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23 October 2019
Southington Woman Admits Embezzling $370K from EmployerRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LYDIA CABRERA, 36, of Southington, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of bank fraud related to an embezzlement scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately August 2016 to August 2018, Cabrera was employed by A2Z Home Medical Supplies (“A2Z”) as a bookkeeper. As part of her job responsibilities, Cabrera was given access to A2Z’s online merchant payment system. Approximately 10 days after being hired by A2Z, Cabrera began to use A2Z’s online merchant payment system to steal from the company by falsely representing that customers of A2Z had sought a return of their funds. On more than 200 occasions, Cabrera input her personal debit card information as the card to which the funds should be returned. Through this scheme, Cabrera embezzled approximately $370,000.
Cabrera was arrested on March 1.
Judge Meyer scheduled for sentencing for February 11, 2020, at which time Cabrera faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.
Following today’s court proceeding, Cabrera, who had been detained since her arrest, was released on bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Sixteen indicted for trafficking large amounts of heroin and methamphetamine in Seattle areaRead the Press Release
Seattle – Federal, state and local law enforcement fanned-out across the Puget Sound region today arresting 17 people in connection with multiple counts of drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. The drug trafficking organization brought large loads of heroin and methamphetamine into the Seattle area – in one instance law enforcement seized 33 pounds of meth and 14 pounds of heroin.
“Federal law enforcement continues to target those who seek to poison our communities and to line their pockets on the misery of others,” said U.S. Attorney Moran. “I commend the men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line to stem those who traffic in violence, addiction and death.”
“At the height of the opioid epidemic, the Pacific Northwest is also drowning in methamphetamine,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis. “Today’s enforcement operation is another example of the focused effort by law enforcement against those transnational distribution cells most responsible for opening the floodgates.” He further added, “In the last year, DEA working with other federal, state and local law enforcement, have seized 3,400 pounds of methamphetamine, representing a record amount for the region.”
The investigation into this criminal group began in September 2018 and utilized undercover purchases as well as various types of surveillance.
Of those arrested, fourteen are indicted for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Various individuals are indicted for specific instances of distributing methamphetamine, heroin or both. Three additional people were arrested and one of those people is charged by criminal complaint following today’s searches. Those indicted by the grand jury include:
Daniel Hernandez-Hernandez, 35, Seattle
Doriam German Moreno-Rocha, 29, SeaTac, Washington
Adrian Alberto Sanchez-Esparza, 30, Madera, California
Fernando Bautista-Sanchez, 43, Auburn, Washington
Angela Davina Encinas, 38, Auburn, Washington
Norberto Flores-Lopez, 22, Pacific, Washington
Faustino Islas-Estrada, 52, SeaTac, Washington
Omar Salazar, 32, Federal Way, Washington
Manuela Gabriele Zahn, 56, Olympia, Washington
Adam Mark Bishop, 35, Tacoma
Mitchell Eugene Vaughan, 33, Puyallup, Washington
Ryan Lee Isaksen, 28, Spanaway, Washington
Karissa Jean Mason, 36, Seattle
Anthony Jacques McKinney, 38, Lakewood, Washington
Luis Manuel Rivera-Leriget, 44, San Diego
Karina Rodriguez, 39, Newman, California
During today’s arrest operation law enforcement seized 4.5 pounds of meth and 13 pounds of heroin, $10,000 cash and six firearms. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized 37.5 pounds of methamphetamine, 27 pounds of heroin and $40,000 in drug proceeds.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Tacoma Resident Office and the Tahoma Narcotics Enforcement Team (TNET) and the Burien Police Department (BPD) Street Team. TNET is comprised of the Tacoma, Lakewood, Auburn, Bonney Lake, and Puyallup Police Departments, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC). Other assisting agencies include the Kent Police Department and the King County Sheriff’s Office SeaTac Police Department Street Team. The investigation was supported by North West High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (NW HIDTA).
In addition to the agencies listed above, these law enforcement agencies assisted with the arrests and search warrants executed today: King County SWAT, Valley SWAT, Pierce County SWAT, Washington State Patrol SWAT, Lakewood Police Tactical Team, Valley Narcotics Enforcement Team (VNET), Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (VNET), West Sound Narcotics Enforcement Team (WestNet), Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office, Hoquiam Police Department and Aberdeen Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew Colasurdo and Marci Ellsworth.
DEA Drug and cash seized in investigationSix Men Charged in Federal Indictment Alleging Armed Robbery Spree of Cell Phone Stores throughout Southern CaliforniaRead the Press Release
RIVERSIDE, California – Six men have been arrested on federal charges alleging they committed a spree of armed robberies this year at Southern California cellphone stores, holding store employees at gunpoint, sometimes zip-tying them, then stealing a total of nearly $200,000 worth of electronic devices and cellular telephones.
The defendants were named in a five-count federal grand jury indictment unsealed yesterday that alleges conspiracy to interfere with commerce in violation of the Hobbs Act, two specific Hobbs Act violations, and two counts of using a firearm during the robberies. A December 17 trial date has been set in this case.
Anthony Wimbley, 27, of Irvine, was arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in Riverside. He pleaded not guilty and was ordered released on $80,000 bond. The other defendants are:
- Robert Wimbley, 26, of Pomona, and Darron Wimbley, 28, of Fontana, both of whom were arraigned in federal court yesterday and have been ordered detained;
- Edward Eugene Robinson, 48, of Long Beach; and Aaron Tremmell Hardrick, 32, of Fort Worth, Texas, who are in custody in Texas, and who also face charges there based on their alleged violations of the Hobbs Act; and
- Djovonte Lewis, 22, of Pomona, who is in local custody.
The indictment alleges that between March 18 and September 8, the defendants conspired to rob cellular phone stores in Chino, Fullerton, Long Beach, Victorville and Beaumont. The defendants allegedly targeted for theft cell phones that did not contain tracking devices.
For example, on August 19, Hardrick and two unidentified co-conspirators, wearing masks and with one of them brandishing a handgun, stole approximately $65,000 worth of electronic devices and cellular telephones from a Sprint store in Victorville, the indictment alleges. During the robbery, one of the store’s employees was bound with zip-ties and was forced to lay on the ground.
In total, the defendants allegedly stole approximately $191,053 in cell phones and electronic devices, and approximately $2,434 in cash.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
A violation of the Hobbs Act carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The offense of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence carries a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
This matter was investigated by the FBI, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, the Chino Police Department, the Fullerton Police Department, the Long Beach Police Department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the Beaumont Police Department, and the Pomona Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerry C. Yang of the Riverside Branch Office.
Sex offender sent to prison for immigration and SORNA violationsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 57-year-old convicted felon and Guatemalan national has been sentenced to federal prison for violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) and unlawfully returning to the United States after removal proceedings, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered Jose Paxtor-Chiroy to serve 30 months each for the SORNA and immigration convictions, respectively. The sentences will be served concurrently. At the hearing, the court heard evidence regarding Paxtor-Chiroy’s previous convictions for aggravated sexual assault of a 5-year-old victim and molesting another child victim. After serving those sentences, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and ordered removed from the county. The court also noted he had been previously removed in 1992. Not a U.S. citizen, he will again be expected to face removal proceedings.
Law enforcement discovered Paxtor-Chiroy Feb. 27, 2018, walking through a ranch near Sarita attempting to avoid detection. He admitted he had traveled across the Rio Grande River near Hidalgo before being discovered.
Under SORNA, convicted sex offenders must provide registration updates annually or quarterly, depending on the reportable conviction.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Manning is prosecuting the case.
Sacramento County Resident Indicted for Illegally Exporting Turtles to Hong KongRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE - A federal grand jury indicted Keri Zhang Wang with smuggling wildlife from the United States and false labeling of exports, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and United States Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Daniel Crum.
The indictment was filed October 21 and unsealed earlier today. According to the indictment, Zhang Wang, 21, of Elk Grove, Calif., smuggled at least eleven packages containing box turtles and map turtles from California to Hong Kong between September 13, 2016, and June 2019. Box turtles and map turtles are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international treaty to which the United States and Hong Kong are signatories. The treaty is enforced in the United States under the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. § 1531, et seq.
The indictment alleges that Zhang Wang did not have the required permits to export the turtles from the United States. Zhang Wang allegedly secured each turtle inside a sock so that its movement was restrained, hindering each turtle’s ability to make noise and concealing its presence in each package. She then allegedly placed each turtle in a shoebox with packing materials and placed the shoebox under bags of snacks and chips for shipping. The indictment further alleges that Zhang Wang labeled each package but did not label the packages as containing turtles, nor did she obtain a permit to export the turtles or declare them to a U.S. official upon shipping.
In sum, Zhang Wang was charged with four counts of smuggling goods from the United States, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 554, and four counts of Lacey Act false labeling, in violation of 16 U.S.C. §§ 3372(d)(2) and 3373(d)(3)(A)(i).
