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3 October 2019
Prince George’s County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and for Possession of A Firearm in Furtherance of A Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – James Robert Dorsey III, age 29, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to federal charges for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The guilty plea was entered on October 2, 2019.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department.
“Armed drug dealers bring both addiction and violence to our streets,” said United States Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Working together with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we are determined to make our communities safer by eliminating illegal drug trafficking and gun violence.”
According to his guilty plea, on May 7, 2019, Prince George’s County Police officers received a call for service in the Seat Pleasant area for individuals suspected of smoking and distributing marijuana. When officers arrived, they observed Dorsey begin to walk away from the area holding the waistband area of his pants, and enter a silver sedan parked nearby. As Dorsey attempted to drive away he struck a vehicle parked in front of him before responding to officers’ directions to stop, and was subsequently removed from his vehicle.
Dorsey was searched and law enforcement recovered a loaded 9x19 millimeter semi-automatic pistol; approximately 15 grams of marijuana; and $552 in cash. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement located a partially unzipped black shoulder bag on the back seat. Inside the backpack were approximately 11 bags containing a total of 130 grams of marijuana; a digital scale with marijuana residue; and approximately 150 plastic sandwich bags. Dorsey admitted that he possessed the marijuana with the intent to distribute it.
On June 20, 2019, a search warrant was executed at Dorsey’s residence and law enforcement recovered a Glock switch, which is an aftermarket part that, once installed, converts a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic pistol. The Glock switch itself is defined as a machinegun under the law.
On July 25, 2019, Dorsey was arrested at a hotel in Largo, Maryland. While conducting surveillance at the hotel, law enforcement observed Dorsey and another male get into a white Mercedes Benz S560 sedan. When law enforcement approached Dorsey, he refused to comply with law enforcement’s instructions and was removed from the front driver’s side of the vehicle, placed into handcuffs, and then searched. As a result of the search, law enforcement recovered the keys for the Mercedes and $3,195 in U.S. currency. Inside the Mercedes, law enforcement recovered: a loaded 9mm handgun; a compact-sized pistol with no serial number, loaded with a magazine containing eight cartridges and one in the chamber; a 15-round magazine with an extension; a white trash bag containing bags of prepackaged marijuana for distribution, totaling approximately 450 grams; and a digital scale.
Dorsey had a previous felony conviction and therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Dorsey admitted that he possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
Dorsey and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Dorsey will be sentenced to between 78 and 114 months in federal prison. U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel has scheduled sentencing for January 3, 2020 at 11 am.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Sykes, who is prosecuting the case.
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Pittsburgh Man Gets 15-Year Prison Sentence for Illegally Possessing Drugs and FirearmsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Denver Sangster, 43, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on Tuesday to 15 years’ imprisonment after a jury found him guilty in May of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
According to information provided to the court, on March 30, 2016, City of Pittsburgh narcotics detectives and SWAT operators and federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents searched Sangster’s home on Orin Street in Pittsburgh. During the search, law enforcement found substantial amounts of marijuana, cocaine, and crack cocaine in different areas of Sangster’s home. Law enforcement also found four firearms on the property, including two pistols, a revolver, and a tactical rifle. All of the firearms were loaded to maximum capacity. After a three-day trial in May, a unanimous jury convicted Sangster of possession with the intent to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, and quantities of cocaine and marijuana. The jury also convicted Sangster of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On October 2, 2019, United States District Judge David S. Cercone sentenced Sangster to 10 years’ imprisonment for the drug trafficking crime and five years’ imprisonment for the firearms crime. According to Judge Cercone, federal law requires the two sentences to be served consecutively, which resulted in a final sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan Conway, Adam Hallowell, and Brian M. Czarnecki prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Sangster.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 27 Years for Sex Trafficking of Children and for Training Others to Engage in Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced that Collin Cowell, a/k/a “Tyson,” 29, was sentenced to 324 months’ incarceration and 20 years’ supervised release by United States District Court Judge J. Curtis Joyner for his scheme to organize and manage a trafficking venture with ‘employees’ whom he trained to sell young girls into sexual conduct. The defendant is also required to register as a sex offender.
The defendant was convicted in March 2018 of sex trafficking and aiding and abetting the sex trafficking of three minor children, two of whom were only 15 years old, in Philadelphia and elsewhere. He was also convicted of the distribution of child pornography for posting a sexually explicit image of two of the young girls on backpage.com, a website Cowell and his co-defendants used to advertise the minors for commercial sex acts with sex buyers, which financially benefited him directly. The defendant not only led the trafficking operation, he trained those working under him to engage in sex trafficking.
“Cowell’s crimes were devastating to his minor victims,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Williams. “Today’s sentence of almost three decades incarceration reflects the seriousness of his crimes and the irrevocable damage he caused, all in pursuit of financial gain. We will continue to work collectively to investigate these destructive crimes against vulnerable children.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melanie Babb Wilmoth
Peda Roll Mafia Associate Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A local man has been sentenced to 37 months for conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, state and federal law enforcement officers learned that members and associates of the Peda Roll Mafia in Memphis received illegal drugs, including methamphetamine and marijuana, from the Avendano drug trafficking organization (DTO) in California. The Peda Roll Mafia is a subset of the Grape Street Crips. The Avendano DTO arranged for their Memphis-based co-conspirators to funnel payment for drugs through cash deposits at Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Use of national banks allowed the drug proceeds that were deposited in Memphis to be withdrawn by the Avendano DTO in California.
The defendant Clyde Wade III, 36, was an associate of Peda Roll Mafia members in Memphis. As part of the scheme, Wade III agreed to make large cash deposits at Bank of America and Wells Fargo into accounts provided by the Avendano DTO. Wade III knew the purpose of these deposits was to promote illegal drug trafficking. As a result of Wade III's deposits, members of the Avendano DTO mailed additional illegal drugs to co-conspirators in the Western District of Tennessee. Wade III deposited between $15,000 and $40,000 during the conspiracy.
As a result of his role in the money laundering conspiracy, Wade III pleaded guilty in federal court on June 27, 2019. On September 27, 2019, U.S. District court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Wade III to 37 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Criminal enterprises and street gangs that distribute harmful and addictive drugs into our communities for profit can no longer operate with impunity. One of the most effective ways to combat drug conspiracies and drug trafficking organizations is to charge, seize, and forfeit ill-gotten gains from the money laundering and structuring of financial transactions derived from illegal drug proceeds. Thanks to the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners, we are targeting gangs to dismantle their organizations and financial structures, and aggressively pursuing cases that yield real consequences for ALL defendants involved in the conspiracy, including gang associates."
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S Marshals Service, Memphis Police Department, and the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Erskine and Kevin Whitmore prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Orlando Man Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Identity Theft and Credit Card Fraud at Universal Orlando Theme ParksRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza today sentenced Ishod Hazell (26, Orlando) to three years in federal prison for committing aggravated identity theft and using unauthorized access devices at Universal Orlando theme parks. The court also ordered Hazell to pay restitution in the amount of $153,598.99, representing the total losses to Universal.
Hazell had pleaded guilty on July 16, 2019.
According to court documents, between June 16, 2018, and February 27, 2019, Hazell used 91 different stolen credit card numbers to purchase theme park tickets and hotel packages from Universal valued at approximately $291,170. Hazell routinely called the Universal call center to make the fraudulent purchases, each time using a different stolen credit card number and identifying himself as the credit card holder. After making the fraudulent purchases, Hazell and his associates used the theme parks’ self-serve kiosks to pick up the tickets. The tickets were then sold to unsuspecting vacationers using an online website.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt.
Operation Mountaineer Highway Update: New Jersey Man Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A New Jersey man was sentenced to federal prison for his participation in a drug trafficking organization, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. James Terry, 38, was sentenced to 92 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone. Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force, with the support of the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug Task Force, the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Fayetteville Police Department, and the Oak Hill Police Department.
“Terry was a major oxycodone dealer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “The day we took Terry and his co-conspirators off the streets was a great day for the citizens of Fayette County.”
At his plea hearing in July, Terry previously admitted that between October 2017 and September 2018, he worked with other members of a drug trafficking organization operating between Fayette County, West Virginia and New Jersey to distribute oxycodone pills. It was established that on May 31, 2018, Terry distributed over 500 oxycodone pills to another member of the drug trafficking organization in Fayette County, West Virginia. Terry obtained the oxycodone tablets in New Jersey and transported them to West Virginia. It was further established that on June 20, 2018 he was driving a car again transporting oxycodone pills from New Jersey to West Virginia. It was the plan to deliver the pills to the same member of the drug trafficking organization in West Virginia to be redistributed and sold illegally in the Southern District of West Virginia for profit. Prior to delivering the pills to West Virginia, the car Terry was driving was stopped by the Pennsylvania State Police. During the traffic stop, approximately 997 oxycodone pills were recovered. The pills were hidden in a secret compartment, commonly referred to as a trap. The prosecution of Terry culminated from a joint investigation conducted by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies known as Mountaineer Highway.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Boggess and Andrew J. Tessman handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
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Omaha Man Sentenced to 66 Months for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Casey Kountze, age 41, was sentenced in federal court today in Omaha, Nebraska, for distribution of child pornography. Senior District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Kountze to 66 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Kountze will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
Between September 1, 2017, and September 17, 2017, Kountze distributed videos of child pornography by making the videos available on the internet for other individuals to view. Following an investigation, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Kountze’s Omaha residence on February 16, 2018. Officers collected Kountze’s laptop computer which contained about 311 images of child pornography on the hard drive. The child pornography images included children under the age of 12 and prepubescent children engaging in sex acts.
The case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Oakland Resident Pleads Guilty to 19 Bank Robberies Across Northern CaliforniaRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Duane Kurt Makela pleaded guilty in federal court today to ten armed bank robberies, seven unarmed bank robberies, and two attempted bank robberies across Northern California, announced Northern District of California Acting U.S. Attorney Adam A. Reeves, Eastern District of California U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The plea was accepted by Charles R. Breyer, Senior U.S. District Judge.
Makela, 50, of Oakland, admitted in open court that between March 2018 and February 2019, he committed or attempted to commit 19 robberies of banks and credit unions largely located in the San Francisco Bay Area but also in towns in or near the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As part of his plea, Makela agreed that he entered the banks and credit unions and demanded that employees hand over money. Makela further acknowledged that during each armed robbery, he brandished what appeared to be a handgun and directed employees of the banks and credit unions to hand over money. In total, Makela stole $69,002.
Makela robbed the following banks and credit unions on the following dates:
CHARGE
DATE
BANK OR CREDIT UNION
LOCATION
1. Armed Bank Robbery
March 21, 2018
Pacific Service Credit Union
Pleasant Hill, CA
2. Bank Robbery
March 24, 2018
Wells Fargo Bank
South Lake Tahoe, CA
3. Bank Robbery
March 30, 2018
U.S. Bank
Oakland, CA
4. Armed Bank Robbery
April 11, 2018
Pacific Service Credit Union
San Ramon, CA
5. Armed Bank Robbery
April 13, 2018
Comerica Bank
Palo Alto, CA
6. Bank Robbery
April 17, 2018
Bank of the West
Orinda, CA
7. Attempted Bank Robbery
May 11, 2018
U.S Bank
San Ramon, CA
8. Armed Bank Robbery
May 12, 2018
Chase Bank
Oakland, CA
9. Bank Robbery
May 24, 2018
Sierra Central Credit Union
South Lake Tahoe, CA
10. Bank Robbery
June 6, 2018
U.S. Bank
Roseville, CA
11. Armed Bank Robbery
June 12, 2018
U.S. Bank
Pollack Pines, CA
12. Armed Bank Robbery
August 25, 2018
Wells Fargo Bank
Mill Valley, CA
13. Attempted Bank Robbery
October 18, 2018
First Republic Bank
Burlingame, CA
14. Armed Bank Robbery
October 19, 2018
Meriwest Credit Union
Mountain View, CA
15. Armed Bank Robbery
October 22, 2018
Chase Bank
South San Francisco, CA
16. Bank Robbery
November 3, 2018
Wells Fargo Bank
Orinda, CA
17. Armed Bank Robbery
November 5, 2018
U.S. Bank
Alameda, CA
18. Armed Bank Robbery
December 23, 2018
U.S. Bank
Castro Valley, CA
19. Bank Robbery
February 4, 2019
Wells Fargo Bank
Palo Alto, CA
On May 7, 2019, a federal grand jury indicted Makela, charging him with four counts of armed bank robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a) and (d), and one count of unarmed bank robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a). On September 25, 2019, Makela waived his right to indictment, and to venue for those charges arising out of the Eastern District of California, and he was arraigned on a Superseding Information alleging the above crimes. Today, he pleaded guilty to all 19 counts in the Superseding Information.
Judge Breyer scheduled Makela’s sentencing for January 15, 2020. The maximum statutory penalties for each armed bank robbery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a) and (d), are 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum statutory penalties for each unarmed bank robbery and attempted bank robbery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a), are 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition, the court may order a term of supervised release, restitution, and special assessments. However, any sentence following conviction will 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.
Northern District of California Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Walsh and Alex Tse are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Rosario Calderon and Margoth Turcios. Eastern District of California Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Rodriguez assisted.
The prosecution is the result of investigations by the FBI with assistance from the police departments of Pleasant Hill, Orinda, Daly City, South Lake Tahoe, Oakland, San Ramon, Palo Alto, Roseville, Burlingame, Mountain View, South San Francisco, and Alameda, as well as the Contra Costa County, El Dorado County, Marin County, and Alameda County Sheriff’s Offices.
North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Pill DistributionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A North Carolina man pled guilty to selling pills to an undercover law enforcement officer, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Ricky Walker, 42, pled guilty to distribution of oxycodone and oxymorphone. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation.
“Another pill dealer stands convicted,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are continuing to take record numbers of pill dealers and poison peddlers off our streets.”
Walker admitted that on November 2, 2012, he sold 90 oxycodone and 60 oxymorphone pills to what proved to be an undercover DEA Task Force Officer on the parking lot of the Comfort Inn in Cross Lanes, West Virginia.
Walker faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on December 30, 2019.
Senior United States District Judge John Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution.
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Newton Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Commercial Driver’s License FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Tonya Levera Davis, 49, of Newton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to serve two years in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for aggravated identity theft and making false statements, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Regional Special Agent in Charge Todd Damiani with the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General.
Davis was employed by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Newton Department of Motor Vehicles, as a driver’s license examiner. Her employment included the administration of driver’s license applications, both written and computer tests, as well as the administration of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) testing. Davis was an authorized tester of the written skills portion of the CDL test, but not for the road skills portion.
From June 2016 through May 2018, Davis authorized CDLs to applicants that had not passed the written or road skills portions of the test. She sold CDLs to over 88 unqualified applicants by providing answers to the written skills test. She would further pass the unqualified applicant and use state issued identification numbers of other third party testers to pass unqualified applicants and issue fraudulent CDLs.
“The sentencing today of Tonya Levera Davis for aggravated identity theft and making false statements sends a strong message that such illegal actions will not be tolerated, particularly when these actions put the safety of the traveling public at significant risk,” said Todd A. Damiani, DOT-OIG Regional Special Agent-in-Charge. “Only qualified individuals should be able to obtain CDLs and we will continue working tirelessly with our Federal, State and local law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to keep unqualified applicants for CDLs off of the nation’s roads.”
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Transportation-Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – THADDEUS CARTER, age 45, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before the Honorable Carl J. Barbier to violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to the court records, CARTER conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin. CARTER admitted to being captured on recorded calls as part of a lengthy Title III wire intercept.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 9, 2020. CARTER faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of at least 5 years up to forty years, a fine of $5,000,000 and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
New Haven Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY DUNCAN, also known as “Heavy D,” 32, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 24, 2017, New Haven Police officers stopped a vehicle Duncan was operating at the intersection of Starr Street and Sheffield Avenue in New Haven. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Smith and Wesson M&P Shield .40 caliber handgun.
Prior to that date, Duncan had been convicted in state court of felony drug, robbery and weapon offenses.
On October 27, 2017, Duncan had been the victim of a shooting at the same intersection.
Duncan was arrested on state charges on November 24, 2017, and was released on bond. On June 26, 2018, as investigators were attempting to arrest Duncan on a federal criminal complaint, Duncan drove his vehicle at a high rate of speed down a dead end road and across a field. After the car was no longer operational, he fled on foot into a wooded area where he was apprehended. A subsequent search of his residence revealed another firearm and quantities of crack cocaine and heroin.
Duncan has been detained since his arrest on June 26, 2018. State charges related to Duncan’s flight from law enforcement and illegal possession of a firearm and narcotics are pending.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Mission Man Indicted on Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.
Bryan Herman, age 54, was indicted on September 10, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 2, 2019 and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on July 15, 2016, Herman, an unlawful user of, and addicted to, a controlled substance, did knowingly possess, receive, conceal, store, barter, sell, and dispose of a stolen firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.
The charges are merely accusations and Herman is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Herman was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Milwaukee Awarded a U.S. Department of Justice Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant to Combat Firearm ViolenceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded a two-year $317,422 grant to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office (MCDAO) and the City of Milwaukee through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). The grant is intended to reduce the level of firearm-related violence in Milwaukee through the creation of a Community Victim Witness Program. This new collaborative approach will provide services to victims of firearm–related violence who reside in, or are victimized in, one of six neighborhoods that report high incidence of homicides and non-fatal shootings.
The Community Victim Witness Program representatives will be embedded with the divisions of the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) that investigate non-fatal shootings and related offenses in order to support victims immediately after an event. The Community Victim Witness Program representatives will provide crisis-intervention services; make referrals to Milwaukee’s Office of Violence Prevention (OVP), social service agencies, and community-based organizations; and serve as a liaison between the victim and investigators as the investigation proceeds.
As envisioned by the grant, the Community Victim Witness Program has several aims. First, the program will help victims recover from violent crimes and assist investigations. Second, the program will identify situations at risk for retaliation and facilitate interventions that may prevent further violence. Finally, the program will promote greater community and criminal justice engagement, which should help reduce violence in Milwaukee.
“The Community Victim Witness Program has great potential to help reduce violent crime in Milwaukee,” said United States Attorney Krueger. “This program is focused on an especially vulnerable group of crime victims, those that suffered from a shooting. The program will help shooting victims recover from the incident and work constructively with the criminal justice system, breaking the cycle of violence.”
District Attorney John Chisholm said, “It is important to recognize the deep personal trauma felt by victims of violent crime. Untreated personal trauma contributes to instability in neighborhoods. This initiative will help us better connect violent crime victims to the supportive services they need and deserve in order to help restore health and safety in their lives.”
“The Milwaukee Police Department values its relationships with its law enforcement, criminal justice and community partners to further its mission to keep Milwaukee a safe place to live, work and raise a family.” C,hief of Police Alfonso Morales
The grant is made as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The U.S. Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017, 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. Learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods.
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Milford man sentenced to prison for assaulting guard at Social Security officeRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Today U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett sentenced Daniel Toops, 35, of Milford, to 12 months in prison for punching a Social Security Administration security guard in the face.
According to court documents, on April 11, 2019, Toops spoke with an official working at the Batavia Social Security office. Apparently dissatisfied with the information the official provided, Toops began to leave the building saying, “F*** you, mother f***er. I’ll come back and f*** you mother f****ers up.”
When approached by the facility’s security guard, Toops engaged in an altercation with the guard and ultimately punched her in the face. The guard sprayed Toops with mace and he was subsequently arrested.
Toops pleaded guilty on June 25 to assaulting an officer of the United States.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman commended the investigation by the Federal Protective Service, as well as Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry, who is representing the United States in this case.
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Michigan City, Indiana Man Sentenced to 72 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Quonzee Merriweather, age 25, of Michigan City, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for distribution of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, said U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Mr. Merriweather was sentenced to 72 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in October of 2017, Mr. Merriweather distributed cocaine while in Michigan City, Indiana. Mr. Merriweather has three felony and two misdemeanor convictions and also has violated probation multiple times.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms with the assistance of the Michigan City Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Schaffer.
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Mexican national ordered to prison in child pornography caseRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 34-year-old Mexican citizen has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Gustavo Eduardo Diaz-Vasquez pleaded guilty Oct. 2, 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ordered him to serve 72 months in federal prison. Diaz-Vasquez was further ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution to six known victims and will serve 10 years of supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. At the hearing, the court read excerpts of several victim impact statements detailing how this is clearly not a victimless crime.
On or about Feb. 10, 2018, Diaz-Vasquez was attempting to enter the United States through the Veteran’s Port of Entry in Brownsville when authorities conducted a search of his cell phone. At that time, they discovered Diaz-Vasquez was in possession of child pornography on his cell phone.
A forensic analysis later revealed approximately 142 images and 346 videos of child pornography.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Corley and Ana C. Cano are prosecuting the case which 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.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources.”
Mexican man gets more than 10 years in meth schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 54-year Mexican citizen who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Salvador Naranjo-Sosa pleaded guilty April 25.
Today, U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett ordered he serve a 126-month term of imprisonment. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face deportation proceedings following his sentence.
The investigation began in November 2016 when authorities had learned narcotics were being stored in a house on Berry road in Houston. There, they made contact with Naranjo-Sosa, who was the only person present.
Authorities soon observed what appeared to be crystal meth.
Naranjo-Sosa admitted he was being paid to “watch over” the narcotics.
An analysis later determined the substance was meth with a purity level of 92%, making it “Ice.” The drugs weighed a total of 6.56 kilograms and had an estimated street value of $420,000.
Naranjo-Sosa has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart A. Burns is prosecuting the case.
Mexican Man Sentenced for Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that GREGORIO GALAVIZ-ZAMORA, age 60, a native of Mexico, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to illegally using a Social Security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
United States District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced GALAVIZ-ZAMORA to time served and was required to pay a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court documents, prior to August 14, 2019, GALAVIZ-ZAMORA submitted a fraudulent Form I-9 application in order to obtain employment with a construction company. He attested on the form that he was someone else. He used a fraudulent Social Security card in the name of the other person which also contained that person’s actual Social Security number as verification. In order to finalize employment with that company, he was required to take a safety course at another location on August 14, 2019. He once again provided the fraudulent Social Security card and number as proof of his identity, but an employee suspected the card was fraudulent and alerted Customs and Border Protection. Subsequent record checks confirmed his real identity.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of United States Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, and Social Security Administration agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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McAlester Woman Pleads Guilty to Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Callie Marie Woolsey, age 31, of McAlester, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Distribution Of Heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 20 years.
The Information alleges that on or about December 16, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. As a part of its case, the Government presented evidence that the defendant distributed the heroin to A.B. and that A.B. died after ingesting the heroin.
The charges arose from an investigation by the McAlester Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States.
Man from Santa Fe, N.M., faces federal charges for allegedly robbing banks in Santa Fe and EspañolaRead the Press Release
The complaint further alleges Padilla committed the third bank robbery in Santa Fe on September 26. Padilla allegedly received money from a teller after presenting a demand note.
The FBI arrested Padilla yesterday in Santa Fe. He is currently in custody awaiting preliminary and detention hearings scheduled for tomorrow. Padilla faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. A criminal complaint is only an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Espanola Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva Fontanez is prosecuting the case.
Man Sentenced for Distributing Cocaine and Heroin in Hampton RoadsRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hampton man was sentenced yesterday to over seven years in prison after for distributing cocaine and heroin in Hampton Roads.
According to court documents, in May a federal jury convicted Erick Allen Osby, 24, of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin.
In September 2018, Osby, who had active warrants for his arrest regarding narcotics distribution charges out of Hampton at the time, was observed by law enforcement approaching multiple vehicles parked in a residential area of 72nd Street in Newport News and acting in a manner consistent with drug trafficking. Osby appeared to be distributing and receiving items to and from a white shoulder bag that he was wearing. Upon entering the back seat of one of the vehicles, law enforcement moved in and arrested Osby. Inside the white shoulder bag was a bag of heroin, suspected narcotics packaging material, and Osby’s identification card. A bag of cocaine was also found on top of the shoulder bag and Osby had nearly $2,000 in cash and a digital scale on his person.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, and Terry L. Sult, Chief of Hampton Police Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. Osyf prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-cr-9.
Man Sentenced for Bank and Identity FraudRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to nearly five years in prison for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, Christopher Nelson, aka Fabian Ellington III, 42, was part of a group that defrauded the Virginia Credit Union (VACU), a federally insured financial institution, through a sophisticated scheme. In the first step, Nelson, doing business as Financial Solutions, LLC, and others, recruited and paid financially needy individuals to open bank accounts, in their own name, and thereafter turn over to Nelson and his conspirators, the account numbers, debit cards, PINs, and starter checks associated with the new accounts.
In the next step, Nelson and his conspirators would then deposit fraudulent checks into the newly-opened accounts to inflate the account balances. Shortly after the deposits, Nelson or a conspirator would go to an ATM machine or drive-up window, and fraudulently use the debit cards to withdraw currency generated by the fraudulently inflated balances. Nelson and his conspirators also would use the debit cards to purchase items at commercial establishments. After the financial institution detected the scheme and deactivated a fraudulent account, Nelson simply opened a new fraudulent account in the name of a new person, and continued the scheme.
The loss sustained by the Virginia Credit Union was approximately $40,000 from the Spring 2017 until June 2018.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Jerald W. Page, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne. Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Maguire prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-09.
Man Pleads Guilty to Misuse of Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that LUIS FELIPE PALAFOX-ALVAREZ (PALAFOX-ALVAREZ), age 25, pled guilty on October 1, 2019 before United States District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry, to a one-count bill of information charging him with misuse of a Social Security Number, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
According to court documents, PALAFOX-ALVAREZ, a citizen of Mexico, presented a false Social Security card when attending a pre-employment safety class at the Gulf Coast Safety Council in St. Rose, Louisiana. PALAFOX-ALVAREZ falsely represented that a social security number was assigned to him when, in fact, the social security number had been assigned by the Commissioner of Social Security to another individual.
PALAFOZ-ALVAREZ faces a possible sentence up to five (5) years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 and one (1) year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. United States District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry set sentencing for October 8, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, United States Border Patrol and the Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
Man Arrested in Rancho Cordova Sentenced to over 4 Years in Prison for Identity Theft and a Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Cody Patrick Cannon, 31, a transient, was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison for bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of reproduced U.S. Postal Service keys, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, between January and August 2018, Cannon and an accomplice engaged in a bank fraud scheme in which they used counterfeit U.S. Postal Service keys to open apartment complex mailboxes and steal hundreds of pieces of mail throughout Northern California. From the stolen mail, Cannon and the accomplice then harvested financial information, government-issued IDs, credit and debit cards, and personally identifiable information. They also defrauded banks by using the stolen cards to purchase goods and withdraw cash from ATMs in Vacaville, Folsom, Rocklin, and Rancho Cordova.
On Aug. 2, 2018, Cannon and co-defendant Candice Freitas were arrested at their RV, which was parked in a hotel parking lot in Rancho Cordova. They were found to be in possession of stolen mail, checks, multiple stolen and fake California driver’s licenses, at least two passports bearing the names of others, and at least seven counterfeit U.S. Postal Service mail keys.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has identified over 1,500 victims of mail theft associated with these offenses.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, the Folsom Police Department, and the Vacaville Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz is prosecuting the case.
Freitas has pleaded not guilty to the charges in the indictment and remains in custody pending trial, which is scheduled for April 20, 2020. The charges against her are only allegations; she is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
MS-13 defendant pleads guilty to murder, admits responsibility as shooterRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A defendant in the MS-13 racketeering case pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today and accepted responsibility for his involvement as a shooter in one homicide. His plea agreement includes a recommended sentence of 30 years in prison.
Jose Mendez-Peraza, 37, of Columbus, pleaded guilty today to one count of participating in a racketeering conspiracy and one count of murder through the use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Todd A. Wickerham, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Rebecca Adducci, Detroit Field Office Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations, Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and Interim Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan announced the plea entered into today before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.
Mendez-Peraza, also known as “Shadow,” is one of 23 individuals charged in a second superseding indictment in February 2018 who are alleged to be members and associates of MS-13 in Columbus.
The defendants are charged in a racketeering conspiracy, which includes five murders as well as attempted murder, extortion, money laundering, drug trafficking, assault, obstruction of justice, witness intimidation, weapons offenses and immigration-related violations.
The second superseding indictment alleges that the defendants committed a host of overt acts in furtherance of the conspiracy, including: 1) the December 2006 murder of Jose Mendez, a confidential informant, in Perry County; 2) the November 2008 murder of Ramon Ramos on Lockbourne Road in Columbus; 3) the mid-2015 murder of Carlos Serrano-Ramos, a suspected rival gang member, near Innis Road in Columbus; 4) the November 2015 murder of Wilson Villeda near Innis Road in Columbus; and 5) the December 2016 murder of Salvador Martinez-Diaz, a suspected rival gang member, on Melroy Avenue in Columbus.
As part of his guilty plea, Mendez-Peraza accepted responsibility for his role as a shooter in the murder of Salvador Martinez-Diaz. MS-13 members and associates began targeting Martinez-Diaz, a suspected 18th Street gang member, for murder as early as 2015.
On Dec. 3, 2016, co-conspirators waited in the parking lot of the Resolute Athletic Complex in Columbus where the victim was playing soccer. Others, including Mendez-Peraza, wore dark ski masks and waited for Martinez-Diaz near his apartment building at Melroy Avenue and Kelburn Road in Columbus.
When the victim arrived near his home, Mendez-Peraza and another MS-13 member opened fire on Martinez-Diaz with pistols, shooting him multiple times and killing him.
As part of his plea, Mendez-Peraza also admitted to threatening a witness/victim in this case while at the Joseph P. Kinneary United States Courthouse in Columbus. Mendez-Peraza told the witness/victim that MS-13 members would kill the individual and his/her family if the individual cooperated with law enforcement.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI, ICE, Columbus Division of Police and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and the assistance of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Brian J. Martinez and Jessica H. Kim, who are prosecuting the case.
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Lynn Man Charged with Aggravated Identity Theft and Stealing Government BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man was arrested yesterday and charged in federal court in Boston with theft of government benefits and aggravated identity theft.
John Doe, whose true identify is unknown, was indicted on two counts of theft of public money, one count of false statement on an application for Social Security benefits, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to the charging document, Doe made a false statement in an application for Social Security benefits in July 2019. In addition, Doe is charged with stealing over $16,000 in MassHealth benefits from October 2008 through July 2016, and over $12,000 in Food Stamps from September 2009 through July 2016.
The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of making false statements in an application for Social Security benefits provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year sentence that must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Office; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Luzerne County Woman Indicted for Straw Purchases of FirearmsRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Laquanna Bacote, age 25, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 1, 2019, by a federal grand jury for her role in a scheme to illegally obtain firearms from federally licensed gun dealers.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that Bacote conspired with others to make false statements on federal firearms forms to purchase firearms and unlawfully obtain firearms from H & H Tactical in Exeter, Pennsylvania, NJT Arms in Northampton, Pennsylvania, and The Army & Navy Store in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy began in or about April 2019, and continues to the present. Bacote is also charged with a substantive count of making a false statements in connection with the purchase of three firearms from H & H Tactical in Exeter on April 23, 2019.
The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the substantive offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The maximum penalty for the conspiracy offense is five years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Ligonier Man Sentenced to 165 MonthsRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Jeffrey Brown, age 55, of Ligonier, Indiana was sentenced before U.S. District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Brown was sentenced to 165 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, in January of 2018, a federal search warrant was executed on Mr. Brown’s residence. During this search, approximately 40 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a scale, smoking devices and multiple cell phones were found.
The case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Noble County Sheriff’s Department and the IMAGE Drug Task Force. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah E. Nokes.
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Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl PossessionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston today to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
Yoan Paniagua, 24, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf scheduled sentencing for Jan. 9, 2020. Paniagua was arrested and charged in March 2019.
On March 12, 2019, law enforcement stopped Paniagua, who was driving on Route 495 in Andover, and seized approximately 500 grams of fentanyl from his vehicle.
The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division; and Colonel Kerry Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Lancaster Surgeon to Pay $4.25 Million to Resolve False Billing and Kickback ClaimsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams announced a $4.25 million civil settlement with Glenn A. Kline, D.O. and Community Surgical Associates to resolve civil allegations relating to kickbacks received from two hospitals formerly operated by Health Management Associates (HMA) in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in violation of the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute. Dr. Kline’s case is related to a larger investigation under which HMA agreed to pay $260 million to the United States to settle claims arising from HMA’s fraudulent billing practices in multiple healthcare institutions across the United States.
Between 2009 and 2012, as alleged in the relators’ complaint, Dr. Kline practiced as a general surgeon in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Dr. Kline was a major source of surgical business in the Lancaster area. His ability to refer patients to two former HMA hospitals, Lancaster Regional Medical Center and Heart of Lancaster Medical Center, gave Dr. Kline significant leverage over HMA as it attempted to compete in the Lancaster market.
To secure Dr. Kline’s referrals, the complaint alleges that HMA compensated Dr. Kline by paying him exorbitantly more than the fair market value of his services. Dr. Kline was being paid 300% more than the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) median salary for comparable general surgeons, and no fair market value analysis was done to support this payment. In addition to his excessive salary, Dr. Kline demanded, and was paid, additional amounts to benefit his practice, Community Surgical Associates. As alleged, Dr. Kline was paid these amounts as kickbacks for his referral of patients to Lancaster Regional Medical Center and Heart of Lancaster Medical Center, which in turn billed federal health care programs for those patients’ services. According to the complaint, these arrangements were intentionally structured to disguise payments which were, in actuality, payments for patient referrals, not for legitimate services.
“Our resolution of this matter and the significant recovery we have obtained from this physician show once again that no matter how complex the fraud scheme is, we will find it, stop it, and punish it,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Williams. “The alleged improper physician inducements that Dr. Kline demanded, and received, are a form of ‘pay to play’ business practice that could compromise professional judgment. In sum, this conduct must be rooted out because it interferes with a physician’s ability to provide top-notch patient care to American citizens.”
The allegations resolved by the settlement were brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to receive a share of any recovery. George E. Miller and Michael J. Metts, former HMA hospital executives in Lancaster, filed suit in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, alleging the improper financial relationship between HMA and Dr. Kline. Mr. Miller and Mr. Metts will receive approximately $1,054,000 million as their share of the recovery. Counsel for the whistleblowers, Marc S. Raspanti, Esquire and Pamela Coyle Brecht, Esquire from the law firm of Pietragallo Gordon Bosick & Raspanti, LLP, worked closely with the United States to investigate and resolve this case. “We sincerely thank Mr. Miller and Mr. Metts. Together with their lawyers, these two citizens provided invaluable assistance to the government throughout this case. Without the willingness of relators to shed light on allegations of fraud, preserving government program funds would be far more challenging. Their efforts played a vital role in the resolution of these cases,” said Williams.
“Today’s settlement highlights our dedication to ensuring physicians are making health care decisions based on their patients’ needs, not illegal inducements,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Philadelphia Regional Office, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “We will continue to work with the U.S. Department of Justice to safeguard patients and taxpayers.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. For the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the investigation and settlement were handled by Deputy Chief Charlene Keller Fullmer, Assistant United States Attorney Veronica Finkelstein, and Auditor Dawn Wiggins.
The civil claims resolved by the settlement are allegations against Dr. Kline only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Kemah Man Indicted for Liberty County Attempted Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A 58-year-old Kemah, Texas man has been indicted for attempted bank robbery in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Jimmy James Mamoth, Jr., was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 2, 2019 and charged with attempted bank robbery.
According to information presented by prosecutors, on Sep. 27, 2019, Mamoth was alleged to have been seen walking outside the Texas First Bank located on FM 834 in Hull, Texas, dressed in a dark hooded jacket with a Halloween-style mask on his face. Mamoth was also reported to have been wearing gloves and carrying a small duffle bag. As Mamoth approached the bank’s entrance, a bank customer in a vehicle saw Mamoth pulling the mask over his face. The bank customer began honking the horn when he realized Mamoth was entering the bank. The honking startled Mamoth who then ran past the bank entrance and into the nearby woods. The customer followed Mamoth and reported the incident to police. Law enforcement officers responded and were able to locate Mamoth with the reported hooded jacket, gloves, mask, duffle bag and an airsoft style plastic replica gun meant to resemble a Beretta 9mm pistol.
If convicted, Mamoth faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
“What a great job this citizen did to prevent a bank robbery,” said U.S. Attorney Joe Brown. “He didn’t just look the other way, he acted. And even though it may have seemed like a small act, it could have saved lives. He is a hero in my book.”
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kennedy Gates.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Jefferson County Man Indicted on Child Pornography ViolationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A 39-year-old Beaumont, Texas man has been indicted for child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Brandon Michael Wyatt was named in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Oct. 2, 2019, charging him with possession of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and receipt of child pornography.
According to the indictment, on June 17, 2019, Wyatt was in possession of a digital media card that contained at least one visual depiction of a pre-pubescent minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment also alleges that from Sep. 5, 2018 to Dec. 6, 2018, Wyatt received and distributed visual depictions that involved the use of a person under the age of 18 engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, Wyatt faces up to ten years in federal prison.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of the Attorney General – Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher T. Tortorice is prosecuting the case.
It is important to note that an indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Jefferson County Couple Indicted for Falsifying Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Jefferson County business owner and his wife have been indicted on federal tax violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Dick Brocato, Jr., 68, and his wife, Judith L. Brocato, 65, both of Beaumont, Texas, were named in a seven-count indictment charging them with conspiracy to defraud the United States for purposes of impeding government functions and six counts of making a false return. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on Sep. 4, 2019. The defendants made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith F. Giblin today.
According to information presented by prosecutors, the Brocato’s owned a lawn service company, Superior Lawn Service, which was operated for tax purposes as an S corporation. The Brocato’s are the sole shareholders of the company with Judith Brocato as corporate president, maintaining the books and records of the corporation, and signing the corporate tax returns in that capacity. The Brocato’s are alleged to have conspired to defraud the United States for the purpose of impeding, impairing, obstructing, the lawful government functions of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the ascertainment, computation, assessment, and collection of federal income and other taxes for years 2012, 2013, and 2014. As part of that conspiracy, it is alleged that that they filed false corporate and personal income tax returns for years 2012, 2013, and 2014. To facilitate the scheme, the Brocato’s are alleged to have underreported income received by checks from numerous customers of the company and having the checks cashed and converted to cash rather than depositing the checks into the company accounts and then failing to report the amount on the various tax returns. According to the indictment, the underreported income amounted to $503,281 in 2012, $687,534 in 2013, and $513,498 in 2014.
If convicted, the defendants each face up to five years in federal prison for the conspiracy charge and up to three years for each of the false return charges.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Rawls.
A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Jacksonville Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Joanna Arlean Tukes has pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting others with the filing of fraudulent tax returns. She faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. Tukes has also agreed to pay $366,000 in restitution to the IRS for the tax loss caused by the offenses. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, since 2012, Tukes owned and operated a tax return preparation business in Jacksonville. In preparing income tax returns for others, Tukes reported false information, including false claims for deductible expenses and losses, to reduce the amount owed by, or to increase the amount refunded to, the taxpayers. She then electronically filed the tax returns with the IRS causing the IRS either to issue refunds when taxes would have been owed in the absence of the fraud, or to issue larger refunds than would have been due in the absence of the fraud.
For example, Tukes prepared and filed a 2015 tax return in which she represented that the taxpayer had a business with no income and $99,651 in expenses. She also represented that the taxpayer had incurred medical and dental expenses of $29,600 and unreimbursed employee expenses of $15,600. Tukes subtracted the business “loss” of $99,651 from the taxpayer’s gross income and deducted a portion of the claimed expenses from the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. When Tukes made these representations, she knew that the taxpayer was a wage-earning employee of a corporation and did not operate a business in 2015, and that the taxpayer had not incurred the claimed expenses. After Tukes filed the tax return, the IRS issued a refund to the taxpayer in the amount of $28,836. In the absence of the false statements, the taxpayer would have owed additional tax in the amount of $12,459. In this instance, the tax loss to the IRS was $41,295.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to Prison After Selling Fake Heroin While Armed and Holding an InfantRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Kirkland George Lawrence (34, Jacksonville), a/k/a “Killa,” to eight years and nine months in federal prison for attempted distribution of heroin, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and distribution of cocaine. The court also ordered Lawrence to forfeit the Smith & Wesson pistol that he had used in one of the offenses.
Lawrence had pleaded guilty on June 28, 2019.
According to court documents, in April 2018, Lawrence agreed to sell drugs to a confidential informant (CI) working at the direction of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The CI traveled to Lawrence’s apartment in the Arlington area of Jacksonville, where Lawrence sold a powder to the CI that Lawrence had represented to be heroin. It was later determined that the substance did not contain heroin. At the time of the sale, Lawrence was seated at a kitchen table, within reach of a pistol, and holding an infant.
The following day, the CI returned to Lawrence’s apartment after Lawrence agreed to sell a firearm. Inside the apartment, Lawrence brandished a pistol while additional firearms were visible on a sofa and on the floor. Lawrence also retrieved an Uzi pistol from a kitchen cabinet and displayed it to the CI. Lawrence then retrieved a Smith and Wesson pistol from outside of the apartment and sold it to the CI. Approximately two weeks later, following the execution of a search warrant at his apartment, Lawrence was arrested by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. At the time, Lawrence was in possession of another Smith & Wesson pistol.
In October 2018, while on bond for his previous arrest, Lawrence sold cocaine to the CI on three occasions. Lawrence was arrested again and admitted to the officers that he believed that the purported heroin that he had sold in April 2018 was genuine. During these incidents, Lawrence had a prior felony conviction for attempted armed robbery and is therefore prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting North Carolina Woman to Florida for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Richard Ronnie Jenkins (39, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to transporting a person in interstate commerce for the purpose of prostitution. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Jenkins met the victim (N.J.) on July 14, 2019, after N.J. had posted an online advertisement for prostitution in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Jenkins agreed to pay N.J. $160 for sex, then fraudulently told N.J. that she could make a lot more money by engaging in prostitution in Jacksonville, Florida. N.J. agreed to go to Jacksonville with Jenkins, not knowing that Jenkins intended to keep all of the money that N.J. would make. Jenkins then had sex with N.J. in his car and refused to pay her.
As Jenkins drove through the night from North Carolina to Jacksonville, he instructed N.J. to begin posting advertisements for prostitution in the Jacksonville area using a phone number with an app-generated 904 area code. When they arrived in Jacksonville on July 15, 2019, Jenkins obtained a hotel room and arranged three prostitution “dates” for N.J. The following day, Jenkins arranged a fourth “date” for N.J. Jenkins supervised each of these “dates” from the hotel parking lot. He came to the room after each “date” to collect all of the money, which he refused to share with N.J. N.J. engaged in the “dates” because she was afraid of Jenkins and because she had no funds or other resources that she could use to leave.
On July 16, 2019, Jenkins took N.J. to a hair braiding shop in Jacksonville and instructed the employees to place long braids in N.J.’s hair. Jenkins then left the shop. Believing that the shop employees were associates of Jenkins, N.J. took her phone into the bathroom, contacted a family member, and reported that she was in Jacksonville with a pimp. N.J.’s mother contacted the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and reported that N.J. had been kidnapped. During the phone call, N.J. can be heard crying and stating that Jenkins was trying to call her and, that if she did not answer, she believed that Jenkins would find her and kill her. A JSO patrol officer responded to the shop and recovered N.J. Shortly thereafter, Jenkins was arrested nearby.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor and Special Assistant United States Attorney Erin Wolfson.
Indiana Man and His Niece Indicted on Federal Kidnapping and Domestic Violence ChargesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — An Indiana man and his niece have been indicted on federal kidnapping and domestic violence charges for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting the man’s former girlfriend.
ROBERT SPEED and his niece, SHIRLEY SPEED, held the victim against her will and repeatedly assaulted her with various dangerous weapons from July 26, 2019, to July 31, 2019, according to an indictment returned Wednesday in federal court in Chicago. According to a criminal complaint previously filed in the case, the assaults occurred at residences in Chicago and Gary, Ind., as well as a hotel in the Chicago suburb of South Holland, during which the victim was repeatedly punched, hit with a crutch, kicked in the head and body, and choked with items such as an electrical cord. The victim, who had a previous romantic relationship with Robert Speed, was eventually released and treated in a hospital for serious injuries, according to the charges.
The indictment charges Robert Speed, 36, of Gary, Ind., and Shirley Speed, 24, of Chicago, with one count of kidnapping and one count of interstate domestic violence. Arraignments are scheduled for Oct. 10, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan E. Cox.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Larry L. Lapp, acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI. The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew L. Kutcher and Michelle Kramer.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The kidnapping charge is punishable by a maximum sentence of life in prison, while the domestic violence charge carries a maximum sentence of ten years. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Illegal Alien Previously Convicted of a Felony Sentenced for Unlawful Reentry by an AlienRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Felipe De Jesus Dominguez-Jop, 34, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 14 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful reentry by an alien deported after conviction of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, and William Joyce, Acting Field Office Director of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations in New Orleans.
Dominguez-Jop pled guilty to the felony offense on June 26, 2019 before Judge Ozereden. After completion of his prison term, Dominguez-Jop will be transferred to the custody of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, where he will be subject to administrative detention and proceedings to remove him from the United States to his home nation of Mexico.
On May 10, 2019, while conducting Criminal Alien Program duties at the Jackson County Adult Detention Center, an ICE agent encountered Felipe De Jesus Dominguez-Jop, who had been arrested by local law enforcement for possession of a controlled substance. Agents determined that he was an illegal alien from Mexico with multiple prior immigration removals. Dominguez-Jop was arrested and transported to the Gulfport ICE office for processing.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security records confirmed Dominguez-Jop as a previously deported or removed alien. Records revealed that he initially illegally entered the U.S. on November 21, 2008, near Laredo, Texas and was granted a voluntary return in lieu of formal removal. However, he illegally reentered the U.S. and was apprehended on July 27, 2015, again in Texas. He was convicted of unlawful return by an illegal alien and removed from the United States after serving his sentence. In 2018, he was arrested again in Texas and convicted of the misdemeanor offense of unlawful entry into the U.S. After serving his sentence, he was removed from the United States, only to return again to be apprehended in South Mississippi in 2019.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for this case.
Hudson Man Convicted of Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: A Hudson, Maine man was convicted today in federal court in Bangor of illegally possessing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced.
Following a one-day bench trial, U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker found Charles Werenko, 51, guilty of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
The evidence at trial revealed that in 2015, Werenko was convicted of domestic violence assault in the Penobscot County Superior Court. Following his conviction, Werenko knowingly possessed a .357 Magnum revolver from an unknown date until January 31, 2019.
Werenko faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Hopkins County Man Sentenced for Child Sexual Exploitation ViolationsRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A 53-year-old Sulphur Springs, Texas man has been sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison for child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Russell Dean Hill pleaded guilty on May 3, 2019, to distributing child pornography and was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on Oct. 2, 2019. Upon his release from the Bureau of Prisons, Hill will serve 8 years on federal supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
According to information presented in court, in September of 2018, law enforcement in Hopkins County, Texas received a tip that Hill, who had previously been convicted of child exploitation offenses, had uploaded child pornography onto an online social media platform. A team of law enforcement officers from Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, Sulphur Springs Police Department, and the FBI executed a search warrant at the residence where Hill was residing in November 2018. Law enforcement discovered that Hill was trading child pornography on multiple platforms, using a digital device that he owned and possessed. During the investigation, Hill also told law enforcement that he was in the process of trying to privately adopt what he believed to be an 11-year old boy in order to teach the child about sex. Through further investigation, and with the assistance of FBI-South Bend, Indiana, law enforcement determined that even though Hill had been communicating with someone he believed to be the child, the person with whom he had been communicating was not actually a child, and in reality, there was no child at risk.
“The level of depravity we discover never ceases to amaze,” said United States Attorney Joseph D. Brown. “Thankfully, there are law enforcement officers watching for these types of things, and doing everything they can to prevent these crimes.”
“The defendant was not only a prolific collector and distributor of child pornography, but also a registered sex offender who posed a threat to the community he lived in and individuals he interacted with online,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno of the Dallas Division. “The FBI will continue working with our state and local partners to actively identify and pursue sexual predators who endanger the safety of our children.”
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Tyler Resident Agency, and the Sulphur Springs Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa J. Miller.
Honduran Man Sentenced for Illegal Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Marcelo Jecher Ortonez, 28, an illegal alien from Honduras, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 14 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegal transportation of an alien, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Gregory K. Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
On April 4, 2019, a Biloxi Police officer conducted a traffic stop on I-10 east bound. The driver was Marcelo Jecher Ortonez, an illegal alien from Honduras. The officer observed seven unidentified Hispanic passengers, five males and two females. Because the officer did not speak Spanish, he contacted the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Lightning Operations Center, and two Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents responded to the traffic stop. All occupants of the vehicle were determined to be illegally present in the U.S. and were transported to the U.S. Border Patrol office in Gulfport for further processing. After interviewing all occupants, it was determined that the occupants were being smuggled from Houston, Texas, to Maryland.
Further investigation revealed that, in addition to Marcelo Jecher Ortonez, three of his passengers (Lucas Ramirez-Hernandez, 28, a citizen of Guatemala; and Jose Valdez-Santana, 46, and Angel Martinez-Garcia, 23, both citizens of Mexico) also were aliens who had unlawfully returned to the United States after they had been formally removed from the U.S. to their home nations.
Ramirez-Hernandez, Valdez-Santana and Martinez-Garcia all were separately prosecuted. Each of the three men pled guilty and was convicted of the felony offense of unlawful reentry by a removed alien to the United States. All were sentenced to terms of imprisonment to be followed by further administrative detention and proceedings with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, for removal to their home nations.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the teamwork and cooperation exhibited by the Biloxi Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Customs & Border Protection, the U.S. Border Patrol, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.
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High-Ranking Members of Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods Convicted of Racketeering and Related OffensesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ALJERMIAH MACK, a/k/a “Nuke,” and ANTHONY ELLISON, a/k/a “Harv,” were found guilty today of racketeering conspiracy in connection with their membership in the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods (“Nine Trey”), a violent gang that operated in New York City. ELLISON was also found guilty of kidnapping, maiming, and assault with a dangerous weapon, in connection with his membership in Nine Trey. MACK was also found guilty of conspiring to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin. The convictions followed a two-week trial before the Honorable Paul A. Engelmayer.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Aljermiah Mack and Anthony Ellison were high-ranking members of Nine Trey, a ruthless gang, and were responsible for terrible acts of violence and the trafficking of dangerous narcotics throughout New York City. They now stand convicted of their crimes, and will no longer be able to inflict harm on the people of this city.”
According to court documents and the evidence at trial:
Nine Trey was a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including shootings, robberies, and assaults in and around Manhattan and Brooklyn. Members and associates of Nine Trey engaged in violence to retaliate against rival gangs, to promote the standing and reputation of Nine Trey, and to protect the gang’s narcotics business. Members and associates of Nine Trey enriched themselves by committing robberies and selling drugs, such as heroin, fentanyl, furanly fentanyl, MDMA, dibutylone, and marijuana.
MACK, 33, a high-ranking member of Nine Trey, conspired with other members of Nine Trey to distribute heroin and MDMA throughout New York City.
ELLISON, 32, another high-ranking member of Nine Trey, kidnapped and robbed a fellow Nine Trey member on or about July 22, 2018, in order to enhance his status within the gang. In addition, on or about October 24, 2018, ELLISON slashed an individual in the face in retaliation for the shooting of one of ELLISON’s associates earlier that evening.
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MACK and ELLISON were convicted of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. ELLISON was also convicted of kidnapping, maiming, and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, which carry maximum sentences of life in prison, 30 years in prison, and 20 years in prison, respectively. MACK was also convicted of narcotics conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. ELLISON was acquitted of one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, and MACK was acquitted of a firearms offense. The statutory penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the judge.
MACK is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Engelmayer on February 19, 2020. ELLISON is scheduled to be sentenced on February 26, 2020.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Longyear, Jacob Warren, Jonathan Rebold, and Max Nicholas are in charge of the prosecution.
Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County woman was sentenced to federal prison for a heroin trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Valerie Ramey, 42, of Hernshaw, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin.
“Ramey was selling powerful and deadly heroin and fentanyl,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are prosecuting drug dealers with a sense of urgency like never before. Too many lives have been lost. The poison peddlers have to be held accountable.”
Ramey previously admitted that between May 30, 2017 and November 17, 2017, she participated in a conspiracy with her co-defendant, Curtis Watson, also known as “Low,” to distribute heroin in and around Hernshaw, West Virginia.
Beginning in 2015, Watson would typically deliver at least five grams of heroin to Ramey at her residence in Hernshaw approximately every two days. Ramey would store and sell the heroin out of her residence and transferred the proceeds of her drugs sales to Watson.
In furtherance of the conspiracy, on May 30, 2017 and June 8, 2017, Ramey distributed a quantity of heroin to a confidential informant working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On August 1, 2017, Ramey distributed a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory, the U.S. 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders handled the prosecution.
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Hattiesburg Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Jakobe McCray Woullard, 19, of Hattiesburg, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Woullard was an admitted unlawful user of a marijuana and had been smoking it since he was about 12 years old. On December 2, 2018, Woullard was the passenger in a vehicle that smelled of marijuana when he was found to be in possession of a firearm. Woullard admitted possessing the firearm and, during a subsequent interview, he admitted his longstanding marijuana habit. Woullard’s hair also tested positive for a marijuana metabolite shortly after his arrest. He was charged in a federal criminal indictment on August 6, 2019.
Woullard will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on February 5, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Hattiesburg Police Department investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Hattiesburg Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing Multiple FirearmsRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Marcus Foster, 29, of Hattiesburg, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On February 11, 2019, Foster was found in possession of two firearms during the search of an apartment in Forrest County. He has prior felony convictions out in Forrest County for burglary of a dwelling and receipt of stolen property. On July 24, 2019, he was charged in a federal criminal indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Foster will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on February 5, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Hattiesburg Police Department investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Hattiesburg Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Alfred McCaskill, 25, of Hattiesburg, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On February 27, 2019, McCaskill was found in possession of a firearm during a traffic stop in Forrest County. He fled on foot and evaded law enforcement until his arrest in April 2019. McCaskill was on state probation when he committed the offense. He has prior felony convictions in Forrest County for possessing a stolen firearm and possessing a controlled substance (cocaine). On July 24, 2019, he was charged in a federal criminal indictment with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
McCaskill will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on February 5, 2020 at 10:15 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hattiesburg Police Department investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Hartford Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking and Faces a Minimum of 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger announced that on October 3, 2019, Christopher L. Childs (age 47), of Hartford, Wisconsin, entered a guilty plea before United States District Judge Pamela Pepper to one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1591(a)(1) & 1591(b)(1).
In a written plea agreement filed in the case, Childs acknowledged he: (1) operated as a pimp in the Milwaukee area and elsewhere; (2) recruited adult females and at least one minor female to work for him; (3) caused the females to perform prostitution dates using fraud, coercion, and, at times, force and threats of force; (4) required his victims to provide the proceeds to him; and (5) transported victims to strip clubs and other locations inside and outside of Wisconsin, including clubs known as TNT and the Hardware Store.
As part of his plea agreement, Childs agreed that in addition to the individual victim identified in the count of conviction, five other women described in a Second Superseding Indictment filed in the case could be considered victims for sentencing purposes.
Judge Pepper scheduled the sentencing hearing for May 21, 2020. At sentencing, Childs faces at least 15 years and up to life in prison. Childs also faces a fine of up to $250,000 and will be required to complete a term of supervised release following his release from federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Racine Police Department, United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Hartford Police Department, United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Deposition Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, Milwaukee Police Department, Watertown Police Department, and Wisconsin Department of Justice –Division of Criminal Investigation.
The case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Richard G. Frohling for prosecution.
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Hartford Licensed Professional Counselor Pays $45K to Settle False Claims AllegationsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that VALERIE WILLIAMS, LPC, and her business, CIRCLE OF LIFE TRANSITION CENTER, LLC, have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and will pay more than $45,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.
Williams is a state Licensed Professional Counselor and the owner of Circle of Life Transition Center, a private behavioral health practice in Hartford. Williams is enrolled as a Licensed Behavioral Health Clinician in Independent Practice in the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (“CMAP”), which includes the state’s Medicaid program. It is alleged that Williams billed Medicaid for psychotherapy services as if she had provided those services when, in fact, unlicensed individuals provided the services.
The Connecticut Department of Social Services Provider Manual for Licensed Behavioral Health Clinicians in Independent Practice explicitly states, “The department shall not pay for…services provided by anyone other than the provider.”
To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, Williams and the Circle of Life Transition Center will pay $45,488.57 in order to reimburse the Medicaid program for conduct occurring from January 1, 2014 to April 5, 2017. Williams has also agreed to a voluntary seven-year suspension from the Connecticut Medicaid Program as part of the settlement.
Under the False Claims Act, the government can recover up to three times its actual damages, plus penalties of $11,181 to $22,363 for each false claim.
This case stems from a larger investigation into fraudulent activity in the area of behavioral health services, which has been jointly conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General, with support from the Connecticut Department of Social Services.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Thidemann, and Assistant Attorney General Karla Turekian of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.
Harrison County man sentenced to 10 years for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Koch, of Anmore, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 121 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Koch, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in March 2019. Koch admitted to selling 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 United States Marshal Service assisted.
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.