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1 November 2019
DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Results in 1,788 Pounds of Drugs Collected in the Northern District of OklahomaRead the Press Release
Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma, and John Scott, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Oklahoma, announced the results of the 18th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in the Northern District of Oklahoma. The event was created to help Americans dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs in order to help prevent addiction and overdose deaths.
Oklahomans living in Tulsa, Pawnee, Osage, Creek, Washington, Nowata, Rogers, Craig, Mayes, Ottawa, and Delaware Counties turned in 1,788 pounds of pharmaceuticals, vaping devices, and cartridges to 17 different sites within the District. In all of Oklahoma, the DEA, along with federal, state, local and tribal partners collected a total of 122 boxes weighing approximately 2,194 pounds. The DEA accepted the vaping devices and cartridges for the first time his year.
“DEA’s Prescription Drug Take Back Day saves lives. Preventive efforts, like disposing of unused prescriptions or restricting access to medications, help to protect our loved ones and friends,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “I am thankful to DEA Oklahoma for their hard work in setting up this event and to community members in northern Oklahoma who turned in their outdated and unused prescriptions.”
“It is no secret that Oklahoma’s youth who are abusing prescription drugs are getting these drugs primarily from their parents’ medicine cabinet or from a friend who most likely got the drugs from their parents’ medicine cabinet,” said John Scott, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Oklahoma. “The collection and destruction of over 2,000 pounds of potentially deadly drugs will no doubt help keep Oklahoma’s youth safer. It should be noted that if you happened to miss the nationwide takeback event, you can go to www.ok.gov/obndd and search for an Rx Disposal Box near you. These boxes are conveniently located all over the state of Oklahoma for individuals to dispose of their unused, expired and unwanted prescription drugs.”
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are concerning, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. In an effort to remind individuals to lock up or dispose of unwanted prescriptions, U.S. Attorney Shores created a Public Service Announcement providing tips for community members to protect loved ones, reminding them to “help save a life.” You can access the Public Service Announcement at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87_ohtgOvfM.
During October’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, 5,000 partner law enforcement agencies operated 5,725 collection sites nationwide, including 140 Bureau of Indian Affairs sites. In the Northern District of Oklahoma, sites were operated by the DEA’s Tulsa Resident Office, Bartlesville Police and Fire Departments, Eastern Shawnee Tribal Police Department, Pryor Police Department, Tulsa Country Sheriff’s Office, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, Sapulpa Police Department, Quapaw Nation, Wyandotte Nation, Miami Nation, Miami Agency and the Pawhuska Police Department.
DEA began putting on Take Back Day events when the public had no other way to appropriately dispose of their leftover painkillers and other potentially dangerous drugs. These Take Back events have been extremely successful not only in getting unused drugs out of the house, but also in raising awareness of their link to addiction and overdose deaths. Since DEA launched this program over 10 years ago, law enforcement agencies, pharmacies and others have installed permanent prescription drug drop boxes on-site, making drug disposal even more convenient.
Couple Pleads Guilty to Trafficking 26 FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Woodbridge couple has pleaded guilty to illegally trafficking at least 26 firearms.
According to court documents, Cornelius Maurice King. Jr., 25, and Yeakain Yabu Koroma, 26, worked together to buy dozens of firearms and then resell them to third parties to turn a profit. In total, between January and June 2018, King and Koroma resold 26 firearms. Neither King nor Koroma were licensed to sell firearms.
Koroma pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of engaging in the dealing of firearms without a license and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when sentenced on Feb. 7, 2020. King pleaded guilty on October 18 to the same charge and will be sentenced on Jan. 31, 2020. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case 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, and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony W. Mariano and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia T. Giles are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-315 and 1:19-cr-327.
Convicted Felon and Co-Defendant, Caught with Stolen Weapons, Plead Guilty to Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A felon with a conviction from the Middle District of Pennsylvania entered a guilty plea to an illegal firearms charge this week after being found with a stolen gun and other firearms in the Middle District of Georgia, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Anthony Rodriguez, 33, of Valdosta, Georgia, entered a guilty plea for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Court Judge Louis Sands on October 29, 2019. A co-defendant, Andrew Wilson Scott, 20, of Lake Park, Georgia entered a guilty plea to possession of stolen firearms before Judge Sands on October 28, 2019. Both defendants face a maximum ten years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000 and three years’ supervised release. Both defendants will be sentenced on January 16, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the Federal Courthouse in Albany. There is no parole in the federal system.
Lowndes County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call that a vehicle had run off I-75 on January 10, 2019. Mr. Rodriguez was found alone inside the vehicle. Officers observed marijuana in plain sight, and smelled its odor emanating from the vehicle. Mr. Rodriguez consented to a search, and the officers found four handguns, two of which were confirmed stolen from burglaries in Ware County, Georgia and Waycross, Georgia. Officers also recovered ammunition, as well as a dozen bags of marijuana and a quantity of methamphetamine. Mr. Rodriguez admitted he illegally possessed the guns and drugs. Mr. Rodriguez was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine on December 6, 2012 in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. It is illegal for convicted felons to possess firearms. During the course of the investigation, Defendant Scott admitted to hiding additional weapons in the trunk of his car that Mr. Scott said belonged to Mr. Rodriguez. Mr. Scott also admitted that he unsuccessfully attempted to sell the weapons. Two sawed-off shotguns were discovered in Mr. Scott’s vehicle, as well a 9mm pistol, confirmed stolen in a burglary in Ware County. Mr. Scott knew the weapons were stolen.
“It is a priority of our office to remove illegal firearms from the hands of convicted felons and other criminally minded individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “Prosecuting convicted felons in possession of firearms remains at the forefront of our strategy to reduce violent crime in the Middle District of Georgia. I want to thank the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF for their excellent work in this case.”
The case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Convicted Felon Indicted on Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Templeton man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on federal firearms offenses.
John Shaw, 30, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm not identified by serial number. Shaw was charged by criminal complaint and arrested in September 2019.
According to charging documents, during the execution of a search warrant at Shaw’s residence on Sept. 24, 2019, an AR-15 short-barreled rifle that did not bear a serial number, over 50 rounds of .22 Long Rifle caliber ammunition, 27 rounds of .357 Sig caliber ammunition, 10 expended brass cartridge cases, and one complete round of 30-06 ammunition were seized. Shaw was previously convicted in Winchendon District Court of breaking and entering in the night with intent to commit a felony and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. As a previously convicted felon, Shaw was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
The charges each provide 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 on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Ashburnham Police Chief Lorring Barrett, Jr.; Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent; and Hopkinton Police Chief Edward Lee made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Dineen Jerrett of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Chicago Duo Sentenced in HUD Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Sergio Garcia, Sr., 50, of Chicago, IL and Sergio Garcia, Jr., 30, of Lowell, IN were sentenced by US District Court Judge Philip Simon on their guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
Garcia, Sr. was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $471,571.06 in restitution to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) and $3,862 in restitution to other victims of his crime.
Garcia, Jr. was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release and was ordered to pay $24,819.53 in restitution to HUD and $202.25 to other victims of his crime.
According to documents in the case, between January 1, 2011 and May 31, 2014, the Garcias conspired with others to engage in a scheme to defraud HUD and to obtain money and property by means of false pretenses, representations and promises. The scheme involved contracting with HUD to buy more than 87 homes in Indiana and Illinois and attempting to sell them for a profit the same day. The purchase contracts the conspirators provided to HUD stated that they or one of their businesses were purchasing the properties as investors and would pay with cash or use other financing not involving FHA. To support their claimed ability to pay for the homes, the conspirators mailed fraudulent letters purporting to show that they or their company had access to the funds needed to complete each purchase. Many of the letters purported to be written by a private venture capital business and falsely stated that the Garcias or their business held a line of credit of up to $500,000.00, when in fact, as the conspirators well knew: the letters were forged and counterfeited; the lines of credit referenced therein did not exist; and the signatures thereon were forged and unauthorized.
Once under contract to purchase homes from HUD, the conspirators advertised the homes for subsequent resale and placed their own “for sale” signs at the homes. When the conspirators could not find a subsequent purchaser to buy the homes, they allowed their purchase contracts with HUD to expire and filed false liens on the homes for the full purchase price, impeding HUD’s ability to sell the homes to others. In some instances, the conspirators demanded money from would-be subsequent purchasers to release the false liens on the HUD-owned homes.
“This sentencing serves as an example that when housing professionals defraud the system of rules sponsored by HUD, the HUD Office of Inspector General will continue to partner with both the U. S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI to pursue those individuals to ensure the integrity of its federal housing programs.”
“If you attempt to defraud the system and violate public trust, we will find you, we will investigate you, and we will ensure you are held accountable for your illegal actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Grant Mendenhall, FBI Indianapolis. “Today’s sentence should serve as a warning to others that the FBI and our partners will continue to pursue those who would seek to blatantly commit fraud.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the HUD Office of Inspector General. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jill R. Koster.
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Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to 18 Months’ Imprisonment for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
The former treasurer of a homeowner’s association who defrauded his neighbors out of $124,524.57 was sentenced October 31, 2019, to 18 months in federal prison.
Wayne P. Jones, age 55, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after he pled guilty to one count of wire fraud. In a plea agreement, Jones admitted that in November 2011, shortly after becoming the treasurer of his homeowners’ association, he opened a new bank account where he had sole access. Jones then deposited member dues and other income into the new account, and used the funds for his own purposes. Jones concealed his fraud by under reporting deposits and disbursements to the homeowners association.
Jones was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Jones was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to make $124,524.57 in restitution to the home owners association. He must also pay a fine of $7,500 and serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Jones was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on November 14, 2019. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Cole and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 19-CR-4.
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California Man Sentenced for Sending Death Threats to Dozens of Professional and College AthletesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for sending death threats to at least 45 professional and collegiate athletes between July and December 2017.
Addison Choi, 23, of Fullerton, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to 18 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $5,500. In July 2019, Choi pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting in interstate and foreign commerce a threat to injure the person of another.
“The anonymity and ease of internet-based communications has led to a steady decline in civility and a steady increase in internet-based threats and harassment,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Choi is a perfect example, lobbing violent, racist threats at others who failed to meet his expectations. We will continue to prosecute those who use the Internet to threaten violence.”
“In the realm of social media, there were no firewalls to protect the famous from being burned by Addison Choi's vitriol and the keyboard he weaponized. His victims - sports heroes to many - were threatened with death by Choi for failing to perform to his expectations on their chosen fields of play, all while he lurked in anonymity,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Today's sentence is meant to teach Choi a lesson, and send a message to others that the FBI takes all acts and threats of violence seriously.”
In 2017, Choi attended college in Wellesley where he played varsity soccer. He also gambled prolifically on sports, both professional and collegiate. When the players or teams that he bet on performed poorly, Choi used Instagram to send them death threats. For example, on July 27, 2017, Choi posted on one professional athlete’s Instagram account: “I will kill you and your family and f****** hang them on a tree you stupid ugly mother*****” and also “I hope you f****** die you stupid monkey n*****.” On the same day, Choi posted on another athlete’s Instagram account: “I’ll find your f****** family and skin them alive you stupid f***, I hope you never play again.”
Choi also posted threats on the accounts of athletes’ loved ones. In another instance, Choi posted on the Instagram page of a professional athlete’s girlfriend, “You stupid mother***** [name], you worthless f***. I will f****** kill you,” and “I will f****** kill [name] you dumb f****** bitch… leave that irrelevant stupid mother*****.”
Between July 2017 and December 2017, Choi posted threats to at least 45 different Instagram accounts, with multiple threats to each account and often multiple targets per threat.
U.S. Attorney Lelling and FBI Boston SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott L. Garland, of Lelling’s Civil Rights Enforcement Team, and Gregory J. Dorchak, of Lelling’s Civil Rights Unit, prosecuted the case.