Zhang Wang is scheduled to make her initial appearance in federal court in the Northern District of California on October 29, 2019, in San Jose.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Zhang Wang faces a maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for the 18 U.S.C. § 554 violation and a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 for the 16 U.S.C. §§ 3372(d) and 3373(d)(3)(A)(i) violation. In addition, the court may order the defendant to serve an additional period of supervised release and restitution, if appropriate. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maia Perez is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement.
Ryan A. Shores Appointed as Associate Deputy Attorney General and Senior Advisor for Technology IndustriesRead the Press Release
Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen today announced the appointment of antitrust litigator Ryan A. Shores as Associate Deputy Attorney General and Senior Advisor for Technology Industries. Shores will serve in the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, which oversees all of the Department’s civil and criminal litigating components, including the Antitrust Division. As previously announced, the Department has underway an antitrust review of market-leading online platforms.
“The addition of Associate Deputy Attorney General Ryan A. Shores for this important role reflects the significance of the Department’s review of competitive conditions among online platforms,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “His years of high-stakes antitrust and litigation expertise will bring invaluable experience to the review as he works closely with our Antitrust Division.”
Previously, Associate Deputy Attorney General Shores was a partner at an international law firm. Earlier in his career, he served as a law clerk for Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist of the United States Supreme Court. He also clerked for Judge Kenneth F. Ripple of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
As previously announced, the Department of Justice’s review will “assess the competitive conditions in the online marketplace in an objective and fair-minded manner and … ensure Americans have access to free markets in which companies compete on the merits to provide services that users want.” The Department of Justice will vigorously seek to remedy any violations of law, if any are found.
Rochester Man Pleads to Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Angel Fernando, 29, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that between August and December 11, 2018, the defendant conspired with others sell fentanyl. After a lengthy investigation, a search warrant was executed at Fernando’s residence and a quantity of fentanyl was seized.
Fernando is one of eight defendants charged and convicted in this case.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary; U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Luis R. Tafoya; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Rochester Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 17, 2019, at 3:30 p.m. before Judge Larimer.
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Reedley Man Convicted of Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — On Wednesday, after a two–day trial, a jury found Netzahualcoyotl Cerna, 40, of Fresno, guilty of one count of carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to evidence presented at trial, on April 8, 2019, Cerna, a convicted felon, was arrested in Reedley for parole violations. Cerna was in possession of a loaded gun and approximately 121 grams of methamphetamine. Cerna admitted to law enforcement officers that he intended to sell the methamphetamine to make money and that he was carrying the firearm for protection because gang members were trying to tax his drug proceeds.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Reedley Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Schuh and Kathleen Servatius are prosecuting the case.
Cerna is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Jan. 27, 2020. Cerna faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
Red Lake Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Three Individuals with A FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of DILLON GEORGE TAYLOR, 21, for assaulting three individuals with a firearm. TAYLOR pleaded guilty on October 22, 2019, before Chief Judge John R. Tunheim in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 21, 2020.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on November 22, 2018, during a confrontation with two individuals, TAYLOR pointed a firearm at one of the individuals and threatened his life. When the two individuals left the scene in a vehicle driven by a third individual, TAYLOR pursued them and shot at the vehicle multiple times. When the vehicle pulled into the parking lot of a casino located on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, TAYLOR continued his pursuit, firing a shot towards the entrance of the casino where the three individuals and casino personnel were standing.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Tribal Police Department and the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Alexander D. Chiquoine is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
DILLON GEORGE TAYLOR, 21
Red Lake, Minn.
Convicted:
- Assault with a dangerous weapon, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Pueblo Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Mario Mercado, age 39, of Pueblo, Colorado, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martinez to serve 33 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin. Following the prison sentence, Judge Martinez ordered Mercado to serve 4 years on supervised release. The defendant appeared at the sentencing hearing in custody, and was remanded to the U.S. Marshals custody at its conclusion.
According to the stipulated facts contained in Mercado’s plea agreement, on October 28, 2017, the defendant sold 5 ounces of heroin for $5,500 to a confidential human source (CHS) acting at the direction of the FBI. The sale took place at a residence in Pueblo. Further investigation revealed that Mercado received 15 ounces of heroin with intent to distribute it. Of the 15 ounces, he sold 5 ounces to the CHS, used some, and threw some out a window so police would not find it.
“Heroin continues to be a significant problem in Pueblo and Southern Colorado more generally,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Dealers should know that federal law enforcement is coming for them with renewed vigor.”
"Heroin distribution harms our communities and will not be tolerated,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips. “The FBI is committed to work with our partners to identify and disrupt those that enable the heroin epidemic which continues to spread throughout the state.”
Mercado was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on July 11, 2018. He pled guilty on February 12, 2019. He was sentenced today, October 23, 2019.
This case was investigated by the FBI. The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin DeRosa.
Prominent Business Owner and Ex-Board Member of Philadelphia Non-profits Sentenced to 17 ½ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Gary Frank, 48, of Philadelphia and Bala Cynwyd, PA, was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment, five years supervised release and ordered to pay $33,702,900 in restitution by United States District Judge Gerald Pappert for executing a massive fraudulent loan scheme, for which he was indicted in March 2018 on charges of wire fraud, bankruptcy fraud, and money laundering, and to which he subsequently pleaded guilty in April 2019. Immediately following the sentencing hearing, the defendant was taken into custody to begin serving his jail sentence.
For over a decade, the defendant executed a complex and sophisticated scheme to defraud numerous victims. Frank owned and operated a Bala Cynwyd business named the Legal Coverage Group, Ltd., which contracted with employers desiring to offer a legal plan to their employees as part of their benefits plans. Frank tricked his victims into believing that the Legal Coverage Group was a rapidly growing leader in the legal services industry, generating hundreds of millions of dollars of annual revenue and employing hundreds of individuals. In reality, Frank’s business experienced virtually no growth from approximately 2006 through 2017, and generated only several thousand dollars of annual revenue.
Through this fraud, the defendant obtained over $30 million in loans, which he used to live an extravagant lifestyle, including finagling his way into the cultural scene in Philadelphia with positions on the boards of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Philly Pops. The defendant’s largest victims were banks and financial institutions, which loaned the Legal Coverage Group millions of dollars based upon the defendant’s lies. The defendant also allegedly deceived many individuals and other entities, including several of his close friends, his company’s staff members, its advisors, customers, vendors, and local charities.
“Gary Frank is nothing but a con man and now he’s where he belongs – in a prison cell. And he will be there for a very long time,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “His greed and his lies were bound to catch up with him, and they did. My Office will continue to work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to protect innocent individuals and businesses from being victimized by financial fraud.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Murray.
President of Puerto Rican-based Engineering Company Pleads Guilty to Procurement Fraud and Kickbacks Related to Federal Courthouse Repairs in St. CroixRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that Reinaldo Cruz Taura, president of Puerto Rico-based RCT Mechanical Engineering, pleaded guilty to providing kickbacks in connection with federal government subcontracts to perform work on the federal building and courthouse in St. Croix, VI and on coast guard facilities in Puerto Rico. Taura will be sentenced at a later date.
According to court documents filed in the case, from June 2011 through June 2015, Taura paid over $1.2 million in kickbacks to a senior project manager for the prime contractor on the St. Croix and Puerto Rico projects. In addition, Taura falsely inflated the expenses billed under the subcontract in order to cover the costs of the aforementioned kickbacks.
This case is being investigated by the General Services Administration – Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of the Inspector General, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of Agriculture – Office of the Inspector General, the Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nathan Brooks and Jennifer Blecher.
Pike County Man Convicted of Federal Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama – On Tuesday, October 22, 2019, Osie Lee Davis., a 48-year-old resident of Troy, Alabama, was found guilty of six counts of possessing illegal drugs with intent to distribute, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. All eight counts stem from conduct that occurred in Troy, Alabama on January 31, 2017 and October 5, 2018.
Evidence presented at trial showed that just before midnight on January 31, 2017, the Troy Police Department observed Davis driving a vehicle with the headlights off and performed a traffic stop. The officer discovered that Davis had a suspended license and outstanding arrest warrants. When the Officer took Davis into custody and searched him, they discovered multiple drugs, which were packaged for sale, inside a pouch in his jacket pocket. The narcotics included marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and clonazepam. A handgun was also found next to the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Davis had a previous felony conviction and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.
A second encounter occurred on October 5, 2018 in Troy, just after midnight. Troy police conducted a traffic stop due to a headlight being out and, while arresting Davis for another outstanding warrant, found cocaine and marijuana in the vehicle. Once Davis was taken into custody and booked into the Troy City Jail, several additional baggies of cocaine, which were packaged for sale, were discovered in one of his shoes.
A sentencing hearing will take place in the next few months. Because of his significant criminal history, Davis is facing a sentence ranging from 30 years to life in prison.
The Troy Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case, with assistance from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.
Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Counts and Robert Nichols prosecuted this case.
Owner of Hudson County, New Jersey, Scrap Metal Company Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for 17-Year Conspiracy to Defraud CustomersRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – The minority owner of Cinelli Iron & Metal Co. (CIMCO) was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for operating a 17-year conspiracy that defrauded customers out of millions of dollars, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Craig Cinelli, 49, of Allendale, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to Count One of an indictment that charged him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
David Barteck, 53, of Wood Ridge, New Jersey, the former chief financial officer of CIMCO, and Michael A. Valenti III, 43, of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, the former senior vice president of sales at CIMCO, each previously pleaded guilty before Judge Wigenton to participating in the conspiracy. Barteck is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 6, 2019, and is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 4, 2019.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
CIMCO, which was headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey, purchased scrap metal for resale and operated three scrap metal recycling facilities in New Jersey. CIMCO trucks would deliver scrap metal containers to customer jobsites and remove them after they were filled. CIMCO then purportedly paid customers based on the type and net weight of the scrap material.
From 1999 through March of 2016, Craig Cinelli, his brother, Joseph Cinelli Sr., Barteck, Valenti, and others allegedly used a variety of fraudulent business practices to buy scrap metal from CIMCO’s customers for less than CIMCO should have paid. The company then resold the scrap metal at a profit.
Instead of paying the proper, agreed-upon amounts for the actual weight, members of the conspiracy used a variety of techniques to misrepresent the true weight and type of the scrap metal, including altering documents to reflect a lower weight, removing scrap metal from a haul before it was weighed and misrepresenting the types of scrap metal contained in a haul. Cinelli admitted that the loss caused by the conspiracy that was reasonably foreseeable to him was more than $9.5 million, but less than $25 million.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Cinelli to three years of supervised release. Restitution will be determined at a later date.
Charges against Joseph Cinelli Sr. were dismissed following his death in 2018.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Mikulka in New York; special agents with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Douglas Shoemaker 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 sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Shapiro of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
Defense counsel: Ray Flood Esq., Hackensack, New Jersey
Owner of Duluth Dental Practice Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of GARY JAMES HEDIN, 41, former owner of Downtown Dental Care LLC, a dental practice located in Duluth, Minnesota, for failing to account for and pay over employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. HEDIN, who was charged on September 30, 2019, entered his guilty plea on October 22, 2019, before Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 20, 2020.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, HEDIN failed to file required tax returns and pay employment taxes withheld from the wages of his employees for tax years 2012 through 2017. HEDIN instead used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, including vacations, adult entertainment, memberships in private social clubs, and jewelry purchases. HEDIN admitted that he owes $158,958 in unpaid taxes to the IRS for the relevant tax years.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS.
Assistant United States Attorney Michelle E. Jones is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
GARY JAMES HEDIN, 41
Duluth, Minn.
Convicted:
- Failure to account for and pay over employment taxes, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
October Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 15 indictments charging 18 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Craig A. Harbaugh, 44, a Dodge County Sheriff’s Deputy, is the subject of a 15-count Indictment. Counts 1 through 13 charge Wire Fraud between October 2014 and October 2019. It is alleged that Harbaugh and his company, Tactical Solutions Gear, LLC, defrauded a bank and six victims of $10,979,214. The remaining counts charge Harbaugh with Bank Fraud resulting from the same scheme. Harbaugh was arrested and had his initial appearance on October 23, 2019 in federal court in Omaha.
* Jose G. Aguilera Negrete, age 27, and Andrea Gall, age 20, of Grand Island, Nebraska, are charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I charges both defendants with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about October 4, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment each, $10,000,000 fine each, 5-year term of supervised release each, and a $100 special assessment each. Count II charges Aguilera Negrete with distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about December 5, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Aguilera Negrete with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about December 11, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges Aguilera Negrete with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about December 19, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Merlin Calles-Jovel, age 28, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about October 10, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Adelfo Diaz-Castelan, age 28, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about September 24, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Demontrae Dixon, age 21, is charged with user in possession of a firearm on or about August 16, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Merrill Johnston, age 35, of North Platte, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about September 13, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, 4-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about September 13, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about September 13, 2019.
* Juan Antonio Lopez Ambrocio, age 41, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about April 15, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Warren Mackey, age 65, of Niobrara, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with Aggravated Sexual Assault of a child under the age of 12, from on or about August 4, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years-Life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with Abusive Sexual Contact from on or about August 4 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Zachary R. Macomber, age 27, of Annapolis, Minnesota, and Drake L. Banks, age 28, of St. Louis, Missouri, are charged with felon in possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on or about September 19, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment each, a $250,000 fine each, a 3-year term of supervised release each, and a $100 special assessment each.
* Felipe Samuel-Gomez, age 33, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about October 3, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Skyler F. Sanders, age 33, of Omaha, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine on or about October 3, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Feliciano Tovar-Quintero, age 41, and Wilfredo Diaz-Lopez, age 36, are charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I charges both defendants with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about September 4, 2019 and continuing to on or about October 3, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment each, $5,000,000 fine each, 4-year term of supervised release each, and a $100 special assessment each. Count II charges Diaz-Lopez with possession with intent to distribute of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about October 3, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, 4-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Tovar-Quintero with possession with intent to distribute of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about October 3, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, 4-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about October 3, 2019.
* Elmer Eduvi Vasquez Fuentes, age 38, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about September 16, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Johnnie White, age 33, of Heatwell, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges the defendant with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about May 14, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, 4-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges the defendant with distribution of methamphetamine (mixture) on or about May 10, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Northwood Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - James Goodwin, 53, of Northwood, was sentenced on Tuesday to 70 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2018, a North Carolina undercover police officer was conducting an online investigation into individuals involved in the trading of illegal images of child pornography. Goodwin was identified after he uploaded numerous images of child sexual abuse into a chatroom which were downloaded by the undercover officer. Forensic examinations of several of Goodwin’s electronic devices revealed images depicting the sexual assaults of children.
“The law enforcement community is committed to protecting children,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Innocent children are victimized when child pornography is created. Those who trade or distribute these images exacerbate that harm and will be held accountable for their conduct.”
“By viewing and distributing these images, Goodwin re-victimized these innocent child victims who were abused in the original production of such images.” said Jason J. Molina, acting special agent in charge of HSI Boston. “Together with our federal and local partners, HSI remains dedicated to combatting the threat that depraved, online child predators like Goodwin pose. We will never waiver in our commitment to fighting for justice for the victims of those who traffic in these sickening images.”
This matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.
In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Nigerian Citizen Sentenced for Role in International Cyber-Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A citizen of Nigeria residing in Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to 78 months in prison yesterday for his role in an international cyber fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee.
Olufolajimi Abegunde, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheryl L. Lipman of the Western District of Tennessee who also ordered Abegunde to pay $57,911.62 in restitution to the victims of his offense. Abegunde and Javier Luis Ramos-Alonso, 29, were convicted in March after a seven-day trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Ramos-Alonso previously received a 31-month sentence for his role in the scheme.
Abegunde and Ramos-Alonso participated in a criminal organization in which members "spoofed" emails and created fake profiles on dating websites in order to fool victims into sending money to bogus bank accounts under the control of members of the conspiracy. The proceeds would be laundered and subsequently wired out of the United States to destinations including West Africa. The organization as a whole is believed to have caused more than $10,000,000 in damage to United States citizens and businesses.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Frauds perpetrated through the Internet cause significant financial harm to businesses and individuals in our District and throughout the United States. Because those committing Internet fraud involve foreign nationals and others who hide behind technology, the cases are difficult – but not impossible – to investigate. We will continue to deploy our resources to take on these difficult cases, and we are pleased to achieve justice for the victims in this case."
The evidence presented at trial showed that Abegunde, who received an MBA from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, engaged in black-market currency exchanges over the life of the conspiracy. Purporting to hold himself out as a legitimate
businessman, Abegunde claimed association with a business entity that was not yet operational in late 2017, so for his primary source of income he relied on his off-the-book currency exchanges. Through this network, Abegeunde played a key role, along with Ramos-Alonso, in laundering fraud funds from an Oct. 3, 2016, business email compromise (BEC) of a land title company located in Bellingham, Washington. The proceeds of another BEC perpetrated in July 2016 upon a real estate company in Memphis, Tennessee, also moved through parts of the same criminal organization.
Abegunde, who faced numerous account closures from banks in the United States, used a complicated network of third-party bank accounts to disguise his illicit activity. The proof at trial established that Abegunde told people that he could not receive payments into accounts that could be "tracked," and that he preferred to engage in cash transactions because they were easier to clean and "eliminated the risk."
In addition to his financial activities, Abegunde also engaged in a conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. Abegunde was married during his studies at Texas A&M, but divorced his wife in 2016 to marry a U.S. service member through whom he could obtain immigration and health care benefits and also open new bank accounts. He continued to live with his first wife in Atlanta while his U.S. service member wife was deployed to South Korea. While incarcerated and awaiting trial in the Western District of Tennessee, Abegunde continued his conspiratorial activities, trying to convince his fake spouse, who has since filed for divorce, to refuse to testify against him. Abegunde is contesting the divorce from his fake spouse. Abegunde also engaged in witness tampering by sending a self-written Motion to Dismiss bearing his former attorney’s name and professional attestation. The evidence at trial established that Abegunde drafted and sent the motion, which his attorney expressly did not authorize, to his faux spouse in an effort to deceive her into not testifying against him.
Five other individuals have pleaded guilty to being involved in the scheme. Additionally, three foreign nationals are awaiting extradition to the United States to face trial. Several others are still at large.
The FBI’s Memphis Field Office investigated the case with assistance from agents in Atlanta and San Jose, California. Senior Trial Attorney Timothy C. Flowers with the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra L. Ireland prosecuted the case.
For more information or to view a list of aliases used by members of the conspiracy on dating websites and social media, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/victim-witness-program.
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Nigerian Citizen Sentenced for Role in International Cyber-Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A citizen of Nigeria residing in Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to 78 months in prison yesterday for his role in an international cyber fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee.
Olufolajimi Abegunde, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheryl L. Lipman of the Western District of Tennessee who also ordered Abegunde to pay $57,911.62 in restitution to the victims of his offense. Abegunde and Javier Luis Ramos-Alonso, 29, were convicted in March after a seven-day trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Ramos-Alonso previously received a 31-month sentence for his role in the scheme.
Abegunde and Ramos-Alonso participated in a criminal organization in which members “spoofed” emails and created fake profiles on dating websites in order to fool victims into sending money to bogus bank accounts under the control of members of the conspiracy. The proceeds would be laundered and subsequently wired out of the United States to destinations including West Africa. The organization as a whole is believed to have caused more than $10,000,000 in damage to U.S. citizens and businesses.
The evidence presented at trial showed that Abegunde, who received an MBA from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, engaged in black-market currency exchanges over the life of the conspiracy. Purporting to hold himself out as a legitimate businessman, Abegunde claimed association with a business entity that was not yet operational in late 2017, so for his primary source of income he relied on his off-the-book currency exchanges. Through this network, Abegeunde played a key role, along with Ramos-Alonso, in laundering fraud funds from an Oct. 3, 2016, business email compromise (BEC) of a land title company located in Bellingham, Washington. The proceeds of another BEC perpetrated in July 2016 upon a real estate company in Memphis, Tennessee, also moved through parts of the same criminal organization.
Abegunde, who faced numerous account closures from banks in the United States, used a complicated network of third-party bank accounts to disguise his illicit activity. The proof at trial established that Abegunde told people that he could not receive payments into accounts that could be “tracked,” and that he preferred to engage in cash transactions because they were easier to clean and “eliminated the risk.”
In addition to his financial activities, Abegunde also engaged in a conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. Abegunde was married during his studies at Texas A&M, but divorced his wife in 2016 to marry a U.S. service member through whom he could obtain immigration and health care benefits and also open new bank accounts. He continued to live with his first wife in Atlanta while his U.S. service member wife was deployed to South Korea. While incarcerated and awaiting trial in the Western District of Tennessee, Abegunde continued his conspiratorial activities, trying to convince his fake spouse, who has since filed for divorce, to refuse to testify against him. Abegunde also engaged in witness tampering by sending a self-written Motion to Dismiss bearing his former attorney’s name and professional attestation. The evidence at trial established that Abegunde drafted and sent the motion, which his attorney expressly did not authorize, to his faux spouse in an effort to deceive her into not testifying against him.
Five other individuals have pleaded guilty to being involved in the scheme. Additionally, several foreign nationals are awaiting extradition to the United States to face trial. Others are still at large.
The FBI’s Memphis Field Office investigated the case with assistance from agents in Atlanta and San Jose, California. Senior Trial Attorney Timothy C. Flowers with the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra L. Ireland prosecuted the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs is handling the extraditions.
For more information or to view a list of aliases used by members of the conspiracy on dating websites and social media, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/victim-witness-program.
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling over 1,000 Illegally Collected Box Turtles from OklahomaRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A New Jersey man pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to conspiring with others to purchase, transport and sell more than 1,000 box turtles that were unlawfully collected from the state of Oklahoma, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
From May 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018, William T. Gangemi, 26, of Freehold, New Jersey, knowingly facilitated the purchase and transport of unlawfully collected three-toed and western (ornate) box turtles from Oklahoma to New Jersey in order to sell them for profit. Gangemi was part of a syndicate of wildlife smugglers where protected turtles were exchanged back and forth between the United States and China.
By smuggling the turtles, Gangemi violated the Lacey Act, a federal law which makes it a felony to engage in the sale or purchase of protected wildlife with a market value in excess of $350 knowing that the wildlife was taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of laws or regulations of any state. In Oklahoma, the collection of both types of box turtles for commercial purposes is against the law. Box turtles reach sexual maturity at approximately 10 years of age and have a high nest and juvenile mortality rate. Due to these factors, the harvest of the turtles can have highly detrimental effects on populations.
“Oklahomans respect and value wildlife, and we don’t appreciate those who would seek to exploit our vulnerable wildlife populations for their corrupt greed. Laws created by Congress to protect wildlife, like the box turtle, will be enforced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Defendant Gangemi flagrantly violated state and federal laws by illegally collecting and exporting box turtles to the black market,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “As a result of the diligent investigative work undertaken by agents from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Mr. Gangemi must now face the consequences.”
“This case is an excellent example of how state and federal law enforcement agencies work together to combat the illegal wildlife trade," said Phillip Land, a Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "We would like to thank the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the U. S. Attorney's Office for their assistance with this case. Together, we can hold traffickers accountable and protect imperiled species for future generations."
As part of his plea agreement, Gangemi agreed to pay $250,000 in restitution to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and a $100,000 fine to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for violation of the Lacey Act. The final restitution and fine amounts will be determined by the Court at the time of sentencing, which is scheduled for Jan. 27, 2020.
Gangemi also pleaded guilty to additional federal charges for trafficking wildlife in South Carolina and New Jersey.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan M. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
New Hartford Accountant Sentenced to 12 Months for Failure to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – James Becker, age 53, of New Hartford, New York, was sentenced today to 12 months in prison, to be followed by 1 year of supervised release, for failing to file his personal income tax returns for the years 2012-2015. He also was ordered as part of the conditions of his supervised release to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $162,049.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent in Charge, New York Filed Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation.
James Becker, who operated Becker’s Accounting Services in Whitesboro, New York, pleaded guilty in June 2019 to four counts of failing to file his tax returns notwithstanding having gross income in excess of $100,000 in each of the tax years.
This case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian.
Nevada Man Sentenced to 12 Months in Federal Prison for His Role in Staged Accident SchemeRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Matthew David Carter, age 36, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced after having pleaded guilty on April 9, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and four counts of mail fraud. Chief United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Carter to a 12-month and one day term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison. Chief Judge Rice also ordered Carter to pay restitution in the amount of $50,500 and forfeiture of $50,500.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, between June 2015, and November 2017, Carter was involved in two phony automobile accidents in Las Vegas, Nevada, that defrauded insurance companies out of $568,744. Carter played “injured victim” in one of the phony accidents and allowed his BMW to be used as the “at fault” vehicle in another.
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “Staged accident automobile insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. It affects every driver, as fraud causes insurance rates to increase. It also distracts police and medical personnel from responding to legitimate distress calls. I commend the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation and U.S. Marshals Service for their outstanding work investigating this case.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington Criminal Healthcare Fraud Investigator, with assistance from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. This case was prosecuted by George J.C. Jacobs, III, and Brian Donovan, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
Muskogee Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jason Douglas Lee, a/k/a “J Rock”, a/k/a “Douglas Fresh”, age 38, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Distribution Of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.
The Superseding Indictment alleges that on or about August 15, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges arose from a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Muskogee Police Department. Additionally, many different agencies that are members of the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force (“HIDTA”) and the FBI Safe Trails Task Force played important roles in the investigation. The investigation was coordinated by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) of the Eastern District of Oklahoma. OCDETF is an initiative led and coordinated by the Office of the United States Attorney.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States.
Morgantown man sentenced for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Ontko, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day for a child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ontko, age 67, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography” in April 2019. Ontko admitted to having child pornography from February to April 2018 in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Inspector General investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Maryland Man Facing Federal Indictment for Sex Trafficking and Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging De’Angelo Johnson, a/k/a Cowboy, a/k/a D, age 31, of Maryland, with sex trafficking and distribution of heroin and cocaine. The indictment was returned on October 22, 2019.
The federal indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge John Eisert of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Chief Lisa D. Myers of the Howard County Police Department; and Howard County State’s Attorney Rich H. Gibson, Jr.
“Sex traffickers prey on vulnerable women in order to profit by selling them for sex. These particularly cruel crimes often involve the use of violence and threats and the exploitation of victims’ drug addictions,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Through the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, local, state and federal law enforcement partners are working with non-profit organizations to help human trafficking victims and prosecute the traffickers. Together, we are determined to rescue victims and bring sex traffickers to justice.”
According to the six-count indictment, from August 2018 through May 21, 2019, Johnson was a pimp, engaging in the business of recruiting, enticing, harboring, transporting, providing, obtaining, advertising, and maintaining women to engage in commercial sex acts for his own financial benefit. The indictment refers to five victims, all over the age of 18 and residents of Maryland, whom Johnson allegedly caused to engage in commercial sex acts for his own financial benefit, by means of force, fraud, and coercion.
The indictment alleges that Johnson routinely took half or all of the money the victims working for him had earned through sex acts and kept it for himself. Further, the indictment alleges that all of the sex trafficking victims suffered from serious substance abuse disorders, including addictions to heroin and crack cocaine. According to the indictment, Johnson sold narcotics, including heroin and crack cocaine, to the victims, who were required to pay him with whatever money they were permitted to retain from the sex acts they had performed. Johnson also was allegedly responsible for posting advertisements of the victims on websites that marketed commercial sex workers, often not allowing the victims to see or have access to the advertisements, even when they asked. Johnson allegedly communicated with potential sex customers regarding price, location, and all other logistics, often purporting to be the victim during these communications.
If convicted, Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life in federal prison for each of five counts of sex trafficking. Johnson faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for distribution of controlled substances. An initial appearance has not yet been scheduled in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. Johnson remains detained on unrelated state charges.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
This case was investigated by law enforcement agencies who are members of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, formed in 2007 to discover and rescue victims of human trafficking while identifying and prosecuting offenders. Members of the Task Force include federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as victim service providers and local community members. For more information about the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/md/priorities_human.html. Suspected instances of human trafficking can be reported to HSI’s tip line at 866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423) or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended HSI, the Baltimore County Police Department, the Howard County Police Department, and the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Setzer, who is prosecuting the federal case.
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Marketing Company CEO Sentenced in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California woman became the 11th parent to be sentenced in the college admissions case.
Jane Buckingham, 50, of Beverly Hills, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to three weeks in prison, one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay a fine of $40,000. In May 2019, Buckingham pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud.
The government recommended a sentence of six months in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $40,000.
Beginning in 2018, Buckingham agreed with William “Rick” Singer and others to pay $50,000 to participate in the college entrance exam cheating scheme for her son. As part of the scheme, Buckingham made arrangements for her son to take the ACT at a test center in Houston, Texas, that Singer “controlled” through a corrupt test administrator, and for his answers to be corrected by co-conspirator Mark Riddell, who would purport to proctor the exam. Two days prior to the scheduled exam date, a physician advised Buckingham that her son could not fly to Houston due to a medical condition. Buckingham, in turn, asked Singer if it would be possible for Riddell simply to take the test in his place while she administered a fake exam to her son at her home in Los Angeles.
On July 14, 2018, Riddell completed the ACT exam by himself in a Houston hotel room. Three days later, Buckingham make a purported charitable donation of $35,000 to Singer’s sham charity, the Key Worldwide Foundation, to pay for the fraud, and advised Singer that she intended to have her former husband pay the remaining $15,000. In October 2018, Buckingham told Singer that she wanted to pursue the scheme again for her daughter. Ultimately, Buckingham was arrested before she had the opportunity to engage in the fraud a second time.
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.
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 prosecuted the case.
Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer of Private Equity Firm Indicted for Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
A superseding indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Central Islip charging Michael S. Cohn, Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer of GPB Capital Holdings, LLC (GPB), with obstruction of justice, unauthorized computer access and unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. Cohn, a former employee of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), was arraigned this morning before United States Circuit Judge Joseph F. Bianco and released on a $250,000 bond.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Carl W. Hoecker, Inspector General of the SEC Office of Inspector General, announced the charges.
“As alleged in the superseding indictment, the defendant abused the trust placed in him as an SEC employee, obstructing an active investigation,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “No one gets a pass for breaching the security of government computer networks and misusing sensitive and confidential information for their own benefit.” Mr. Donoghue expressed his appreciation to the New York City Business Integrity Commission and the New York City Police Department for their assistance during the investigation.
“When Cohn left the SEC to join GPB, he left with more than his own career ambitions. The proprietary information he allegedly retrieved—from databases he wasn’t authorized to access—included compromising information about a GPB investigation and sensitive details related to the same. The charges announced today demonstrate the FBI’s commitment to protect the securities industry, in addition to guarding the confidential information that is essential to the success of our investigations,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
“The charges announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office reflect the Office of Inspector General’s commitment to investigate individuals who obstruct SEC enforcement activities,” stated SEC Inspector General Hoecker.
As set forth in the superseding indictment and other court documents, Cohn previously worked as a Securities Compliance Examiner and Industry Specialist in the SEC’s Enforcement Division, where he assisted investigations into violations of securities laws. In approximately October 2018, Cohn left the SEC to join GPB, a private equity firm based in Manhattan and Garden City, New York, that manages over $1.5 billion in assets. However, prior to leaving the SEC, Cohn accessed information on SEC servers relating to an Enforcement Division investigation into GPB. Cohn was not authorized to access this highly sensitive material, which included confidential information, privileged attorney-client work product and contacts with law enforcement and other regulatory agencies. During discussions with GPB personnel about obtaining a job there, Cohn advised them that he had inside information about the SEC’s investigation, and on several occasions he disclosed information to members of GPB’s senior management about that investigation.
The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Cohn faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on the obstruction of justice count, a maximum of five years’ imprisonment on the unauthorized computer access count and a maximum of one year imprisonment on the unauthorized computer disclosure count.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud and National Security & Cybercrime Sections. Assistant United States Attorneys Artie McConnell and Lauren Howard Elbert are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
MICHAEL S. COHN
Age: 59
Norwalk, ConnecticutE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-97 (S-1) (JFB)
Local man indicted for ramming military baseRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The 47-year-old man who allegedly rammed the Naval Air Station (NAS) has been formally charged with destruction of government property and possession of a stolen firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
A federal grand jury has returned the two-count indictment against Brian Dale Robinson, Beeville, today.
A criminal complaint was filed Oct. 7, after Robinson allegedly stole a truck and hit the denial barricade located at the North gate entrance of the NAS in Corpus Christi. The charges allege he was at a gas station in Beeville when he spotted a Dodge Ram 3500 pickup truck with the engine running. Robinson then allegedly entered the vehicle without permission and departed the area.
He approached the NAS and attempted to gain unauthorized access to the base, according to the charges. After he hit the barricade, the vehicle allegedly become inoperable. The charges allege Robinson exited the vehicle and left on foot with a handgun he had found inside and hid next to a dumpster.
Robinson allegedly had suicidal thoughts. However, he opted to drop the weapon so no one else would be hurt.
Following Robinson’s arrest, law enforcement located an HS Produkt, model XDM-9, 9mm pistol loaded with a full magazine.
If convicted of either of the charges, Robinson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.
An indictment or information is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Lebanese National Charged with Being Illegal Alien in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KAMAL AL JAWHARI, age 28, a native of Lebanon, was charged Friday, October 18, 2019 in a two-count indictment with illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).
According to the Indictment, on or about October 3, 2019, JAWHARI, an alien present illegally in the United States, was found in possession of a Taurus 9mm pistol and a Winchester 12 gauge shotgun.
If convicted, AL JAWHARI faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
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Last Defendant in Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – On Monday, three Nevada men pleaded guilty to their participation in a 17-defendant drug trafficking distribution conspiracy that operated in the Reno area in 2018, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich. All 17 defendants now have pleaded guilty and await sentencing before Chief U.S. District Judge Mirada Du.
“Our office, through its vigorous implementation of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, worked together with partner agencies to dismantle a large-scale drug trafficking organization in northern Nevada,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada. “We will continue to aggressively pursue traffickers who push poison into our communities.”
“The FBI is committed to working with our local partners in sophisticated investigations to reduce violence and drug trafficking throughout our state,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI. “This case underscores the impact of the FBI’s increased resources devoted to northern Nevada.”
The men who pleaded guilty on Monday are: Jose Vega, 34; Angel Diaz, 22; and Juan Baca, 45. The other defendants who pleaded guilty earlier this year are: Jose Valentin Mora, 37; Sandy Diaz Tavares, 35; Javier Chavez, 59; Shawn Curl, 36; Marcos Antonio Hernandez-Cisneros, 59; Roberto Mora-Mora, 53; Elizabeth Reyes-Delacerda, 27; Richard Rossall, 53; Ciara Hernandez, 19; Marco Antonio Ramirez, 37; Leon DeJesus Munera, 29; Kelsea Barbara Riley, 28; and Jorge Ayala-Chavez, 44, all of Reno. One defendant, Francisco Meza Recio, 32, of Simi Valley, California, remains a fugitive.
