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Tuesday 24 September 2019
Native Mob Gang Members Arrested for Assault in Aid of Racketeering, Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced a federal indictment charging ROBIN LEE LUSSIER, 30, WILLARD DUANE REED III, 24, and JOSHUA ADAMS HANKS, 24, with distribution of methamphetamine and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering activity.[1] LUSSIER and REED made their initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz. They were ordered detained pending a detainment hearing scheduled for Thursday September 26, 2019 at 2:45 pm.
As alleged in the indictment, from December 1, 2015 through January 1, 2019, LUSSIER and REED conspired with each other and others to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment further alleges that LUSSIER and HANKS were members of the Native Mob gang, a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engage and have engaged in acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, and assault. Finally, the indictment alleges that members and associates of the Native Mob meet regularly to discuss, among other things, acts of violence and crimes committed against rival gang members, gang rules and by-laws, law enforcement interactions, and to share with one another the identities of individuals who might be cooperating with law enforcement and propose actions to be taken against those individuals.
As alleged in the indictment, on December 5, 2018, LUSSIER and HANKS committed an assault resulting in serious bodily injury to individual, for the purposes of maintaining and increasing positions in the Native Mob gang.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Minnesota Department of Corrections, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Red Lake Tribal Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Winter and Bradley Endicott are prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
ROBIN LEE LUSSIER, a/k/a Ratchet, 30
Red Lake, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
- Assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering activity, 1 count
WILLARD DUANE REED, III, a/k/a Left, a/k/a Leftfield, 24
Bemidji, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
JOSHUA ADAM HANKS, a/k/a Souless, 24
Minneapolis, Minn.
Charges:
- Assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering activity, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Missouri Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
A Columbia, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to his role in making preparations to launch a terrorist attack with persons he believed were members of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), but who were actually undercover law enforcement employees.
Robert Lorenzo Hester Jr., 28, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Hester, who has been in federal custody since his arrest in February 2017, is a U.S. citizen. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army for less than a year, receiving a general discharge from service in mid-2013.
By pleading guilty, Hester admitted that, from October 2016 to Feb. 17, 2017, he attempted to provide material support to ISIS, knowing that it was a designated foreign terrorist organization that engages in terrorist activity.
According to the plea agreement, multiple confidential sources reported to the FBI that Hester had posted a variety of material on multiple social media accounts. Hester indicated that he had converted to Islam, expressed animus toward the United States, and posted photos of weapons and the ISIS flag, among other material, suggesting an adherence to radical Islamic ideology and a propensity for violence. In order to assess whether Hester posed a security threat, the FBI undertook a series of investigative steps, beginning with an examination of whether and to what extent Hester would engage directly online with confidential sources working for the FBI and, later, with FBI employees working in an undercover capacity.
FBI employees using undercover identities communicated with Hester via social media, texting and personal meetings on several occasions. In those conversations, Hester said, for example, that the U.S. government should be “overthrown,” and he suggested “hitting” the government “hard,” while noting that it would not be “a one man job.” Hester identified categories of potential targets for attack, including “oil production,” “military bases,” “federal places,” “government officials,” and “Wall Street.” Hester specified that “[a]ny government building in DC would get attention of everyone.” He said he wanted a “global jihad.” Citing his brief enlistment in the U.S. Army, Hester also claimed proficiency with “assault weapons” and said that his favorite firearm was the AK-47 rifle. Hester spoke about the perceived ease in which one could gain access to a military base.
Hester established an apparent willingness to act on the statements that he made online. An undercover FBI employee conversing online with Hester offered an in-person meeting with a like-minded “brother.” Hester agreed to meet and subsequently did meet on numerous occasions with a person who was described as, and Hester believed was, a terrorist operative – but who, in reality, was an employee of the FBI working in an undercover capacity.
In the meetings, the FBI undercover made clear to Hester that the undercover was representing a foreign terrorist organization (ISIS) and that the undercover was planning an attack that would involve multiple operatives, deploy bombs and guns, and result in mass casualties. Hester indicated through his statements and actions that he was ready and willing to participate and assist in the “plot.”
Hester obtained, at the undercover’s request, items that he was told would be used as bomb components, including boxes of roofing nails. The undercover made clear to Hester that the nails’ purpose was to maximize the number of casualties. In addition, Hester did not hesitate when the undercover showed him a cache of three machine guns and two handguns that would be used in the “attack,” and two pipes that would be used to construct the “bombs.” In fact, in the days after seeing this display, which was arrayed in the rear compartment of the undercover’s SUV, Hester provided information on storage units that could be used to hold the weapons and agreed to obtain additional supplies for the operation.
As the plea agreement cites in greater detail, throughout the investigation, Hester expressed his interest in and exhibited his willingness to commit violence in support and on behalf of ISIS.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, the government anticipates recommending a sentence of 20 years in federal prison, which is the maximum penalty for this offense. Hester may not seek a sentence below 15 years’ imprisonment. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian P. Casey and David Raskin and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. It was investigated by the FBI.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Illegal Re-entry into United StatesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jose Guadalupe Flores-Ayala, age 50, and a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today to time served (1 month in prison) for illegally re-entering the United States.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Thomas E. Feeley, Director of the Buffalo Field Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
Flores-Ayala has been arrested six times for being illegally present in the United States.
On August 24, 2019, he was encountered and arrested by an ICE Officer in Ballston Spa, New York. A fingerprint check of Flores-Ayala resulted in the discovery of the prior arrests and removals from the United States.
Following his sentencing, Flores-Ayala was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, for removal proceedings.
This case was investigated by ICE-ERO and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Member of Bank Fraud Conspiracy Admits Role in Multimillion-Dollar Loan SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man today admitted participating in a scheme that involved the creation of false documentation to secure over $4 million in bank loans, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Raymundo Torres, 35, of New York City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between March 2016 and May 2018, Cash Flow Partners LLC, a business consulting firm with offices in New York and New Jersey, released internet advertisements and held seminars offering to assist customers in obtaining bank loans, including loans insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). When customers submitted documentation supporting their bank loan applications to Cash Flow Partners, Torres and others created false documentation to make customers’ loan applications appear more financially viable than they actually were. Employees at Cash Flow Partners falsified payroll records by including fictitious financial and employment information, such as fake jobs, on template payroll forms and IRS tax forms. Victim banks sustained losses of over $4 million.
The conspiracy to commit bank fraud charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2020.
Individuals who believe they may have information about this case may contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FDIC-Office of the Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca in New York, and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Ferketic of the Opioids Unit and Ari B. Fontecchio of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
Defense counsel: Joshua P. Cohn Esq., Saddle Brook, New Jersey
Meat Packing Plant Execs Plead Guilty to Selling $1 Million in Adulterated Ground Beef to Federal Bureau of PrisonsRead the Press Release
Two meat packing plant executives today pleaded guilty to their role in a scheme to sell more than $1 million of adulterated meat — including whole cow hearts labeled as “ground beef” — to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
West Texas Provisions, Inc. president Jeffery Neal Smith, 49, and operations manager Derrick Martinez, 43, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States before Magistrate Judge Lee Ann Reno Tuesday afternoon.
According to plea papers, the defendants admitted to selling more than 775,000 pounds of uninspected, misbranded, or adulterated meat to 32 prison institutions in 18 states, for which BOP paid $1,011,166.72.
In violation of the Federal Meat Inspection Act, West Texas Provisions marketed its products as USDA inspected when, in fact, it was processed without inspection, defendants admitted.
Plea papers indicate the company processed whole cow hearts — not permitted in ground beef products — and labeled it “ground beef.” They kept the whole hearts offsite until inspectors left the premises, then processed the hearts on nights and weekends, when inspectors weren’t working.
They often kept the lights off inside the facility while processing uninspected meat, hid uninspected meat in the freezer while inspectors were in the building, and distracted inspectors from looking at the product, they admitted.
Both Mr. Smith and Mr. Martinez face up to five years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General and the Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Taylor is prosecuting the case.
Maryland Fentanyl and Heroin Dealer Sentenced Today to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Gari Terrell Miller, age 39, of Clinton, Maryland, to 9 years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, and to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Miller was one of the first defendants charged as part of the new federal-state initiative announced in December 2018 to combat the fentanyl crisis in Maryland.
Under this new initiative, titled the “Synthetic Opioid Surge,” or “SOS” for short, every arrest involving distribution of fentanyl made by law enforcement in Baltimore is reviewed jointly by the State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore City, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to determine whether the case will be handled in the state or federal system. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute more cases involving fentanyl as a result of this new program. The use of federal resources and statutes, which carry significant terms of imprisonment, is necessary to prosecute those individuals who pose the greatest threat to public safety in distributing lethal doses of fentanyl.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; and Colonel Woodrow Jones, Chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police.
“Law enforcement partners are working together to arrest and prosecute those who peddle deadly fentanyl on our streets and in our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Drug traffickers are on notice that dealing in fentanyl increases their odds of federal prosecution. People are dying from fentanyl overdoses in Baltimore City and throughout Maryland. We must do everything we can to reduce overdose deaths from this drug and from all opioids.”
According to his plea agreement, on April 12, 2018, a Maryland Transportation Authority Police officer conducted a traffic stop near Conway Street in Baltimore, after observing Miller drifting between lanes and turning onto Conway Street without signaling. During the stop, the officer smelled marijuana. After the officer conducted a sobriety test, he searched Miller and recovered approximately $740 in cash and a white powdery substance that was 49 grams of fentanyl—enough to kill 24,500 people. Law enforcement also recovered from Miller’s vehicle $3,300 in cash bound with rubber bands, and a drug ledger listing weights, names, and dollar amounts. The ledger reflects, and Miller admits, that he sold 832 grams of heroin.
Miller further admitted that he conspired with others to distribute fentanyl and heroin in Maryland. Miller had others assisting him with distributing narcotics and collecting the drug proceeds.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended DEA and Maryland Transportation Authority Police for their work in the investigation and thanked Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby and her office for their assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Samika N. Boyd, who prosecuted the case.
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Man Convicted of Hobbs Act Robbery and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Newport News man late yesterday on charges of Hobbs Act robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Antoine Dion Harris, aka “Fattwan,” 31, robbed a Hampton ABC Liquor Store in February 2019. Harris walked into the store, picked up a bottle of Hennessey liquor from the shelf, and before the victim could ring up the purchase, Harris pulled out a black handgun, pointed it at the victim and told her that she had 30 seconds to give him all of her money before he began counting down. The victim complied with Harris’s demands and Harris ultimately got away with $88 and the bottle of Hennessey.
Harris faces a mandatory minimum of seven years and a maximum of life in prison when sentenced on Jan. 14, 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, Terry L. Sult, Chief of Hampton Police Division, and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith accepted the verdict. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen S. Taylor and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. Osyf prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-cr-65.
Mescalero Apache Man Sentenced to 137 Months for Federal Voluntary Manslaughter ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Stanislaus Venego III, 34, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Nation who resides in Mescalero, N.M., was sentenced yesterday morning (Sept. 19, 2019) in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 137 months of imprisonment for his conviction on a voluntary manslaughter charge. Venego will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
On March 11, 2019, Venego pled guilty to an indictment charging him with voluntary manslaughter. In his plea agreement, Venego admitted that on April 28, 2018, he punched and kicked the victim multiple times upon a sudden quarrel and in the heat of passion, and that the victim died as the result of the injuries he sustained. The incident occurred on the Mescalero Apache Reservation in Otero County, N.M.
The case was investigated by the Mescalero Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
Media AdvisoryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Mike Stuart to Hold Press Conference in Huntington Tomorrow
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement officials, will hold a press conference in Huntington on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. to discuss major law enforcement actions.
Where: Sidney L. Christie Federal Building
845 Fifth Avenue
Huntington, WV
When: Wednesday, September 25, 2019 @ 3:00 p.m.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews
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Local man pleads guilty to creating child pornography through sexual abuse of toddlerRead the Press Release
DAYTON – A Miami Township man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to creating and distributing child pornography of the sexual abuse of a two-year-old.
Travis E. Walker, 36, was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2018 and offered a guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sharon L. Ovington on September 23.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Todd A. Wickerham, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Montgomery County Sheriff Phil Plummer, Montgomery County Prosecutor Matthias H. Heck, Jr., and Miami Township Police Chief Ronald L. Hess announced the plea.
According to court documents, beginning in at least January 2018 and continuing through May 2018, Walker sexually abused a toddler victim and produced at least 12 pornographic images on his cell phone.
In May 2018, Walker distributed five of the child pornography files he produced to an undercover FBI task force officer via the Kik Messenger app.
Producing child pornography is punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison. Distributing child pornography carries a potential sentence of five to 20 years in prison.
The plea agreement includes a global resolution involving state charges in Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, including three counts of rape of a person under 13 years of age and four counts of gross sexual imposition of a person under 13 years of age. The Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office will recommend that Walker serve his federal prison sentence concurrent to state imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office RANGE Task Force and Miami Township Police, as well as Assistant United States Attorney SaMee Harden, who is prosecuting the case. Assistant Montgomery County Prosecutors Kelly D. Madzey and Jonathan W. Sauline are prosecuting the related state charges.
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Kouts, Indiana Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Michael Thomas, age 42, of Kouts, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for four counts of mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Thomas was sentenced to 90 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release. Thomas was charged in 2018 with four counts of mail fraud for his role in a scheme to defraud insurance companies by arson fires. On September 28, 2018, a jury found him guilty of all counts. Today, the Court also ordered him to pay restitution to State Farm Insurance Company in the amount of $426,227.31 and Foremost Insurance Company in the amount of $115,522.27.
According to documents in this case, from 2004 through 2013, Thomas and others executed a scheme to defraud insurance companies by setting fires to mobile homes in a mobile home park located in North Judson, Indiana. Thomas and associates submitted insurance claims immediately after the fires resulting in insurance payouts totaling $616,749.58. The first fire occurred at 2691 Julia Drive on September 17, 2004, a mobile home owned and occupied by Thomas. In November 2010, several more fires occurred: a home and garage owned by Thomas and his wife at 5081 South 275 West Street; a home at 5326 South A Street; and two unoccupied mobile homes not owned by Thomas at 2729 West Airstream Court and 5370 Holiday Street. In the early part of 2013, still another mobile home owned by Thomas caught fire located at 5101 South 275 West. Finally, on April 16, 2013, firefighters extinguished a fire at Mr. Thomas’ 2691 Julia Drive property, but firefighters needed to return several hours later to extinguish another fire at the home.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Indiana State Fire Marshal and the Indiana State Police. The case was tried by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Barrett, and later handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Hays
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Kansas Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wichita, Kansas, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Steven Ward McMullen, Jr., age 45, was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
McMullen was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2018. He pled guilty on June 4, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy beginning on or about January 25, 2018, and continuing to on or about August 13, 2018, where McMullen, knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with persons to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.
This case was investigated by the Mobridge Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Corson County Sherriff’s Office, the Mandan, North Dakota Police Department, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
McMullen was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Jury Finds Brooklyn Man Guilty of Conspiracy and Attempt to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
Today, a jury in Brooklyn returned a verdict finding Dilkhayot Kasimov, a citizen of Uzbekistan and resident of Brooklyn, guilty of conspiracy and of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The verdict followed a one-week trial before United States District Judge William F. Kuntz, II. When sentenced, Kasimov faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the verdict.
“As found by the jury today, Kasimov was part of a conspiracy in which he sought to help fund a foreign fighter’s travel and expenses in Syria to wage violent jihad,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “The Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners will continue working relentlessly to protect our country from those who would provide support to terrorists seeking to harm the United States and its allies.” Mr. Donoghue expressed his grateful appreciation to Homeland Security Investigations, New York Field Office, for its assistance during the investigation.
“Dilkhayot Kasimov worked to support ISIS, including by collecting and giving money to another individual to fund his travel to join the terrorist group,” stated Assistant Attorney General Demers. “The jury has held Kasimov accountable for his crimes. The National Security Division is committed to help defend the nation against foreign terrorist groups and those who support them. I would like to thank all of the agents, analysts and prosecutors who are responsible for this case.”
“This verdict should serve as a warning to those who provide support of any kind to foreign terrorist organizations and their sympathizers,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “Today, Kasimov joins a growing list of individuals facing significant jail time for their efforts to fund or carry out acts of terror. The public should know that the FBI continues to make every effort to protect Americans at home and abroad, and we’ll continue to work with our international partners to mitigate the threat posed by terrorists and would-be terrorists worldwide.”
“This case highlights how vital our work is in intercepting and halting those among us who remain willing to support the terrorism that threatens innocent lives,” stated NYPD Commissioner O’Neill. “It shows our commitment to remaining vigilant, with our law enforcement partners, against all forms of terrorist threats around the world and here at home.”
The evidence at trial established that Kasimov’s co-conspirators, Abdurasul Juraboev and Akhror Saidakhmetov, planned to travel to Syria to fight on behalf of ISIS, and Kasimov provided money – his own and cash collected by others – to help fund Saidakhmetov’s travel and expenses. On the evening of Saidakhmetov’s scheduled departure in February 2015, Kasimov drove to John F. Kennedy International Airport, met Saidakhmetov at Terminal 7 and handed him $1,600 in cash on behalf of himself, co-conspirator Abror Habibov and others.
Co-conspirators Juraboev, Saidakahmetov and Habibov, as well as co-conspirators Akmal Zakirov and Azizjon Rakhmatov, have previously pleaded guilty to the conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS. Juraboev and Saidakahmetov were each sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment. Habibov, Zakirov and Rakhmatov are awaiting sentencing.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas M. Pravda, David K. Kessler and J. Matthew Haggans are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Steven Ward of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
The Defendant:
DILKHAYOT KASIMOV
Age: 31
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 15-CR-95 (S-3)(WFK)
Judge Sends Gun Carrying Heroin Dealer to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to seven years and six months (90 months) of incarceration on his conviction for violating federal firearms and drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Maurice Dewayne Tinsley, Jr.
According to information presented to the court, law enforcement officers working with the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at Tinsley’s residence on July 15, 2016 and located numerous stamp bags of heroin, pistols, ammunition, cellphones and $14,400 in cash. Court records show that Tinsley had previous felony convictions for illegally possessing a firearm (2010) and also for heroin trafficking (2012) in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. Judge Hornak also ordered the defendant to forfeit all of the money seized by the DEA.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak noted the "toxic" and "deadly" effect that guns and drugs have on society.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad R. Parks of the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the DEA and their many state and local law enforcement partners from the Pennsylvania State Police, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Canonsburg Police Department, the Donora Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the Coraopolis Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Tinsley.
Iranian Citizen Sentenced for Conspiring to Facilitate the Illegal Export of Technology to IranRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General of National Security John C. Demers and United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald for the District of Minnesota today announced the sentencing of Negar Ghodskani, 40, to 27 months in prison for her participation in a conspiracy to facilitate the illegal export of controlled technology from the United States to Iran. Ghodskani, who pleaded guilty on Aug. 9, 2019, was sentenced this morning before United States District Judge Joan N. Ericksen in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, Ghodskani assisted in establishing and operating Green Wave Telecommunication, Sdn Bhn, (Green Wave) a Malaysian company located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Since its incorporation in 2009, Green Wave operated as a front company for Fanavar Moj Khavar (Fana Moj), an Iran-based company that specializes in both broadcast communications, microwave communications as well as in the production of digital video broadcasting equipment. Fana Moj supplies microwave radio systems and wireless broadband access in Iran. Fana Moj’s principal customer was the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), which is owned by the Government of Iran.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, from 2008 until 2011, Ghodskani, who was based in Tehran, falsely represented herself as an employee of Green Wave to U.S. Companies in order to acquire unlawfully sensitive export controlled technology from the United States on behalf of Fana Moj. In order to accomplish these acquisitions, Ghodskani and her co-conspirators concealed the ultimate unlawful destination and end users of the exported technology through false statements, unlawful financial transactions, and other means. Further, as part of the conspiracy, the defendant’s co-conspirators would contact producers and distributors of the sought-after technology, solicit purchase agreements, and negotiate the purchase and delivery of the goods with the seller.
Both the IRIB and Fana Moj have been designated by the United States Department of the Treasury as a Specially Designated National for providing financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRGC).
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats and Trial Attorney David Recker of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Iranian Citizen Sentenced for Conspiring to Facilitate the Illegal Export of Technology to IranRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General of National Security John C. Demers and United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald for the District of Minnesota today announced the sentencing of Negar Ghodskani, 40, to 27 months in prison for her participation in a conspiracy to illegally export controlled technology from the United States to Iran. Ghodskani, who pleaded guilty on Aug. 9, 2019, was sentenced this morning before United States District Judge Joan N. Ericksen in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, Ghodskani assisted in establishing and operating Green Wave Telecommunication, Sdn Bhn, (“Green Wave”) a Malaysian company located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Since its incorporation in 2009, Green Wave operated as a front company for Fanavar Moj Khavar (“Fana Moj”), an Iran-based company that specializes in both broadcast communications, microwave communications as well as in the production of digital video broadcasting equipment. Fana Moj supplies microwave radio systems and wireless broadband access in Iran. Fana Moj’s principal customer was the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), which is controlled by the Government of Iran.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, from 2008 until 2011, Ghodskani, who was based in Tehran, falsely represented herself as an employee of Green Wave to U.S. Companies in order to acquire unlawfully sensitive export controlled technology from the United States on behalf of Fana Moj. In order to accomplish these acquisitions, Ghodskani and her co-conspirators concealed the ultimate unlawful destination and end users of the exported technology through false statements, unlawful financial transactions, and other means. Further, as part of the conspiracy, the defendant’s co-conspirators would contact producers and distributors of the sought-after technology, solicit purchase agreements, and negotiate the purchase and delivery of the goods with the seller.
Both the IRIB and Fana Moj have been designated by the United States Department of the Treasury as a Specially Designated National for providing financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRGC).
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Kovats and Trial Attorney David Recker of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Defendant Information:
NEGAR GHODSKANI, 40
Citizen of Iran
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to defraud the United States, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 27 months in prison
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600Hartland Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Explosives ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAVID BOURNE, 37, of Hartland, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to an explosives offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 6, 2018, Connecticut State Police responded to Rory Mocarsky’s residence in Hartland after reports of gunfire and explosions at the property, and after viewing a YouTube video showing Mocarsky and Bourne engaged in activities involving firearms and explosives. A search of the property revealed an 8mm rifle, three .22 caliber rifles, a suspected homemade silencer, ammunition, a suspected improvised explosive device (“IED”), suspected post-blast IED devices and fragments, suspected explosive materials, and other electronic devices. A related search of a location in the Tunxis State Forest in East Hartland, where Mocarsky and Bourne had recorded explosions, revealed metal fragments, a section of PVC pipe, and PVC pipe fragments from a suspected IED.
On January 2, 2019, Bourne threw a pipe bomb, which he constructed, into the back of a victim’s truck, where it exploded.
Bourne was arrested on May 9, 2019.
Bourne pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on December 17, 2019.
Bourne is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
On July 2, 2019, Mocarsky pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18, 2019.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and Connecticut State Police. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Grand jury indicts 18 in Mexico-to-Ohio heroin, money laundering & immigration document conspiraciesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury has charged 18 individuals in conspiracies to distribute kilogram quantities of heroin, launder money back to Mexico and run a fake immigration identification business.
The superseding indictment was returned here yesterday and 13 of the defendants were arrested in Central Ohio today. Custody will be sought for five defendants in California.
According to the 16-count indictment, Diego Ernesto Castaneda-Garcia was allegedly the leader of a drug trafficking organization that received imported heroin from Mexico, repackaged it into user quantities and sold it to heroin users in and around Central Ohio.
It was further a part of the alleged drug conspiracy that defendants would arrange for workers to be smuggled into the United States from Mexico for arrival in Central Ohio to distribute heroin.
Co-conspirators allegedly packaged heroin into foil balls called “fechas” – which roughly translates to “coins” in English – containing 1/10th of a gram of narcotics. Heroin was sold to users in public parking lots by “runners” who charged $100 for a group of 15 coins.
The indictment details that one co-conspirator would act as a dispatcher taking calls and coordinating runners. Other defendants would arrange for apartments to rent for the runners to live in and purchase vehicles for runners. Other co-conspirators would create fake identification documents for the workers, including drivers licenses, permanent resident alien cards and Social Security cards. It was also a part of the alleged drug conspiracy that individuals would register automobiles and license tags in false names or in the name of a U.S. citizen in order to avoid the attention of law enforcement.
Defendants allegedly wired money on multiple occasions from storefronts in Columbus to Nayarit, Mexico.
“Special Agents with HSI and our local, state and federal partners have once again taken down a sophisticated international drug trafficking operation, suspected of untold harm in our community,” said Vance Callander, special agent in charge of HSI for Michigan and Ohio. “This organization went to great lengths to conceal their activities from law enforcement. However, today’s arrests demonstrate that HSI and our partners will be unyielding in our efforts to take down those who seek to profit from poisoning our community.”
“Drug dealers that distribute heroin run complex trafficking operations, concealing their crimes in attempts to evade justice – until they are overwhelmed by law enforcement fighting back to protect our communities,” Ohio Attorney General Yost said. “I’m proud of the work done by the Bureau of Criminal Investigations and our partners in this operation.”
According to the indictment, a group associated with the drug traffickers was involved in the business of creating fake identification documents. This was for members of the drug trafficking group as well as members of the public who were purchasing driver’s licenses, lawful permanent resident cards and U.S. Social Security cards. The business was called “Chilango’s Perfumes” and perfumes was allegedly used as a code word for fake documents. Customers allegedly paid $120 for a “full set” – a Social Security card and resident alien card.
For example, Julia Martinez-Alvarez received a phone call from a Spanish-speaking female on August 15 who said, “I was calling you because I wanted perfume.”
Martinez-Alvarez allegedly responded, “Of course. To place your order, I need a frontal photo, with the hair up, no earrings, no glasses. Send me the photo, name, date of birth and nationality…”
Those charged include:
Name
Also Known As
Victor Daniel Torres-Lopez
Diego Ernesto Castaneda-Garcia
Neto, Mariachi, El Musican, Jorge Alonso Casillas-Guillen, Jose Alberto Carbajal, Sergio Castaneda-Garcia, Jose Salas Carbajal, Oscar Silva-Santiago
Angel Moises Castaneda-Garcia
Moi, Moises
Jose Narciso Acuna-Zepeda
Chucky
Javier Eduardo Acuna-Zepeda
Lalo, Guaranieve, Huijolo
Omar Fernando Chavez-Andrade
Contador
Julia Martinez-Alvarez
Sandra Rodriguez-Rosa, Sandra Yvette Rodrigruez-Rosa, Julie Martinez-Albarado, Lusero Gonzales, Lori Michelle Willet, Emma Gonzalez
Jennifer Esmeralda Rodriguez-Martinez
Tonie Michelle Rondrekia Scott
Michael P. Uccello
Serena Esclante
Delander Edward Moore, Jr.
Luis Enrique Diaz-Castillo
Chaz A. Holland
Tesla M Yant
Juan Manuel Alfaro-Alvarez
Manuel
Adriana Gabriela Salazar-Martinez
Maria Esther Rosario
Maria Jorge, Dember O. Hernandez, Pablo Tadeo Salgado, Maria Gabriela Ramos Martinez
Charged in heroin conspiracy punishable by up to life in prison.
Conspiring to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin is a federal crime punishable by up to life prison. Laundering and conspiring to launder money, conspiring to create and creating fraudulent identification documents are each crimes punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperation of federal, state and local law enforcement, both in investigating this case and executing multiple arrests today.
Those agencies include:
U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI)
IRS Criminal Investigation
Dublin Police Department
Ohio State Highway Patrol
Westerville Police Department
Delaware Police Department
Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force
U.S. Border Patrol
United States Marshals Service
Columbus Division of Police
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Unit
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Prichard and Special Assistant United States Attorney Roger Dinh are prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Four doctors charged in southern district of Ohio as part of second Appalachian region prescription opioid takedownRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – The Justice Department announced today the second coordinated law enforcement action of the Appalachian Region Prescription Opioid (ARPO) strike force, including four cases in the Southern District of Ohio.
Today’s takedown resulted in charges against 13 individuals total across five Appalachian federal districts for alleged offenses relating to the over prescription of controlled substances through “pill mill” clinics. Of those charged, 12 were charged for their role in unlawfully distributing opioids and other controlled substances and 11 were physicians. The alleged conduct resulted in the distribution of more than 17 million pills.
This action follows the first such takedown in April of this year, which involved charges against 60 defendants, including 53 medical professionals, in 11 federal districts, alleging the illegal distribution of more than 23 million pills. The charges brought in April have already resulted in 11 guilty pleas in seven federal districts, including guilty pleas by nine medical professionals, including seven physicians.
“We said in April that the ARPO strike force was not a one-and-done spectacle, but an enduring commitment to stamp out opioid trafficking by prescription pad. We meant it,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman. “It’s thanks to the partnership between U.S. Attorney’s offices, the Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners that the United States is able to investigate and prosecute not only medical professionals who are allegedly acting as drug dealers, but also the myriad other malefactors who have contributed—and are contributing—to the opioid epidemic.”
In the Southern District of Ohio, four medical professionals were charged, including three medical doctors and one doctor of osteopathy, in connection with several alleged “pill mill” controlled substance diversion and/or health care fraud schemes.
Troy Balgo, D.O., 53, of Saint Clairsville, the elected county coroner of Belmont County, was charged with one count of health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, six counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substance and one count of conspiracy to commit unlawful distribution of controlled substances.
Balgo allegedly caused and/or conspired with others to cause submissions for health care services that he did not perform, and prescribed controlled substances while he was out of the state or country. Balgo is the owner and operator of two medical clinics in St. Clairsville.
George Griffin, M.D., 70, of Cincinnati, was charged with 20 counts of distribution of controlled substances for his alleged participation in the unlawful prescription of controlled substances outside of the course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. Griffin owns and operates a solo medical practice in Cincinnati.
Thomas Romano, M.D., 69, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was charged with 20 counts of diversion of controlled substances for his alleged participation in the unlawful prescription of controlled substances outside of the course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. Romano owns and operates a solo cash-only medical practice in Martin’s Ferry, Belmont County.
Freeda Flynn, M.D., 66, of Saint Clairsville, was charged with eight counts of distribution of controlled substances, and one count of health care fraud, for her alleged participation in the unlawful prescription of controlled substances outside of the course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose, and health care fraud for the submission of claims for services which were medically unnecessary and/or performed below medically-accepted standards. Flynn owns and operates a solo practice with focuses on medical and opioid addiction treatment programs in St. Clairsville.
The DEA, FBI and HHS-OIG, as well as the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DOD-OIG), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy investigated the cases in the Southern District of Ohio. The cases are being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher Jason of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Former U.S. Army Reserve Employee Sentenced in Wire Fraud and Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
A former U.S. Army Reserve employee was sentenced today to 18 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release on charges of wire fraud and theft of government money as part of a scheme to steal more than $400,000 from the 63rd Regional Support Command at Moffett Field in Mountain View, California.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.
Ramon Torry, 55, of Irvine, California, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Beth Labson Freeman in the Northern District of California, San Jose Division, who also ordered Torry to pay restitution in the amount of $302,982.29 and forfeiture the same amount.
According to admissions that he made during his guilty plea, Torry devised a scheme to steal money from the 63rd Regional Support Command related to a contract for the creation of a Public Service Announcement (PSA) touting the Command’s accomplishments. In February 2016, Torry began creating fake invoices for work allegedly performed by the Calfornia production company for the production of the PSA as well as for training and other services that were never performed. Torry then directed others in the Command to make payments to the company contracted to produce the PSA by both government purchase card and wire payments. Between December 2015 and October 2017, Torry directed payments from the 63rd to the production company totaling more than $414,000. He then directed Person A at the company to kick back more than $300,000 of those funds to Torry, which he converted to his own use and that of others.
The General Services Administration Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command investigated the case. Trial Attorney Richard B. Evans of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section is prosecuting the case. Assistant United States Attorney Marissa Harris from the Northern District of California has provided assistance with the case.
Former Pittsburgh Resident Admits to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Vaughn Carter, 56, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on November 1, 2018, Carter, wearing a baseball hat and dark clothing, walked into the First National Bank located at 1114 E. Carson Street in the Southside area of Pittsburgh and presented a demand note to the teller, which had written on it, "This is a robbery. Give me large bills". Carter then took approximately $1,000 from the teller and fled the bank.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for January 23, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Carter remains incarcerated pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Carter.
Former Intelligence Officer Convicted of Attempted Espionage Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – A former Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) officer, who pleaded guilty in March to attempting to communicate, deliver, or transmit information involving the national defense of the United States to the People’s Republic of China, will serve 10 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Dee Benson imposed the sentence Tuesday afternoon in Salt Lake City.
Ron Rockwell Hansen, 60, of Syracuse, Utah, was arrested June 2, 2018, on his way to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle, Wash., as he was preparing to board a flight to China while in possession of SECRET military information.
Hansen pleaded guilty to the lead count of a 15-count indictment returned in June 2018, charging him with attempt to gather or deliver defense information, acting as an agent of a foreign government, bulk cash smuggling, structuring monetary transactions, and smuggling goods from the United States. On the motion of federal prosecutors, the court dismissed the remaining counts of the indictment at the sentencing.
“One of three ex-US intelligence officers recently convicted of acting on behalf of the People’s Republic of China, Ron Rockwell Hansen received hundreds of thousands of dollars for betraying his country and former colleagues,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. “These cases show the breadth of the Chinese government’s espionage efforts and the threat they pose to our national security. Our intelligence professionals swear an oath to protect our country’s most closely held secrets and the National Security Division will continue to relentlessly pursue justice against those who violate this oath.”
“The Chinese government continues to attempt to identify and recruit current and former members of the United States intelligence community. This is a very troubling trend. These individuals must remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity. The Hansen case is an example of what will happen to those who violate the public’s trust and risk our national security by disclosing classified information,” U.S. Attorney John W. Huber said today.
“Ron Hansen was willing to betray his oath and his country for financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Haertel of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office. "This case brings to light that not all spies are foreign adversaries. Insider threats pose a significant national security risk, and the FBI will continue to aggressively investigate those who put our country and citizens at risk.”
Hansen retired from the U.S. Army as a Warrant Officer with a background in signals intelligence and human intelligence. He speaks fluent Mandarin-Chinese and Russian, according to court documents. Upon retiring from active duty, DIA hired Hansen as a civilian intelligence case officer in 2006. Hansen held a Top Secret clearance for many years and signed several non-disclosure agreements during his tenure at DIA and as a government contractor.
As Hansen admitted in the plea agreement, in early 2014, agents of a Chinese intelligence service targeted him for recruitment, and he began meeting with them regularly in China. During these meetings, the agents described to Hansen the type of information that would interest Chinese intelligence. Hansen stipulated that during the course of his relationship with Chinese intelligence, he received hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation for information he provided them.
Between May 24, 2016, and June 2, 2018, Hansen admitted he solicited national security information from an intelligence case officer working for the DIA. Hansen admitted knowing that the Chinese intelligence services would find the information valuable, and he agreed to act as a conduit to sell that information to the Chinese. He advised the DIA case officer how to record and transmit classified information without detection, and how to hide and launder any funds received as payment for classified information. He admitted he now understands that the DIA case officer reported his conduct to the DIA and subsequently acted as a confidential human source for the FBI.
Hansen admitted meeting with the DIA case officer on June 2, 2018 and receiving individual documents containing national defense information that he had previously solicited. The documents he received were classified. The documents included national security information related to U.S. military readiness in a particular region -- information closely held by the federal government. Hansen did not possess a security clearance nor did he possess a need to know the information contained in the materials.
As a part of his plea agreement, Hansen admitted he reviewed the documents, queried the case officer about their contents, and took written notes which contained information determined to be classified. He advised the DIA case officer that he would remember most of the details about the documents he received that day and would conceal notes about the material in the text of an electronic document he would prepare at the airport before leaving for China. He admitted he intended to provide the information he received to the agents of the Chinese Intelligence Service with whom he had been meeting. He also admitted knowing that the information was to be used to the injury of the United States and to the advantage of a foreign nation.
