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15 October 2019
St. Croix Man Arrested for Allegedly Providing a False Statement and Concealing a Person from a Federal ArrestRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Clintford Joseph, Jr. of St. Croix was arrested October 10, 2019 on a warrant for the charges of Concealing a Person from Arrest and making a False Statement.
According to an Indictment issued by a Federal Grand Jury on October 1, 2019, Joseph is accused of concealing Paul Girard a/k/a "Bogus" from federal investigators from the period between October 23, 2018 through November 4, 2018. Joseph also faces a charge of providing a false statement to law enforcement on or about November 5, 2018 when he advised federal law enforcement investigators that he was unaware that Paul Girard, Jr. was staying in the bedroom located above the garage of an 84 Clairmont, St. Croix residence. Girard and others are charged in a multiple count indictment with operating a conspiracy involved in drug dealing, murders on St. Croix and armed robberies on St. Croix and St. Thomas.
Joseph was arraigned today in federal court.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney G.A. Massucco.
United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert reminds the public that an Indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Sex Offender Receives Nearly Two-Year Prison Sentence for Violating Megan’s LawRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that George Alexander, 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 21 months’ incarceration, 12 months’ home confinement and five years’ supervised release by United States District Judge Jan. E. DuBois for violating Megan’s Law. Under Megan’s Law, also known as the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), sex offenders are required to register their home, work, and school addresses with state law enforcement, so that individuals can search a database and be aware of convicted sex offenders living, working, or attending school in their neighborhood.
The defendant was convicted of sexual contact with a minor in 2018 and incarcerated. He registered a Philadelphia address upon his release from jail, but then moved away from that address within a month and never listed his new address. He was arrested in May 2019 in Vermont, more than nine months after leaving his registered Philadelphia address.
“The purpose of Megan’s Law is to provide the public with current information about the whereabouts of sex offenders in order to ensure public awareness and safety,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “If those offenders do not comply with the registration requirements, we will aggressively prosecute them for this failure so that the public receives the information that it deserves.”
“Parents have the right to know if a predator lives next door,” said Michael T. Harpster, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Megan’s Law was enacted in order to provide that information to the public and better protect children. Registered sexual offenders are required to keep their information up to date. Those who won’t need to know they’ll be swiftly held accountable.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service and the Colchester, VT Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nancy Rue.
Semiautomatic Rifles, 100-Round Drum Magazine, Handguns Result in Almost 8 Years in Prison for Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Montavious Johnson, 25, of Ridgeland, was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 94 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of multiple firearms and a 100-round drum magazine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Johnson was arrested on September 11, 2018, as part of a joint operation by the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, the Richland Police Department, the DEA and ATF. After arresting Johnson for the sale of heroin, officers executed a search warrant at the apartment in Jackson where Johnson was staying. Numerous firearms were recovered, including two AR-15 semiautomatic rifles and four pistols. Johnson also had a 100-round high capacity magazine loaded in one of the AR-15’s.
Johnson had previously been convicted of state felony offenses in both Madison and Hinds County, Mississippi. At the time of his arrest, Johnson was on parole from prior state convictions and was wearing an ankle monitor. Johnson pled guilty before Judge Wingate on April 26, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, the Richland Police Department, the DEA, and the ATF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.
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.
San Diego Man Who Posed as a Federal Agent to Defraud Immigrants out of $2.5 Million Sentenced to 91 MonthsRead the Press Release
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Young (619) 546-7981 and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Heesch (619) 546-9442
SAN DIEGO – Hardev Panesar of San Diego was sentenced today in federal court by U.S. District Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel to 91 months in custody for his leadership role in an immigration fraud scheme.
According to his plea agreement, Panesar conspired with others, including Rafael Hastie and Gurdev Singh, to induce unauthorized immigrants to pay money based on false and fraudulent claims that the defendants could secure immigration status for the victims and their families. Panesar misled the victims into believing that he could obtain immigration documents or legal immigration status by pretending to be an agent with the Department of Homeland Security. Panesar wore a DHS jacket and showed purported official credentials to his victims.
The plea agreement outlined several dates in 2016 where Panesar successfully obtained thousands of dollars by pretending to be a DHS official. The money paid by the victims totaled over $2.5 million, which was converted to the personal use and benefit of Panesar and his co-defendants. According to statements made at sentencing, Panesar also lost a significant portion of the money he stole from victims as a victim himself in a Nigerian “advanced fee scheme.” At a prior sentencing hearing, one of the victims testified in court that his family gave Panesar and Gurdev Singh approximately $250,000 with the hopes of receiving green cards—a devastating financial loss that contributed to the depression and eventual suicide of a family member.
Panesar’s sentence includes a six-month custodial sentence for an additional charge of Failure to Appear. On June 21, 2018, while released on bond, Panesar fled to Mexico and failed to appear at a Motion Hearing before Judge Curiel set for June 22, 2018. He was captured in Mexico and deported to the United States approximately six weeks later.
Earlier this year, Panesar’s co-defendants were sentenced by Judge Curiel. Rafael Hastie was sentenced to 46 months in custody and ordered to pay $942,000 in restitution to the victims. Gurdev Singh was sentenced to 27 months in custody and ordered to pay $392,850 in restitution to the victims. The Court ordered Panesar to pay approximately $2.5 million in restitution to his victims.
Additionally, last week, former HSI supervisor Johnny Martin was found guilty by a federal jury in a related case for the false statements he made to the FBI in connection with their investigation into this immigration fraud scheme. Martin will be sentenced on January 17, 2020.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Curiel described Panesar’s scheme as “one of the more serious cases this Court has handled” in recent years. “Mr. Panesar preyed on the most vulnerable…these are people who wanted to live and experience the American dream. . . . Mr. Panesar pretended he could be the one who provided the American dream.” Judge Curiel added, “This offense is serious because of the heartlessness and callousness required to perpetuate this fraud on so many for so long.”
“Pretending to be a legitimate government agent to scam hundreds of individuals of their life savings undermines the crucial trust we bestow upon our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney Robert S. Brewer, Jr. “When that trust is betrayed for personal enrichment, our office will aggressively prosecute the fraudsters and seek restitution for the victims.”
“Panesar’s fraud scheme was particularly egregious as he attempted to use the veil of a U.S. government official to obtain millions of dollars from those trying to obtain legal status in the United States,” said Scott Brunner, FBI Special Agent in Charge. “Falsely claiming to be a federal official degrades the integrity of the system and therefore has serious consequences. Today, Panesar’s destructive scheme has been shut down, he has a federal conviction, and must serve a prison sentence as a result of his actions.”
DEFENDANTS Case Numbers: 17CR1371-GPC, 18CR3229-GPC
Hardev PANESAR Age: 71 El Cajon, California
Rafael HASTIE Age: 49 Tijuana, Mexico
Gurdev SINGH Age: 58 Bakersfield, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
17CR1371-GPC
Count 1: 18 U.S.C. § 1349, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution.
Counts 2-4: 18 U.S.C. § 1343, Wire Fraud;
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution
Counts 5-10: 18 U.S.C. § 912, False Personation of an Officer or Employee of the United States;
Maximum Penalty: Three years in prison, $250,000 fine
Count 11: 31 U.S.C. § 5324(a)(3), Structuring Domestic Financial Institutions;
Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison, $250,000 fine, forfeiture
18CR3229-GPC
Count 1: 18 U.S.C. § 3146(a)(1), Failure to Appear After Pre-Trial Release;
Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison, $250,000 fine.
AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations
U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Office of Professional Responsibility
Randolph County man admits to methamphetamine distribution and firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph William Howell, Jr., of Beverly, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Howell, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possess Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime.” Howell admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from December 2017 to July 2018 in Randolph County and elsewhere. He also admitted to having a .34 Colt caliber revolver during the drug crime.
Howell faces at least five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for the conspiracy charge and faces at least five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Providence Woman Admits to Role in Multi-State Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Providence woman appeared in U.S. District Court today and admitted to her role in a far-reaching multi-state fraud scheme that defrauded banks, finance companies, car dealerships, and retailers of more than $1.3 million.
Yenesia Pujols, 47, admitted to the court that beginning in as early as June 2016, she began to work with Octavio Andres Difo-Castro, 28, of Brooklyn, New York, who previously admitted to the Court that he employed several individuals, including Pujols, who, at his direction, opened bank accounts and applied for and received financing for automobiles, clothing, and electronic devices using fraudulent driver’s licenses, Social Security numbers, and other documents he created with stolen information he purchased on the Dark Web.
Difo-Castro admitted that at his direction several individuals opened bank accounts using fraudulent IDs he provided to deposit and withdraw fraudulently obtained funds; to pose as both the seller and the buyer of vehicles in order to fraudulently secure bank and/or credit union financing from financial institutions in several states; and to obtain retail store credit and make purchases at clothing and cellphone retailers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Pujols admitted that she allowed her photograph to be used to create several counterfeit driver’s licenses in the names of individuals whose personal identifying information had been stolen. Pujols admitted that she used the stolen IDs to gain credit for the purchase of $4,146.22 worth of Apple iPhones from several Massachusetts retailers. Additionally, Pujols admitted that she used stolen identifying information to open bank accounts and defraud various credit unions of $78,500.
In addition to her participation in the fraud schemes, Pujols admitted to the Court that in January 2016, she filed an application with the Social Security Administration and was approved to receive disability benefits. In October 2016, Pujols used a fraudulent driver’s license with her photograph and the stolen name and personal information of another person during the application and hiring process to gain employment with a temporary job placement service. Pujols admitted that while working for the temporary employment service she collected $3,498 in Social Security Disability payments she was not entitled to receive.
Pujols pleaded guilty today to aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and Social Security fraud, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman; Stephen Marks, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service; and Scott E. Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations.
Pujols is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14, 2019.
Difo-Castro pleaded guilty on September 19, 2019, to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to access device fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and nineteen counts of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 13, 2020.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha.
The investigations were led by the U.S. Secret Service, with the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman acknowledges and thanks the United States Postal Inspection Service; East Providence, Warwick, Seekonk and Mansfield Police Departments; and the Rhode Island State Police for their assistance in the investigation of these matters.
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Pittsburgh Man Sentenced for Random Robbery of Key Bank in DowntownRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of time served (approximately 19 months), to be followed by three years of supervised release on his conviction of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Jonathan Owens-El, age 56.
According to information presented to the court, on March 19, 2018, Owens-El entered Key Bank, Downtown Pittsburgh, with a blue knit scarf around his face and wearing gloves. Owens-El passed the teller a note that said, "No Dye, No Alarm 50’s, 20’s, 10’s". The teller handed him $260 in U.S. Currency along with $40 wrapped around a GPS tracker. Owens-El fled and police used the GPS device to locate him on a PAT bus.
After boarding the bus, the officer noticed Owens-El seated in the back with a blue scarf tucked under his leg. When the officer asked Owens-El to stand up, the officer saw U.S. Currency protruding from his left front pants pocket.
Owens-El agreed to an interview and admitted that he handed the teller a note demanding money. He stated that once he received the cash, he placed the money into a bag then walked towards Smithfield Street and boarded a PAT bus. Owens said he picked Key Bank at random and decided to rob the bank to support his drug addiction.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Owens-El through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
Pittsburgh Man Possessed Hundreds of Images and Several Videos Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Philip W. Wagner, age 42, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 20, 2018, a search warrant was executed at Wagner’s South Side residence y members of the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. A forensic review of a hard drive seized from the residence revealed thousands of images and multiple videos. Of these, law enforcement identified at least 600 images and several videos as material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom had not yet attained 12 years of age.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for February 13, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, and the Western Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wagner.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Pittsburgh Felon with Voluntary Manslaughter Conviction Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Gun, Ammunition and DrugsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Tyree Jrevae Booker, age 41, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on December 6, 2018, Booker possessed a Hi-Point pistol and ammunition, knowing that he had previously been convicted of crimes punishable for a term exceeding one year, including an August 14, 1996 conviction for voluntary manslaughter in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. He also possessed quantities of crack cocaine, cocaine and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute those substances.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for April 16, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Booker. 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.
Pittsburgh Felon with Voluntary Manslaughter Conviction Illegally Possessed a Pistol, Ammunition and DrugsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Tyree Jrevae Booker, age 41, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on December 6, 2018, Booker possessed a Hi-Point pistol and ammunition, knowing that he had previously been convicted of crimes punishable for a term exceeding one year, including an August 14, 1996 conviction for voluntary manslaughter in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. He also possessed quantities of crack cocaine, cocaine and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute those substances.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for April 16, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Booker. 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.
Oil & Gas Office Manager Pleads Guilty to Embezzling over $1.2 MillionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – CHRISTA DAWN JACKSON, of Tuttle, has pleaded guilty to an information that charges her with embezzling more than $1.2 million through wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing. She has also pleaded guilty to signing a false federal income tax return and admitted that she owes the IRS more than $200,000.
According to federal charges filed on September 26, 2019, Jackson worked as an office manager at AllPoints Pipe Service Inc., where she had access to company checks and accounting systems. The United States alleges that from February 2010 to June 2017, she made company checks out to herself and her husband and forged the signature of the company’s owner on those checks. It also alleges she initiated electronic transfers from company bank accounts to third parties for her own benefit and created false invoices to conceal her embezzlement. In addition to charging wire fraud, the government charged her with signing a false 2014 federal income tax return on which she reported that her income was only $96,496, when she knew her income was substantially higher.
This morning, Jackson pleaded guilty to both crimes. She has entered a plea agreement that requires her to pay restitution to AllPoints Pipe Service in the amount of $1,254,064.09 and to the IRS in the amount of $223,808.00. The plea agreement also provides for a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of the embezzlement.
At sentencing, Jackson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for wire fraud and three years in prison for signing a false tax return. She could also be required to serve a total of four years of supervised release and to pay a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.
These charges are the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation–Oklahoma City Division, with assistance from the El Reno Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William E. Farrior.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Ohio Doctor Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Distribution of OpioidsRead the Press Release
The owner of a Cincinnati-area medical practice pleaded guilty today for illegally distributing opioids.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Detroit Division and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Chicago Regional Office made the announcement.
Raymond Noschang, M.D., 59, of Cincinnati, Ohio, pleaded guilty to eight counts of unlawful distribution of oxycodone before U.S. District Judge Susan J. Dlott of the Southern District of Ohio. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
As part of his guilty plea, Noschang admitted that he prescribed controlled substances to patients in amounts and for lengths of time that were outside the scope of legitimate medical practice. Noschang also admitted that he routinely prescribed controlled substances to patients even though various “red flags” suggested that he should stop writing those prescriptions, change the prescriptions and/or counsel patients accordingly. Further, Noschang admitted that he prescribed dangerous combinations of drugs known to heighten the risk of overdose and death.
As part of his guilty plea, Noschang admitted that the amount of drugs attributable to his conduct is between 400 and 700 kilograms of converted drug weight.
The DEA, HHS-OIG and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Tom Tynan, Leslie Garthwaite and Chris Jason of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the ARPO Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 districts, has charged more than 70 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 40 million pills. The Health Care Fraud Unit, in general, maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, and has charged nearly 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $15 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Individuals who believe that they may be a victim in this case should visit the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness website for more information.
Northwest Iowa Otolaryngologist Agrees to Pay $1,000,000 to Resolve Medicaid False Claims AllegationsRead the Press Release
Dr. Tracey Wellendorf, an otolaryngologist with a clinic in Carroll, Iowa, agreed to pay $1,000,000 to resolve False Claims Act allegations relating to as many as 115 procedures performed on Iowa Medicaid beneficiaries between October 13, 2014, and November 27, 2015.
The allegations relate to claims for endoscopic sinus surgeries. The United States alleges that the claims submitted for the subject procedures were improper either because they did not meet the applicable medical necessity standard or were otherwise incorrectly coded for payment.
“Medical providers who perform unnecessary procedures or wrongfully code claims violate the public trust,” said Peter E. Deegan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa. “This settlement is another indication of our office’s dedication to vigorous enforcement of the False Claims Act and our unyielding effort to protect patients, save taxpayer money, and ensure a fair marketplace for honest practitioners.”
In addition to agreeing to pay the $1,000,000 settlement, Dr. Wellendorf also entered into an Integrity Agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. That agreement requires Dr. Wellendorf to engage in enhanced compliance measures for the next three years.
“Medically unnecessary services pose potential harm to patients and place needless burdens on taxpayers who fund government health programs,” said Curt Muller, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “HHS OIG entered into an integrity agreement requiring Dr. Wellendorf submit to three years of intensive quarterly monitoring by an independent review organization.”
The matter arose from an affirmative investigation. False Claims Act cases can also be brought under the qui tam provisions of the Act, which encourage whistleblowers to bring suit on behalf of the United States and share in any financial recovery.
The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob Schunk and investigated by the State of Iowa’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
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Northern Kentucky Man Sentenced to 105 Months for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. Robert Ramone Poe, 39, a Northern Kentucky man who was convicted of illegally possessing a firearm, was sentenced on Tuesday to 105 months in federal prison, by U.S. District Judge David L. Bunning.
Poe is a convicted felon and, therefore, prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
In March 2019, Poe was arrested by the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force after a search of his Covington residence uncovered a 9 millimeter handgun in his bedroom, along with cocaine. Poe pleaded guilty to the charge in July 2019.
Under federal law, Poe must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for three years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Tommy Estevan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ATF, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force and ATF. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer K. Weinhold
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NDTX Round-Up October 15, 2019Read the Press Release
GUILTY PLEA – Jose Sanchez
On October 8, Jose Sanchez pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. Sanchez was apprehended by the police and found with 14 kilograms of cocaine, after receiving it from a coconspirator in the parking lot of a Denny’s. Additionally, Sanchez and his coconspirators sent the proceeds from this and other sales of methamphetamine back to Mexico. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is prosecuted by AUSA George Leal.
GUILTY PLEA – Terry Holley
On October 8, Terry Holley pled guilty to receipt of illegal remuneration. From August 2014 to September 2017, Holley solicited payments in return for providing the personal information of health care patients to a company. The information included doctor’s notes, prescription information, and billing information. Additionally, Holley would forge prescriptions to be sent to the Department of Labor for reimbursement. In return, Holley received payment in cash and a percentage of the corporation’s earnings. This case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General and is prosecuted by AUSA Jennifer Bray.
GUILTY PLEA – Otis DeWayne McMillan
On October 10, Otis DeWayne McMillan pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana. McMillan flew to Dallas Love Field Airport with his coconspirators and 128.5 pounds of marijuana in a total of ten suitcases. This case is prosecuted by AUSA Rebekah Ricketts.
SENTENCING – Juan Johnson
On October 7, Juan Johnson, 43, was sentenced to 1 year and 9 months in federal custody for conspiracy to pass and utter counterfeit currency. Johnson and his coconspirators obtained counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes, and then traveled to stores in the Northern District of Texas to purchase merchandise and gift cards using these counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes. This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and was prosecuted by AUSA Jay Weimer.
SENTENCING – Manuel Pena
On October 7, Manuel Pena, 27, was sentenced to 12 years in federal custody for the possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. Pena was found in possession of a kilogram of methamphetamine in March of 2019. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas and the Fort Worth Police Department Narcotics. This case was prosecuted by AUSA Shawn Smith.
SENTENCING – Don Wright
On October 7, Don Wright, 40, was sentenced to 3 months in federal custody and ordered to pay $81,405 in restitution for conspiracy to defraud the United States. Wright was a member of the Texas Army National Guard, and used his position to steal fleet cards that are intended to purchase fuel and maintenance for government vehicles. Wright, and his coconspirator used these cards for the upkeep of their own vehicles and replicated these cards to be sold and shared with others. This case was investigated by the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General and the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General. This case was prosecuted by AUSA Robert Boudreau.
Mishawaka, Indiana Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Zachary Adams, age 34, of Mishawaka, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for felon in possession, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Mr. Adams was sentenced to 51 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Mr. Adams broke in a police officer’s home and stole numerous items, including a 9mm handgun. Five days later, Mr. Adams stole a car and drove to a South Bend business where he tried to commit fraud by using a false (or stolen) Florida driver’s license. Mr. Adams fought responding officers; however, the officers were able to subdue him. Officers found the stolen 9mm handgun in a shoulder holster under Mr. Adams’ shirt. Mr. Adams had been convicted of four felonies and five misdemeanors in the past.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Mineral County woman admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Samantha Jo Guinn, of Keyser, West Virginia, has admitted to a methamphetamine distribution charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Guinn, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Guinn admitted to having more than 50 grams of “crystal” methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” in January 2019 n Grant County.
Guinn faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Mexican National Sentenced for Identity Theft, Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national who illegally entered the United States at least a dozen times was sentenced in federal court today for illegal reentry and for stealing a deceased person’s identity to obtain employment.
Rigoberto Vasquez-Milan, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to two years and six months in federal prison without parole.
On April 22, 2019, Vasquez-Milan pleaded guilty to one count of illegally reentering the United States after having been deported and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Vasquez-Milan used another person’s name, Social Security card and lawful permanent resident card to obtain employment at a Kansas City, Missouri, restaurant. Vasquez-Milan came under suspicion when he was accused of raping a female co-worker on Jan. 17, 2018 (no charges were filed). The victim told police that after her shift she gave him a ride home from work. After she reported the incident, police officers called U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Kansas City and learned the identity information belonged to a deceased person.
According to court documents, Vasquez-Milan has entered the United States illegally at least a dozen times. He was removed from the United States three times pursuant to an immigration judge’s order and voluntarily returned to Mexico eight times.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rudolph R. Rhodes IV. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 136 Months for Attempted Online Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Joseph Defilippi, age 55, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, was sentenced today to 136 months in prison, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, for attempted online enticement of a minor.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea in June 2019, Defilippi admitted that between about February 2018 and August 10, 2018, he exchanged multiple online communications with an undercover officer posing as a 13-year old boy. Defilippi further admitted that his online communications were intended to persuade, induce, entice and coerce the boy into meeting with him for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts, and that on the morning of August 10, 2018, he traveled to a park in Menands, New York, in an effort to meet the child.
In sentencing Defilippi, Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy specifically found that Defilippi had previously engaged in a pattern of activity involving prohibited sexual conduct, which included Defilippi’s having sexual contact with at least one boy.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Belliss and Joshua R. Rosenthal.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Synthetic CannabinoidsRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Heath Palmer, 39, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court on October 10, 2019, to possessing a synthetic cannabinoid product containing 5F-MDMB-PICA with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to statements made in court, on April 18, 2019, Palmer was observed by police officers conducting hand-to-hand sales from a car. The Manchester Police stopped Palmer and he voluntarily turned over the product he was selling. Palmer claimed that the product did not contain illegal substances. Testing by the New Hampshire State Police Forensic Laboratory confirmed, however, that the product contained an illegal substance, 5F-MDMB-PICA.
On May 7, 2019, Palmer was informed by the Manchester Police that the substance he was selling was in fact illegal under federal law. Three days later, the Manchester Police observed Palmer continuing to make hand-to-hand sales from a car. The police stopped the car and seized the product that Palmer was selling. The product was again tested, and it contained the same illegal substance, 5F-MDMB-PICA.
Palmer is scheduled to be sentenced on January 22, 2020.
According to the DEA, synthetic cannabinoids, which commonly are referred to by names such as “Spice” or “K2,” are designer drugs that are made in laboratories. The chemicals often are sprayed onto plant substances and then smoked in order to obtain a high. These substances have severe adverse effects and have often led to overdoses. In addition to the dangers associated with the chemical substances themselves, the lack of manufacturing standards may lead to increased health risks.
The DEA issued a regulation on April 16, 2019, that made 5F-MDMB-PICA and several other synthetic cannabinoids Schedule I controlled substances. In its order, the DEA noted that this drug had been associated with over 47 overdoses in Connecticut and at least 244 overdoses in Washington, D.C. Further information is available at https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/2019/fr0416.htm and https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/sites/getsmartaboutdrugs.com/files/publications/DoA_2017Ed_Updated_6.16.17.pdf#page=88.
“Synthetic cannabinoids are dangerous drugs that can cause serious bodily harm,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Because of significant damage to communities in the Granite State, we will not hesitate to bring federal charges against those who sell these dangerous substances. I am grateful to the Manchester Police and DEA for their excellent work, which got this drug trafficker off the streets.”
“There is a misconception that synthetic cannabinoids, known on the street as synthetic marijuana, K2 and spice are safe. Synthetic cannabinoids are anything but safe,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “They are a toxic cocktail of lethal chemicals created in China and then disguised as plant material here in New England. DEA and its local, state and federal partners will work diligently to keep this dangerous drug off the streets of New Hampshire.”
The case was investigated by the Manchester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth R. Aframe.
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Lyman Man Sentenced for Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: A Lyman man was sentenced today in federal court in Portland for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
U.S. District Judge George Z. Singal sentenced David Alexandre, 26, to five years in prison and five years of supervised release. Alexandre pleaded guilty on June 25, 2019.
According to court records, on February 28, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Lyman. Alexandre was staying in one of the bedrooms. During the search, agents seized distributable quantities of methamphetamine, approximately $2,100 in U.S. currency and a Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol. Alexandre admitted possessing the firearm to protect himself, his drugs and the proceeds from his drug trafficking.
The FBI’s Southern Maine Gang Task Force, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Maine State Police and the York County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Justice Department Settles Immigration-Related Discrimination Claim Against Oregon School DistrictRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that it reached a settlement agreement with Marion County School District 103, aka Woodburn School District, a public school district that serves suburban and rural communities in Marion County, Oregon. The settlement resolves a complaint that the Woodburn School District violated the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) when it refused to hire a work-authorized non-U.S. citizen as a teacher.
“The Department of Justice is committed to removing unlawful discriminatory barriers that deprive workers of opportunities because of their citizenship status or national origin,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “We commend the Woodburn School District for working with the Division to swiftly resolve this matter and prevent future violations.”
The Department’s investigation concluded that the Woodburn School District discriminated against an applicant for a teaching position by refusing to hire him because of his citizenship status even though the District’s hiring committee considered him to be the most qualified applicant. The Department also concluded that the Woodburn School District pre-screened the applicant when it asked for specific documentation to verify the applicant’s citizenship status and work authorization, but did not make similar requests of U.S. citizens. The INA generally prohibits employers from refusing to hire certain work-authorized non-U.S. citizens because of their citizenship status. It also prohibits employers from pre-screening applicants by requesting specific documentation to prove work authorization based on employees’ citizenship status or national origin.
Under the settlement, the Woodburn School District will pay the rejected applicant $5,774.81; pay the maximum civil penalties applicable ($5,543) to the United States; and be subject to departmental monitoring, training, and reporting requirements for a three-year period.
The Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. Among other things, the statute prohibits citizenship status and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; retaliation and intimidation.
For more information about protections against employment discrimination under immigration laws, call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a free webinar; email [email protected]; or visit IER’s English or Spanish websites.
Applicants or employees who believe they were subjected to retaliation; different documentary requirements based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin; or discrimination based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee, should contact IER’s worker hotline for assistance.
Illegal Charter Operator Sentenced to Federal Prison for Violating Coast Guard OrderRead the Press Release
An illegal charter operator was sentenced to federal prison on Oct. 11, 2019, for violating a U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Order.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of Florida and Zinnia P. James, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), Southeast Region, made the announcement.
Dallas Allan Ladd, 38, of Miami Beach, previously pled guilty to violating a Captain of the Port Order, in violation of Title 46, United States Code, Section 70036 (Case No. 19cr20315). U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno sentenced Ladd to 30 days in prison. Following his incarceration, Ladd will be prohibited from owning or going aboard any boats while on probation for a period of three years.
According to the court record, Ladd is the registered owner of the 45-foot motor yacht SEA YOU TWERK. On or about Feb. 10, 2019, the Coast Guard suspected that the SEA YOU TWERK yacht was operating illegally as a charter vessel. Illegal charters can cause accidents resulting in property damage, injuries and death. Given these concerns, the Coast Guard issued Ladd a Captain of the Port Order on Feb. 19, 2019, requiring him to immediately cease operation of the SEA YOU TWERK yacht as a passenger vessel until the defendant was in compliance with all federal laws and regulations. Ladd was advised that his failure to comply with the Captain of the Port Order could subject him to civil penalties, imprisonment and a fine.
Thereafter, on or about March 31, 2019, Ladd continued to operate the SEA YOU TWERK as an illegal charter, in violation of the Captain of the Port Order.
“The operation of illegal charters poses a safety risk to passengers and the public at large,” stated U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to partner with the U.S. Coast Guard to protect our South Florida residents and visitors. We will continue to forge ahead with federal charges against those who knowingly violate laws and regulations that endanger lives and compromise legitimate business practices.”