According to admissions and court documents, between January 25, 2018 to June 14, 2018, the defendants conspired with each other to possess and distribute large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in the Reno area, and used their phones to further this drug trafficking conspiracy. On several occasions, Jose Valentin Mora, the conspiracy’s leader, arranged for four co-conspirators to drive to California to pick up a large amount of drugs to bring back to Mora in Reno. Mora maintained a trailer in Reno, where he kept the drugs before distributing them to others, including several co-conspirators. These co-conspirators redistributed the drugs to others in Reno.
According to court documents, much of the evidence establishing the existence of the drug trafficking conspiracy was obtained through Court-authorized interception of Mora’s cellular telephones and the execution by law enforcement agents of 25 search warrants for premises and vehicles. During the investigation, law enforcement agents recovered close to 20 pounds of methamphetamine and 18 firearms.
In a separate case, Jose Valentin Mora pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm following an earlier felony conviction for drugs that made him ineligible to possess firearms. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a fine of $10,000,000 for his guilty plea in the drug trafficking conspiracy, and a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for his felon in possession case.
Mora’s codefendants, whose guilty pleas correspond to the various roles they played in this drug conspiracy, face a maximum penalty of between 4 years and life in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force with significant assistance by the Reno Police Department, the Sparks Police Department, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, and the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James E. Keller and Andolyn Johnson are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. 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 the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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KC Man Pleads Guilty to $900,000 Romance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to participating in a romance fraud scheme that bilked victims across the United States and overseas of nearly $900,000.
Ronayerin K. Ogolor, 50, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Nigeria, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Ogolor, who was arrested at Kansas City International Airport on Oct. 19, 2018, before he boarded a plane to Frankfurt, Germany, remains in federal custody.
By pleading guilty today, Ogolor admitted that he participated in a conspiracy since 2013 that targeted people, some of them elderly, in search of companionship or romance through online websites such as Facebook, ChristianMingle.com, or Hangout.com. Ogolor defrauded his victims of $878,489 in total. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Ogolor must forfeit that amount in a money judgment to the government.
The perpetrators of the romance scams created several profiles on online dating sites. Conspirators then contacted men and women throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, with whom they cultivated a sense of affection and often romance. Having established relationships with the victims, the perpetrators of the romance scams ultimately requested money for hospital fees, travel fees, “customs expenses,” “gold import taxes,” or investment opportunities. Conspirators directed the victims to wire transfer or deposit money into various bank accounts, including accounts established and maintained by Ogolor. Often after the victims transferred money into the specified accounts, conspirators claimed more money was needed, “to release the package” or “to pay customs expenses” on money or gold.
On other occasions, conspirators fraudulently obtained checks through business email compromise, and had the victims deposit the checks into their accounts and wire and deposit money into various accounts, including accounts established and maintained by Ogolor. In a business email compromise, the conspirators hack into a business email account, and then send an email from what appears to be an employee with authority to approve payments, instructing that a check be disbursed in the victim’s name and sent to the victim. By using victims to deposit the checks and distribute the money, the conspirators distanced themselves from the business email hacking and fraud.
In furtherance of the scheme, Ogolor opened several bank accounts in his name and in the names of sham businesses. The romance fraud victims wired and deposited their money and money from counterfeit or fraudulently obtained checks into Ogolor’s accounts. Soon after receiving the fraudulently obtained wires or deposits, Ogolor wired money to co-conspirators and/or withdrew the money in cash.
Court documents refer to 13 victims (in Alabama, Ohio, Washington, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, California, and Italy) who each sent tens of thousands of dollars to Ogolor. One victim (a widow in Indiana who received a friend request on Facebook) believed a co-conspirator was a widower working on an oil rig off the coast of Louisiana; she lost a total of $450,000 to Ogolor and others. Another victim in Texas, who believed a co-conspirator was a widower and U.S. Army general deployed in Afghanistan, lost at least $300,000.
Under federal statutes, Ogolor is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. 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. Attorney Kathleen D. Mahoney. It was investigated by the FBI, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Jury convicts Montana City man in firearms caseRead the Press Release
HELENA – After a two-trial, a jury today convicted a Montana City man of a firearms violation, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
K. Jeffery Knapp, 42, was charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
The jury found Knapp guilty of the crime in a trial that began on Tuesday. Knapp faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Senior U.S. District Judge Charles C. Lovell presided. Knapp was released pending sentencing, which was set for April 16, 2020.
“Felons who possess firearms are a threat to community safety. Mr. Knapp’s conviction sends the message that persons illegally possessing firearms will be held responsible. I want to thank Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bartleson, the prosecution team, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office for their work on the case,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
The prosecution presented evidence at trial that on April 3, law enforcement agents served a federal search warrant at Knapp’s home and found 16 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Two pistols were found on what appeared to be Knapp’s side of the bed. Knapp, having been convicted of two felonies in Colorado in 1994, knowingly illegally possessed firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Bartleson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
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Jefferson City woman Sentenced for Embezzling $65,000 from EmployerRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Missouri, woman has been sentenced in federal court for embezzling more than $65,000 from her employer.
Laura Lynn Winge, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark on Tuesday, Oct. 22, to one year and one day in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Winge to pay $65,531 in restitution.
On Feb. 21, 2019, Winge pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of theft from an employee benefit plan.
Winge worked as a bookkeeper for Turk’s Construction, Inc., a residential construction company, and an affiliated company, Pools Unlimited, LLC, which builds in-ground swimming pools and spas, from July 2009 until she left employment on March 11, 2016. Company employees participated in an IRA plan that was administered by Winge.
Winge admitted that she withheld $56,876 of the IRA plan deferrals from employees’ payroll from Jan. 1, 2013, to March 31, 2016, but never forwarded them to their individual accounts. Winge also admitted that she never forwarded the required employer matching contributions of $38,913 for the same time period. Instead, Winge kept those funds in the companies’ operating accounts, and used the employees’ deferrals for her own use and the use of another, including approximately $49,214 for her own personal benefit.
Winge’s theft consisted of $12,871 in unauthorized payroll checks to herself, $19,073 in unauthorized pay by inflating her hours worked, $5,447 in unauthorized spending on the companies’ credit card, and $11,822 in health insurance premiums for her dependents, totaling $49,214. Winge also admitted that she obtained $16,316 in services and products from the companies and a related company (Midwest Welding) for which she did not pay, but amended the invoices to show as paid. Winge’s theft from the companies totaled $65,531.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence E. Miller. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration and Office of Inspector General, and the Cole County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.
Jackson Man Sentenced under Project EJECT to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Deviassi Adams, 41, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 120 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On September 10, 2018, just before dawn, the United States Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force arrived at a home in the City of Jackson to serve a felony arrest warrant on Adams. During the arrest, task force members observed two firearms: a pistol on the bed Adams had occupied and an AR-style rifle protruding from beneath the bed. In a subsequent interview, Adams confessed to possessing both firearms. Adams was previously convicted in Hinds County, Mississippi, of manslaughter, sale of cocaine, perjury, racketeering and other felony crimes.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
A Jackson man was sentenced yesterday to 35 years’ imprisonment for convictions of distributing heroin mixed with fentanyl, causing the death to at least one individual, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
"Overdose deaths from heroin and fentanyl have become a national epidemic, including here in Michigan, and illegal opioid pushers such as DeMario Peterson are a significant part of our problem,” Schneider said. “Michigan law enforcement is fully committed to battling back against these opioid traffickers and the tremendous pain they are causing to overdose victims and their families.”
“Armed drug traffickers present a significant threat to public safety leading to a path of destruction in the community,“ said Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “In this case, the path intersected with the greed of Demario Peterson who knowingly sold poison to members of the community which resulted in the death a vibrant 21 year old mother. ATF will continue to partner with our law enforcement partners to utilize every available resource to remove these dangerous criminals from our communities.”
In May of this year, a jury convicted DeMario Peterson, 31, of multiple drug and firearms crimes. At trial, the government admitted evidence demonstrating that Peterson mixed fentanyl into the heroin that he distributed through numerous runners. A 21 year old woman overdosed and died from Peterson’s drugs.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in cooperation with Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maggie Smith of the Drug Task Force, and Assistant United States Attorney Blake Hatlem of the Violent and Organized Crime Unit.
Indictment: It Began When Troopers Stopped a Truck with 35 Pounds of MethRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Two men living in Kansas were indicted today on charges of trafficking in methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
According to court records, the investigation began when the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped a truck carrying automobiles and discovered 35 pounds of methamphetamine.
Jovanny Medina, 22, Kansas City, Kan., and Aron Rodriguez-Posada, 45, Kansas City, Kan., were charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In addition, Medina was charged with three counts of distributing methamphetamine. In addition, Rodriguez-Posada, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported and one count of making false statements to the FBI.
According to court records, a trooper stopped a car carrier on Oct. 9, 2019, in Meade, Kan. The trooper found 35 pounds of methamphetamine in the gas tank of a white Buick the truck was carrying. The car was scheduled for delivery to a Dollar General store in Kansas City, Kan., and DEA agents arranged to conduct a controlled delivery to that destination with a portion of the drugs. In Kansas City, Kan., the two defendants were arrested when they attempted to take possession of the Buick.
If convicted, the defendants could face the following penalties:
Conspiracy: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.
Distributing methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.
Attempted distribution of methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years in and a fine up to $10 million.
Unlawful re-entry: Up to two years and a fine up to $250,000.
False statement: Up to five years and a fine up to $250,000.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City Metro Strike Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania is prosecuting.
Tommy Benson, 24, Cedric Sanders, 22, Courtney Sanders, 20, Verdell Mays Jr., 24, all from Kansas City, Kan., are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute five pounds of marijuana and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Sept. 26, 2017, in Johnson County, Kan.
According to court records, investigators found the marijuana and the firearms when they served a search warrant at an apartment in Overland Park, Kan.
If convicted, the defendants could face a penalty of not less than five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City Metro Strike Force investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania is prosecuting.
Ramon Guadalupe Najar, 26, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Aug. 31, 2019, in Wyandotte County, Kan.
According to court records, the guns were found when police were called to the scene of an auto accident in which Najar was injured.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count. The FBI and the Kansas City Metro Strike Force investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
James D. Vaughn, 33, is charged with escaping from federal custody at the Grossman residential re-entry center in Leavenworth, Kan. The crime is alleged to have occurred Oct. 9, 2019,
If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton is prosecuting.
Anthony Todd Benjamin, 34, Colony, Kan., is charged with one count of distributing methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in May and June 2019 in Franklin County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face a penalty of not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $5 million on each drug count, and not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle McFarlane is prosecuting.
Carmelo Castro-Vacio, 25, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Sep. 24, 2019, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Harrisburg Man Sentenced to 8+ Years in Prison for Carjacking Senior Citizen at Knifepoint in Lancaster, PARead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Suudimon Washington, 33, of Harrisburg, PA, was sentenced to 100 months’ incarceration, three years’ supervised release, and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and $200 restitution by United States District Judge Edward G. Smith for a violent carjacking in Lancaster on October 12, 2018.
The defendant approached an 85-year-old man in Lancaster City, brandished a knife and demanded the victim’s keys. Washington then ordered the victim to open the door to the car and climb into the passenger seat. After he drove the victim for several miles through the Lancaster area, he dropped the victim off at a campground in Lancaster County. Later that evening, the defendant was observed driving the victim’s vehicle in West Philadelphia. Philadelphia Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop and arrested the defendant. In May 2019, Washington pled guilty to one count of carjacking.
“When a defendant in a high-profile violent crime case such as this is brought to justice and put behind bars, it brings a sense of relief to the community,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “And when a particularly vulnerable person is targeted – like children, the disabled or the elderly – it puts us all on edge. Thanks to the work of our investigative partners, Mr. Washington is in prison where he belongs.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lancaster City Bureau of Police, and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Eckert.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Tyson Hudson, age 34, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Holly A. Brady upon his plea of guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Hudson was sentenced to 90 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in February 2019 Hudson was found in possession of 3 handguns after being convicted and sentenced in federal court for distribution of 5 grams or more of crack cocaine in 2007. The handguns found during the search warrant of Mr. Hudson’s residence consisted of .45 caliber pistol, a 9mm pistol, and a .25 caliber pistol. Mr. Hudson was also in possession of ammunition.
The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
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Former Woonsocket Man Admits to Trafficking Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A former Woonsocket man arrested by members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force during a Project Safe Neighborhoods investigation into the trafficking of crack cocaine pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence to conspiracy and drug distribution charges.
James Ruth, 31, appeared on Tuesday before U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, and four counts of distribution of cocaine base, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
According to information presented to the court, members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force arranged several controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Ruth. The purchases were electronically monitored by law enforcement. Four of the transactions took place between March 19 and April 30, 2019. During those transactions, Ruth sold between 3.2 grams and 27.42 grams of cocaine base in exchange for between $170 and $1,200.
Ruth was arrested by members of the Safe Streets Task Force on July 2, 2019. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 23, 2020.
Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base is punishable by statutory penalties of 5-40 years imprisonment and a term of 4 years to lifetime supervised release. Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and distribution of cocaine base is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and a term of 3 years to lifetime supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Sandra R. Hebert.
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Former North Braddock Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Deadly Heroin/Fentanyl MixRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of North Braddock, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a substance containing heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Demiyr Johnson, 21, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 30, 2016, Johnson distributed a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to an individual who later redistributed the substance to an individual with the initials J.W. J.W. used the substance and died from an overdose. As part of the guilty plea, Johnson accepted responsibility for causing the death.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for February 21, 2020 at 2:30 p.m.
The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, 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.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Johnson remained detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Johnson.
Former Kansas City Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Tax CrimeRead the Press Release
The former owner of a Kansas City, Missouri, business was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for obstructing the government’s effort to collect more than $378,000 in taxes owed, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and United States Attorney Timothy A. Garrison of the Western District of Missouri.
According to court documents and information provided to the court, Barrett Prelogar, 48, was a founding partner of a now-defunct company, Winntech Digital Systems Inc. (Winntech). Winntech produced electronic displays to be used in stores or at trade shows.
In 2002 and 2003, Prelogar withheld payroll taxes from Winntech employees’ paychecks, but he failed to pay the taxes over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and was personally assessed more than $263,000. Prelogar also filed his personal tax return for 2008 reporting more than $500,000 in gross income, and a tax due of more than $100,000, but failed to pay the taxes due. Rather than paying the taxes he owed, from 2009 through 2011, Prelogar spent more than $362,000 towards a house at the Lake of the Ozarks, a house near the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri, a house in Leawood, Kansas, a Porsche, a Jeep, and a boat.
When the IRS tried to collect the unpaid Winntech trust fund taxes, and the taxes Prelogar owed from 2008, he obstructed the IRS’s collection efforts. In particular, from 2011 to 2016, Prelogar used corporate funds to pay his personal expenses, structured cash withdrawals from Winntech’s bank account to avoid federal bank reporting requirements, and cashed his payroll checks from his wife’s company, Bare Skull Innovation LLC, rather than placing the money into a personal bank account.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough ordered the defendant to serve one year of supervised release, and to pay over $ 263,959.27 in restitution to the United States.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Garrison thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorneys David Zisserson, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker, who prosecuted this case.
Former KC Business Owner Sentenced for Tax CrimeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The former owner of a Kansas City, Missouri, business was sentenced in federal court today for obstructing the government’s effort to collect more than $378,000 in taxes owed.
Barrett Prelogar, 48, of Leawood, Kansas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 18 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Prelogar to pay $263,959 in restitution.
On April 5, 2019, Prelogar was found guilty at trial of corruptly endeavoring to impede the due administration of the internal revenue laws. Prelogar engaged in a five-year-long scheme to avoid paying $378,207 in taxes that had been due and owing for almost 15 years. Prelogar committed multiple deliberate acts in order to obstruct or impede the enforcement of the IRS laws.
Prelogar was a founding partner in now-defunct Winntech Digital Systems, Inc. The Kansas City, Missouri, company primarily produced electronic displays to be used in stores or at trade shows.
Prelogar failed to pay over to the government the payroll taxes withheld from Winntech employees’ paychecks in 2002 and 2003. He then obstructed the collection process of the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty, which had been assessed against him personally for the unpaid trust fund taxes of Winntech. He also obstructed the IRS’s collection of the income taxes he owed for 2008.
On Oct. 28, 2009, Prelogar filed his 2008 tax return. The return reported over $500,000 in gross income and a tax due and owing of $120,103. Prelogar did not submit any payments with the 2008 tax return. Yet, from November 2009 through April 2011, he paid a total of more than $362,000 towards a house at the Lake of the Ozarks, a house near the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri, a house in Leawood, Kansas, a Porsche, a Jeep, and a boat. During that time, he made no payments on his 2008 tax debt.
Prelogar engaged in several strategies from May 2011 to March 28, 2016, to obstruct the collection of taxes and penalties he owed to the government. Prelogar used corporate funds to pay his personal expenses, structured cash withdrawals from Winntech’s bank account to avoid federal bank reporting requirements, and cashed his payroll checks from his wife’s company, Bare Skull Innovation, LLC, rather than placing the money into a personal bank account, all to avoid IRS collections.
The total tax loss was $378,207. The loss amount consisted of the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty amounts of $167,237, assessed for the first quarter of 2003, and $96,721 for the second quarter of 2003, as well as the 2008 personal income tax due and owing at the time of the indictment, $114,248.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker and Trial Attorney David Zisserson of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Tax Division. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Former IRS Employee Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee and former attorney was sentenced yesterday to 32 months in prison in Las Vegas, Nevada, for tax evasion and obstructing the IRS, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Nicholas Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
In May 2019, a jury convicted Craig Orrock, 72, of Salt Lake City, Utah, of evading the payment of federal income taxes and obstructing IRS efforts to collect those taxes. Evidence at trial showed that Orrock filed tax returns for the years 1993 through 2015, but did not pay the income taxes reported as due on those returns. Orrock attempted to prevent the IRS from collecting the reported income taxes by using entities, bank accounts, and trusts in other names to hide his income and assets from IRS collection officers, filing frivolous bankruptcy petitions, and filing an offer-in-compromise falsely representing to the IRS that he had virtually no assets. For example, Orrock used an entity known as Arville Properties LLC to conceal from the IRS his ownership of real property that he sold in 2007 for $1.5 million. In all, Orrock evaded the payment of over $500,000 in federal income taxes.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Orrock was ordered to pay $923,666.73 in restitution and to serve three years of supervised release.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Trutanich commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorney Erin S. Mellen and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns, who prosecuted the case.
