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Friday 2 August 2019
Alton Man Sentenced to More Than 33 Years in Federal Prison for Live Streaming the Sexual Abuse of a ChildRead the Press Release
Travis J. Varble, 42, has been sentenced to more than 33 years in federal prison and a lifetime
term of supervised release for live streaming the sexual abuse of a child, United States Attorney
Steven D. Weinhoeft announced today.“It is difficult to imagine much that is more reprehensible than molesting a child, but Mr. Varble
found a way to aggravate his deviance by live streaming the abuse over the internet for other
depraved individuals to view. This case highlights the fact that child pornography isn’t a crime
involving anonymous images on the internet. Rather, each image represents a real person, a child,
being overpowered by an adult who knows better. And we will prosecute these cases as aggressively
as the law allows,” said US Attorney Steve Weinhoeft.Varble was caught after law enforcement officials in Auburn, Ala. conducting an unrelated
investigation discovered a recorded video containing child pornography. The perpetrator and child
victim depicted in the video were unidentified, so officers forwarded the evidence to the National
Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in an effort to identify the victim and/or
assailant depicted in the video.NCMEC is supported by a number of law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security
Investigations (HSI), which is the criminal investigative arm of U.S. Immigration & Customs
Enforcement (ICE). ICE, through HSI, operates the National Child Victim Identification System
(NCVIS). The NCVIS uses advanced analytics to identify and rescue child victims as well as identify
and prosecute the perpetrators of these crimes.Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), investigated the video recovered in Auburn, Ala. and found
evidence suggesting that the sexual abuse may have taken place in Southern Illinois. HSI
investigators in St. Louis were assigned and determined that the perpetrator was Travis Varble, of
Alton, Ill. HSI also discovered a second video of Varble sexually abusing the same child. HSI
learned that Varble live streamed his sexual abuse while the exploitation occurred, and
that others viewing the live stream recorded the abuse and further distributed the recorded videos
on the internet.Evidence at sentencing established that the victim was under the age of 12, and that Varble
had been providing care to the child at the time when the abuse took place.US Attorney Steve Weinhoeft said, “We praise the work done by Homeland Security Investigations
(HSI) and their National Child Victim Identification System (NCVIS) for their efforts on this
particular case, and for their ongoing effort to rescue child victims and identify those who commit
these awful crimes.”During the investigation, agents learned that Varble had been separately prosecuted in Madison
County, Ill., for sexually abusing same victim. Varble was sentenced to a 17-year prison sentence
in Danville Correctional Center for predatory criminal sexual assault of a victim under 13 and
aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim under 13 in the state court prosecution.Varble was indicted federally in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
Illinois on March 21, 2018, for two counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (Counts 1 and 2) and
one count of Distribution of Child Pornography (Count 3). He pleaded guilty on January 17, 2019,
and was sentenced on August 1, 2019, to 398 months in federal prison, which is to be followed by a
lifetime term of supervised release on each count.United States District Court Judge Staci M. Yandle handed down the sentence. The sentence she
imposed was initially calculated at 444 months; however, Judge Yandle gave Varble credit for 46
months that he had already served in state prison for related criminal conduct, thereby resulting
in a 398-month sentence. The federal prison term was ordered to run concurrently with the state
sentence Varble is currently serving.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.”The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security
Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Afghanistan National and Former U.S. Military Interpreter Charged for Role in Human Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
An Afghanistan citizen and United States Lawful Permanent Resident was indicted today for his role in a scheme to smuggle undocumented aliens from Afghanistan to the United States.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito of the District of New Jersey, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, and Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael of HSI Newark, made the announcement.
Mujeeb Rahman Saify, 32, is an Afghanistan national who received a Special Immigrant Visa and became a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident in 2009, after serving as an interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan. Since 2009, Saify has resided in New York and Newark. Saify was charged in the District of New Jersey with conspiracy to smuggle aliens to the United States, encouraging and inducing alien smuggling, and attempting to bring aliens to the United States.
According to the indictment, between July 2016 through January 2017, Saify conspired with members of an Afghanistan and Pakistan-based smuggling network to smuggle two Afghanistan nationals to the United States. The Afghanistan nationals did not have prior authorization to enter the United States and one had been denied a U.S. visa. The indictment alleges that Saify made contact with the aliens and arranged meetings with the co-conspirators to discuss smuggling arrangements. Further, according to the indictment, Saify received payment, gave instructions to the aliens to facilitate the smuggling venture, and he used email and phone communications to facilitate and coordinate the criminal operation.
The case is being investigated by HSI Miami, with valuable assistance provided by HSI Newark and HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit and Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Identities, Targeting, and Exploitation Center (HITEC). The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.
This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jay Bauer of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Senior Trial Counsel Margaret Ann Mahoney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of New Jersey.
An indictment is merely a formal accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Afghanistan National and Former U.S. Military Interpreter Charged for Role in Human Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Afghani citizen and United States Lawful Permanent Resident was indicted today by a federal grand jury for his role in a scheme to smuggle undocumented aliens from Afghanistan to the United States.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito of the District of New Jersey, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, and Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael of HSI Newark, made the announcement.
Mujeeb Rahman Saify, 32, is an Afghanistan national who received a Special Immigrant Visa and became a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident in 2009, after serving as an interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan. Since 2009, Saify has resided in New York and Newark. Saify was charged in the District of New Jersey with conspiracy to smuggle aliens to the United States, encouraging and inducing alien smuggling, and attempting to bring aliens to the United States. If convicted, Saify faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as forfeiture.
According to the indictment, between July 2016 through February 2017, Saify conspired with members of an Afghanistan and Pakistan-based smuggling network to smuggle two Afghanistan nationals to the United States. The Afghanistan nationals did not have prior authorization to enter the United States and one had been denied a U.S. visa. The indictment alleges that Saify made contact with the aliens and arranged meetings with the co-conspirators to discuss smuggling arrangements. Further, according to the indictment, Saify received payment, gave instructions to the aliens to facilitate the smuggling venture, and he used email and phone communications to facilitate and coordinate the criminal operation.
The case is being investigated by HSI Miami, with valuable assistance provided by HSI Newark and HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit and the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Identities, Targeting, and Exploitation Center (HITEC). The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.
This case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Counsel Margaret Ann Mahoney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of New Jersey, and Trial Attorney Jay Bauer of the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section of the DOJ Criminal Division.
An indictment is merely a formal accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Thursday 1 August 2019
Zuni Pueblo Man Detained Pending Trial on Federal Manslaughter and Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Yesterday a U.S. Magistrate Judge sitting in Albuquerque, N.M., ordered Terry Demetri Tsethlikai, 26, a member of Zuni Pueblo who resides in Black Rock, N.M., detained pending trial on an indictment charging him with manslaughter and assault charges. Tsethlikai previously entered a not guilty plea to the three-count indictment on July 24, 2019.
A federal grand jury indicted Tsethlikai on June 27, 2019, and charged him with voluntary manslaughter, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and assault with a dangerous weapon. According to the indictment, Tsethlikai allegedly unlawfully killed a male victim during a sudden quarrel; assaulted a female victim, causing her to suffer serious bodily injury; and assaulted a second male victim with a knife. The indictment alleges that Tsethlikai committed the three offenses in Indian Country in McKinley County, N.M., on November 23, 2018.
Tsethlikai was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service on July 22, 2019, at the Zuni Detention Center, where he was in custody on related tribal charges.
If convicted, Tsethlikai faces up to fifteen years of imprisonment on the manslaughter charge, and up to ten years of imprisonment on each of the two assault charges. Charges in indictments are only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Gallup office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Pueblo of Zuni Tribal Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti is prosecuting the case.
Warminster Man Sentenced to 2 ½ Years for Cyber Threats Directed at Estranged WifeRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Blair Strouse, 29, of Warminster, PA, was sentenced today to 30 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Petrese Tucker for charges related to cyberstalking his estranged wife.
In February 2015, the defendant began communicating online with a Brazilian citizen living in Brazil, who eventually travelled to the United States to work for a company that provided au pair services to families in the United States. When the position did not work out, the woman moved to Pennsylvania in August 2016 to be with the defendant, whom she married about one month later. Shortly thereafter, in November 2016, the defendant began mistreating the woman, and she moved out of their Warminster residence. In December 2016, the defendant began a relentless campaign to threaten and harass her and her family members who were still living in Brazil.
Over the course of several months, the defendant sent dozens of electronic communications from his home to his wife’s family members and associates – repeatedly threatening to kill and inflict serious injury upon his victims. He also offered to pay anyone willing to kill or injure his wife’s family members. Even after a judge in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas issued a protection from abuse order against the defendant in February 2017, he continued to send harassing messages and stated that his purpose in life was to make members of his estranged wife’s family suffer.
“Threats like these made in any manner, whether via electronic communications or otherwise, are taken very seriously by my Office,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “It’s not an excuse to say that you were just mouthing off; if you threaten serious bodily injury or even death over the internet, that is a federal crime with consequences.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Deputy United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
Upstate Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty in Federal Court After Offering Cellmate $10,000 to Kill Prosecutor and WitnessRead the Press Release
Spartanburg, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Detric McGowan, aka “Fat,” 46, of Piedmont, has entered a guilty plea in federal court to participating in a drug conspiracy involving cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and tramadol; possessing a kilogram or more of heroin with the intent to distribute; conspiring to launder money; obstruction of justice/witness tampering; and obstruction of justice/retaliation. United States District Donald Coggins of Spartanburg accepted the guilty plea and will impose McGowan’s sentence after the United States Probation Office prepares a presentence report.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing showed that beginning as early as 2016, law enforcement in Greenwood County began to see a rise in the number of opioid-abuse related cases, drug overdose deaths, and overdose non-fatalities attributed particularly to heroin and fentanyl toxicity. Commonly found at the opioid overdose incidents and routinely seized by local law enforcement were counterfeit 30 milligram-size blue prescription pain pills laced with heroin and/or fentanyl and scored with a “V” on one side and “4812” on the other side.
Based on human intelligence, advanced electronic surveillance, the execution of search warrants, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement determined that McGowan, working with others, was a member of a drug trafficking organization operating in the Upstate of South Carolina, primarily in Laurens and Greenwood Counties, that was responsible for the distribution of in excess of $1 million dollars’ worth of heroin, cocaine, and/or fentanyl in the Upstate and elsewhere. Police seized in excess of 20 kilograms of heroin and approximately $1 million during the investigation. McGowan was indicted along with several co-conspirators in February 2019 and taken into custody.
Recently, McGowan began to discuss with a person who was incarcerated with him having his prosecutor and at least one witness killed. This person alerted law enforcement to the threat and an immediate investigation began. The evidence showed that McGowan had become frustrated with his legal position and desired his prosecutor and a witness killed. McGowan was recorded agreeing to pay the person $10,000 to kill the prosecutor and witness and providing information about how to find the targets. He also provided a telephone number and wrote down the name of the witness, so that upon release the cooperator could carry out the plan. McGowan confessed to the FBI of the plot that he had put in motion.
On the drug and obstruction counts, McGowan faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and a maximum of life.
The drug case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Andy Moorman, Deputy Criminal Chief for the Narcotics Unit, is prosecuting the drug case.
The threat was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, and the 7th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jim May and Katie Stoughton are prosecuting the threat case, along with Assistant United States Attorney Jason Peavy, Deputy Criminal Chief for the White Collar Unit.
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US Attorney Weisman to Participate in National Night OutRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Weisman will join law enforcement, community leaders, and residents on Tuesday, August 6th at Rhode Island events 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.
U.S. Attorney Weisman will participate in events in Providence, Warwick, and Cranston. Events are scheduled in fourteen Rhode Island communities.
“Reducing violent crime and promoting safety in American communities is a major focus of the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys across the country,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “National Night Out is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds, the respect, and the camaraderie between neighbors and law enforcement officers. These relationships make our country stronger and safer.”
“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 neighbors to support safer streets and work together to drive out crime,” said U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Weisman.
Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr., said, “The Providence Police Department embodies the Community Oriented Police concept in everything we do. We are always pleased to celebrate our relationships on this very important night in our community. We always enjoy teaming up with US Attorney Weisman and his team on initiatives important to our neighborhoods.”
Warwick Deputy Police Chief Mark Ullucci added, “On behalf of Mayor Joseph Solomon and Chief Rick Rathbun, I encourage all residents from every community to come out and celebrate National Night Out. This event not only enhances community safety, it puts faces with names and establishes new relationships with a simple handshake. National Night out is an amazing platform for simple conversation, reconnection, and a positive interaction between Police Officers and the constituents they represent.”
National Night Out organizers are expecting over 16,000 communities and 38 million people nationwide to take part in community events on August 6.
Information about National Night Out is available at www.natw.org
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Two Sentenced to Federal Prison for U-Visa FraudRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon and Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Healy announced today that Miguel Bautista-Manuel, age 41, of Mexico, and Travis Lee Nixon, age 29, of Greenville, were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to defraud the United States by attempting to fraudulently acquire “U-Visas” for Bautista-Manuel, Jose Pineda-Hernandez, age 38, of Honduras, and Oscar Pineda-Martinez, age 24, of Honduras. Senior United States District Court Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr., of Greenville sentenced Bautista-Manuel to 8.5 months in federal prison and Nixon to 12 months in federal prison. Pineda-Martinez was previously sentenced to time-served, and Pineda-Hernandez is awaiting sentencing.
U-Visas, so named from the statutory provision authorizing their issuance, are intended to provide lawful immigration status to victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and who are willing to assist law enforcement in the prosecution of the criminal activity. The number of U-visas that can be issued each year is statutorily limited.
Facts presented in court established that Bautista-Manuel engaged Nixon to act as the perpetrator of a staged armed robbery of which Bautista-Manuel, Pineda-Hernandez, and Pineda-Martinez were the purported victims. The three reported the staged robbery to the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, which devoted resources to investigating the robbery. Bautista-Manuel, Pineda-Hernandez, and Pineda-Martinez then used the purported armed robbery, and their assistance in its investigation, as the basis for fraudulent petitions filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services seeking U-Visas.
“U-Visas play an important role in helping victims of serious crimes obtain justice,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “Those who commit fraud to obtain them divert already limited law enforcement resources and deprive true victims with a sincere willingness to assist law enforcement of legal immigration benefits.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Healy added, “Fraud like that committed by these defendants not only delays the issuance of U-Visas to legitimate crime victims but also wastes limited law enforcement resources.”
Agents of Homeland Security Investigations in Greenville investigated the case, with assistance from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys David Stephens and Max Cauthen, both of the Greenville office, prosecuted the case.
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Two Fayetteville Men Sentenced to More Than 21 Years Combined in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute DrugsRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced today that Preston Baxter, age 27, and Dezi Castillo Jr., age 31, were sentenced for conspiring to distribute heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine in Northwest Arkansas. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, in May 2018, detectives conducted two controlled drug purchases from Castillo. The second controlled drug purchase occurred at Baxter’s apartment in Springdale, Arkansas. Based on the two controlled drug purchases as well as an odor of marijuana that emitted from Baxter’s apartment, detectives executed a search warrant on June 1, 2018. The search resulted in the seizure of 87.05 grams of actual methamphetamine, a net weight of 21.039 grams of heroin, 15.8 grams of cocaine, and approximately 248 grams of marijuana. Additionally, the search revealed multiple weapons and approximately $2,075.00.
Baxter was sentenced on June 17, 2019, to 135 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Castillo was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Baxter and Castillo were indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2018 and entered guilty pleas in January and April 2019, respectively.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the 4th Judicial District Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Carly Marshall prosecuted the case for the United States.
Tucson Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Federal Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On July 29, 2019, Joseph Michael Vosberg, 59, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Raner C. Collins to 18 months in prison for assisting in the preparation and filing of false federal income tax returns. Vosberg previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the filing of false federal tax returns. In his plea agreement, Vosberg admitted that he prepared and filed thirty-three federal tax returns that contained $457,187 in false deductions. As part of his sentence, the court ordered Vosberg to pay $202,243 in restitution to the United States Treasury for the tax loss relating to the offense.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The prosecution was handled by Jane L. Westby, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
Third and Final Man Sentenced for Carjacking and Robbing a 7-11 StoreRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Ahmaad Ali, 24, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 132 months in prison for carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a federal crime of violence and robbery charges. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Ronnie L. White.
According to court documents, on October 17, 2017, officers of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to 3880 Meramec after a report of a robbery and carjacking at that location. Specifically, the female victim was driving a 2002 Pontiac Aztek and had stopped at the curb to make a phone call. As she did, co-defendant Jevante Phillips approached the driver’s side door pointing a military style weapon at her. The victim opened the car door and attempted to hand over her purse; the co-defendant Jevante Phillips refused the purse, and ordered her out of the vehicle. The victim complied. As co-defendant Jevante Phillips entered the driver’s seat, Ali entered the passenger side of the vehicle. Ali and Phillips fled in the vehicle.
On October 18, 2017, Ali, along with co-defendants Jevante Phillips and Travion Lindsey -- all armed with firearms -- entered the 7-11 store located on Christy Avenue in South St. Louis. The three arrived at the 7-11 in the stolen Pontiac. They entered the store brandishing their firearms and wearing masks. Phillips walked around the counter and began stealing lottery tickets and money from the cash register. He was armed with a black long barrel pistol grip firearm. Ali jumped over the counter and began removing the cash register. He was armed with a black handgun, containing an extended magazine. Travion Lindsey stood guard at the door and eventually walked over the counter and assisted in removing currency. He was armed with a black handgun, which he held in his left hand the entire time. After two minutes inside of the store, the three ran out of the store taking liquor bottles, cigarettes, and candy on their way outside. The males then re-entered the Aztec and fled the area.
Co-defendants Lindsey and Phillips were previously sentenced to 108 and 132 months in prison, respectively.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and assisted by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Mehan is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Texas Man Charged with Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Dallas has indicted a U.S. citizen for traveling to Syria and conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Omer Kuzu – a 23-year-old U.S. citizen born in Dallas, Texas – was detained overseas by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and recently transferred to FBI custody and returned to Texas. He made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Irma C. Ramirez in the Northern District of Texas today.
“The United States continues to demonstrate its commitment to holding accountable those who have left this country in order to join and support ISIS,” said John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “As alleged in the court filings, Kuzu traveled overseas and joined ISIS as part of his conspiracy with others to provide material support to the foreign terrorist organization. He was ultimately detained overseas, turned over to the FBI, and will now face justice in an American courtroom. We hope countries around the world, including our European allies and partners, will likewise take responsibility for their own citizens who traveled to support ISIS.”
“There are few things more concerning to me than young Americans being radicalized by terrorists’ violent and hateful agendas while in the U.S., and then traveling abroad in order to fight for groups like ISIS,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox for the Northern District of Texas. “I am grateful for the public servants who helped bring this defendant home to face justice in a U.S. courtroom.”
“Today’s announcement should serve as a warning to those who have traveled, or attempted to travel, to join ISIS that the FBI remains steadfast in ensuring they face justice” said Assistant Director Mike McGarrity of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “I am proud of the work done by the men and women of the FBI’s Dallas JTTF and Counterterrorism Division, as well as that of our interagency and international partners, which resulted in Omer Kuzu returning to the United States to answer for the crimes he is accused of committing.”
“The FBI remains committed to protecting the United States from all terrorist threats,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno of the FBI Dallas Field Office. “We aggressively pursue anyone who pledges allegiance to a foreign terrorist organization and will hold them accountable for actively supporting their violent agenda.”
According to an earlier criminal complaint that was also unsealed today, Kuzu and his brother allegedly traveled from Houston, Texas to Istanbul, Turkey, in October 2014 to join ISIS.
According to the complaint, Kuzu confessed to agents that he and his brother were smuggled into Syria by ISIS. The defendant said he eventually ended up in Mosul, Iraq, where he received physical and weapons training from ISIS instructors.
He was then sent back to Syria, where he allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The terrorist group issued him a Chinese-made AK-47 and allegedly paid him $125 per month to repair communications equipment for frontline ISIS fighters, he told agents.
Kuzu claimed that, in approximately early 2019, as Kurdish forces advanced, he fled with the ISIS fighters and was ultimately captured, along with other ISIS members, by the SDF.
Indictments and criminal complaints are formal accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence, and Kuzu is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted of the charged offense, Kuzu faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The FBI’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation through the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Errin Martin and Tiffany Eggers and Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
Texas Man Charged with Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Dallas has indicted a U.S. citizen for traveling to Syria and conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Omer Kuzu – a 23-year-old U.S. citizen born in Dallas, Texas – was detained overseas by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and recently transferred to FBI custody and returned to Texas. He made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Irma C. Ramirez in the Northern District of Texas today.
“The United States continues to demonstrate its commitment to holding accountable those who have left this country in order to join and support ISIS,” said John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “As alleged in the court filings, Kuzu traveled overseas and joined ISIS as part of his conspiracy with others to provide material support to the foreign terrorist organization. He was ultimately detained overseas, turned over to the FBI, and will now face justice in an American courtroom. We hope countries around the world, including our European allies and partners, will likewise take responsibility for their own citizens who traveled to support ISIS.”
“There are few things more concerning to me than young Americans being radicalized by terrorists’ violent and hateful agendas while in the U.S., and then traveling abroad in order to fight for groups like ISIS,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox for the Northern District of Texas. “I am grateful for the public servants who helped bring this defendant home to face justice in a U.S. courtroom.”
“Today’s announcement should serve as a warning to those who have traveled, or attempted to travel, to join ISIS that the FBI remains steadfast in ensuring they face justice” said Assistant Director Mike McGarrity of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “I am proud of the work done by the men and women of the FBI’s Dallas JTTF and Counterterrorism Division, as well as that of our interagency and international partners, which resulted in Omer Kuzu returning to the United States to answer for the crimes he is accused of committing.”
“The FBI remains committed to protecting the United States from all terrorist threats,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno of the FBI Dallas Field Office. “We aggressively pursue anyone who pledges allegiance to a foreign terrorist organization and will hold them accountable for actively supporting their violent agenda.”
According to an earlier criminal complaint that was also unsealed today, Kuzu and his brother allegedly traveled from Houston, Texas to Istanbul, Turkey, in October 2014 to join ISIS.
According to the complaint, Kuzu confessed to agents that he and his brother were smuggled into Syria by ISIS. The defendant said he eventually ended up in Mosul, Iraq, where he received physical and weapons training from ISIS instructors.
He was then sent back to Syria, where he allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS and its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The terrorist group issued him a Chinese-made AK-47 and allegedly paid him $125 per month to repair communications equipment for frontline ISIS fighters, he told agents.
Kuzu claimed that, in approximately early 2019, as Kurdish forces advanced, he fled with the ISIS fighters and was ultimately captured, along with other ISIS members, by the SDF.
Indictments and criminal complaints are formal accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence, and Kuzu is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted of the charged offense, Kuzu faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The FBI’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation through the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Errin Martin and Tiffany Eggers and Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
Telemarketer and His Companies Agree to Pay $2.5 Million to Settle Allegations That They Operated Telemedicine Schemes Involving Illegal Kickbacks and Unnecessary PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez and U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey for the Eastern District of Tennessee announce that Scott Roix, together with several entities through which he ran his telemarketing business, including HealthRight, LLC; Health Savings Solutions, LLC; Vici Marketing, LLC; and Vici Marketing Group, LLC (hereinafter collectively referred to as “marketing companies”), have agreed to pay $2.5 million to resolve allegations that Roix and these marketing companies violated the False Claims Act by causing the submission of false claims to federal healthcare programs in connection with telemedicine health care fraud schemes.
The government alleged that: (1) Roix and his marketing companies fraudulently obtained insurance coverage information from consumers across the country to arrange for them to receive prescription pain creams and other similar products, (2) these prescriptions were not medically necessary and did not arise from a valid doctor-patient relationship, and (3) Roix and his marketing companies sold these prescriptions to pharmacies under the guise of marketing services, and the payments solicited were based on the volume and value of the prescriptions.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting TRICARE and other federal health care programs from improper practices that harm our nation’s healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez. “Those who generate prescriptions for profit and violate the Anti-Kickback Statute will be held accountable.”
“Prescriptions and other medical services resulting from kickbacks undermine the integrity of our health care system,” said U.S. Attorney Overbey. “Telemedicine is a valuable service for our citizens, but it must not be abused. We will take action against individuals who break the law to make a profit at the expense of our federal healthcare programs and ultimately at the expense of the American taxpayer.”
“Telemarketing fraud is a major threat to the integrity of the Medicare program,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in Atlanta. “Unscrupulous companies collect patient information then sell it to pharmacies and other medical providers in exchange for kickbacks.”
U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely, Eastern Area Field Office, stated, “The U.S. Postal Service spends billions of dollars per year in workers compensation-related costs, most of which are legitimate. However, when medical providers or companies choose to flout the rules and profit illegally, special agents with the USPS OIG will work with our law enforcement partners to hold them responsible. To report fraud or other criminal activity involving the Postal Service, contact our special agents at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG.”
“This settlement demonstrates the commitment of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and our law enforcement partners to ensure that individuals do not unjustly enrich themselves by abusing the Department of Defense TRICARE program. DCIS protects the integrity of DoD programs by rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse which diverts American taxpayer dollars intended to support our Warfighters,” said Special Agent in Charge, Cyndy Bruce, Southeast Field Office.
“Today’s settlement demonstrates the commitment of the Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General and our law enforcement partners at the Department of Justice to ensuring that federal health care programs, including the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, are protected from fraud and abuse,” said Thomas W. South, the OPM Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations. “I am immensely proud of the work our office has done to not only safeguard taxpayer dollars, but also protect the health and wellbeing of federal employees, annuitants, and their families.”
“This settlement emphasizes the collaborative effort by the FBI and our law enforcement partners to target those individuals who cheat the system and destroy public trust in our federally funded healthcare programs,” said Michael F. McPherson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Tampa Division.
The settlement resolves allegations that, beginning in September 2014, Health Savings Solutions, at the direction of Roix, received payments from Oldsmar Pharmacy that were based on the value and volume of prescriptions solicited by Health Savings Solutions in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, and the False Claims Act. These allegations were brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims, and to receive a share of any recovery. The qui tam case against Roix and Health Savings Solutions was filed by Jennifer Silva and Jessica Robertson and is captioned: United States ex rel. Silva, et al. v. Vici Marketing, LLC, et al., Middle District of Florida (Case No. 8:15-cv-444-T-33TGW). Ms. Silva and Ms. Robertson will receive $287,500 of the settlement.
The settlement also resolves allegations that, from June 2015 through October 2018, HealthRight, at the direction of Roix, received payments from Synergy Pharmacy that were based on the value and volume of prescriptions solicited by HealthRight on behalf of Synergy Pharmacy. These allegations were also the subject of a criminal case captioned United States v. Scott Roix, et al., Eastern District of Tennessee (Case No. 2:18-cr-133), in which Roix and HealthRight pleaded guilty in September 2018.
This investigation was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorneys’ Office of the Eastern District of Tennessee and the Middle District of Florida. It was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy Dykes, Michael Kenneth, and Jessica Sievert, with support from HHS-OIG, OPM-OIG, USPS-OIG, DOD-DCIS, and FBI.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Street Gang Member Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that David Navarrete, age 25, of Prosser, Washington, was sentenced today after having pleaded guilty on March 21, 2019, to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge Lonny R. Suko sentenced Navarrete to a 96-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 4-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, Navarrete, a Bell Garden Locos street gang member, was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by a Prosser Police Department officer. The driver was arrested for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. During the traffic stop, officers observed Navarrete making furtive movements in the center console area of the vehicle. After obtaining a warrant to search the truck, officers found a plastic bag containing over 200 grams of methamphetamine in a hidden compartment in the center console. The plastic bag was submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Crime Laboratory for analysis. The FBI determined the plastic bag contained traces of Navarrete’s DNA.