“Those who seek to dodge federal regulations and take shortcuts by operating illegally willfully put their passengers at risk and will be held accountable,” said Capt. Janet Espino-Young, Chief of Coast Guard 7th District Prevention Department. “This sentence demonstrates the aggressive posture the Coast Guard and our partners from the U.S. Attorney’s Office have taken in the detection of illegal passenger vessels and in seeking maximum enforcement actions for violations.”
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of the CGIS in this matter. This case was prosecuted by Coast Guard Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sattler.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Harrison County man sentenced for role in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Taylor Espinoza, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, was sentenced to 87 months incarceration for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Espinoza, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in April 2019. Espinoza admitted to having methamphetamine in August 2018 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Hamilton County Metropolitan Child Exploitation Task Force members recognized for Operation Dry Dock and Online investigationsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS - United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that members of the Hamilton County Metropolitan Child Exploitation Task Force are being recognized with a U.S. Attorney’s Office Excellence Award for their involvement in the prosecution of multiple cases as a result of the U.S. Department of Justice Project Safe Childhood initiative. The Hamilton County Metropolitan Child Exploitation Task Force is comprised of police officers from the Carmel Police Department, Fishers Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Task Force.
“I am extremely proud of the work of the members of the Hamilton County Metropolitan Child Exploitation Task Force,” said Minkler. “I applaud the task force for their perseverance, their hard work, especially in often difficult subject matter, and their tireless effort in rescuing multiple minor victims from sex predators who exploited them sexually.”
“The Carmel Police Department is proud to be a partner in Project Safe Childhood,” said Chief Jim Barlow. “The officers assigned to this project are tasked with a very difficult, but rewarding job. The hard work of the members of Hamilton County Metropolitan Child Exploitation Task Force has spared countless children the horrors of being future victims. We are so pleased with the outcome of this project and would like to thank everyone involved in its success.”
“The arrests made in partnership with the Hamilton County Metropolitan Child Exploitation Task Force reflect the success that results from the cooperative efforts of federal, state, local, and international law enforcement agencies,” said Special Agent in Charge James M. Gibbons. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to safeguard one of our most precious resources, our children.”
The Project Safe Childhood (PSC) initiative launched in 2006 that aims to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for physical sexual contact is well-known and serious; the danger of perpetrators who produce, distribute, and possess child pornography is equally dramatic and disturbing. The Department of Justice is committed to the safety and well-being of every child and has placed a high priority on combating sexual exploitation of minors.
PSC is implemented through a partnership of U.S. Attorneys; Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces; federal partners, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Marshals Service; advocacy organizations such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC); and state and local law enforcement officials in each U.S. Attorney’s district.
The Project Safe Childhood cases highlighted below were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Steven D. DeBrota and Kristina M. Korobov.
Adam Armstrong, 29, Frankfort, Indiana, pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and was sentenced to 262 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.
Daniel Doyle, 33, Franklin, Indiana, pleaded guilty to one count of Transportation of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct and was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
Jason Frye, 37, Frankfort, Indiana, pleaded guilty to one count of Shipping and Transporting Child Pornography and was sentenced to 188 months followed by 10 years of supervised release.
Timothy Reeves, 40, Linton, Indiana, pleaded guilty to two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and one count of Offense by Registered Sex Offender. Reeves was sentenced to 540 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.
Zachary Ballinger, 33, Franklin, Indiana, pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and was sentenced to 240 months followed by 20 years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler also announced the successful results of Operation Dry Dock, a sophisticated law enforcement investigation targeting offenders using internet and telephone social networking tools to sexually exploit children and trafficking in child pornography in the United States and worldwide. To date, this Operation successfully identified 18 children in the Southern District of Indiana, Kentucky, South Africa, Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, and Canada. It also led the prosecution of at least 11 different offenders, including Jorgensen and the following, among others:
Warren Knoop, 32, East Rand, South Africa was convicted and sentenced to 32 life sentences, plus 170 years, by South African authorities after the target was identified by Operation Dry Dock in Indiana.
Chato Patterson, 43, Indianapolis, Indiana, pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and was sentenced to 180 months followed by 7 years of supervised release, and restitution of $9,000.
Bradley Dennison, 30, Jeffersonville, Indiana, pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and was sentenced to 360 months followed by a lifetime of supervised release, and restitution of $18,000.
Garrick Jorgensen, 39, Crestline, Ohio, pleaded guilty to one count each of Distributing Child Pornography and Sexual Exploitation of a Child and was sentenced to 204 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.
Steven Robinson, 43, Cleveland, Texas pleaded guilty to two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child and was sentenced to 420 months of imprisonment by the Eastern District of Texas after the target was identified by Operation Dry Dock in Indiana.
Learn more about Project Safe Childhood by visiting the Department of Justice's website at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to utilize and partner with law enforcement agencies to prosecute individuals engaged in the sexual exploitation of children. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 4.1.
Gary Man Sentenced to 108 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Emmanuel French, 32, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon following his plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute at least 28 grams of crack cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
French received a sentence of 108 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, between August 2016 and February 2017, Emmanuel French conspired with other individuals in Gary, Indiana, to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute at least 28 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Gang Response Investigative Team and Gary Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas R. Mahoney, Joseph A. Cooley, and Alexandra McTague.
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Former Wichita Lawyer Sentenced for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former lawyer in Wichita was sentenced today to 36 months in custody for embezzling from clients, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. He was ordered to pay restitution of more than $603,000.
Christopher O’Brien, 69, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement from an estate. In his plea, O’Brien admitted he embezzled more than $132,000 from the bankruptcy estate of Roger L. and Maria K. Altis while he was representing the couple.
O’Brien voluntarily surrendered his license to practice law in Kansas.
McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.
Former TSA Officer Charged with Smuggling a Kilogram of Cocaine Through Cyril E. King AirportRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Former TSA Officer Miguel Batista, Jr., 26, appeared yesterday before District Judge Curtis V. Gomez for an advice of rights hearing after being taken into custody by the Homeland Security Investigations at the Cyril E. King Airport. Batista, Jr. was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Gomez remanded Batista, Jr. to federal custody, pending his detention hearing on October 16, 2019.
According to court records, on Saturday, October 12, 2019, Batista, Jr. presented himself to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pre-departure checkpoint in an attempt to board Jet Blue flight #1035 to San Juan, PR. Batista Jr. was referred to secondary inspection where CBP officers noticed that he was wearing a suspicious under garment. When questioned about the under garment, Batista, Jr. told CBP officers that he was in a car accident and had to wear the garment for support. Further inspection revealed a hard, brick-shaped object concealed under Batista, Jr.’s under garment and duct taped to his left torso. After removing the brick-shaped object, CBP officers discovered a vacuum-sealed package covered in blue and white wrapping paper which contained a white powdery substance. The white powdered substance tested positive for the presence of cocaine, and weighed approximately 1.03 kilos.
This case is being investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that an information is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
Former Informix Executive Hauled into Court on 19-Year-Old Indictment Regarding Alleged Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – This morning, former Informix executive Walter Konigseder appeared in federal court to face investment fraud charges laid out in an 11-count indictment filed in October of 2000, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett.
A federal grand jury indicted Konigseder, 67, a German national, on October 5, 2000. According to the indictment, in the early 1990s, Konigseder was the Sales Director and Country Manager for Germany of Menlo Park-based Informix, a multinational, publicly held computer software developer, support, training, and consulting company. From 1992 through 1996, Konigseder had authority over Informix’s sales force, finance, and legal staff within all of Central and Eastern Europe. The indictment alleges that Konigseder caused Informix to record false and illusory sales, to make false statement to Informix’s auditors and management, and to book license revenue in advance, rather than over the period of maintenance contracts.
The indictment describes how Konigseder engaged in numerous acts of alleged wrongdoing in connection with Informix’s restatement in 1997 of its 1996 earnings. The indictment alleges that Konigseder’s fraud contributed to the need for Informix to restate its 1996 earnings. Between April and September of 1997, Informix therefore restated its previous year’s growth. The result was a 60% drop in its stock value—a change to the company’s value from approximately $2.5 billion to as low as $975 million. For example, the indictment describes six illusionary sales between June of 1996 and January of 1997 in which Konigseder, contrary to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, directed Informix to recognize more than $25 million in revenue on contracts that contained contingencies. Further, the indictment describes how Konigseder allegedly concealed material facts from Informix’s auditors. In July of 1997, for example, Konigseder allegedly reported to Informix’s auditors that a client did not make a multi-million dollar payment because the client was hoping to expand on the existing contract with Informix. In truth, Konigseder was aware that the client had exercised a side agreement canceling the contract with Informix altogether. The indictment also alleges Konigseder caused Informix to make false statements to the Securities and Exchange Commission overstating the company’s earnings in the second, third, and fourth quarters of 1996.
In sum, Konigseder was charged with three counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 and 2; four counts of accounting fraud, in violation of 15 U.S.C. §§ 78m(b) and 78ff(a), 17 C.F.R. 240.13b2-1, and 18 U.S.C. § 2; and three counts of false statements to accountants, in violation of 15 U.S.C. §§ 78m(b)(2) and 78ff(a), 17 C.F.R. 240.13b2-2, and 18 U.S.C. § 2.
A bench warrant was issued for Konigseder’s arrest on October 5, 2000. At that time he was residing in Germany and remained there for almost 19 years after being indicted. Konigseder was arrested by Mauritius authorities in August while on a trip to that country. He was handed over to United States authorities on October 9 and arrived in the United States on Friday, October 11. He made his initial federal court appearance at 10:30 this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for each count of wire fraud, 10 years’ imprisonment and up to $1 million for each count of falsification of accounting records and false statements to accountants. In addition, the court may order additional periods of supervised release, fines, and restitution, if appropriate. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Frentzen is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs, Mauritius, and the United States Marshal Service.
Former Erie Vets Home Pharmacist Sentenced for Stealing DrugsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Union City, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to two years probation, ordered to pay $15,308.75 in restitution and a $1,000 fine, on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter imposed the sentence on James Frederick Franks, 34.
According to information presented to the court, while Franks was employed as a chief pharmacist at the Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home in Erie, he unlawfully obtained multiple dosage units of controlled substances for personal use.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Franks.
Florida Contractor Pleads Guilty to Procurement Fraud Related to Federal Courthouse Construction on St. ThomasRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands announced today that David Wikel, president of Florida-based Therma-Seal Roof Systems, LLC, pleaded guilty to providing kickbacks in connection with the $1.7 million dollar federal government subcontract to retrofit the roof of the Ron de Lugo Federal Building in St. Thomas, VI.
According to the Information filed in the case, in May through October 2014 Wikel paid over $200,000 in kickbacks to a senior project manager for the prime contractor on the Ron de Lugo Project, and that person ultimately funneled $85,000 back to Wikel. The Information also alleges that Wikel falsely inflated the costs billed under the subcontract in order to cover 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.
Felon Charged with Drug and Gun Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Allegheny County has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Indictment, returned on Oct. 9, named Romello Edward Jones, age 20, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on May 6, 2019, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Jones possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and fentanyl, which are scheduled controlled substances under federal law. The Indictment further alleges that on May 6, 2019, Jones, a convicted felon, unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal Drug Trafficking Indictments Unsealed, Search Warrants Executed in Dougherty, Henry, Muscogee and Worth CountiesRead the Press Release
Albany, GA— A multi-agency investigation has resulted in the execution of search warrants today in Dougherty, Henry, Muscogee and Worth Counties, announced Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Additionally, federal indictments charging six individuals for drug trafficking were unsealed today.
The search warrants were executed in the following locations:
- 948 South Street, Albany, Dougherty County
- 3 Simmons Way, Ellenwood, Henry County
- 204 Whitehead Drive, Albany, Dougherty County
- 710 Johnson Road, Apartment C, Albany, Dougherty County
- 1718 Nelms Road, Albany, Dougherty County
- 7794 Leaning Pine Court, Midland, Muscogee County
- 202 Glade Lane, Albany, Dougherty County
- 610 Johnson Road, Albany Dougherty County
- 101 Gurr Drive, Albany, Dougherty County
- 202 Pecan Street, Sylvester, Worth County
The following defendants were indicted by the September 2019 federal grand jury. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Willie Keith Ware, 32, of Albany, is facing six charges. Mr. Ware is charged with four counts of distribution of methamphetamine in an amount exceeding 50 grams. If convicted on any of these charges, Mr. Ware faces a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison, up to a maximum of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Mr. Ware is also charged with one count of distribution of heroin. If convicted on this charge, Mr. Ware faces a maximum 20 years imprisonment and a $1 million fine. Mr. Ware is also charged with one count of distribution of MDMA. If convicted on this charge, Mr. Ware faces a maximum 20 years imprisonment and a $1 million fine.
- Jamie L. Keith, 38, Albany, is charged with one count possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in an amount exceeding 50 grams. If convicted, Mr. Keith faces a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison, up to a maximum of life in prison, and a $10 million fine.
- Quade’ Z. Barrett, 25, of Albany is charged with one count of distribution of MDMA. If convicted, Mr. Barrett faces a maximum 20 years imprisonment and a $1 million fine.
- Demarcus Cook, aka GA Boy, 37, of Sylvester, is facing two charges. Mr. Cook is charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute in an amount exceeding 50 grams. If convicted, Mr. Cook faces a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison, up to a maximum of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Mr. Cook is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Mr. Cook faces a mandatory minimum 5 years in prison consecutive to any other conviction, up to a maximum of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
- Addy Cook, aka Frost, 36, of Sylvester, is facing two charges. Ms. Cook is charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute in an amount exceeding 50 grams. If convicted, Ms. Cook faces a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison, up to a maximum of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Ms. Cook is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Ms. Cook faces a mandatory minimum 5 years in prison consecutive to any other conviction, up to a maximum of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
- Artarius Davis, aka Showboat, aka Boat, 38, of Albany, is facing two charges. Mr. Davis is charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute in an amount exceeding 50 grams. If convicted, Mr. Davis faces a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison, up to a maximum of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Mr. Davis is also charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Mr. Davis faces a mandatory minimum 5 years in prison consecutive to any other conviction, up to a maximum of life in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
“These search warrants and indictments are part of a multi-month, multi-agency investigation,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “Our office is grateful for the strong partnership exhibited between our local, state and federal law enforcement in the Middle District of Georgia.”
The case was investigated by the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, Thomas County Sheriff’s Office, Worth County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Dougherty Drug Unit, the GBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Doraville, Georgia Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Marcos Antonio Lopez, age 27, of Doraville, Georgia was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment, and 3 years’ supervised release for Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). The charges arose from an investigation by the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Indictment alleged that on December 12, 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
“The defendant set out on a mission to deliver a large quantity of methamphetamine from California to Georgia. He made it as far as Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, but thanks to the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, neither the defendant nor the thousands of dosage units he was hauling arrived to the intended destination,” said United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester. “This office values the strong relationships we have with local, state, federal and tribal agencies. As a result of those relationships and our joint efforts to disrupt drug trafficking organizations, we are able to maximize our impact in the Eastern District.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Harrington represented the United States.
Department of Justice Awards More than $16.5 Million in Public Safety FundingRead the Press Release
Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Acting Director Laura L. Rogers today announced awards of more than $16.5 million to support public safety efforts in the Northern District of Texas. Funds will help law enforcement agencies, local cities and counties, campus safety, and victim service providers and domestic violence shelters fight gun, gang, drug and domestic and sexual violence and bring criminals to justice.
“The Department of Justice is providing well-deserved funding to local law enforcement in North Texas to help further advance the critical efforts of fighting violent crime and serving victims of crime and abuse,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “I’m grateful to U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox for her leadership there and, especially, for her steadfast work with the Department in the prevention of domestic-violence homicides.”
Acting Director Rogers made the announcement at Family Place Inc., a domestic violence shelter in Dallas. Acting Director Rogers also recognized U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Erin Nealy Cox, for her work as the Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee to the Attorney General and Chair of the Workgroup on prosecuting gun crimes to stop and reduce domestic violence. Corresponding with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Acting Director Rogers and U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox discussed the Department’s work in bolstering law enforcement, providing victim services, and keeping firearms out of the hands of abusers.
“The Department of Justice is proud to make this critical funding available to the Northern District of Texas, making public safety resources available to help law enforcement officers reduce crime and protect the citizens of Texas,” said Acting Director Rogers. “We are also grateful for the hard work and exceptional leadership of U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox, who represents the Justice Department’s most vital link between Washington and the communities of her district and represents the Attorney General’s priority of ending violent crime—especially violent domestic and sexual violence. We congratulate the award recipients and look forward to seeing the good work that the awards will produce.”
“We’re grateful to all our grantees for their work protecting and empowering victims of domestic abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “The Justice Department is proud to stand alongside them in the fight to end domestic violence.”
The awards were made by the three grant-making components of the Department of Justice—OVW, the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services and the Office of Justice Programs.
A full list of COPS awards is available online at https://cops.usdoj.gov/grants. OJP awards, organized under specific grant programs, are available online at https://ojp.gov/funding/Explore/OJPAwardData.htm. For OVW awards, visit https://www.justice.gov/ovw/awards.
About the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services:
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 130,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
About the Office of Justice Programs:
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
About the Office on Violence Against Women:
The Office on Violence Against Women provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
Department of Justice Awards More than $122 Million in Public Safety Funding to MichiganRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice announced awards of more than $122 million to support public safety efforts in Michigan. The funds will help law enforcement agencies and community organizations in jurisdictions across the state fight gun, gang, drug and sexual violence, and bring criminals to justice.
“The fight against crime is a never-ending one, and it is our front-line law enforcement officers who lead that fight, working around the clock to take criminals off the street while partnering with service providers to reduce and prevent crime, serve victims and at-risk youth, and combat domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “Attorney General Barr is very pleased to make these resources available to the citizens of Michigan, who deserve to know that the Department of Justice is doing everything in its power to secure their communities, safeguard their schools and homes, and deliver justice on their behalf.”
The awards include funds to hire and train law enforcement officers and to support state, local and tribal law enforcement activities. Funding will help agencies purchase body-worn cameras, investigate child exploitation cases, address domestic and sexual violence, improve criminal history records and administer victim service programs. Funds will also help jurisdictions prevent school violence, provide inmate reentry services, apply DNA technology to solving crimes and combat opioid and other drug abuse.
“We are proud to make these critical public safety resources available to help Michigan’s brave law enforcement officers reduce crime and protect the citizens of this great state,” said Phil Keith, Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. “We are also grateful for the hard work, strong commitment and outstanding leadership of U.S. Attorneys Matthew Schneider and Andrew Birge, who represent the Justice Department’s most vital link between Washington and the communities of their districts. We congratulate the award recipients and look forward to seeing the benefits that these investments will yield.”
“The grants announced today will give Michigan sheriffs and city police departments more resources to keep Michigan safe, and we hope these funds will offset some of the recent state budget cuts in Lansing,” said Matthew Schneider, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. “These grants will also provide community service organizations tools to help crime victims, keep our schools safe, and protect elder Michiganders from abuse. Our local law enforcement partners are the best in the country, and I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with them to protect the citizens of Michigan.”
“These awards are welcome news for our state, local and tribal law enforcement partners,” said Andrew Birge, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan. “Large and small departments alike throughout West Michigan face resource challenges. These awards will help them achieve their shared mission of securing the safety and well-being of our communities.”
Director Keith and Mike Costigan, Chief of Staff for OJP, highlighted the awards at today’s Rural Policing Forum, which was organized by the COPS Office, OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan. The session was held to solicit input from rural and tribal law enforcement on the challenges they face and the resources they need. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices lead the Justice Department’s crime-fighting efforts in the state, coordinating with local prosecutors and federal and local law enforcement agencies under the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
The awards were made by the three grant-making components of the Department of Justice—OJP, the COPS Office and the Office on Violence Against Women.
OJP awards, organized under specific grant programs, are available online at https://ojp.gov/funding/Explore/OJPAwardData.htm. A full list of COPS awards is available online at https://cops.usdoj.gov/grants. For OVW awards, visit https://www.justice.gov/ovw/awards.
About the Office of Justice Programs:
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
About the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services:
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 130,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
About the Office on Violence Against Women:
The Office on Violence Against Women provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
Department of Justice Awards More Than $122 Million in Public Safety Funding to MichiganRead the Press Release
LANSING, MI – Today, the Department of Justice announced awards of more than $122 million to support public safety efforts in Michigan. The funds will help law enforcement agencies and community organizations in jurisdictions across the state fight gun, gang, drug and sexual violence, and bring criminals to justice.
“The fight against crime is a never-ending one, and it is our front-line law enforcement officers who lead that fight, working around the clock to take criminals off the street while partnering with service providers to reduce and prevent crime, serve victims and at-risk youth, and combat domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “Attorney General Barr is very pleased to make these resources available to the citizens of Michigan, who deserve to know that the Department of Justice is doing everything in its power to secure their communities, safeguard their schools and homes, and deliver justice on their behalf.”
The awards include funds to hire and train law enforcement officers and to support state, local and tribal law enforcement activities. Funding will help agencies purchase body-worn cameras, investigate child exploitation cases, address domestic and sexual violence, improve criminal history records and administer victim service programs. Funds will also help jurisdictions prevent school violence, provide inmate reentry services, apply DNA technology to solving crimes and combat opioid and other drug abuse.
“We are proud to make these critical public safety resources available to help Michigan’s brave law enforcement officers reduce crime and protect the citizens of this great state,” said Phil Keith, Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. “We are also grateful for the hard work, strong commitment and outstanding leadership of U.S. Attorneys Matthew Schneider and Andrew Birge, who represent the Justice Department’s most vital link between Washington and the communities of their districts. We congratulate the award recipients and look forward to seeing the benefits that these investments will yield.”
“The grants announced today will give Michigan sheriffs and city police departments more resources to keep Michigan safe, and we hope these funds will offset some of the recent state budget cuts in Lansing,” said Matthew Schneider, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. “These grants will also provide community service organizations tools to help crime victims, keep our schools safe, and protect elder Michiganders from abuse. Our local law enforcement partners are the best in the country, and I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with them to protect the citizens of Michigan.”
“These awards are welcome news for our state, local and tribal law enforcement partners,” said Andrew Birge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan. “Large and small departments alike throughout West Michigan face resource challenges. These awards will help them achieve their shared mission of securing the safety and well-being of our communities.”
Director Keith and Mike Costigan, Chief of Staff for OJP, highlighted the awards at today’s Rural Policing Forum, which was organized by the COPS Office, OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan. The session was held to solicit input from rural and tribal law enforcement on the challenges they face and the resources they need. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices lead the Justice Department’s crime-fighting efforts in the state, coordinating with local prosecutors and federal and local law enforcement agencies under the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
The awards were made by the three grant-making components of the Department of Justice—OJP, the COPS Office and the Office on Violence Against Women.
OJP awards, organized under specific grant programs, are available online at https://ojp.gov/funding/Explore/OJPAwardData.htm. A full list of COPS awards is available online at https://cops.usdoj.gov/grants. For OVW awards, visit https://www.justice.gov/ovw/awards.
About the Office of Justice Programs:
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
About the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services:
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 130,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
About the Office on Violence Against Women:
The Office on Violence Against Women provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
###
Department of Justice Awards More Than $122 Million in Public Safety Funding to MichiganRead the Press Release
LANSING, MICHIGAN – Today, the Department of Justice announced awards of more than $122 million to support public safety efforts in Michigan. The funds will help law enforcement agencies and community organizations in jurisdictions across the state fight gun, gang, drug and sexual violence, and bring criminals to justice.
"The fight against crime is a never-ending one, and it is our front-line law enforcement officers who lead that fight, working around the clock to take criminals off the street while partnering with service providers to reduce and prevent crime, serve victims and at-risk youth, and combat domestic violence and sexual assault," said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. "Attorney General Barr is very pleased to make these resources available to the citizens of Michigan, who deserve to know that the Department of Justice is doing everything in its power to secure their communities, safeguard their schools and homes, and deliver justice on their behalf."
The awards include funds to hire and train law enforcement officers and to support state, local and tribal law enforcement activities. Funding will help agencies purchase body-worn cameras, investigate child exploitation cases, address domestic and sexual violence, improve criminal history records and administer victim service programs. Funds will also help jurisdictions prevent school violence, provide inmate reentry services, apply DNA technology to solving crimes and combat opioid and other drug abuse.
"We are proud to make these critical public safety resources available to help Michigan’s brave law enforcement officers reduce crime and protect the citizens of this great state," said Phil Keith, Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. "We are also grateful for the hard work, strong commitment and outstanding leadership of U.S. Attorneys Matthew Schneider and Andrew Birge, who represent the Justice Department’s most vital link between Washington and the communities of their districts. We congratulate the award recipients and look forward to seeing the benefits that these investments will yield."
"The grants announced today will give Michigan sheriffs and city police departments more resources to keep Michigan safe, and we hope these funds will offset some of the recent state budget cuts in Lansing," said Matthew Schneider, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. "These grants will also provide community service organizations tools to help crime victims, keep our schools safe, and protect elder Michiganders from abuse. Our local law enforcement partners are the best in the country, and I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with them to protect the citizens of Michigan."
"These awards are welcome news for our state, local and tribal law enforcement partners," said Andrew Birge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan. "Large and small departments alike throughout West Michigan face resource challenges. These awards will help them achieve their shared mission of securing the safety and well-being of our communities."
Director Keith and Mike Costigan, Chief of Staff for OJP, highlighted the awards at today’s Rural Policing Forum, which was organized by the COPS Office, OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan. The session was held to solicit input from rural and tribal law enforcement on the challenges they face and the resources they need. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices lead the Justice Department’s crime-fighting efforts in the state, coordinating with local prosecutors and federal and local law enforcement agencies under the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
The awards were made by the three grant-making components of the Department of Justice—OJP, the COPS Office and the Office on Violence Against Women.
OJP awards, organized under specific grant programs, are available online at https://ojp.gov/funding/Explore/OJPAwardData.htm. A full list of COPS awards is available online at https://cops.usdoj.gov/grants. For OVW awards, visit https://www.justice.gov/ovw/awards.
About the Office of Justice Programs:
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
About the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services:
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 130,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
About the Office on Violence Against Women:
The Office on Violence Against Women provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
END
Creston Man Appears in U.S. District Court and Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa—On October 11, 2019, United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced that Brandon Robert Fry, age 38, of Creston, Iowa, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Celeste F. Bremer and entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Fry admitted that he knowingly possessed over 500 grams of methamphetamine on June 4, 2019, which was found by law enforcement in a white Mercedes, in Creston, Iowa. Fry admitted that prior to being arrested on June 4, 2019, he had intended to distribute the methamphetamine. At the time of this offense, Fry was on federal supervised release for a prior conviction of felon in possession of a firearm.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, Fry faces an agreed-upon sentence of 188 months in prison. He is also subject to at least 5 years of supervised release following the imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for February 24, 2020, at 9:30 a.m., before the Honorable Chief Judge John A. Jarvey at the United States Courthouse in Des Moines, Iowa.
This matter was investigated by the United States Probation Office, the Creston Police Department, the Des Moines Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement (MINE) Task force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Community partners unveil campaign designed to raise awareness around the fact that cocaine is likely contaminated with fentanyl and potentially fatalRead the Press Release
Several community partners this month unveiled a campaign designed to raise awareness around the fact that cocaine is likely contaminated with fentanyl and potentially fatal.
The ad campaign features images of everyday food items such as bottled water, pretzels, donuts and trail mix with the wording: “If these contain fentanyl, would you eat them? They don’t. Your cocaine might.”
The billboard then directs people to a website, which contains links to numerous websites and partner agencies offering treatment services, additional information about addiction, and other resources.
The campaign comes as Cuyahoga County is experiencing a record number of overdose deaths involving cocaine, either on its own or mixed with fentanyl. So far in 2019, nearly 60 percent of overdose deaths in Cuyahoga County are associated with cocaine, either as a stand-alone narcotic or mixed with fentanyl. Investigators believe many of the people dying are not addicted to opioids, but rather cocaine users who do not realize the cocaine they ingest includes fentanyl.
The ad campaign was developed pro bono by Marcus Thomas, an award-winning Cleveland-based marketing communications agency. The client is Greater Than Heroin, a group that includes several diverse stakeholders seeking comprehensive solutions to the opioid epidemic. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio provided funding to pay for the billboards and digital advertising campaign. Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish’s office, as well as Aaron Marks, who chairs the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force’s Education and Prevention Committee, were also involved in developing the campaign.
“Nobody should be using drugs like cocaine or heroin. Our office has filed a record number of drug indictments against the people who seek to profit from this epidemic,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Yet we have to acknowledge the opioid crisis has set its sights on a new group of victims, those who use cocaine, with absolutely no idea that what they are about to take contains a deadly painkiller like fentanyl. Making the mistake of using cocaine should not result in a death sentence.”
Fr. Bob Stec, who leads Greater Than Heroin, said: “This crisis is so real and so large that it’s going to take all of us working together to bring the awareness, help, hope and care to end this epidemic and make sure everyone finds the help and support they need. This awareness campaign is one example of the blessing of so many working together for the good of our community. Understanding and awareness are key in our efforts to end this crisis and build a stronger, more caring community.”
The campaign includes digital and static billboards at more than a dozen locations in Cleveland, as well as digital ads that will run on Facebook and Youtube. The campaign will run through the end of 2019.
Digital Locations:
- West 3 WS 150ft S/O St Clair Ave F/S
- Ontario St WS 500ft N/O Carnegie Av F/N
- East 14 St ES 380ft S/O Prospect Av F/S
- Carnegie Av NS 200ft W/O East 46th F/W
- Carnegie Av SS 200ft W/O East 14 St F/E
- Lorain Av NS 950ft E/O West 25 St F/E
Static Locations:
- I-71 NS 800ft S/O Denison Av F/W
- Prospect Av NS 200ft W/O East 21 St F/E
- I-90 SS 0.3 mi E/O Martin Luther King Drive F/E
- West Shoreway SS 10ft W/O West 28 St F/E
- Old River Rd ES 600ft S/O Main Av F/S
- I-77 ES 1MI N/O I-480 F/N
- I-90 NS 0.5mi E/O Bunts Rd F/E
- East 9 St ES 100ft S/O Carnegie Av F/N
Columbus man sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for killing potential witnessesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The second of two Columbus men who murdered, tortured, assaulted and intimidated people as part of their drug-distribution conspiracy was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 365 months in prison.
Michael J. Favors, 27, of Columbus, was sentenced for conspiring to murder two potential witnesses and on related drug charges.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Jonathan McPherson, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Interim Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson.
Favors and Antwan L. Hutchinson, 28, were both indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2017.
According to court documents, Favors and Hutchinson possessed and distributed cocaine, heroin, oxycodone and marijuana.
As part of their drug conspiracy, they used “trap houses” that were in others’ names as locations to store and sell the drugs. This included using threats of force and using the homes of drug-addicted individuals.
It was further part of the conspiracy to intimidate, assault, threaten and torture individuals with serious physical harm who were perceived as owing money or drugs to the members of the conspiracy.
Favors pleaded guilty in November 2018 to his role in the murders of Sidney Campbell and Marie Stamp.
Specifically, Favors pleaded guilty to five counts as charged against him in the indictment, which include conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, two counts of conspiracy to murder a witness, and two counts of murder through use of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
Favors accompanied Hutchinson in February 2017 to Sidney Campbell’s home after Hutchinson learned of Sidney Campbell’s son’s death. Hutchinson and others suspected the son, Cody Campbell, of allowing a trap house to be robbed, and in retaliation Hutchinson used a two-by-four to beat and extension cords to whip Cody Campbell, who died hours after the incident.
Sidney Campbell had witnessed the beating of her son. She and Marie Stamp were present in her house when Favors and Hutchinson fired their weapons, killing both potential witnesses.
Hutchinson and Favors were arrested on March 27, 2017 and have remained in custody.
Hutchinson was sentenced on Oct. 1 to life in prison with no chance of parole.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by ATF and the Columbus Police, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys David M. DeVillers and Jessica W. Knight who are prosecuting the case.
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Colorado Doctor Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Distributing Oxycodone, Defrauding Employee Benefit Plans, and Falsifying Patient FilesRead the Press Release
DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn announced that Dr. John Van Wu, age 50, of Golden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson to serve 51 months (4 years and 3 months) in federal prison for mail fraud and obstruction of justice charges as well as distributing oxycodone outside the usual course of medical practice. Following the prison sentence, Wu will serve 3 years on supervised release. Wu was also ordered to pay restitution of $94,829.38. The defendant appeared at the sentencing hearing in custody, and was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals after the sentence was pronounced.
Wu was convicted of mail fraud and obstruction of justice charges following a jury trial in April, 2019. He later pleaded guilty, pursuant to a plea agreement, to a charge of distributing oxycodone outside the usual course of medical practice and obstruction.
According to documents and testimony presented at trial, Wu operated a medical clinic at locations in west Denver between January 2011 and March 2015. During that time period the defendant devised a scheme in which he billed employee benefit programs and insurers for services that were never actually rendered nor medically necessary. During the trial over a dozen of the doctor’s former patients testified that they did not have many of the ailments described in their medical files and did not get the expensive procedures billed to insurance. For example, patient files described days-long nosebleeds followed by nasal cauterization procedures, but patients testified that neither happened. Other files described diagnoses related to migraine headaches and frequent administrations of injections to treat those agents. Patients testified that those, too, did not occur. Testimony at trial also established that the defendant billed approximately 95% of his office visits as the longest, most expensive, and highest-reimbursing type of office visit, despite the fact that his patients had relatively simple and routine ailments that did not need that level of service. During his testimony, the defendant admitted that he shredded patient files while the investigation was ongoing.
After the trial, pursuant to the plea agreement filed in Court, the defendant pleaded guilty to a separate charges of distributing oxycodone outside the usual course of medical practice and for no legitimate reason. According to the facts contained in that plea agreement, Wu also falsified a corresponding patient file, documenting that a patient needed oxycodone when he fell down some stairs causing lower back pain so bad that the patient could “barely stand” and was “moving around in his wheelchair.” However, the patient had never used or been confined to a wheelchair and had never used oxycodone.
The defendant does not currently have a license to practice medicine. As part of the plea agreement, Wu agreed to never again apply for a license to practice medicine in any jurisdiction. He also agreed to pay restitution to the victims of his fraud.
“Doctors take an oath – and in this case Dr. John Van Wu disregarded it,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “To be clear, he lied to the government and sold dangerous narcotics for no medical purpose. He deserves this prison sentence.”
“The Honorable Judge Brooke Jackson emphasized the harm to the community done by Dr. John Wu with the prescribing/distribution of Oxycodone for no legitimate purpose,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Deanne Reuter. “Dr. Wu, a registrant, who not only pled guilty to Distribution of a Controlled Substance but was also found guilty of insurance fraud and obstruction of justice, failed the community he was entrusted to help. The DEA will continue to investigate registrants who cause harm to the public and fuel the opioid epidemic. This case shows the opioid epidemic is being fought at all levels to include professionals in a position of trust.”
“Healthcare fraud victimizes the individuals involved and the community at-large,” said U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) Regional Director Jim Purcell in Kansas City. “Fraudulently billing for unnecessary or non-existent healthcare treatments passes the costs on to others wishing to obtain health insurance. The Department of Labor remains committed to ensuring that benefits are not abused, and anyone found guilty of committing fraud is held accountable.”
This case was jointly investigated by EBSA and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bryan D. Fields and Conor Flanigan.
Chinese National Sentenced to One Year and One Day Imprisonment for Smuggling Protected Wildlife from the United StatesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Haixi Sheng, age 20, a native and citizen of China, was sentenced on October 11, 2019, by Senior United States District Court Judge Sylvia H. Rambo to one year and one day imprisonment for smuggling goods from the United States.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Sheng fraudulently and knowingly exported and sent Gulf Coast box turtles to China in November 2017 via the United States mail. The Gulf Coast box turtle is a protected species under Federal law and cannot be exported from the United States without prior approval from the United States Fish & Wildlife Service. Sheng pled guilty to smuggling the protected turtles without the required authorization to export wildlife from the United States to China.
This case was investigated by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney James T. Clancy and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian G. McDonnell prosecuted the case.
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Chicago, Illinois Man Sentenced to 96 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Jonquel Lawson, 26, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced before District Court Judge James T. Moody following his plea of guilty Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Lawson received a sentence of 96 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, on September 2017 Mr. Lawson entered and robbed a cellular store in Munster, Indiana. When the employee went to the back room, he followed her and pointed a gun at her. Mr. Lawson stole in excess of $25,000 in cellular phones from the store and fled on foot.
This case was investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the Hammond Police Department. This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
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California Man Sentenced for 50 Pounds of MethRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A California man who was stopped in Kansas with 50 pounds of methamphetamine in his car was sentenced today to six years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jesus Antonio Garcia-Maldonado, 36, Panorama City, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted he was stopped for speeding on US 54 near Minneola in Clark County, Kan. Law enforcement officers found approximately 50 pounds of methamphetamine in wrapped packages under seats and behind a rear quarter panel. The defendant said he was driving the drugs from San Diego, Calif., to Minnesota.
McAllister commended the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst.
Bridgeport Man Who Distributed Heroin to Overdose Victim Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TALVIN HINTON, 43, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 60 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin.
This matter stems from a statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 23, 2017, the Stratford Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a suspected overdose of a 25-year-old female at a Stratford home. The victim was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased. At the scene, officers collected nine bags of suspected heroin and other evidence of drug use.
The State of Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner determined the victim’s cause of death to be intoxication of a combination of heroin, fentanyl and other substances.
The investigation revealed that Hinton was the source of the narcotics purchased by the victim shortly before she died.
Between January and March 2018, investigators made four controlled purchases of heroin from Hinton. He was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on March 20, 2018.
On November 13, 2018, Hinton pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of heroin. He has been detained since May 7, 2019, when his bond was revoked.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA, Connecticut State Police and Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Milford, Bridgeport and Trumbull Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha M. Freismuth.
Bastrop Man Facing Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment on October 9, 2019, charging Brandon Keith Harris, 32, of Bastrop, Louisiana, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced. This indictment stems from the joint federal and local investigation into the July 14, 2018, firearm theft from Simmons’ Sporting Goods in Bastrop, Louisiana.
According to the indictment, Harris, who is prohibited from having a firearm because of prior felony convictions, is accused of unlawfully possessing six pistols and a rifle on July 14, 2018. The indictment also alleges that the firearms were stolen from a licensed firearms dealer. Under federal law, it is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm or ammunition.
If convicted, Harris faces up to 10 years in prison and fines for each offense, and a period of supervised release following confinement.
The ATF, Bastrop Police Department, and Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Shannon is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Alleged Ring Leaders of Transnational Migrant Smuggling Organization IndictedRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Timothy D. Coughlin (619) 546-6768 and Zachary J. Howe (619) 546-8693
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – October 15, 2019
SAN DIEGO – Three men were indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges that they were members of a migrant-smuggling operation based in Tecate, Mexico, that recruited juvenile drivers from San Diego high schools.
Cristian Hirales-Morales, Marcos Julian Romero and Sergio Anthony Santivanez, all U.S. citizens, were arraigned in federal court this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge William V. Gallo.
According to the indictment, defendant Hirales is alleged to be the leader of the organization that smuggled undocumented migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border to various motels in the greater Los Angeles area. Once at these motels, Hirales’ top lieutenants, including Romero and Santivanez, held the migrants until they received payments - usually $8,000 per person - from the migrants’ sponsors. The organization used juveniles and young adults from local high schools as load drivers and recruited drivers using internet platforms like Craigslist. Hirales, based in Tecate, handled Mexico-based arrangements with migrants and smugglers. He also coordinated illegal crossings into the United States, tracked load drivers using live-location phone apps, and guided load drivers to the waiting migrants by sending pin drops with exact Google Maps coordinates, among other things, the indictment said. Once load drivers found the undocumented migrants, Hirales turned over the smuggling to his U.S.-based co-conspirators, who scouted border patrol checkpoints and handled smuggling fees at Los Angeles area motels.
Romero, allegedly a top lieutenant in the organization, recruited drivers and sent their personal information, such as photos of their driver’s licenses and vehicles, to Hirales and the U.S.-based organizers and managers, the indictment said. Romero also tracked smuggling events from the border and directed the payment of smuggling fees at the Los Angeles area motels. He dealt face-to-face with sponsors and collected smuggling proceeds in cash for the smuggling organization.
Santivanez, also an alleged manager in the organization, transported undocumented migrants; coordinated smuggling events from the border; dealt with sponsors of the migrants and collected smuggling proceeds at the Los Angeles motels.
All three defendants were arrested on complaints after Hirales crossed the U.S./Mexico border at the Tecate Port of Entry. The indictment tracks particular alien smuggling events that occurred in July, August and September of 2019. It charges conspiracies involving bringing undocumented migrants to the United States, as well as transporting them once they were in the United States. Border Patrol investigators tracked command-level managers to hotels in the Los Angeles area and surveilled the exchange of smuggling fees conducted by Romero and Santivanez. According to the indictment, the proceeds from the alien smuggling events were funneled back to Hirales in Mexico by codefendants Romero and Santivanez and other members of the smuggling organization.
“We will not allow criminal organizations to recruit our youth to smuggle people or drugs into our nation,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “We will bring the full power of the justice system down on these recruiters.” Brewer praised the U.S. Border Patrol and prosecutors Timothy D. Coughlin and Zachary J. Howe for their work on the case.
Chief Patrol Agent Douglas Harrison stated, “I am proud of the great work our agents demonstrated in this investigation. Their actions have kept our communities safe and dismantled this dangerous smuggling organization.”
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the United States Border Patrol–San Diego Sector to target active transnational criminal organizations in the Southern District of California. One of the principal missions of the United States Border Patrol is to identify, disrupt, dismantle, and prosecute high-level members of alien smuggling organizations.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 19CR4089-DMS
Cristian Hirales-Morales Age: 31 Tecate, Baja California, Mexico
Marcos Julian Romero Age: 21 San Diego, California
Sergio Anthony Santivanez Age: 23 San Diego, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1 (Defendants Hirales and Romero) – Conspiracy to Bring In Illegal Aliens for Financial Gain – Title 8, U.S.C., Sections 1324(a)(1)(A)(i), (a)(1)(A)(v)(I), and (a)(1)(B)(i)
Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine
Count 2 (All Defendants) – Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Financial Gain – Title 8, U.S.C., Sections 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii), (a)(1)(A)(v)(I), and (a)(1)(B)(i)
Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine
Counts 3-6 (Defendants Hirales and Romero) – Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii); Aiding and Abetting – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2; and Pinkerton v. United States, 328 U.S. 640 (1946)
Maximum penalty: Each count carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three years and a maximum of 10 years for the first or second violation. Any additional violations carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum of fifteen 15 years
AGENCY
United States Border Patrol
San Diego Sector/Campo Station Intelligence Team
United States Border Patrol – BORTAC – Special Operations Division
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
ACI Inmate Admits to Running Crack Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – An inmate at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) admitted in federal court today that on multiple occasions, while incarcerated at the ACI, he arranged for the sale and delivery of crack cocaine to individuals outside of the state prison.
James Gomes, 30, admitted to the Court that on several occasions in 2018, fellow inmates provided Gomes with prospective buyers and their contact information. Gomes admitted that he often passed the information through his mother, Lisa Ellis, 51, of Pawtucket, to two individuals, Joshua Moore, 19, formerly of Pawtucket, and Gerald Price, 34, of Cranston, who allegedly delivered crack cocaine to Gomes’ customers.
According to information presented to the Court, a Project Safe Neighborhoods Investigation by the Rhode Island Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Task Force determined that, using his prison call account and the accounts of others, Gomes frequently called his mother, Lisa Ellis, and would direct her to establish conference calls with Moore and Price. During the conference calls, Gomes admitted, he would direct Ellis, Moore and/or Price to sell crack cocaine to others. Ellis allegedly kept a small portion of the proceeds from the sales for herself and deposited the rest of the money into Gomes’ ACI prison account.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Gomes pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and three counts of distribution of cocaine base, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Kelly D. Brady.
Gomes is scheduled to be sentenced on January 20, 2020.
Joshua Moore pleaded guilty on September 4, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and three counts of distribution of cocaine base. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 20, 2019; Lisa Ellis is awaiting trial on charges of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and four counts of distribution of cocaine base; Gerald Price is awaiting trial on charges of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and distribution of cocaine base.
An indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is a federal, state and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.
The ATF Task Force is comprised of agents and officers from ATF, Providence Police Department, Pawtucket Police Department, Cranston Police Department, Rhode Island State Police, and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.
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36 Arrested During Joint Law Enforcement Initiative in Northern AlabamaRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE – A joint federal, state, and local law enforcement initiative has resulted in the arrests of 36 individuals on a variety of criminal charges, including drug trafficking, money laundering, using communication facilities to facilitate drug trafficking and various firearms offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Clay Morris, FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr., and United States Postal Inspector in Charge, Houston Division, Adrian Gonzalez. The majority of the defendants were arrested in north Alabama, however some defendants were arrested in California, Iowa, Virginia and Tennessee.
“There is no daylight between local, state and federal law enforcement,” Town said. “These indictments represent the hard work of many of our law enforcement partners, and exemplify our global efforts of taking on the most dangerous criminals menacing our neighborhoods. Our relationships across the board have never been stronger.”
"These arrests are indicative of DEA's commitment to rid our communities of drug trafficking organizations determined to profit on the backs of addiction," said Morris. "Citizens in Northern Alabama can rest assured that the DEA and our law enforcement partners are determined to ensure these communities remain safe and a great place to live. The success of this investigation is an outstanding example of our law enforcement community's resolve and determination."
"North Alabama is safer today as a result of this operation," Sharp said. "This was an outstanding example of law enforcement partnerships working together to remove dangerous criminals from our neighborhoods."
“The Postal Service has no interest in being the unwitting accomplice to anyone using the U.S. Mail to distribute illegal drugs or other harmful substances,” Gonzalez said. “Postal Inspectors will continue to work with our local and federal law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who misuse the U.S. Mail. Through our joint efforts, we have dismantled a criminal organization that posed a direct threat to various communities in multiple states.”
“We thank our State and Federal partners for their efforts and support in helping rid our community of illegal activity,” Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner said. “We value our partnerships and will continually look for opportunities to enhance our ability to protect and serve all of Madison County”.
The arrests made on October 9, 2019, resulted from the combined efforts of local law enforcement agencies across eight counties in Northern Alabama, along with State and Federal law enforcement partners. Law enforcement agencies participating in the investigation included: Drug Enforcement Agency; United States Attorney’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms; United States Postal Inspection Service; Office of the Attorney General State of Alabama; Alabama Law Enforcement Agency; Morgan County Sheriff’s Department; Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department; Decatur Police Department; Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department; Colbert County Sheriff’s Department; Franklin County Sheriff’s Department; Russellville Police Department; Marion County Sheriff’s Department; Huntsville Police Department, Madison Police Department, Cullman County Sheriff’s Department, Cullman Police Department, and the Wayne County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Department.
In the spring of 2018, Special Agents of the DEA, and members of the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and ALEA began an investigation involving quantities of high quality methamphetamine being sold in Morgan and Lawrence County. Agents quickly learned that the methamphetamine was being distributed not only in those areas, but also in the surrounding areas as far south as Cullman and as far north as Tennessee, by multiple affiliated individuals. Agents also learned that the methamphetamine was coming from the San Bernardino area of California.
During the course of the investigation, over 74 pounds of “ice” methamphetamine, a kilo of cocaine hydrochloride and 46 grams of “crack” cocaine was seized. Twenty guns were seized, including two assault rifles and a short barrel shotgun. Some of the guns seized were identified as stolen. Over $123,000 was seized by federal agencies. This amount does not include amounts of money seized and forfeited by state and local agencies.
DEA, FBI, and USPIS, investigated the case, which Mary Stuart Burrell is prosecuting.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.