Bronx Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Narcotics on the Dark WebRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that LUIS FERNANDEZ was sentenced to 151 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute carfentanil, fentanyl, and a fentanyl analogue over the “dark web,” and for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly stronger than heroin, and carfentanil is a fentanyl analogue that is approximately 100 times stronger than fentanyl. FERNANDEZ was also ordered to forfeit $269,623 in narcotics proceeds. FERNANDEZ pled guilty on July 30, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote, who imposed today’s sentence.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Luis Fernandez and his co-defendant Richard Castro sold large quantities of fentanyl and carfentanil to hundreds of individuals across the country, including over the dark web. Today’s sentence should be another clear reminder that any short-term profits from drug dealing are not worth the long-term price.”
According to the allegations in the Superseding Information to which FERNANDEZ pled guilty, public court filings, and statements made in court:
From at least in or about November 2015 through March 2019, FERNANDEZ and his co-defendant Richard Castro[1] conspired to distribute carfentanil, fentanyl, and phenyl fentanyl (an analogue of fentanyl). For most of this period, the conspiracy dealt drugs over the dark web, using the monikers “Chemsusa”, “Chems_usa”, and “Chemical_usa.” Castro was an operator of these online monikers and the leader of this conspiracy. On one dark web marketplace, Dream Market, Castro boasted that he had completed more than 3,200 transactions on other dark web markets, including more than 1,800 on AlphaBay. The customer feedback for “Chemsusa” included, “Extremely potent and definitely the real Carf,” as well as “The Carfent is unbelievably well synthesized, keep up the amazing work.” In June 2018, Castro, using the “Chemsusa” moniker, informed customers that he was moving his business off of dark web marketplaces and would accept purchase requests for narcotics only via encrypted email. To learn the off-market email address, “Chems_usa” required willing customers to pay a fee. An undercover law enforcement officer paid this fee, obtained the encrypted email address, and placed orders with Castro. Castro’s customers paid him in Bitcoin.
FERNANDEZ managed the conspiracy’s stash house, packaged narcotics, and shipped the narcotics via U.S. mail from the New York City area to hundreds of individuals throughout the United States. For example, in early March 2019, FERNANDEZ was observed dropping several envelopes in a mailbox in Coney Island, New York; law enforcement seized and searched these envelopes, each of which contained carfentanil.
In mid-March 2019, law enforcement searched FERNANDEZ’s residence in the Bronx, New York. During this search, officers found, among other things, the following evidence in FERNANDEZ’s bedroom: (1) mailing labels similar to those found on packages connected to the conspiracy, (2) addresses of customers who had received packages from the conspiracy, and (3) approximately 78 grams of fentanyl analogues and 307.5 grams of u-47700 (an opioid analgesic that is approximately 7.5 times more potent than morphine). Law enforcement also recovered a fumigation mask and rubber gloves. In a different bedroom of FERNANDEZ’s residence, law enforcement recovered a Model R-73 handgun. Because FERNANDEZ had previously been convicted of a felony (stemming from his sale of cocaine), he was legally prohibited from possessing this handgun.
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In imposing sentence, the Court stated that the defendant played a “critical” role in the conspiracy and that he was responsible for “shipping death.”
In addition to his prison term, FERNANDEZ, 42, of the Bronx, was sentenced to four years of supervised release.
Mr. Berman praised the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the New York City Police Department for their outstanding investigative work. Mr. Berman also thanked the Internal Revenue Service and the Orange County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office for their valuable assistance.
This matter is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael D. Neff, Aline R. Flodr, and Ryan B. Finkel are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] Castro pled guilty to money laundering and narcotics distribution conspiracy on July 25, 2019.
Bladen County Resident Sentenced for Conspiring to Launder over $1.2 Million in Criminal ProceedsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced MURRAY MCNEILL TODD, age 47, of Bladenboro, North Carolina to 87 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. The Court also ordered TODD to pay restitution totaling $517,379.
TODD was named in a Criminal Information filed on March 5, 2019 charging him with conspiracy to commit money laundering. On April 8, 2019, TODD pled guilty to that charge.
“This case is an example of the predators targeting senior citizens all across the country and here in the Eastern District of North Carolina.” Mr. Higdon said. Todd preyed upon our older citizens and stole more than a million dollars of the victims savings, their retirement, their future. Prosecuting those who defraud our senior citizens is a top priority for the U.S. Justice Department and for federal prosecutors here in the Eastern District,” said Higdon.
According to the charging instrument, statements made in court, and other public information, TODD conspired with one or more Africa-based scammers over a multi-year period to launder over $1.2 million in criminal proceeds. The proceeds originated from various Internet-enabled fraud schemes, including elder fraud, stolen identity tax refund fraud, and payroll diversion. For example, one elder fraud victim became acquainted with an individual who purported to be a U.S. soldier stationed abroad. The individual later requested financial assistance and fraudulently induced the victim into wiring funds to TODD. Investigators also identified a significant number of payroll checks that were diverted from employers across the country—particularly, hospital organizations—into TODD’s accounts or accounts under his control. The diversion typically resulted from the compromise of the victim’s network through phishing and computer intrusion techniques. Additionally, investigators observed an extensive pattern of unlawful deposit activity associated with intercepted federal and state tax refunds.
TODD used a variety of means and methods to receive and transfer criminal proceeds in furtherance of the conspiracy. Among other things, TODD conducted transfers to international recipients in Nigeria and elsewhere through his own accounts and those connected to a wider network of “money mules.” TODD also arranged the purchase of prepaid debit cards that were loaded with criminal funds. The funds, in turn, were wired overseas.
The FBI’s offices in Raleigh, North Carolina and Lexington, Kentucky conducted the investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Adam F. Hulbig represented the government.
Biloxi Man with Multiple Felony Convictions Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking and Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Darrell Donnell McDonald, 39, of Biloxi, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent-in-Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
McDonald will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on February 19, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On May 1, 2017, the Biloxi Police Department received a citizen complaint that McDonald had been visiting his small rental storage unit 5-10 times a day and criminal activity was suspected. Biloxi police responded to the complaint and noticed a strong odor of fresh marijuana emanating from the storage unit. Police also obtained a copy of McDonald’s rental agreement and, later that same day, McDonald was caught by Biloxi Police closing the door of the storage unit (with the keys in his hand) while marijuana odor emanated from the unit. A Biloxi Police narcotics canine team arrived, and the canine alerted outside the storage unit.
Pursuant to a state search warrant, the rental unit was searched and the following key items were found: approximately 316 grams of cocaine, approximately 1,758 grams of marijuana, approximately $4,563 in cash, a loaded Hi-Point 9mm handgun and other evidence of drug trafficking activity. Both the cocaine and the marijuana were tested by the Mississippi State Crime Lab in Harrison County. The pistol recovered by police, together with ammunition, was administratively forfeited through ATF processes, and the $4,563.00 was forfeited through state processes upon action by the Biloxi Police.
McDonald had a criminal history of multiple narcotics felony convictions and one firearm related felony conviction. The case was investigated by the ATF and the Biloxi Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.
Associate of Whittier Street Gang Sentenced to 15 Years for Racketeering Offenses, Including Attempted Murder of Police OfficerRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A close associate of a Whittier street gang has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for committing a series of drug-related and violent acts, including the attempted murder of a Whittier Police officer during a narcotics transaction.
Frankie Vasquez, 40, of Carson, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Virginia A. Phillips.
Vasquez pleaded guilty on June 24 to conspiring to violate the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering (VICAR), conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking.
The charges against Vasquez are contained in an indictment that charges him and 50 other members and associates of the Canta Ranas organization, a wide-ranging criminal enterprise which operates primarily in Santa Fe Springs and Whittier under the control of a member of the Mexican Mafia. Vasquez is a member of the Carson-based Varrio Keystone street gang, but he admitted to being a key supplier of narcotics to the Canta Ranas organization.
The racketeering indictment, which was unsealed in June 2016 and superseded in October 2017 to add additional charges, alleges that an incarcerated member of the Mexican Mafia prison gang exerted control over the Canta Ranas street gang and other gangs, and that he received compensation in the form of “rent” or “taxes” generated by drug trafficking and other offenses committed in gang territory. When law enforcement authorities arrested Vasquez in this case in May 2018, they found in his possession a copy of the indictment, with certain sections highlighted.
In a plea agreement filed in federal court, Vasquez admitted being associated with the Canta Ranas Organization, which attempted to control its claimed territory by conspiring and actually committing “acts of violence, including assaults, murders, extortion, and acts of intimidation; engaging in narcotics trafficking, extortion, and robberies; and ‘taxing’ narcotics sales and other profitable illegal activity occurring within the territory.”
In addition to participating in the organization’s drug-trafficking business, Vasquez admitted he attempted to murder the undercover police officer, who Vasquez thought was trying to rob him during a drug deal. In fact, the undercover detective was conducting surveillance as part of a narcotics investigation.
Most of the defendants named in the federal RICO indictment have been convicted, either by guilty plea or trial. The lead defendant in the case, Jose Loza, was found guilty in August on a host of charges, including murder. Loza is facing a life prison term when he is sentenced on February 24.
The investigation into the Canta Ranas organization was called Operation “Frog Legs” and resulted in the seizure of narcotics and 51 firearms Operation Frog Legs was conducted by the Southern California Drug Task Force, which is led by the Drug Enforcement Administration as part of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiative. Participants on the Task Force include personnel from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Whittier Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, IRS Criminal Investigation and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Correctional Safety, Special Service Unit.
The RICO case resulting from Operation Frog Legs is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Carol Alexis Chen, Chief of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, & Racketeering Section (INMLR); Kathy Yu of the INMLR Section; and Victoria A. Degtyareva of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section.
Ashburnham Man Indicted on Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Ashburnham man was indicted yesterday in federal court in Worcester on federal firearms offenses.
Terrick Bishoff, 38, was indicted on one count each of unlawful possession or transfer of a machine gun, dealing in firearms without a license, and possession of a machinegun without a serial number. Bishoff was charged by criminal complaint and arrested on Sept. 24, 2019.
As alleged in charging documents, Bishoff sold three firearms to an individual in Fitchburg between May 10 and July 24, 2019, including a machine gun without a serial number on May 15, 2019. In return for the machinegun, the individual paid Bishoff $2,500.
The charge of unlawful possession or transfer of a machine gun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of dealing in firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession of a machinegun without a serial number provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $10,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Ashburnham Police Chief Lorring Barrett, Jr.; Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent; and Hopkinton Police Chief Edward Lee made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Dineen Jerrett of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Annapolis MS-13 Member Convicted After Trial of Federal Charges, Including Murder in Aid of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury convicted Juan Carlos Sandoval-Rodriguez, a/k/a “Picaro,” “El Pastor,” and “Gasper,” age 21, of Annapolis, Maryland, of murder in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, in connection with his participation in the activities of La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13. The verdict was returned late on October 31, 2019.
The guilty verdict was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge John Eisert of Homeland Security Investigations-Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Baltimore Field Division; Police Chief Timothy J. Altomare of the Anne Arundel County Police Department; and Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess.
“The MS-13 gang uses violence, extortion, and intimidation to terrorize their communities, both here in the U.S. and abroad. The gang’s chilling motto is ‘mata, viola, controla,’ or ‘kill, rape, and control.’ This MS-13 member showed his allegiance to the gang through murder. Now he faces a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison. His conviction for murder, and our ongoing work with our law enforcement partners to bring other gang members to justice, demonstrates our unflagging commitment to eliminate MS-13 and its campaign of wanton violence,” said United States Attorney Hur. “We will continue to root out and prosecute violent gang members to obtain justice for their victims.”
“This individual’s crime is yet another example of the terror and violence that criminal gangs like MS-13 inflict upon our communities,” said HSI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge John Eisert. “HSI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and dismantle these gangs to make our streets safer.”
MS-13 is a national and transnational gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador. Branches or “cliques” of MS-13, one of the largest street gangs in the United States, operate throughout Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County and Frederick County, Maryland. In Maryland, MS-13 cliques often work cooperatively to engage in criminal activity and to assist one another in avoiding detection by law enforcement. These cliques include the Hempstead Locos Salvatrucha (HLS or Hempstead), Fulton Locos Salvatruchs (FLS or Fulton), and Langley Park Salvatrucha (LPS), among others. MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence to maintain membership and discipline within the gang. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible.
According to the evidence presented at his 9-day trial, from at least 2015 through 2017, Sandoval-Rodriguez was a member and associate of the Fulton clique. As a member of the MS-13 gang, Sandoval-Rodriguez participated in racketeering activities including drug trafficking, extortion, and murder.
The evidence at trial proved that Sandoval-Rodriguez and other MS-13 members and associates conspired to murder an individual whom they believed to be a rival gang member. Specifically, on March 11, 2016, Sandoval-Rodriguez lured the victim to a park in Annapolis, with the intent to murder the victim. Once the victim arrived at the park, members of the gang struck the victim on the head with a branch or stick. Sandoval-Rodriguez and the other members and associates of MS-13 then stabbed the victim repeatedly, killing the victim. The members and associates of MS-13 then buried the victim in a shallow grave in the park. Sandoval-Rodriguez and his co-conspirators murdered the victim in Annapolis, for the purpose of gaining entrance to, maintaining, and increasing their position in MS-13.
As a result of his conviction for murder in aid of racketeering, Sandoval-Rodriguez faces a mandatory life sentence. Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has not yet scheduled sentencing.
Co-defendants Marlon Cruz-Flores, a/k/a “Little S,” age 22; Fermin Gomez-Jimenez, age 20; and David Diaz-Alvarado, age 21; all of Annapolis, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the racketeering enterprise. The other defendants are awaiting sentencing. All of the defendants are detained.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur and AAG Benczkowski commended HSI, the ATF, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, and the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office. Mr. Hur and Mr. Benczkowski thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig, Trial Attorney Matthew Hoff of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha Mildenberg, a cross-designated Anne Arundel County Assistant State’s Attorney, who are prosecuting this case.
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Alleged Corruption at East St. Louis Non-Profit Leads to Three New Federal IndictmentsRead the Press Release
An ongoing federal investigation into corruption and self-dealing at an East St. Louis charity has resulted in new charges being filed against three people. Leonard Johnson, 33, of St. Louis, Missouri, Jeremy Turner, 31, of Dallas, Texas, and Tiffany Taylor, 37, of Maryville, Illinois, are all under separate federal indictment for crimes associated with the Lessie Bates Davis
Neighborhood House (“Neighborhood House”), a non-profit organization in East St. Louis that receives federal funds.The indictments come just two months after Christopher Coleman, the former executive director of
Neighborhood House, pleaded guilty to embezzling over $250,000 from the organization in 2016 and
2017. Coleman, 42, of Troy, Illinois, is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 19, 2019, at the federal courthouse in Benton, Illinois.Johnson and Turner are both charged with aiding and abetting Coleman’s embezzlement and making false statements to law enforcement. Coleman allegedly directed the payment of Neighborhood House funds to business entities controlled by the defendants – approximately $24,000 to Johnson under the business name “JCS Consulting” and over $40,000 to Turner under the business name “Teach Me Technology, LLC.” According to the indictments, both men then used the money they received to make cash payments back to Coleman. The indictments further allege that both
Johnson and Turner later lied to FBI and IRS agents about the existence of the kickbacks to
Coleman.Taylor is charged separately with making false statements to a federal agent. The indictment against her alleges that from 2015 to 2018, Neighborhood House provided fiscal support services for the administration of federal grant funds to a Cahokia School District after school program. During that time, a significant number of Apple products – including Apple watches, iPads and MacBook Pro laptop computers – were allegedly purchased by Neighborhood House and provided to people associated with the after school program. The indictment alleges that Taylor, a grant manager and writer for the Cahokia School District, lied to a federal agent by falsely denying that she had requested the Apple watches.
Embezzling from an organization that receives federal funds is a felony offense, punishable by as much as ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Making a false statement to a federal agent carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The ongoing investigation of these cases is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Public
Corruption Task Force, which consists of agents with the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the
Illinois State Police. The prosecutions are all being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman
R. Smith. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicions of public corruption to the Southern
Illinois Public Corruption Task Force Tip Line at (618) 589-7373.
Albuquerque man pleads guilty to brandishing a firearm during crime of violenceRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Donovan Young, 22, of Albuquerque, N.M, pleaded guilty this morning in federal court to a felony information charging him with using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. In entering the guilty plea, Young admitted brandishing a firearm while committing a carjacking on Nov. 2, 2018, in Albuquerque.
Court records reflect that officers of the Albuquerque Police Department and deputies of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office arrested Young on state charges on Nov. 2, 2018. Thereafter, on Nov. 5, 2018, Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested Young on a federal criminal complaint that charged him with carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
The criminal complaint charged Young with robbing the carjacking victim in the parking lot of a supermarket on Nov. 2, 2018. According to the complaint, Young took the victim’s keys, wallet, and cellphone by pointing an AK-type rifle at the victim and telling him that his belongings “aren’t worth your life.” After Young fled the scene in the victim’s pickup truck, officers located Young at a nearby gas station using a tracking feature for the victim’s phone. Young sped away when officers tried to arrest him, leading officers on a pursuit through residential neighborhoods reaching speeds more than 100 miles per hour. Officers arrested Young when he stopped his truck in a mound of dirt and recovered a rifle matching the victim’s description of the firearm used in the crime. The victim identified Young as the man who pointed the rifle at him at the supermarket.
A federal grand jury indicted Young on carjacking and firearms charges on Nov. 28, 2018.
In his plea agreement, Young admitted using a firearm to commit a carjacking offense in Bernalillo County on Nov. 2, 2018. Young also admitted threatening the victim, the owner of the vehicle, by pointing a firearm at the victim and demanding that the victim surrender the keys to his vehicle, his wallet and his phone. Young acknowledged that the victim complied with Young’s demands because he was intimidated by Young’s actions.
Young has been in federal custody since his arrest on the complaint, and will remain detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. At sentencing, Young faces a maximum statutory mandatory minimum of seven years and a maximum of life imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Albuquerque Police Department, and the Bernalillo County’s Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel A. Hurtado.
6 Mexican Nationals Plead Guilty to International Sex Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that EFRAIN GRANADOS-CORONA, a/k/a “Chavito,” a/k/a “Cepillo,” pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter to sex trafficking by use of force, fraud, or coercion. Five additional defendants in this case – JULIO SAINZ-FLORES, a/k/a “Rogelio,” JUAN ROMERO-GRANADOS, a/k/a “Chegoya,” a/k/a “El Guero,” ALAN ROMERO-GRANADOS, a/k/a “El Flaco,” PEDRO ROJAS-ROMERO, and EMILIO ROJAS-ROMERO – pled guilty to sex trafficking offenses last month before U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “These defendants systematically preyed on innocent women and girls in Mexico, smuggled them into the United States, and forced them into prostitution – depriving them of their freedom and dignity. The devastation to these victims caused by the defendants is beyond comprehension. With the defendants’ guilty pleas, we seek to deliver justice for the victims, and to deter others from engaging in this reprehensible conduct.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment to which each defendant pled guilty, public court filings, and statements made in court:
EFRAIN GRANADOS-CORONA, a/k/a “Chavito,” a/k/a “Cepillo,” JULIO SAINZ-FLORES, a/k/a “Rogelio,” JUAN ROMERO-GRANADOS, a/k/a “Chegoya,” a/k/a “El Guero,” ALAN ROMERO-GRANADOS, a/k/a “El Flaco,” PEDRO ROJAS-ROMERO, and EMILIO ROJAS-ROMERO, the defendants, are members of an international sex trafficking organization (the “STO”). Many of the members of the STO are related by blood, marriage and community.
Between at least in or about 2000 and 2016, members of the STO (the “Traffickers”) have used false promises, physical and sexual violence, threats of the same, lies, and coercion to force and coerce adult and minor women (the “Victims”) to work in prostitution in both Mexico and the United States.
In most cases, a Trafficker enticed a Victim – frequently a minor – in Mexico. The Trafficker then used multiple means to isolate the Victim from her family. In some cases, the Trafficker used romantic promises to induce the Victim to leave her family and live with him. In other cases, the Trafficker raped the Victim, making it difficult for her to return to her family due to the associated stigma of the rape. Once a Victim was separated from her family, the Trafficker frequently monitored her communications, kept her locked in an apartment, left her without food, and engaged in physical or sexual violence against the Victim. Traffickers often told Victims that the Traffickers owed a significant debt and that the Victim must work in prostitution to assist in repaying the debt. Traffickers typically began forcing the Victims to work in prostitution in Mexico. Victims were often required to see at least 20 to 40 customers per day. Traffickers monitored the number of clients a Victim saw by surveilling the Victim, communicating with brothel workers, and by counting the number of condoms provided to a Victim. Traffickers typically required the Victims to turn over all of the prostitution proceeds to the Traffickers.
After a Victim worked in prostitution in Mexico for some time, Traffickers typically arranged for the Victim to be smuggled into the United States. Members of the STO assisted one another in making smuggling arrangements. In many cases, multiple Traffickers and multiple Victims were smuggled into the United States together. In other cases, one Trafficker remained in Mexico while arranging for a Victim to be smuggled together with another Trafficker and other Victims.
Once in the United States, the members of the STO generally maintained their Victims at one of several shared apartments in New York City. Victims living in the same apartment were frequently forbidden to communicate with one another. Once in the United States, Traffickers continued to use physical and sexual violence, threats of the same, lies, and coercion to force the Victims to work in prostitution.
In most cases, the Trafficker or another member of the STO provided a Victim with contact information with which to find work. The Victims typically worked weeklong shifts either in a brothel, or in a “delivery service.” In a delivery service, the Victim was delivered to a customer’s home by a “driver.” These brothels and delivery services were located both within New York and in surrounding states, including but not limited to Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Generally, each customer paid $30-35 for 15 minutes of sex. Of that, half of the money typically went to the driver (in the case of a delivery service) or to the brothel. The other $15 went to the Victim, who was then typically forced to give all of the proceeds to the Trafficker. When a Trafficker was unavailable, a Victim might also give the proceeds to another member of the STO.
The Traffickers then frequently sent, or had their Victims send, some of the prostitution proceeds to Traffickers’ family members and associates in Mexico by wire transfer. Such transfers provided financial assistance to the Traffickers’ families and provided financial support to the Traffickers themselves if they returned to Mexico.
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EFRAIN GRANADOS-CORONA, 43, of Mexico, pled guilty to sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
JULIO SAINZ-FLORES, 37, of Mexico, pled guilty to sex trafficking of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
JUAN ROMERO-GRANADOS, 33, ALAN ROMERO-GRANADOS, 28, PEDRO ROJAS-ROMERO, 40, and EMILIO ROJAS-ROMERO, 37, all of Mexico, pled guilty to conspiring to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Carter in early 2020.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacqueline C. Kelly and Elinor L. Tarlow are in charge of the prosecution.
31 October 2019
York Man Indicted on Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Richard Tyler, age 34, of York, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 30, 2019, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Tyler possessed cocaine base and heroin with the intent to distribute in York County, on January 22, 2019. The indictment further alleges that he illegally possessed a firearm.
The case was investigated by the York City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny Baer is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 50 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Wood County Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County woman pled guilty to a drug trafficking offense, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Brooke Alexandria Kimble, 21, of Parkersburg, pled guilty to distribution of fentanyl.
“Fentanyl is so powerful. So deadly. And this dealer’s deeds led to death,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Too many West Virginians have died as a result of fentanyl overdoses. Drug dealers must be held accountable. The peddlers of death must end the chaos and destruction they deliver to our people.”
Kimble admitted that on January 7 and 8, 2019 she distributed what she believed to be heroin to a police informant. Laboratory analysis later determined the substance was fentanyl. She further admitted that on January 5, 2019 she distributed what she believed to be heroin to Frederick Lawson who died later that day of fentanyl overdose. The transactions all occurred at her residence on Avery Street in Parkersburg.
Under the plea agreement, Kimble faces 10 to 15 years in prison when sentenced on January 23, 2020.
The Parkersburg Police Department and the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is handling the prosecution.
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Wood County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County man pled guilty to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Mark Matthew Smith, 29, of Parkersburg, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Smith admitted that he possessed a KAHR, .45 caliber pistol during a traffic stop on December 6, 2017 in Parkersburg. His possession of the firearm was illegal due to his having been convicted in the Circuit Court of Wood County of forgery in December 2011 and grand larceny in January 2012.
Smith faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on January 23, 2020.
The Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Woman Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Valentina Marinkovic, age 19, of Baltimore, Maryland was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty upon her plea of guilty on a count of bank fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Marinkovic was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $78,120.73.
According to documents in the case, on or about August 5, and continuing until on or about October 1, 2018, Marinkovic executed a scheme to defraud a federally insured financial institution. Law enforcement had been investigating several reports of skimming devices being placed on bank and credit union ATMS as well as gas station credit card readers at gas pumps. Skimming devices capture and store credit and debit card numbers of unsuspecting victims. The device is subsequently removed and the information from the skimming device is used to produce fraudulent credit/debit cards for unauthorized transactions.
In this case, a credit union was victimized by having to reimburse members for losses exceeding $78,000.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Indiana State Police Organized Crime and Corruption Unit along with the Elkhart Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey Speith.
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Whitesville Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va.—A Whitesville man pled guilty to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Daniel C. Runion, 34, pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Mike Stuart commended the investigation by the West Virginia State Police assisted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Runion admitted that he possessed a firearm in his residence on April 30, 2019, when a search warrant was executed in Whitesville. Runion was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a 2012 federal felony conviction for receipt of child pornography.
Runion is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2020, and faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin F. Scott and Erik S. Goes are handling the prosecution.
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Wausau Woman Sentenced to 18 Months for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Marjean Seehafer, 54, Wausau, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 18 months in federal prison for making false statements and representations in order to receive Social Security Disability benefits for which she was not eligible. Seehafer pleaded guilty to this charge on August 14, 2019.
Seehafer received monthly disability benefits from Social Security from 2016 through 2018, based on her false representation that she was unable to work due to her disability. During this same time, Seehafer was actually employed by various Wausau area companies, earning a salary. When initially confronted by Social Security officials, Seehafer claimed her identity was stolen and someone was working under her name. When investigators for the Social Security Administration contacted employers and obtained photographs of the employee, those photos matched Seehafer. Once confronted with the photographs, Seehafer admitted that she was working while also collecting disability payments from the government.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson explained that a period of incarceration was warranted based on Seehafer’s long history of similar fraud and theft offenses for which terms of supervision or probation proved unsuccessful at stopping her pattern of conduct. In addition to the 18 months in federal prison, Judge Peterson ordered that Seehafer serve three years on supervised release and pay $28,112.50 in restitution to Social Security.
The charge against Marjean Seehafer was the result of an investigation conducted by the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Anderson.
Waco Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Armed Bank Robberies in Temple and HewittRead the Press Release
In Waco today, a federal judge sentenced 25-year-old Dallas Scott Bohanan to life in federal prison for committing two armed bank robberies, one of which resulted in Bohanan firing his weapon at a police officer, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
On May 14, 2019, Bohanan pleaded guilty to three counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and two counts of bank robbery.
U.S. District Judge Alan Albright sentenced Bohanan to life imprisonment on each of the firearms charges to run concurrent with each other. Judge Albright also sentenced Bohanan to 97 months imprisonment on each of the bank robbery charges to run concurrent with each other, but consecutive to the life sentence previously mentioned.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Albright ordered that Bohanan pay a $250,000 fine and $12,130.46 in restitution.
“We will not tolerate attacks on police officers. I am proud of the work our prosecutors did to put this offender behind bars for life,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash.
By pleading guilty, Bohanan admitted to robbing the Temple Santa Fe Community Credit Union located on West Avenue A in Temple on November 23, 2016, and stealing approximately $4,550 cash. He also admitted to robbing the Pointwest Bank located on North Hewitt Drive in Hewitt on February 5, 2019, and stealing approximately $3,500 cash. Bohanan further admitted to discharging firearms during those two bank robberies as well as during a third bank robbery on November 15, 2016, at the Chase Bank on North New Road in Waco.
According to court records, as he exited the Pointwest Bank on February 5, 2019, Bohanan fired at least two rounds in the direction of a responding law enforcement officer. Bohanan left the scene in what authorities believe was the same vehicle used in the previous armed bank robberies. A vehicle chase ensued from Hewitt to Waco. During the pursuit, Bohanan allegedly fired two shotgun rounds at a chasing police vehicle. One of those rounds struck an officer in the arm. Bohanan ultimately lost control of his vehicle and crashed. He managed to leave the crash site on foot, but was later apprehended by Waco Police officers.
“The defendant's actions demonstrated a callous disregard for human life. The life sentence handed down today will prevent him from harming and victimizing our community,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Combs.
The FBI together with the Hewitt, Temple and Waco Police Departments investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Gloff prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Violent New Haven Gang Member Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MILTON WESTLEY, also known as “Reese,” 21, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 156 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a violent street gang.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2016, the New Haven Police Department’s Shooting Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating numerous unsolved shootings that had occurred in New Haven and Hamden. Ballistic examination of recovered cartridge cases determined that three firearms were used in 18 shootings committed in or around New Haven in 2016. The investigation revealed that the firearms were possessed by members and associates of the Goodrich Street Boys (“GSB”), a New Haven street gang, and that GSB members also were involved in a number of other shootings in 2016, many of them retaliatory against rival gang members.
On August 3, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned a 13-count indictment charging Westley and five other GSB members with racketeering, attempted murder, firearm and narcotics trafficking offenses. The indictment alleged that, between September 2015 and May 2016, GSB members and associates were involved in six gang-related shootings that caused injuries to five individuals.
Westley previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity and admitted that he and other GSB members conspired to kill an individual who they believed had been disrespectful to a GSB member. On May 27, 2016, GSB members ambushed the individual and his friend as the pair were walking on a busy street in New Haven. The individual, who survived the attack, identified Westley as an assailant. Westley first shot the victim in the stomach. After the victim collapsed to the ground, Westley stood over him and shot him in the head. Another GSB member shot the second victim in the hand as he attempted to shield his face.
The victim who was shot in the stomach and head continues to recover from his injuries. He was in a coma for several weeks and had to learn to walk and talk again.
This victim had been shot at by GSB members twice prior to May 27, 2016.
Another shooting incident occurred after GSB members believed that an individual had disrespected them over social media and GSB members sought to retaliate. In the early morning hours of January 23, 2016, GSB members fired multiple shots into the individual’s house in New Haven. Westley used his cell phone to record himself at the scene while shots were being fired and sent the video to other GSB members.
GSB members also shot at rival gang members on February 6, 2016, in a densely populated residential area; March 13, 2016, during a heavily attended St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown New Haven; and July 21, 2016, during which an innocent bystander was shot in the chest through her bedroom window.
GSB members also used social media to post pictures and videos of themselves with firearms, and used social media to threaten rivals, including individuals who might cooperate with law enforcement.
The investigation further revealed that Westley and other GSB members were involved in the acquisition and distribution of heroin, cocaine and marijuana.
Westley has been detained since his arrest on August 9, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that federal law prohibits any retaliation against a federal witness. If persons retaliate against a federal witness “because of attendance at or testimony in a criminal case, the maximum term of imprisonment which may be imposed for the offense under this section shall be the higher of that otherwise provided by law or the maximum term that could have been imposed for any offense charged in that case.” Because the maximum term charged in the case was life imprisonment, anyone who tampers with a federal witness in this case faces life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Durham further noted that this prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program and Project Longevity. PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it.
This investigation is being conducted by ATF and the New Haven Police Department. The FBI, Hamden Police Department and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office have provided critical assistance in the investigation.
An instrumental component of this investigation has been the work of the Connecticut State Crime Laboratory in utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze ballistics evidence.
This matter is being prosecuted in the District of Connecticut by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
U.S. Navy Commander and Lt. Commander Indicted in Connection with Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 31, 2019
SAN DIEGO – A federal grand jury in San Diego returned a superseding indictment today that charges U. S. Navy servicemembers Dr. Michael Villarroel, Paul Craig, and Christopher Toups with fraud, false claims and conspiracy to defraud the United States. The charges arise from a scheme where the defendants filed fraudulent claims to obtain unearned benefits from the Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Program (“TSGLI”).
According to the indictment, the TSGLI program is an insurance program that compensates servicemembers who suffer serious and debilitating injuries while on active duty. The program is funded by fees paid directly by individual service members and the Department of Defense. According to the superseding indictment, Dr. Michael Villarroel, a Commander in the U.S. Navy, was the medical doctor for the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit One (“EOD ESU One”) from March 2010 through May 2013. In that capacity, Dr. Villarroel knowingly signed off on false and fraudulent TSGLI applications on behalf of multiple servicemembers that were part of or connected to EOD ESU One. Both Christopher Toups, a former Chief Petty Officer Construction Mechanic, and Paul Craig, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy, filed fraudulent TSLGI applications. To support their applications, each defendant submitted fabricated applications that included forged signatures and altered hospital records. According to the superseding indictment, Craig fraudulently collected $150,000 and Toups collected at least $100,000.
In addition to Christopher Toups, four other individuals were previously indicted in connection with this scheme. Three of those individuals – Richard Cote, Earnest Thompson, and Kelene Meyer – have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and as part of their plea, admitted that the conspirators defrauded the TSGLI program of nearly $2 million. According to the plea agreement, Meyer, a former nurse in the U.S. Navy, stated that Toups, Villarroel, and she received kickbacks for creating and filing the fraudulent TSGLI applications for other U.S. Navy servicemembers.
DEFENDANTS Case Number: 18CR1674
Dr. Michael Villarroel Age: 47 Coronado, California
Paul Craig Age: 46 Austin, Texas
Christopher Toups Age: 42 Woodstock, GA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1: 18 U.S.C. § 1349, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; Maximum Penalty 20 years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution.
Counts 2-4: 18 U.S.C. § 1343, Wire Fraud; Maximum Penalty 20 years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution
Counts 5-7: 18 U.S.C. § 287, Making a False Claim; Maximum Penalty 5 years in prison, $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Veteran Affairs for the Office of Inspector General
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Department of Justice Awards Grant Funds to Lackawanna County District Attorney’s OfficeRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – U.S. Attorney David J. Freed joined District Attorney Mark Powell today in announcing $900,000 in grant funding by the U.S. Department of Justice to the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office to facilitate the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program.
The award of $900,000 includes funds to support the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office to facilitate a Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program (COAP), which aims to reduce opioid abuse and the number of overdose fatalities, as well as to mitigate the impacts on crime victims by supporting comprehensive, collaborative initiatives.
In 2016 the United States Congress, in recognition of the nationwide scope of the Heroin and Opioid Crisis, passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act – sweeping bipartisan legislation to fund everything from primary prevention efforts to access to recovery services to medication assisted treatment,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “Today’s grant funds a project under the Comprehensive Opioid Site-based Program which is designed to take into account unique local circumstances while taking advantage of already existing partnerships. While strong anti-drug enforcement and public protection will always be an important part of our mission, we understand that prevention, treatment and harm reduction are essential to reducing overdoses and saving lives. We are proud to partner with our colleagues in Lackawanna County under the leadership of District Attorney Mark Powell and Judge Michael Barrasse.”
“This grant will enable us to establish a multi-agency Overdose Death Review Team, under the auspices of the District Attorney’s Office, to provide a thorough and comprehensive analysis of each and every overdose death in Lackawanna County,” said District Attorney Mark Powell. “It will enable us to prevent more overdoses and save more lives by taking an evidence-based approach to allocating our resources where they will be most effective.”
The awards were made by the three grant-making components of the Department of Justice – Office on Violence Against Women, the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, and the Office of Justice Programs.
About the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services:
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 130,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
About the Office of Justice Programs:
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
About the Office on Violence Against Women:
The Office on Violence Against Women provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
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U.S. Attorney Sherri Lydon to join Solicitors from the 7th, 8th, 10th, and 13th Judicial Circuits and Law Enforcement for a Press Conference Today in Greenville at 11:00 a.m.Read the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced that a press conference will be held today, Thursday, October 31, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., in the lobby of the Greenville County Courthouse, 305 East North Street, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601.
Represented at the press conference will be the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, 7th Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette, 8th Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo, 10th Circuit Solicitor David Wagner, and 13th Circuit Solicitor Walt Wilkins, along with members of law enforcement.
WHEN: Thursday, October 31, 2019, at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Greenville County Courthouse
305 East North Street
Greenville, South Carolina 29601
NOTE: Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Lance Crick, 864-282-2105. All media must present a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license). Members of the media wishing to attend the remarks should gather in the first floor lobby of the Courthouse at 10:30 a.m., 30 minutes in advance.
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U.S. Attorney Sherri Lydon Joins Solicitors from the 7th, 8th, 10th, and 13th Judicial Circuits and Law Enforcement to Announce Coordinated, Analytics-Driven Partnership to Combat Violent Crime in South Carolina CommunitiesRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon launched a new partnership to address reducing violent crime in communities across South Carolina at a press conference this morning at the Greenville County Courthouse. U.S. Attorney Lydon was joined by 7th Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette, 8th Circuit Solicitor David Stumbo, 10th Circuit Solicitor David Wagner, and 13th Circuit Solicitor Walt Wilkins, along with numerous members of law enforcement.
In her remarks this morning, U.S. Attorney Lydon detailed the coordinated efforts that are already underway between state and federal prosecutors, who are working in close concert with local, state, and federal law enforcement. “Reducing violent crime in South Carolina is a priority of the United States Attorney’s Office and law enforcement in general,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “One of the biggest surprises to me after taking office was coming to understand just how many shots are being fired on the streets of our communities. I think the public would be surprised, too. Because of advances in technology, we now often know just how many shots are being fired. It is alarming. The technology, however, and the analytics we now have, also better inform us of who is actually firing the shots. What we have learned is that roughly 80 to 90% of violent crime is committed by only 5 to 7% of offenders.”
“So today, with our law enforcement partners, and specifically the Solicitors of the 7th, 8th, 10th , and 13th Circuits, we want to send a message to our communities, and also to those 5 to 7% who would rob us of our security, that we are prioritizing prosecutions. The Solicitors face thousands of warrants a year, but, working together, we are going to focus on those offenders who pose the greatest threat to our safety.”
Lydon noted that, on the federal side, efforts have already begun by providing training on using objective data to identify and investigate the most violent offenders. Moving forward, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will regularly have joint meetings with law enforcement during which officials will use analytics and objective data to identify the worst offenders. The Solicitors have designated at least one prosecutor in each of their offices who will be in weekly contact with federal prosecutors and a team of law enforcement partners. Together, state and federal prosecutors will be focused on the same individuals and will determine whether each case will be prosecuted in state or federal court. Furthermore, the Solicitors are committed to having an Assistant Solicitor at the bond hearings of these most serious offenders and to moving to revoke bond on the top offenders when they re-offend.
The community will play an integral role in this partnership, Lydon remarked: “We will also have all stakeholders present at sentencing hearings, and the judge will be given the entire picture of the particular offender, including any information our office may have on the individual. Essentially, whether we are in state court or federal court, we are ‘all in’ on these top offenders.”
U.S. Attorney Lydon lifted up the work of state prosecutors as well. “I cannot thank these Solicitors enough. They face a much heavier docket than our office does. They have agreed, however, to prioritize these offenders and place a heightened focus on gun crimes and how they are charged. Some will actually hold gun court – a new designation where, by setting aside a day of court just for gun cases, they will spotlight the issue for the court and the community. Others are looking at enhanced charges when possible, instead of charging the routine misdemeanor unlawful carrying charge.”
“As their federal counterpart, our office pledges our support, our resources, and our statutes, where needed. We are much more effective when we tackle the problem together. We have always been privileged to work with them. Today, we advance a strategy of prioritized prosecutions that allow us to do it more effectively.”
The partnership announced today is part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Progress in Making our Communities Safer Through Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 31, 2019
SAN DIEGO – Two years ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the department’s violent crime reduction strategy. PSN is an evidence-based program proven effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Throughout the past two years, the Department of Justice has partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. According to FBI’s 2018 Crime in the United States Report released this month, the violent crime rate decreased for the second consecutive year, down 3.9 percent from the 2017 numbers.
“The revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods program is a major success,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “It packs a powerful punch by combining advanced data with local leadership, further reducing violence in communities across the country and improving overall public safety. U.S. Attorneys continue to focus their enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals and work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal police. The Justice Department’s relationships across the board have never been stronger.”
“Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we are focused on the most dangerous criminals in our community – the ones with guns,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “We’re making a real difference, but there is always more progress to be made. Our gun-related prosecutions are up nearly 54 percent this year, which means neighborhoods are safer as a result.”
As we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, here are some of the highlights of our PSN actions over the past year in the Southern District of California (SDCA):
Enforcement Actions
The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program operates in the SDCA primarily as a collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Using intelligence from both local and federal law enforcement, these two prosecutorial offices (the largest two in the region) work to determine which jurisdiction, state or federal, will be able to provide the most effective prosecution forum and ultimately the greatest impact for the community. In the past year, the PSN partnership has frequently caused the deployment of federal enforcement resources against violent offenders who might face a smaller sanction in state court. Special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) or the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force (VCTF) often lead these investigations.
- Between fiscal year 2018 and fiscal year 2019, cases designated and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office under PSN rose almost 49 percent, from approximately 145 cases in 2018 to 214 cases in fiscal year 2019. Individual federal firearms prosecutions – a subset of the PSN program – rose almost 54 percent; from approximately 43 cases in 2018 to 66 cases in fiscal year 2019. Efforts to increase prosecutions for fiscal year 2020 are already underway. Among other initiatives, law enforcement is focusing on the prosecution of unlawful possession of firearms by people with domestic violence convictions and domestic violence restraining orders.
- The breadth of cases designated under PSN was also expanded between 2018 and 2019. Four recent examples highlight the diversity of the cases being brought for federal prosecution, all aimed at making SDCA safer:
- On October 17, 2019, Justin Alexander Roberts pleaded guilty in federal court for his role in a series of armed robberies throughout San Diego County. See U.S. v. Roberts, 19-CR-740-AJB. In his plea agreement, Roberts admits that he used a firearm to rob a series of local businesses (known to local media as the “Burgundy Bandit” robbery series). Under the terms of the agreement, Roberts faces a minimum of 21 years in prison. Roberts is scheduled to be sentenced on January 6, 2020.
- On August 5, 2019, Jose Hernandez, aka “Chapo,” a member of the Otay River Bottom Locos gang, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his aggravated role in a drug distribution conspiracy as well as his participation in an attempted armed robbery ordered by the Mexican Mafia. See U.S. v. Hernandez, et al, 18-CR-3424-LAB; 18-CR-4217-LAB. More information about the Hernandez case can be found here.
- On June 17, 2019, Obediah Breer, an Escondido resident and member of the Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine and possessing a firearm. See U.S. v. Roberts, 18-CR-4624-LAB. After Breer was alleged to have brandished a firearm during a traffic encounter, state and federal prosecutors agreed that his case would be prosecuted federally. More information about the Breer case can be found here.
- Brandon Lockwood and Alex Woods were both sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to selling a stolen vehicle, selling methamphetamine, and trafficking firearms in Vista, California. See U.S. v. Lockwood, et. al., 18-CR-5575-AJB. The Lockwood case was one of three cases prosecuted federally as part of a 2018 undercover collaboration between ATF, the San Diego County Regional Auto Theft Task Force (RATT), and the San Diego County District Attorney. See also 19-CR-1097-JM; 19-CR-1210-GPC.
Community Partnerships
The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) in the Southern District of California furthers PSN’s prevention mission by convening stakeholders, forging diverse partnerships, providing mentors, and using the following novel approaches to reduce violent crime:
- Because youth are often groomed and recruited by gangs before middle school, SDCA partnered with community groups as well as county health, local law enforcement and school officials to launch “Success Agents,” an innovative program that offers at-risk 4th graders at Porter Elementary mentors and wrap-around support from 4th through 8th grade. A USAO-led team meets weekly with Success Agents kids, providing interactive workshops to improve decision-making, foster relationships and academic achievement, and expand horizons.
- The SDCA USAO coordinates an eight-week Project Lead program in targeted elementary schools in neighborhoods particularly affected by gangs and violent crime. The team’s efforts significantly expanded youth education on decision-making and refusal skills, preparing more than 2,000 vulnerable fifth graders to make smart decisions when asked to join gangs, use drugs or alcohol, tag a building, or skip school. The program also builds strong relationships between students and state and federal law enforcement agents from many agencies, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Secret Service, ATF, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, IRS, City Attorney’s Office and U.S. Probation.
- The USAO participates in the city’s creative Community Assistance Support Team (CAST), a stakeholder group designed to curb gang violence by partnering police with former gang and community members. Members work together immediately after shootings to prevent retaliation and escalation. Through CAST, USAO personnel meet regularly with police officers, Deputy Sheriffs, community activists, local pastors and community leaders to review violent incidents, discuss resources and needs, share information, and solve problems.
Improvements to Community Safety
- For the second consecutive year, the estimated number of violent crimes in the nation decreased when compared with the previous year’s statistics, according to FBI figures released earlier this month. In 2018, the number of violent crimes was down 3.3 percent from the 2017 number.
- The 2018 statistics also show the estimated rate of violent crime was 368.9 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants. The violent crime rate fell 3.9 percent when compared with the 2017 rate.
- In February 2018, it was widely reported that San Diego had achieved its lowest crime rate in the past 49 years. On September 26, 2018, local news outlets reported that San Diego had the lowest violent crime rate of America’s biggest cities last year. In May 2019, SANDAG reported that the 2018 violent crime rate (3.41) for the San Diego region remained unchanged from 2017 and was the fourth lowest in the past 39 years. The same report also detailed that the number of robberies and aggravated assaults with a firearm were both down from 2017 to 2018.
These enforcement actions and partnerships are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
In the Southern District of California, the PSN program is led by the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section. Formed in 2019, by U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer, the VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, and labor trafficking. The VCHT Section also oversees the Southern District of California Coordinators for Human Trafficking and Project Safe Childhood. The VCHT Section provides federal prosecutors to the downtown San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group, the North County Gang Task Force, and the East County Gang Task Force.
Two Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Mail FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. –Jumaane Bakari Brisby, 46, of Madison, and Otis Lee Clark, Jr., 42, of Jackson, were sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee for their roles in a conspiracy to commit bank and mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans.
Brisby was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $234,467 in restitution. He pled guilty before Judge Lee on June 6, 2019.
Clark was sentenced to 36 months’ probation with a special condition of home confinement for a period of 3 months. Clark was also ordered to pay $25,000.00 in restitution. He pled guilty before Judge Lee on March 28, 2019.
Brisby and Clark conspired with each other to apply for fraudulent automobile loans at Magnolia Federal Credit Union in Hinds County, Mississippi. The conspiracy spanned from early March 2017 through October 2018. The fraudulent loan applications contained false information to include computer-generated numbers in lieu of their legitimate social security numbers and places of employment. Magnolia Federal Credit Union relied on the information provided in the automobile loan applications and processed loans in each of the defendants’ names.
The false representations caused Magnolia Federal Credit Union to mail checks in amounts from $25,000 to $55,000 to what was later determined to be a fictitious automobile dealership. The defendants never intended to purchase or take possession of the vehicles that were referenced in the fraudulent loans.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
Two More Southern Missouri Residents Plead Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Two more southern Missouri women pleaded guilty in federal court today to their roles in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine in Springfield, Missouri.
Cassidy R. Clayton, 24, of Springfield, and Ginger L. Huerta, also known as Ginger L. Gray, 39, of Halfway, Missouri, pleaded guilty today in separate appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to participating in the drug-trafficking conspiracy from Nov. 22, 2016, to Sept. 26, 2018. Clayton and Huerta each also pleaded guilty to participating in a money-laundering conspiracy.
By pleading guilty today, Clayton and Huerta admitted they received methamphetamine directly from the same source, whom they said transported approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine per week by vehicle from California to the Springfield area. Clayton and Huerta then distributed it to other mid-level dealers in the conspiracy. Clayton and Huerta also admitted they wired the proceeds of drug trafficking on to members of the drug-trafficking organization who resided in California and Mexico.
Clayton admitted that she received methamphetamine on approximately 10 occasions. On three of those occasions, she received a quarter pound, and the other times, she received less than four ounces. Clayton was arrested when she arrived at the location where law enforcement officers were executing a search warrant on Sept. 22, 2017. Inside Clayton’s purse, officers found .25 grams of methamphetamine inside a plastic bag, a glass methamphetamine pipe, three syringes loaded with an off-white liquid, and a loaded Kahr .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Huerta admitted that she delivered approximately a quarter pound of methamphetamine per week from July to December 2017. Huerta was arrested following a traffic stop on Dec. 5, 2017. Officers searched her vehicle and found a digital scale containing methamphetamine residue, a metal pipe with burnt marijuana, a small open corner bag with methamphetamine residue, a bag containing methamphetamine residue inside a sunglasses case, and two .38-caliber revolvers inside the glove compartment. The firearms were identified as a Charter Arms .38-caliber revolver and a Taurus .38-caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number.
Clayton and Huerta are among seven defendants who have pleaded guilty in this case, including Lonnie J. Tinker, 33, and Laurie B. Holmes, 37, both of Springfield; Lloyd R. Bradley, 42, of Fordland, Missouri; Shelby R. Maupin, 31, of Ozark, Missouri; and Summerlee M. Barnett, also known as Summerlee M. Lacount, 33, of Salem, Missouri.
Under federal statutes, Clayton and Huerta are each subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan D. Nguyen and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Keller. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Dade County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Department, and the Oldham County, Texas, Sheriff’s Department.
Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The OCDETF program is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illicit drug supply.
Tampa Woman Pleads Guilty to Charges Related to Immigration Fraud Scheme Stretching from Tampa to ChicagoRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Erika Paola Intriago (44, Tampa) today pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with a fraud scheme involving her posing as an immigration attorney to victims in Chicago and Tampa. Intriago faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, Intriago portrayed herself as an immigration attorney and personal representative offering immigration-related services. She advertised her services on social media, targeting immigrants and immigrant families from Spanish-speaking countries. In fact, Intriago was not a licensed attorney in any state.
Victims retained and paid Intriago to represent them in immigration-related matters before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other agencies. To prove that she was acting on the victims’ behalf, Intriago sent fraudulent letters, emails, receipts, documents, and communications to her victims, fraudulently representing that these records were legitimate communications sent from agencies of the United States, including the Department of Homeland Security and USCIS. In actuality, Intriago had either never filed the necessary immigration paperwork, had abandoned the immigration process, or the applications had already been denied without Intriago informing the victims. Intriago also threatened and intimidated victims who complained about her conduct by telling them that she would report their immigration status to U.S. immigration authorities, which Intriago claimed would result in the victims being deported.
Any person who was, or knows of someone who may have been, a possible victim is urged to contact the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, at 1-866-DHS-2ICE or www.ice.gov/webform/hsi-tip-form.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
Spanaway, WA man convicted of production and distribution of sexually explicit images of 11-year-old childRead the Press Release
Tacoma, Washington – A Spanaway, Washington man who made sexually explicit images of an 11-year-old child and traded the child’s underwear for more images of child rape, was convicted today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma of three federal charges. DONNIE BARNES, SR, 52, was convicted of production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography following a two-day jury trial. BARNES faces a mandatory minimum 15-year prison term when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle on February 3, 2020.
According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, in February 2018, BARNES came to the attention of law enforcement when a police detective in Queensland, Australia noticed a suspicious file on a public photo-sharing website. The album showed close-up photos of a child’s genitals. In an undercover persona, the officer commented on the photos, and received emails the next day from BARNES describing the child in sexual terms, and revealing BARNES relationship to the child.
In early March 2018, agents with Homeland Security Investigations searched BARNES residence in Spanaway. When interviewed by law enforcement, BARNES admitted photographing the child while the child was asleep, and uploading the images to the internet. Additionally, BARNES told officers he had traded soiled underwear from the child for additional images of child rape to someone seeking such items via Craigslist. Those images were located on an electronic storage device in BARNES’ home.
Production of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum 15-year prison term, and up to thirty years in prison. Possession and distribution of child pornography are both punishable by up to twenty years in prison.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Hampton and Lyndsie Schmalz.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Second Nevada Gun Show Dealer Charged with Unlawful Dealing in FirearmsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Brian Scheckla, 61, of Burney, charging him with unlawful dealing in firearms, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Brian Scheckla traveled to gun shows to sell guns despite not having a license to sell guns. In 2018, ATF served Scheckla with a cease and desist letter, advising him that he was unlawfully dealing in firearms without a license. Nevertheless, Scheckla continued to travel to 20 gun shows a year to sell guns in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Idaho. A review of firearm purchase records for Scheckla revealed that Scheckla has been the initial purchaser of at least 10 firearms that have been recovered by law enforcement as part of criminal investigations in Manteca, Sacramento, Modesto, Vallejo, Elk Grove, Anderson, Ontario, and Rancho Cordova.
On Feb. 12, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Scheckla’s residence in Burney and seized over 200 firearms. On Oct. 17, Scheckla’s associate, Gary Osterhout was charged with unlawful dealing in firearms (2:19-cr-180-GEB). The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Scheckla faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Research Scientist Admits Making False Statements in Connection with NIH GrantsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Gerwin Schalk, age 48, of Albany, pled guilty today to making false statements on conflict of interest certifications he submitted in connection with National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; New York State Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro; and Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General’s New York Region (DHHS-OIG).
Schalk is a research scientist employed by the New York State Department of Health (DOH) in Albany, and serves as deputy director of the National Center for Adaptive Neurotechnologies.
In connection with applying for and receiving federal research grants, Schalk was required to disclose any financial conflicts of interests to DOH and its affiliate, Health Research, Inc. (“HRI”), or certify that no conflicts existed.
In pleading guilty, Schalk admitted that he knowingly and repeatedly lied about, and failed to disclose, payments he was receiving from a company whose products Schalk regularly purchased and used in connection with his research. Schalk admitted that the company paid him at least $70,000, from July 2013 to April 10, 2019, and that he signed at least 15 conflict of interest forms during that time, never once disclosing a payment from the company as he was required to do.
The company paying Schalk also billed HRI approximately $260,000 for sales of neurotechnology equipment to HRI, from 2012 through January 23, 2018, and was principally paid from federal grant money.
United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith stated: “Gerwin Schalk specializes in cutting-edge neurology research, but he failed to honor some of his most basic obligations as a state employee and federal grant recipient. He lined his pockets with at least $70,000 in payments from a company whose products he used in his research, and then repeatedly lied about this brazen conflict of interest. His guilty plea demonstrates that even acclaimed researchers must follow the rules, and that we and our law enforcement partners are committed to safeguarding the integrity of federally funded research.”
“Dr. Schalk abused his high-profile state position by using public funds to purchase neurotechnololgy products from a company that was paying him a handsome sum on the side,” said New York State Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro. “Through his elaborate scheme, he lied, failed to disclose conflicts of interest and ultimately broke the public’s trust. I applaud the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District for working to ensure he will no longer be able to unscrupulously enrich himself.”
“By not disclosing payments totaling $70,000, Schalk failed to uphold the integrity of taxpayer-funded government research,” said Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent in Charge for DHHS-OIG’s New York Region. “We will continue working with our federal and state law enforcement partners to protect research supported by these critically needed funds.”’
Schalk faces up to 5 years in prison, up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a maximum $250,000 fine, when he is sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Schalk has agreed to pay $70,000 in restitution: $49,000 payable to the State of New York and $21,000 payable to NIH. He has also agreed that within 60 days he will terminate his employment with the State of New York.
This case was investigated by the New York State Inspector General’s Office and the DHHS Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Repeat offender convicted of being an armed drug dealer in Pioneer Square neighborhood of SeattleRead the Press Release
Seattle – A repeat offender who was identified by Seattle police in a 2017 drug trafficking investigation was convicted today in U.S. District Court in Seattle of three federal felonies, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. JONATHAN RUSHING, 40, was convicted following a three-day trial of possession of crack cocaine and MDMA with intent to distribute, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. This is RUSHING’s fourth conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. RUSHING is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Zilly on January 23, 2020.
RUSHING was identified during an investigation into a drug distribution ring operating in downtown Seattle on the evening of November 8, 2017. RUSHING was observed meeting with known members of the drug distribution group and then returning to the passenger side of a car he had parked near Pioneer Square. After sitting on the passenger side of the sedan near the glove box for about 20 minutes, RUSHING went to a bar in Pioneer Square. When RUSHING left the bar, uniformed Seattle Police officers approached RUSHING in order to identify him. RUSHING took off running, but was arrested a few blocks away. RUSHING had a Glock firearm in a holster inside his waistband. The Glock had a laser sight and flashlight attached. When authorities searched the car RUSHING was driving, they found dealer amounts of crack cocaine and MDMA hidden in a sock in the glove box.
After RUSHING was arrested that November night, he left the Seattle area and was a fugitive when the drug trafficking organization was indicted on February 13, 2018. RUSHING was ultimately arrested in February 2019, in Moreno Valley, California on a warrant from the U.S. Marshal Service. RUSHING fought with local officers who subdued him following a traffic stop.
RUSHING has an extensive criminal history, including a 1997 conviction in King County Superior Court for second-degree murder, when he shot and killed an individual in downtown Seattle during a drug transaction. He has King County convictions for illegally possessing firearms in 1996 and1997, and a federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm from 2012. Rushing was arrested in this case only two months after completing his term of supervision from his 2012 federal conviction for firearm possession.
Because of the conviction for carrying of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense, RUSHING faces a mandatory five-year term to run consecutive to the sentence handed down for the drug and felon in possession conviction.
This was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved.
The case is being investigated by the Seattle Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kate Vaughan, Tobias Tobler and Vince Lombardi.
Rappers "Benji Brothers" Indicted for Drug Possession and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Rasheme Bridges, aka “Bam” or “Benji Bam,” 19, of St. Louis, and Kelton Rucker, aka “Kellz” or “Benji Kellz,” 19, of St. Louis, were indicted today for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to the Indictment, on January 31, 2018, Rasheme Bridges and Kelton Rucker conspired with each other to steal a quantity of marijuana from a subject in the Cardonelet neighborhood of south St. Louis City. Rasheme Bridges brandished a firearm during the marijuana theft and Kelton Rucker discharged a firearm.
If convicted, the charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a minimum penalty of seven years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are investigating this case.
Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Women Sentenced for Conspiracy to Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Ngoc Nguyen, 22, and Fendi Brooks, 26, both from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were sentenced today for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Nguyen to 63 months imprisonment and Brooks to 77 months imprisonment. Judge Gomez also sentenced both Nguyen and Brooks to five years of supervised release and 300 hours of community service.
According to court documents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers at the Cyril E. King Airport discovered 12 brick-like bundles of what appeared to be a white powdery substance smuggled into a suitcase Brooks had checked in under her name but that both Brooks and Nguyen claimed to share. Subsequent lab testing revealed that eleven of those bundles contained cocaine powder (approximately 10.9 kilograms), while one of the packages contained a kilogram of cocaine base (crack) (approximately 1.01 kilograms). Both Brooks and Nguyen had $1,300 in $100 bills on their persons.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith J. Edwards.
Philadelphia Woman Pleads Guilty to Charges of Child Enticement, Manufacturing of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Linda Paolini, 44, of Philadelphia, PA, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro to two counts of manufacturing and attempted manufacturing of child pornography, and one count of online enticement of a minor.
The charges arise out of a telephone tip received by the FBI about Paolini, who was pretending to be an underage girl for the purpose of luring underage boys online. The defendant communicated through Instagram with one particular boy, soliciting him for videos of himself masturbating. She and her victim exchanged over 50,000 Instagram messages over the course of a few months, including explicit and sexually charged chats.
“Paolini’s conduct is reprehensible, and her days of exploiting and victimizing children online are over,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Williams. “Child sexual exploitation is appallingly pervasive, and exacerbated by the easy availability of digital media and communications. This case serves as a message to all adults who care for children: please monitor what they do online. And as always, we stand ready with our federal partners to identify and prosecute these criminals.”
Paolini faces life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum of at least 15 years, a mandatory term of at least 5 years but up to a lifetime of supervised release, a $750,000 fine, and $15,300 in special assessments.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Rinaldi.
Pharmacy Owner Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Role in Largest Health Care Fraud Case Ever in MississippiRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Thomas Edward Spell, Jr., 51, a pharmacy owner in Ridgeland, Mississippi, was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for his involvement in a $243 million compounding pharmacy fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Mississippi, Thomas J. Holloman III, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation’s (IRS CI) Atlanta Field Office, and Cynthia Bruce, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Southeast Field Office.
“This defendant ripped off every single military service member, veteran and American taxpayer when he defrauded TRICARE. The special agents, DOJ trial attorneys, our AUSAs and other law enforcement partners who investigated and prosecuted this case are to be commended for their diligence and fortitude in bringing this criminal to justice. We will continue to be vigilant in detecting, arresting and prosecuting those who defraud government services that benefit our military and our veterans,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
"Fraud against government funded health care systems like TRICARE not only costs taxpayers billions each year, but deprives funding for critical medical care and benefits for our current and former military members who bravely serve our country," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sutphin. "Schemes like these are a plague on the nation's health care systems. Individuals and organizations that participate in this type of fraud will continue to be high priority investigations for the FBI."
“Thomas Spell systematically defrauded the government and the taxpaying public,” said IRS CI Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman III. “His desire for money, along with the power and material items it buys, drove him to perpetrate crimes against our healthcare system and prey upon many of the vulnerable in our society. Thanks to the financial expertise and diligence of IRS-CI special agents, who worked side-by-side with other federal and state law enforcement officers to uncover these schemes, Spell will now face the consequences of his actions.”
“It saddens me that the desire for personal enrichment can lead individuals to commit egregious acts against DoD which jeopardize our ability to care for our military service members and their families," stated DCIS Special Agent in Charge Cynthia A. Bruce. “Today’s sentencing represents the relentless commitment by DCIS, our investigative partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to fully investigate and bring to justice individuals who put our warfighters and healthcare system at risk.”
Spell’s case is part of the largest health care fraud scheme ever investigated and prosecuted in the State of Mississippi. The investigation is ongoing and prosecutions are continuing nationwide, including in states such as California, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Connecticut. Spell was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett, who also ordered Spell to pay $243,550,503.00 in restitution. Spell previously pled guilty to a Criminal Information outlining his role in the scheme to defraud TRICARE, the health care benefit program serving our nation’s military, veterans, and their respective family members.
From approximately December 2014 and January 2016, Spell owned and operated a pharmacy in Madison County, Mississippi, and several other pharmacies across the United States. During this time, Spell and other co-conspirators marketed compounded medications at his pharmacies. Rather than formulating compounded medications based on the individualized needs of patients, formulas were selected to maximize profit based upon reimbursements from TRICARE and other health care benefit programs. The result was that TRICARE reimbursed Spell’s pharmacies on these fraudulent claims totaling over $243 million.
In order to further their scheme, Spell and his co-conspirators waived TRICARE’s requirement that a beneficiary make a copayment to receive medicine. Instead, Spell and his co-conspirators had their employees purchase prepaid debit cards and money orders to use towards a copayment for a beneficiary, with Spell and his co-conspirators reimbursing their employees. Additionally, Spell and his co-conspirators paid kickbacks and bribes to marketers in order to obtain prescriptions for compounded medications from prescribers for beneficiaries who were covered by the most lucrative health care benefit programs, including TRICARE, irrespective of whether the compounded medications were medically necessary for the treatment of beneficiaries.
As a result of this fraudulent activity, Spell personally obtained over $29 million in proceeds from the illegal scheme. Spell used these proceeds to fund bank accounts and investment accounts in his name, in the name of family members, and in the name of various business entities. Spell also used these proceeds to lend money and to purchase vehicles, boats, and property.
Prior to Spell being charged by a Criminal Information, the United States seized approximately $26 million from Spell and the court ordered all assets and proceeds traceable to the fraud scheme forfeited by Spell.
This case has been designated as a related prosecution to cases charged in the Southern District of Mississippi. To date, a total of 20 people have been charged and 14 convicted in the compounding pharmacy scheme in the Southern District of Mississippi. The investigation is ongoing.
The case is being prosecuted by AUSA Mary Helen Wall and U.S. Department of Justice trial attorneys Sara Porter and Jared Hasten.
Pawtucket Man Sentenced in International Scam Targeting the ElderlyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Rhode Island man who admitted to participating in a Jamaica-based telemarketing scam that primarily targeted and victimized elderly U.S. citizens was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Providence to 30 months in federal prison.
Shawn Whitfield, 49, of Pawtucket, R.I., admitted to receiving more than $109,000 in upfront payments from victims of the scam who were led to believe they had won cash or prizes in a lottery or sweepstakes. Some victims were told they had won as much as $82 million. Others were told they were in line to receive $5,000 a week for life. Mercedes Benz vehicles were among the valuable prizes some of the victims were told they had won.
In each instance, victims were told their winnings would not be released to them without upfront payment of taxes or fees. According to court documents, information presented to the Court by the Government, and by victims and family members who made or provided impact statements to the Court, individuals sent payments to Whitfield ranging between $212 and $50,000. Some individuals reported sending multiple payments after being instructed to do so by the scammers.
The majority of funds collected by Whitfield were transferred electronically to co-conspirators and others, most often to individuals in Jamaica.
“This defendant’s sentence provides him an opportunity to reflect on the financial and emotional turmoil he caused dozens of people, most of them elderly, when he and his cohorts stole their money,” said United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman. “My office, like Department of Justice offices across the country, is committed to combatting all forms of elder abuse and financial exploitation through enforcement actions like in this case, training and resources, victim services, and public awareness. Our prosecutors and advocates make themselves available to the community to discuss the warning signs of scams and steps to take to help ensure that they do not become a scammer’s next victim.”
United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) agents, assisted by members of the Pawtucket Police Department, Rhode Island State Police, and the U.S. Marshals Service, executed a court-authorized search of Shawn Whitfield’s residence on February 20, 2018. Simultaneously, Whitfield was arrested at his place of employment in Norwood, Mass., by USPIS agents.
Whitfield pleaded guilty on June 3, 2019, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud. At sentencing, today U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith sentenced Whitfield to 30 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release. The Court ordered restitution be paid to the victims, the amount to be determined at a later date.
Whitfield’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton, Elder Justice Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island.
Combatting elder abuse and financial fraud targeted at seniors is a key priority of the Department of Justice. If you are a victim or know a victim of elder fraud, you can call 1-877-FTC-HELP or go to ftc.gov/complaint. For downloadable Elder Abuse Prevention resources and for information about community outreach programs in Rhode Island, visit the United States Attorney’s Office’s Elder Justice Initiative web page at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/elder-justice
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Outlaws Motorcycle Club Regional President Arrested on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The regional president of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club was arrested late yesterday and charged with illegal firearms possession.
Bruce Sartwell, a/k/a “Monster,” 48, of East Bridgewater, was charged in a criminal complaint with possession of an unregistered firearm. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, Sartwell was detained pending a probable cause and detention hearing.
As alleged in charging documents, Sartwell is the Regional President of the Brockton/East Bridgewater Chapters of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. According to records, Sartwell is a convicted felon, and thus prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. On Oct. 19, 2019, agents intercepted a package originating in China and addressed to Sartwell that was declared as a “Fuel Filter” but actually contained a firearm silencer. A review of importation records revealed that Sartwell had received approximately 65 shipments from Asia (over 55 of those from China), many of which were labeled as innocuous items that could have been more easily and cheaply purchased in the United States.
On Oct. 30, 2019, a search warrant executed at Sartwell’s residence resulted in the recovery of an AR-15 styled “ghost gun” – a firearm without any manufacturing or serial numbers – and firearm manufacturing tools and assembly parts including milling equipment, buffer spring, buffer tube, air-powered water dremel polish and a drill press. Two firearm silencers concealed in false bottom compartments, a guide for assembly and disassembly of an AR-15 rifle, 20 knives, a black powder handgun, a flare gun, and various ammunition compatible with the AR-15 styled rifle were also found. In the basement of the house, a floor-length mirror concealed the entrance to a hidden storage area that was found to contain a safe with silencer parts and a firearm assembly instruction book.
The charge of possession of an unregistered firearm 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; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, New England Field Division made the announcement today. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Customs and Boarder Protection; Massachusetts State Police; East Bridgewater Police Department; Bristol County Sheriff’s Office; and the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Weinstein of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Orangevale Man Charged with Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Daniel Wayne Benner, 33, of Orangevale, charging him with distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Benner distributed child pornography between July 3-5, using the Kik Messenger app. Benner used a smartphone, the internet, and Kik messenger to distribute a video and still images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct to a person located in Arkansas.
According to the criminal complaint, Benner’s publicly accessible Facebook profile includes a picture of a “My Little Pony” costume with a caption reading, “Rainbow Dash is looking to come to your birthday party and she brings candy and music … contact me for quotes / She will travel anywhere in Sacramento County.” Benner stated that he and two friends were going to start a birthday party business but were unable to secure any customers.
This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, a federally and state-funded task force managed by the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department with agents from federal, state, and local agencies. The Sacramento ICAC investigates online child exploitation crimes, including child pornography, enticement, and sex trafficking. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina McCall is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Daniel Benner faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and potentially a lifetime of supervised release. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was 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.
Operation Dirty Bird Brings Down Texas Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas - U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown announced today that three search warrants were executed this morning in Dallas County, Texas in relation to a drug trafficking organization in the Eastern District of Texas.
While executing the search warrants, law enforcement officers seized six firearms; a large quantity of ammunition; more than 27 kilograms of suspected cocaine; suspected marijuana; approximately $200,000.00 in cash, jewelry, and luxury goods; five vehicles, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia and proceeds in addition to arresting two men facing federal drug and firearms charges.
The operation this morning was the result of a drug trafficking and money-laundering investigation that has already led to the seizure of $349,600 in cash that was being smuggled to Mexico, almost ten kilograms of cocaine that was being smuggled from Pittsburg, Texas, through Tennessee to North Carolina, and more than a quarter kilogram of methamphetamine in Mt. Pleasant, Texas.
Three men have been charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin and with carrying a firearm during and in relation to the drug trafficking conspiracy. Jose Armando Rosales-Bernal, 27, of Dallas; Julio Villarreal, 35, of Mesquite, Texas; and Armando Moreno, Jr., 30, of Roma, Texas; were named in an indictment and a complaint. Rosales-Bernal and Villarreal were arrested this morning during the execution of search warrants in Dallas and Mesquite, Texas, and they will appear in the Dallas Division of the Northern District of Texas. Moreno was arrested on Oct. 29, 2019, in George West, Texas, after a traffic stop revealed $349,600 in cash hidden in secret compartments in the vehicle he was driving, and he will appear in the Corpus Christi Division of the Southern District of Texas.
Rodolfo Javier Falcon, Claudia Claribel Gardea, Jose Geraldo Ornelas-Pineda, and Gerardo Cabrera Ramirez were previously charged and arrested as a result of this investigation. Gardea and Ornelas-Pineda have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Falcon and Ramirez are awaiting trial. This case is pending in the Texarkana Division of the Eastern District of Texas.
If convicted, Falcon, Rosales-Bernal, Ramirez, Villarreal, and Moreno, face a minimum of 10 years and as much as life in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Mt. Pleasant office of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Criminal Investigation Division. In addition, the following agencies have played critical roles in this investigation: the Dallas office of Homeland Security Investigations; the Mesquite, Texas, Police Department SWAT team; the Texas National Guard; the Texas Department of Public Safety, Highway Patrol Division and Aircraft Division; the George West, Texas, Police Department; and the 23rd Judicial Drug Task Force in Dickson, Tennessee. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan R. Hornok.
An indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Navajo man from Shiprock pleads guilty to federal second degree murder chargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Zachariah Stanley Joe, 28, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Shiprock, N.M., pleaded guilty this morning in federal court in Albuquerque to a second degree murder charge. Joe entered the guilty plea pursuant to a plea agreement which the parties agree that Joe should be sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment.
Joe was arrested and was charged with killing a Navajo man in Shiprock, which is located on the Navajo Indian Reservation in San Juan County, N.M., on Jan. 3, 2019, in a criminal complaint that was filed on Jan. 4, 2019.
During today’s proceedings, Joe pled guilty to a felony information charging him with second degree murder. In his plea agreement, Joe admitted that on Jan. 3, 2019, he killed the victim with malice aforethought. Joe admitted that, while he drinking alcohol, he got into a fight with the victim at a residence in Shiprock. After locking the victim and another man out of the residence, Joe admitted arming himself with a kitchen knife and going out of the residence where he stabbed the victim, who was unarmed, approximately ten times in his chest, side, and neck. The victim died shortly thereafter.
Joe has been in federal custody since his arrest, and will remain detained pending his sentencing hearing.
The Farmington office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Shiprock office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Cowen is prosecuting the case.
Nashville Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. October 31, 2019 – Kevin Mark Paul, 36, of Nashville, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court to 15 years in prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Paul was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2018 after he was arrested by Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) officers on October 4, 2018. On this date, MNPD officers received information that Paul was wanted on outstanding warrants, then in a residence on Charlotte Pike and was also in possession of weapons. Officers went to the house and attempted to persuade Paul to surrender but were unsuccessful. Officers entered the house and located Paul in a back bedroom, laying on the floor between a bed and the wall. Paul refused the officer’s commands to show his hands and reached under the bed in an attempt to retrieve a 12-gauge shotgun before being subdued and arrested by the officers.
Evidence and testimony introduced during subsequent court proceedings showed that Paul is affiliated with the Aryan Nation and has a lengthy criminal record and prior felony convictions, including aggravated assault and aggravated burglaries. Paul pleaded guilty in May to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
At sentencing, U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell, Jr., found that Paul’s criminal history qualified him as an Armed Career Criminal and subject to sentence enhancement.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rob McGuire and Brooke Schiferle prosecuted the case.
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Mother and Daughter Morrisville Residents Sentenced for Distributing Fentanyl, Heroin, and Oxycodone; Ordered to Forfeit HouseRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Esperanza Delarosa, 52, and her daughter Susan Mateo, 28, were both sentenced to prison terms for conspiring to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone. Today, U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss sentenced Delarosa to a 69-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. On October 4, 2019, Judge Reiss sentenced Mateo to a 6-month term of imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. The defendant agreed, and the Court ordered, that Mateo’s Morrisville house be forfeited to the government, as it was the proceeds of, and directly facilitated, the defendants’ unlawful distribution of controlled substances. In addition, the defendants agreed to forfeit a 2011 Ford Escape Limited, $8,626.26 seized from their bank accounts, and $3,258 of U.S. currency seized from Delarosa’s person.
According to Court documents, between October 2017 and January 23, 2018, Delarosa and Mateo conspired to distribute heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone. Utilizing a confidential informant, law enforcement purchased suspected oxycodone and heroin from both defendants. In total, laboratory testing revealed the suspected oxycodone was in fact oxycodone, but the suspected heroin was laced with fentanyl. Law enforcement’s financial investigation revealed that defendant Delarosa utilized a bank account to facilitate her drug trafficking, requiring coconspirators to deposit funds in the bank account directly, rather than providing Delarosa with cash. Law enforcement’s financial investigation also revealed that on September 21, 2017, defendant Mateo paid a $10,000 cash deposit to a foreclosure auctioneer to secure the right to purchase a house located on Randolph Road in Morrisville. Defendant Delarosa subsequently paid an additional $75,000 in cash to conclude the purchase of the house. Both defendants have admitted the $85,000 in cash used to purchase the house was proceeds of drug trafficking activity.
At sentencing, Judge Reiss found that defendant Delarosa acted as an organizer, leader, manager, or supervisor of the conspiracy, and that she committed the drug trafficking offense as part of a pattern of criminal conduct engaged in as a livelihood. In explaining the sentence imposed, Judge Reiss observed that defendant Delarosa’s crime was not a crime of impulse, but rather one of significant planning and organization.
United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan commended the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Morristown Police Department, the Stowe Police Department, the Lamoille County Sherriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in the investigation of Delarosa and Mateo. Nolan added: “This case exemplifies how Vermont law enforcement at the federal, state, local and county level unites to fight drug trafficking, with the goals to save Vermont lives, strengthen communities, and bring consequences to those who sell lethal drugs for profit. We will be relentless in our collaboration and our pursuit of these goals. Those who would come to Vermont to sell poison should reconsider. Those who do will be targets of rigorous investigations and their conduct will be met with stiff consequences - including jail time and seizure of the ill-gotten assets they acquire with profits earned in the grim business of addiction.”
“DEA is committed to bring to justice anyone who distributes heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone in the state of Vermont,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Today’s sentence not only holds Ms. Delarosa and Ms. Mateo accountable for their crimes, but serves as a warning that DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to keep these highly addictive drugs off the streets of Vermont.”
“Lamoille County is very fortunate to have dedicated local law enforcement officers and deputies working together addressing drug trafficking in our community,” stated Lamoille County Sheriff Roger Marcoux. “It is our responsibility to investigate the mercenary individuals bringing in the poison that has killed so many of our family members throughout Vermont. We have been fortunate to have the unwavering support and leadership of U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan. Her staff have been amazing in this case. The Burlington Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration has supported our efforts in the investigation and we appreciate their expertise. A special thank you to the men and women of the Morristown and Stowe Police Departments, as well as my deputies in Lamoille County.”
The United States was represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan A. Ophardt and Spencer Willig. Delarosa was represented by David Williams, Esq., and Brooks McArthur, Esq. Mateo was represented by Maryanne Kampmann, Esq.
Monmouth County Man Charged with Making Threatening Communications and Calling in False Bomb ThreatsRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A former resident of Monmouth County, New Jersey, was indicted today on charges that he made threatening telephone and email communications to elected state officials, judges, law enforcement officers, and attorneys, and phoned in false bomb threats to local and state government offices, a police department, two law firms and a commercial establishment, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Eric G. Hafner, 28, formerly of Monmouth County, New Jersey, was charged by indictment with nine counts of making threating communications in interstate or foreign commerce with intent to extort, each punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000. He was also charged with 18 counts of making threatening communications in interstate or foreign commerce, each punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000. Hafner was also charged with six counts of conveying false information concerning the use of an explosive device, each punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000.
“As charged in the Indictment, the defendant embarked on a campaign of terror directed at judges, elected officials, and members of law enforcement in Monmouth County and elsewhere,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “He threatened to detonate bombs and kill and otherwise harm his victims, all in an effort to cause psychological harm to and extort hundreds of thousands of dollars from them. As a result of this federal prosecution, his serious crimes now face serious consequences.”
“Hafner’s actions were intended to – and in fact did – create fear to numerous citizens in the Monmouth County community,” Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said. “In addition, significant law enforcement resources were wasted in responding to these false bomb threats. Even though these threats were false, the fear and psychological trauma felt by the victims during these incidents were very real.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between July 2016 and May 2018, while residing outside the United States, Hafner allegedly communicated threats to numerous individuals located in and around Monmouth County and elsewhere. The threatening communications targeted elected officials, judges, police officers, attorneys, and their families, and included threats to injure and kill the victims. The defendant sought to extort $350,000 from some of his victims. Hafner also made false bomb threats to an elected official’s office, a county courthouse, a police department, two law firms, and a commercial establishment.
Hafner was originally charged with transmission of threatening communications in a one-count criminal complaint on Oct. 6, 2016, which remained under seal until his arrest in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. Territory, on Sept. 27, 2019, where he had an initial appearance before Chief U.S. District Judge Ramona V. Manglona. Hafner had his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court upon his arrival in the District of New Jersey on Oct. 23, 2019. At that time, Hafner was ordered detained without bail.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Red Bank Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie; detectives of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni; officers of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Shaun Golden; officers of the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson; officers of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy; officers of the Bradley Beach Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Leonard A. Guida; officers of the Fairhaven Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Joseph McGovern; officers of the Aberdeen Police Department, under the direction of Chief Richard A. Derechailo; officers of the Hazlet Police Department, under the direction of Chief Phillip Meehan; officers of the Shrewsbury Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert G. Turner; officers of the Red Bank Police Department, under the direction of Chief Darren McConnell; officers of the Freehold Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ernest Schriefer; officers of the Middletown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Craig R. Weber; officers of the Neptune Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief James M. Hunt, Jr.; officers of the Oceanport Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael P. Kelly; officers of the Deal Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ronen Neuman; officers of the Manasquan Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Bauer; the U.S. Park Police; N.J. Transit Police; and West Orange Police Department, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian D. Brater of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mexican National Sentenced to over 30 Years for Southeast Texas KidnappingRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A 22-year-old Mexican national living in Liberty, Texas, has been sentenced for federal kidnapping violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Juan Carlos Saucedo-Meza was found guilty by a jury on April 24, 2019 of kidnapping and was sentenced to 365 months in federal prison on Oct. 30, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
According to information presented in court, beginning on Aug. 24, and continuing into the early hours of Aug. 25, 2018, Saucedo-Meza kidnapped a woman from Liberty, Texas and transported her to Lake Charles, LA, against her will.
Saucedo-Meza stopped the vehicle in Jefferson County where the woman was raped and assaulted. The victim escaped Saucedo-Meza in Lake Charles, Louisiana when he stopped for gas. She then locked herself in a bathroom at the gas station and obtained a phone to call 911.
Under federal sentencing guidelines, Judge Crone found that Saucedo-Meza’s sentencing range was 292 months to 365 months imprisonment, but elected to sentence him to 365 months imprisonment. The potential sentencing range which Saucedo-Meza faced was increased in the case because the court found that an obstruction of justice enhancement applied to sentencing. A recording of a conversation in a police interview room revealed that the defendant aided another woman, to whom he was married at the time, in attempting to contact the victim and offering her a truck and money if the victim requested authorities to dismiss the case. Saucedo-Meza was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sep. 5, 2018 and charged with kidnapping.
A statement written by the victim was read during sentencing concluded, “The time of imprisonment that you receive will never be enough for the harm that you have caused me, but it brings a sort of comfort to know that you are no longer free.”
“This was a violent assault, and no doubt will affect the victim of this crime forever,” said United States Attorney Joe Brown. “The fact that the defendant tampered with a witness shows that the defendant had no remorse, will continue to engage in criminal conduct, and it attacks the criminal justice system.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Charles Police Department, and Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher T. Tortorice and K. P. Kennedy Gates.
Metairie Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that DAVID HUNTER (“HUNTER”), age 23, of Metairie, pled guilty on October 30, 2019 to possession of stolen firearms in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(j) (Count 1), and being a prohibited person under indictment in possession of firearms in violation of 18 U.S.C.§ 922(n) (Count 2).
According to court documents, in December of 2016, HUNTER stole a gun safe that contained various firearms from a residence in Tylertown, Mississippi. HUNTER then transported the firearms in interstate commerce to the Eastern District of Louisiana. HUNTER possessed and transported the firearms after having been charged in Orleans Parish of state offenses that were punishable by terms of imprisonment exceeding one year. Several firearms including a suppressor/silencer have not been recovered and are still missing. The unrecovered firearms are listed below:
Item Description
Make
Model
Caliber
Serial Number
Pistol
Walther
P38
9 millimeter
Unknown
Rifle
Winchester
1892
38-40
180289
Rifle
Rock River Arms
AR-15
.223
Unknown
Pistol
Magnum Research
Desert Eagle
.50
36200016
Suppressor/Silencer
Tactical Innovation, Inc.
TAC 16
.223
1691150
The court set sentencing in this matter for February 4, 2020. For Count 1, HUNTER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years and a $250,000 fine. For Count 2, HUNTER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a $250,000 fine. For each count, HUNTER faces up to three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a $100 special assessment fee.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the case.