound of methamphetamine a week.
During sentencing, Judge Peterson highlighted the quantity of drugs Kainu possessed and distributed as being an aggravating factor.
The charge against Kainu was the result of an investigation conducted by the Superior Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Northwest Area Crime Unit, and the Lake Superior Drug & Violent Crime Task Force. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma.