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8 November 2019
Charlotte-Area Attorney Pleads Guilty to Tax Return FraudRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – John Francis Hanzel, 70, of Cornelius, North Carolina, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer today and pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Matthew D. Line, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Division joins U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.
According to the filed indictment, plea documents, and today’s plea hearing, Hanzel was an attorney with the law firm John F. Hanzel, P.A. whose law practice included, among other things, counseling his clients to set up offshore corporations and offshore bank accounts to purportedly protect income and assets from creditors, including the IRS. From at least 2011 through 2014, Hanzel did not have a personal bank account and did not pay himself a salary from his law firm. Instead, Hanzel wrote checks from his law firm account to pay for personal expenses including utility bills, mortgage payments, and credit cards. Hanzel fraudulently deducted personal expenses paid out of his law firm bank account as business expenses, including by falsely categorizing such as expenses as costs of goods sold and other deductions.
According to the filed indictment, plea documents, and today’s plea hearing, from 2011 through 2014, Hanzel reported minimal income on his Federal Individual Income Tax Returns, Forms 1040, fraudulently reporting total income of less than $73,000, total, for those four years and paying total federal income tax of less than $5,500 during that time period. However, Hanzel actually received substantial income that he hid from the IRS by falsely deducting personal expenses as business expenses and by living out of his business bank account. Hanzel’s substantial personal expenditures during the time period include payments of more than $297,000 on luxury vehicles and a boat, and payments for numerous other large personal items such as jewelry and plastic surgery. The tax loss associated with Hanzel’s filing of fraudulent tax returns was more than $100,000 but less than $250,000.
Hanzel is currently released on bond. The filing a false tax return charge carries a maximum prison term of 3 years and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been set.
IRS-CI led the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny G. Sugar, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, is prosecuting the case.
Charges amended against men allegedly involved in shooting of DEA task force officerRead the Press Release
DAYTON – The man previously charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer engaged in a federal investigation on Nov. 4 has now been charged with intentionally killing a law enforcement officer aiding a federal criminal investigation and causing death through the use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. The new charges are punishable by imprisonment up to life and by death.
The amended complaint against Nathan S. Goddard, Jr., 39, was filed in federal court this morning. Goddard is also charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon, punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, and conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, and marijuana.
Two others, Cahke Cortner, 39, and Lionel Combs III, 40, have also been charged in amended complaints. Both are charged with causing death through use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime or crime of violence, punishable by imprisonment up to life and by death, and with the drug conspiracy
The charges are a result of a shooting that took place during the execution of a federal search warrant during the evening of Nov. 4.
Between mid-July and late-October 2019, the DEA’s Dayton resident office conducted an investigation into a Dayton-based fentanyl operation.
As a result of that investigation, Goddard was named as an alleged source of supply of narcotics and a federal search warrant was subsequently authorized for 1454 Ruskin Road.
At approximately 6:50pm on Nov. 4, DEA and Dayton Police executed the search warrant. After announcing themselves, officers entered the home and a task force officer descended the stairway to the basement of the residence. The officer immediately came under gunfire from the basement and was struck by the gunfire.
In the residence, authorities discovered three firearms. Approximately nine kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine were located in a duffel bag. Containers containing 50 to 60 pounds of marijuana were discovered in the basement. Approximately $11,000 in cash was spread out on a coffee table, and more than $40,000 in cash was located in a duffel bag in a storage area under the stairs.
The drug conspiracy charged against each of the defendants is punishable by a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. Congress sets the minimum and maximum penalty ranges for all offenses charged.
The government is seeking that the defendants be detained pending trial. Each of the three defendants is scheduled for a detention hearing at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon L. Ovington.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Dayton Police Chief Richard S. Biehl; Keith Martin, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Joseph M. Deters, Acting Special in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Jonathan McPherson, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and Montgomery County Prosecutor Mathias H. Heck, Jr. announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Dominick S. Gerace and First Assistant United States Attorney Vipal J. Patel are representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Carriere, Miss. Man Charged with Intentionally Accessing a Protected Computer in Excess of AuthorizationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that COLBI TRENT DEFIORE, age 27, a resident of Carriere, Mississippi, was charged November 7, 2019 by a federal grand jury in a one-count indictment with intentionally accessing a protected computer in excess of authorization for the purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain, and in furtherance of the commission of a felony, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1030(a)(2)(C).
If convicted, DEFIORE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
Campaign Committee Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Federal Wire Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Anitra Edmond, age 43, of New Carrollton, Maryland, the treasurer for the “Friends of Tawanna P. Gaines” campaign committee, pleaded guilty today to a federal wire fraud charge, admitting that she converted more than $35,000 in campaign funds to her personal use.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
“Individuals who donate to a political campaign trust that their money will be used to support their candidate. Edmond abused that trust to enrich herself,” said United States Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Such a betrayal undermines everyone’s faith in government. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to find those who break the law, and bring them to justice.”
According to her plea agreement, from 2005 to the present, Edmond was the treasurer of the “Friends of Tawanna P. Gaines” (FTPG) candidate committee, which was the finance entity for the campaign of former Maryland State Delegate Tawanna P. Gaines. FTPG was a regulated state election campaign committee with a designated bank account, for which Edmond was the sole signatory and had possession of a debit/ATM card for the account.
Edmond admitted that from at least November 2012 through June 2018, she defrauded the campaign and its contributors of more than $35,000, converting the campaign funds for her personal use. Specifically, Edmond deposited checks from some campaign contributors directly into her personal bank account, instead of the FTPG account. Edmond also received and deposited campaign contributions into the FTPG account, then converted them to her own use without causing the contributions to be identified on campaign finance reports made to the Maryland State Board of Elections.
As detailed in her plea agreement, Edmond used the campaign funds from the FTPG account to pay her personal expenses, such as fast food, hair styling, personal phone bills, and rent for a separate business. In addition, during the course of the scheme, and in violation of Maryland campaign finance law, Edmond withdrew from the FTPG account a total of approximately $7,080 in cash from ATM machines, including an $800 withdrawal on June 25, 2018. The total loss as a result of Edmond’s involvement was at least $35,188.63. As part of her plea agreement, Edmond is required to forfeit and pay restitution in that amount.
Edmond faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for February 24, 2020. She is released on her own recognizance under the supervision of U.S. Pretrial Services.
Former Maryland State Delegate Tawanna P. Gaines, age 67, of Berwyn Heights, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to a federal wire fraud charge, admitting that she converted more than $22,000 in campaign funds to her personal use. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang has scheduled sentencing for Gaines on January 3, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI for its work in this investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Windom, who is prosecuting these cases.
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Camden County Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Child Pornography and Obscenity OffensesRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden County, New Jersey, man has been sentenced to 240 months in prison for child pornography and obscenity offenses, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Joseph Fini, 35, of Clementon, New Jersey, pleaded guilty on Jan. 29, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler to an information charging him with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of transferring obscene material to a minor. Fini, who was previously convicted of possession of child pornography, also pleaded guilty to violating the terms of the supervised release imposed in that case. Judge Kugler imposed the sentence Nov. 6, 2019, in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case:
From November 2015 to Feb. 22, 2017, Fini received 745 images of child sexual abuse and 252 videos containing child sexual abuse over the Internet. These videos and images included children under the age of 12 and sadistic and masochistic conduct. Fini also used the Internet to transfer and distribute obscene material to a minor.
At the time Fini committed these offenses, he was a serving a term of federal supervised for a previous child pornography offense. Fini received a 230 month sentence for the receipt of child pornography, a concurrent 120 month sentence for the distribution of obscene material, and a 10 month consecutive sentence for violating the terms of his supervision, for a total of 240 months in prison.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Kugler also sentenced Fini to lifetime supervised release and ordered him to pay $40,000 in restitution to victims of his offenses. Fini also must register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian A. Michael, with the investigation leading to the sentencing.
The government is represented by Senior Trial Counsel Jason Richardson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.
Broken Bow Man Sentenced to 38 Months for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Rance DeWayne Childs, age 36, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 38 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Felon In Possession Of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). The charges arose from an investigation by the Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”).
The Indictment alleged that on or about May 5, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, having been convicted of crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed in and affecting commerce, a firearm which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Enforcing federal firearms statutes in Indian Country is an important component of the Department of Justice priority to reduce violent crime. The strong working relationships tribal police agencies, the BIA and other state and federal agencies have make the entire law enforcement community more effective and better able to fulfill our shared mission to serve and protect.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Special Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Jordan represented the United States.Bradenton Man Convicted for Felonious Possession of A Firearm and CocaineRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Danyel Megal Black (39, Bradenton) guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon and possessing cocaine. Black faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is pending.
Black was indicted on August 27, 2019.
According to testimony presented at trial, on February 19, 2019, Black was serving a term of probation from a state court sentence. Black’s probation officer had scheduled a home compliance visit and search for that day. The probation officer did not inform Black of the search, and on that day, a team of law enforcement officers arrived at Black’s apartment to perform the search. Black arrived at his residence over half an hour late and let the officers into the apartment, which he shared with his girlfriend and their two small children.
During the search, the officers found nearly half an ounce of cocaine in a plastic bag, along with a razor, in Black’s nightstand next to his bed. That same drawer contained several small baggies of individually wrapped cocaine. Officers also discovered a loaded 9mm magazine in the bedroom linen closet. In the kitchen, they found an orange pot and scale, both containing cocaine residue. Inside a dresser drawer in Black’s two-year-old son’s room, officers discovered a stolen, loaded gun. In addition, they found two cellphones and $1,865 in Black’s car.
As a previously convicted felon, Black is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Florida Department of Corrections-Sarasota Circuit Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sarasota Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Charlie D. Connally and Michael Sinacore.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN) — a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety-one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Bloods Gang Member Sentenced for Robbery Spree that Ended with the Shooting of a Harris Teeter ManagerRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced late yesterday to 24 years in prison for his role as a gunman at multiple armed robberies of local grocery stores.
According to court documents, Darrius Heuser-Whitaker, 20, a member of a Virginia Beach-based “line” of the Bloods street gang, was one of two masked gunmen who robbed a Virginia Beach Food Lion grocery store and attempted to rob a Harris Teeter grocery store, also in Virginia Beach. During the robberies, Heuser-Whitaker pushed a semi-automatic handgun into the backs of the store managers while demanding money from the stores’ safes.
Heuser-Whitaker and his nine co-conspirators worked in at least six-man teams for each robbery, which included inside and outside look-outs, getaway drivers, and two gunmen. The robbery crew used police scanners to monitor law enforcement activity and earpieces to communicate with one another. The gunmen were in and out of the stores within minutes.
In the final attempted robbery at the Harris Teeter store, the other masked gunman, Devonta Doyle, shot the manager after the manager was unable to open the safe. Heuser-Whitaker, Doyle, and others fled the scene and threw their shoes out of their getaway car in an area near Regent University. The FBI and Virginia Beach Police Department located the shoes and submitted them for DNA analysis, which tied one of the shoes to Heuser-Whitaker. Investigators were able to link most of the co-conspirators to a group of friends who attended Tallwood High School and lived in the College Park neighborhood of Virginia Beach.
Heuser-Whitaker was convicted on all counts after a jury trial in July 2019, and he is the next-to-last defendant to be sentenced in the case. He and the co-conspirators who were sentenced earlier this year have received a combined 120 years in prison for their roles in the crimes.
Defendant
Role SentenceTrevor Tisdale
Getaway driver at two robberies
100 months
Quayshawn Davidson
Gunman at one robbery (brandished)
108 months
Keonte Yorkshire
Outside lookout at two robberies; inside lookout at one robbery
150 months
Brandon Tisdale
Participated in all three robberies; outside lookout and getaway driver
154 months
Devonta Doyle
Participated in all three robberies; gunman at two robberies; discharged weapon at last robbery
212 months
Cato Battle
Participated in two robberies; gunman at one robbery
115 months
Monica Perkins
Inside lookout at one robbery
108 months
Willey Brooks
Supervisory role; inside lookout at one robbery
216 months
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Mark Herring, Attorney General of Virginia, Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, James A. Cervera, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, and Col. K.L. Wright, Chief of Chesapeake Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John F. Butler and Andrew Bosse and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin G. Bird prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-177.
Beaverton Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Assaulting Federal Task Force Officers with Explosive DeviceRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Jason Paul Schaefer, 28, of Beaverton, Oregon, was sentenced today to 40 years in federal prison and 5 years’ supervised release for detonating an improvised explosive device on October 11, 2017, assaulting two members of the Portland Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).
In May 2019, Schaefer was convicted after a six-day trial of two counts of assaulting a federal officer and one count each of carrying and using a destructive device during and in relation to a crime of violence, carrying and using an explosive during the commission of a federal felony, unlawful transport of explosive materials, possession of an unregistered destructive device and being a felon in possession of explosives.
“The government may never fully know why Mr. Schaefer amassed a large quantity of dangerous precursor chemicals and the components needed to make a large, remote-detonating bomb. What we do know is that on October 11, 2017, he tried to kill two federal task force officers attempting to make a lawful arrest,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “We owe a debt of gratitude to the JTTF agents and partners and our prosecutors for protecting our community by taking this violent criminal off the streets. This prosecution affirms the critical public safety mission of the JTTF and the need for continued and active participation of all federal, state and local partners.”
“Jason Schaefer’s sentence is commensurate to the danger he posed to his neighbors in the community. The officers and agents of the FBI’s JTTF hope this sentence will serve as a deterrent to others who may consider dangerous or violent illegal actions,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.
“The Oregon State Police is proud of the collaboration among our local and federal partners on the JTTF, with our mutual goal to keep Oregon safe. We are grateful that our troopers and taskforce officers were not seriously injured during this rapidly developing event. OSP is also appreciative of the time and attention of the U.S. Attorney's Office to seek justice in this case,” said Travis Hampton, Superintendent of the Oregon State Police.
“The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the JTTF and partnering agencies for their hard work in this investigation. We value these important public safety partnerships that work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” said Pat Garrett, Washington County Sheriff.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on or about September 21, 2017, FBI Portland determined that Schaefer had purchased several items that could be used to make a bomb. Schaefer was known to federal investigators after an April 2017 incident where he threatened to kill his landlords and used mercury to deter people from entering an apartment garage he rented in Beaverton. The incident led to Schaefer being arrested and prosecuted for illegally possessing body armor.
On October 11, 2017, federal agents and task force officers executed a search warrant on Schaefer’s Beaverton apartment. Schaefer arrived that morning at a meeting with his probation officer to find two federal agents there to meet him. They notified Schaefer of the warrant and asked if his property was booby trapped. Schaeffer told the agents that it was not and the search commenced.
After a brief conversation with the agents, Schaefer departed in a white sport utility vehicle. The agents followed Schaefer, but lost him. Meanwhile, agents searching Schaefer’s apartment found several explosive precursors and electronic matches. While the search was ongoing, Schaefer returned to the apartment and threatened a task force officer before fleeing.
Two task force officers pursued Schaefer who soon got stuck in traffic. The officers approached Schaefer on foot and ordered him out of the vehicle. Schaefer did not comply, threatened to kill the officers and ignited an explosive device concealed in a cigarette pack. The blast caused significant injury to Schaefer’s hand and sent debris flying into one of the officers, who suffered bodily injury. Following the explosion, Schaefer was arrested and officers found a second cigarette pack containing explosives in his vehicle.
This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. It was investigated by the Portland JTTF. The Portland JTTF includes FBI special agents and more than a dozen state and local law enforcement officers.
Baton Rouge Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Delvin Fountain, age 30, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 180 months in federal prison following his conviction of possessing a firearm by a convicted felon. The Court further sentenced Fountain to 5 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered that the firearm involved be forfeited.
According to the factual basis in the record, a warrant was issued for Fountain’s arrest on January 24, 2019. On February 28, 2019, deputies from the East Baton Rouge Sherriff’s Office received a tip that Fountain was seen driving a black Lincoln sedan in the area of West Garland and Highland in Baton Rouge. While patrolling the area, deputies identified a vehicle matching the description provided by the tipster. Deputies followed the Lincoln in an unmarked vehicle into an apartment complex on West Roosevelt Street. Fountain exited the vehicle, leaving his door open, and walked towards the rear of the vehicle.
When other deputies arrived and parked their vehicles behind the Lincoln, Fountain attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended. After apprehending Fountain, deputies examined Fountain’s vehicle and observed a black Smith & Wesson Shield .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol sitting in plain view on top of the driver’s seat. Fountain admitted that the firearm found in the vehicle belonged to him.
Prior to possessing the firearm, Fountain was convicted in East Baton Rouge Parish in June 2010, of first degree robbery.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This conviction and sentence is a great example how federal and state law enforcement partners, working in concert with the community, can bring violent criminals to justice and make our streets safer. I want to thank my prosecutor, the ATF, and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies for their decisive apprehension of this defendant.”
“The substantial sentence imposed today sends a strong message to criminals that they will be held accountable for their actions,” said ATF New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “ATF is committed to collaborate with all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to remove violent criminals from our neighborhoods and communities.”
“The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is proud of the partnership we have with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and appreciate their commitment to prosecute these cases on the federal level,” Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said. “We look forward to continuing working together to combat the crime that plague our community.”
This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with substantial assistance from the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kashan Pathan.
Baton Rouge Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that Arthur Lee Stewart, age 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute heroin. As a result of his guilty plea, Stewart faces a significant term of imprisonment, a fine, and a period of supervised release.
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, on December 3, 2018, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call at a convenience store on Elmer Avenue in Baton Rouge to investigate an allegation that an individual at the store was in possession of marijuana and a firearm. As deputies pulled up to the store in their marked unit, they observed two males standing in front of the store who appeared to be smoking marijuana. As one of the marked units was about to stop in front of the store, one of the two previously observed males, later identified as Stewart, attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by one of the deputies. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Stewart stated that he had marijuana in his pocket. During a search of Stewart, the deputy found a black digital scale, 5.81 grams of heroin wrapped in two separate clear packages, a prescription bottle with a partially torn label containing 15 pills of amphetamine salts, one clear package containing 1 gram of marijuana, and $210 in cash in his pant pockets.
Prior to possessing the firearm, Stewart was convicted of possession with intent to distribute marijuana in 2007 in East Baton Rouge Parish; conspiracy to introduce contraband into a state correctional institution in 2012 in East Baton Rouge Parish; and possession with intent to distribute codeine in 2012 in East Baton Rouge Parish.
U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin stated, “Distribution of heroin alone is a serious crime that endangers the citizens of Baton Rouge. The addition of a firearm to the equation increases the likelihood that one or more people, to include innocent bystanders, may end up being seriously wounded or killed in the crossfire. In this case, astute investigative work by East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office deputies led to a quick response to a dangerous situation that resulted in the apprehension of this defendant with no collateral consequence. I applaud the efforts and professionalism of our prosecutor and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office.”
“The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the partnership we have with the U.S. Attorney and his dedication to prosecuting these cases on the federal level,” Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said. “We will continue to dedicate our personnel and resources to initiatives that ensure the safety of our community.”
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with critical assistance from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul Pugliese.
Ada Man Sentenced to 33 Months for Ammunition PossessionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Rhett Steven Ragland, age 23, of Ada, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Felon In Possession Of Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). The charges arose from an investigation by the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
The Indictment alleged that on October 30, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed in and affecting commerce, seven rounds of Giulio, Fiocchi and Lecco brand 9mm Luger caliber ammunition, which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Federal statutes prohibiting felons from possessing firearms and ammunition give us the opportunity to assist local agencies in their ongoing efforts to combat violent crime. Combatting and reducing violent crime is a top priority of the Department of Justice. Working with local agencies as they serve and protect their communities is one way we carry out that priority.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States.34 Violent Criminals Arrested in Creek County as part of Operation FallbackRead the Press Release
On Friday, the U.S. Marshals’ Northern Oklahoma Violent Crimes Task Force finalized a five-day operation targeting fugitives wanted for violent criminal offenses in Creek County, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. As part of the operation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office provided legal guidance to the task force as needed and reviewed cases of federal interest.
The task force was divided into three teams to serve the warrants throughout the county during the week. The task force, which includes deputies from the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, cleared 41warrants, arrested 34 violent offenders, and seized five firearms during Operation Fallback. Many of the violent offenders had arrest warrants issued resulting from domestic battery charges. Methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were also found during the operation.
“Today, 34 violent offenders have been apprehended as a result of Operation Fallback,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Violent crime continues to be a priority for my office and the Department of Justice. Our Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative leverages the law enforcement resources in our district to get the most violent criminals off the streets. I appreciate the brave work performed by the U.S. Marshals Service and the local, state, tribal and federal task force officers who serve on the Northern Oklahoma Violent Crimes Task Force. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to keeping Oklahomans safe.”
“This was a joint effort with the Creek County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service to provide assistance in apprehending the county’s most violent criminals and making the community a safer place,” said Northern District of Oklahoma U.S. Marshal Clayton Johnson.
“The sheriff’s office was happy to be part of an operation that allows us to find and arrest the people that plague our county with crime. I am grateful to U.S. Attorney Trent Shores and the U.S. Marshals for working diligently to help bring these people to justice,” said Creek County Sheriff Bret Bowling.
The U.S. Marshals’ Mobile Command Center (MCC) was deployed to the county this week to assist in the operation. Mobile Command Centers are response vehicles that facilitate the U.S. Marshals’ ability to expand command and control capabilities to a remote locations in national emergencies or for other operations. The vehicles were built to be easy to operate in order to allow for quick deployment with minimum personnel. Full interoperable communications are a standard for these vehicles.
The U.S. Marshals Northern Oklahoma Violent Crimes Task Force is comprised of members from multiple agencies across the Northern District of Oklahoma. Members are from the Creek County Sheriff’s Office; Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Broken Arrow Police Department, Owasso Police Department, Quapaw Tribal Police, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Customs and Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Operation Fallout was part of the Justice Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, a nationwide federal program designed to disrupt gun violence strategically and comprehensively, using all available enforcement and prosecutive tools. The initiative involves a partnership of federal, state, and local authorities, uniting their efforts and leveraging existing and new resources. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and its partners tailor their efforts to meet their own district’s unique needs, helping ensure the safety of communities in the Northern District of Oklahoma.
26 Defendants Convicted in Cocaine-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN —United States Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that a federal jury in Kalamazoo, Michigan returned guilty verdicts against four defendants following a nine-day trial: Ryan Rashad Brown, of Wyoming, Douglas Emmanuel Carey III, of Grand Rapids, Marvin Quantez Nix, of Grand Rapids, and Salena Kolarich, also known as Salena Sparr, of Columbus, Ohio. These four defendants are among 26 total defendants who have been convicted for their respective offenses and roles in furtherance of a cocaine-trafficking conspiracy spearheaded by co-defendant Howard Mayfield. Mayfield’s drug-trafficking organization distributed kilograms of cocaine in and around Grand Rapids between April 2017 and May 2018. Mayfield pleaded guilty to the cocaine-trafficking conspiracy on June 20, 2019 and is pending sentencing, currently scheduled for February 3, 2020.
Defendants Ryan Brown, Douglas Carey, and Marvin Nix are among numerous convicted co-defendants who obtained cocaine from Mayfield and re-distributed it to customers in its powder form or as crack cocaine. Defendant Salena Kolarich collected $50,000 cash in drug proceeds from Mayfield and delivered that money to Mayfield’s Houston-based cocaine supplier through wire transfers and by personally transporting approximately $30,000 on a commercial flight to Houston.
In announcing the convictions, U.S. Attorney Birge stated, "Cocaine is a powerful drug that continues to wreak havoc on individual users, their families, and their communities. Cocaine overdose death rates have risen significantly in recent years, particularly in the Midwest, and about 1 in 5 overdose deaths involves cocaine. Along with our law enforcement partners, we take cocaine offenses seriously and are invested in disrupting the channels drug-traffickers use to distribute illegal and dangerous drugs in the Western District of Michigan."
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit Division Special Agent in Charge Keith W. Martin said, "The conviction of Mayfield’s drug-trafficking organization sends a strong unified message that the distribution of cocaine, or any other illicit drug, will not be tolerated. The commitment and relentless efforts of the men and women of the DEA, along with our law enforcement partners, took a tremendous amount of cocaine off of the streets in the communities throughout southwest Michigan. Dismantling cocaine trafficking organizations, and preventing the devastation caused by them, is a top priority to law enforcement. We will tirelessly continue to identify, investigate, and disrupt those involved in such ruthless criminal activity and bring them to justice."
The Metropolitan Enforcement Team (MET) of the Michigan State Police began the investigation into Mayfield’s drug-trafficking organization in early 2017, in partnership with the DEA. The Kentwood Police Department provided key support throughout the case, including by using one of its detectives in an undercover capacity to purchase cocaine and heroin directly from Mayfield. Numerous other law enforcement agencies assisted with operations during the two-month period the DEA had a wiretap on Howard Mayfield’s phones, including the Arkansas State Police and the Vice Unit of the Grand Rapids Police Department.
"This case is an excellent example of the fantastic results that can be achieved when Federal, State, and Local law enforcement pool their resources and personnel to tackle the narcotics problems facing West Michigan. In this case a large Drug Trafficking Organization was effectively dismantled due to these cooperative efforts. The Metropolitan Enforcement Team welcomes any opportunity to leverage resources in the effort to combat dangerous drug dealers adversely affecting our communities," said D/Lt Nathan Grant, commander of MET.
Kentwood Police Chief Richard Roberts likewise is pleased with the collaborative efforts of all of the agencies involved in this case. "Illegal drug use is not only an issue for us in Kentwood, but for all communities across the country. Being a part of this joint effort to combat this problem has been very rewarding. The success of this case also speaks to the professionalism and ability of the men and women of the Kentwood Police Department," said Chief Roberts.
The Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program, which employs the expertise of the DEA and numerous federal agencies to comprehensively target and dismantle drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, supported this multi-agency investigation. During the arrests of the defendants and execution of associated search warrants in this case, federal and state investigators seized over 9 kilograms of cocaine and over $100,000 in drug proceeds.
Defendant
City
Conviction(s)
Sentencing
Howard Anthony Mayfield
Grand Rapids
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (5 kilograms or more) and Crack Cocaine
February 3, 2020
Statutory penalties:
10 years to life
Wilbert Gentry
Houston, TX
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (5 kilograms or more) and Crack Cocaine
November 18, 2019
Statutory penalties:
10 years to life
Craig Schenvinsky James
Muskegon
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (5 kilograms or more) and Crack Cocaine
November 18, 2019
Statutory penalties:
10 years to life
Quincy Delon Lofton
Detroit
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (5 kilograms or more) and Crack Cocaine
January 8, 2020
Statutory Penalties:
5 years to 40 years
Ryan Rashad Brown
Wyoming
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (500 grams or more) and Crack Cocaine
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (500 grams or more)
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
March 9, 2020
Statutory Penalties:
5 years to 40 years
Yvette Sheree Brown
Grand Rapids
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (500 grams or more) and Crack Cocaine
December 6, 2019
Statutory Penalties:
5 years to 40 years
Jennifer Tadeo
Grand Rapids
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (5 kilograms or more) and Crack Cocaine
84 months in prison
Donald Bernard Gardner
Grand Rapids
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Crack Cocaine (28 grams or more)
January 21, 2020
Statutory Penalties:
10 years to life
Elsie Bridget Boston
Houston, TX
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (5 kilograms or more) and Crack Cocaine
December 10, 2019
Statutory Penalties:
10 years to life
Martin Luther Dukes
Grand Rapids
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
63 months in prison
Douglas Emmanuel Carey III
Grand Rapids
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (2 counts)
March 9, 2020
Statutory Penalties:
0 years to 20 years
Monica Laster
Grand Rapids
Unlawful use of Communication Facility to Facilitate Drug Felony
January 6, 2020
Statutory Penalties:
0 years to 4 years
Nicole Lynn Starr
St. Johns, MI
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
57 months in prison
Shamekia Liptrot
Grand Rapids
Unlawful use of Communication Facility to Facilitate Drug Felony
January 6, 2020
Statutory Penalties:
0 years to 4 years
Carlus Bridgeforth
Grand Rapids
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (500 grams or more) and Crack Cocaine
46 months in prison
Martinellus Nix
Grand Rapids
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
February 3, 2020
Statutory Penalties:
0 years to 30 years
Demarcus Pinder
Grand Rapids
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Crack Cocaine (28 grams or more)
144 months in prison
Trebarius McGee
Grand Rapids
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
January 27, 2020
Statutory Penalties:
0 years to 30 years
Pedro Antonio Mateo
Grand Rapids
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
54 months in prison
Marvin Quantez Nix
Grand Rapids
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
March 16, 2020
Statutory Penalties:
0 years to 30 years
Stephawn McFadden
Grand Rapids
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
November 18, 2019
Statutory Penalties:
0 years to 30 years
Troy Jordai Lewis
Grand Rapids
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
December 6, 2019
Statutory Penalties
0 years to 30 years
Jeffrey Allan Dean
Grand Rapids
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
January 21, 2020
Statutory Penalties:
0 years to 20 years
Jessica Warren née Gatica
Grand Rapids
Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
February 10, 2010
Statutory Penalties:
0 years to 30 years
Taniedra Sade White
Houston, TX
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
33 months in prison
Salena Kolarich, also known as Salena Sparr
Columbus, OH
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (500 grams or more) and Crack Cocaine
Unlawful use of Communication Facility to Facilitate Drug Felony
Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering
March 16, 2020
Statutory Penalties:
5 years to 40 years
One additional defendant, Tamara Nelson, née Mingo, has been charged by Superseding Indictment with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, and the case remains pending. The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the DEA, the Michigan State Police, the Metropolitan Enforcement Team, the Kentwood Police Department, and the Grand Rapids Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kate Zell and Daniel T. McGraw.
END
7 November 2019
Worcester Man Sentenced for Role in Multi-Kilogram Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced today in federal court for his role in a cocaine trafficking ring responsible for smuggling over 20 kilograms of cocaine into central Massachusetts.
Deibby Garcia, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Garcia previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine.
Garcia is the third of four defendants to be sentenced in this investigation. Jose Gonzalez was sentenced on Sept. 24, 2019, to 10 years in prison and Japhet Garcia was sentenced on Oct. 1, 2019, to 40 months in prison. Co-defendant Erick Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 8, 2019.
In early December 2017, Japhet Garcia and co-conspirator Jose Gonzalez were captured on surveillance footage entering a Worcester Postal Facility and attempting to retrieve a package shipped from Puerto Rico that had been found to contain approximately three kilograms of cocaine.
Subsequent to those events, a court-authorized wiretap of a phone belonging to Deibby Garcia revealed discussions between Deibby Garcia and an unidentified individual concerning the delivery of two packages from Puerto Rico on Jan. 16, 2017. The intercepts further revealed that Deibby Garcia made arrangements with Erick Cruz, a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, to have the packages picked up once they had arrived in Massachusetts.
During the course of communications between Jan. 9, 2018, and Jan. 13, 2018, Cruz texted Deibby Garcia two addresses, both of which were on Cruz’s assigned route as a letter carrier. Deibby Garcia, in turn, forwarded the addresses to what authorities believed to be his cocaine source in Puerto Rico. On Jan. 12, 2018, two packages were sent from Puerto Rico to the addresses provided by Cruz and Deibby Garcia. On Jan. 15, 2018, one package was searched pursuant to a federal search warrant and was found to contain three kilograms of cocaine. The following day, agents permitted the second package to be provided to Cruz for delivery.
Thereafter discussions were intercepted between Cruz and Deibby Garcia when they discussed arrangements for Deibby Garcia to have the second package picked up, and speculated about what had happened to the package that had been seized and searched. Soon after, the men were arrested and the second package was recovered.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent; and Leicester Interim Police Chief Kenneth Antanavica made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Worcester Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of Loaded Semi-Automatic PistolRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Leroy Byron, 34, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman who scheduled sentencing for Feb. 6, 2020. Byron was charged by criminal complaint in November 2018.
On Nov. 5, 2018, Byron was arrested for carrying an Intratec TEC9 semi-automatic pistol loaded with 32 rounds of ammunition. Byron is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions punishable by more than one year in person.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office 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. PSN is 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.
Woman Sentenced to Probation for Helping Her Bank Robbing Son Evade Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a two-year term of probation on her conviction of assisting her bank robber son evade law enforcement, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan imposed the sentence on Melissa Kane, age 48.
According to information presented to the court, Kane knew that her son, Brent Richards, robbed the Citizens Bank located at 31 Foster Avenue in Pittsburgh, at gun point, on January 8, 2018. Following the armed bank robber, Kane assisted Richards evade law enforcement by allowing him to stay at her residence, disposing of the clothing worn by Richards and the BB gun that he used, and later denying any knowledge of or involvement in the bank robbery, when interviewed by law enforcement. The Court was further informed that Kane was engaged in a physical altercation with Richard’s former girlfriend, who Kane believed would tell law enforcement that Richards had robbed the bank.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Crafton Borough Police Department, the Allegheny County Sherriff’s Office, and the West Mifflin Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kane.
Woman Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Role in $5.6 Million Staged Accident SchemeRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Sandra Victoria Talento, age 58, of Spokane, Washington, and Henderson, Nevada, was sentenced after having pleaded guilty in June 2019, to nineteen counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
Chief United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Talento to a 70-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of court supervision after she is released from federal prison. Chief Judge Rice also ordered Talento to pay restitution in the amount of $2,100,000 and forfeiture of $2,100,000.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, Talento was an integral member of an extensive money laundering, insurance and healthcare fraud scheme that staged over thirty accidents in Washington, Idaho, California and Nevada that defrauded nineteen insurance companies out of $5,659,026 by filing fraudulent bodily injury claims. Talento played an “injured victim” in at least thirteen of the phony accidents and received medical treatment for fictitious or intentionally inflicted injuries to her head and other parts of her body. Talento also laundered proceeds generated by the scheme. In one twenty day period in 2013, Talento deposited over $86,000 in fraud proceeds into her bank account. During a six-month period in 2014, she deposited over $270,000 in fraud proceeds into her account.
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “Sandra Victoria Talento and her cohorts operated a sophisticated insurance/healthcare fraud and money laundering scheme over several years in four different states. Fraud schemes like these ultimately create higher insurance premiums for consumers. The sentence imposed reflects the significant role Talento played in the scheme and the fact that she profited from her fraud at the expense of the insurance and healthcare system. This also sends a strong message to those who may seek to line their pockets through fraud and launder their ill-gotten gains. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington is committed to prosecuting aggressively those individuals who may engage in such conduct. I commend the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation and U.S. Marshals Service for their outstanding work investigating this case.”
"Frauds such as the ones committed by Ms. Talento are not victimless crimes,” said Raymond P. Duda, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Seattle. “Cases such as this demonstrate the commitment of the FBI to identify and pursue investigations against these offenders."
“Sandra Talento was personally involved in staged accidents that generated more than $5.5 million dollars of fraudulent insurance proceeds. Schemes like this cause hard-working American taxpayers to foot the bill by paying higher insurance premiums,” said Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Justin Campbell. “IRS-CI will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to prosecute those individuals that choose greed at the expense of their fellow citizens.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington Criminal Healthcare Fraud Investigator, with assistance from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. This case was prosecuted by George J.C. Jacobs, III, and Brian Donovan, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
Wetzel County man admits to firearms violationsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Harrison, of Pine Grove, West Virginia, has admitted to firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Harrison, age 49, pled guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number.” Harrison, who is not permitted to have a firearm because of a prior convictions, admitted to having a .45 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number and ammunition in June 2019 in Wetzel County.
Harrison faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for unlawful possession and faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the obliterated serial number. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Waterbury Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DESNY SOSA-HERNANDEZ, 40, of Waterbury, pleaded guilty yesterday in Bridgeport federal court to a federal cocaine trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2019, law enforcement arranged two controlled purchases of cocaine in Bridgeport from Sosa-Hernandez and his co-conspirator, Edgard Martinez.
On March 20, 2019, after investigators coordinated the purchase of 300 grams of cocaine from Sosa-Hernandez and Martinez, Martinez drove from his residence in Tolland to pick up Sosa-Hernandez at his residence in Waterbury. The pair then intended to drive together to Bridgeport to consummate the drug transaction. When Martinez arrived at Sosa-Hernandez’s residence, investigators apprehended Martinez and Sosa-Hernandez and seized a brown paper bag containing 300 grams of cocaine inside Martinez’s vehicle. A subsequent search of Sosa-Hernandez’s residence revealed shoeboxes containing a total of $18,111 in cash, and a search of Martinez’s residence revealed a .45 caliber handgun, a quantity of cocaine, and items used to process and package narcotics.
Sosa-Hernandez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill on January 29, 2020.
Sosa-Hernandez is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
On September 3, 2019, Martinez, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. Martinez, who is detained, is scheduled to be sentenced on January 20, 2020.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA) and Milford Police Department. The Task Force includes participants from the Connecticut State Police and the Milford, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford and Bridgeport Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
Washington, DC Man Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Washington, DC, has been sentenced in federal court in Pittsburgh to 24 months’ incarceration, one year supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $307,692.51 on his conviction of aiding in the filing of false tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady, announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Jaason J. Weatherly.
According to the information presented to the court, Weatherly, filed false tax returns in 2012 and 2013 for other persons which contained false W-2 forms, income and withholding information.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Attorney commended the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation for the successful investigation that led to the prosecution of Jaason J. Weatherly.
Virgin Islands Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that V.I.P.D. Officer Yomont King pleaded guilty to two counts of bank fraud.
According to court documents filed in the case, in 2018 King deposited stolen and forged checks into his personal bank account on multiple occasions, totaling $2,800. King will be sentenced at a later date.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and the Virgin Islands Police Department Economic Crimes Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Brooks.
Vancouver, Washington, man charged with multiple federal crimes for online exploitation of teensRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 39-year-old Vancouver, Washington, man was charged today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma with nine federal sex crimes for his scheme to entice and pressure young teens into sending him sexually explicit photos. JOSHUA HENRY PUNT is charged with four counts of production of child pornography and five counts of enticement of a minor for his six-month criminal scheme. PUNT used the messaging app ‘Kik’ and Snapchat to connect with young teens across the U.S. Victims in this case have been identified in New York, Arkansas, California, Texas, and West Virginia.
“This defendant is the ‘dangerous stranger’ we all hope our kids never meet,” said U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. “He is alleged to have trolled the internet, posing as a teen, and probing for vulnerabilities in those looking for friendship. What followed were threats, blackmail, and the horror of possibly having private moments put on display.”
According to the criminal complaint filed in the case, law enforcement has identified five victims who reported similar details of how PUNT contacted them on the ‘Kik’ messaging app or by Snapchat pretending to be a teen-age boy. The incidents charged in the case began in approximately October 2018 and continued until May 2019. After convincing the teens to send sexually explicit photos, PUNT demanded additional photos and videos of sex acts. PUNT threatened to send the photos he already had to the victims’ peers at their schools or in their community if they did not provide more images.
After a victim in New York went to police, authorities traced the contact to PUNT and seized his electronic devices from his home in Vancouver. The phone contained hundreds of sexually explicit images and videos, and authorities are working to identify additional victims.
PUNT was arrested on May 21, 2019, and was originally charged in Clark County Superior Court. Clark County Prosecutors are working closely with federal prosecutors and determined the case was best pursued in federal court.
Production of Child Pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. Enticement of a minor is punishable by up to life in prison. If convicted, the ultimate sentence will be determined by the Court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The charges contained in the complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Vancouver Police Department’s Digital Evidence Cybercrime Unit, in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations. Law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions are also assisting this investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angelica Williams.
punt_complaint.pdfUnited States Files Complaint against Pharmaceutical Company Gilead for Patent Infringement Related to Truvada® and Descovy® for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis of HIVRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that the United States has filed a complaint alleging infringement by Gilead Sciences Inc. and Gilead Sciences Ireland UC (collectively, Gilead) of four U.S. patents awarded to and owned by the United States, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These patents cover specific drug regimens used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (commonly referred to as PrEP) that prevents HIV transmission. The complaint alleges infringement in connection with two of Gilead’s drugs, Truvada® and Descovy®, which Gilead markets for use to prevent HIV as part of the PrEP regimen.
“Gilead has received billions of dollars in revenue from HIV prevention regimens invented by HHS researchers and patented by the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “This lawsuit demonstrates the Department’s commitment to protect the government’s intellectual property and hold accountable those who seek to unfairly gain from the government’s research without paying reasonable royalties as the law requires.”
“HHS recognizes Gilead’s role in selling Truvada® and Descovy® to patients for prevention of HIV. Communities have put these drugs to use in saving lives and reducing the spread of HIV,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar II. “However, Gilead must respect the U.S. patent system, the groundbreaking work by CDC researchers, and the substantial taxpayer contributions to the development of these drugs. The complaint filed today seeks to ensure that they do.”
Starting in the early 2000’s, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention invented an innovative two-drug regimens that could, for the first time, prevent people from becoming infected with HIV. These breakthrough inventions, now covered by four United States patents, demonstrated that regular prophylactic doses of a combination of two antiretroviral drugs could prevent the transmission and reproduction of the virus that causes AIDS in at-risk populations. To date, the government has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on clinical studies of these treatment regimens.
These regimens have ushered in a new era in HIV prevention and are currently a critical component of the government’s efforts to end the HIV epidemic. During the 2019 State of the Union address, President Donald J. Trump announced a new initiative entitled “Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America,” with the goal of reducing new HIV infections by 90 percent by 2030. PrEP drug regimens are an appropriate centerpiece of this initiative as clinical trials based on the patented research have shown that approximately 99 percent of at-risk persons who adhere to a once-daily PrEP regimen are protected from HIV transmission. Expanding the use of PrEP drug regimens will be a key component for preventing the spread of HIV across the United States.
Gilead manufactures, markets, and sells Truvada® and Descovy®. Gilead had originally obtained FDA approvals for those products to be used solely for treating HIV in combination with other drugs. It was only after CDC’s innovative PrEP work and subsequent human trials that Gilead sought FDA approvals for Truvada®, and more recently Descovy®, to be used as part of PrEP drug regimens to prevent HIV. Gilead now markets and sells Truvada® and Descovy® for PrEP regimens that CDC developed and patented.
Gilead has repeatedly refused to obtain a license for use of the patented drug regimens, while continuing to profit from hundreds of millions of dollars of publicly funded research. Rather than pay royalties owed to the United States, Gilead has challenged the validity of all four patents before the Patent and Trademark Office. This move contradicts the testimony of Gilead’s CEO, Daniel O’Day, before the Oversight Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives that Gilead had “chosen not to challenge [the United States’] patents because we value our collaborative relationship with the agency.” The United States maintains that all four patents were validly issued and will respond as appropriate.
This matter is being handled by the Commercial Litigation Branch, Intellectual Property Staff, of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. The claims asserted against the defendants are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Additional information about the Commercial Litigation Branch and its Intellectual Property Staff can be found at https://www.justice.gov/civil/intellectual-property-section. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-de. Information about Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America, can be found at https://www.hiv.gov/federal-response/ending-the-hiv-epidemic/overview.
U.S. Attorney's Office reaches settlement agreement with Lanier Technical College to resolve ADA lawsuit alleging discriminatory terminationRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, Ga. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office today announced that it reached an agreement with Lanier Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, to resolve the Department’s lawsuit alleging disability discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The agreement resolves the Department’s complaint alleging that the college terminated an employee on the basis of her disability, multiple sclerosis, after years of service to the college. The complaint further alleges that, after the employee took three days of sick leave one summer, the college removed her from the teaching schedule for an entire school semester, thus reducing her hours and pay to zero, due to her multiple sclerosis.
“Nearly thirty years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, cases like these demonstrate that there is still work to be done to ensure that the hard working people in our district do not face disability discrimination at work or otherwise,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “It is of paramount importance that state institutions like Lanier Tech set the example in rooting out discriminatory policies and practices.”
“Individuals should not face unlawful barriers to employment because they have a chronic illness or other disability,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “This agreement is another step towards eliminating discriminatory employment barriers for people with disabilities. We applaud Lanier Technical College for committing to change its policies and practices, and compensating its former employee who was unlawfully terminated from her job.”
Under the agreement, Lanier Technical College will revise its policies to ensure compliance with the ADA, implement new policies to ensure it does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its scheduling practices, train staff on the ADA, and file periodic reports with the Department on implementation of the agreement. The college will pay $53,000 in back pay and compensatory damages to its former employee. This matter was based on a referral from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Atlanta District Office, which completed the initial investigation of the facts.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Johnson handled this case for the Northern District of Georgia jointly with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.
To read the settlement agreement, please click here https://www.ada.gov/lanier_sa.html, and to read the complaint please click here https://www.ada.gov/lanier_complaint.html. For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the ADA, please call the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
U.S. Attorney Announces the Arrest of 27 Individuals, Including NYPD Employees, for A Massive Bribery Scheme Relating to No-Fault Automobile Insurance PoliciesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Anthony A. Scarpino Jr., the Westchester County District Attorney, Keith M. Corlett, Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the arrest today of 27 individuals – including five 911 operators and a uniformed police officer employed by the New York City Police Department (“the NYPD Defendants”) – in connection with a multimillion-dollar scheme to commit bribery and violate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) (the “No-Fault Scheme”). Twenty-three of the 27 defendants were arrested this morning in New York and New Jersey and are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Gabriel Gorenstein in federal court later today. Defendant LATIFAH ABDUL-KHALIQ will be presented today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in North Carolina, and defendant KOURTNEI WILLIAMS will be presented today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Miami, Florida. Defendant LEON BLUE, a/k/a “Boochie,” is in custody in New Jersey and will be presented in Manhattan at a later date. Defendant TARA ROSE, a/k/a “Christine Waters,” a/k/a “Christine Hinds,” a/k/a “Taylor Hinds,” was also arrested this morning, and will be presented in Manhattan at a later date. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe.
As part of the scheme, the alleged ringleader, defendant ANTHONY ROSE, a/k/a “Todd Chambers,” and his co-conspirators bribed 911 operators, medical personnel, and police officers for the confidential information of tens of thousands of motor vehicle accident victims. Using this information, ROSE and his co-conspirators contacted victims, lied to them, and steered them to clinics and lawyers handpicked by ROSE and his associates. These clinics and lawyers then paid ROSE kickbacks for these referrals, which ROSE distributed to co-conspirators as payments and bribes.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Anthony Rose and his associates masterminded a brazen scheme that involved bribing 911 operators, medical personnel, and police officers for the confidential information of tens of thousands of motor vehicle accident victims. These actions have undermined the integrity of our emergency and medical first responders. This Office is committed to rooting out corruption wherever it is found, and will not rest until those who seek to profit by corrupting our public institutions are bought to justice.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “The charges alleged in today’s indictment describe a scheme that blatantly violated HIPAA laws and actively targeted those the act was established to protect. May today’s arrests be a reminder to everyone that capitalizing on the pain and suffering of others won’t win you any favors in the court of law.”
Westchester District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino Jr. said: “This five-year-long collaborative investigation, initiated by my Office and the New York State Police, is significant as it has exposed the systematic flaws in the no-fault insurance laws and those who seek to abuse them. My Office is committed to uncovering fraud and prosecuting those who profit by abuse. The nature of this fraud and bribery results in higher insurance premiums and unnecessary medical costs which impacts us all. Hopefully, this prosecution will act as a deterrent to those who seek to profit illegally by gaming the system. I want to thank our law enforcement partners – U.S. Attorney Berman and the Southern District, the New York State Police, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, New York State Department of Financial Services and the F.B.I. – in rooting out this extensive corruption and bringing those responsible to justice.”
State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said: “It is unconscionable for any entrusted public official to use their authority or position as a public servant to take advantage of others, especially in the manner alleged. I commend our State Police members and all of our law enforcement partners for their outstanding investigative work on this case. It sends a clear message that no one is above the law, and such alleged abuse of power, especially when it involves the manipulation of victims, will not be tolerated.”
NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said: “Corruption, in all forms, is intolerable within the NYPD and we continue to work with our law enforcement partners to expose these sorts of schemes. Insurance fraud costs companies and policy holders millions upon millions of dollars a year and I want to thank the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York, the New York State Police, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the NYC Department of Financial Services, the Westchester County D.A.’s office and our NYPD investigators who brought justice for victims in this case.”
According to allegations contained in the Indictment[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:
Background of the Scheme
The charges in the Indictment result from a multi-year investigation of a widespread bribery, corruption, and kickback scheme relating to New York and New Jersey no fault automobile insurance. Since 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the FBI, and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office have been investigating a criminal enterprise that utilizes the New York and New Jersey no-fault automobile insurance regime to earn millions of dollars in illegal profits.
New York and New Jersey no-fault insurance laws require a driver’s automobile insurance company to pay automobile insurance claims automatically for certain types of motor vehicle accidents, provided the claim is legitimate, and is below a particular injury or damages threshold. Pursuant to these requirements, insurance companies will often pay medical service providers directly for the treatment they provide to automobile accident victims, without the need to bill the victims themselves. This process resolves automobile claims without apportioning blame or fault for the accident, thereby avoiding protracted disputes, and the costs associated with an extended investigation of the accident. ANTHONY ROSE, a/k/a “Todd Chambers,” and his associates, exploited these procedures by bribing individuals with access to confidential information about motor vehicle accident victims, using this information to contact victims under false pretenses, and steering these victims to seek treatment at medical clinics and legal representation from lawyers who were willing to pay kickbacks for the referrals.
Since at least in or about 2014, ROSE and his co-conspirators have bribed as many as 50 people, whom they called “lead sources” who, at the time they accepted the bribes, were working for federally funded hospitals (the “Hospital Defendants”), the NYPD (the “NYPD Defendants”), and other entities. ROSE paid these lead sources as much as $4,000 per month, and continuously worked to identify new lead sources, largely through word of mouth, and through the extensive corrupt network he established. Lead sources were paid in cash and “off the books.” In return, these lead sources unlawfully disclosed protected, confidential information to ROSE and his co-conspirators including victims’ names, contact information, and medical information.
After receiving the confidential victim information from the lead sources, ROSE and his associates provided the information to co-conspirators working at Rose’s Call Center (the “Call Center Defendants”) located in Brooklyn, New York. The Call Center was staffed with 10 to 15 “employees,” who contacted the accident victims on a daily basis and steered them to seek medical treatment at clinics and law firms handpicked by ROSE. The Call Center Defendants followed a pre-established “script” during these communications. Among other things, the Call Center Defendants falsely told accident victims that they were calling from an organization affiliated with the New York Department of Transportation, and that their organization had obtained the victims’ contact information through a so-called Personal Injury Hotline. The Call Center Defendants also brazenly lied that they were calling to protect victims from people who obtain victims’ information illegally and mislead victims into seeking treatment with certain providers. In actuality, the true perpetrators of these illegal acts were none other than ROSE and his co-conspirators.
In selecting which motor vehicle accident victims to call, ROSE instructed the Call Center Conspirators to target victims from low-income neighborhoods because, in ROSE’s view, these individuals could be more easily brought into the scheme.
Scope and Participants In the Scheme
From at least in or about 2014 to the present, ROSE and his co-conspirators illegally steered more than 6,000 motor vehicle accident victims to participating clinics and lawyers, who paid kickbacks in return for the referrals. In addition, this figure is a fraction of the number of actual accident victims whose confidential information was unlawfully disclosed as part of the No-Fault Scheme. The Call Center Conspirators successfully induced approximately 1 in 10 accident victims to seek treatment or representation from participating clinics and lawyers. Thus, the No-Fault Scheme resulted in the improper disclosure of the confidential information of at least 60,000 motor vehicle accident victims. ROSE and co-conspirators further earned, on average, approximately $3,000 per successful referral.
ROSE and the co-conspirators went to elaborate lengths to conceal the No-Fault Scheme from law enforcement. Among other deceptive tactics, the co-conspirators generally referred to one another only by aliases; used “burner” phones with temporary and unidentifiable phone numbers, switched their phone every 60 days; set up numerous fictitious companies; corresponded through encrypted mobile applications; and utilized concealed spreadsheets, which tracked the bribe payments to lead sources, in secret email accounts that co-conspirators could access remotely. The members of the conspiracy also assigned unique code names to each lead source, such as “J1,” “P2,” and “G6,” and used these code names to refer to lead sources during communications rather than using their true names.
The Indictment, unsealed today, charges ROSE and the Hospital Defendants with conspiracy to violate the Travel Act, unlawful disclosure of protected health care information, and bribery. Six other leaders of the conspiracy, including members of ROSE’s family, and the five Call Center Defendants were charged with conspiracy to violate the Travel Act. In addition, the six NYPD Defendants were charged with conspiracy to violate the Travel Act and bribery. The names of the defendants, the charges against them, and other information is set forth below.
* * *
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Berman praised the work of the FBI, the New York State Police, the New York City Police Department, the New York City Department of Financial Services, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Mr. Berman noted that the investigation is ongoing.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit, and the White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Mathew Andrews, Louis A. Pellegrino, Celia Cohen, and Courtney Heavey are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the texts of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Defendant
Age
Hometown
Charges (Potential Maximum Term of Imprisonment)
ANTHONY ROSE,
a/k/a “Todd Chambers”
51
Jamaica, New York
Travel Act conspiracy, Wrongful disclosure of healthcare information, federal programs bribery.
(25 years)
JELANI WRAY,
a/k/a “Lani”
a/k/a “J.R.”
35
Brooklyn, New York
Travel Act Conspiracy.
(5 years)
NATHANIEL COLES,
a/k/a “Nat”
66
Cortlandt Manor, New York
Travel Act conspiracy, Wrongful disclosure of healthcare information, federal programs bribery.
(25 years)
TARA ROSE,
a/k/a “Christine Waters,”
a/k/a “Christine Hinds,”
a/k/a “Taylor Hinds”
48
Jamaica, New York
Travel Act Conspiracy.
(5 years)
ANTHONY ROSE, Jr.,
a/k/a “Sean Wells”
32
Cambria Heights, New York
Travel Act conspiracy, federal programs bribery.
(15 years)
CHRISTINA GARCIA,
a/k/a “Cindy”
35
Jersey City, New Jersey
Travel Act Conspiracy.
(5 years)
LUIS VILELLA,
a/k/a “Angel Martinez”
32
Bronx, New York
Travel Act Conspiracy.
(5 years)
LEON BLUE,
a/k/a “Boochie”
54
Brooklyn, New York
Travel Act conspiracy, Wrongful disclosure of healthcare information, federal programs bribery.
(25 years)
CLARENCE FACEY,
a/k/a “Face”
34
Brooklyn, New York
Travel Act Conspiracy.
(5 years)
ANA RIVERA,
a/k/a “Melissa Ramos”
41
Woodhaven, New York
Travel Act Conspiracy.
(5 years)
DEJAHNEA BROWN,
a/k/a “Michelle Williams”
29
Saint Albans, New York
Travel Act Conspiracy.
(5 years)
TONYA THOMAS,
a/k/a “Karen Schwartz”
48
Brooklyn, New York
Travel Act Conspiracy.
(5 years)
ANGELA MELECIO,
a/k/a “Angie,”
a/k/a “P5”
40
Amityville, New York
Travel Act conspiracy, Wrongful disclosure of healthcare information, federal programs bribery.
(25 years)
STEPHANIE PASCAL,
a/k/a “Steph,”
a/k/a “P2”
47
Brooklyn, New York
Travel Act conspiracy, Wrongful disclosure of healthcare information, federal programs bribery.
(25 years)
MAKEBA SIMMONS
29
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Travel Act conspiracy, Wrongful disclosure of healthcare information, federal programs bribery.
(25 years)
EDWARD ABAYEV,
a/k/a “Eddie”
51
Staten Island, New York
Travel Act conspiracy, Wrongful disclosure of healthcare information, federal programs bribery.
(25 years)
GRACIELA BORRERO,
a/k/a “Grace,”
a/k/a “P8”
42
Brooklyn, New York
Travel Act conspiracy, Wrongful disclosure of healthcare information, federal programs bribery.
(25 years)
BARRINGTON REID,
a/k/a “P9”
60
Bronx, New York
Travel Act conspiracy, Wrongful disclosure of healthcare information, federal programs bribery.
(25 years)
TONJA LEWIS,
a/k/a “J1”
53
Belleville, New Jersey
Travel Act conspiracy, Wrongful disclosure of healthcare information, federal programs bribery.
(25 years)
RAYMOND PARKER,
a/k/a “Andre”
a/k/a “J2”
41
Newark, New Jersey
Travel Act conspiracy, Wrongful disclosure of healthcare information, federal programs bribery.
(25 years)
BERLISA BRYAN,
a/k/a “Lisa”
53
Edison, New Jersey
Travel Act conspiracy, Wrongful disclosure of healthcare information, federal programs bribery.
(25 years)
ANGELA MYERS,
a/k/a “Angie”
37
Brooklyn, New York
Travel Act conspiracy, federal programs bribery.
(15 years)
LATIFAH ABDUL-KHALIQ
47
Raleigh, North Carolina
Travel Act conspiracy, federal programs bribery.
(15 years)
SHAKEEMA FOSTER
27
Brooklyn, New York
Travel Act conspiracy, federal programs bribery.
(15 years)
KOURTNEI WILLIAMS
33
Brooklyn, New York
Travel Act conspiracy, federal programs bribery.
(15 years)
MAKKAH SHABAZZ, a/k/a “Mecca”
43
Long Island City, New York
Travel Act conspiracy, federal programs bribery.
(15 years)
YANIRIS DELEON, a/k/a “Jen”
29
New York, New York
Travel Act conspiracy, federal programs bribery.
(15 years)
Two plead guilty to wrongdoing in connection to federal E-rate schools programRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A former non-profit executive director and a former director of the Diocese of Columbus Office of Catholic Schools have pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the federal E-Rate Program.
Shawn Clemmons, 56, of Piketon, pleaded guilty today to submitting false claims to the federal government. Kenneth Collura, 65, of Pickerington, pleaded guilty on July 1, 2019, to making false statements.
The Schools and Libraries Program (commonly referred to as the “E-Rate Program”) is a government program established by Congress and implemented and overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides funds to, among others, economically disadvantaged schools and libraries.
Under the E-Rate Program, the government provides up to 90% funding to qualified schools to purchase eligible technology products and services for their students. Schools are required to pay the remaining amount. Federal law restricts how the funds must be used, and E-Rate funding can only be used for eligible equipment or services.
Clemmons was the executive director for the South Central Ohio Computer Association (SCOCA), an E-Rate Program service provider that provided internet and wireless access, and other services, to public and private schools. SCOCA was a council of governments under Ohio law, meaning it acted as an areawide agency for providing technology services to multiple Ohio public schools. At SCOCA, Clemmons was responsible for billing schools and the E-Rate Program and for performing SCOCA’s E-Rate Program certifications. Beginning in approximately 2004, SCOCA received funds from the E-Rate Program, some of which were pass-through reimbursements owed to its client schools. Federal law required SCOCA to provide these pass-through reimbursements to schools within 20 business days of receipt.
According to court documents, Clemmons unlawfully withheld reimbursements to schools. He would pay schools reimbursements one to two years later than was required, and would use the funds from one funding year to reimburse what was owed for previous funding years.
In one E-Rate Funding Year, Clemmons did not pay the reimbursements at all. He failed to reimburse public schools more than $2 million. To date, the schools have not received the E-Rate reimbursements. The schools were also obligated to pay additional fees to cover other outstanding debts of SCOCA, which totaled more than $1.2 million. The amount of lost reimbursements plus the amount the schools paid in additional fees totaled $3,230,974.40.
During this time, Clemmons made false claims on FCC forms, including false certifications that SCOCA was in compliance with the rules and orders governing the E-Rate Program.
In a related case, Collura pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with the E-Rate Program. In 2014, the Diocese of Columbus Office of Catholic Schools entered a new five-year contract with its service provider, SCOCA, for internet access, which was an E-Rate-eligible service. The charges under the contract between the Diocese of Columbus Schools and SCOCA were inflated, in that they included undisclosed expenses that were not eligible for E-Rate funding.
Collura served as the Director of Communication and Instructional Technology for the Office of Catholic Schools, an arm of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus’s Department for Education, from 1994 until July 2014.
Collura negotiated the SCOCA contract knowing the fees were inflated and included funding for expenses that were not eligible for E-Rate funding. In documents he transmitted to the government, though, Collura falsely certified that he and the Diocese of Columbus Office of Catholic Schools had disclosed all ineligible services that were covered by the contract and that the contract covered no ineligible services. Over the course of the five-year contract, more than $700,000 was for undisclosed purposes. Most of these funds were not transferred from the service provider to the Diocese of Columbus Schools, however, because SCOCA became insolvent.
Submitting a false claim and making a false statement are each federal crimes punishable by up to five years in prison.
Congress sets the maximum statutory sentence. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
David M. DeVillers, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Joseph M. Deters, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; David Hunt, FCC Inspector General; Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber and Sandra Bruce, Deputy Inspector General Delegated the Duties of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General, announced the plea entered into today before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorneys Peter K. Glenn-Applegate and Jessica W. Knight are representing the United States in this case.
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Two Rapid City Men Charged with Multiple Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Rapid City, South Dakota, men were charged in federal district court on October 22, 2019, with multiple firearm offenses.
Devin Byker and Craig Hirschfield, both age 25, were charged with Carjacking and Use and Brandishing of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence. Byker was also charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Byker and Hirschfield appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 4, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The penalty upon conviction is 5 years up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Byker and Hirschfield stealing a motor vehicle at gunpoint in Rapid City in June 2019. Additionally Byker, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully possessed a stolen .357 double-action revolver. The charges are merely accusations and Byker and Hirschfield are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Box Elder Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Byker and Hirschfield were detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Two New Jersey Men Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two New Jersey men were sentenced to federal prison for their participation in a drug trafficking operation in Fayette County, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Fuquan Hagler, 40, was sentenced to 36 months in prison, to be followed by a three year term of supervised release, while Brian Kelley, 46, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, to be followed by a four year term of supervised release.
“Hagler and Kelley were dealers in a multi-state, poly-drug network responsible for bringing significant quantities of drugs into southern West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “The thorough and collaborative work of law enforcement put them out of business.”
Hagler previously admitted that in June 2018, he worked with other members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating between Fayette County, West Virginia and New Jersey to distribute oxycodone pills. Hagler admitted that on June 20, 2018 he was a passenger in car transporting oxycodone pills from New Jersey to West Virginia. It was the plan to deliver the pills to another member of the DTO in West Virginia to be redistributed and sold illegally for profit in the Southern District of West Virginia. Prior to delivering the pills to West Virginia, the car Hagler was in was stopped by the Pennsylvania State Police. During the traffic stop, approximately 997 oxycodone pills were recovered. The pills were hidden in a secret compartment, commonly referred to as a trap.
In a related case, Kelley previously admitted that on July 7, 2018 he was transporting controlled substances from New Jersey to the Southern District of West Virginia. Kelley admitted to traveling to a co-defendant’s residence in Fayette County, and picking up over $21,000 in cash for another member of the DTO. Police officers later stopped the car Kelley was driving and found over $21,000 in cash and approximately 639 grams of cocaine. Both the cash and the cocaine were found in a hidden electronic compartment.
Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force, with the support of the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug Task Force, the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Fayetteville Police Department, and Oak Hill Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Boggess and Andrew J. Tessman handled the prosecutions. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentences.
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Two Kemper County Men Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of Postal DriverRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jerome Rashad Benamon, 26, and Edward James Mobley, 36, both of Kemper County, Mississippi, were sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III for armed robbery of a postal carrier, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Adrian Gonzalez, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge of the Houston Division.
Benamon was sentenced to serve a total of 180 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. Mobley was sentenced to serve 183 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Kemper County Sheriff’s Department and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation jointly investigated the case over a period of three months. A federal jury convicted Jerome Rashad Benamon, 25, and Edward James Mobley, 35, of armed robbery of a postal driver using a deadly weapon and convicted them of a separate count of discharging a firearm during a federal crime of violence. A third defendant, Khalil Slayton, 26, previously entered a guilty plea to one count of armed robbery of a postal driver. Slayton will be sentenced at a later date.
The evidence presented at trial showed that on April 4, 2016, Benamon, Mobley and Slayton planned and carried out the armed robbery at the Porterville, Mississippi, Post Office. The driver fought back after one of the defendants pointed a pistol at his head, and the firearm was discharged during the ensuing struggle. No one was shot, but the plans of the robbers were disrupted. Money was taken from the driver after the struggle, and the robbers fled in different directions. The response by law enforcement, particularly the Kemper County Sheriff’s department, was immediate. The robbers were identified and charged after a thorough investigation.
Adrian Gonzalez, Inspector in Charge of the Houston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service stated: “The sentencing of Jerome Benamon Jr. and Edward Mobley for the robbery of the Porterville, MS Post Office on April 4, 2016 is an example of the commitment and tenacity of Postal Inspectors to bring those responsible to justice for robbery and assault of the United States Postal Service and its employees. The protection of United States Postal Service and its employees are two of the highest priorities of the Postal Inspection Service.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspectors, Kemper County Sheriff’s Department, and Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dave Fulcher and Abe McGlothin.
Two KC Men Sentenced for Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Kansas City, Missouri, men were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a series of armed robberies.
Clyde H. Jackson, Jr., 30, and Thomas E. Davis, 43, were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough. Jackson was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison without parole. Davis was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison without parole.
Jackson pleaded guilty on July 9, 2019, to seven counts of robbery, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Davis pleaded guilty on July 1, 2019, to five counts of robbery and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Co-defendants Brion L. McDonald, 30, and Bianca C Seaton, 26, both of Kansas City, Missouri, have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing. McDonald will be sentenced on Nov. 25, 2019, and Seaton will be sentenced on Dec. 19, 2019.
The defendants were part of a group of individuals committing armed robberies in the Kansas City metropolitan area from October 2017 through March 2018. According to court documents, Jackson and Davis brandished knives and firearms during the robberies.
During one robbery, Davis cocked a firearm, pointed it at the neck of one of the victims, and said, “Hurry up and give us the money, or I’ll kill this [expletive] white lady.” During another robbery, Davis discharged a firearm because the clerk was not moving fast enough.
Jackson cocked a gun during one robbery, walked toward a customer, grabbed the customer, placed the gun to the back of the customer’s head, and pulled the customer around the counters to the checkout counter. During another robbery, Jackson pointed a firearm at a victim and ordered the victim to retrieve the money faster, stating, “Come on, do you want to die?” During each of the three knife-related robberies in which Jackson participated, he put a knife to the victim’s neck and made various demands related to obtaining money. According to court documents, Jackson has previously been associated with the 5-1 Gangster gang, a subset of the Crips street gang, and has tattoo of a “51” inscribed on his right arm.
Jackson and Davis admitted they were involved in the armed robberies of Family Dollar, 5242 Blue Ridge Blvd. in Kansas City, on Jan. 12, 2018; Dollar General Store, 8716 Blue Ridge Blvd. in Kansas City, on Jan. 20, 2018; Family Dollar, 9120 E. 35th Street South in Independence, Missouri, on Jan. 22, 2018; and Family Dollar, 3017 Prospect Ave. in Kansas City, on Jan. 26, 2018 (Davis discharged a firearm during this robbery).
Jackson, McDonald, and Seaton each admitted to being involved in the armed robbery of Pizza Hut, 7624 Wornall Road in Kansas City, on March 19, 2018.
Davis was also involved in the armed robbery of Dollar General Store, 9101 E. 63rd St. in Raytown, Missouri, on Oct. 25, 2017. Davis brandished a knife during that robbery.
Jackson admitted he also was involved in an attempted robbery of the Pizza Hut at 7624 Wornall Road on March 20, 2018, and of Dollar General, 5008 N.E. Parvin Road in Kansas City, on March 20, 2018. Jackson also admitted that he was in possession of a Glock .45-caliber pistol and various rounds of ammunition on March 23, 2018. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Jackson has prior felony convictions for larceny and robbery.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Morgan. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, and the Raytown, Mo., Police Department.
Two Former Twitter Employees and a Saudi National Charged as Acting as Illegal Agents of Saudi ArabiaRead the Press Release
Ali Alzabarah, Ahmad Abouammo, and Ahmed Almutairi, aka Ahmed Aljbreen, were charged for their respective roles in accessing private information in the accounts of certain Twitter users and providing that information to officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Abouammo was arrested in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 5, 2019. All three defendants are charged with acting as illegal agents of a foreign government; and Abouammo also is charged with destroying, altering, or falsifying records in a federal investigation.
“Acting in the United States under the direction and control of Saudi officials, the defendants are alleged to have obtained private, identifying information about users of Twitter who were critical of the Saudi government,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “Two of the defendants – Alzabarah and Abouammo – are former Twitter employees who violated their terms of employment to access this information in exchange for money and other benefits. Aside from being criminal, their conduct was contrary to the free speech principles on which this country was founded.”
“These charges make clear that the FBI will diligently pursue those who show a blatant disregard for the laws and democratic principles that define us as a country," said Executive Assistant Director Jay Tabb of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “We will continue to use all of the tools at our disposal to carry out our mission. I would like to thank the men and women of the FBI's San Francisco and Seattle Field Offices as well as the Counterintelligence Division for their tireless commitment to bring these individuals to justice.”
“The FBI will not stand by and allow foreign governments to illegally exploit private user information from U.S. companies. These individuals are charged with targeting and obtaining private data from dissidents and known critics, under the direction and control of the government of Saudi Arabia,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. “Insider threats pose a critical threat to American businesses and our national security.”
Alzabarah, 35, of Saudi Arabia, and Abouammo, 41, of Seattle, Washington, were Twitter employees. According to the complaint, between November of 2014 and May of 2015, Almutairi, 30, of Saudi Arabia, and foreign officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia convinced Abouammo and Alzabarah to use their employee credentials to gain access without authorization to certain nonpublic information about the individuals behind certain Twitter accounts. Specifically, representatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Royal Family sought the private information of Twitter users who had been critical of the regime. Such private user information included their email addresses, phone numbers, IP addresses, and dates of birth. This information could have been used to identify and locate the Twitter users who published these posts. The complaint alleges that Abouammo was compensated for his illicit conduct, including through the provision of a luxury watch and cash. Almutairi is alleged to have arranged meetings, acted as a go-between, and facilitated communications between the Saudi government and the other defendants.
The complaint also contains allegations regarding the reaction of Alzabarah upon being confronted by Twitter about his violations of Twitter policy. According to the complaint, when Alzabarah was confronted by Twitter’s management about accessing users’ information, he sought assistance from Almutairi and others to flee the United States. Alzabarah left the country the next day and submitted his resignation from Twitter by email while en route. Shortly after his return to Saudi Arabia, Alzabarah obtained employment through which he continued to work on behalf the Kingdom. With respect to Abouammo, the complaint alleges FBI agents confronted him in October 2018 about his activities on behalf of officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In response, Abouammo allegedly lied to the agents and provided them with a falsified invoice in an effort to obstruct the investigation.
Abouammo was arrested in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 5, 2019, and made his initial federal court appearance in Seattle at 2:00 p.m.on Nov. 6, 2019. Alzabarah and Almutairi are believed to be in Saudi Arabia. Federal warrants have been issued for their arrest.
A complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, all three defendants face maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for acting as an agent of a foreign government without notification to the Attorney General, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 951. In addition, Abouammo faces an additional 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for destroying, altering, or falsifying records, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1519. Further, the court may order restitution, if appropriate, and additional periods of supervised release. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions and National Security Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Two Chelsea Men Sentenced for Roles in Trans-National Methamphetamine Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Chelsea men were sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for their role in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering ring operating between Massachusetts and California.
Russell Ormiston, 51, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to two years in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2018, Ormiston pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Steven Beadles, 60, was sentenced by Judge O’Toole to five years in prison and five years of supervised release. In June 2018, Beadles pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
In November 2016, Ormiston, Beadles and nine co-defendants were charged with various methamphetamine offenses relating to a transnational trafficking scheme.
Beginning in at least 2013 and continuing to November 2016, Ormiston and Beadles were involved in a conspiracy that transported methamphetamine from San Diego, Calif., to Massachusetts, where it was distributed in the greater Boston area. Proceeds from the sale of that methamphetamine were then transported and/or transferred back to California and laundered in various ways.
On Jan. 7, 2016, approximately 434 grams of methamphetamine that had been shipped from California to Beadles’s residence was seized. Beadles admitted that he received this package on behalf of a co-conspirator, that he knew prior to the drugs being seized by law enforcement that the package contained methamphetamine, and that he intended to purchase some of the drugs so that he and Ormiston could resell the drugs to their customers.
Beadles admitted that Ormiston carried out various tasks on his behalf. Among other things, Beadles directed Ormiston to pick up methamphetamine from his supplier and deliver methamphetamine to customers. Beadles, however, retained the responsibility for negotiating the purchase and sale prices for the drugs.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; William Ferrara, Director of Field Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement. The Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; the Reading, Watertown, Quincy, Chelsea, Braintree, Peabody, Waltham, and Woburn Police Departments; and Connecticut State Police assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James E. Arnold and Jared C. Dolan of Lelling’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Tower Research Capital LLC Agrees to Pay $67 Million in Connection with Commodities Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Tower Research Capital LLC (Tower), a New York, New York-based financial services firm has entered into a resolution with the Department of Justice to resolve criminal charges related to a scheme involving thousands of episodes of unlawful trading activity in U.S. commodities markets by three former traders.
Tower entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in connection with a criminal information filed yesterday in the Southern District of Texas charging the company with one count of commodities fraud. Under the terms of the DPA, Tower agreed to pay a combined $67.4 million in criminal monetary penalties, criminal disgorgement and victim compensation with the criminal monetary penalty credited for any payments made to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Tower also agreed to, among other things, conduct appropriate reviews of its internal controls and policies and procedures, and to modify its compliance program, where necessary, to ensure it is designed to deter and detect violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and commodities fraud statute.
“Traders at Tower Research Capital LLC fraudulently placed thousands of bogus orders they never intended to execute—to deceive other market participants and move the market for their own benefit,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This agreement includes monetary penalties, the return of unjust profits, and compensation of victims to protect our nation’s commodities markets from manipulation.”
“Free markets are not open and fair when people criminally manipulate them,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). “Fraudsters like this will be prosecuted. This case also shows the Department’s willingness to resolve cases when industry cooperates and remediates failures of internal controls.”
“When traders seek to manipulate the commodities market for personal gain, it can cause significant and long-lasting financial consequences for law-abiding citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie Jr. of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work with its prosecutorial partners to safeguard the market from unlawful influence and hold violators accountable.”
According to court documents filed as part of the DPA, from approximately March 2012 until December 2013, three traders who were members of a single trading team at Tower engaged in a scheme to defraud other participants in the markets for E-Mini S&P 500, E-Mini NASDAQ 100 and E-Mini Dow futures contracts (collectively, E‑Mini futures contracts). The S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100 future contracts were traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, while the Dow futures contracts were traded on the Chicago Board of Trade. On thousands of occasions throughout this period, the traders fraudulently placed orders to buy and sell the E-Mini futures contracts with the intent to cancel those orders before execution, including in an attempt to profit by deceiving other market participants. By placing these orders, the traders intended to, and did, inject false and misleading information about the genuine supply and demand for E-Mini futures contracts into the markets, which deceived other market participants into believing something untrue, namely that the visible order book accurately reflected market-based forces of supply and demand. This false and misleading information was intended to, and at times did, trick other market participants into reacting to the apparent change and imbalance in supply and demand by buying and selling E-Mini futures contracts at quantities, prices and times they otherwise likely would not have traded. The Department and Tower have filed a joint motion, which is subject to approval by the Court, to defer for the term of the DPA any prosecution and trial of the criminal information filed against Tower.
A number of significant factors contributed to the Department’s criminal resolution with Tower, including the company’s cooperation with the United States and Tower’s extensive remedial efforts. Tower also swiftly moved in early 2014 to terminate the three traders, made significant investments in sophisticated trade surveillance tools, increased legal and compliance resources, revised the company’s corporate governance structures and changed its senior management.
The CFTC announced today a separate settlement with Tower in connection with a related, parallel proceeding. Under the terms of that resolution with the CFTC, Tower agreed to pay approximately $67.4 million, which includes a civil monetary penalty of $24.4 million, as well as restitution and disgorgement that will be credited for any such payments made to the Department. In addition, the CFTC order imposes upon Tower other remedial and cooperation obligations in connection with any CFTC investigation pertaining to the underlying conduct.
The three traders are Kamaldeep Gandhi, 37, and Krishna Mohan, 34, both of New York, New York, and Yuchun (Bruce) Mao, 40, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China. As part of the investigation, the Department obtained an indictment against Mao in October 2018 with charges pending in the SDTX. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On Nov. 2, 2018, Gandhi pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to engage in wire fraud, commodities fraud and spoofing. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 7, 2020, before SDTX U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. On Nov. 6, 2018, Mohan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in wire fraud, commodities fraud and spoofing, and his sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller of the SDTX.
The FBI’s Chicago Field Office investigated this case. Trial Attorney Matthew F. Sullivan and Assistant Chief Avi Perry of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and SDTX Assistant U.S. Attorney John R. Lewis prosecuted the case. The CFTC’s Division of Enforcement referred the matter to the Department and provided assistance in this matter.
Individuals who believe that they may be a victim in this case should visit the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness website at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/tower-research-dpa or call (888) 549-3945.
Tower Research Capital Agrees to Pay $67 Million in Connection to Commodities Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Tower Research Capital LLC, a New York, New York-based financial services firm has entered into a resolution with the Department of Justice to resolve criminal charges related to a scheme involving thousands of episodes of unlawful trading activity in U.S. commodities markets by three former traders.
Tower entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in connection with a criminal information filed in the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) charging the company with one count of commodities fraud. Under the terms of the DPA, Tower agreed to pay a combined $67.4 million in criminal monetary penalties, criminal disgorgement and victim compensation with the criminal monetary penalty credited for any payments made to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Tower also agreed to, among other things, conduct appropriate reviews of its internal controls and policies and procedures and to modify its compliance program, where necessary, to ensure it is designed to deter and detect violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and commodities fraud statute.
“Traders at Tower Research Capital LLC fraudulently placed thousands of bogus orders they never intended to execute—to deceive other market participants and move the market for their own benefit,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This agreement includes monetary penalties, the return of unjust profits and compensation of victims to protect our nation’s commodities markets from manipulation.”
“Free markets are not open and fair when people criminally manipulate them,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas. “Fraudsters like this will be prosecuted. This case also shows the department’s willingness to resolve cases when industry cooperates and remediates failures of internal controls.”
“When traders seek to manipulate the commodities market for personal gain, it can cause significant and long-lasting financial consequences for law-abiding citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie Jr. of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work with its prosecutorial partners to safeguard the market from unlawful influence and hold violators accountable.”
According to court documents filed as part of the DPA, from approximately March 2012 until December 2013, three traders who were members of a single trading team at Tower engaged in a scheme to defraud other participants in the markets for E-Mini S&P 500, E-Mini NASDAQ 100 and E-Mini Dow futures contracts (collectively, E Mini futures contracts). The S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100 future contracts were traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, while the Dow futures contracts were traded on the Chicago Board of Trade.
On thousands of occasions throughout this period, the traders fraudulently placed orders to buy and sell the E-Mini futures contracts with the intent to cancel those orders before execution, including in an attempt to profit by deceiving other market participants. By placing these orders, the traders intended to, and did, inject false and misleading information about the genuine supply and demand for E-Mini futures contracts into the markets. This deceived other market participants into believing something untrue, namely, that the visible order book accurately reflected market-based forces of supply and demand. This false and misleading information was intended to, and at times did, trick other market participants into reacting to the apparent change and imbalance in supply and demand by buying and selling E-Mini futures contracts at quantities, prices and times they otherwise likely would not have traded.
The department and Tower have filed a joint motion, which is subject to the court’s approval, to defer for the term of the DPA any prosecution and trial of the criminal information filed against Tower.
A number of significant factors contributed to the criminal resolution with Tower, including the company’s cooperation with the United States and Tower’s extensive remedial efforts. Tower also swiftly moved in early 2014 to terminate the three traders, made significant investments in sophisticated trade surveillance tools, increased legal and compliance resources, revised the company’s corporate governance structures and changed its senior management.
The CFTC announced a separate settlement with Tower today in connection with a related, parallel proceeding. Under the terms of that resolution with the CFTC, Tower agreed to pay approximately $67.4 million, which includes a civil monetary penalty of $24.4 million as well as restitution and disgorgement that will be credited for any such payments made to the department. In addition, the CFTC order imposes upon Tower other remedial and cooperation obligations in connection with any CFTC investigation pertaining to the underlying conduct.
The three traders are Kamaldeep Gandhi, 37, and Krishna Mohan, 34, both of New York, New York, and Yuchun (Bruce) Mao, 40, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China. As part of the investigation, the department obtained an indictment against Mao in October 2018 with charges pending in the SDTX. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On Nov. 2, 2018, Gandhi pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to engage in wire fraud, commodities fraud and spoofing. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 7, 2020, before SDTX U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. On Nov. 6, 2018, Mohan pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in wire fraud, commodities fraud and spoofing. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2020, before SDTX U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller.
The FBI’s Chicago Field Office investigated this case. Trial Attorney Matthew F. Sullivan and Assistant Chief Avi Perry of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and SDTX Assistant U.S. Attorney John R. Lewis prosecuted the case. The CFTC’s Division of Enforcement referred the matter to the department and provided assistance in this matter.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section plays a pivotal role in the Department of Justice’s fight against white-collar crime around the country.
Individuals who believe that they may be a victim in this case should visit the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness website at or call (888) 549-3945.
Three Saudi Nationals Charged with Smuggling Firearms Parts from United States to Saudi Arabia without an Export LicenseRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Three Saudi nationals have been charged in two separate indictments for allegedly violating federal export laws by purchasing more than $100,000 in weapons parts in the United States while on student visas and then smuggling the parts to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
A five-count indictment returned Wednesday by a federal grand jury in Riverside charges Hatim Humeed Alsufyani, 36, and Mosab Alzahrani, 27, both formerly of San Bernardino, with one count of conspiracy to smuggle goods out of the United States without obtaining export licenses. Alsufyani also was charged with three counts of knowingly exporting weapons parts without a license, while Alzahrani also was charged with one count of knowingly exporting weapons parts without a license.
Between May 2014 and July 2018, Alsufyani and Alzahrani allegedly conspired to smuggle firearms parts from the U.S. to Saudi Arabia by concealing rifle barrels, rifle triggers, and other items related to firearms in their checked luggage on flights from Los Angeles to Saudi Arabia. They allegedly also would falsely identify rifle barrels, rifle triggers, and other items related to firearms as “shower curtain rods” or “car parts,” or other false names before exporting the items to Saudi Arabia.
For example, on December 10, 2016, Alzahrani attempted to board a flight from Los Angeles to Riyadh with 30 firearms parts concealed in his checked luggage, including 12 rear sight leaf assemblies and six New England Custom Gun single set rifle triggers, the indictment alleges. Alzahrani also lied to U.S. customs officials about possessing rifle barrels in the United States that were intended to be exported to Saudi Arabia, according to the indictment.
If convicted of all charges, Alsufyani would face a statutory maximum sentence of 65 years in federal prison, and Alzahrani would face 25 years in federal prison.
In a separate indictment returned on November 1 and unsealed today, Abdulwahab Mohammed A. Alabdulwahab, 30, formerly of Los Angeles, was charged with 15 counts of smuggling and 15 counts of knowingly exporting firearms parts from the United States without first having obtained an export license from the State Department.
Between December 2015 and January 2018, Alabdulwahab contacted U.S.-based firearms parts retailers to purchase firearms parts for the purpose of illegally exporting those components to Saudi Arabia, the indictment alleges. Specifically, Alabdulwahab purchased .223-caliber and .308-caliber rifle barrels, which by federal law require a license to be exported from the United States to any other country, according to the indictment. At no time did Alabdulwahab apply for, receive, or possess such a license, the indictment alleges.
If convicted of all charges, Alabdulwahab would face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for each smuggling count, and 20 years’ imprisonment for each violation of the Arms Export Control Act.
All three defendants are believed to be in Saudi Arabia.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated both cases, with support from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The Alsufyani case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Reema El-Amamy of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section. The Alabdulwahab case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Grigg, Chief of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section. Supporting both cases is Trial Attorney Matthew Chang of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Texas Man Charged with Cyberstalking, Making Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
Charlottesville, VIRGINIA – An Odessa, Texas man, who had an online relationship with a juvenile female in the Western District of Virginia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in U.S. District Court in Charlottesville and charged with cyberstalking and making interstate threats to the girl’s family following her suicide. United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen and David W. Archey, FBI Special Agent in Charge for the Richmond Division, made the announcement today following the defendant’s arrest in Texas.
Adrian Raul O’Dell, 19, was charged in a sealed indictment on October 15, 2019, and arrested this week in Texas. The grand jury has charged O’Dell with three counts of cyberstalking and two counts of making interstate threats.
“Cyberstalking and communicating threats through social media are serious federal crimes and prosecuting them is a priority of this office,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “I am grateful for the hard work of the FBI and the Warren County Sheriff’s office in identifying this defendant and bringing him to justice.”
“The FBI takes online threats very seriously, and will work with our law enforcement partners to ensure matters are addressed swiftly and appropriately,” SAC Archey said today. “This case is important to us because a young girl’s family, while still mourning her death, was re-victimized with the messages sent by the accused. We are grateful for the assistance of the FBI El Paso Division’s Midland Resident Agency and the United States Attorney’s Office during the course of this investigation.”
According to the indictment, between September 2017 and around March 2018, O’Dell had an online relationship with a 16-year girl who lived in Linden, Virginia. In May 2018, following an investigation by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, it was determined that O’Dell’s victim died by suicide in a wooded area near her home.
The indictment alleges that from June 2018 through June 2019, O’Dell, using a variety of false email and online personas, took credit for her suicide. The defendant then sent threatening and intimidating messages to her family members and friends that placed them in reasonable fear of death and serious bodily harm. In addition, these messages attempted to cause friends and family members substantial emotional distress. The defendant sent certain of these messages in violation of a protective order.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Warren County Sherriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kate Rumsey is prosecuting the case for the United States.
A grand jury indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Tallahassee Woman Convicted of Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Mary E. Forehand, 40, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been sentenced to serve
15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.“Working together, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and federal agencies removed a serious and dangerous drug criminal from the streets of the community,” said U.S. Attorney Keefe. “Our agencies are committed to using our resources to assist local law enforcement however we can to enhance public safety.”
The charges arose from a joint investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the United
States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, who were investigating methamphetamine distribution in Northeast Tallahassee. Forehand was a target of the investigation based on prior information that she had been selling methamphetamine in the area for a considerable length of time. Law enforcement officers observed several purchases at a residence and obtained a warrant last November. A search of the residence turned up several ounces of methamphetamine, drug-trafficking paraphernalia, and two loaded firearms near the front door – a .22-caliber rifle and a 12-gauge shotgun.“This sentencing is another example of how strong law enforcement partnerships impacted both violence and drug trafficking in our continued efforts to protect the public”, said ATF Special
Agent in Charge Daryl McCrary, “Our strong law enforcement partnerships continue to mitigate nefarious individuals from committing further acts of violence in communities”Sheriff Walt McNeil said, “It’s partnerships like these that our community needs to help root out the drug problem in Leon County. Your local, state, and federal law enforcement are going All In to get those who continue to do harm in our community off the streets.”
Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Grogan prosecuted the case, which resulted in a guilty plea by Forehand. She was sentenced on October 28.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Florida website. For more information about the United States Attor ey’s Office, Northern
District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.Stockton Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jason Solomon, 44, of Stockton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to nine years in prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, in July 2016, Solomon used social media to send images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct to a then-15-year-old girl. Law enforcement later became aware of Solomon’s sexually explicit chats with the 15-year-old victim. In January 2018, federal agents found Solomon possessing additional images of child pornography, some of which depict the sexual molestation of infants.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet safety education.
Statement from U.S. Attorney MacDonald Addressing Gun Violence in St. PaulRead the Press Release
This afternoon, and at my request, I met with St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell along with the top leaders of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to discuss the pressing gun-violence issue in St. Paul. All agencies present, including the FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals, BCA, and Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office offered their full support and dedicated resources to address the problem. It was the unanimous consensus of the group that reducing violent crime requires more than just enforcement, it also requires plans for treatment and prevention. It is my belief that the joint efforts of these federal, state and local agencies and their combined expertise and resources will ensure that every available resource is brought to bear to stem the violence and protect the community. I will continue to update the public on the progress we make in this coordinated fight to protect the safety of our communities.
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
South Carolina Man Sentenced to 10 years in Prison for Forcing Man with Intellectual Disability to Work at RestaurantRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – U.S. District Court Judge R. Bryan Harwell sentenced defendant Bobby Paul Edwards, 54, of Conway, South Carolina, to 10 years in prison and ordered him to pay $272,952.96 in restitution to the victim. The defendant pleaded guilty on June 4, 2018, to one count of forced labor for coercing an African-American man with an intellectual disability to work extensive hours at a restaurant for no pay.
“It is almost inconceivable that instances of forced labor endure in this country to this day – a century and a half after the Emancipation Proclamation,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to investigate, prosecute, and convict human traffickers involved in forced labor, seeking justice on behalf of their victims.”
“For stealing his victim’s freedom and wages, Mr. Edwards has earned every day of his sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon for the District of South Carolina. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate forced or exploitative labor in South Carolina, and we are grateful to the watchful citizen and our partners in law enforcement who put a stop to this particularly cruel violence.”
“This abusive enslavement of a vulnerable person is shocking. The FBI is always vigilantly searching for these offenses and stands ready to bring perpetrators to justice and help victims reclaim their lives. We understand human trafficking takes many forms and we encourage anyone with information related to these crimes to contact the FBI,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jody Norris.
According to the defendant’s plea colloquy and admissions in court, between 2009 and 2014, the defendant used violence and other coercive means to compel the victim to work for more than 100 hours a week for no pay at a restaurant managed by the defendant in Conway, South Carolina. The defendant subjected the victim to physical and emotional abuse whenever the victim made a mistake or failed to work fast enough. The defendant beat the victim with a belt, fists, and pots and pans. On one occasion, he dipped metal tongs into hot grease and burned the victim’s neck. The defendant further yelled at the victim and used racial slurs to belittle and demean him. After a concerned resident notified state authorities of the defendant’s abuse, the victim was removed from the situation in October 2014.
This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. The case was prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Jared Fishman and Trial Attorney Maryam Zhuravitsky of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa L. Richardson of the District of South Carolina.
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Scottsdale, Arizona Man Sentenced to Prison for Selling Illegally Imported and Misbranded Rx Drugs to Western PA ConsumersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, has been sentenced in federal court to 32 months' imprisonment and two years of supervised release on his conviction of mail fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Keith Komar, age 62.
According to information presented to the court, Komar participated in a fraud scheme that involved the illegal importation of prescription drugs and the illegal sale of those drugs to consumers in the United States. The importation and sale of prescription medication is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Federal laws and regulations require that certain drugs, particularly dangerous drugs, contain certain warnings and only be administered under a doctor's care pursuant to a doctor's prescription. A drug is considered "misbranded" if, for example, the drug is sold without a prescription, if it fails to include the approved warnings, if the drug was not approved by the FDA, or if the drug is manufactured in a facility not approved by the FDA.
Through various websites, Komar advertised for sale to consumers in the United States various dangerous drugs that were sold without a prescription, were not administrated under the care of a doctor, did not provide the appropriate warnings, and were not manufactured in facilities approved by the FDA. The website included a numerous misrepresentations about the drugs and the companies involved in the fraud to make it falsely appear that the sale of these drugs was legitimate and safe. Some of these misbranded drugs were sent through the Postal Service to consumers, including consumers in the Western District of Pennsylvania, directly from India as arranged by Komar.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania State Police and United States Postal Inspection Service for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Komar.
San Jacinto County Man gets significant time for sexually exploiting young childrenRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 27-year-old man from San Jacinto County has received a 35-year prison term following his convictions of producing and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
James Robert Tumlinson pleaded guilty April 23.
Today, U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison downwardly departed from the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and ordered Tumlinson to serve 360 months for each count of the sexual exploitation of a child, otherwise known as production of child pornography. Those sentences will run concurrently. He also received another 60 months for the possession charge which were ordered to be served consecutively for a total of 420 months in federal prison.
At the hearing, the court heard evidence regarding a pattern of abuse which rendered Tumlinson a repeat and dangerous sex offender. The government contended Tumlinson had sexually abused four other minors in addition to the two victims for which he was convicted. All four were either family members or children to whom he had access. The abuse spanned for several years.
The defense asked Judge Ellison for mercy and attempted to convince the court Tumlinson had remorse and was “treatable.” Tumlinson himself apologized for his actions, said he was not the monster he was accused of being and wanted to prove he could be better.
However, the government implored the court to hold Tumlinson accountable for the pain and trauma he caused to the young victims of his “atrocious” crimes, noting what he stole from the children cannot be replaced. The government said the guidelines were appropriate under the circumstances and that it was important to send a message to society these crimes should not be tolerated. Judge Ellison heard that each victim deserved justice after Tumlinson had violated these children then memorialized it in video.
The court also heard from the victims’ grandmother, who detailed the children’s suffering. She told the court how scared the young female victim is and how she asks almost every day if Tumlinson will get out and hurt her again.
Following the 35-year prison term, Tumlinson will be on supervised release for the rest of his life, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
Restitution will determined at a later date.
Tumlinson came to the attention of law enforcement after a mother of two minors reported possible abuse of her children. She stated her daughter said Tumlinson had been sexually abusing her and her younger brother. Her brother was reportedly too scared to tell anyone but she was not.
Authorities executed a search warrant, at which time they seized phones and computer media from Tumlinson’s residence. Forensic analysis yielded 6,585 images and 1,322 videos depicting child pornography.
Eight of the videos Tumlinson produced himself. Some of these depict Tumlinson violating at least two different minors via oral, vaginal and anal penetration. These videos run for a total of 38 minutes and 36 seconds. In one of the videos, Tumlinson is heard telling a minor male victim to “relax” and “it will be over soon” as he is seen anally raping the child.
The mother of the children identified both victims seen in the videos who were approximately 6 and 4 at the time.
Tumlinson has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood(PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Robbins, Illinois Man Sentenced to 57 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Royal Ward, 35, of Robbins, Illinois, was sentenced before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon following his plea of guilty to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Ward received a sentence of 57 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, on July 8, 2018, in Merrillville, Indiana, Ward was arrested in possession of a nine millimeter firearm. Ward was previously convicted of the felony offense of aggravated battery on a government official.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Merrillville Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
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Rapid City Man Charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number.
Damian Buchholz, age 33, was charged on October 22, 2019. Buchholz appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 1, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Buchholz, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully possessing a semi-automatic pistol and a revolver, both with an obliterated serial number, in September 2019 at Rapid City. The charges are merely accusations and Buchholz is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Buchholz was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Charged with Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Adam Seales, age 25, was charged on October 22, 2019. Seales appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 1, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Seales, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully possessing a semi-automatic pistol in September 2019 at Rapid City. The charge is merely an accusation and Seales is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Seales was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Charged with Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Lawrence Bocanegra, age 39, was charged on October 22, 2019. Bocanegra appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 1, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Bocanegra, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully possessing a semi-automatic pistol in September 2019 at Rapid City. The charge is merely an accusation and Bocanegra is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Bocanegra was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Jerry Gorisek, age 48, was charged on September 10, 2019. Gorisek appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on November 1, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The penalty upon conviction is a minimum of 5 years up to 40 years’ in federal prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years up to life supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Gorisek, possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and unlawfully possessing a revolver in July 2019 at Rapid City. The charge is merely an accusation and Gorisek is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Gorisek was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Rapid City Man Charged with Failure to RegisterRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Failure to Register.
Titus Leading Cloud, age 30, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in a federal prison, a mandatory minimum term of 5 years up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between March 21, 2019, and October 22, 2019, Leading Cloud, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and a sex offender by reason of a conviction under federal law, did knowingly fail to register and update his registration.
The charge is merely an accusation and Leading Cloud is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassandra DeCoste is prosecuting the case.
Leading Cloud was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for January 7, 2020.
Porcupine Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault on a Federal Officer.
Shane Kills Back, age 20, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 8 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Kills Back striking a female officer in the face with a fist on April 5, 2019, in Porcupine.
The charge is merely an accusation and Kills Back is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassandra DeCoste is prosecuting the case.
Kills Back was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for January 7, 2020.