Former IRS Employee Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - A former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee and former attorney was sentenced Tuesday to 32 months in prison in Las Vegas, Nevada, for tax evasion and obstructing the IRS, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
In May 2019, a jury convicted Craig Orrock, 72, of Salt Lake City, Utah, of evading the payment of federal income taxes and obstructing IRS efforts to collect those taxes. Evidence at trial showed that Orrock filed tax returns for the years 1993 through 2015, but did not pay the income taxes reported as due on those returns. Orrock attempted to prevent the IRS from collecting the reported income taxes by using entities, bank accounts, and trusts in other names to hide his income and assets from IRS collection officers, filing frivolous bankruptcy petitions, and filing an offer-in-compromise falsely representing to the IRS that he had virtually no assets. For example, Orrock used an entity known as Arville Properties, LLC to conceal from the IRS his ownership of real property that he sold in 2007 for $1.5 million. In all, Orrock evaded the payment of over $500,000 in federal income taxes.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Orrock was ordered to pay $923,666.73 in restitution and to serve three years of supervised release.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Trutanich commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorney Erin S. Mellen and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns, who prosecuted the case.
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Florida Man, Texas Woman Sentenced for Making and Passing Counterfeit $100 Bills in Shreveport AreaRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Edward Christopher Deyoung, 46, of Crestview, Florida, and Antonia Esperanza Hernandez, 39, of Amarillo, Texas, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter to serve two years in prison each for conspiring to make, possess and pass counterfeit currency. They were also sentenced to three years of supervised release.
In March of 2019, Deyoung and Hernandez were arrested by Shreveport police following an investigation into a counterfeiting operation in the Shreveport/Bossier area. Prior to their arrest officers identified two individuals who were using counterfeit $100 bills to make purchases at a Shreveport gas station. The individuals told police that they obtained the counterfeit cash from a man and a woman staying at a hotel in Shreveport. On March 12, 2019, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the hotel room where Deyoung and Hernandez were staying, and found $4,000 in counterfeit bills, a fake identification with Deyoung’s picture, laptops, cellphones, paper cutters, a computer printer, and other items used to make counterfeit currency. Officers also recovered $600 from local merchants in connection with Deyoung’s and Hernandez’s counterfeiting operation. During their guilty plea hearing on July 2, 2019, the defendants admitted to manufacturing the counterfeit bills.
The U.S. Secret Service, Shreveport/Caddo Parish White Collar Crimes Task Force and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.
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Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Pay Child SupportRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Richard E. Goulet, Jr., 50, of Ocala, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to failing to pay child support, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December of 2007, a decree of divorce was issued in the Portsmouth Family Division Court ordering Richard Goulet of Ocala, Florida, to pay support in a specified amount for his three children, all of whom are residents of New Hampshire.
Since the date of the decree in 2007, the defendant has failed to pay child support as ordered by the Family Division and is currently in arrears of over $100,000.00
Goulet is scheduled to be sentenced on January 30, 2020.
“When out-of-state parents fail to pay their child support obligations, it can violate federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In appropriate cases, we will not hesitate to bring federal criminal charges against those who refuse to provide court-ordered financial support to their children.”
"Parents who willfully avoid paying child support by moving to another state will instead face consequences for their crime, said Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We will continue to investigate parents who fail to pay court-ordered support for the care of their children.”
This matter was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen Fitzgibbon.
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Felon Sentenced to 33 Months for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that John Stroman, 31, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 33 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm as a convicted felon. Stroman pleaded guilty to this charge on July 16, 2019. His prison term will be followed by a three-year period of supervised release.
Stroman, a convicted felon, had an extraditable warrant for his arrest from Maryland. The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force learned Stroman was in Wisconsin and they were tracking his phone. They also identified a car Stroman was driving. The Marshals contacted the Wisconsin State Patrol, and on April 18, 2019, a trooper saw the car near Mauston. After following the car for a while, the trooper contacted other units, because it was reported that Stroman would likely be armed and attempt to flee.
When State Patrol troopers attempted to stop Stroman, he led them on a high-speed chase for 28 miles, sometimes traveling at speeds of 119 mph. While Stroman was able to avoid several deflation devices, he eventually hit one and his car came to a stop. Stroman was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
A witness told the State Patrol that she saw the driver of the car forcibly throw a black object out of the passenger window. Troopers went to the location described by the witness, and recovered a Hi Point 9mm pistol with one round in the chamber.
Stroman has felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute LSD/PCP (Maryland, 2014) and burglary (Ohio, 2008).
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence.
The charge against Stroman was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin State Patrol, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.
Federal Officials Announce National Prescription Take Back DayRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – Residents of Louisiana have an opportunity to safely and anonymously rid their homes of unused, unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription medications, announced United States Attorney Brandon Fremin of the Middle District of Louisiana.
The National Prescription Take Back Day is Saturday, October 26, 2019, at four locations within the Middle District of Louisiana and almost 60 locations across Louisiana. During this one-day event, federal and local law enforcement will, once again, partner together to increase awareness of prescription drug abuse and provide an opportunity to reduce the availability of prescription pain medications in local homes.
U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin stated: “This program seeks to reduce the massive amount of prescription drugs available at the homes throughout our district. The proper disposal of these drugs greatly benefits all citizens in our combined efforts to keep our communities safe. Reducing this available supply is an important step in our fight against opioid abuse.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley stated: “Prescription drugs often end up in the wrong hands, feeding an epidemic that kills more Americans than car accidents. DEA’s Take Back Initiative provides citizens an easy and safe way to dispose of unused and unwanted prescription medications. This year, we are taking it a step further by accepting vaping devices and cartridges as we work with our federal partners to combat this emerging public health threat to the nation’s youth.”
Prescription Drug Take Back days have historically been very successful. For example, in April 2019, the 17th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which involved almost 5,000 national, tribal, state, and local law enforcement partners, resulted in the collection of 937,443 pounds (468 tons) of prescription drugs at more than 6,200 collection sites. The program has resulted in the collection of almost 12 million pounds (more than 5,900 tons) since it began 19 years ago.
The Prescription Drug Take Back is part of a nationwide effort sponsored by the DEA. Containers where unwanted and expired prescription medications may be safely disposed will be at locations across the Baton Rouge Metropolitan area on Saturday, October 26th from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. New this year, DEA will be accepting vaping devices and cartridges at the drop-off sites. DEA is unable to accept devices containing lithium ion batteries. (DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps). The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.
A complete list of locations may be found at WWW.DEA.GOV by clicking on Drug Take Back and typing in your zip code.
Many Americans are unsure of how to properly dispose of their unused medications and often flush them down the toilet or throw them away. This poses safety and health hazards. More information on how to properly dispose of unused medicines can be found on the Drug Enforcement Administration website.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A federal grand jury in Providence has returned indictments charging two women in related cases with child pornography charges.
The grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Samantha York, 31, of Newport, with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of distribution of child pornography. The grand jury returned a single-count indictment charging Karissa C. Cave, 23, of Newport, with receipt of child pornography.
According to information presented to the Court, in December 2016, Woonsocket Police discovered a video depicting child pornography on the cell phone of an individual they were investigating for allegedly attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. It is alleged that the video was created and shared by Samantha York. It is alleged that sometime later that same video was shared with Karissa Cave by someone other than York.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Sexual Exploitation of a minor is punishable by statutory penalties of 15-30 years imprisonment and a term of 5 years to lifetime supervised release. Distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography are punishable by statutory penalties of 5-20 years in prison and 5 years to lifetime supervised release.
The matter was investigated by the Woonsocket Police Department, Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, who announced the indictments along with Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Molina, thanks the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General for their assistance.
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Federal Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
UTICA, NEW YORK – Sakena Kocer, age 32, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to illegally possessing a .22 caliber pistol, and possessing and intending to distribute marijuana.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
As part of her plea, Kocer acknowledged that on December 19, 2014, while on supervised release and after serving a prison sentence for a prior federal drug trafficking offense, federal agents recovered a .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol and over 15 pounds of marijuana from various locations under her control. Kocer’s prior felony drug trafficking conviction prevented her from legally possessing a firearm.
Kocer faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 4 years when she is sentenced on February 19, 2020 by United States District Judge David N. Hurd. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by HSI, ATF, the U.S. Probation Office for the Northern District of New York, and the Schenectady Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon.