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Tuesday 6 August 2019
Merced Couple Operating Dark Web Vendor Accounts “Best Buy Meds,” “Trap Mart” and “House of Dank” Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Jabari Monson, 32, of Merced, California, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute controlled substances, and Saudia Monson, 39, also of Merced, pleaded guilty today to a violation of the Travel Act, using the mail and internet to distribute controlled substances, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, from July 2018 through January 2019, Jabari Monson and Saudia Monson operated several vendor accounts on the dark-web marketplace Dream Market, through which they sold cocaine, cocaine base, methamphetamine, and marijuana.
As part of the plea agreement, the defendants agreed to forfeit cryptocurrency that was the proceeds of the drug distribution, including bitcoin and bitcoin cash.
This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Grant B. Rabenn and Paul Hemesath are prosecuting the case.
The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on Nov. 19. Jabari Monson faces a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, and a $5 million fine. Saudia Monson faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Member of Bronx Gang Pleads Guilty to Ordering 2009 MurderRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that STEVEN BROWN, a/k/a “BI,” pled guilty today to participating in a murder in connection with a drug crime for his role in the August 2, 2009, murder of Derrick Moore in the Bronx. BROWN pled before U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said: “Almost 10 years ago to the day, Steven Brown, the leader of a violent, drug-dealing street crew, ordered the killing of rival street crewmember, Derrick Moore. We are committed to combating gang violence, and today’s guilty plea shows that no passage of time will stop us from bringing perpetrators of violence to justice.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and statements made in court:
The Taylor Avenue Crew was a criminal enterprise that operated principally in and around the Bronx from at least 2007 up to and including 2015. The Taylor Avenue Crew sold cocaine base, commonly known as “crack cocaine,” primarily in and around Taylor Avenue in the Bronx. The Taylor Avenue Crew controlled crack cocaine sales within this area by prohibiting and preventing non-members, outsiders, and rival narcotics dealers from distributing crack cocaine in the area controlled by the Crew. The Taylor Avenue Crew also committed acts of violence in the area against rival gangs, including assaults, attempted murder, and murder.
Members and associates of the Taylor Avenue Crew also allied themselves with crews from nearby areas of the Bronx. One such crew included the Creston Avenue Crew, a criminal enterprise that operated principally in and around the Bronx, New York, from at least 2003 up to and including 2011 and whose members sold cocaine and marijuana primarily in and around Creston Avenue in the Bronx. Members of the Taylor and Creston Avenue Crews associated with each other and assisted each other by, among other things, carrying out acts of violence on each other’s behalf upon request by the leaders of the respective crews. One such act of violence was the murder of 22-year-old Derrick Moore. In August 2009, after escalating violence between the Taylor Avenue Crew and a rival crew, BROWN, who was the head of the Taylor Avenue Crew, ordered the murder of Moore. To carry out the murder, BROWN requested the assistance of the Creston Avenue Crew, whose members then shot and killed Moore.
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BROWN, 40, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of murder while engaged in a narcotics trafficking offense, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison. He will be sentenced by Judge Failla on December 4, 2019.
Luis Ortiz, one of BROWN’s co-defendants, pled guilty on July 24, 2019, to murder through use of a firearm in connection with a drug crime, and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. Ortiz is scheduled to be sentenced on October 18, 2019.
Trial for an additional co-defendant, Rafael Reyes, is scheduled to begin on September 30, 2019. The description of the offense set forth in this release are merely allegations and Reyes is innocent until proven guilty.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI. Mr. Berman also thanked the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania for their assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maurene Comey, Jessica Lonergan, and Jason Swergold are in charge of the prosecution. The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.
McKees Rocks Felon Indicted for Possessing Multiple Guns and DrugsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A McKees Rocks resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment, returned on July 16 and unsealed today, named Joseph Alexander, 38, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about September 11, 2018, Alexander possessed with the intent to distribute quantities of heroin, fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, N–Ethylpentylone, and Tramadol. The Indictment further alleges that Alexander possessed four firearms in furtherance of this drug trafficking crime and that Alexander was prohibited from possessing these firearms because he is a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $1,500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the Allegheny County Police Department, Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Stowe Township Police, conducted the investigation that led to the Indictment in this case. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Man pleads guilty to stealing more than $300,000 in healthcare fraud schemeRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Michael Bang has pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud charges related to a fraudulent reimbursement scheme targeting the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (“COPERA”).
“Bang’s stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from a public entity that was at the same time providing him with medical and other benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Schemes like this can ultimately cost other customers precious resources to which they are entitled.”
“Falsifying prescriptions in order to generate illicit profits at the expense of tax payers will not be tolerated and the FBI will pursue anyone who chooses to do so,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Bang was driven by greed and he will now be held accountable for his transgressions.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: Bang, who from at least 2014 to 2017 was a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, received retiree health benefits from COPERA’s self-funded health insurance program, PERACare. The prescription coverage portion of the program was administered by Express Scripts. PERACare provided insurance for current and former Colorado public employees no matter where they lived.
As part of the healthcare fraud scheme, Bang, who at the time was a resident of Atlanta, sought reimbursement for medications through the submission of fraudulent reimbursement forms for medication that he was either not receiving or that was more expensive than the medications he was receiving. Bang’s scheme involved three Atlanta-area pharmacies.
The reimbursement claim forms that Bang faxed to Express Scripts were fraudulent for a number of reasons:
- The forms themselves were fabricated and submitted by Bang—they were not created by the pharmacies;
- Pharmacists’ signatures on each form were forged or unauthorized reproductions of the signatures of each pharmacist;
- Certain forms contained claims for medications that Bang never received and that never would have been prescribed simultaneously;
- The forms contained prescription numbers that did not match the medication claimed under that number;
- Many reimbursement forms claimed a “fill date” for prescriptions on dates when the pharmacies have no records of filling any prescriptions for Bang; and
- The forms claimed out-of-pocket expenses that were never incurred by Bang.
Between May 2014 and December 2017, Bang stole at least $300,000 from COPERA through his fraudulent reimbursement scheme.
On November 7, 2018, Bang, 58, of Mesa, Arizona, was indicted on twenty counts of healthcare fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He pleaded guilty to one count of healthcare fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for October 24, 2019, at 3:00 p.m., before U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones.
In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan J. Huschka is 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.
Man Indicted for Armed Robbery of Sprint StoreRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging a Norfolk man with the armed robbery of a Sprint Store in Colonial Heights.
According to the indictment, on January 7, Tajh Rodgers, 29, allegedly committed a violent armed robbery of a Sprint Store in Colonial Heights, stealing more than 70 Sprint Store products. To facilitate stealing these products, Rodgers threatened the lives of two Sprint employees, with the use of the firearm he was carrying. In total, 70 items were stolen from the store, including 22 Apple iPhones, 8 LG cellular telephones, 6 Samsung cellular telephones, and an Apple Watch.
Rodgers is charged with robbery affecting commerce, using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of the robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, and Colonel Jeffrey W. Faries, Chief of Colonial Heights Police, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Gill and Kenneth Simon are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-111.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Macy, NE Man Sentenced for Aggravated Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Dalton L. Webster, age 27, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Aggravated Sexual Abuse. United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Webster to 121 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Webster will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On or about August 18, 2018, within the Omaha Reservation, Webster physically assaulted an adult female victim causing a non-displaced nasal fracture with extensive soft-tissue swelling. Webster then sexually assaulted the victim while threatening to kill her.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Leader of Conspiracy to Illegally Unlock Cell Phones for Profit Extradited from Hong KongRead the Press Release
A 34-year-old citizen of Pakistan, who is alleged to have paid insiders at telecommunications giant AT&T to plant malware and otherwise misuse computer networks to unlock cellphones, was charged in a 14-count federal indictment unsealed yesterday following his extradition from Hong Kong to the Western District of Washington.
Muhammad Fahd was arrested in Hong Kong on Feb. 4, 2018, at the request of the United States, and was extradited to the United States on Aug. 2, 2019. The second superseding indictment, filed in March 2018, alleges how Fahd recruited and paid AT&T insiders to use their computer credentials and access to disable AT&T’s proprietary locking software that prevented ineligible phones from being removed from AT&T’s network. The scheme resulted in millions of phones being removed from AT&T service and/or payment plans, costing the company millions of dollars. Fahd allegedly paid the insiders tens of thousands of dollars – paying one coconspirator $428,500 over the five-year scheme.
Muhammad Fahd is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to violate the Travel Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, four counts of wire fraud, two counts of accessing a protected computer in furtherance of fraud, two counts of intentional damage to a protected computer, and four counts of violating the Travel Act.
“This arrest illustrates what can be achieved when the victim of a cyber attack partners quickly and closely with law enforcement,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “When companies that fall prey to malware work with the Department of Justice, no cybercriminal—no matter how sophisticated their scheme—is beyond our reach.”
“This defendant thought he could safely run his bribery and hacking scheme from overseas, making millions of dollars while he induced young workers to choose greed over ethical conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran for the Western District of Washington. “Now he will be held accountable for the fraud and the lives he has derailed.”
According to the indictment, between 2012 and 2017, Fahd recruited various AT&T employees to the conspiracy. Some early recruits were paid to identify other employees who could be bribed and convinced to join the scheme. So far, three of those coconspirators have pleaded guilty, admitting they were paid thousands of dollars for facilitating Fahd’s fraudulent scheme.
Initially, Fahd allegedly would send the employees batches of international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) numbers for cell phones that were not eligible to be removed from AT&T’s network. The employees would then unlock the phones. After some of the co-conspirators were terminated by AT&T, the remaining co-conspirator employees aided Fahd in developing and installing additional tools that would allow Fahd to use the AT&T computers to unlock cell phones from a remote location. Fahd and a second co-conspirator, who is now deceased, allegedly delivered bribes to the AT&T employees both in person and via payment systems such as Western Union.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Counsel Anthony V. Teelucksingh of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francis Franze-Nakamura, Andrew Friedman and Michelle Jensen of the Western District of Washington. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs was instrumental in the successful extradition. The U.S. Marshals Service transported Fahd to the United States.
Leader and Member of Drug Trafficking Organization Going to Prison for Selling DrugsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Andre Cunningham, 25, and Terrence Morgan, aka Young, 24, both of Rochester, who were convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, and heroin, were sentenced to serve 135 months and 87 months in prison respectively by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, who handled the case, stated that Cunningham and co-defendant Michael Wyatt were leaders of a drug trafficking organization that distributed significant quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine base throughout the Rochester area. Wyatt would obtain bulk quantities of those controlled substances from various suppliers. Wyatt and Cunningham then supervised and directed the distribution and sale of those controlled substances to individual drug users, at various drug houses maintained for that purpose. The drug houses were operated by members of the conspiracy, including Wyatt, Cunningham, and others. The locations of the drug houses included 218 Emerson Street, and 131 Saratoga Avenue, both in Rochester.
At the direction of Wyatt or Cunningham, members of the conspiracy, including Morgan, would process, break down, and re-package the controlled substances into smaller quantities to be sold to individual drug users. Morgan was also responsible for selling the controlled substances to individual buyers. The proceeds from these individual sales were collected from Morgan and others by Wyatt and/or Cunningham at regular intervals. Morgan was compensated for his role in the conspiracy.
In addition, between July 2018 and August 7, 2018, Morgan possessed a firearm in connection with the narcotics conspiracy.
Michael Wyatt was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The sentencings are the result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd K. Baxter; and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron D. Singletary.
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KC Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for taking pornographic photos and video of a 7-year-old victim.
Dennis Lamont Everette, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 15 years and four months in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Everette to a lifetime of supervised release following incarceration.
On Jan. 4, 2019, Everette pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography. He admitted that he used his cell phone to take pornographic images of a 7-year-old victim.
According to court documents, the investigation began when the mother of the child victim notified law enforcement that pornographic images of her daughter were found on Everette’s cell phone. An older daughter had borrowed Everette’s phone and found at least 10 photographs and a video of her sister, the child victim, on the phone.
The child victim told investigators that Everette told her to take off her clothes and instructed her on how to pose for the photos and video. He rewarded her with gum. The child victim also indicated on an anatomical drawing several places in which Everette had touched her either on top of her clothes, or under her clothes.
A witness told investigators that Everette bought snacks and drinks for kids in his neighborhood and played games with the kids.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."KC Man Sentenced for Stolen Vehicle ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to steal high-end sport utility vehicles and pick-ups from out-of-state dealerships and transport them to Kansas City for sale on the black market.
Timothy Hood, 38, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to three years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Hood to pay $212,998 in restitution.
On March 22, 2019, Hood pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles across state lines and one count of aiding and abetting the transportation of stolen vehicles across state lines. Hood admitted that he participated in a conspiracy from Dec. 1, 2015, to Feb. 2, 2016, to steal at least 10 high-end sport utility vehicles and pick-up trucks from three out-of-state auto dealerships and deliver them to Kansas City.
Hood and co-conspirators organized small groups to steal 10 vehicles, worth approximately $710,933, from three dealerships in Nebraska and Iowa. Co-conspirator Joshua Walker, 43, of Kansas City, Missouri, affixed fraudulent vehicle identification numbers (VINs) onto the dashboard of the stolen vehicles. Many of the fraudulent VINs used during the conspiracy were true VINs from other vehicles owned by car dealerships and were utilized so that the stolen vehicles would be difficult to trace and could be sold on the black market.
All of the stolen vehicles have been recovered by law enforcement officers and sold as salvage. Two of the stolen vehicles were recovered at the residence of Hood’s girlfriend. On Sept. 22, 2016, Hood was pulled over for a traffic infraction while he was driving one of the stolen vehicles with a fraudulent VIN. Investigators searched Hood’s laptop, which was in the vehicle. The computer contained scanned images of templates for temporary Kansas license plates, insurance cards, notary stamps, bills of sale, release of liens, and bar code labels of VINs. The search of the computer also revealed searches of legitimate VINs that were fraudulently used or affixed to other stolen vehicles in this case.
Walker pleaded guilty in a separate, but related, case to his role in the conspiracy and to being a felon in possession of a firearm. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
International drug traffickers plead guilty to smuggling heroin through Atlanta airportRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Guatemalan nationals Paola Valenzuela Arevalo and Herbert Jonathan Castillo Juarez, who are husband and wife, have pleaded guilty to eight federal charges for their roles in an international heroin and cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Valenzuela and Castillo employed and coordinated the operations of numerous couriers who imported heroin and cocaine into and through the United States as well as throughout Europe on behalf of Valenzuela, Castillo, and their drug-trafficking organization.
“This case continues our efforts to combat the devastating impact of opiates in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak. “Atlanta’s status as a major transportation hub and the location of the world’s busiest airport makes our city a target for criminal organizations seeking to import heroin and other dangerous drugs. Disrupting drug trafficking organizations and seizing their narcotics as well as getting their members off the streets is one of our highest priorities.”
“The drug trafficking organization overseen by Valenzuela and Castillo contributed significantly to the Opioid plague sweeping across this country. Taking these individuals, and their illicit narcotics off the streets, is a small step in making this country a safer place and we will continue our relentless pursuit of any and all who would choose to follow in their path,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge, Nick Annan.
Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said of the guilty pleas, “DEA’s mission is to eradicate the distribution of drugs at the highest level and to follow the far-reaching tentacles of drug trafficking. DEA, its law enforcement counterparts and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to use every available resource to dismantle, disrupt, and destroy drug distribution networks. This case was successful because of the collaborative efforts between law enforcement authorities on all levels.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: From at least October 2015 until August 2016, Valenzuela and Castillo engaged in a conspiracy to import heroin and cocaine from Guatemala to and through the United States and to Europe for distribution. They recruited, managed, and oversaw numerous couriers who trafficked these drugs from Guatemala, including exploiting minors under the age of 18 as drug couriers. Much of the heroin that Valenzuela and Castillo trafficked was routed through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and ultimately was destined for major Northeastern U.S. cities, including New York City, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Valenzuela and Castillo also trafficked cocaine from Guatemala to several European countries, including Switzerland, Norway, and elsewhere.
Among the many instances in which couriers trafficked drugs at Valenzuela’s and Castillo’s direction include following:
- On July 15, 2016, a Guatemalan citizen flew on a Delta flight from Guatemala City to Atlanta carrying heroin hidden inside luggage that he had received from Valenzuela, Castillo, and their source of supply. During an inspection of the man and his luggage, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) discovered more than two kilograms of heroin. A female minor aboard the same flight also was trafficking heroin at Valenzuela’s and Castillo’s direction. She, too, was arrested carrying more than two kilograms of heroin.
- On four trips to the United States between June 2016 and August 2016, at Valenzuela and Castillo’s direction, a U.S. citizen carried narcotics on flights departing Guatemala City and delivered the narcotics in the United States. The man concealed the heroin he carried either internally (by swallowing it) or that hidden in luggage. He delivered the heroin to Philadelphia and New York. On August 4, 2016, he was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport internally carrying approximately one kilogram of heroin that he had swallowed at Valenzuela and Castillo’s direction. The man also transported cocaine at Valenzuela and Castillo’s direction, from Guatemala through Miami, Florida, to Zurich, Switzerland on October 24, 2015 and from Guatemala through Atlanta to Norway on February 13, 2016.
- On July 24, 2016, a U.S. citizen was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport after a CBP inspection found that he was carrying more than two kilograms of heroin hidden in bags also at the direction of Valenzuela, Castillo, and their source of supply. The man was supposed to deliver the narcotics to a buyer in New York.
- On August 13, 2016, a Guatemalan citizen flew from Guatemala City to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and was arrested after a CBP inspection found that he was carrying 952.9 grams of heroin hidden in pellets that he was internally carrying, also having swallowed them. The man also was recruited by Valenzuela and Castillo who coordinated and oversaw his drug trafficking trip.
On August 18, 2016, Swiss authorities, acting on a tip by U.S. law enforcement, arrested Valenzuela and Castillo attempting to import cocaine that they had swallowed into Zurich Switzerland. After serving sentences on the Swiss drug charges, Valenzuela and Castillo were extradited to the United States to face the drug-trafficking charges to which they pleaded guilty.
In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
On January 22, 2019, Valenzuela, 39, and Castillo, 42, both of Guatemala, were indicted on eight counts each of possession with the intent to distribute heroin and the importation of heroin into the United States, as well as conspiracy to commit both of those offenses by trafficking heroin and cocaine to the United States and Europe. They pleaded guilty to all counts. Sentencing is scheduled for January 7, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Mark H. Cohen.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs is also providing assistance with this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan J. Huschka and Ryan M. Christian are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is being brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.
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.
Innocence Lost National Initiative and Operation Independence Day 2019Read the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today the FBI-led recovery or identification of 103 child victims and the arrest of 67 sex traffickers through Operation Independence Day. This initiative — a revamping of a previously successful program — was executed during the month of July through 161 operations conducted nationwide.
Operation Independence Day relied on the 86 FBI-led Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs), which leveraged the resources and intelligence of other federal, state, local, and tribal partners. Overall, more than 400 agencies participate in these task forces.
Operation Independence Day prioritized locating and rescuing missing minors who are at great risk for sexual exploitation, and arresting the traffickers exploiting them. To that end, through its partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), FBI special agents and intelligence analysts reviewed information provided through NCMEC’s CyberTipline, to identify missing minor children at risk for sexual exploitation, and then worked with state and local partners to execute law enforcement activity designed to recover those children and arrest traffickers.
The health and welfare of recovered minor and adult trafficking victims was a further priority. To facilitate these efforts, the FBI’s Victim Services Division and victim specialists stationed in each of our 56 field offices also worked closely with the task forces during the operation to ensure recovered children received the help they needed. Victim specialists put internal and external resources in place before the operation to ensure victim assistance was a priority in the aftermath of the law enforcement operations.
“This initiative has two crucial goals: rescuing children being sold for sex and prosecuting their adult traffickers,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Child sex trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our society. Perpetrators victimize children in communities throughout the country, and we are determined to find and rescue them. Through the FBI’s leadership, we have recovered thousands of child victims, and this latest operation adds to the success of that decades-long effort.”
“Make no mistake, the FBI is fiercely focused on recovering child victims and arresting the sex traffickers who exploit them,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Through operations like this, the FBI helps child victims escape the abusive life of sex trafficking. Our agents, intelligence analysts, professional staff, and victim specialists work tirelessly before, during and after these operations to make sure that victims get the help they need to reclaim their lives.”
“The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is proud to be part of this extraordinary partnership with the FBI. The FBI and the Department of Justice have been instrumental in spearheading multi-agency collaboration between organizations to locate and provide resources to victims of child sex trafficking,” said John Clark, President and CEO of NCMEC. “We know this horrendous crime impacts communities across our country every day and we applaud the FBI for continuing to work tirelessly to locate these victims and hold accountable those who are selling children for sex.”
In June 2003, the FBI, in conjunction with the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and NCMEC, launched the Innocence Lost National Initiative (ILNI). This combined effort was aimed at addressing the growing problem of domestic sex trafficking of children in the United States. In the years since its inception, the ILNI has expanded to 86 dedicated CEHTTFs. These task forces, with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the FBI’s Victim Services Division, have worked successfully to rescue thousands of children.
Through ILNI, the FBI, along with its local law enforcement partners, uses task forces to leverage resources and intelligence to identify and recover child victims and prosecute those responsible for their exploitation. This collaborative effort has led to the recovery or identification of more than 6,600 child victims. The initiative has also led to more than 2,750 convictions, including more than 15 life sentences and many other sentences ranging from 25 years to life.
In 2008, the ILNI initiated Operation Cross Country (OCC)—a focused, national campaign that targeted the venues where children were the victims of commercial sex trafficking. Since 2008, there have been 11 iterations of OCC, recovering more than 900 child victims and arresting nearly 1,400 traffickers. The last operation was held in October 2017 with 78 task forces participating.
The FBI determined that after 11 years of OCC success, it was time to re-evaluate the program. The newly renamed Operation Independence Day was conducted over an entire month, rather than a few days, but continued to focus on the recovery of child victims from commercial sex trafficking.
The FBI’s Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Unit and DOJ coordinated the operation. For additional information on Operation Independence Day and the Innocence Lost initiative, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/operation-independence-day-2019.
