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Tuesday 13 August 2019
Guatemalan Man Charged with Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that WILMER A. GARCIA-LOPEZ, age 22, a native of Guatemala, was charged on August 8, 2019 in a one-count bill of information with Illegally using a Social Security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
GARCIA-LOPEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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Government Contractor Pleads Guilty to Acting as a Pass-Through Minority Business EnterpriseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Keith D. Forney, 60, formerly of Clinton, Maryland, pled guilty today to mail fraud and money laundering in one federal court case, and tax fraud in another announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu.
The Honorable Rosemary M. Collyer scheduled sentencing for both cases on November 12, 2019. In the first case, Forney faces a maximum sentence of 20 years for mail fraud and 10 years for money laundering. As part of his plea, he agreed to a $400,000 forfeiture money judgment. In the second case, Forney faces a maximum sentence of three years for tax fraud. He agreed to pay $92,000 in restitution to the IRS.
According to the statement of offense submitted in the mail fraud and money laundering case, Forney was the sole owner of Forney Enterprises, Inc. (FEI). FEI was primarily engaged in the construction business as a general contractor. Its principal office was located in the District of Columbia.
As documented in the statement of offense, Forney participated in a scheme with John Vassos and the President of Sharp Business Systems (SBS) to obtain a contract with the Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts (Maryland AOC) for copier maintenance and repair services throughout the state’s court system. In 2009, the Maryland AOC solicited bids for the contract. The contract required that at least 20% of the work be performed by a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). SBS bid on the contract and identified FEI as the MBE. Forney, on behalf of FEI, signed a subcontracting agreement with the President of SBS. The Maryland AOC awarded the contract to SBS, and renewed the contract in 2010 and 2011.
As detailed in the statement of offense, FEI performed no work and provided no services during the three years that the contract was in effect. Forney falsely stated in a letter to the MBE compliance manager that FEI was providing “logistic support” to SBS. Forney signed monthly work force rosters to the Maryland AOC falsely claiming that an FEI employee was working as a “Logistics/IT Support Technician” on the contract. The FEI employee was in fact a Quality Control Manager for FEI’s construction projects.
FEI submitted monthly $12,500 invoices to SBS for FEI’s purported work as an MBE. Sharp Electronics, the parent company of SBS, then issued checks to FEI. In total, FEI received $400,000 for its purported work as the MBE. Forney provided the entire $400,000 to John Vassos, an SBS consultant.
According to the statement of offense, Forney and James Redding owned Stadium Club, an establishment in Southeast Washington. In May 2010, Vassos provided approximately $2 million to Forney and Redding to finance the purchase of the property where Stadium Club was built. Additionally, from 2011 until 2014, Vassos loaned hundreds of thousands of dollars to Forney and Redding. Vassos pled guilty in June 2017 to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, one count of tax fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He is awaiting sentencing. In May 2015, Redding pled guilty to Tax Evasion and Failure to Pay over Payroll Taxes. He was sentenced to 24 months in prison.
In the statement of offense for the tax fraud case, Forney acknowledged that he knowingly under-reported his income from FEI on his personal federal income tax returns for the 2009 and 2010 calendar years. Forney did so by fraudulently treating certain expenses as deductible business expenses. Those expenses included: FEI payments to reimburse individuals whom Forney had directed to make contributions from their personal funds to candidates for D.C. political offices and to D.C. Council members’ Constituent Services Programs; an FEI contribution to a mayoral campaign; an FEI payment to a law firm for its representation of a former foreign government official from a country where Forney owned investment property, in connection with the official’s trip to Washington, DC; FEI payments to Forney for “consulting” work; and FEI payments for his child’s college education.
In April 2019, Forney was convicted of eleven counts of campaign finance violations, three counts of fraud, two counts of perjury, and one count of corrupt election practices following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced to six months in prison for the 11 illegal campaign violations and an additional 36 months, suspended, for fraud, perjury, and corrupt election practices.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Liu praised the efforts of the FBI’s Washington Field Office and IRS. She also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including financial analyst, Bryan J. Snitselaar, paralegal specialists C. Rosalind Pressley and Amanda Rohde, former paralegals Toni Anne Donato, Kristy Penny, and Joshua Fein, and former U.S. Attorney’s Office investigator Juan Juarez. Finally she expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony Saler and Michael Marando who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Gilmer County man admits to drug distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jerry Lee Boyers, of Glenville, West Virginia, has admitted to drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Boyers, age 41, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Methamphetamine Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Boyers admitted to selling methamphetamine near Glenville State College in Gilmer County in September 2018.
Boyers faces not less than one and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Franklin, Tennessee Man and Three Others Sentenced to Prison for Engaging in Global Child Exploitation EnterpriseRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – August 12, 2019 - The creator and lead administrator of a highly sophisticated “The Onion Router” (TOR)-network-based website dedicated to the sexual abuse of children was sentenced Friday, along with three others, for their roles in a global child exploitation enterprise.
Patrick D. Falte, 29, of Franklin, Tennessee, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for engaging in a child exploitation enterprise, three counts of advertising child pornography, and three counts of distributing child pornography. Benjamin A. Faulkner, 28, of Ontario, Canada, was sentenced to 35 years in prison; Andrew R. Leslie, 24, of Middleburg, Florida, was sentenced to 30 years in prison; and Brett A. Bedusek, 35, of Cudahy, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, all for engaging in a child exploitation enterprise. Chief U.S. District Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw of the Middle District of Tennessee also sentenced each defendant to a lifetime of supervised release. All were indicted in March 2017 and pleaded guilty to the charges last year.
“The sentences imposed on these despicable individuals should insure that they never have another opportunity to abuse another child,” said U.S. Attorney Don Cochran. “With all that we have, we will continue to hunt down the evil and abominable like-minded individuals who delight in abusing children and will bring them to justice.”
“The Giftbox Exchange proved a haven for sophisticated predators to produce and spread deplorable depictions of child sexual abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s sentences affirm that layers of anonymity on the dark web will not prevent the Department of Justice from identifying and holding accountable those who exploit children.”
In July 2015, Falte created a website called “The Giftbox Exchange” and operated it on the TOR network as a hidden service, meaning it could only be accessed by users through the TOR anonymity network. Falte paid for the operation of the site using the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. He acted as the lead administrator of the site and established rules that required users to upload and share images and videos depicting pre-teen children being sexually abused before being allowed access to the site.
The site was organized into different forums for posting different types of child pornography, categorized by age range of the minor victims, including a sub-forum for “Babies & Toddlers.” By the time the site was shut down by law enforcement in November 2016, it had over 72,000 registered users and 56,000 posts. In addition to operating the site on the TOR network, which masks the internet protocol addresses of the users, Falte and his co-conspirators used other advanced technological means to thwart law enforcement detection and investigative efforts, including file encryption and cryptography.
Faulkner joined The Giftbox Exchange in September 2015 and became an administrator of the site. In addition to his administration of The Giftbox Exchange, he created and administered another TOR network-based hidden service website dedicated to child sexual exploitation, which grew to host over 1 million members. Leslie, in addition to his membership on the The Giftbox Exchange, ran yet another TOR network-based hidden service website, which explicitly allowed images and videos depicting graphic and violent sexual abuse of children. Bedusek, who has a prior federal conviction for receipt of child pornography and engaged in activity on The Giftbox Exchange while on federal supervised release for that offense, was a VIP member, which gave him access to a special area of the site reserved for users who uploaded new or originally produced child pornography.
Falte and Faulkner were previously charged and convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia of operating an online network dedicated to child sexual exploitation, in connection with their sexual abuse of a toddler-aged minor to whom they gained access through an individual they met through The Giftbox Exchange. Both traveled to abuse that minor on multiple occasions and were sentenced in September 2017 to life in prison by U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr.
In addition, Andrew Leslie was previously charged and convicted in the Middle District of Florida, in connection with his sexual abuse and production of child pornography involving multiple children, including an infant and a toddler. In March 2018, Leslie was sentenced to 60 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations and the High Technology Investigative Unit of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) of the Department of Justice. Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Carran Daughtrey and Byron M. Jones of the Middle District of Tennessee and CEOS Trial Attorney Lauren E. Britsch prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Fort Wayne Man Ordered to Pay $566,618.50 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Robin C. Opper, age 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady after pleading guilty to wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Opper was sentenced to 12 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Opper was ordered to pay $566,618.50 in restitution.
“This is one of the last defendants to be sentenced in an massive fraud scheme involving federal charges against 31 former BAE employees arising out of false submissions for reimbursement from the employer’s tuition assistance program. All 31 defendants have been convicted of various charges of wire fraud and ordered to pay restitution to BAE for its loss which, as a result of the scheme, totaled $806,241.09. We, along with our law enforcement partners take financial fraud seriously and will take measures to obtain restitution for the victim of these offenses,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
"This sentence sends a clear message that the FBI will aggressively pursue those who commit financial fraud and vigorously investigate this criminal activity,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to use all the resources at our disposal to ensure those who believe they can profit from defrauding others face the full consequences of their actions.”
According to documents in the case, between June 13, 2013 and April 25, 2016, while employed at BAE Systems in Fort Wayne, Opper devised a scheme to defraud his employer. The scheme was used to obtain fraudulent reimbursement payment from BAE’s tuition assistance program. Opper perpetrated the scheme by submitting false documentation regarding college course enrollment in order to obtain reimbursement for tuition payments for courses he was neither registered for nor completed. In addition, Opper recruited other employees to participate in the scheme and provided them with fraudulent documentation so that they too could receive payments to which they were not entitled. Opper required those employees whom he recruited to pay him a fee for his assistance. Opper received $37,500 from BAE for fraudulent tuition reimbursements for himself and BAE paid $529,118.50 to other employees that Opper recruited into the fraud scheme.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.
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Former U.S. Probation Officer Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Lying to the FBIRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of DENNIS EDWARD BRESNAHAN, 56, a former United States Probation Officer, to 30 months in prison for making false statements to the FBI regarding his sexual exploitation of probationers. The sentence reflects a significant upward departure from the advisory sentencing guideline range of zero to six months in prison. BRESNAHAN, who pleaded guilty on March 1, 2019, was sentenced today before Judge Robert W. Pratt in U.S. District Court in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Before handing down the sentence, Judge Pratt remarked that this case “exemplifies public corruption and disrespect for the law,” and defined BRESNAHAN’s inappropriate sexual conduct as “loathsome and appalling.”
United States Attorney Erica MacDonald stated, “Mr. Bresnahan abused the trust of the Court, the probation office, and the community when he sought to gratify his own sexual desires at the expense of the probationers under his supervision. His deplorable actions brought harm not only to his victims, but also violated the public’s trust and undermined the integrity of the judicial system.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Allyn said, "The defendant’s despicable conduct would never have come to light but for the women who courageously spoke out about what they endured. Today the Court sent a strong message that those who would abuse their protected position of power will still be held accountable under the law."
This case demonstrates a reprehensible misuse of public trust that could have been hard to detect without the assistance of the victims,” said Jill Sanborn, Special Agent in Charge of the Minneapolis Division of the FBI. “This is an example of why public corruption is a top criminal priority for the FBI as it erodes public confidence and undermines the strength of our democracy. We are grateful to the victims for bravely coming forward to help us in this investigation,” she said.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, for more than twenty-five years, and until August 22, 2016, BRESNAHAN was employed as a United States Probation Officer for the District of Minnesota. In his role, BRESNAHAN was responsible for supervising and maintaining communication with defendants on federal pretrial and supervised release. BRESNAHAN also had access to medical records, financial records, email accounts, home addresses, and other personal information belonging to individuals under his supervision. Beginning in early 2015, BRESNAHAN began engaging in sexually inappropriate conduct with an individual (identified as “Witness A”) under his supervision, including repeated phone and email discussions of a sexual nature.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on August 22, 2016, FBI agents interviewed BRESNAHAN regarding both his sexually inappropriate conduct in his role as a United States Probation Officer and his relationship with Witness A. BRESNAHAN admitted to engaging in sexually inappropriate behavior and to receiving one topless photograph from Witness A. When FBI agents asked BRESNAHAN whether he had asked for additional sexual photographs from Witness A, BRESNAHAN lied and said that he had not. FBI agents then asked BRESNAHAN if he had engaged in any similar inappropriate sexual conduct with other probationers, including asking for sexual photographs, to which BRESNAHAN again lied and claimed that he had not. However, upon further investigation, it was revealed that BRESNAHAN had in fact asked for sexual photographs from other probationers, specifically an individual identified as Witness B. Witness B was under BRESNAHAN’S supervision from July 2013 until approximately February 2014. During that time, BRESNAHAN engaged in multiple email exchanges of a sexual nature with Witness B, including extremely explicit conversations about specific sex acts and asking for sexual photographs. Subsequent investigation by the FBI revealed additional individuals previously supervised by BRESNAHAN, since approximately 1994, with whom he was sexually inappropriate.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie E. Allyn and Allen A. Slaughter prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
DENNIS EDWARD BRESNAHAN, 56
Forest Lake, Minn.
Convicted:
- Making false statements or representations to an agency of the United States, 2 counts
Sentenced:
- 30 months in prison
- Two years of supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Former Student Sentenced for Destroying Computers at the College of St. RoseRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Vishwanath Akuthota, age 27, of Albany, was sentenced today to 12 months in prison, to be followed by 1 year of supervised release, for intentionally damaging computer equipment owned by The College of St. Rose. Akuthota was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $58,471.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Chief Eric Hawkins of the Albany Police Department (APD).
In pleading guilty, Akuthota admitted that on February 14, 2019, he inserted a “USB Killer” device into 66 computers, as well as numerous computer monitors and computer-enhanced podiums, owned by the college in Albany. The “USB Killer” device, when inserted into a computer’s USB port, sends a command causing the computer’s on-board capacitors to rapidly charge and then discharge repeatedly, thereby overloading and physically destroying the computer’s USB port and electrical system.
Akuthota is a citizen of India, residing in the United States on a student visa. He has been in custody since he was arrested in North Carolina on February 22, 2019.
This case was investigated by the FBI and APD, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Myers.
Former G.E.O. Guard in San Antonio Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Provide Contraband to PrisonersRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, a federal judge sentenced 38-year-old former Central Texas Detention Facility – G.E.O. employee Jewel Roberto Jefferson to 40 months in federal prison for attempting to provide contraband to inmates inside the federal detention facility, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Will Glaspy, Houston Division, and U.S. Marshal Susan Pamerleau.
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez ordered that Jefferson be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term.
On September 11, 2018, Jefferson pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to provide contraband in prison. By pleading guilty, Jefferson admitted that he agreed to smuggle crystal methamphetamine and heroin into the facility and give it to a detainee in exchange for $1,000. On November 21, 2017, DEA agents arrested Jefferson immediately after he accepted payment but before he could smuggle in the contraband.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Jefferson now gets to spend time behind the same bars he once guarded. Crime and corruption have no place in our federal detention facilities, and DEA will continue to work with our partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute these cases,” said DEA SAC Glaspy.
The detainee, 40-year-old Brian Keith Gonzalez was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment on December 12, 2018, for his role in this scheme. He pleaded guilty to the same charge as Jefferson on May 10, 2018.
The DEA and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wannarka prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Former Foreign Service Officer Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Production and Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland - U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm today sentenced Steven Hadley Hassan, age 52, of Frederick, Maryland, to 40 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for sexually abusing minors to produce child pornography and transporting those images to the United States. Judge Grimm also ordered that, upon his release from prison, Hassan must register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Hassan has been detained since his arrest on June 8, 2018.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge John Eisert of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); U.S. Department of State Inspector General Steve A. Linick; and Frederick County Sheriff Charles A. “Chuck” Jenkins.
“Steven Hassan preyed on vulnerable young girls, including foreign nationals, while representing the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “This sentence demonstrates that we will find and bring to justice those who victimize children.”
“Steven Hadley Hassan exploited his position as a U.S. government official abroad to victimize children over the course of several years in a certain perversion of public trust,” said HSI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge John Eisert. “Today’s sentencing ensures that Hassan will serve a just sentence and not again have access to additional victims.”
“I appreciate the hard work and dedication of the special agents who worked on this important case,” said Inspector General Steve Linick.
According to his guilty plea, from October 2010 and continuing until mid-2013, Hassan admitted that he sexually abused Jane Doe 1 in government housing in the Philippines and South Africa, where Hassan was stationed in connection with his work as a Foreign Service Officer for the State Department.
During the time Hassan was stationed in the Philippines he also sexually abused two prepubescent minor sisters who resided in Manila, Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 3, and produced images of the abuse. Hassan met Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 3 in 2010, when the girls were seven and 11 years old, respectively, when he offered them food from a local restaurant near where they lived. Hassan then transported Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 3 in his vehicle to a local hotel and sexually abused them. Hassan had Jane Doe 3 take photos while Hassan sexually abused Jane Doe 2. Hassan also brought Jane Doe 3 and two other minor girls to a local Manila hotel on at least three occasions and sexually abused them. Hassan most recently sexually abused Jane Doe 2 in 2015 when he briefly visited the Philippines.
Sometime after November 2015, Hassan transported his camera and the Secure Digital (SD) memory card within it, which contained the photos documenting the sexual abuse of the minor girls, back to the United States. Hassan eventually deleted the images of the child pornography he produced from the SD card.
From October 2014 through March 2018, Hassan, under a number of different usernames, used an online file-sharing network to distribute child pornography, including images documenting the sexual abuse of prepubescent minors, as well as to engage in online chats. On January 22, 2018, an undercover investigator downloaded thousands of depictions of child pornography and child erotica from the “shared folder” of the file-sharing program that Hassan made available for download. Search warrants were subsequently obtained for Hassan’s residence in Frederick. Law enforcement seized a laptop computer, camera, and various digital media.
An HSI Computer Forensics Analyst forensically examined all of the digital evidence and discovered thousands of images of child pornography, including the images that depict Hassan, whose face is visible in some of the images, sexually abusing Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 3. The Analyst also recovered online chats in which Hassan repeatedly discussed his abuse of Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, Jane Doe 3, and others, and repeatedly sent the images he produced documenting the sexual abuse of Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 3 to other users of the file-sharing program. In other chats, Hassan provided tips to others about how to meet and abuse minors in the Philippines.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended HSI-Baltimore and HSI-Philippines, the U.S. Department of State Office of Inspector General, and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Riley, who is prosecuting the federal case.
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Former Floridian, 71, Sentenced to Prison for Robbing 2 Pittsburgh-area Banks and Doing so While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pompano Beach, Florida, has been sentenced for two armed robberies of Pittsburgh area banks, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Court Judge Cathy Bissoon sentenced Robert Stiver, age 71, on two counts of armed bank robbery to 6½ years (78 months) in federal prison and ordered that he pay restitution for the money he stole from both banks. In addition, Judge Bissoon also ordered that Stiver serve an additional 2 years and 9 months (33 months) for committing the bank robberies while on federal supervised release. Stiver was on federal supervised release at the time of the bank robberies for a 1992 federal narcotics conviction. Stiver has been detained since his arrest at the Pittsburgh International Airport on December 22, 2016.
According to information presented to the court, on November 2, 2016, Robert Stiver walked into the Allegheny Valley Bank in Shaler, PA wearing an orange construction vest, a duffel bag around his neck, a homemade face mask, and a long wig. He approached a teller brandishing a large revolver and announced to everyone in the bank not to try anything or he'd have to shoot. He then told the teller to hand over the money from her drawers. The teller complied and Stiver placed the money in the bag draped around his neck. Stiver then walked out of the front door of the bank and fled southbound in a black Toyota Versa Sedan. Stiver netted approximately $2,063 in cash from the robbery.
On December 9, 2016, Stiver walked into the First Commonwealth Bank in Harmarville, PA. Stiver was wearing light color blue jeans, white shoes, and a dark hooded jacket, and, orange construction vest, a homemade face mask and a long wig. Once again Stiver had a large duffel bag around the front of his person. He approached the teller holding a large revolver in his right hand and demanded money from the drawers without any dye packs. The teller complied and handed over approximately $5,732 in US currency. Stiver fled out of an employee entrance in the back. Surveillance footage captured Stiver fleeing the scene in a small white Ford Focus.