As a part of the plea agreement, Hansen has agreed to forfeit property acquired from or traceable to his offense, including property used to facilitate the crime.
The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert A. Lund, Karin Fojtik, Mark K. Vincent and Alicia Cook of the District of Utah, and Trial Attorneys Patrick T. Murphy, Matthew J. McKenzie and Adam L. Small of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington assisted with this case.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation by special agents of the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Army Counterintelligence, and the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Former Intelligence Officer Convicted of Attempted Espionage Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A former Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) officer, who pleaded guilty in March to attempting to communicate, deliver, or transmit information involving the national defense of the United States to the People’s Republic of China, will serve 10 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Dee Benson imposed the sentence Tuesday afternoon in Salt Lake City.
Ron Rockwell Hansen, 60, of Syracuse, Utah, was arrested June 2, 2018, on his way to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle, Washington, as he was preparing to board a flight to China while in possession of SECRET military information.
“One of three ex-US intelligence officers recently convicted of acting on behalf of the People’s Republic of China, Ron Rockwell Hansen received hundreds of thousands of dollars for betraying his country and former colleagues,” said Assistant Attorney General of National Security John C. Demers. “These cases show the breadth of the Chinese government’s espionage efforts and the threat they pose to our national security. Our intelligence professionals swear an oath to protect our country’s most closely held secrets and the National Security Division will continue to relentlessly pursue justice against those who violate this oath.”
“The Chinese government continues to attempt to identify and recruit current and former members of the United States intelligence community. This is a very troubling trend. These individuals must remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity. The Hansen case is an example of what will happen to those who violate the public’s trust and risk our national security by disclosing classified information,” said U.S. Attorney John W. Huber for the District of Utah.
“Ron Hansen was willing to betray his oath and his country for financial gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Haertel of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office. "This case brings to light that not all spies are foreign adversaries. Insider threats pose a significant national security risk, and the FBI will continue to aggressively investigate those who put our country and citizens at risk.”
Hansen retired from the U.S. Army as a Warrant Officer with a background in signals intelligence and human intelligence. He speaks fluent Mandarin-Chinese and Russian, according to court documents. Upon retiring from active duty, DIA hired Hansen as a civilian intelligence case officer in 2006. Hansen held a Top Secret clearance for many years, and signed several non-disclosure agreements during his tenure at DIA and as a government contractor.
As Hansen admitted in the plea agreement, in early 2014, agents of a Chinese intelligence service targeted him for recruitment, and he began meeting with them regularly in China. During these meetings, the agents described to Hansen the type of information that would interest Chinese intelligence. Hansen stipulated that during the course of his relationship with Chinese intelligence, he received hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation for information he provided them.
Between May 24, 2016, and June 2, 2018, Hansen admitted he solicited national security information from an intelligence case officer working for the DIA. Hansen admitted knowing that the Chinese intelligence services would find the information valuable, and he agreed to act as a conduit to sell that information to the Chinese. He advised the DIA case officer how to record and transmit classified information without detection, and how to hide and launder any funds received as payment for classified information. He admitted he now understands that the DIA case officer reported his conduct to the DIA and subsequently acted as a confidential human source for the FBI.
Hansen admitted meeting with the DIA case officer on June 2, 2018, and receiving individual documents containing national defense information that he had previously solicited. The documents he received were classified. The documents included national security information related to U.S. military readiness in a particular region -- information closely held by the federal government. Hansen did not possess a security clearance nor did he possess a need to know the information contained in the materials.
As a part of his plea agreement, Hansen admitted he reviewed the documents, queried the case officer about their contents, and took written notes which contained information determined to be classified. He advised the DIA case officer that he would remember most of the details about the documents he received that day and would conceal notes about the material in the text of an electronic document he would prepare at the airport before leaving for China. He admitted he intended to provide the information he received to the agents of the Chinese Intelligence Service with whom he had been meeting. He also admitted knowing that the information was to be used to the injury of the United States and to the advantage of a foreign nation.
As a part of the plea agreement, Hansen has agreed to forfeit property acquired from or traceable to his offense, including property used to facilitate the crime.
The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert A. Lund, Karin Fojtik, Mark K. Vincent and Alicia Cook of the District of Utah, and Trial Attorneys Patrick T. Murphy, Matthew J. McKenzie and Adam L. Small of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington assisted with this case.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation by special agents of the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Army Counterintelligence, and the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Former Erie Resident Indicted on Charges Relating to the Sexaul Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The four-count indictment named Shawn Everett Daly, 40, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Daly distributed, received, transported and possessed computer images and movies depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 80 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Florida Man Sentenced to 10 YearsRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Ivan Jaimes-Molina, age 25, of Fort Meade, Florida was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Ivan Jaimes-Molina was sentenced to 120 months inmprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Jaimes-Molina had 397.1 grams of actual methamphetamine (at 100% purity) in the trunk of his vehicle. The defendant also had a firearm in the trunk near the methamphetamine and marijuana he planned to distribute.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Department, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Geller.
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Five Western Pennsylvania Residents Charged with Theft of Government Property for Defrauding Social SecurityRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Five western Pennsylvania residents have been indicted by a grand jury on charges of theft of government property, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
A one-count indictment named Loraleigh Helen Barber, 48, of Erie, Pennsylvania. According to the Indictment, from January 1, 2007 through August 2, 2019, Barber received $127,636 in Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefits from the United States Social Security Administration, to which she knew she was not entitled. Ms. Barber had served as a representative payee for her father and after he died in December of 2006, yet she never advised the Social Security Administration and kept on receiving and spending the benefits intended for her father.
A one-count indictment named Ferlicia Bell, 49, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. According to the Indictment, from in or around December 2010 through June 13, 2019, Bell improperly received $76,407 in Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefits from the United States Social Security Administration, benefits that had been intended for her deceased mother-in-law, benefits to which she knew she was not entitled.
A one-count indictment named Linda Ann Foltz, 33, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. According to the Indictment, from March 1, 2017 through July 1, 2019, Foltz received $21,747 in Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefits from the United States Social Security Administration, Benefits which were intended for her deceased mother and to which she knew she was not entitled.
A one-count indictment named Mitchell Edward McGrew, 31, of Cheswick, Pennsylvania. According to the Indictment, from January 10, 2018 through March 13, 2019, McGrew received $28,230 in Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefits from the United States Social Security Administration, benefits which were intended to go to his deceased father, benefits to which he knew he was not entitled.
A one-count indictment named Shane L. Black, 47, of Nemacolin, Pennsylvania. According to the Indictment, from on or about December 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019, Black received $10,506 in Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefits from the United States Social Security Administration, to which he knew he was not entitled. The benefits had been designated for a woman who was Black’s roommate but who had passed away in 2017.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, for each of the defendants. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The United States Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Felon Sentenced for Straw-Purchase Scheme and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for firearm and witness tampering crimes.
“Deaton is a convicted felon who exploited his relationship with his girlfriend to straw-purchase multiple firearms and ammunition,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We are doubling down on our efforts across the District to prosecute any and all straw purchasing cases. We cannot allow prohibited individuals to purchase, possess, or traffic firearms. To all those being asked to purchase a firearm for someone else, do not lie for the other guy – It is a felony.”
According to court documents, Christopher Allen Deaton, 22, a previously convicted felon, was part of a straw-purchasing and gun-trafficking scheme in which he had his girlfriend purchase five handguns for him, so he could resell them at a profit to out-of-state buyers. He drove with his girlfriend to the gun store, told her which guns and ammo to buy, and directed her to commit multiple felonies by lying about being the actual buyer of the guns on a federal form regulating gun transactions. He then took possession of the handguns.
“Gun traffickers do not simply commit paperwork violations when illegally purchasing, selling and transporting firearms,” said Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division. “These criminals put guns into the hands of serious criminals who pose a significant threat to the safety of our communities. ATF will therefore continue working with our law enforcement partners to combat this illegal practice.”
While in jail on unrelated crimes, Deaton used the jail phone to convince his girlfriend not to cooperate with federal agents or testify in the proceedings against him. He started witness-tampering hours after ATF agents met him at a jail visit to discuss his knowledge about the criminal scheme.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Jackson prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-37.
Federal Jury Finds Alien Guilty of Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that on September 23, 2019, in federal court, MARCIO SANTOS-PORTILLO, 46, of Honduras, was convicted following a trial before United States District Judge Malcolm J. Howard. The jury found the defendant guilty of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
At trial, the evidence showed that SANTOS-PORTILLO, a citizen of Honduras, was found in Wilmington, North Carolina, after having previously been deported from the United States on March 21, 2011, at Houston, Texas. The evidence further showed that SANTOS-PORTILLO, who had been previously convicted of felony evading arrest with a vehicle in Harris County, Texas, reentered without having obtained the express permission of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security.
The investigation of this case was conducted by agents of Homeland Security Investigations.
Federal Inmate Charged with Escape after ConvictionRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Milan, Michigan has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of escape after conviction, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Julian P. Villar, Jr., 55, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, in and around July 2019, Villar failed to report to the satellite camp at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Bradford, Pennsylvania after being furloughed from the Milan Federal Correctional Institution in Milan, Michigan on July 9, 2019. Villar was incarcerated at FCI Milan as the result of a conviction for distribution of heroin in the Northern District of Illinois.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Marshal Service and officers of the Federal Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Larceny and Possession of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted in two separate cases of Larceny and Possession of a Stolen Firearm, was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
In the stolen firearm case, Judson His Law, a/k/a Judson Rhee Dannen Two Dogs, age 25, was sentenced to 64 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $729.70. In the larceny case, His Law was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release to both run concurrently with the stolen firearm sentence. He was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
His Law was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 12, 2019, and again on May 14, 2019. He pled guilty in both cases on July 1, 2019.
The convictions stemmed from two incidents. The first occurred on November 3, 2018, when His Law stole another person’s pickup truck that was parked at a gas station in Eagle Butte. The second incident involved His Law stealing four firearms from a home near Eagle Butte on February 13, 2019. In the process of stealing the firearms, His Law damaged property at the home.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
His Law was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Department of Justice Announces Interim Policy on Emerging Method to Generate Leads for Unsolved Violent CrimesRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice announced its Interim Policy on forensic genetic genealogy (FGG), an emerging investigative technique that will combine technological advancements in DNA analysis and searching with traditional genealogy research. FGG is a unique investigative method that can generate leads used by law enforcement to not only identify unknown suspects but to help identify the remains of homicide victims.
“Prosecuting violent crimes is a Department priority for many reasons, including to ensure public safety and to bring justice and closure to victims and victims’ families,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “We cannot fulfill our mission if we cannot identify the perpetrators. Forensic genetic genealogy gets us that much closer to being able to solve the formerly unsolvable. But we must not prioritize this investigative advancement above our commitments to privacy and civil liberties; and that is why we have released our Interim Policy – to provide guidance on maintaining that crucial balance.”
The Department’s policy, which will go into effect on Nov. 1, 2019, is designed to balance the Department’s relentless commitment to solving violent crimes and protecting public safety against equally important public interests – such as preserving the privacy and civil liberties of all citizens. In order to do so, the Department’s Interim Policy on Forensic Genetic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Searching (found at www.justice.gov/forensics) provides the first comprehensive guidance to law enforcement on the use of FGG.
The Interim Policy contains nine sections that lay out critical requirements for the use of FGG by law enforcement, including the collaborative interdisciplinary use of the technique, the criteria a case must meet in order to use FGG, and how the practice is used to generate leads for unsolved crimes.
As genetic genealogy websites become more popular and individuals continue to voluntarily submit their DNA or enter their genetic profiles onto publically available genetic genealogy sites, the more biological information there is to compare with DNA samples from crime scenes.
In essence, a DNA sample taken from the scene of a violent crime that does not match any samples available in the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) will not generate a lead for law enforcement. FGG provides an alternative option. However, FGG requires a type of DNA testing that Department laboratories currently do not perform, so the sample must be outsourced to a vender laboratory. After the vender laboratory completes a more comprehensive analysis on the sample, the resulting genetic profile is entered into one or more publicly-available genetic genealogy services and compared by automation against the genetic profiles of individuals who have voluntarily submitted their own samples. The computer’s algorithm then evaluates potential familial relationships between the sample donor and the website’s users. If an association is detected, it generates a lead. Subsequently, law enforcement can use that lead to advance their investigation using traditional investigative and genealogical methods.
The personal genetic information is not transferred, retrieved, downloaded, or retained by the genetic genealogy users – including law enforcement. And before FGG is an option, all other available techniques, including a search of CODIS, must be exhausted.
A final Department policy on forensic genetic genealogy will be issued in 2020.
Citizen of El Salvador with Criminal History Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WALTER ARNULFO GUZMAN RIVAS, 39, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in July 2005, Guzman Rivas was deported from the U.S. to El Salvador after being convicted in Texas of three counts of assault on a family member. He illegally reentered the U.S. and, in 2006, was convicted in Kentucky of four counts of robbery in the second degree, for which he was sentenced to 10-years of incarceration. He was again deported to El Salvador in July 2009.
On April 11, 2018, Guzman Rivas was arrested by the Stamford Police Department and charged with sex assault, risk of injury and illegal sexual contact offenses. He was subsequently convicted of risk of injury to a child and, on May 8, 2019, was sentenced to five years of incarceration, suspended.
On April 11, 2019, Guzman Rivas pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of reentry of a removed alien.
Guzman Rivas has been detained since his state arrest.
This investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Citizen of Dominican Republic Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that PLACIDO SANTIAGO, 62, a citizen of the Dominican Republic last residing in Bridgeport, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to reentry of a removed alien.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 1999, Santiago, who at the time was a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., was convicted in Massachusetts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. Santiago was deported to the Dominican Republic in October 2006.
On November 6, 2018, Santiago was arrested by the Bridgeport Police Department on assault charges. He has been detained since his arrest.
At sentencing, which is not yet scheduled, Santiago faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
Calhoun County Woman Charged with Embezzlement from Former EmployerRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – Federal prosecutors today charged a Calhoun County resident with a wire fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a one-count information in U.S. District Court, charging ANGELA CHEATWOOD, 41, with a wire fraud scheme.
According to the information, Cheatwood embezzled over $484,000 from Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and Sacred Heart School in Anniston, Alabama. Cheatwood was the bookkeeper for the church and the school. During her time as bookkeeper, Cheatwood wrote unauthorized checks to her personal bank account from the church bank account. Additionally, Cheatwood took cash which had been collected from fundraisers and donations for the school and deposited those funds into her personal bank account instead of the school’s bank account.
“Cheatwood substituted her own personal priorities ahead of the needs of parishioners, teachers, and the students, and betrayed their trust,” Town said. “Sadly, churches and schools are not immune from fraud, but hopefully prosecutions such as this will discourage others who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of their community.”
“Ms. Cheatwood’s betrayal as a bookkeeper for her own personal gain not only caused a significant loss to her church and it’s school, but to the Anniston, AL community that it serves,” Davis said. “The U.S. Secret Service will always seek prosecution of those that would exploit their position of trust for their own enrichment.”
The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
United States Secret Service investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Lloyd Peeples is prosecuting.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Brandon Woman Sentenced for Wire Fraud in McCrossan Boys Ranch Embezzlement CaseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Brandon, South Dakota, woman convicted of Wire Fraud was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence L. Piersol.
Crystal Nelson, age 42, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $199,533.52 to McCrossan Boys Ranch, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Nelson was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 6, 2019. She pled guilty on June 26, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from incidents beginning on or about December 2013, and continuing through September 2018, when Nelson, who was the bookkeeper for McCrossan Boys Ranch, falsely and fraudulently inflated her own payroll checks and then used the funds for her own purposes. She disguised her theft by debiting money from the payroll account and crediting the operating account, and by creating false documentation for McCrossan Boys Ranch’s payroll binder. Nelson also used the McCrossan Boys Ranch’s credit card without authority for her own personal expenses and stole money from client fund accounts.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Nelson has been allowed to self-surrender to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Augusta Man Sentenced to Two Years for Heroin, Crack and Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Donald Morang, a/k/a “DW,” 39, formerly of Augusta, Maine, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., to two years in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute heroin; cocaine base, commonly known as “crack;” and fentanyl. Morang pled guilty on October 17, 2018.
According to court records, between June 2015 and March 2017, Morang conspired with others to acquire heroin and crack in Rochester, New York and to distribute it in Central Maine. The defendant assisted the head of the conspiracy, Darrell Newton, and other dealers Newton sent from Rochester to distribute the drugs in Central Maine. He facilitated drug deals, introduced Rochester conspirators to area distributors, and assisted other conspirators in finding residences from which to sell drugs. He also dropped off drugs and picked up proceeds from residences in Central Maine.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance provided by the Augusta Police Department. This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Atlantic City, New Jersey, Woman Charged with Drug Distribution Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Atlantic City, New Jersey, woman was indicted today on charges including drug distribution that resulted in a death, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Rajeri Curry, 30, is charged by indictment with one count of distribution of heroin and fentanyl that resulted in a death, one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and one count of possession with the intent to distribute heroin. Curry was charged by complaint in March 2019 and has been detained without bail.
According to documents filed in this case:
On June 1, 2018, Curry distributed a substance containing heroin and fentanyl to an individual who died as a result of using the substance. Law enforcement found the deceased victim inside a vehicle in the parking lot of an Atlantic City, New Jersey, restaurant. Inside the victim’s vehicle were multiple wax folds that contained heroin and fentanyl and were stamped with the words “BODY COUNT.” Shortly before the victim’s death, surveillance footage captured Curry distributing narcotics to the 30-year-old victim.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the DEA’s Newark Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, officers from the Atlantic City Police Department, under the direction of Chief Henry M. White Jr., and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Damon G. Tyner, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The drug distribution resulting in death charge carries a maximum punishment of life in prison and a fine of $1 million. The other counts are each punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and Curry is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine R. Murphy and Heather Suchorsky of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Apache Junction, Arizona man pled guilty to possessing methamphetamine and heroin, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Clint Gentile, 39, pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.
“550 grams of meth and 11 grams of black tar heroin,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Gentile was coming from Arizona, but I don’t care where drug dealers are bringing drugs from – we don’t want out-of-state drug dealers peddling their poisons here.”