Innocence Lost National Initiative and Operation Independence Day 2019Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced today the FBI-led recovery or identification of 103 child victims and the arrest of 67 sex traffickers through Operation Independence Day. This initiative — a revamping of a previously successful program — was executed during the month of July through 161 operations conducted nationwide.
Operation Independence Day relied on the 86 FBI-led Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs), which leveraged the resources and intelligence of other federal, state, local, and tribal partners. Overall, more than 400 agencies participate in these task forces.
Operation Independence Day prioritized locating and rescuing missing minors who are at great risk for sexual exploitation, and arresting the traffickers exploiting them. To that end, through its partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), FBI special agents and intelligence analysts reviewed information provided through NCMEC’s CyberTipline, to identify missing minor children at risk for sexual exploitation, and then worked with state and local partners to execute law enforcement activity designed to recover those children and arrest traffickers.
The health and welfare of recovered minor and adult trafficking victims was a further priority. To facilitate these efforts, the FBI’s Victim Services Division and victim specialists stationed in each of our 56 field offices also worked closely with the task forces during the operation to ensure recovered children received the help they needed. Victim specialists put internal and external resources in place before the operation to ensure victim assistance was a priority in the aftermath of the law enforcement operations.
“This initiative has two crucial goals: rescuing children being sold for sex and prosecuting their adult traffickers,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Child sex trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our society. Perpetrators victimize children in communities throughout the country, and we are determined to find and rescue them. Through the FBI’s leadership, we have recovered thousands of child victims, and this latest operation adds to the success of that decades-long effort.”
“Make no mistake, the FBI is fiercely focused on recovering child victims and arresting the sex traffickers who exploit them,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Through operations like this, the FBI helps child victims escape the abusive life of sex trafficking. Our agents, intelligence analysts, professional staff, and victim specialists work tirelessly before, during and after these operations to make sure that victims get the help they need to reclaim their lives.”
“The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is proud to be part of this extraordinary partnership with the FBI. The FBI and the Department of Justice have been instrumental in spearheading multi-agency collaboration between organizations to locate and provide resources to victims of child sex trafficking,” said John Clark, President and CEO of NCMEC. “We know this horrendous crime impacts communities across our country every day and we applaud the FBI for continuing to work tirelessly to locate these victims and hold accountable those who are selling children for sex.”
In June 2003, the FBI, in conjunction with the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and NCMEC, launched the Innocence Lost National Initiative (ILNI). This combined effort was aimed at addressing the growing problem of domestic sex trafficking of children in the United States. In the years since its inception, the ILNI has expanded to 86 dedicated CEHTTFs. These task forces, with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the FBI’s Victim Services Division, have worked successfully to rescue thousands of children.
Through ILNI, the FBI, along with its local law enforcement partners, uses task forces to leverage resources and intelligence to identify and recover child victims and prosecute those responsible for their exploitation. This collaborative effort has led to the recovery or identification of more than 6,600 child victims. The initiative has also led to more than 2,750 convictions, including more than 15 life sentences and many other sentences ranging from 25 years to life.
In 2008, the ILNI initiated Operation Cross Country (OCC)—a focused, national campaign that targeted the venues where children were the victims of commercial sex trafficking. Since 2008, there have been 11 iterations of OCC, recovering more than 900 child victims and arresting nearly 1,400 traffickers. The last operation was held in October 2017 with 78 task forces participating.
The FBI determined that after 11 years of OCC success, it was time to re-evaluate the program. The newly renamed Operation Independence Day was conducted over an entire month, rather than a few days, but continued to focus on the recovery of child victims from commercial sex trafficking.
The FBI’s Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Unit and DOJ coordinated the operation. For additional information on Operation Independence Day and the Innocence Lost initiative, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/oid2019.
Innocence Lost National Initiative and Operation Independence Day 2019Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced today the FBI-led recovery or identification of 103 child victims and the arrest of 67 sex traffickers through Operation Independence Day. This initiative — a revamping of a previously successful program — was executed during the month of July through 161 operations conducted nationwide.
Operation Independence Day relied on the 86 FBI-led Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs), which leveraged the resources and intelligence of other federal, state, local, and tribal partners. Overall, more than 400 agencies participate in these task forces.
Operation Independence Day prioritized locating and rescuing missing minors who are at great risk for sexual exploitation, and arresting the traffickers exploiting them. To that end, through its partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), FBI special agents and intelligence analysts reviewed information provided through NCMEC’s CyberTipline, to identify missing minor children at risk for sexual exploitation, and then worked with state and local partners to execute law enforcement activity designed to recover those children and arrest traffickers.
The health and welfare of recovered minor and adult trafficking victims was a further priority. To facilitate these efforts, the FBI’s Victim Services Division and victim specialists stationed in each of our 56 field offices also worked closely with the task forces during the operation to ensure recovered children received the help they needed. Victim specialists put internal and external resources in place before the operation to ensure victim assistance was a priority in the aftermath of the law enforcement operations.
“This initiative has two crucial goals: rescuing children being sold for sex and prosecuting their adult traffickers,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Child sex trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our society. Perpetrators victimize children in communities throughout the country, and we are determined to find and rescue them. Through the FBI’s leadership, we have recovered thousands of child victims, and this latest operation adds to the success of that decades-long effort.”
“Make no mistake, the FBI is fiercely focused on recovering child victims and arresting the sex traffickers who exploit them,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Through operations like this, the FBI helps child victims escape the abusive life of sex trafficking. Our agents, intelligence analysts, professional staff, and victim specialists work tirelessly before, during and after these operations to make sure that victims get the help they need to reclaim their lives.”
“The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is proud to be part of this extraordinary partnership with the FBI. The FBI and the Department of Justice have been instrumental in spearheading multi-agency collaboration between organizations to locate and provide resources to victims of child sex trafficking,” said John Clark, President and CEO of NCMEC. “We know this horrendous crime impacts communities across our country every day and we applaud the FBI for continuing to work tirelessly to locate these victims and hold accountable those who are selling children for sex.”
In June 2003, the FBI, in conjunction with the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and NCMEC, launched the Innocence Lost National Initiative (ILNI). This combined effort was aimed at addressing the growing problem of domestic sex trafficking of children in the United States. In the years since its inception, the ILNI has expanded to 86 dedicated CEHTTFs. These task forces, with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the FBI’s Victim Services Division, have worked successfully to rescue thousands of children.
Through ILNI, the FBI, along with its local law enforcement partners, uses task forces to leverage resources and intelligence to identify and recover child victims and prosecute those responsible for their exploitation. This collaborative effort has led to the recovery or identification of more than 6,600 child victims. The initiative has also led to more than 2,750 convictions, including more than 15 life sentences and many other sentences ranging from 25 years to life.
In 2008, the ILNI initiated Operation Cross Country (OCC)—a focused, national campaign that targeted the venues where children were the victims of commercial sex trafficking. Since 2008, there have been 11 iterations of OCC, recovering more than 900 child victims and arresting nearly 1,400 traffickers. The last operation was held in October 2017 with 78 task forces participating.
The FBI determined that after 11 years of OCC success, it was time to re-evaluate the program. The newly renamed Operation Independence Day was conducted over an entire month, rather than a few days, but continued to focus on the recovery of child victims from commercial sex trafficking.
The FBI’s Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Unit and DOJ coordinated the operation. For additional information on Operation Independence Day and the Innocence Lost initiative, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/oid2019.
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19-842
Inmate at United States Penitentiary at Canaan Pleads Guilty to Possession of Contraband and is Sentenced to Serve an Additional Six Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Charles Elegalam, age 31, formerly of Washington, D.C., currently an inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Canaan (USP Canaan), Waymart, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on August 5, 2019, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley, to possession of contraband by inmate.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Elegalam admitted to obtaining several small packages of marijuana from his co-defendant, Tianna Thompson, age 25, also of Washington D.C., during a social visit at USP Canaan on July 1, 2017. The marijuana packages were subsequently seized from Elegalam by prison staff members. After entering his guilty plea, Elegalam was immediately sentenced by Senior Judge Munley to serve an additional six months in prison, which will be served after Elegalam completes his current sentence.
Thompson is currently awaiting sentencing.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
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Innocence Lost National Initiative and Operation Independence Day 2019Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced today the FBI-led recovery or identification of 103 child victims and the arrest of 67 sex traffickers through Operation Independence Day. This initiative — a revamping of a previously successful program — was executed during the month of July through 161 operations conducted nationwide.
Operation Independence Day relied on the 86 FBI-led Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs), which leveraged the resources and intelligence of other federal, state, local, and tribal partners. Overall, more than 400 agencies participate in these task forces.
Operation Independence Day prioritized locating and rescuing missing minors who are at great risk for sexual exploitation, and arresting the traffickers exploiting them. To that end, through its partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), FBI special agents and intelligence analysts reviewed information provided through NCMEC’s CyberTipline, to identify missing minor children at risk for sexual exploitation, and then worked with state and local partners to execute law enforcement activity designed to recover those children and arrest traffickers.
The health and welfare of recovered minor and adult trafficking victims was a further priority. To facilitate these efforts, the FBI’s Victim Services Division and victim specialists stationed in each of our 56 field offices also worked closely with the task forces during the operation to ensure recovered children received the help they needed. Victim specialists put internal and external resources in place before the operation to ensure victim assistance was a priority in the aftermath of the law enforcement operations.
"This initiative has two crucial goals: rescuing children being sold for sex and prosecuting their adult traffickers,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Child sex trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our society. Perpetrators victimize children in communities throughout the country, and we are determined to find and rescue them. Through the FBI’s leadership, we have recovered thousands of child victims, and this latest operation adds to the success of that decades-long effort.”
“Make no mistake, the FBI is fiercely focused on recovering child victims and arresting the sex traffickers who exploit them,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Through operations like this, the FBI helps child victims escape the abusive life of sex trafficking. Our agents, intelligence analysts, professional staff, and victim specialists work tirelessly before, during and after these operations to make sure that victims get the help they need to reclaim their lives.”
“The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is proud to be part of this extraordinary partnership with the FBI. The FBI and the Department of Justice have been instrumental in spearheading multi-agency collaboration between organizations to locate and provide resources to victims of child sex trafficking,” said John Clark, President and CEO of NCMEC. “We know this horrendous crime impacts communities across our country every day and we applaud the FBI for continuing to work tirelessly to locate these victims and hold accountable those who are selling children for sex.”
In June 2003, the FBI, in conjunction with the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and NCMEC, launched the Innocence Lost National Initiative (ILNI). This combined effort was aimed at addressing the growing problem of domestic sex trafficking of children in the United States. In the years since its inception, the ILNI has expanded to 86 dedicated CEHTTFs. These task forces, with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the FBI’s Victim Services Division, have worked successfully to rescue thousands of children.
Through ILNI, the FBI, along with its local law enforcement partners, uses task forces to leverage resources and intelligence to identify and recover child victims and prosecute those responsible for their exploitation. This collaborative effort has led to the recovery or identification of more than 6,600 child victims. The initiative has also led to more than 2,750 convictions, including more than 15 life sentences and many other sentences ranging from 25 years to life.
In 2008, the ILNI initiated Operation Cross Country (OCC)—a focused, national campaign that targeted the venues where children were the victims of commercial sex trafficking. Since 2008, there have been 11 iterations of OCC, recovering more than 900 child victims and arresting nearly 1,400 traffickers. The last operation was held in October 2017 with 78 task forces participating.
The FBI determined that after 11 years of OCC success, it was time to re-evaluate the program. The newly renamed Operation Independence Day was conducted over an entire month, rather than a few days, but continued to focus on the recovery of child victims from commercial sex trafficking.
The FBI’s Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Unit and DOJ coordinated the operation. For additional information on Operation Independence Day and the Innocence Lost initiative, please visit www.fbi.gov/oid2019.
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Innocence Lost National Initiative and Operation Independence Day 2019Read the Press Release
Memphis, TN – The Department of Justice announced today the FBI-led recovery or identification of 103 child victims and the arrest of 67 sex traffickers through Operation Independence Day. This initiative — a revamping of a previously successful program — was executed during the month of July through 161 operations conducted nationwide.
Operation Independence Day relied on the 86 FBI-led Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs), which leveraged the resources and intelligence of other federal, state, local, and tribal partners. Overall, more than 400 agencies participate in these task forces.
Operation Independence Day prioritized locating and rescuing missing minors who are at great risk for sexual exploitation, and arresting the traffickers exploiting them. To that end, through its partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), FBI special agents and intelligence analysts reviewed information provided through NCMEC’s CyberTipline, to identify missing minor children at risk for sexual exploitation, and then worked with state and local partners to execute law enforcement activity designed to recover those children and arrest traffickers.
The health and welfare of recovered minor and adult trafficking victims was a further priority. To facilitate these efforts, the FBI’s Victim Services Division and victim specialists stationed in each of our 56 field offices also worked closely with the task forces during the operation to ensure recovered children received the help they needed. Victim specialists put internal and external resources in place before the operation to ensure victim assistance was a priority in the aftermath of the law enforcement operations.
"This initiative has two crucial goals: rescuing children being sold for sex and prosecuting their adult traffickers," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "Child sex trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on the most vulnerable in our society. Perpetrators victimize children in communities throughout the country, and we are determined to find and rescue them. Through the FBI’s leadership, we have recovered thousands of child victims, and this latest operation adds to the success of that decades-long effort."
"Make no mistake, the FBI is fiercely focused on recovering child victims and arresting the sex traffickers who exploit them," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "Through operations like this, the FBI helps child victims escape the abusive life of sex trafficking. Our agents, intelligence analysts, professional staff, and victim specialists work tirelessly before, during and after these operations to make sure that victims get the help they need to reclaim their lives."
"The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is proud to be part of this extraordinary partnership with the FBI. The FBI and the Department of Justice have been instrumental in spearheading multi-agency collaboration between organizations to locate and provide resources to victims of child sex trafficking," said John Clark, President and CEO of NCMEC. "We know this horrendous crime impacts communities across our country every day and we applaud the FBI for continuing to work tirelessly to locate these victims and hold accountable those who are selling children for sex."
In June 2003, the FBI, in conjunction with the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and NCMEC, launched the Innocence Lost National Initiative (ILNI). This combined effort was aimed at addressing the growing problem of domestic sex trafficking of children in the United States. In the years since its inception, the ILNI has expanded to 86 dedicated CEHTTFs. These task forces, with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the FBI’s Victim Services Division, have worked successfully to rescue thousands of children.
Through ILNI, the FBI, along with its local law enforcement partners, uses task forces to leverage resources and intelligence to identify and recover child victims and prosecute those responsible for their exploitation. This collaborative effort has led to the recovery or identification of more than 6,600 child victims. The initiative has also led to more than 2,750 convictions, including more than 15 life sentences and many other sentences ranging from 25 years to life.
In 2008, the ILNI initiated Operation Cross Country (OCC)—a focused, national campaign that targeted the venues where children were the victims of commercial sex trafficking. Since 2008, there have been 11 iterations of OCC, recovering more than 900 child victims and arresting nearly 1,400 traffickers. The last operation was held in October 2017 with 78 task forces participating.
The FBI determined that after 11 years of OCC success, it was time to re-evaluate the program. The newly renamed Operation Independence Day was conducted over an entire month, rather than a few days, but continued to focus on the recovery of child victims from commercial sex trafficking.
The FBI’s Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Unit and DOJ coordinated the operation. For additional information on Operation Independence Day and the Innocence Lost initiative, please visit www.fbi.gov/oid2019.
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INNOCENCE LOST NATIONAL INITIATIVE AND OPERATION INDEPENDENCE DAY 2019 FBI Announces New Program Focusing on the Recovery of Child Victims from Commercial Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
DETROIT – The Department of Justice announced today the FBI-led recovery or identification of 103 child victims and the arrest of 67 sex traffickers through Operation Independence Day. This initiative — a revamping of a previously successful program — was executed during the month of July through 161 operations conducted nationwide.
Operation Independence Day relied on the 86 FBI-led Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs), which leveraged the resources and intelligence of other federal, state, local, and tribal partners. Overall, more than 400 agencies participate in these task forces.
In Detroit alone, nine juveniles were recovered and identified, two adult victims of sex trafficking were encountered, three pimps/exploiters were arrested and three federal investigations were initiated. Detroit had the third highest number of juveniles recovered and identified in the country. Several local law enforcement agencies participated in the operation which include, Michigan State Police, Detroit Police Department, Romulus Police Department, Canton Police Department, Highland Park Police Department, Madison Heights Police Department, Huron Township Police Department, Livonia Police Department, Roseville Police Department, Southfield Police Department, and the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office.
“Child sex traffickers prey on the most vulnerable members of our society – young girls and boys. Through threats, violence and false promises, these traffickers compel their young victims to engage in sex acts for profit”, stated United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “I commend the hard work and dedication of the FBI, as well as all the state and local law enforcement agencies who took part in this very important operation. We are committed to rescuing victims and putting the perpetrators behind bars.”
"The sale of our children and unsuspecting victims as mere commodities by traffickers is unacceptable and remains one of the highest priorities with the Detroit Division of the FBI," FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Rainer S. Drolshagen said. “Partnerships established with local, state and federal entities through our Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Crimes (SEMTEC) Task Force, it is evident that combating sex trafficking in our communities is of the highest priority and we are honored to be able to lead that charge.”
Operation Independence Day prioritized locating and rescuing missing minors who are at great risk for sexual exploitation, and arresting the traffickers exploiting them. To that end, through its partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), FBI special agents and intelligence analysts reviewed information provided through NCMEC’s CyberTipline, to identify missing minor children at risk for sexual exploitation, and then worked with state and local partners to execute law enforcement activity designed to recover those children and arrest traffickers.
The health and welfare of recovered minor and adult trafficking victims was a further priority. To facilitate these efforts, the FBI’s Victim Services Division and victim specialists stationed in each of our 56 field offices also worked closely with the task forces during the operation to ensure recovered children received the help they needed. Victim specialists put internal and external resources in place before the operation to ensure victim assistance was a priority in the aftermath of the law enforcement operations.
In June 2003, the FBI, in conjunction with the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and NCMEC, launched the Innocence Lost National Initiative (ILNI). This combined effort was aimed at addressing the growing problem of domestic sex trafficking of children in the United States. In the years since its inception, the ILNI has expanded to 86 dedicated CEHTTFs. These task forces, with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the FBI’s Victim Services Division, have worked successfully to rescue thousands of children.
Through ILNI, the FBI, along with its local law enforcement partners, uses task forces to leverage resources and intelligence to identify and recover child victims and prosecute those responsible for their exploitation. This collaborative effort has led to the recovery or identification of more than 6,600 child victims. The initiative has also led to more than 2,750 convictions, including more than 15 life sentences and many other sentences ranging from 25 years to life.
In 2008, the ILNI initiated Operation Cross Country (OCC)—a focused, national campaign that targeted the venues where children were the victims of commercial sex trafficking. Since 2008, there have been 11 iterations of OCC, recovering more than 900 child victims and arresting nearly 1,400 traffickers. The last operation was held in October 2017 with 78 task forces participating.
The FBI determined that after 11 years of OCC success, it was time to re-evaluate the program. The newly renamed Operation Independence Day was conducted over an entire month, rather than a few days, but continued to focus on the recovery of child victims from commercial sex trafficking.
The FBI’s Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Unit and DOJ coordinated the operation. For additional information on Operation Independence Day and the Innocence Lost initiative, please visit: https://www.fbi.gov/oid2019
Houston, TX Man Pleads Guilty to Mailing Misbranded Prescription Drugs to Oldham CountyRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Dhaval Jerambhai Dholaria, 39, of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty to two counts of introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce and one count of using a fictitious name to conduct an unlawful business, United States Attorney Russell Coleman announced today. Dholaria was originally indicted on June 7, 2017.
According to the plea agreement, from March 19, 2016, to March 23, 2016, Mr. Dholaria illegally shipped zolpidem tartrate (Ambien), a Schedule IV controlled substance used for sleep problems, from a location in Texas to a P.O. Box in Oldham County, Kentucky. The medication he shipped was misbranded, in that it was dispensed without a prescription and its labeling did not contain required directions for use. He shipped this medication with the intent to defraud and mislead, by avoiding the FDA requirements for prescription drugs.
To accomplish his introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, Dholaria used a stamps.com shipping account registered in the name of “Sam H,” a false name he used for the purpose of conducting his unlawful business by means of the Postal Service.
During the course of the investigation, federal agents seized over thirty (30) packages of prescription pills sent to Dholaria from India. Those packages contained approximately: 52,000 tramadol pills (a Schedule IV opioid), 2,300 diazepam pills (a Schedule IV anti-anxiety medication, also known as Valium), 2,200 zolpidem tartrate pills, 1,200 clonazepam pills (a Schedule IV anti-anxiety medication, also known as Klonopin), and 1,500 carisoprodol pills (a Schedule IV muscle relaxant, also known as Soma). Agents also seized nearly thirty (30) packages containing nearly 5,000 prescription pills of various types that agents witnessed Dholaria placing in the mail for delivery to United States residents. Based on shipping records it appears that Dholaria shipped tens of thousands of prescription pills throughout the United States before he was caught.
The charges Dholaria pleaded guilty to carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 11 years, a combined maximum fine of $750,000, and a one year term of supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Madison Sewell and David Weiser, and is being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Haverford College Student Pleads Guilty to Attempt to Access President Trump’s Tax InformationRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Justin Hiemstra, 22, from St. Paul Park, Minnesota, entered a plea of guilty before United States District Judge Cynthia M. Rufe on charges related to violations of 18 U.S.C. § 1030 for using a school computer and someone else’s username without that person’s permission in an attempt to illegally obtain President Donald Trump’s tax returns from the Internal Revenue Service.
These charges arose out of a plot between the defendant, then a student at Haverford College, and another Haverford College student, to use computers at the school’s computer lab and the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) website to illegally access the tax returns. The defendant opened a false FAFSA application in the name of a member of the Trump family, and found that someone else had already obtained a username and password for Donald Trump. In order to reset the password, the defendant was prompted to answer challenge questions, which the original person had created when setting up the account. The defendant was able to answer the questions and reset the password, and then used the President’s personal identifier information, including his social security number and date of birth, to attempt to import the President’s federal tax information into the bogus FAFSA application. Ultimately, this illegal attempt failed.
“No matter what you think about the President’s tax returns, clearly this kind of illegal activity cannot be tolerated or condoned. Unauthorized or false attempts to obtain any citizen’s IRS filings are a serious violation of privacy rights and a federal crime, and there’s nothing funny about it,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Now this defendant is being held accountable for his actions, as he should be.”
The case was investigated by the Department of Education – Office of Inspector General and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony J. Wzorek.
Garnett James Lloyd, Jr. Sentenced to Five Years on Charge of CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that Garnett James Lloyd, Jr. age 48, of Morganton, North Carolina, was sentenced today after earlier pleading guilty to a count charging violation of 18 USC Section 2261A(2)(b), Cyberstalking.
As part of his plea agreement, Lloyd admitted that he posed on Facebook as a young female, Taylor Smiths. As Taylor Smiths, he contacted a girl from Mary G. Montgomery School whose mother had listed a formal dress for sale on Facebook Market place. The mother believed the contact to be suspicious and reported it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.The same day, another mother contacted the FBI concerned that her daughter had received a friend request from Taylor Smiths and that she was inquiring about a dress for sale. The mother gave the FBI permission to assume her daughter’s Facebook account.
The defendant contacted the undercover FBI agent and asked for pictures of the dresses for sale. This eventually progressed to Lloyd asking for specific poses in the dresses claiming that he was considering wearing them for a pageant. He then asked for certain voyeur type photos and offered to pay $700 for them. The undercover agent refused to send additional photos and Lloyd said he would contact her friends and family and “destroy her good girl status.” He later claimed that he had edited other pictures to simulate her topless and that he would send those pictures to her family. He also demanded that she respond only with “Yes, Master” or “No, Master.”FBI agents tracked the messages to Lloyd in Morganton, North Carolina.
At sentencing, Judge William H. Steele, noted that the defendant had a significant criminal history which was not captured in his sentencing guideline calculations. This included three convictions for sexual battery and one conviction for breaking and entering into a sorority house in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The Court also considered the arguments of the United States Attorney’s Office that the true nature of the charged crime reflected dangerous predatory behavior and that the defendant should be sentenced to the statutory maximum sentence and be required to register as a Sex Offender.
Most significantly, the Court heard the statements of the young victim in this case and her mother. The very accomplished young woman told the court that she was now afraid to practice her running events unless she was accompanied by coaches or friends. The mother stated that her daughter frequently had anxiety about attending public events and that the entire family was now extremely cautious of strangers. They both stated that they intended to be advocates for victims of these crimes and to spread the word for education of the dangers of the internet.Judge Steele thanked the family for speaking and noted that they illustrated the ripple effect of these crimes as they impacted not only the intended victim but also her family, friends and coaches. After considering all the factors, Judge Steele found that a fair and just sentence required a sentence at the statutory maximum. He sentenced the defendant to 60 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. He is also required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office and AUSA Maria E. Murphy.
Gang Member Sentenced to 30 Years for Role in Drug Distribution Conspiracy and Attempted Robbery Ordered by the Mexican MafiaRead the Press Release
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Todd Robinson (619) 546-7994 and Kareem Salem (619) 546-8904
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 5, 2019
SAN DIEGO – Jose Hernandez, aka “Chapo,” a member of the Otay River Bottom Locos gang, was sentenced today in federal court to 30 years in prison for his aggravated role in a drug distribution conspiracy as well as his participation in an attempted armed robbery ordered by the Mexican Mafia.
The charges stem from an investigation by the FBI-led Violent Crimes Task Force, Gang Group (VCTF-GG) into drug trafficking, firearms and violent crimes being committed by certain gang members and their associates in San Diego.
“This sentence is a big win for public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “This defendant, a violent drug trafficker and gang member, will be unable to menace the community for decades to come.” The U.S. attorney praised prosecutors Kareem Salem and Todd Robinson as well as the FBI and members of the Violent Crimes Task force-Gang Group for their hard work.
“This significant 30-year sentence sends a message that the FBI and its partner agencies on the Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group will relentlessly pursue gang members involved in violent crime, firearms offenses and drug trafficking,” said FBI SAC Scott Brunner. “Cases like this one, focusing on dangerous gang members, deter and reduce gang-related violence and drug trafficking in Southern California. We thank all the federal, state, and local agencies that participated in this long term investigation and are proud to share the success and impactful results with our partners.”
The defendant was convicted by a federal jury on May 21, 2019 (18cr3424-LAB) of being a felon in possession of a firearm; attempting to commit a Hobbs Act Robbery; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He pleaded guilty on May 9, 2019 (18cr4217) to one count of conspiring with others to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine.
According to evidence presented at trial, agents intercepted communications of the defendant and two of his co-defendants who discussed their intention to commit an armed robbery and assault on behalf of the Mexican Mafia. In response, San Diego Police Department Gang Suppression Officers stopped the vehicle in which Jose Hernandez was the front passenger as they drove to their intended victim. Ultimately, officers recovered four firearms, 56 rounds of ammunition and zip ties, which officers believe were for restraining the intended victim.
In addition to his role in the attempted robbery, the defendant was sentenced for his role, organization, and distribution of multiple pounds of methamphetamine.
Intercepted communications also revealed that the defendant was engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine to several customers, including an individual who on two occasions flew from Florida to purchase pounds of methamphetamine from the defendant. But for the quick response from members of the VCTF-GG, pounds of methamphetamine, which were packaged and shipped via the United States Postal Service, would have found its way to drug users in the Florida area.
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. Section 922(g)
Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prisonAttempted Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. Section 1951
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years in prisonPossession of firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. Section 924(c)
Maximum Penalty: Five years mandatory minimum in prisonConspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. Sections 841 (a)(1) and 846
Maximum Penalty: Up to life in prison; Ten year mandatory minimumDEFENDANT Case Numbers: 18CR3424-LAB & 18CR4217-LAB
Jose Hernandez Age: 38 San Diego
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Violent Crimes Gang Task Force
Task Force agencies include:
FBI, ATF, DEA, BOP, USPIS, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, San Diego District Attorney's Office, San Diego Police Department, San Diego Sheriff's Department, National City Police Department, Chula Vista Police Department, La Mesa Police Department, El Cajon Police Department and Federal Bureau of Prisons- Joint Intelligence Sharing Initiative.
Former High-Ranking Member of Sinaloa Drug Cartel Sentenced to 28 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A former high-ranking member of the Sinaloa drug cartel in Mexico was sentenced today to 28 years in federal prison for his role in transporting large amounts of illegal drugs to the Chicago area and throughout the United States.
From at least 2009 until his arrest in November 2014, JESUS RAUL BELTRAN LEON conspired with other Sinaloa Cartel members to transport multi-ton quantities of illegal drugs into the United States. Beltran Leon invested in shipments comprising hundreds of kilograms of drugs that were purchased in Central and South America, imported into Mexico, and eventually smuggled into the U.S. for distribution in Chicago and throughout the country. Beltran Leon also sought to acquire from other cartel members numerous kilograms of drugs that already had been imported into the U.S. so that he could further distribute those narcotics to his own wholesale drug customers in Chicago and throughout the country.
Beltran Leon, 35, of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a drug conspiracy charge. U.S. District Judge Ruben Castillo imposed the sentence in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Brian McKnight, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Valuable assistance was provided by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew C. Erskine and Erika L. Csicsila.
Beltran Leon is one of more than 20 members of the Sinaloa or Beltran-Leyva drug cartels to be charged in federal court in Chicago. The investigation has resulted in seizures of approximately $30.8 million, approximately eleven tons of cocaine, 265 kilograms of methamphetamines, and 78 kilograms of heroin.
Former Coraopolis Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl and Accepts Responsibility for Causing Death of VictimRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Coraopolis, PA, has plead guilty to a federal narcotics charge, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Cleo Maurice Bronaugh, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl before United States District Court Judge Nora Barry Fischer. As part of his guilty plea, Bronaugh also accepted responsibility for causing the death of victim L.T. Bronaugh has been detained since his initial appearance in federal court and will remain detained pending sentencing.
According to information presented to the court, on March 5, 2017, Bronaugh delivered a quantity of fentanyl to an individual identified as L.T. in Moon Township, PA. Later L.T. ingested the fentanyl and died as a result of fentanyl toxicity.
Judge Fischer scheduled his sentencing for Dec. 19, 2019 at 9 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than 30 years in prison and/or a fine of not more than $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Moon Township Police, Allegheny County Police, and the Drug Enforcement Agency conducted the investigation that led to the Indictment in this case.
Florida Man Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court to 20 Years in Prison for Mailing 16 Improvised Explosive Devices in Connection with October 2018 Domestic Terrorist AttackRead the Press Release
Cesar Altieri Sayoc was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in prison in connection with his mailing of 16 improvised explosive devices to victims across the country. SAYOC pled guilty to a 65-count Superseding Information on March 21, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff, who also imposed today’s sentence.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers said: “Time and again, we have seen individuals attempt to express political views and resolve political disagreements through violence. Cesar Sayoc has now been sentenced for acts of domestic terrorism that are repulsive to all Americans who cherish a society built on respectful and non-violent political discourse. Our democracy depends on our debating our strongly held views peacefully and respectfully, and when someone does not, on our prosecuting and punishing those who do not abide by these values. I applaud the efforts of so many in our law enforcement community whose alertness and tirelessness led to the prompt arrest of the defendant before he was able to injure anyone, as well as those whose efforts led to this sentence.”
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Cesar Sayoc assembled and mailed explosive devices to high-ranking officials and former elected leaders to incite fear and to terrorize his victims. Though thankfully no one was hurt by his actions, Sayoc’s domestic terrorism challenged our nation’s cherished tradition of peaceful political discourse. For his wanton disregard of the safety of so many people, Sayoc will now spend 20 years in prison.”
“I could not be more proud of the work by our Joint Terrorism Task Forces across the country, our partners including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Secret Service, and the FBI’s Laboratory and Counterterrorism Divisions to bring Cesar Sayoc to justice,” said Assistant Director Michael McGarrity of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. "This case should serve as a warning to anyone looking to intimidate or hurt those they disagree with that the FBI will stop at nothing to protect the communities we serve from the threat of domestic terrorism."
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “Sayoc’s crimes were intended to incite fear among his targets and uncertainty among the general public, leading to a significant deployment of various law enforcement resources in a nationwide search to find him. When called upon, our FBI JTTFs across the country – along with our partner agencies – did what we do best, working swiftly, and side by side, to bring him to justice. Unlike most of our investigations, this case played out in plain view from beginning to end. Today's sentencing is as good a time as any to remind the public that our JTTFs are working behind the scenes on a daily basis, in much the same way, to keep our communities safe.”
According to the Superseding Information, court filings, and statements made during court proceedings:
In October 2018, Sayoc mailed from Florida 16 padded envelopes, each containing an improvised explosive device (IED), to addresses in New York, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Georgia, and California. In alphabetical order, Sayoc’s intended victims (the Victims) were former Vice President Joseph Biden, Senator Cory Booker, former CIA Director John Brennan, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, CNN, Robert De Niro, Senator Kamala Harris, former Attorney General Eric Holder, former President Barack Obama, George Soros, Thomas Steyer, and Representative Maxine Walters. Between October 22 and Nov. 2, 2018, the FBI and the U.S. Postal Service recovered all of the 16 IEDs mailed by Sayoc.
Each of the IEDs mailed by Sayoc contained a mix of explosive powder from fireworks, shards of glass, and pool chemicals, designed to maximize potential injuries, damage, and the burning of his intended Victims’ skin. On the outside of each IED, Sayoc placed photographs of each of the Victims, and sometimes their families and others, with a red “X” over their faces. Sayoc also affixed black flags, similar in appearance to banners used by ISIS and other foreign terrorist organizations, to the outside of the IEDs.
Sayoc had posted incendiary comments about liberal political figures online since at least 2011. In the months prior to mailing the IEDs, Sayoc incited violence against the Victims, conveyed direct threats against them, and researched where and how to carry out his attack. For example, in April 2016, he wrote that former President Barack Obama’s “head need[ed] to be chopped off” and he wished “death” to George Soros and former Attorney General Eric Holder. In April 2017, Sayoc wished “Death” to “all Clintons” and in November 2017 posted “Your days are number[ed] Steyer[].” Beginning in December 2017, Sayoc researched the Victims and their addresses. For example, on Dec. 23, 2017, Sayoc searched for the address of Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and, over the course of the ensuing months, Sayoc repeatedly searched for the “home address” or “address” of several of the Victims, and Sayoc intensified these searches in the days before his attack. Finally, Sayoc researched online how to make a “letter bomb” and watched videos depicting explosions.
The FBI arrested Sayoc in Plantation, Florida, on Oct. 26, 2018—less than five days after the October 22 recovery of the first IED, which Sayoc mailed to Soros in New York.
In addition to his prison sentence, Sayoc, 57, of Florida, was sentenced to five of supervised release.
Assistant Attorney General Demers and U.S. Attorney Berman praised the outstanding efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which principally consists of agents from the FBI and detectives from the New York City Police Department, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant Attorney General Demers and U.S. Attorney Berman also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Florida, the District of Columbia, the District of Delaware, the District of New Jersey, the Central District of California, the Eastern District of California, the Northern District of California, and the Northern District of Georgia for their assistance in the investigation.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Adelsberg, Emil J. Bove III, Jane Kim, and Jason A. Richman are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney David Cora of the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
Final Defendant in Baltimore Heroin and Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland –U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Davien Major Ewing, a/k/a Fat Boy, age 37, of Baltimore, Maryland, today to eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. His three co-conspirators were previously sentenced to between 18 and 174 months in federal prison.
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; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baltimore District Office; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; and Chief Melissa R. Hyatt of the Baltimore County Police Department.
“This case has taken four drug dealers off the streets of Baltimore, cut off a pipeline of heroin, fentanyl, and other drugs, and removed three guns from the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Drug traffickers are on notice that dealing in fentanyl and using a gun increases their odds of federal prosecution. Working together with our local, state, and federal partners, we are determined to reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths in Maryland.”
According to his guilty plea, in June 2017, law enforcement began an investigation targeting Eric Brandon McKnight, a/k/a E, who was distributing large quantities of heroin and suppling heroin to multiple individuals in Baltimore. During the investigation, Ewing was identified as one of the individuals who assisted McKnight. Law enforcement overheard conversations between McKnight and Ewing discussing narcotics transactions, including the prices for street-level distribution of narcotics.
As detailed in court documents, search warrants were executed on February 26, 2018 at locations that were identified as stash locations for the conspiracy. Law enforcement recovered 704 grams of fentanyl, 48 grams of heroin, 24.95 grams of crack cocaine, more than 2.5 kilograms of marijuana, three firearms, drug packaging and processing materials, cutting agents, and cellular telephones.
Eric McKnight, age 35, of Baltimore pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl and to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 174 months in federal prison. Co-defendants Jamal Dunn, a/k/a Greenie, age 32, and Michael Lambirth, a/k/a Big Mike, age 29, both of Baltimore, each pleaded guilty to the heroin distribution conspiracy and Dunn also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin. Dunn was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison and Lambirth was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the DEA, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samika N. Boyd and Michael C. Hanlon, who prosecuted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
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Felon Who Fired Shots Outside A Greece Residence Going to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Christopher Rivers, 23, of Holley, NY, who was convicted of being a felon-in-possession of a firearm, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who handled the case, stated that during the early morning hours of January 25, 2019, the defendant fired a shotgun multiple times outside an apartment window at 1221 Affinity Lane in Greece, NY.
Rivers was previously convicted of Criminal Possession of a Firearm in Orleans County Court, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The case was brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. 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.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Patrick D. Phelan, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.
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Federal jury finds former Fort Polk soldier guilty for sexually abusing a minorRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that a federal jury handed down a guilty verdict on all counts against a former Fort Polk U.S. Army soldier who sexually abused a minor beginning when the minor was under the age of 12 years old.
Ronald W. Allen Jr., 40, of Fort Polk, Louisiana, was convicted after a two-day jury trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey. The jury deliberated for approximately 30 minutes before the defendant was found guilty of aggravated sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12 and sexual abuse of a minor.
Testimony presented during the trial showed that from April 2012 until June 2016 the defendant sexually abused the minor on numerous occasions on the Fort Polk Military Base, where the defendant lived. The abuse was exposed when the minor gave details to an individual at a school she was attending in a community near Fort Polk. Local law enforcement agents were later notified, the victim was interviewed and a warrant was executed on the defendant’s residence. Agents obtained DNA evidence from where abuse occurred and matched it to the defendant’s DNA.
Allen faces 30 years to life in prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child under the Age of 12, and 15 years in prison for Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The defendant also faces no less than five years to life of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court did not set a sentencing date.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines 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.
Those concerned may leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Lake Charles FBI office number is (337) 433-6353.
The FBI, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and Daniel J. Vermaelen prosecuted the case.
Fake Prince from Philadelphia Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that David Milliner, 50, of Philadelphia, PA entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Court Judge Petrese Tucker to four counts of online enticement of a minor, six counts of manufacturing/attempted manufacturing of child pornography, four counts of receipt of child pornography, one count of transfer of obscene material to a minor, and one count of possession of child pornography.
The charges arise out of the defendant’s sexually explicit online communications with four boys, ages 8 through 12, between September and December of 2017, during which the defendant pretended to be a prince from the royal “DeRothschild” family and enticed his victims to self-produce images of child pornography and send them to him over Instagram. At the time of the defendant’s arrest, he was in possession of images of child pornography of these victims and other children.
“Child exploitation is a pervasive problem – made more so by the accessibility of the Internet and digital media – that demands an aggressive response,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Child predators typically lie and manipulate children in order to get what they want, and this case is a prime example of that. We urge parents and guardians to monitor what their children do online, and we stand ready with our federal and local partners to identify and prosecute those who would prey upon minor children.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Philadelphia Police Department Special Victims Unit, and the Wayland, Michigan Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Harrell.
Everett, Pa. Resident Charged with Selling Firearms Stolen from Federal FacilityRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on various counts related to firearms stolen from the National Firearms and Ammunition Destruction Branch (NFAD), United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The eight-count indictment named Richard Adam Schreiber, 38, of Everett, Pennsylvania.
According to the indictment presented to the court, between August 30, 2016, and March 4, 2019, Schreiber purchased multiple stolen firearms, firearm components and ammunition from Christopher Lee Yates. Yates was an employee of Allied Security and worked at NFAD, which was a facility used by ATF and other law enforcement agencies to have firearms and ammunition destroyed. The firearms at NFAD had been seized during criminal investigations or were retired by the agencies. The investigation by ATF began in February of 2019 when a firearm was seized in Philadelphia with different serial numbers, one of which was for a "slide" or firearm component that had purportedly been destroyed at NFAD. ATF learned that Yates stole in excess of five machineguns, 115 pistols and/or revolvers, 3,000 slides and ammunition. The indictment further alleges that Schreiber then sold the firearms and components over the internet from his residence in Everett, Pa. During the investigation, ATF Agents seized nine firearms from Yates, including a machinegun stolen from NFAD and an additional 11 firearms and rifles from individuals that Yates sold the stolen weapons to. ATF Agents also seized 101 firearms, 1,352 slides and 123,229 rounds of ammunition from Schreiber and an additional 28 firearms, including three machineguns, from individuals to whom Schreiber sold the stolen weapons. Yates has been charged with similar offenses in the Northern District of West Virginia.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 65 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Schreiber and Yates.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Evansdale Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who received child pornography pled guilty on August 5, 2019, in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Derek Clemens, age 31, from Evansdale, Iowa, was convicted of one count of receipt of child pornography. At the plea hearing, Clemens admitted that, between March 2018 and October 2018, he knowingly received child pornography.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Clemens remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Clemens faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $5,100 in special assessments, and supervised release for 5 years to life following any imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Evansdale Police Department, the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, the Waterloo Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 19-2030.
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Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative Recognized for InnovationRead the Press Release
Today, in a ceremony held at the Embassy Club in Des Moines, the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative was recognized for developing innovative solutions to combat the opioid epidemic. The Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative is funded by the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and is a joint venture of the United States Attorney’s Office and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. The Initiative was formed in 2015 to combat the rise of opioid overdose and death in Iowa by using a three‑part strategy of enforcement, prevention, and treatment.
The award was given by the Addiction Policy Forum, which is a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating addiction as a major health problem. The Addiction Policy Forum is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with resources and services in every state. The Addiction Policy Forum’s Innovation Now forum at https://www.addictionpolicy.org/innovation-now contains numerous state studies of innovative programs developed to address the opioid crisis.
“Through innovative strategies like the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative, we can reduce overdose injuries and deaths in Iowa while bringing drug dealers to justice,” said United States Attorney Peter Deegan. “I credit the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the members of my office whose hard work has made this Initiative successful.”
Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman said, “Deaths from opioid-related symptoms reached a 10-year low last year in Iowa. The innovative efforts of the Cedar Rapids Police Department, United States Attorney’s Office for Northern District of Iowa, and Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area to develop one of only two comprehensive opioid awareness and outreach programs in the country is impactful. By continuing to work with other organizations in the community, we hope to see the number of victims of overdose continue to decline.”
Since 2015, the Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative has conducted numerous town hall events to raise community awareness, training events for first responders to correctly handle an overdose scene and conduct a responsive investigation, naloxone (Narcan) administration training, training to medical professionals, and training to drug treatment and prevention specialists. As part of the enforcement efforts, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has prosecuted over 100 defendants for various felony-level opioid charges since October 2015 throughout the district. These prosecutions involved trafficking in opioids, including heroin, fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. Many of the cases involved drug distributions that resulted in overdose death or injury.
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Dylan Avery Imprisoned for Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Dylan Avery, 21, of Barre, was sentenced today in United States District Court in Rutland to 60 months of imprisonment following his guilty plea to a charge that he possessed firearms as a convicted felon. Chief Judge Geoffrey Crawford also ordered that Avery serve three years of supervised release when he completes his prison term. Avery has been incarcerated since his arrest in June 2018.