On December 22, 2016, Special Agents of Pittsburgh’s Violent Crimes Task Force stopped and arrested Stiver at Pittsburgh International Airport while he was attempting to board a plane. Pursuant to a search warrant, Special Agents recovered money stolen from the Harmarville, PA bank in Stiver’s bag. Stiver was arrested and charged by federal criminal complaint at the time.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The FBI Pittsburgh’s Violent Crimes Task Force, Allegheny County Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, the Shaler Township Police Department, and the Harmar Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the sentence in this case.
Former Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former corrections officer pled guilty to a federal drug trafficking offense today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. John Edward Roach, II, 47, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin. Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the St. Albans Police Department, and the Boone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
“Roach abused his position as a Corrections Officer to deal meth inside the jail,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Instead of upholding the law, he broke the law. We are holding him accountable for this total breach of public trust.”
According to public court filings and other documents, an inmate at the South Central Regional Jail paid Roach $2,000 to smuggle contraband into the jail in early April 2019. Police investigators then arranged a sting operation, where undercover agents posed as a drug traffickers attempting to smuggle methamphetamine into the jail. On April 11, 2019, Roach met with an undercover agent and received $2,000 payment and four ounces of methamphetamine. Investigators arrested Roach before he could transport the methamphetamine to the jail.
Roach faces up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 6, 2019. Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is handling the prosecution.
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Five Defendants Plead Guilty in Federal Court to Traveling to Have Sex with MinorsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that five different defendants appeared in federal court during the past week to plead guilty to traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of having sex with a minor.
“These are heinous crimes that prey on our most vulnerable,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “The five convictions obtained within just the last week demonstrate the high volume of these cases that we prosecute. We are working tirelessly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to protect our children from predators.”
On August 5, 2019, Bruce Ward, 34, of Huntington, West Virginia, pled guilty before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to traveling in interstate commerce in order to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor. Ward admitted that during January 2019 he communicated via a social messaging application and text message with a minor he believed to be a 15-year-old girl in Huntington, West Virginia. During the conversations, Ward discussed arranging for the minor to meet him in order to engage in sexual intercourse. In late January 2019, Ward traveled from South Point, Ohio, to Huntington, West Virginia, to meet the purported minor to engage in sexual activity. Ward faces up to 30 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 18, 2019.
On August 7, 2019, Gary Wayne Lilly, 39, of Josephine, Raleigh County, West Virginia, pled guilty before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger to traveling in interstate commerce in order to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor. Lilly admitted that beginning in late May 2019 he communicated via a social messaging application and telephone with a minor he believed to be a 13-year-old girl in Bluefield. During the conversations, Lilly discussed meeting the minor female to engage in oral sex and sexual intercourse. On June 1, 2019, Lilly traveled from Josephine, West Virginia, to Bluefield, Virginia, to meet the purported 13-year-old minor. Lilly stopped in Princeton on his way to Bluefield in order to purchase condoms. Lilly faces up to 30 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 13, 2019.
On August 8, 2019, Johnathan Matthew Taylor, 24, of Chesapeake, Ohio, pled guilty before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger to traveling in interstate commerce in order to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor. Taylor admitted that on June 1, 2019, he communicated via a social messaging application with a minor he believed to be a 15-year-old girl he understood to be located in Bluefield, West Virginia. Despite knowing her age, Taylor discussed traveling to Bluefield from Ohio to meet the minor to engage in sexual intercourse, but the plans were canceled by the purported minor due to the late hour at which he would arrive. Two days later, on June 3, 2019, Taylor arranged to meet the minor female in Saint Albans, Kanawha County, West Virginia, in order to engage in sexual intercourse. On that same date he traveled from Chesapeake, Ohio to West Virginia, where he purchased condoms before arriving at the location to meet the purported 15-year-old female. Taylor faces up to 30 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 23, 2020.
On August 12, 2019, Kevin Lee Boston, 58, of Woodsfield, Ohio, pled guilty before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin to traveling in interstate commerce in order to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor. Boston admitted that from on May 31, 2019 through June 5, 2019, he communicated via a social messaging application with a minor he believed to be a 14-year-old girl he understood to be located in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Despite knowing her age, Boston discussed traveling to Parkersburg from Ohio to meet the minor to engage in sexual intercourse. On June 5, 2019, Boston traveled from Woodsfield, Ohio to an arranged meeting location in Parkersburg in order to engage in sexual intercourse with the purported 14-year-old girl. Boston faces up to 30 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 4, 2019.
Also on August 12, 2019, Ryan Scott Kibble, 33, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, pled guilty before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber to traveling in interstate commerce in order to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor. Kibble admitted that on March 1, 2019, he began communicating via a social messaging application and text messages with a minor he believed to be a 14-year-old girl located in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Despite knowing her age, Kibble discussed meeting the minor to engage in sexual intercourse. On the evening of March 1, 2019, Kibble also spoke with the purported minor on the phone, further discussing plans to meet the next day in Parkersburg in order to engage in oral sex and sexual intercourse with the minor in his vehicle. On March 2, 2019, Kibble traveled from his work in Belpre, Ohio to an arranged meeting location in Parkersburg in order to engage in sexual intercourse with the purported 14-year-old girl. Per the terms of his plea agreement, Kibble will be sentenced to between 46 and 78 months in prison when he is sentenced on December 16, 2019.
Upon release from prison, all five defendants will be required to serve a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. They will also be required to register as sex offenders. The investigations were all conducted by the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force and the West Virginia States Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with additional assistance from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Parkersburg Police Department, and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecutions.
These cases were prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Federal grand jury indicts Chrisley Knows Best stars Todd and Julie ChrisleyRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – A federal grand jury has indicted Todd and Julie Chrisley, the stars of the reality television show Chrisley Knows Best, on multiple counts of conspiracy, bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion. The Chrisleys’ accountant, Peter Tarantino, has also been indicted on tax-related offenses.
“Todd and Julie Chrisley are charged not only with defrauding a number of banks by fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in loans, but also with allegedly cheating taxpayers by actively evading paying federal taxes on the money they earned,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Celebrities face the same justice that everyone does. These are serious federal charges and they will have their day in court.”
“The reality of this indictment is that the FBI takes allegations of bank fraud and wire fraud very seriously and devotes many resources to protecting the institutions and citizens affected by those crimes,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The Chrisleys’ will now have their day in court, but anyone else considering this type of alleged activity should take notice.”
“The tax charges in this indictment serves notice that the Internal Revenue Service has zero tolerance for individuals who attempt to shirk their tax responsibilities. This action is also part of a much larger and coordinated effort by the IRS and Department of Justice to aggressively find and crack down on individuals who try to conspire with others to hide their income and then lie to federal agents when confronted. Honest and law abiding taxpayers are fed up with the likes of those who use deceit and fraud to line their pockets at their expense,” said Thomas J. Holloman, III, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office.
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: from at least as early as 2007 through approximately 2012, Todd and Julie Chrisley allegedly conspired to defraud numerous banks by providing the banks with false information such as personal financial statements containing false information, and fabricated bank statements when applying for and receiving millions of dollars in loans.
After fraudulently obtaining these loans, the Chrisleys allegedly used much of the proceeds for their own personal benefit. In 2014, two years after the alleged bank fraud scheme ended, Todd and Julie Chrisley allegedly used fabricated bank statements and a fabricated credit report that had been physically cut and taped or glued together when applying for and obtaining a lease for a home in California.
Todd Chrisley, 51, and Julie Chrisley, 46, both of Nashville, Tennessee are also charged with conspiring with their Roswell, Georgia-based accountant, Peter Tarantino, 56, of Milton, Georgia to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.
In February 2017, Todd Chrisley publicly claimed on a national radio program “obviously the federal government likes my tax returns because I pay 750,000 to 1 million dollars just about every year so the federal government doesn’t have a problem with my taxes.” However, Todd and Julie Chrisley allegedly did not timely file income tax returns for the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 tax years or timely pay federal income taxes for any of those years.
Instead, the Chrisleys and Tarantino allegedly took steps to obstruct IRS collection efforts, which included hiding income, lying to third parties about their tax returns, and – in Tarantino’s case – lying to FBI and IRS-CI Special Agents.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas J. Krepp and Annalise K. Peters are prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Federal authorities uncover sexual abuse and online exploitationRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS - United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that Bennie Schuck II and Amber Talley, both from Indianapolis, have been arrested and charged with the Sexual Exploitation of a Child for their acts against a child who was less than 12 years old. Schuck was also charged with the Distribution of Child Pornography using Kik Messenger. According to the criminal complaint, both Schuck and Talley sexually abused a minor female, who reported that the abuse had been on-going for at least a year. Schuck and Talley created images of the abuse, which they sent to each other, depending on who took the images. Schuck admitted to police that he had exploited the child “fewer than 20 times.” Schuck also sent the sexually explicit images of the child to a woman through Kik Messenger, which led to the detection of Schuck and Talley’s crimes.
“People who prey on children and are brazen enough to share evidence of their crimes online must be held accountable,” said Minkler. “At a time when parents proudly share their children’s ‘First Day of School’ photos, we found evidence that the photos that Schuck and Talley created and shared were of the depraved abuse of an innocent little girl. Our children deserve to enjoy their childhood, free of sexual abuse and exploitation.”
This investigation began in April of 2019, when police in Louisiana investigated the online activities of another individual, who distributed and received sexually explicit images online. As a result of the investigation, law enforcement officers discovered Schuck was using a Kik screen name to distribute images containing the sexual exploitation of a child to whom Schuck had access.
Using social media and public records, law enforcement identified Talley as a female whom participated in the sexual exploitation. The Indiana Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search warrant on August 8, 2019. According to the Complaint, both Shuck and Talley admitted to engaging in illegal sexual conduct with the child. Both parties admitted to creating images of the sexual conduct, and Schuck admitted to distributing images online.
“We want to take this opportunity to recognize the bravery of this child, who, after being repeatedly betrayed by adults in her life, still had the courage to trust that the police would help her,” Minkler said. “This child pulled up on the search warrant scene in a car with 2 people who had abused her, but she left that night with people who worked to ensure her safety. We are proud to stand with our ICAC partners in rescuing children from sexual abuse and online exploitation.”
According to Assistant United States Attorney Kristina M. Korobov, who is prosecuting the case for the government, defendants each face a possible sentence of up to 30 years in prison.
A complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. All parties are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in federal court.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to utilize and partner with law enforcement agencies to prosecute individuals engaged in the sexual exploitation of children. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 4.1 and 4.2.
Federal Jury Convicts Pittsburgh-area Felon of Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – After deliberating for approximately three hours, a former resident of East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was convicted by a jury of seven men and five women for violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Douglas Tyrone Williams, Jr., aka "Chrome", 39, was convicted late yesterday of four counts before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
The evidence presented at trial established that on or about July 20, 2016, Williams possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. In addition, Williams conspired with others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Williams was also charged with possessing a (stolen) 9 mm caliber semi-automatic Ruger pistol; a 9 mm caliber semi-automatic Beretta pistol with an obliterated serial number; a (stolen) .45 caliber semi-automatic Para-Ordnance pistol; a (stolen) .22 caliber semi-automatic American Tactical Imports military-style rifle; and a (stolen) .22 caliber semi-automatic CBC military-style rifle along with various ammunition. The jury found Williams guilty of possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug-trafficking offenses, as well as possessing a firearm and/or ammunition after having been convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Williams’ prior convictions include Aggravated Assault, Illegally Possessing a Firearm, and Third Degree Murder. Under federal law, a person convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in jail is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Chief Judge Hornak indicated that sentencing would be scheduled for a future date. The defendant remains incarcerated pending his sentencing date. The law provides for a total sentence of at least 10 years and up to life, a fine of up to $12,500,000, or both for his drug and firearm offenses. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt and Special Assistant United States Attorney Chad Parks, a prosecutor with the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Williams, Jr. with significant assistance from many other law enforcement departments including the Pennsylvania State Police, the Coraopolis Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Monessen Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the Canonsburg Police Department and the Office of the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Federal Jury Convicts Memphis Man for Armed Business Robbery and Illegal Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN –After a four-day jury trial, Samuel Culp, 21, was found guilty Hobbs Act Business robbery, brandishing and discharging a firearm during a robbery, and possession of stolen firearms. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the guilty verdict today.
According to information presented in court, on the morning of July 12, 2018, Stacy Houston, Samuel Culp, and a third suspect entered the Pawn Plus pawnshop on Winchester Road in Memphis armed with firearms. The men pointed their guns at the 84-year old manager and one customer who was inside the business. They ordered both men on the ground and struck the manager in the head with a firearm when he did not move fast enough. The men took a total of 47 firearms and assorted jewelry, including rings and a Rolex watch, as well as the cash from the pocket of the elderly manager.
As the men were fleeing the business, one of them fired shots at an employee who was outside the business calling 911. The employee’s vehicle was hit, but he avoided injury. Houston and Culp proceeded thereafter to traffic the stolen firearms throughout the city. During the resulting investigation, ATF agents recovered several stolen firearms. At the time of his arrest, Culp was found in possession of two of the firearms stolen during the robbery, as well as a bag of stolen jewelry. A duffle bag containing seven additional stolen firearms was recovered from Culp’s mother’s home on the following day.
The jury found Culp guilty of all counts as charged in the indictment. Sentencing is scheduled for November 8, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker. Culp faces a maximum sentence of 20 years for the Hobbs Act business robbery, a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 7 years for the brandishing count, and a maximum sentence of 10 years for the theft from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) and possession of the stolen firearms.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Armed business robbery that threatens and harms store owners must be dealt with swiftly and certainly. Likewise, the theft of dozens of firearms is especially dangerous, and threatens the lives of countless citizens. We are thankful that many of the stolen firearms were recovered due to the quick action and outstanding investigation by federal law enforcement. Any robbery of a FFL will be met with aggressive prosecution in order to protect public safety."
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Hartridge prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Federal Inmate Sentenced for Beaumont Prison EscapeRead the Press Release
Clemente Valdez, Jr., 36, of Dallas, pleaded guilty on April 11, 2019, to escape and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone. This sentence will be added to the remainder of the federal sentence Valdez was serving as a result of his 2012 conviction on federal drug trafficking charges at the time of his escape from federal custody earlier this year.
According to information presented in court, on Jan. 12, 2019, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen near the Bureau of Prison Camp Facility in west Jefferson County reporting they had witnessed inmates crossing a pasture and getting picked up by a vehicle on Hillebrandt Road. A Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy pulled over the vehicle shortly afterwards and found Valdez and another escapee inside. The inmates were transported back to the prison facility by law enforcement officers and indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 6, 2019.
“This is one of several inmates who have walked away in recent months from the prison camp, which is a minimum security facility for low risk inmates, usually serving the final portion of their sentences,” said United States Attorney Joseph D. Brown. “Regardless of the circumstances, they escaped from a prison facility and anyone who does so will be prosecuted, along with anyone on the outside that helps the escape.”
Valdez was sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison in 2012 for conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Valdez was also convicted of marijuana trafficking in 2003 and served state prison time in North Carolina for that offense.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston.
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Federal Gun Prosecutions Stemming from the Western District's Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative Result in Prison Terms for Five Repeat OffendersRead the Press Release
STATESVILLE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced today that federal gun prosecutions stemming from the Western District’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative have resulted in prison terms for five repeat offenders, for illegally possessing firearms or ammunition despite having prior felony convictions.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced Wayne Lamont Johnson, 39, of Statesville, to 63 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon. According to plea documents and statements made in court, on September 13, 2017, officers with the Statesville Police Department recovered a firearm from inside the vehicle Johnson was driving. Johnson has a prior Sale of Cocaine felony conviction and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Judge Bell also ordered Patrick Maurice Anto Curruth, 27, of Statesville, to serve 50 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. According to court records, on April 11, 2013, Curruth was convicted of multiple state charges, including Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury, and received a sentence of up to 84 months in prison. On February 9, 2018, investigators with the Statesville Police Department executed a search warrant at Curruth’s residence, and recovered a loaded Ruger, model P94, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Curruth pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon on January 10, 2019.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn, Jr., sentenced Aldrick Newt Taylor, 21, of Charlotte, to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a felon. Court records show that on March 7, 2018, Taylor knowingly and intentionally possessed a stolen Taurus PT 111 G2 9mm pistol. The firearm was loaded with one round of ammunition in the chamber and four rounds in the attached magazine. According to court records, Taylor possessed the firearm in connection with another felony offense, that being possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
In a separate case, on Monday, Judge Cogburn also ordered Kendrell Sanders, 29, of Charlotte, to serve 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release on charges of possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of ammunition by a felon. As Sanders previously admitted in court, on June 8, 2018, Sanders was found to be in possession of a Glock 43 9mm caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Taurus 605 357 Magnum revolver. On August 1, 2018, Sanders knowingly and intentionally possessed 115 rounds of firearm ammunition. At the time Sanders possessed the firearms and the ammunition he was prohibited under federal law from doing so.
Judge Cogburn also sentenced today Eric Lorenzo Davis, 28, of Charlotte, to 15 months in prison and one year year of supervised release. Court records show that on July 27, 2018, Davis possessed a Smith and Wesson, model M&P 9, 9mm caliber pistol. Davis was previously convicted of one or more felony offenses and he is therefore prohibited form lawfully possessing a firearm.
In announcing today’s sentences, U.S. Attorney Murray commended the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Statesville Police Department, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and the State Bureau of Investigation for their continued work and coordination on PSN cases.
Project Safe Neighborhoods 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Erik Lindahl prosecuted the case against Johnson. The prosecution against Curruth was handled by AUSA Cortney Randall. AUSA David Kelly was in charge of both Taylor and Sanders’ prosecutions, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Spaugh prosecuted the case against Davis.
Federal Court Shuts Down Palm Beach County, Florida Tax Return PreparersRead the Press Release
A federal court in West Palm Beach, Florida, has issued an order permanently barring Jeffrey Cadet, Kersh Tax Service, LLC, and Kersha Lewis from preparing federal tax returns for others, or owning or operating a tax preparation business, the Justice Department announced today.
The court also ordered the defendants to mail copies of the court order and complaint to all persons or entities for whom they prepared federal tax returns after Jan. 1, 2014.
The complaint filed by the government alleged that defendants prepared tax returns containing fictitious itemized deductions and/or fictitious business expenses. The complaint also alleges that the defendants filed returns containing fictitious and/or inflated education expenses to improperly claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and Lifetime Learning Credit on behalf of customers. According to the complaint, the defendants circumvented due diligence requirements for claiming the AOTC and the Earned Income Tax Credit, charged deceptive and/or unconscionable fees to customers, failed to provide customers with complete copies of their tax returns, and failed to sign or identify themselves as the preparer on many returns they prepared.
The injunction against Cadet, Kersh Tax Service, and Kersha Lewis was entered by default because those defendants failed to defend against the government’s allegations. Saglenda Johnson, who was also named as a party to the lawsuit, consented to a similar injunction entered earlier in the case.
Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers.
In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Intending to Distribute DrugsRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Bruce Wayne Billingsley, age 63, was sentenced yesterday to 78 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release for possessing with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, in April 2018, the Veterans Administration (VA) Police Department received information that Billingsley, a VA employee, was distributing methamphetamine to other VA employees. On June 9, 2018, the defendant traveled to the Cherokee Casino to purchase a quarter pound of methamphetamine for $2,000. Detectives made contact with him and seized approximately four (4) ounces of methamphetamine upon his return from West Siloam Springs.
A federal grand jury indicted Billingsley in December 2018, and he entered a guilty plea in March 2019.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police, the 4th Judicial Drug Task Force, and the Fayetteville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Denis Dean prosecuted the case for the United States.
Fayetteville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Jermaine Donald, age 35, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, in 2018, detectives received information that Donald was distributing methamphetamine in the northwest Arkansas area. On three separate occasions, detectives set up a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Donald. Upon executing a search warrant of Donald’s residence, detectives located $8,790.00 in U.S. currency, cocaine, crack cocaine, digital scales, and 336 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Donald was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2018, and he entered a guilty plea in March 2019.
This case was investigated by the 4th Judicial Drug Task Force and the DEA. Assistant United States Attorney David A. Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
Essex County Man Indicted for Making a False Statement to the VARead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Alex Cheney, age 55, of Moriah, New York, was arraigned today on an indictment alleging he made a false statement to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in order to receive Individual Unemployability benefits.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Special Agent in Charge Sean J. Smith, VA Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office.
The indictment alleges that in September 2016, Cheney falsely certified on an employment questionnaire that he was not employed at any time during the prior 12 months when he was, in fact, working in construction and earning wages. The charge in the indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
Cheney was arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel and released on his own recognizance. Cheney faces a maximum of 5 years in prison and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. He also faces a maximum $250,000 fine. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the VA Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda.
East Side Realtor Convicted of Attempting to Engage in Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A realtor from the East Side of Providence has been found guilty by a federal court jury in Providence of attempting to entice a 10 year-old girl into sexual activity.
The jury convicted Thomas McLucky Hammond, 52, of one count of attempting to persuade, entice, induce or coerce a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh.
According to the government’s evidence presented at trial, in June 2017, Hammond responded to an advertisement in the “casual encounters” section of Craiglsist.com. Over a period of three days, Hammond communicated with a man he believed was the step-father of a 10 year-old girl in Warwick. Hammond asked the step-father if he was sexually abusing the 10 year-old, and proposed joining in the abuse at a pool party at the family’s residence. Hammond agreed to meet the step-father in a parking lot on Post Road in Warwick before returning to the home for the pool party. When Hammond arrived at the parking lot on June 21, 2017, he was arrested by members of the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a federal and state task force designed to investigate and prevent online child sexual exploitation. The purported step-father was actually a member of the ICAC operating in an undercover capacity.
At trial, Hammond claimed that he is a gay man with no sexual interest in female children. Hammond testified he receives sexual gratification from talking to straight men who talk about sexually abusing children. Hammond claimed he was merely engaged in sexual fantasy and would not have gone through the sexual activity.
The jury rejected this defense and found Hammond guilty after approximately 3 hours of deliberation.
Hammond is scheduled to be sentenced on November 14, 2019, by Chief Judge William E. Smith, who presided over the four-day trial. Hammond is currently detained at the Wyatt Detention Center.
Attempted enticement of a minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, up to 30 years; lifetime supervised release; and a $250,000 fine.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John P. McAdams and Christine D. Lowell, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly.
The case was investigated by the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Rhode Island State Police and Homeland Security Investigations.
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Dayton Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Possessing Firearm After Felony ConvictionsRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Henry B. Essick, III, 34, of Dayton, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 72 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jonathan McPherson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced the sentence handed down today by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose.
According to court documents, in September 2018, Essick possessed a Bolt Action Rifle. At that time, Essick was on post-release control with the State of Ohio. During a parole visit, authorities searched Essick’s residence on Harvard Boulevard in Dayton and located the rifle in a downstairs closet.
Essick has previously been convicted of felonies, including attempted aggravated arson, rape and kidnapping. He is currently in state custody after being convicted of forgery charges. Essick will serve his federal prison sentence consecutive to his current state one.
Essick pleaded guilty in May 2019 to one count of illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation by the ATF, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Amy M. Smith, who is representing the United States in this case.
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D.C. Felon Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Federal Prison for Three Armed Robberies of BusinessesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel today sentenced Leroy Percell Burrell, age 32, of Washington, D.C., to 162 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for three armed robberies in which Burrell brandished a firearm. Judge Hazel also entered an order requiring Burrell to pay restitution of $2,680.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department
“We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to get guns out of the hands of criminals and off of our streets, in order to reduce violent crime in our neighborhoods.” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “If you use a gun, you could face federal time, where there is no parole—ever. Please, put down the guns and save a life—maybe even your own.”
According to his guilty plea, between July 30 and November 3, 2017, Burrell committed three armed robberies of businesses, brandishing a firearm in each of the robberies. All of the robberies were captured on video surveillance. Specifically, on July 30, 2017, Burrell robbed Business 1 in Greenbelt, Maryland. Burrell entered through the front door of the store, locked the door behind him, and then confronted an employee behind the counter. The employee opened the cash register but did not remove any cash. Burrell forced the employee to the back of the store, displayed a handgun to the employee, and threatened to shoot if the employee did not give Burrell all the money. In the rear room, where there was no video, Burrell forced the employee to open and give him money from the safe. Returning to the main store, the employee emptied the cash register and gave the money to Burrell, who left through the rear door. Burrell stole a total of $700 from the store and $80 from the employee.
On August 10, 2017, Burrell and another man robbed Business 2 in Anne Arundel County. Burrell entered the business and immediately brandished a gun, pointing it at the head of an employee, who handed Burrell the cash from the register. Burrell then forcefully pushed the employee toward the back of the store, still at gunpoint. Burrell's accomplice followed him into the store, pulled down a ski mask, and locked the front door. The accomplice also headed to the back of the store, confronting a second employee who was in the office. Burrell and his accomplice then fled out the front door. The robbery took approximately one minute, and Burrell and his accomplice stole an undetermined amount of money.
On November 3, 2017, Burrell again robbed Business 1 in Greenbelt. At the time of the robbery, two employees were working. Video surveillance of the store captured Burrell locking the front door and removing a pistol from his pocket. Burrell pulled back the slide of the pistol, ejecting a single round of ammunition from the firearm, then brandished the pistol, waving it and pointing it at the employees. While one employee was held at gunpoint, the other emptied the cash register and handed cash to Burrell, who took the money and put it in his pocket. Burrell gave handcuffs that were wrapped in a bright blue hand washcloth to the employee he was holding at gunpoint. The employee took out the handcuffs, dropped the towel, and placed the handcuffs on himself. Burrell motioned the two employees to the back room of the store where Burrell ordered one of the employees to open the safe, threatening the victim’s life, but the employee did not know the combination to the safe. Burrell again left through the rear door of the store, stealing approximately $1,900. The towel and handcuffs were left at the scene and recovered as evidence.
On November 9, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Burrell’s residence in Washington, D.C. Officers encountered Burrell in the foyer of the apartment building and arrested him. Law enforcement officers recovered a loaded .40-caliber semiautomatic pistol from Burrell. From Burrell’s apartment law enforcement recovered a black jacket matching the jacket seen in the video of the August and November robberies; two blue washcloths matching the distinctive color and brand of the washcloth recovered from the scene at the November robbery; two pairs of handcuffs; a pair of distinctive red and black high-top shoes matching those seen on the video of the July and August robberies; a red jacket matching the one seen in video footage of the July robbery; and various ammunition rounds. Burrell had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
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 FBI and the Prince George’s County Police Department for their work in the investigation and thanked the Metropolitan Police Department for its assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Baldwin, who prosecuted the case.
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Crack Dealer Sentenced to More than Fifteen Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who sold crack cocaine near a park and an elementary school was sentenced August 12, 2019, to more than fifteen years in federal prison.
Mohamed Andrew Haidar, age 31, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 8, 2019 guilty plea to distribution of a controlled substance near a protected location.
In a plea agreement, Haidar admitted he sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant on three separate occasions with one sale taking place near a park and an elementary school. Haidar also admitted that he possessed a pistol with an obliterated serial number in connection with his drug dealing. Haidar had previously been convicted of multiple felony drug offenses.
Haidar was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Haidar was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a six-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyndra Lundquist and investigated by the Dubuque Drug Task Force.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-1002.
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Convicted Felon, Arrested on Fort Benning, Sentenced for Gun, Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS – A Macon, Georgia resident with a violent criminal history in Muscogee County, Georgia was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison for gun and drug charges, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Johmar Chandler, 40, of Macon, Georgia pleaded guilty to one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and one count of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Today, U.S. District Judge Clay Land sentenced Mr. Chandler to 13 years in federal prison for his crimes. Mr. Chandler has two prior convictions in Muscogee County Superior Court and one prior conviction in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. There is no parole in the federal system.
Mr. Chandler was taken into custody by an officer with Fort Benning’s Directorate of Emergency Services on July 31, 2018, after the defendant was pulled over for driving at a high rate of speed on Highway 520, a public-access highway located on the perimeter portion of Fort Benning, just outside Columbus, Georgia. Mr. Chandler was carrying a 9mm pistol holding seven rounds of ammunition. Inside the car, a bag full of various drugs was discovered, including two smaller bags containing a total of 145 methamphetamine pills. Mr. Chandler admitted to agents, and in his signed plea agreement, that the gun and the drugs belonged to him, and that he knew it was illegal for a convicted felon to possess a gun.
“We are cracking down on convicted felons in possession of dangerous weapons in the Middle District of Georgia. It is illegal for convicted felons to have a gun, and if they are caught with one, they will be prosecuted,” said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “I want to thank the law enforcement agents with Fort Benning and ATF for their assistance with this case.”
The defendant was convicted in Muscogee County Superior Court on December 4, 2003 for Criminal Damage in the Second Degree and November 29, 2004 for Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. The defendant was convicted in U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia on April 9, 2012 for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Williams prosecuted the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Convicted Felon Charged with Illegally Possessing Semi-Automatic Rifle at Veterans Affairs Hospital in ChicagoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A convicted felon has been charged with a federal firearm violation for allegedly illegally possessing a semi-automatic rifle at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago.
BERNARD HARVEY, JR., 40, of Indianapolis, Ind., is charged with one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Harvey illegally possessed the rifle on Aug. 12, 2019, at the medical center, 820 S. Damen Ave. in Chicago, according to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Harvey is scheduled to make an initial court appearance today at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan E. Cox.
The complaint was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI; and Eddie Johnson, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The Jesse Brown VA Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey B. Rubenstein.
Holding convicted felons accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods – the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, including by prosecuting individuals who illegally possess firearms.
According to the complaint, Harvey entered the Taylor Street entrance of the medical center while holding the rifle. Law enforcement officers saw Harvey in the clinic area and ordered him to drop the rifle, which he did, the complaint states. The officers then ordered Harvey to the ground and placed him under arrest.
Harvey was previously convicted in the Circuit Court of Cook County of multiple felonies, including gun offenses, and he was not lawfully allowed to possess a firearm. The rifle in Harvey’s possession at the VA medical center had been reported stolen last month from a federal firearms licensee in Indiana, the complaint states.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is punishable by up to ten years in prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Convicted Felon and Former Gang Member Sentenced to over Six Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A former gang member with eight prior felony convictions and a prior conviction for domestic battery was sentenced yesterday to six years and six months for unlawful possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich.
Miguel Rodriguez-Franco, 32, pleaded guilty in May 2019, to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Larry R. Hicks imposed an upward variance from the sentencing guideline and sentenced Rodriguez-Franco to 78 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
On November 28, 2018, officers from the Sparks Police Department responded to the Western Village Inn & Casino. When officers arrived on scene Rodriguez-Franco was detained by security after passing a fraudulent check at a casino cashier cage. Rodriguez-Franco was placed under arrest. Medics were called after Rodriguez-Franco complained of being short of breath. Officers searched him prior to allowing him into the ambulance. During the search, they found a loaded .380 semi-automatic pistol in the jacket pocket Rodriguez-Franco was wearing.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sparks Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Rachow prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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Connecticut Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Attempted Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Colchester, Connecticut, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on July 22, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Kevin Carney, age 32, was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Carney was one of nine men who were arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2017 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting persons willing to pay to have sex with underage girls or boys obtained through the Internet. The conviction stemmed from Carney communicating with someone he believed to be a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts, and requesting that the minor send pornographic images to Carney.
The undercover operation and arrests were a joint effort between the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Collins prosecuted the case.
Carney was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Clifton Park Doctor Arrested for Unlawful Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Scott McMahon, age 50, of Clifton Park, New York, was arrested today and charged with distributing controlled substances outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
McMahon practices in Clifton Park, having previously maintained offices in Albany and other locations within the Capital Region. According to a criminal complaint (copy attached), McMahon prescribed controlled substances, including Ritalin and its generic equivalents, for non-medical purposes and outside the usual course of professional practice, often with the intent of having his patients kick back a portion of each prescription to him for his own personal use.
The complaint alleges that McMahon prescribed controlled substances to people who were never his patients, including three young children of one patient, and the boyfriend of another patient. The activity alleged in the complaint occurred between December 2018 and April 2019.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
McMahon appeared today in Albany before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, who ordered him detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for tomorrow, August 14.
If convicted, McMahon faces up to 20 years in prison, at least 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and a maximum $1 million fine. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the DEA Albany District Office’s Tactical Diversion Squad and its Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Also assisting in the investigation are the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the New York State Police, the New York State Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, and the DEA Resident Office in Burlington, Vermont.
Charleston Man Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced to 52 months in prison for a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Steven Craig Coleman, 31, previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin. Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Charleston Police Department, South Charleston Police Department, and Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).
“Tragic,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Coleman, who has a 2016 involuntary manslaughter conviction for distributing heroin to a woman who suffered a fatal overdose, was at it again. Too many West Virginians have lost their lives because of these deadly drugs and poison peddlers like Coleman.”
As established by public court filings and hearings, in July 2017, police investigators learned from a confidential source that Coleman was selling several ounces of heroin from his house on 7th Avenue in Charleston. On July 20, 2017, Coleman sold a confidential informant a substance containing fentanyl. A week later, investigators executed a search warrant at Coleman’s house, where they found several thousand dollars in drug proceeds and over 30 grams of methamphetamine outside of an open window near Coleman.
On August 8, 2018, police again met Coleman at his house and he gave them permission to search his room. Coleman directed an investigator to where he was hiding his drugs. Police ultimately found close to 10 grams of drug mixtures containing heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, a deadly fentanyl analogue. Coleman was previously convicted for involuntary manslaughter in 2016 for distributing heroin to a woman, causing a fatal overdose.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman.
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Cartel-connected illegal alien drug trafficker and associate sentenced to federal prisonRead the Press Release
WAYCROSS, GA: Two drug traffickers, including an illegal alien with ties to a Mexican drug cartel, will spend more than a decade in federal prison after sentencing in a methamphetamine conspiracy.
Ricardo Santana-Hernandez, a/k/a “Richard Hernandez,” a/k/a “Armond,” a/k/a “Armani,” 32, of C’daltimairano, Guerroro, Mexico, was sentenced to 135 months in prison, and Ryon Bland, 32, of Douglas, Ga., was sentenced to 110 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Both were sentenced for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute large quantities of crystal methamphetamine. After completion of their sentences, Santana-Hernadez will be deported, and Bland will be placed on court-supervised release for three years. There is no parole in the federal system.
Santana-Herndandez, Bland and nine other conspirators pled guilty after their indictment by a federal grand jury in October 2018 for drug trafficking and firearms-related offenses.
According to court filings and testimony, in early 2018, the Telfair County Sheriff’s Office received information that Donna Bazemore, a/k/a “Dirty D,” 45, of McRae, Ga., was distributing large quantities of methamphetamine from her residence in Telfair County. Investigators searched the residence and seized 16 bags of methamphetamine, a bag of cocaine, two bags of MDMA (a/k/a Ecstasy), at least six firearms, a video security system, and other drug trafficking tools. Agents arrested Bland, who was at the location breaking down methamphetamine into smaller bags for distribution.
The investigation revealed that Santana-Hernandez was a source of supply for the drug trafficking organization that operated in Telfair County and elsewhere. Santana-Hernandez, who resided in the Atlanta area illegally, received kilograms of methamphetamine from the “La Familia” cartel in Mexico. In August 2018, Santana-Hernandez delivered two kilograms of methamphetamine to the Southern District of Georgia via a courier. Federal agents then arrested Santana-Hernadez when he came to a Dublin, Ga., restaurant to collect payment.
In addition to Santana-Hernandez, Bland and Bazemore, the following people also have been convicted for their roles in the conspiracy:
Enio Camacho-Pineda, a/k/a “Tony,” a/k/a “Tony Montana,” 31, of Atlanta;
Enrique Lopez, a/k/a “Ricky,” 44, of Douglas, Ga.;
Eugene Wright, a/k/a “Burt,” 52, of Millwood, Ga.;
Cristian Jesus Martinez, 19, of Mexico;
Angela Hurst, 38, of Douglas, Ga.;
Kristel Merritt, 43, of Douglas, Ga.;
Angie McCoy, a/k/a “Angie Woods,” 24, Douglas, Ga.; and,
Kenneth Woodrow Mancil, 53, Sylvania, Ga.
“These sentences demonstrate that our partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement are the key to targeting and dismantling organized crime,” said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. “With hard time for their crimes, two drug traffickers will pay the penalty for spreading poison in our communities.”
Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division stated, “This sentencing is a great example of what can be achieved when DEA works hand-in-hand with its law enforcement counterparts and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This trafficker was clearly working under the direction of the La Familia drug cartel based in Mexico. Consequently, he will spend in excess of a decade in federal prison.”
“Narcotic traffickers have no regard for the well-being or safety of our Georgia communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Art Peralta. “Narcotic trafficking and violence go hand in hand, and these sentences prove that our efforts to identify and arrest those individuals who promote violent crime through the distribution of narcotics is having a positive impact.”
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), the premier U.S. Department of Justice program to dismantle multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking organizations, and was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the U.S. Marshals Service, Telfair County Sheriff’s Office, Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office, the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit, and other local law enforcement agencies. The case also falls under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Harper and E. Greg Gilluly, Jr.
California man charged with interstate stalkingRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—A California man was arraigned today on an indictment accusing him of using the Internet and cell phones to harass individuals and to threaten to damage the reputations of two persons unless they paid him money, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Bryan Gregg Waterfield Nash, 54, of Woodside, CA, pleaded not guilty to interstate stalking and to interstate communication with intent to extort. If convicted of the most serious crime, Nash faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Nash was released pending further proceedings.
An indictment is merely an accusation. Nash is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The indictment alleges that from December 2013 through June 2019 in Whitefish and in California, Nash used a computer, cell phone, email and the Internet to harass or intimidate approximately 33 persons. The indictment further alleges that Nash sent electronic messages to two individuals threatening to damage their reputations by releasing information about alleged behavior to law enforcement and to the media if the individuals refused to pay him substantial sums of money.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Racicot is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
Pacer reference No. 19-30.
The progress of the case may be monitored through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Buffalo Man Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Prison for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Andre Baker, 28, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of being a felon-in-possession of a firearm, was sentenced to serve 27 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmanuel O. Ulubiyo, who handled the case, stated that on March 25, 2018, two Buffalo Police Officers were flagged down by an unidentified civilian yelling and screaming, “he has a gun,” while simultaneously pointing his hands in the direction of a parking lot in the vicinity of Jefferson Avenue and Genesee Street. The officers observed another civilian pointing a firearm at the defendant as well as a firearm on the ground next to the defendant’s feet. After making eye contact with the officers, the defendant jumped into the rear seat of a vehicle. Seconds later, the defendant exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The defendant was quickly apprehended in the vicinity of Virginia and Cherry Streets by the officers.
One of the civilians, who identified himself as a sworn Peace Officer and licensed gun owner, reported that he observed and later broke up a physical fight between the defendant and an unidentified male and a female outside Arthur’s Pub in the vicinity of Jefferson Avenue and Genesee Street. After the fight, defendant went across the street and got into the aforementioned vehicle. The civilian observed the female who had been involved in the fight approach the car and spit in the defendant’s face. The defendant got out, approached the rear bumper, and removed a gun. The civilian withdrew his concealed firearm from his holster, pointed the gun at Baker and gave a verbal command to the defendant to drop his gun. Baker complied.
Officers subsequently recovered a loaded, .380 caliber pistol, on the ground next to where the defendant was standing prior to fleeing. Officers also recovered a loaded 12 gauge shotgun from the vehicle.
Baker was previously convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd degree in Erie County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.
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Buffalo Man Going to Prison for Sex Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Samuel Walker, 69, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to engage in the sex trafficking of minors, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John D. Fabian, who handled the case, stated that in January and February of 2015, the defendant conspired with co-defendant D'Angelo Conner to engage in sex trafficking of minors. Connor managed an escort business which advertised two victims (Victim 1 and Victim 2) on backpage.com. At Connor’s request, Walker acted as a driver for the business, transporting Victim 1 and Victim 2 to prostitution appointments. The defendant was paid $25 per trip. Walker did so knowing or recklessly disregarding that both Victim 1 and Victim 2 were minors who engaged in commercial sex acts during the appointments.
On February 25, 2015, the defendant drove Victim 1 to a prostitution appointment at a hotel in Cheektowaga, NY. On that date, as well as on the two preceding days, February 23 and 24, 2015, Connor used the defendant’s cell phone to exchange text messages with Victim 1 regarding prostitution appointments and activities.
D'Angelo Conner was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 90 months in prison.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
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Broadway Producer Charged with Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Peter C. Fitzhugh, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the arrest of BEN SPRECHER for possession and distribution of child pornography. SPRECHER was arrested today and presented before United States Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Child pornography targets the most innocent and vulnerable in our society. Today, Broadway producer, Ben Sprecher was arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography in his Manhattan home. Sexualizing young children is unconscionable; and this Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to utilize all of the expertise and resources available to shine a light on every dark corner where it is produced, shared, and possessed.”
Special Agent-in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said: “It is alleged that Sprecher made available for downloading more than one hundred files of children who were demoralized as their innocence was taken away. HSI and our law enforcement partners at the NYPD remain committed in our global fight to protect children and keep them safe from those who choose to take advantage of a child with the intention of fulfilling their own horrid fantasies.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint filed today[1]:
Between at least October 2018 and August 2019, SPRECHER, a Broadway producer, used a peer-to-peer file sharing network to receive and make available for download over 100 video or photograph files known to contain child pornography. The child pornography included depictions of prepubescent children engaged in sexual activity with adults. On August 13, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at SPRECHER’S apartment and recovered an external hard drive, which contained numerous files containing child pornography.
SPRECHER, 65, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of distribution and receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
The charges in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mr. Berman praised the New York City Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations for their outstanding investigative work.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Samuel P. Rothschild is in charge of the prosecution.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Bridgeport Tax Preparer Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Federal Prison for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROLANDO RUSSELL, 62, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 50 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for preparing false tax returns for clients.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Russell prepared approximately 1,820 federal tax returns for the 2013 through 2016 tax years through a tax return preparation practice he operated in Bridgeport. The returns claimed a total of approximately $11.26 million in refunds, of which the IRS issued approximately $10 million. An investigation revealed that many of the tax returns he prepared included false Schedule C forms (“Profit or Loss from Business”), false unreimbursed employee expenses and false charitable contributions. Based on the investigation, Russell’s false filings resulted in at least $1.5 million in losses to the IRS.
Judge Thompson ordered Russell to pay restitution of $1,501,000.
As a result of Russell’s fraudulent conduct, many of his clients’ filed tax returns for the 2013 through 2016 tax years will need to be amended. IRS notices are being sent to impacted clients.
On April 26, 2019, Russell pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return.
Russell, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 16.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Braddock Felon Indicted on Illegal Gun Possession ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Larnell Jones, age 45, formerly of Braddock, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about July 10, 2019, Jones was in possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Federal law prohibits a felon from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Yvonne M. Saadi is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Munhall and Swissvale Police Departments, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that LATANYA A. BRITTON, age 41, resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty on Monday, August 12, 2019 to Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.
According to court records, on January 22, 2018, BRITTON was hired as a bookkeeper in the client accounting services department at Accounting Firm A. Accounting Firm A was located in New Orleans, Louisiana and provided client accounting services to local businesses and individuals. Client B, a restaurant located in the New Orleans French Quarter, was a small business client of Accounting Firm A. BRITTON became the bookkeeper for Client B and was entrusted with the daily accounting and bill paying for Client B’s account. Accounting Firm A utilized a cloud-based accounting software called Restaurant 365 to manage the account for Client B. Restaurant 365 allowed BRITTON authorized access to Client B’s bank account. BRITTON’s position allowed her to issue checks to Client B’s vendors that contained an electronic signature of the managing shareholder of Client B.
On August 16, 2018, BRITTON established an entity named Lagniappe Accounting Services, L.L.C. (“Lagniappe”). Navy Federal Credit Union (“NFCU”) was a domestic financial banking institution headquartered in Vienna, Virginia. All check images received by NFCU either from a NFCU branch, ATM, e-deposit, or other channel, were transmitted to computer servers located in Vienna, Virginia. On August 24, 2018, BRITTON opened bank account No. ******2479 with NFCU under the name Lagniappe.
BRITTON devised and implemented a scheme to defraud Client B by embezzling approximately $32,000 from Client B’s bank account. BRITTON accessed Restaurant 365 software to delete approximately 31 check entries payable to Lagniappe that she fraudulently issued from Client B’s account. BRITTON opened an account with NFCU in the name Lagniappe in order to deposit funds she embezzled from Client B. BRITTON used her NFCU Lagniappe account debit card to pay for personal expenses at retailers such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Dillard’s, JCPenney’s, Old Navy, DSW, and at various nail spas. As part of her scheme and artifice to defraud Client B and, in an effort to conceal her conduct on December 30, 2018, BRITTON made false statements in an email to Client B’s managing shareholder after he contacted BRITTON regarding a suspicious check written to Lagniappe. BRITTON was terminated from Accounting Firm A on January 3, 2019.
BRITTON faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine per count. Sentencing by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter is scheduled for October 29, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the United States Secret Service. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.
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Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 405 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – James Nelson, 48, has been sentenced to 405 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on Friday, September 15, 2017, Keysha Caldwell brought her 13-year-old daughter to the apartment of James Nelson, the father of their child. Nelson was in the apartment with his girlfriend when suddenly he began to physically assault Ms. Caldwell. Their daughter went back to their car to get help from her step-father, Ernest Bernard.
As Mr. Bernard, Ms. Caldwell, and her 13-year-old daughter were leaving the apartment, Nelson fired a shot at Ms. Caldwell, striking her in the head and killing her. Mr. Bernard called 911 and Ms. Caldwell's other daughter came to the apartment. Nelson then threatened to kill her stating, "your momma is laying in there dead and you'll be next." The death was ruled a homicide. A Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol was located inside the residence. Nelson waived his Miranda rights and gave a statement to the police, advising that he did not kill Ms. Caldwell; the gun went off during a struggle. However, his version of the events did not match the accounts of the other witnesses or the physical evidence.
Nelson was previously convicted for several felony charges involving drugs, guns, and violent crimes, including a 1996 conviction for voluntary manslaughter, where he shot and killed his sister.
On August 12, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Nelson to 405 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to the community, and in this case, Nelson was a violent offender who continued to possess a firearm despite his prior felony conviction history. Nelson has devoted his adult life to a career of criminal conduct, and that prior history has finally caught up with him. Clearly, this armed career criminal had no hesitation in committing another violent crime with a firearm that resulted in death, and he will now be removed from our community for over 33 years."
The case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force, which includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office; the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Memphis Police Department; and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, who have all joined together to address gun-related crimes through targeted investigations and aggressive prosecution.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Samuel D. Winnig prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Antioch Woman Facing Federal Charges for Embezzling More Than $200,000 from Her EmployerRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – August 13, 2019 – Ilaine T. Newby, 51, of Antioch, Tennessee, was charged today with embezzling over $206,000 from a Smyrna-based company, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee. Newby was charged in a criminal information with three counts of wire fraud related to her embezzlement scheme.
According to the charging document, from November 2014 through June 2018, Newby embezzled approximately $206,000 from the company, identified only as “C.A.” Newby was the comptroller of the company for approximately seven years and in that position she was responsible for the company’s financial affairs, including managing the monthly financial reports, the profit and loss statements, QuickBooks entries, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and the company bank accounts and company credit card accounts. Newby paid for personal expenses using company credit cards and made payments to her personal credit cards from the company’s bank account. She also used company funds for personal expenditures, such as purchasing a Jeep Liberty and paying tuition to the University of Arizona. Newby concealed the fraud by making false entries in the company’s general ledger and providing manipulated financial records to the business’s owner.
If convicted, Newby faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Smyrna Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Booth.
A criminal information is merely an accusation. Newby is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Accounting Coordinator at Non-Profit Facing Fraud Charges for Embezzling $321K in Organization FundsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – An accounting coordinator at a Pittsburgh-area non-profit organization has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of bank fraud and mail fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The nine-count Indictment, returned on August 6 and unsealed yesterday, named Danielle Strother-Rush, 32, of Pittsburgh, PA as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, from approximately August 2014 until August 2016, Strother-Rush committed bank fraud and mail fraud in order to embezzle funds from her employer, Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council, which is a nonprofit organization that assists with creating business opportunities for minority-owned supply companies. The Indictment further alleges that the total amount embezzled was approximately $321,000.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years for each count of bank fraud and 20 years for each count of mail fraud. The law also provides for a fine of $1,000,000 for each count of bank fraud and $250,000 for each count of mail fraud. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Monday 12 August 2019
‘Halo Bandit’ Bank Robbers Sentenced to Combined 35 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Two bank robbers who led police on a wild chase across the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex earlier this year have been sentenced to a combined 35 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Dubbed the “Halo Bandits” by the FBI, Marcello Shofner, 37, and Cedric Burns, 41, both pleaded guilty to bank robbery in April.
In plea papers, the pair admitted they entered a Texas Trust Credit Union in Hurst, Texas, pointed replica weapons at three employees, and demanded more than $100,000 in U.S. currency from the vault. Money in hand, they fled the scene in a grey Ford Focus.
Their getaway driver, Antranette Canady, 46, lead authorities on a high-speed pursuit down Interstate 30 and onto a dead end street in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood, where all three were apprehended by law enforcement.
Mr. Shofner was sentenced Monday morning by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor to 15 years in federal prison. Mr. Burns was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison late last month. Ms. Canady, who also pleaded guilty to bank robbery in April, is slated to be sentenced next month.