Gentile admitted that on July 26, 2019 he was traveling on I-64 in Cabell County, West Virginia. The vehicle was pulled over for various traffic violations. Members of the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West searched the vehicle and found approximately 550 grams of methamphetamine and 11 grams of black tar heroin. Gentile admitted that he had traveled to West Virginia with the intent to distribute the methamphetamine and heroin.
Gentile faces up to twenty years in prison when sentenced on January 6, 2020.
The Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution.
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Additional Charges Brought Against Defendant in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The 52nd defendant charged in the college admissions case, Xiaoning Sui, was charged in a superseding indictment today with international money laundering and conspiring to commit fraud and federal programs bribery in connection with a scheme to facilitate her son’s admission to the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) as a purported soccer recruit.
Xiaoning Sui, 48, a Chinese national residing in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, was charged in an superseding indictment today with an expanded conspiracy charge, two counts of money laundering and three counts of wire fraud and honest services wire fraud. Sui was arrested on an indictment last week in Spain on one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. Sui is currently detained pending her extradition to Boston.
According to the indictment, Sui agreed with William “Rick” Singer to pay $400,000 to facilitate her son’s admission to UCLA as a purported soccer recruit, even though he did not play soccer competitively. As a result of the scheme, Sui’s son was admitted to UCLA in November 2018, and awarded a 25 percent tuition scholarship.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
The charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, honest services mail fraud and federal programs bribery provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The mail fraud, honest services mail fraud, and money laundering charges each carry a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen, Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright, and Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the court documents are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Attorney General Fox, US Attorney Alme Announce Plans for Second Missing Persons TrainingRead the Press Release
HELENA – Attorney General Tim Fox and U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced their offices, together with the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, will co-sponsor a second missing persons training for the public and law enforcement. The event will take place at the First Interstate Bank Operations Center in Billings on October 16.
The first joint missing persons training was held in June in Helena. “Because we had strong interest in our first collaborative training, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme and I decided we wanted to offer a more convenient opportunity for law enforcement and the public on the eastern side of the state to attend,” Attorney General Tim Fox said. “Toward that end, we look forward to offering this second training to improve Montana’s response to missing persons cases, particularly those involving Native Americans.”
The event will provide instruction for law enforcement on accepting and entering a missing person’s report, use of missing persons alerts and advisories, and conducting missing persons investigations. A separate session for the public will offer information on how to report a missing person, give an overview of missing persons databases and alert systems, and discuss other resources that are available.
“We are pleased to be working again with Attorney General Fox, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to provide this important joint training on missing persons resources for all federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement in Montana and for tribal councils and members of the public,” U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. “By working with law enforcement and family and friends to better collect and share information about missing persons, particularly Native Americans, we can help bring more people home.”
Monday 23 September 2019
Western Iowa Methamphetamine Traffickers SentencedRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on September 19, 2019, Chase Lee Richard, age 34; Brandy Lee Kumpula, age 28; and Jackie Lynn Thielan, age 31, were sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine by United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey. Richard was sentenced to 15 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release; Kumpula was sentenced to eight years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release; and Thielen was sentenced to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.
In late 2017, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force began investigating a large drug trafficking organization that was transporting large quantities of methamphetamine in and around the Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska areas. As part of that investigation, law enforcement determined that Jackie Thielen was transporting and distributing large amounts of the methamphetamine to various locations in Shelby County, Iowa. Law enforcement determined that Thielen was obtaining the methamphetamine from Chase Richard. Law enforcement learned that Richard was also providing large quantities of methamphetamine to multiple people including Brandy Kumpula, who was selling methamphetamine to individuals in Council Bluffs and Omaha.
Previously sentenced in this case were Jessica Snavely to a prison term of ten years and William LaBenz to a prison term of five years. Four additional defendants are pending sentencing.
The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, Omaha Police Department, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Council Bluffs Police Department, Harlan Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Waterbury Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ZIMER KALICI, 55, of Waterbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of theft of public money related to his illegal receipt of Social Security benefits.
U.S. Attorney Durham noted that individuals are not eligible for Social Security benefits when they permanently relocate to live outside of the U.S., and eligibility for Social Security benefits terminates upon death.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kalici’s father, a Social Security benefits recipient, relocated from the U.S. to Macedonia in 2009, and died in January 2010. Kalici did not report his father’s death to the Social Security Administration and, between 2009 and 2018, deposited approximately $52,417.84 worth of Social Security checks intended for his father into his own personal bank account.
In November 2018, Kalici was interviewed by investigators with the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (“SSA OIG”). During the interview, Kalici stated that his father was still alive and had left the U.S. for Macedonia in May 2018. Kalici subsequently provided SSA OIG with a false funeral internment certificate that represented his father had died on November 26, 2018.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for February 28, 2020, at which time Kalici faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Kalici is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Maigret.
Violent Member of Broadway Crips Gang Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Murder and Other Racketeering OffensesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A 27-year-old member of the Five Deuce Broadway Gangster Crips (BGC) who has been active in the gang for more than a decade was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to racketeering and drug trafficking conspiracy charges and admitting that he participated in a murder.
Joshua Perez, aka "Tiny Ange," of Los Angeles, who pleaded guilty to the two felony offenses last year, was sentenced today by United States District Judge S. James Otero, who called the defendant "a very dangerous and callous individual" who acted as a "predator" on behalf of the gang.
Perez admitted he participated in a fatal shooting in 2012 when he and several other BGC members traveled into rival gang territory near the Hyde Park District of Los Angeles and fired a barrage of more than 40 bullets into a crowd of people walking into a rival gang’s party. William Sherman – who was not a member of that rival gang – was killed, and two others were injured in the attack motivated by a desire to retaliate against the rival gang for the recent murder of a BGC member. Perez was one of the shooters in the incident, and one of the guns used in the attack was recovered from his vehicle several months after the murder.
"Above all, it is defendant’s role in the conspiracy to murder victim W.S. that demonstrates defendant’s dangerousness and the nature and extent of his commitment to the violent lifestyle of the most hardened members of the Broadway Crips," prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo.
As part of the racketeering conspiracy, Perez participated in a wide range of gang activity, including distributing crack cocaine, robbing people on the street, and engaging in violence against rivals and insubordinate BGC members. During Perez’s trial, former gang members testifying for the government outlined additional shootings, assaults, robberies, and gang discipline committed by Perez on behalf of the BGC.
Perez was one of 72 defendants named in a 2014 RICO indictment that described the criminal activities of the BGC, a street gang that claims territory in South Los Angeles and controls drug sales in an area just west of Skid Row in Downtown Los Angeles. The indictment outlined two decades of criminal conduct, including murders, robberies, extortion, illegal firearms possession, witness intimidation and narcotics trafficking.
The investigation into the BGC was called Operation "Gremlin Riderz" because authorities focused on a particularly violent "clique" – or subset of the gang – which gang members testified operated as the gang’s "hit squad." Perez was a member of the Gremlins who bore a large Gremlin tattooed across his chest.
All 72 defendants charged in the case have been convicted by guilty plea or at trial. Perez pled guilty on the fifth day of trial. Most of the defendants have been sentenced, receiving sentences of up to 35 years in federal prison.
The multi-year investigation into the BGC was conducted by agents and officers with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Los Angeles Police Department. Considerable assistance was provided during this investigation by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Torrance Police Department, the Buena Park Police Department, the El Segundo Police Department, the San Bernardino Police Department and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mack E. Jenkins and Aron Ketchel of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section, and Assistant United States Attorneys Max B. Shiner and Wilson Park of the Violent and Organized Crime Section.
United States Files Suit Against Pharmacy, Pharmacy Owner, and Pharmacist-in-Charge for Alleged False BillingRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA, PA – First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that the United States has filed a civil lawsuit against G & A Somerton Pharmacy LLC (“Somerton”), its owner Polina Khodak, and its pharmacist-in-charge, Inessa Lerner, alleging that they violated the False Claims Act when they knowingly billed Medicare for over $1 million worth of prescription drugs that were never actually dispensed to beneficiaries, during the period January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2015. These medications included but were not limited to Lidoderm, Advair Diskus, Omeprazole, Solaraze, Nexium, Donepezil, Novolog, Meclizine, Lidocaine, and Januvia.
The United States has also entered into a Stipulated Order and Consent Judgment with Somerton, Khodak, and Lerner, subject to the Court’s approval, which would resolve the matter without litigation. If approved by the Court, the Judgment will require the defendants to pay nearly $1.3 million. Significantly, it will also require Somerton and Khodak to agree to a 10-year healthcare exclusion, which will prohibit them from receiving payments from any federally funded health care insurer such as Medicare. And it will require Lerner to enter into an integrity agreement, requiring her to undertake substantial compliance obligations.
“Pharmacy fraud remains a priority for our Office,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams. “Taxpayer dollars should be spent on needed medications, not wasted on fraud and abuse. Our Office will continue to scrutinize and pursue such conduct.”
“Pharmacies are responsible for all claims they submit to Medicare,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “HHS-OIG and the U.S. Attorney’s Office take allegations of health care fraud seriously and will work together to ensure taxpayers’ dollars are only spent on bona fide medical claims.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. For the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah W. Frey, Civil Chief Gregory B. David, Auditor George Niedzwicki, and paralegal Patricia Bontempo, Certified Fraud Examiner, handled the matter.
The complaint contains allegations only; there has been no determination of liability
United States Attorney Announces Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative: Partnering with the Faith-based Community to Address Violence and Encourage Community-Based Problem-SolvingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today a partnership between the USVI Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative and members of the faith-based community to encourage information-sharing and coordination as a means of combatting gun-related violence. The announcement follows meetings in St. Thomas and St. Croix today, where representatives of various churches and faith-based organizations, the St. Croix Long-Term Recovery Group, the Virgin Islands Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office discussed how best to address violence in the Territory.
"Today’s meetings represent a concerted effort by faith and community leaders in St. Thomas and St. Croix who are committed to working closely to break the cycle of violence," U.S. Attorney Shappert said. "Speakers at today’s meetings stressed the need to ‘break out of our silos’ and share valuable information about pressing needs and available resources." Building upon the success of a recent St. Croix Long-Term Recovery Group workshop in St. Croix, today’s discussions emphasized the importance of meeting the needs of students who lack afterschool learning and recreational opportunities; persons in correctional facilities who would benefit from education and mental health resources; and unemployed young people who require mentoring and vocational opportunities.
"What became apparent in today’s meetings, is that we all need to focus on identifying what resources are currently available in the Territory and what federal grants and other resources may be available to fill specific needs. One of the faith-based leaders emphasized the need for ‘wrap-around services,’ and that’s exactly what we will be looking for," Shappert said.
According to U.S. Attorney Shappert, "Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of our crime reduction strategy. It is a tested and proven program to invest in our communities and foster vital partnerships. PSN enables the United States Attorney’s Office, together with our law enforcement partners, to target and prioritize criminal prosecutions on the most violent people in the most violent areas. Second, we engage with a wide variety of stakeholders—from federal and local law enforcement, to community groups, educators, faith-based organizations, and victims’ advocates—in order to identify the needs specific to our communities and to develop strategies to reduce crime."
Individuals wanting to know more about Project Safe Neighborhoods can check out Project Safe Neighborhoods. For those wishing to participate in the PSN initiative, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 340-774-5757.
Ulster County Man Pleads Guilty to Crack Cocaine and Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Luis Curet, age 34, of Ellenville, New York, pled guilty today to his involvement in a drug trafficking organization that operated in Ulster County.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York; Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, whose office leads the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT); Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright; New York State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett; and Village of Ellenville Police Chief Philip Mattracion.
Curet admitted that between November and December 2018, he operated a stash house, and assisted in the distribution of crack cocaine and heroin laced with fentanyl to street dealers on behalf of the organization.
Curet faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life, and a maximum fine of $5 million. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors
The following defendants have also pled guilty in connection with the conspiracy, and face the following penalties:
Name
Age
Minimum
Maximum
Edwin Jorge
46
None
20 years
Randy Mandiville, aka “B-Murda”
30
None
20 years
The following defendants still face charges in this case, and face the following penalties:
Name
Age
Minimum
Maximum
Antonio Naveo, aka “Gratto,” aka “Green Eyes”
38
10 years
Life
Margaret Vandyke
56
10 years
Life
Iqwan Mandiville, aka “Qwan”
26
5 years
40 years
Jennifer McCombs, aka “Jennifer Marks”
49
5 years
40 years
Naveo is also charged with unlawful possession of a Mossberg shotgun as a previously convicted felon.
The charges against these defendants are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by HSI, the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with URGENT, an inter-agency taskforce targeting drug dealers and gang members in Ulster County, and the New York State Police, with assistance from the Village of Ellenville Police and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet J. O’Hanlon.
U.S. Attorney's Office Presents "Fraud Bingo" Game to Help Teach Seniors How to Avoid ScamsRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina – United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that last week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office supported a Charleston Area Senior Citizens Elder Abuse Awareness event in Charleston. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rob Sneed and Matt Austin gave a presentation to senior citizens using “Fraud Bingo” as a platform to provide tips on avoiding scams.
“Like senior citizens everywhere, South Carolina’s growing population of elderly residents is increasingly vulnerable to financial exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “As criminals get more innovative with their elder fraud schemes, we have to get more creative about how to thwart them. Fraud Bingo helps us teach seniors how to recognize scams that could have a devastating impact on their financial wellbeing and encourages them to report potential scams to the Department of Justice.”
Charleston Area Senior Citizens, Inc. (CASC) is a non-profit agency serving Charleston County that provides a wide range of programs, services, and activities that promote health, safety, socialization, and independence for adults age 60 and older in the community. This week, the Senior Companion Program (SCP), sponsored by CASC, held an Elder Abuse Awareness training for volunteers who provide individualized support and assistance to other adults with physical, mental, or emotional impairments, primarily the frail elderly. SCP is part of Senior Corps, which is under the umbrella of the Corporation for National and Community Service. SCP Program Director Berita Martin planned and executed the event.
AUSAs Sneed and Austin gave practical tips to help seniors prevent getting financially exploited. They operated a bingo-type game to teach seniors how to recognize and deal with scams. The game is played just like regular Bingo but with an added twist: Each time the Bingo game caller announces a square, participants read aloud the accompanying message found on their bingo card if they have a match. Each square has a message about fraud, identity theft, or scams. When there is a winner, shouts of “Fraud Bingo” ring out.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office was joined by several partners in its fight against elder fraud, abuse, and neglect. Dave Zoellner of Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities, Detective Jennie Antonio of the Charleston County Sheriff’s Department, and a representative from South Carolina Legal Services each provided information to help support and protect the elderly community in Charleston.
To learn more about the U.S. Attorney’s Office Elder Fraud program, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/elder-justice-initiative, or the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative website at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
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Two Arrested for Smuggling $800,000 into St. Thomas Following Apprehension Near Savana IslandRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced that complaints have been filed against two men for attempting to smuggle approximately $800,000 into St. Thomas by boat. Jose Ernesto Vazquez Colon and Abnel Belordo Colon were arrested Friday evening and made their initial appearances in federal court on Saturday in St. Thomas.
According to court documents, late Friday evening CBP Marine Unit agents noticed a boat traveling without navigational lights about three miles north of Savana Island. When CBP agents attempted to initiate a stop, the two individuals on the boat began throwing bags overboard. The bags were later found to contain roughly $800,000 in U.S. currency. After CBP agents disabled the boat’s motor, they boarded the vessel, apprehended the two defendants, and recovered multiple dumbbells with ropes attached. According to court documents, dumbbells tied to ropes are often used to ensure that contraband materials thrown overboard will sink to the bottom, enabling the contraband to be recovered later, using GPS.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Brooks.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Sumter/Pee Dee Reentry Job Fair & Expo to Be Held September 26Read the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina – United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office; the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce; SC Works; South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation; South Carolina Department of Social Services; and the United States Probation Office are continuing their statewide partnership to help individuals with prior criminal backgrounds secure employment.
The Fourth Annual Pee Dee Reentry Job Fair & Expo will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2019, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Central Carolina Technical Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center, located at 853 Broad Street, Sumter, South Carolina 29150.
This fair, which targets the Pee Dee and eastern region of the State, is one in a series of fairs held annually, including in the Low Country, the Upstate, and the Midlands. The partner organizations believe that these tailored expos, for people with a criminal background, will provide some focused help for the particular obstacles individuals face after returning home, particularly in securing employment.
The first three Pee Dee Reentry Job Fairs were hosted in Florence and Myrtle Beach, where more than 600 job seekers attended over the three years, combined. The opportunity to host this year’s fair in Sumter will continue to expand the availability of resources to new employers and job seekers alike.
Professional dress is required. Job seekers should inquire with Marcos Barahona of the United States Probation Office at [email protected] or George Whitehead at (803) 734-9143, (803) 667-1258, or [email protected] if they have any questions about the event. Employers should contact Nicole Gardner at [email protected].
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Soldier at Fort Riley Charged with Distributing Instructions for BombsRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. B A soldier stationed at Fort Riley was charged in federal court here today with sending over social media instructions for making bombs, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jarrett William Smith, 24, Fort Riley, Kan., was charged with one count of distributing information related to explosives and weapons of mass destruction.
Smith, a private first class infantry soldier, joined the Army June 12, 2017, and was transferred to Fort Riley, Kan., on July 8, 2019. According to an FBI investigator’s affidavit, Smith said on Facebook he was interested in traveling to the Ukraine to fight with a paramilitary group called the Azov Batallion.
During a Facebook chat, Smith offered to teach other Facebook users to make cell phone explosive devices “in the style of the Afghans.” On Aug. 19, 2019, Smith told an undercover investigator he was looking for “radicals” like himself. Smith talked about killing members of Antifa and destroying nearby cell towers or a local news station. On Aug. 21, Smith told an undercover investigator about how to make a vehicle bomb. When the investigator commented that most of the components were household items, Smith said: “Making AK47s out of expensive parts is cool, but imagine if you will if you were going to WalMart instead of a gun store to buy weapons.”
Smith also described in detail to the undercover investigator how to build a bomb that could be triggered by calling a cell phone.
“Be very careful with the fully armed device,” Smith warned the investigator.
If convicted, Smith could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Mattivi is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
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