According to court records, federal agents executed a search warrant at Avery’s home in Barre in May 2018. During the search, agents recovered nine firearms, most of which had been stolen in a burglary in central Vermont. Avery is prohibited from possessing any firearms because he has a felony drug conviction in New Hampshire. Agents believed that other guns taken in the burglary had been trafficked in Springfield, Massachusetts by William Lemagdelaine, a friend of Avery’s. Lemagdelaine also pled guilty to a federal firearms charge and was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment last April.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, and local law enforcement agencies. U.S. Attorney Christina E. Nolan commended the collaborative investigation, stating: “This case exemplifies how we have, and will continue to, use our many federal firearms laws to take dangerous offenders out of communities and keep Vermonters safer. We will pursue serious consequences across the state for those who traffic and illegally possess firearms.”
Avery is represented by John Mabie. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
Deported Guatemalan Indicted for Illegal Re-entry into U.S.Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - An illegal alien found in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Illegal Reentry after Deportation, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Carlos Esteban-Perez, 27, of Guatemala, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Esteban-Perez had been previously deported and removed from the United States and was found in the United States after unlawfully reentering.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of two years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement 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.
Convictions for Former Lackawanna County Commissioner Robert C. Cordaro UpheldRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on August 5, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit denied former Lackawanna County Commissioner Robert C. Cordaro’s latest appeal regarding his 2011 conviction on multiple public corruption charges. In a 26-page precedential opinion, the Court of Appeals affirmed the decision of U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo holding that the Supreme Court’s 2016 decision in McDonnell v. United States was not grounds to overturn Cordaro’s convictions.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Cordaro’s claim that the McDonnell decision required that his convictions for Hobbs Act extortion, bribery and racketeering must be vacated and that he be granted a new trial because Cordaro failed to show that he was “actually innocent” under the McDonnell standard. The Appellate Court stated that “The District Court correctly concluded that Cordaro cannot show that he is actually innocent, that is, that it is more likely than not that no reasonable juror properly charged under McDonnell would have convicted him.” In reaching that conclusion, the Appellate Court exhaustively analyzed the facts of the case and rejected all of Cordaro’s arguments to the contrary.
Cordaro was convicted in 2011, along with former Lackawanna County Commissioner Anthony Munchak, on multiple charges including racketeering and other public corruption offenses relating to the Commissioner’s demands for payments and other benefits from individuals and entities doing business with Lackawanna County. Cordaro was sentenced on January 30, 2012, to serve 132 months’ imprisonment and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction and sentence on May 31, 2013. Munchak was sentenced in 2012 to serve 84 months’ imprisonment and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction and sentence on May 31, 2013.
After Cordaro’s conviction and sentence were affirmed, Cordaro filed a motion to vacate his conviction and sentence based on alleged ineffective assistance of his trial counsel. A three-day hearing was held in January 2015 and Judge Caputo denied the motion in August 2015. Cordaro appealed that ruling and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the District Court.
Following the Supreme Court’s 2016 decision in McDonnell, Cordaro filed a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus on February 3, 2017, and Magistrate Judge Mehalchick issued a Report and Recommendation denying the Petition on September 1, 2017. Cordaro objected to the Magistrate’s findings and by Order dated December 11, 2017, Judge Caputo adopted the Report and Recommendation and upheld all of Cordaro’s convictions. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that decision and denied Cordaro any relief in yesterday’s ruling.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service. At trial, the government was represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Lorna N. Graham, William S. Houser and Bruce Brandler. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Cerutti, Chief of Appeals, handled the appeal.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Elvin Perez, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In March 2019, Perez pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On June 19, 2018, after law enforcement responded to a report of alleged abuse by the defendant of a disabled man confined to a wheelchair, police recovered a Heckler & Koch, Model USP, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol and 47 rounds of ammunition - 38 of which were compatible with the recovered firearm – from a dresser drawer attributable to Perez. The gun had previously been reported stolen. As a result of a prior two year committed sentence for heroin distribution in a school zone, Perez is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Canton Police Chief Kenneth Berkowitz made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
Chico Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine in Butte and Shasta CountiesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Curtis Dale Sawyer, 53, of Chico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez, to four years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
Sawyer pleaded guilty on December 11, 2018. According to court documents, on Dec 7, 2017, the California Highway Patrol stopped Sawyer while he was driving northbound on Interstate 5 in Shasta County. After a narcotics canine alerted to his car, agents searched the vehicle and found approximately 3.4 pounds of methamphetamine. Afterwards, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Chico home that Sawyer shared with co-defendant Ann Marie Vance. Inside the home, agents found approximately one-half pound of methamphetamine and over $106,000 in cash. Officers found another 8.3 pounds of methamphetamine in a car Vance was driving near the home.
In April 2019, Vance pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24. She faces a prison sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life; up to a $10 million fine; and a term of supervised release of not less than five years and up to life. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Shasta Interagency Narcotics Task Force, the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Charleston Man Sentenced for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Charleston man was sentenced today to 135 months in prison for distributing a mixture of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Christopher Tyler, 27, previously admitted that on August 29, 2018, he exchanged text messages with a female in Charleston and agreed to sell her a substance they both believed to be heroin. The female came to Tyler’s house on Glover Street in Charleston to pick up the substance and gave Tyler money. Tyler and the female continued to text that evening into the early morning hours. The next morning when Tyler called the female’s phone, he was informed she had died. Toxicology testing done by the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that the substance Tyler sold to the female was a mixture of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and acetyl fentanyl, a schedule I controlled substance.
“Today, in a tragic case of the overdose death of a beautiful girl with a promising future, the United States sought and was granted an upward departure from the sentencing guidelines,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “This office and this United States Attorney will seek upward departures from the sentencing guidelines in every possible case where it’s warranted to ensure that drug dealers spend every possible day that we can get them behind bars. When I met with the mom and dad of this beautiful young girl, it broke my heart to hear, to see and to feel their pain. It’s a pain that will never go away and no time will ever numb. All I can do as a United States Attorney is to fight for justice for every mom and dad in a similar circumstance.”
The United States moved the Court to depart upwards in Tyler’s sentence because of the female’s death. After hearing the testimony of witnesses and receiving evidence, including text messages from Tyler warning the female about the dangerousness of the drugs and instructing her on how to use it safely, as well as the testimony from a medical toxicologist on the cause of death, the Court found an upward departure to be appropriate. Senior United States District Court Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.
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Catskill Physician Pleads Guilty to Illegal Distribution of Opioids, Health Care Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Myra Mabry, 50, of Catskill, New York, pled guilty yesterday before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino to conspiring to distribute controlled substances, health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and obstruction of justice.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division.
As part of her guilty plea, Mabry, an obstetrician-gynecologist, admitted that between 2015 and 2017, she wrote numerous prescriptions for oxycodone, morphine, and hydromorphone to third parties, for no legitimate medical purpose, and then instructed a co-conspirator to fill those prescriptions by impersonating the named patients at pharmacies, knowing that health care benefit programs would pay the cost of the drugs. In pleading guilty, Mabry also admitted that she attempted to obstruct the federal investigation into her activities by instructing a co-conspirator to falsely testify before a federal grand jury that she (Mabry) was the subject of extortion. As Mabry admitted in her guilty plea, she was not the subject of an extortionate scheme, and was a willing member of the conspiracy to distribute opioids for no legitimate medical purpose. Mabry further admitted that she had agreed to pay her co-conspirator for false testimony in the hope of minimizing her criminal exposure and keeping her medical license.
As a result of her conviction, Mabry faces a mandatory 2-year term of imprisonment on the aggravated identity theft charge, and up to 20 years in prison on the remaining charges when she is sentenced on December 4, 2019 in Albany. 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 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with assistance from the New York State Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Myers.
California Man Who Attempted to Have Sex with A 12 Year Old Child Is Going to Prison for 10 YearsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Gabriel Murillo, 44, of San Bernadino County, California, who was convicted of attempted online enticement of a minor, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Rossi, who handled the case, stated that between April 2018 and February 2019, Murillo engaged in sexually explicit online conversations with an individual who he believed was a 12 year old girl living in upstate New York. The defendant attempted to groom the child by sending her pornography, and despite acknowledging her age, requested that she meet with him for sex. On February 16, 2019, Murillo flew from Los Angeles, CA to Rochester, NY in order to have sex with the child. Unbeknownst to the defendant, the child was actually an undercover New York State Police Investigator.
Murillo was apprehended while disembarking a plane at the Greater Rochester International Airport on February 16, 2019, by members of the New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Air Marshal Service.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; and the Federal Air Marshal Service, under the direction of Supervisory Air Marshal-in-Charge William Hall.
# # # #California Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine While Serving a Prison Sentence in NebraskaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that James Michael Papazian, 31, of West Hills, California, was sentenced today to 292 months’ (24.3 years) for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual or pure methamphetamine. Following his prison term, Papazian will serve five years on supervised release. Chief United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard presided over this case.
During the summer of 2017, Papazian was serving a sentence at the Nebraska Department of Corrections for burglary and he was allowed to be on work release. Papazian would leave the prison to work and would return to the prison after completing his shift. During that time, Papazian conspired to sell methamphetamine to others, both inside and outside of the prison. Papazian used two cell phones in committing his offense that he was not permitted to have. He kept one phone at work. The other phone he smuggled into the prison and kept hidden within the work release housing facility. In determining Papazian’s sentence, Judge Gerrard found that after Papazian was indicted, Papazian had obstructed justice by attempting to tamper with several witnesses during the pendency of his case.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Buffalo Man Sentenced for Stealing Thousands of Dollars in Food StampsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that David Sobczyk, 43, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit food stamp fraud, was sentenced to two years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution totaling $82,066. He also forfeited $33,991.41.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who handled the case, stated that between May 2015 and April 2017, the defendant conspired with co-conspirator Paul Carroll and others to commit food stamp fraud.
Congress established the Federal Food Stamp Program in 1977 to alleviate hunger and malnutrition. In 2008, the program was renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP program), which uses federal tax dollars to subsidize low-income households, helping low-income individuals and families to maintain more nutritious diets by increasing the food purchasing power of eligible households. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the SNAP program through retail food stores or food truck delivery business (FTDB) that have been approved for participation in the SNAP program to sell food in exchange for the SNAP program benefits.
A business that accepts the SNAP program benefits must do so only in connection with retail sales of eligible food products, and must be authorized by FNS as a retail food store or FTDB. According to USDA regulations, most edible items, except for prepared foods, vitamins and medicines, are eligible for purchase with food stamp benefits. Items such as beer, cigarettes, paper goods, soaps and detergents are ineligible for purchase with food stamp benefits. It is also against the SNAP program regulations to allow customers to pay for merchandise on credit with EBT SNAP/food stamps. Federal law specifies that a purchase made utilizing the SNAP program benefits must be tax exempt. Food stamp benefits may not lawfully be exchanged for cash.
In 1991, co-conspirator Paul Carroll applied to FNS and received authorization to operate a business, Carroll Services, which received the SNAP program benefits. Carroll Services operated a FTDB. In November 2015, the defendant applied to FNS and received authorization to operate a business, Sobczyk Services, which received the SNAP program benefits. Sobczyk Services operated a FTDB.
Contrary to the policies governing the administration of the SNAP program benefits, Sobczyk operated his FTDB as a “for credit” operation, whereby he allowed beneficiaries to purchase items from him “on credit.” He did so by obtaining from the beneficiaries their identifying information, including their EBT card number, PIN number, and social security number. Thereafter, he would cause funds to be deducted from the beneficiaries’ SNAP benefits accounts on the date that the benefits were available on the beneficiaries’ EBT cards.
Paul Carroll provided the defendant with the vehicle to use for his FTDB and was paid by the defendant monthly for the vehicle, knowing that the defendant was operating his FTDB as a “for credit” operation contrary to program policies.
Using the 1-800 number provided by the USDA’s NYS Customer Help line, Sobczyk would direct his employees to manipulate the USDA’s telephonic system in order to identify food stamp beneficiaries’ card numbers in order for the defendant to use the cards to make false claims to FNS in order to deduct food stamp benefits from the beneficiaries.
Paul Carroll was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Monroe County Department of Social Services, under the direction of Commissioner Corinda Crossdale; and the New York State Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro.
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Brooklyn Man Charged with Illegally Exporting Rifle Parts to RussiaRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Vladimir Kuznetsov, a Russian national, with illegally exporting, attempting to export and conspiring to export firearm parts and accessories from the United States to individuals in Russia. Kuznetsov was arrested this morning in Dingsman Ferry, Pennsylvania, and will make his initial appearance this afternoon in Brooklyn before United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York Field Office (HSI), and Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent-in-Charge, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, (DCIS), announced the charges.
“As alleged in the complaint, Kuznetsov violated laws intended to safeguard our national security” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “Today’s arrest demonstrates our resolve to investigate and prosecute those who illegally export restricted items without regard for their end use, placing their own enrichment above our country’s interests.” Mr. Donoghue extended his grateful appreciation to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS), for their assistance during the investigation.
“Kuznetsov is alleged to have illegally exported firearm parts to Russia, including parts to assemble rifles, by methodically mislabeling the packages and concealing the parts,” said HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Fitzhugh. “The safety of our nation is paramount in our counter-proliferation cases, and HSI will continue to investigate those who choose to fill their pockets with illicit proceeds by putting the security of our country at risk.”
“Today’s charges are the direct result of a joint effort by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York, to protect our national security. The DCIS will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals who attempt to illegally obtain and export restricted defense technology,” stated DCIS Special Agent-in-Charge Barzey.According to the criminal complaint, from approximately February 2017 to the present, Kuznetsov and others conspired to export and exported from the United States to Russia, firearm parts and other items on the United States Commerce Control List. These items are restricted and cannot be exported from the United States without licenses from the United States Department of State and United States Department of Commerce. Kuznetsov purchased U.S.-origin firearm parts online, including parts used to assemble sniper rifles. He then shipped the firearm parts via the U.S. Postal Service to buyers in Russia. To avoid detection, Kuznetsov provided false descriptions of the items contained in each package, and hid rifle parts inside the packages. For example, in one package seized by CBP in July 2017 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Kuznetsov had packed an H-S Precision rifle stock for a Remington 700 series bolt action rifle beneath a Bosch benchtop router table. The only item listed on the package’s shipping label and customs form was benchtop router table. In April 2018, also at JFK, CBP seized another Kuznetsov outbound package, this one containing a rifle chassis and 5-round ammunition magazines, concealed among a pair of sneakers, jeans, a heating pad and blood pressure monitor. The accompanying USPS customs form omitted the rifle chassis and ammunition magazines.
The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Kuznetsov faces a statutory maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan E. Algor is in charge of the prosecution, assisted by Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
The Defendant:
VLADIMIR KUZNETSOV
Age: 58
Coney Island, BrooklynE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-MJ-690
Boyle County Woman Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Jacquolyn Walls-Land, 36, of Junction City, Kentucky pleaded guilty yesterday, before Senior United States District Judge Joseph M. Hood, to using a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction.
According to her plea agreement, Walls-Land took videos of the minor female victim while the co-Defendant, Richard Derringer, sexually abused the victim. The sexual abuse and recording of the abuse occurred on March 11, 2018.
Walls-Land is scheduled to be sentenced on November 4, 2019. She faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years in prison, and up to 30 years, and a maximum fine of $250,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statutes.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky: James Robert Brown, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Richard Sanders, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the plea.
The investigation was conducted by the Kentucky State Police and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Marye and Mary Melton represented the United States.
Bank Robber Pleads Guilty to Brazen HeistRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorneys Adam Gordon (619) 546-6720 and Matthew Brehm (619) 546-8983
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – August 6, 2019
SAN DIEGO – Omar Mata Guerra pleaded guilty today in federal court, admitting that he robbed the Bank of the West branch in La Mesa in May.
Guerra entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda Lopez. Sentencing is scheduled for October 21, 2019 at 9 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia.
Guerra admitted in his plea agreement that on May 10, 2019, he entered the Bank of the West branch located at 8690 Center Drive, La Mesa. He approached the teller and stated, “Listen don’t do anything stupid, I’ve done this before, stay calm, give me money from your top drawer.” He told the teller to “keep your hands where I can see them, no alarm, no dye packs.” As the teller began to gather the available money from the drawer, Guerra insisted “hurry up, go faster.” When the money was placed on the counter, Guerra took approximately $1,152.40 in cash before fleeing the bank.
Guerra was caught after FBI agents issued a Special Bulletin using the video surveillance stills of the robbery. These video surveillance stills caught Guerra’s distinctive tattoo under his right eye, which led to his subsequent identification and arrest.
“This bank robber not only took money, he stole the peace of mind of bank employees,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “Our law enforcement partners acted swiftly to ensure that this brazen robber was brought to justice and unable to harm others.” Brewer thanked prosecutors Adam Gordon and Matthew Brehm and FBI agents for their hard work on the case.
“The San Diego FBI Violent Crime Task Force works closely with our law enforcement partners to keep our community safe,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott Brunner. “As a result, this bank robber is off the streets and will face justice.”
DEFENDANT Case Number 19CR2001-AJB
Omar Mata Guerra Age: 24 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Bank Robbery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2113(a)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
La Mesa Police Department
San Diego Sherriff’s Department
Amsterdam Man Admits to Selling Gun and DrugsRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Carlos Vega-Carbonell, 36, of Amsterdam, New York, pled guilty today to unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon and distributing heroin, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
As part of his guilty plea, Vega-Carbonell admitted he sold a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, five shotgun shells, and 30 bags of heroin during an ATF undercover operation in the City of Amsterdam, New York, on November 14, 2018. Vega-Carbonell had a felony conviction at the time.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2019, in Albany, New York, at which time Vega-Carbonell faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of to $250,000.00 for the firearm and ammunition conviction and up to 20 years in prison, a one million dollar fine, and a term of supervised release between three years and life for the heroin conviction. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with assistance from the City of Amsterdam (New York) Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick.
Monday 5 August 2019
Veteran Prosecutor Joins United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman today announced the appointment and swearing-in of veteran Rhode Island state prosecutor Stacey P. Veroni as an Assistant United States Attorney.
Ms. Veroni, who most recently held the title of Senior Trial Attorney with the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General, began her career as a state prosecutor in 1992. During her tenure with the Department of the Attorney General, Ms. Veroni, at various times, served as Chief of the Criminal Division, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, Chief of the Narcotics and Organized Crime Division, and Chief of the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit.
A graduate of Boston College, Ms. Veroni earned her Juris Doctor at Suffolk University.
Ms. Veroni currently serves as an adjunct professor at Salve Regina University, Providence College, Community College of Rhode Island, and Johnson and Wales University.
In welcoming Ms. Veroni to the United States Attorney’s Office, United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman commented, “We so much look forward to the deep experience, work ethic, and legal skills that Stacey will continue to bring to bear, now as a federal prosecutor, for the people of Rhode Island.”
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U.S. Attorney’s Office to Take Part in 36th Annual National Night OutRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – the U.S. Attorney’s Office will join law enforcement, community leaders and residents on TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2019, at the Mountain View Boys & Girls Club from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM to celebrate the 36th annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event.
This free community event is put on by the Mountain View Boys & Girls Club (315 Price Street, Anchorage, AK 99508) in partnership with the Anchorage Police Department. The Anchorage community will be welcomed for a night of free food, games, prizes, a petting zoo, music entertainment, and much more.
National Night Out is a community-building and crime prevention campaign that promotes collaborative law enforcement-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Thousands of communities nationwide will participate in neighborhood block parties, festivals, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, and activities that heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts. Events such as these help to strengthen neighborhood spirit, police-community partnerships, and demonstrate a shared commitment for strong and safe communities.
“For 36 years, National Night Out has rallied neighborhood residents, law enforcement and community leaders in the common goal of strengthening relationships to help prevent and deter crime in our local community. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and my neighbors to support safer streets and work together to drive out crime,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder.
Last year, over 1,500 people showed up in the rain at Anchorage’s National Night Out event. National Night Out organizers are expecting over 16,000 communities and 38 million people nationwide to take part in community events on Tuesday.
For more information on National Night Out events, please visit https://natw.org/.
U.S. Attorney's Office to take part in 36th annual National Night Out crime prevention eventRead the Press Release
Members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio will join law enforcement, community leaders and residents on Tuesday, August 6th at events in Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, Youngstown and elsewhere to celebrate the 36th annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event.
National Night Out is a community-building and crime prevention campaign that promotes collaborative law enforcement-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Thousands of communities nationwide will participate in neighborhood block parties, festivals, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, and activities that heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts. Events such as these help to strengthen neighborhood spirit, police-community partnerships, and demonstrate a shared commitment for strong and safe communities.
“For decades, National Night Out has rallied neighborhood residents, law enforcement and community leaders in the common goal of strengthening relationships to help prevent and deter crime in our local community,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues and my neighbors to support safer streets and work together to drive out crime.”
National Night Out organizers are expecting over 16,000 communities and 38 million people nationwide to take part in community events on Tuesday.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. to Take Part in 36th Annual National Night OutRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. will join law enforcement, community leaders and residents on Tuesday, August 6th at the City of Jacksonville, North Carolina’s celebration beginning at 5:00 p.m. The event takes place at the Riverwalk Crossing Park in downtown Jacksonville to celebrate the 36th annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event.
National Night Out is a community-building and crime prevention campaign that promotes collaborative law enforcement-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Thousands of communities nationwide will participate in neighborhood block parties, festivals, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, and activities that heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts. Events such as these help to strengthen neighborhood spirit, police-community partnerships, and demonstrate a shared commitment for strong and safe communities.
“For 36 years, National Night Out has rallied neighborhood residents, law enforcement and community leaders in the common goal of strengthening relationships to help prevent and deter crime in our local community. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and my neighbors to support safer streets and work together to drive out crime,” said U.S. Attorney Higdon.
“For law enforcement to be effective, it must have the support of the people it serves. We are truly fortunate to have the support of this community,” stated Police Chief Mike Yaniero, Director of Public Safety for the City of Jacksonville. “National Night Out cements the importance of the partnership that is key to successful policing. This is a night to celebrate that.”
National Night Out organizers are expecting over 16,000 communities and 38 million people nationwide to take part in community events on Tuesday.