Co-conspirator Precious Alexander – who’d planned to be the “switch” driver but was detained by law enforcement before she could meet up with Mr. Shofner and Mr. Burns – also pleaded guilty and has been sentenced to 9 years in federal prison.
The FBI Dallas Violent Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation; the Dallas Police Department assisted in the defendants’ apprehension. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Fahey is prosecuting the case.
Wetzel County residents indicted for drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Six people are facing charges of distributing methamphetamine after being indicted by a federal grand jury in Wheeling earlier this month, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
“Our prosecution efforts have significantly increased on the crystal methamphetamine front. It is a dangerous drug that not only kills, but causes increased violence. Our efforts, along with our law enforcement partners, are to prosecute all the way to the manufacturer of the methamphetamine. We will persevere in our efforts,” said Powell.
The six are named in a 14-count indictment alleging methamphetamine distribution, sometimes near Bruce Park playground, Magnolia High School, and New Martinsville Elementary School, from July 2018 to June 2019 in Wetzel County and elsewhere. Those named in the indictment are:
• David M. Metz, age 44, of New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Calebe “Shaggy” McCune, age 23, New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Zach Jerico, age 31, of New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Wesley A. Ebbert, age 30, New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Jaclyn Starkey, age 27, New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Kaley Edgell, age 35, of New Martinsville, West VirginiaMeth is a scourge on our communities, according to D. Christopher Evans, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Louisville Division Office. “While America’s opioid crisis may dominate headlines, Operation Crystal Mountain should serve as a reminder that meth is a problem that has never gone away,” Evans said. “The dedicated men and women of DEA, working closely with state and local law enforcement, are relentless in their efforts to rid our neighborhoods of dangerous drugs and bring to justice those who distribute them, wherever they may be,” he added.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia State Police; and the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative investigated.An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
United States Attorney’s Office to Host Re-entry Services Fair in Meridian Under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – United States Attorney Mike Hurst announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi will host a Re-entry Services Fair in Meridian under Project EJECT in order to provide vital services, information, and assistance to previously incarcerated individuals who are re-entering society.
The Re-entry Services Fair will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Velma Young Community Center, 2400 16th Avenue, in Meridian.
"Re-entry is an integral part of Project EJECT and a vital component to reducing violent crime. Most prisoners today will one day be released back into our communities. We as a people must do all that we can to empower these individuals with the tools they need to be law-abiding and productive citizens. I want to personally thank these agencies, non-profits, and volunteers for coming together and helping folks get back on their feet. By working together, we are making our neighborhoods safe and secure for everyone," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
"Working together we can and are making a difference in the lives of our returning citizens," said Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Pelicia E. Hall. "Events such as these expose them to resources and job opportunities. I encourage formerly incarcerated persons to take advantage of this re-entry services fair. The fair is also available to the general public. Similar events have been successful. We hope we can say the same about Wednesday’s event. And, we would like to hold a resource fair in south Mississippi in the near future."
The goal of the fair is to help previously incarcerated individuals overcome obstacles often faced by those who are trying to re-enter society. Participating agencies will set up booths to provide resources in a variety of areas such as assistance with obtaining personal identification documents, housing information, educational assistance, legal information, and guidance for seeking and obtaining employment.
Agencies participating in the Re-entry Services Fair include the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Mississippi Department of Human Services, Mississippi Department of Corrections, U.S. Probation Office, Mississippi Community College Board, and the Governor’s Job Fair Network of Mississippi.
This event 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, reentry 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.
U.S. Attorney & Law Enforcement to Announce Federal Charges Arising out of Investigation into Dayton Mass ShootingRead the Press Release
DAYTON – Today the government is unsealing charges against a friend of Connor Betts for allegedly lying on federal firearms forms.
The briefing will be held:
TODAY: MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2019
WHEN: 2 P.M.
WHERE: Walter H. Rice Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse
First Floor Conference Room 150
200 West 2nd Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
WHO: U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman
Todd A. Wickerham, Special Agent in Charge, FBI
Room available beginning at 1:40 P.M. No TV lighting provided. ID will be required for entrance at Security.
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Two Men Indicted on Methamphetamine Charges; Accused of Filling the Streets of Jamestown with MethRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Brandon Smith, 32, of Jamestown, NY, and Mark R. Maio, 34, of East Randolph, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana. If convicted, defendants face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and a $10,000,000.
Maio is also charged with using and maintaining a drug-involved premises, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on premises where an individual under 18 was present and resided.
“Today we unveil a new weapon which we deploy as part of our effort to protect our community from the scourge that methamphetamine trafficking brings to it,” noted U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “This indictment marks the first time that any person in the Western District of New York has been charged with violating Title 21, United States Code, Section 860a, which requires that the sentencing court impose a mandatory, additional, consecutive term of up to 20 years in prison, whenever a methamphetamine-related drug offenses occurs on a premises at which a child is present. While we have directed much of our recent law enforcement effort to combatting deadly opioids, methamphetamine—though it may be a slower death—also kills. When it comes to protecting our community, new threats warrant new responses.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, beginning in March 2018, the Jamestown Police Department Narcotics Unit began investigating Maio and Smith for the distribution of methamphetamine in and around the City of Jamestown. The investigation included controlled purchases of narcotics from defendant Maio.
On January 23, 2019, the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force executed a state search warrant at Maio’s residence on Main Street in East Randolph, NY. Maio and Smith were present at the time, along with two other adults and three minor children. Smith attempted to leave the residence but was detained and searched. Investigators recovered suspected crystal methamphetamine and on Smith. They also searched Maio and recovered suspected crack cocaine and a large amount of cash.
During a search of the residence, investigators recovered suspected marijuana, crystal methamphetamine, a digital scale, and other drug packaging and paraphernalia.
The defendants were arraigned this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and detained.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division, and the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, under the direction of Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Ronald Lott.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Twenty-Five Men Charged and Seventy-Eight Guns Seized in Crackdown on Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – Twenty-five people, all of whom are prohibited possessors of firearms, are facing 58 criminal charges as part of federal drug and gun investigations announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Seven Indictments and 18 Superseding Indictments by a Federal Grand Jury were filed last week in United States District Court in Davenport, Iowa. Several of the defendants had previously been charged and appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Stephen B. Jackson, Jr.
The investigations occurred in several Iowa counties including: Clinton, Des Moines, Johnson, Scott, and Washington County and involved the seizure of approximately 78 firearms including two sawed-off shotguns. The public is reminded that charges contain only accusations and are 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. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
“Our message is simple,” said United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. “If you commit a gun crime, we will do our best to prosecute you in federal court.” Krickbaum added, “Federal law has a long reach. If you have a gun and you are a drug user, a felon, are near a school, have a conviction for misdemeanor domestic violence, or you know the gun is stolen, you can go to federal prison.”
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The cases were investigated by the Davenport Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Clinton Police Department, Burlington Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Department of Homeland Security, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The cases are being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
To date, 17 defendants have been arrested and are outlined below. The other cases remain sealed pending arrest.
DEFENDANT
Robert Lee Poore Case Number 3:19-cr-31
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearms
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody
Title 26, U.S.C. §§ 5841, 5845, 5861(d), 5871 – Receive and Possess Machineguns and Silencers
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custodyDEFENDANT
Adam Steven White Case Number 3:19-cr-65
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 21, U.S.C. § 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 40 years in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) – Unlawful Drug User in Possession of a Firearm
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody
Title 21, U.S.C. § 844(a) – Possession of a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 1 year in custodyDEFENDANT
Larenzo Marshan Grandberry Case Number 3:19-cr-30
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody
Title 21, U.S.C. § 844(a) – Possession of a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 1 year in custodyDEFENDANT
Deshawn Mitchell Case Number 3:19-cr-45
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 21, U.S.C. § 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 40 years in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) – Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 40 years in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) – Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custodyDEFENDANT
Rodolfo Tellez Gutierrez Case Number 3:19-cr-45
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 21, U.S.C. § 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; mandatory minimum of 10 years
Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) – Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; mandatory minimum of 10 years
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) – Unlawful Drug User in Possession of a Firearm
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custodyDEFENDANT
Curtis Lee Smith Case Number 3:19-cr-46
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(D) – Possession With Intent to Distribute Marijuana
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody
Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) – Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custodyDEFENDANT
Devario Dewayne Talley Case Number 3:18-cr-87
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) – Possession of a Controlled Substances with Intent to Distribute
Maximum Penalty is 20 years in custody
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody
Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) – Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) – Carry a Firearm During and In Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 year mandatory minimumDEFENDANT
Adam Christopher Smith Case Number 3:19-cr-40
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) – Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 20 years in custody
Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) – Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 20 years in custody
Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) – Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custodyDEFENDANT
Michael Terrell Richardson Case Number 3:18-cr-98
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody
Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) – Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 20 years in custody
Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(D) – Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody
Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) – Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 21, U.S.C. § 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 40 years in custody; 5 year mandatory minimumDEFENDANT
Zacharia Allen Clark Case Number 3:19-cr-27
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of Ammunition
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custodyDEFENDANT
Terry Eugene Cook Case Number 3:19-cr-33
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) – Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
Maximum Penalty is 40 years in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) – Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
Maximum Penalty is life in custody; 5 year mandatory minimum
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) – Unlawful Drug User in Possession of a Firearm
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custodyDEFENDANT
Junior Emilio Roldan Marin Case Number 3:19-cr-44
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), 922(g)(8), 922(g)(9) – Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custodyDEFENDANTS
Joseph Roosevelt Howard Rogers Case Number 3:19-cr-29
William Walter Franklin Case Number 3:19-cr-74
Justin Joseph Halter Case Number 3:19-cr-23
Levi Shelby Roe Case Number 3:19-cr-35
Marc Andrew Dietrich Case Number 3:19-cr-67
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Maximum Penalty is 10 years in custody
Tulsa Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing DrugsRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Jorge Abraham Sandoval, age 33, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for one count of Distribution of more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, in 2017, investigators received information that Sandoval was involved in drug trafficking in the northwest Arkansas area. In exchange for $6,500, Sandoval distributed what he represented to be one pound of methamphetamine. Lab results revealed that the substance was 450.3 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Sandoval was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2018, and he entered a guilty plea in March 2019.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Carter prosecuted the case for the United States.