U.S. Attorney Hyslop said, “The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington commends the law enforcement officers with the Prosser Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation who investigated this case. Their seamless partnership resulted in the successful outcome of this matter. The sentence imposed by the court removes a drug trafficker from our streets and sends a clear message to others who may choose to engage in such criminal activity.”
This case was prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to specifically identify the criminals responsible for violent crime in the Eastern District of Washington and pursue criminal prosecution.
This case was investigated by the Yakima Resident Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Prosser Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Patrick J. Cashman, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Stockton Residents Sentenced for Scheme to Change Test Scores in DMV ComputersRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Stockton residents Donald Earl Freeman Jr., 26, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, and Juan Arturo Arroyo Gomez, 32, was sentenced to one year in prison, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
On December 14, 2017, Freeman and Arroyo pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery, identity fraud, and unauthorized access to a computer for accepting bribes to change test scores in the computers of the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
“Individuals in positions of trust who exploit federal and state law for personal gain pose a significant threat to public safety and national security,” said Jerry C. Templet Jr, Deputy Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (San Francisco and Northern California). “HSI will continue working with our local, state, and federal partners to investigate these types of public corruption cases and bring those responsible to justice.”
According to court documents, Freeman was an employee at the DMV’s Tracy branch office and among other things, was responsible for processing applications for California commercial driver licenses (CDLs). Such CDLs permit the license holders to drive passenger buses or to operate tractor-trailer trucks on California and interstate highways, including, in some cases, hauling hazardous materials. Arroyo was a broker in the scheme and solicited truck driving students to pay him to assist them in obtaining driving permits.
According to court documents, in exchange for money from Arroyo and other brokers, Freeman accessed the DMV’s database in Sacramento to alter the records of applicants to fraudulently show that the applicants had passed the required written tests when, in truth, the applicants had not passed the tests or, at times, even taken the written tests. In so doing, this caused the DMV to issue permits to those drivers, as well as completed CDLs upon the applicants passing the behind-the-wheel driving tests.
According to their plea agreements, Freeman caused no less than 123 fraudulent permits to be issued, including at least 13 at the request of, and in exchange for payment from, Arroyo.
This case was the product of an investigation by the California Department of Motor Vehicles Office of Internal Affairs and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Rosanne L. Rust prosecuted the case.
Stockton Man and Woman Charged with Sex Trafficking of a ChildRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On July 25, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Stockton residents Lucious James Roy, 33, and Dawniel Santangelo, 41, with sex trafficking of a child, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. The indictment was unsealed today.
According to court documents, between September and November 2018, Roy recruited, enticed, transported, harbored, and maintained a minor victim, knowing that the minor would be caused to engage in prostitution. During that same time period, Roy and Santangelo also recruited, enticed, transported, harbored, and maintained a second minor victim, knowing that the second minor victim would also engage in prostitution.
Roy and Santangelo are currently in state custody in Oregon.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stockton Police Department, San Joaquin District Attorney’s Office, Medford (Oregon) Police Department, and Jackson County Oregon District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron L. Desmond and Brian A. Fogerty are prosecuting the case.
If convicted of sex trafficking of a child, Roy and Santangelo face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000. Any sentence, however, would 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. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
South Bend, Indiana Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND - Joshua Banks, age 32, of South Bend, Indiana was sentenced before South Bend District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio for felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Mr. Banks was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, Mr. Banks was supposed to be serving a sentence at a community corrections facility in South Bend, but instead stole a pick up and drove it until it ran out of gas. Police saw Mr. Banks walking along a street with a backpack and a gas can. Police tried to approach him, but Mr. Banks fled. Mr. Banks was eventually caught and arrested. After retracing Mr. Banks’ route, police located the backpack and gas can as well as a stolen handgun. Banks has five felony convictions, at least four of which involved violence or threats of violence, and eleven misdemeanor convictions. Banks has four pending state criminal cases when he was sentenced.
This case was investigated by ATF with the assistance of the South Bend Police Department. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Gabrielse.
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Second Garrard County Man Pleads Guilty in $15 Million Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Warren Griffin, II, 50, of Lancaster, Kentucky pleaded guilty today, before Chief United States District Judge Karen K. Caldwell, to joining with Clarence Michel, Jr. in a $15 million tax fraud scheme. As part of this plea agreement, Griffin agreed to pay $2.8 million in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
According to his plea agreement, Griffin recruited and paid associates to open staffing companies and bank accounts, whose primary purpose was to hide from the IRS the fact that Griffin and Michel’s businesses had failed to pay $14,671,184 in federal payroll taxes. Griffin obtained $2,118,584 of that money. During this time, Griffin also underpaid his personal federal income taxes by $700,428.
Michel had previously pleaded guilty and been sentenced to 71 months in federal prison and ordered to pay over $19 million in restitution. Griffin is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2019. He faces up to 5 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of the loss. 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, and William Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, jointly announced the plea.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dmitriy Slavin represented the United States.
Salvadoran Citizen Pleads Guilty to Transporting Illegal Alien Within the United StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Oscar A. Fajardo, 50, a legal permanent resident in the United States and a citizen of El Salvador, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to transporting an illegal alien within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Gregory K. Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Fajardo is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Guirola on November 12, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and special assessments that could total $5,100. Fajardo also will face Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings and potential loss of his Legal Permanent Resident status.
On March 26, 2019, in Jackson County, Mississippi, a South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team agent stopped a vehicle on Interstate 10 eastbound for a traffic violation. The agent initiated the traffic stop while calling for back-up, and a U.S. Border Patrol Agent arrived on the scene shortly thereafter. The Border Patrol Agent made contact with the driver of the vehicle, identified as Oscar A. Fajardo. The agent identified himself as a Border Patrol Agent, and learned that Mr. Fajardo is a legally admitted permanent resident alien to the United States, who is a citizen of El Salvador.
Fajardo and his passenger, Andres Barrientos-Flores, were traveling from Houston, Texas, to Virginia. Barrientos Flores, also a citizen of El Salvador, was determined to be an illegal alien to the United States who had been previously removed from the United States. Barrientos-Flores was separately prosecuted and pled guilty to unlawful return by an alien after removal.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Border Patrol, and by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Salina Pharmacist Sentenced for Diverting Rx DrugsRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Salina pharmacist was sentenced today to serve 36 months on probation -- including 18 months house arrest -- for diverting prescription drugs containing opioids, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. Her husband, who received the drugs from her, got the same sentence.
Kirsty C. Hartley, 29, Salina, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of distributing a prescription painkiller outside the usual course of professional practice without a legitimate medical reason. Co-defendant Dalton R. Hartley, 29, Salina, Kan., pleaded guilty one count of acquiring controlled substances through fraud.
Kirsty Hartley admitted she unlawfully distributed approximately 21,289 tablets of hydrocodone with acetaminophen while working at a CVS Pharmacy in Salina. She gave the pills to her husband for him to consume or trade to others for marijuana.
In her plea agreement, Kirsty Hartley agreed to surrender her pharmacist’s license. Both defendants agreed to perform 200 hours of community service.
McAllister commended the Salina Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst for their work on the case.
Sacramento Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Salvador Padilla III, 39, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley, to 10 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
On May 23, 2019, Padilla pleaded guilty. According to court documents, in October 2017, an investigation began into a Sacramento-area methamphetamine dealer based on reports that the dealer was distributing pound-level quantities of methamphetamine locally. In December 2017, an undercover purchase of one-pound methamphetamine was arranged from the dealer. Just before the purchase took place, Padilla left his home and drove to the dealer’s home, where he gave the dealer over a pound of methamphetamine, which the dealer then sold to the undercover agent.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration with special assistance from Homeland Security Investigations.
In May 2019, co-defendants Eberardo Mendez, and Jose Romero, 55, both of Sacramento, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Mendez and Romero will be sentenced in September and October 2019, respectively. They each face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Sacramento CEO Pleads Guilty to Pension EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — David L. Bonuccelli, 65, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to embezzlement from his employees’ pension plan, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Bonuccelli was the CEO of a real estate investment consulting and advisory firm in Sacramento that was a licensed real estate broker, registered investment advisor with the SEC, and which provided services to public pension funds, institutional investors, endowments, and individual investors. His firm sponsored a number of retirement benefit plans for its employees under ERISA, including a traditional pension over which Bonuccelli was the sole trustee. From 2011 through 2014, Bonuccelli made unauthorized transfers totaling $1,243,154 from the pension’s account, including transfers to his personal bank account to fund hundreds of thousands of dollars in spending and transfers to his own retirement plan. Bonuccelli later created paperwork purporting to document these transfers as “loans,” and made false statements on annual forms filed with the Department of Labor about the pension plan’s balance and his transfers.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew M. Yelovich and Miriam R. Hinman are prosecuting the case.
Bonuccelli is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on Jan. 16, 2020. Bonuccelli faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Rocklin Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Cameron Fox, 35, of Rocklin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. to 20 years in prison for distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Fox met a minor victim online for sexual purposes and after meeting her in person, he sent her child pornography.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Marin County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rosanne Rust and Michael D. Anderson prosecuted the case.
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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet safety education.
Portsmouth Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man pleaded guilty today to his role in the prostitution of a child at hotels across Virginia Beach and Norfolk.
According to court documents, Timothy Gary Williams, 29, met 17-year-old Jane Doe in October 2018 and the two began dating. Shortly thereafter, Williams and Jane Doe discussed Jane Doe engaging in commercial sex to earn money for the couple. Jane Doe then began regularly engaging in commercial sex acts at hotels in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Williams rented hotel rooms for her to use with clients, provided her with condoms, acted as security during her commercial sex appointments, and shared the proceeds from her commercial sex acts. Williams and Jane Doe also frequently used drugs, including marijuana and cocaine, together. On February 6, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received information indicating that Jane Doe was being forced to engage in commercial sex by Williams, and that Williams had physically abused Jane Doe, including assaulting her with a metal rod. When Jane Doe was recovered by law enforcement at a hotel in Virginia Beach on February 7, she confirmed that Williams had been violent with her, reporting that he had assaulted her with objects, strangled her, bitten her, and threatened her with violence.
Williams pleaded guilty to multiple counts of using facilities in interstate commerce to promote and manage the sex trafficking of a child and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison when sentenced on November 4. 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 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, and James A. Cervera, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney V. Kathleen Dougherty is 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. 2:19-cr-107.
Pittsburgh Woman Pleads Guilty in Crack Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pa, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Joann Williams, 44, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from November 2015 to May 2016, Williams conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for November 20, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Joann Williams. The task force is headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is comprised of members drawn from the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Ambridge Police Department, New Brighton Police Department, Beaver Police Department, Aliquippa Police Department, Moon Township Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police. 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.
Physician Pleads Guilty to Passport FraudRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland –Michael Nana Baako, age 50, a native of Ghana residing in Fulton, Maryland, pleaded guilty yesterday to a federal charge of passport fraud. Baako was a physician who practiced in hospitals in Maryland and maintained his own clinic, Biazo Healthcare.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Edwin Guard of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Washington Field Office.
According to the plea agreement, since at least 2001, Baako and R.A.A. have lived together in Howard County, Maryland and are the parents of two minor children. Baako and R.A.A. married in Ghana in 1995. Months later, Baako entered the United States legally after obtaining a visitor’s visa. In 1996, Baako applied for certification of his Ghanian medical education in the United States. In 1998, Baako married a U.S. citizen in Virginia, who filed a petition for Baako to become a naturalized United States citizen three weeks later. The petition was denied in 2000 after immigration officials concluded that Baako’s marriage was a “sham” marriage entered into for the sole purpose of obtaining immigration benefits. In 2001, Baako was licensed to practice in Maryland as a physician.
On November 29, 2005, Baako registered to vote in Maryland, swearing that he was a United States citizen, and subsequently voted in 10 federal elections between November 7, 2006 and November 6, 2018.
On December 15, 2006, Baako obtained a new Ghanaian passport in Accra, Ghana, as a Ghanaian national. On April 17, 2007, and September 16, 2009, respectively, Baako and R.A.A. submitted passport applications on behalf of their minor children, in which Baako falsely claimed that he was a citizen of the United States, born in Hillsborough, North Carolina. On April 22, 2008, Baako submitted an application for a United States passport for himself in which he falsely claimed that he was born in North Carolina, as were both of his parents. As part of his passport application, Baako provided an affidavit purporting to be from a family friend, falsely stating that this person was one of the first people to see Baako after his birth and was present at a subsequent naming and baptism ceremony for Baako at a Hillsborough, North Carolina church. Baako was issued a U.S. passport on April 29, 2008, which he used for international travel on several occasions. That passport included the false information that Baako was a citizen of the United States born in North Carolina. On July 31, 2012, Baako and R.A.A. submitted a passport renewal application on behalf of their first child, in which Baako falsely stated that he was a citizen of the United States. On February 20, 2018, Baako filed a passport renewal application for his own passport, again falsely stating that he was a U.S. citizen born in North Carolina. Baako was interviewed by Department of State officials on April 22, 2010, and on June 12, 2018. In both interviews Baako falsely stated that he was born in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
On May 8, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Baako’s home and located his Ghanaian passport and plans for the three-bedroom home Baako purchased in Accra, Ghana in August 2012. Investigators also obtained a number of documents related to Baako’s ongoing efforts to fraudulently obtain documentation establishing that he was a U.S. citizen born in North Carolina, including: a false affidavit purporting to be sworn by the Defendant’s mother—claiming that he was born in North Carolina; a page from family Bible falsely stating it had been presented to the Defendant at his birth in North Carolina; a falsified baptism certificate purporting to be from a North Carolina church—certifying that the defendant was born in North Carolina; and several draft petitions to the Circuit Court for Howard County seeking to fraudulently establish the fact of his birth in North Carolina.
Baako has been ordered detained in the custody of the United States Marshal since his arrest on May 8, 2019. U.S. District Judge Debroah K. Chasanow has scheduled sentencing for September 27, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the State Department’s DSS for its work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary A. Myers and Daniel A. Loveland, who are prosecuting the case.
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Pearland Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 23-year-old man has admitted he recruited a high school girl and trafficked her for sex, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On several consecutive weekends in late February and early March 2016, Dihlon Lee Davis used online advertisements for the victim’s services and rented hotel rooms where some of the commercial sex acts occurred.
The victim attended Manvel high school during the week and engaged in the sexual activity on the weekends.
On multiple occasions, Davis provided illegal drugs to the minor victim. He used the money the victim earned to purchase the drugs which he consumed with his girlfriend - also a minor - and the victim.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. accepted the plea and set sentencing for Oct. 9, 2019. At that time, Davis faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 fine. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and FBI – Texas City, both part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA), conducted the investigation.
HTRA law enforcement includes members of the Houston Police Department, FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor, Department of State, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, DPS, Coast Guard and sheriff’s offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties. Established in 2004, the United States Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherri L. Zack and Kimberly A. Leo are prosecuting the case.
Parkersburg Man Convicted at Trial of Child Pornography Crimes and Witness Tampering Sentenced to over 8 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Daniel Roy Mace, 37, of Parkersburg, was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for child pornography and witness tampering charges. Mace was previously convicted by a federal jury on 15 felony charges: 12 counts of receipt of child pornography on dates between June 24 and August 3, 2016; one count of distribution of child pornography; one count possession of child pornography depicting prepubescent minors; and one count of witness tampering. He will also be placed on supervised release for a term of 15 years following his release from prison, and will be required to register as a sex offender.
“We’re in the business of protecting our children,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Predators like Mace belong behind bars. I applaud the hard work of law enforcement and my prosecutors in this case.”
On August 1, 2016, law enforcement with the WVSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force began a proactive investigation into local distributors of child pornography. After identifying a potential target in the Parkersburg area, a detective downloaded eight videos of child pornography from a user located in Parkersburg over a peer-to-peer file sharing network. On August 4, 2016, a search warrant was executed at the residence from which the child pornography was being shared. Law enforcement discovered Mace’s laptop in his bedroom, actively downloading child pornography from the same file-sharing services where law enforcement had downloaded the eight videos of child pornography. Upon examining Mace’s computer, law enforcement discovered over 80 videos of child pornography depicting prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Among the videos were all eight videos of child pornography that law enforcement had downloaded.
After Mace was arrested on a federal indictment charging him with numerous child pornography offenses, Mace began attempting to persuade a witness to provide a false alibi for him during testimony before a federal grand jury in January 2019. The jail calls between Mace and the witness were recorded.
The West Virginia State Police, the Parkersburg Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Violent Crime Against Children (VCAC) Task Force conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. handed down the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Alex Hamner handled the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Owner of Two South Florida Tax Preparation Businesses Sentenced to 15 Years for Running Tax Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
West Palm Beach resident and owner of Investment Equity Development, Inc. and Jacob G. Jeune, P.A., located in Miami-Dade County, was sentenced to 15 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, for her role in a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service over a period of five years.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Michael J. De Palma, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Tamara Jeune, a/k/a “Tamara Voltaire”, 46, was the owner and operator of at least two tax preparation businesses. As part of her scheme, Jeune, who was previously convicted of tax preparation fraud, fraudulently obtained Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs) and Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs) in the names of other individuals who acted as “straw” EFIN and PTIN holders. Jeune the used those EFINs and PTINs to file fraudulent federal income tax returns with the IRS using stolen personal identifying information (PII) of her clients and other individuals without their authorization and knowledge. These tax returns contained false wages, employment information, expenses, and deductions. The defendant also stole the PII of minors, who were at times dependents of her clients, and then submitted false tax returns in the minors’ names. As part of her scheme, Jeune directed the IRS to send the tax refund money associated with the false and fraudulent federal income tax returns to bank accounts she controlled. She then used the money to pay for her personal expenses. As a result of Jeune’s actions, the IRS suffered a loss in excess of $700,000.
The Court sentenced Jeune to 15 years in prison after considering that she: (1) was the leader and organizer of this multi-year tax fraud scheme; (2) defrauded at least more than 10 victims; (3) used sophisticated means by taking a diverse number of steps, including using nominees, to conceal her fraud; (4) produced or trafficked in authorized access devices; (5) abused the trust of the taxpayers who went to her to prepare their taxes; and (6) obstructed or impeded the administration of justice by providing fabricated documents and instructing others to lie during an IRS civil audit.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of the IRS-CI in this matter. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roger Cruz and Yisel Valdes.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Overdose Death from Fentanyl-Laced Pills Sends Drug Dealer to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Hector Medina, age 37, of Kennewick, Washington, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl resulting in the Death of another person. United States District Judge Salvador Mendoza, Jr. sentenced Medina to a 15-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 5-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, Medina was distributing Fentanyl-laced pills, commonly referred to as “Fake Oxy’s” or “Mexi-pills,” and other illegal narcotics into the local community. Fentanyl-laced pills are illegally manufactured most commonly in Mexico and have found their way into this community and others in devastating numbers. Fentanyl is a 100 times more potent than morphine and hundreds of times more potent than street-level Heroin. Through an investigation by the Kennewick Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets FBI Task Force, Medina was confirmed to be the source of supply for the Fentanyl-laced pills that were distributed to a father of two small children who subsequently overdosed and died on October 26, 2017. The investigation into Medina culminated with a federal indictment and arrest in May 2018. Judge Mendoza commented about Medina’s direct role in poisoning the local community and in this case, directly causing the victim’s death. Noting there were no words of comfort that could be provided to the victim’s family, Judge Mendoza advised Medina his sole job now was to atone for his conduct.
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “The sentence imposed today is a stern warning to individuals who may distribute Fentanyl-laced pills. Prosecuting Opioid/Fentanyl-related cases, particularly one where an overdose occurred, is a top priority for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. Fentanyl-laced pills are a dangerous threat to our community and a major contributing factor to the opioid epidemic, an epidemic that has taken approximately 70,000 lives in recent years. The successful outcome of this case was a direct result of the exceptional cooperation between the FBI and its local counterparts.”
Today’s enforcement action is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The OCDETF program provides supplemental federal funding to the federal and state agencies involved in the investigation of drug-related crimes.
This OCDETF investigation was conducted the Southeast Washington Safe Streets Task Force, which is compromised of the FBI, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, the Kennewick Police Department, Richland Police Department, Pasco Police Department and Washington Department of Corrections were the lead investigative agency in this matter after referral from the Kennewick Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Stephanie Van Marter, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Operation Mountaineer Highway Update: Fayette County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that a Fayette County man was sentenced in federal court on his conviction for conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, more than 50 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine, and a quantity of oxycodone. Eric Coleman, 21, of Scarbro, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison. Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force, with the support of the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug Task Force, the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Fayetteville Police Department, and the Oak Hill Police Department.
“Every dad should be a good role model to their kid,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Sadly, this new felon’s dad wasn’t a role model at all, but rather a drug dealer. Now this 21-year-old is a felon with a two year prison sentence and tough prospects for the future. It’s a terrible tale and it happens too often. But the lack of a role model and a tough childhood is no excuse for criminal behavior. If you break the law, I’m going to prosecute you regardless of how sad your tale is or how tough your childhood was.”
At an earlier hearing, it was established that during the time period between October 2017, and July 31, 2018, Coleman assisted his father and other members of a drug trafficking organization in distributing oxycodone, heroin, and methamphetamine. Coleman previously admitted to law enforcement that he was assisting his father in distributing quantities of oxycodone in Fayette County. It was further established that during this time period, Coleman also distributed over 100 grams of heroin, and more than 50 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine. Most of the distributions of controlled substances occurred at the Coleman’s residence in Scarbro. The prosecution of Coleman culminated from a joint investigation conducted by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies known as Mountaineer Highway.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Boggess and Andrew J. Tessman handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
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Northern Nevada Felon Sentenced to Eight Years in Project Safe Neighborhoods ProsecutionRead the Press Release
RENO, Nev. – A felon who was found guilty of a federal firearm violation was sentenced yesterday to a total of eight years in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Clifton James Jackson, 55, of Reno, was found guilty by a jury in April 2019, of one count of felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Howard D. McKibben sentenced Jackson to 78 months in prison. In addition, Jackson committed the crime while on supervised release for his prior felon in possession conviction. His supervised release was revoked and he was sentenced to a consecutive 18 months in prison for a total of 96 months. This was Jackson’s 10th felony conviction.
In December 2018, a Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a 911 call reporting a man holding a handgun while walking towards a business. Gunshots were also reported by the caller. When the deputy arrived in the area, he saw a truck matching the suspect’s vehicle. While waiting for additional units to arrive, the deputy observed the truck accelerate quickly. The deputy activated the emergency lights and siren, but the truck failed to stop. While in pursuit of the suspect, the deputy observed an object being thrown from the truck. When additional units arrived on scene, Jackson and a juvenile were ordered from the truck and arrested. The deputies searched the area where the object had been thrown and recovered a loaded 7.65mm semi-automatic pistol and a box of .32 caliber ammunition. A subsequent search of the truck revealed a round of ammunition. A records check of the recovered firearm revealed that it had been stolen in Plumas County, California, in May 2018.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Rachow and Randy St. Clair prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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New Orleans Resident Pleads Guilty in Methamphetamine-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that LINDSEY LOPEZ, age 37, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to a methamphetamine-trafficking offense. Specifically, LOPEZ pled guilty to distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine, and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.
LOPEZ was one of 11 defendants charged in a 23-count federal indictment. Specifically, the indictment alleges that LOPEZ conspired to sell large quantities of methamphetamine with codefendants Stefen Daigle, Peter Giandalone, Paul Melancon, Jeffrey Clines, Jacob Higginbotham, James Hatch, Eulalio Torres-Cadenas, Angel Renee Vidaure, Delio Alfredo Lopez-Lopez, and Julien Polk. The indictment also alleges a number of individual acts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, as well as firearm offenses. Law enforcement developed evidence against this group of defendants using controlled purchases of methamphetamine, traffic stops and seizures, consensually recorded text messages and phone calls, search warrants, cooperator information, and self-incriminating statements.
U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for LOPEZ on November 5, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Highway Patrol, Montgomery County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, AMTRAK Police, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Transport Stolen Motorcycles Across State LinesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Brandon Soublet, 27, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to conspiring to transport stolen motorcycles across state lines, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Mississippi.
Starting in February 2017, members of the East Side Wheelie Kings, a motorcycle gang in New Orleans, traveled from New Orleans, Louisiana, to various parts of Mississippi and burglarized numerous cycle shops throughout the state. They would steal Uhaul trucks and use them to transport stolen motorcycles back to New Orleans. Once in New Orleans, they used Instagram and other internet sites to sell the stolen merchandise.
On February 22, 2017, Brandon Soublet and others were caught running from a stolen Uhaul truck on Interstate 10 in Harrison County. The Uhaul truck was filled with motorcycles that Soublet and others had stolen from a motorcycle shop in Biloxi.
Soublet will be sentenced on October 30, 2019, by Judge Ozerden, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Biloxi Police Department, and Louisiana State Troopers. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty and Sentenced to Cutting Off GPS Ankle Monitoring DeviceRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that GEOURVON KEINELL SEARS, age 21, pleaded guilty today to a one-count bill of information for damaging government property in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1361.
According to the bill of information, GEOURVON KEINELL SEARS (“SEARS”), cut off a GPS ankle monitor that he was ordered to wear by a U.S. Magistrate Judge as a condition of pretrial release.
SEARS faced a maximum term of imprisonment of penalty of not more than one year, a maximum supervised release term of one year, and a maximum fine of $100,000. SEARS was sentenced for a total term of time served.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the New Orleans Police Department investigated this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
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Natchez Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Stealing a Firearm from a Licensed Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss. – Javonte Lamar Butler, 20, of Natchez, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette, III to stealing a firearm from a business that is licensed to sell firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kirk Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On December 14, 2018, Javonte Lamar Butler visited Peddlers Antique Pawn and Salvage, a federally licensed reseller of firearms, located in Natchez, Mississippi. While a store employee assisted two other persons, Butler reached into a glass display case, removed a pistol, and left the store without lawfully purchasing it. Butler was subsequently indicted on June 14, 2019, for stealing a firearm from a business licensed to sell firearms.
Butler will be sentenced by Judge Bramlette on November 19, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in Natchez. He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
McFarland Man Sentenced for Money Laundering Conspiracy Related to Sale of Synthetic CannabinoidsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Zahid Shakeel, 58, McFarland, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 18 months in federal prison for conspiring to commit money laundering related to the sale of synthetic cannabinoids at gas stations owned by Capitol Petroleum, LLC (Capitol Petroleum). Shakeel pleaded guilty to this charge on April 24, 2019.
Farooq Shahzad owns and operates Capitol Petroleum, and Zahid Shakeel was formerly the general manager for the company. From July 2015 through April 2016, Shahzad conspired with Shakeel and others to distribute synthetic cannabinoids, dangerous drugs capable of hallucinogenic effects. Law enforcement officials repeatedly asked Shahzad, Shakeel, and other Capitol Petroleum employees to stop the sale of these dangerous drugs, and executed search warrants in June 2015 seizing the inventories of two gas stations. Despite these warnings, the conspirators continued to distribute synthetic cannabinoids from a Mobil gas station located at 3505 East Washington Avenue in Madison. During this period, Shakeel systematically made cash deposits from the sale of synthetic cannabinoids into bank accounts controlled by Shahzad.
In sentencing Shakeel, Judge Peterson stated that Shakeel was deeply involved in the conspiracy and persisted in distributing synthetic cannabinoids even after he knew it was illegal and damaging to the community. Judge Peterson noted that Shakeel also filed a false affidavit in court in connection with the government’s early investigation into the conspiracy. However, Judge Peterson also noted that unlike Shahzad, there was no evidence that Shakeel significantly profited from the sale of synthetic cannabinoids.
On March 20, 2019, Judge Peterson sentenced Shahzad to 30 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute synthetic cannabinoids and possessing untaxed smokeless tobacco.
The charge against Zahid Shakeel was the result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Wisconsin Department of Revenue, and Dane County Narcotics Task Force. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Bank Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jamie Ervin, 49, of Springfield, Massachusetts was sentenced on Wednesday to 27 months in prison for bank fraud and identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately September 21, 2017 and January 20, 2018, Ervin entered a number of different bank branches and made a number of withdrawals from at least 14 people’s bank accounts. For each transaction, Ervin used customers’ bank account numbers and false drivers’ licenses that contained the bank customers’ personal identifying information and Ervin’s photograph. In total, Ervin withdrew approximately $106,000 and attempted to withdraw an additional $31,200 from other persons’ bank accounts.
Ervin previously pleaded guilty on January 19, 2019.
“Fraud and identify theft crimes cause serious harm to individuals as well as financial institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to deter this criminal conduct, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to prosecute fraudsters who commit fraud and identity crimes.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.
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Maryland U.S. Attorney Announces Recent Results of Federal Efforts to Reduce Violent Crime in BaltimoreRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur, along with federal, state, and local partners, announced that as a result of strategies applied to focus on the most violent neighborhoods and target those responsible for that violence, 90 defendants have been charged with federal crimes in investigations brought down in the last month, in separate drug conspiracies operating in the Northwest, Western, Eastern, and Southwestern Districts of Baltimore. During those investigations, law enforcement has seized more than 51 guns, as well as kilogram quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana, and nearly $1 million in cash. The agencies involved in these investigations included the ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City.
As of July 31, we have indicted 215 defendants in 2019 in Baltimore under Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), our violent-crime reduction strategy. All of those defendants are members of violent drug trafficking organizations that have been operating in those Baltimore neighborhoods hardest hit by gun violence. By comparison, in 2018, we indicted a total of 246 Baltimore PSN defendants. At the current pace, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland anticipates charging 50% more violent crime defendants under our strategy this year than in 2018.
“Reducing violent crime in Baltimore is job one. It’s what we in law enforcement think about morning, noon, and night,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “We will continue to do everything we can to prosecute the violent criminals who wreak havoc in and terrorize Baltimore’s neighborhoods.”
RECENT PROACTIVE ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS
Monument Street Drug Trafficking Organization (“DTO”) - In this case, 25 defendants were arrested and charged in a 30-count superseding indictment that was returned by a federal grand jury on June 26, 2019, and unsealed on July 19, 2019. The superseding indictment charges the defendants with conspiring to distribute narcotics in and around the 400 block of North Montford Avenue and Jefferson Street, and around the 2400 block of East Monument Street at Port Street. Beginning in July 2018, members of the conspiracy allegedly distributed heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine to individual drug users, and in bulk quantities to other drug traffickers, who redistributed the drugs in and around Baltimore. Ten of the conspirators also face firearms charges—including eight defendants charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. During the investigation, law enforcement seized nine firearms, more than 14 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 4.5 kilograms of heroin, and 479 grams of fentanyl—enough to kill over 200,000 people. In addition, law enforcement seized more than $472,000 in cash and jewelry and vehicles worth more than $466,000. (Adams Superseding Indictment)
Frederick and Collins – The superseding indictment returned on July 10, 2019, charges six defendants for a drug distribution conspiracy allegedly operating since January 2019 in the area of Frederick and Collins Streets in West Baltimore. In addition to the drug conspiracy, Jebriel Ali, a/k/a Bril, is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and two counts of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized five firearms, including a Glock pistol that was modified to fire as a fully-automatic gun. Ali is also charged with the possession with intent to distribute 400 grams of a substance containing fentanyl. If convicted, defendant Ali faces a minimum of 10 years imprisonment and up to life in prison. His co-defendants face maximum prison terms of 20 to 40 years. (Ali Superseding Indictment)
Normandy, Franklin, and Loudon (NFL) – This investigation resulted in two indictments charging a total of 38 defendants for allegedly participating in two drug trafficking organizations to distribute heroin, fentanyl, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine to drug users and redistributors in and around the Edmondson Village neighborhood of Southwest Baltimore. According to the superseding indictments, members of the drug trafficking organizations used residences in and around Baltimore to process, cut, package, and prepare the drugs for distribution. The defendants allegedly changed cell phones frequently to prevent the interception of their communications by law enforcement, and possessed firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities. Specifically, the Butler DTO distributed heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The Butler DTO allegedly cut the heroin and crack cocaine that they sold with other substances, including fentanyl, and at least five overdose deaths are attributed to the distribution of drugs by members of the conspiracy, including the father of one of the conspirators. As detailed in the superseding indictment, members and associates of the Adam Martin and Calvin Claxton DTO allegedly used violence to retaliate against those seeking to rob or cheat the DTO. That superseding indictment details several of these acts of violence, including a shooting murder on May 5, 2018, a gunfight on October 16, 2018 in which an unarmed bystander was struck in the crossfire, and the planned robbery of an unlicensed taxi driver. During the course of the investigation law enforcement seized at least 17 firearms, ammunition, drugs, and more than $270,000 in drug proceeds. (Bailey and Antoine Superseding Indictments)
Liberty Heights Avenue and Garrison Boulevard – Twenty-one Baltimore men were indicted on federal charges for allegedly operating a drug distribution operation in Northwest Baltimore, distributing heroin, crack and powder cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana in the area of Liberty Heights Avenue and Garrison Boulevard. The superseding indictment alleges that several of the defendants illegally possessed firearms in relation to drug trafficking. Law enforcement seized 20 guns, more than $200,000 in cash, and more than a kilogram of fentanyl and 50 grams of crack cocaine from these defendants during the investigation. Although not alleged in the indictment, the affidavit filed in support of the search warrants alleges that the defendants are part of an organization called LNG. According to the affidavit, LNG is comprised of two allied groups who work together: the Yellow Bus Gang (“YBG”) Crips and the Black Guerilla Family (“BGF”). The affidavit alleges that LNG members participate in violent acts, including a gunfight on January 19, 2019, that occurred at approximately 11 a.m. (Anderson Superseding Indictment)
OTHER FEDERAL INITIATIVES
Federal law enforcement is using all of the resources we have available to assist our state and local partners in the fight against violent crime.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”). As of July 31, 2019, we have brought federal charges against 215 defendants in Baltimore City as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”). In July alone, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged 31 defendants in Baltimore PSN cases. PSN focuses on gun, drugs, violence, and gang-related crimes. 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.
Reactive Gun Cases (“Exile”) In July alone, 10 defendants who are previously convicted felons were charged federally with illegal possession of a firearm as part of the Exile program. Maryland EXILE is part of PSN, specifically targeting gun crime by combining local, state, and federal law enforcement efforts; community action and revitalization; and public awareness.
The National Public Safety Partnership (“PSP”) program with the Baltimore Police Department. This Justice Department program is a three-year engagement that seeks to leverage department assets in support of a local jurisdiction’s commitment to drive down violent crime. On June 3, 2019, Attorney General William Barr announced the selection of the Baltimore Police Department as one of ten FY 2019 PSP sites where the Justice Department will work collaboratively to provide training and technical assistance in areas such as crime analytics, emerging technology, and community engagement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (“NIBIN”). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles.
FBI Baltimore’s Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force. The Safe Streets Task Force, which includes FBI special agents and task force officers from the Baltimore, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County Police Departments, is responsible for identifying and targeting the most violent gangs in the Baltimore metropolitan area, to address gang violence and the associated homicides in Baltimore. The program uses federal racketeering statutes to disrupt and dismantle significant violent criminal threats and criminal enterprises affecting the safety and well-being of our citizens and our communities.
The Baltimore Response Model. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has implemented the Baltimore Response Model (“BRM”) which focuses on training first-responder law enforcement to gather and share essential information that can be used as a starting point for a deeper investigation when they respond to an overdose, whether it be fatal or non-fatal. The BRM encourages local agencies to reach out to DEA with the information they receive at an overdose site and DEA will assist in exploiting investigative databases as well as accessing the broadest de-confliction networks which could lead to teaming up with other local jurisdictions. Additionally, the information received from the overdose sites can lead to whom provided the deadly narcotic to the person who overdosed, which may lead to a violent Drug Trafficking Organization.
HSI Baltimore has specifically targeted the influx of opioids through two specially developed initiatives that bring together multiple law enforcement agencies in specialized and dedicated partnership. HSI agents alongside task force officers Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County Police Departments collaborate through both the Illicit Online Marketplace Initiative and the Baltimore Seaport Initiative to quell the influx of opioids and other dangerous narcotics and illegal substances. The Illicit Online Marketplace Initiative focuses on contraband being smuggled into Maryland through darkweb and other illicit Internet transactions. The Baltimore Seaport Initiative focuses on all contraband being smuggled in to the area via Baltimore Washington International Airport and the Port of Baltimore.
We are also working closely with the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City to coordinate our prosecution efforts on violent crime and drugs. At the end of last year we announced the Synthetic Opioid Surge (“SOS”), a new initiative to target fentanyl dealers. Under this new initiative, every arrest involving distribution of fentanyl made by law enforcement in Baltimore is reviewed jointly by the State’s Attorney’s Office for Baltimore City, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to determine whether the case will be handled in the state or federal system. The use of federal resources and statutes, which carry significant terms of imprisonment, is necessary to prosecute those individuals who pose the greatest threat to public safety in distributing lethal doses of fentanyl. To date we have indicted 13 defendants federally, including a new defendant charged just this week, and two defendants who are charged in larger drug conspiracy cases.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
In addition to enforcement actions, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes the need for services to help deter individuals from committing crimes. We hold “call-ins” for individuals returning from prison who have been identified by Parole and Probation as someone likely to re-offend. At the call-in, those individuals are advised of the consequences of federal prosecution, should they commit another crime. In addition, service providers are there to assist individuals to find housing, job training, obtain identification cards and assist with other needs. In partnership with local community stakeholders we host community resource fairs, like the one held today at Union Baptist Church. In addition, we sponsor re-entry fairs for returning citizens, produce public service announcements to discourage individuals from using a gun, and put up billboards to increase community awareness of the dangers of opioid abuse and the difference between federal and state prison sentences.
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Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Using a Telephone to Facilitate Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jeffrey Paul Hatch, 39, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to using a telephone to facilitate drug trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, federal, state and local law enforcement officers conducted an investigation in 2017 of fentanyl traffickers, including an individual in Lawrence, Massachusetts who provided quantities of fentanyl to a Manchester-based fentanyl trafficker. Couriers assisted the Manchester-based trafficker by transporting drugs and money.
In pleading guilty, Hatch admitted that on July 25, 2017, he used his cellular telephone to arrange to pick up fentanyl from the Massachusetts-based trafficker on behalf of the Manchester-based trafficker.
Hatch is scheduled to be sentenced on November 6, 2019.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, New Hampshire State Police, and Manchester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Cole Davis.
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Man Deported from China Arraigned on 2011 Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Levi Wallace, age 32, from Long Grove, Iowa, has been charged with one count of importation of an analogue controlled substance, one count of use of the United States mail to facilitate a drug crime, and one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing 4- Methymethcathinone (commonly called mephedrone or 4-MMC), an analogue of methcathinone, a Schedule I controlled substance.
The charges are contained in an Indictment filed on January 12, 2011, and unsealed on June 25, 2019. On June 25, Wallace was arrested in the Central District of California when he arrived by plane from China, where he had been living since 2010. Chinese authorities deported Wallace on June 24, 2019. Wallace had hearings in federal court in California, which resulted in his detention.
If convicted on all charges, Wallace faces a possible maximum sentence of 44 years’ imprisonment, a $2,250,000 fine, and 9 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Wallace appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was continued to be held without bond. Wallace’s next appearance for trial is set for September 23, 2019.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Reinert and was investigated by Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force comprised of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 11-CR-2004. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Major heroin trafficker and co-conspirator sentencedRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Two heroin traffickers have been sentenced to federal prison after admitting to their roles in a major drug distribution conspiracy.
Gary Johnson, a/k/a “G,” 44, of Savannah, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison, while Jamison Lanier, a/k/a “Monica Lewinsky,” 36, also of Savannah, was sentenced to 53 months in prison, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. There is no parole in the federal system.
Johnson and Lanier pled guilty in U.S. District Court in February to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.
According to court statements and filings, Johnson and Lanier were involved in a conspiracy to distribute significant quantities of heroin from at least February through December of 2018. During the investigation, investigators observed Lanier and Johnson distribute heroin at multiple parking lots in the Savannah area. On Nov. 8, 2018, federal agents executed search warrants at three locations associated with Johnson, resulting in the seizure of more than $97,000 cash and more than 170 grams of heroin, much of it laced with the deadly synthetic opioid Fentanyl.
“The United States is in the midst of a drug epidemic, with nearly 30,000 overdose deaths last year attributed to drugs laced with fentanyl,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “Our commitment to the community is that we will prosecute traffickers and send them to prison and prevent them from contributing to this deadly marketplace.”
Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Atlanta Field Division stated, “Heroin and synthetic drugs have no boundaries. Once consumed, they destroy their victims like predators ravage their prey. Many thanks to the collaboration of law enforcement agencies and the subsequent prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who all made this investigation a success.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection service remains steadfast in our resolve to ensure that we seek justice to the end against criminals that pose a direct threat to the safety and stability of our communities,” said Antonio J. Gomez, Inspector in Charge of the Miami Division. “This goal is achieved through collaborative investigative efforts with other law enforcement agencies.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Bearden.
Lincoln Woman Sentenced for Being a Marijuana User in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Yasmiene Raevonne Blanton, 29, of Lincoln was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf to time served (approximately four months) and placed on three years of supervised release for possessing ammunition while she was a user of and addicted to marijuana.
On August 22, 2018, Blanton was stopped by Lincoln Police officers after she left her Lincoln residence. At the time of the stop, Blanton was driving on a suspended license, and the car she was driving smelled strongly of marijuana. She was found to be in possession of approximately two ounces of marijuana. A search warrant was executed at her residence. During that search, numerous rounds of various types of ammunition were found along with additional marijuana.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department Gang Unit and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.
Laredoan Convicted in Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 25-year old man from Laredo has admitted to conspiring with others to possess with the intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Between May 30, 2016, and June 6, 2016, Martin Delgado coordinated the transportation of more than 375 kilograms of marijuana which was supposed to be delivered to Dallas. Authorities ultimately seized the drugs at the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo.
Today, Delgado admitted to his role in the conspiracy.
Sentencing before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has not yet been set, but at that time Delgado will face a minimum of five and up to 40 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the long-term Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation dubbed Operation Eagle Ford Tour. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher dos Santos and Graciela R. Lindberg are prosecuting the case.
Justice Department Reaches $3 Million Settlement with Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation for Violating the Servicemembers Civil Relief ActRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation (Nissan MAC) has agreed to pay $3 million to resolve allegations that it violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The suit alleges that Nissan MAC repossessed 113 vehicles owned by SCRA-protected servicemembers without first obtaining the required court orders, and failed to refund up-front capitalized cost reduction (CCR) amounts to servicemembers who lawfully terminated their motor vehicle leases early after receiving military orders. This settlement is the Justice Department’s 10th settlement with an auto finance provider since 2015 and exemplifies continued efforts to enforce the SCRA’s motor vehicle repossession and lease termination provisions.
“Men and women in uniform risk their lives to serve our country, and Congress enacted the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to protect them when they serve our nation,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The U.S. Department of Justice will continue to enforce the Act vigorously in order to protect servicemembers and to ensure that all covered industries comply fully with the law.”
“The SCRA exists to offer protections to our military service members and to minimize undue financial burdens associated with deployments and other instances where our military servicemembers experience a profound and prolonged lifestyle change,” said U.S. Attorney Don Cochran, for the Middle District of Tennessee. “We will aggressively hold those institutions and businesses accountable who are required to comply with the Act. Our military deserves no less.”
The SCRA prohibits repossessing a motor vehicle from a servicemember during military service without a court order if the individual made a deposit or installment payment on the loan before entering military service. The SCRA also permits servicemembers to terminate motor vehicle leases early without penalty after entering military service or receiving qualifying military orders for a permanent change of station or to deploy. When servicemembers lawfully terminate motor vehicle leases, the SCRA requires that they be refunded all lease amounts paid in advance for a period after the effective date of the termination.
Nissan MAC is a Tennessee-based auto financing company that provides auto loans and leases for customers of Nissan and Infiniti.
Individuals who lease vehicles from Nissan MAC often contribute an up-front monetary amount at lease signing, in the form of a cash payment, credit for a trade-in vehicle, rebate, or other credit. A portion of this up-front amount can be applied to the first-month’s rent and certain up-front costs such as licensing and registration fees. The remainder, which is called the CCR amount, reduces the monthly payment the lessee must make over the term of the lease. The Department’s investigation revealed that when servicemembers terminated their motor vehicle leases early pursuant to the SCRA, Nissan MAC retained the entire CCR amount.
The agreement resolves a suit filed today by the Department of Justice in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. It covers all repossessions of servicemembers’ vehicles and leases terminated by servicemembers since Jan. 1, 2008.
The agreement requires Nissan MAC to create a $2,937,971 settlement fund to compensate servicemembers whose rights were violated under the SCRA. Additionally, Nissan MAC must pay $62,029 to the United States Treasury.
The agreement also requires Nissan MAC to revise its policies and procedures to prevent future unlawful repossessions of servicemembers’ vehicles and ensure that servicemembers who terminate their auto leases early receive a full refund of all eligible pre-paid CCR amounts. NMAC must also provide training to its employees and representatives.
The Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the Department of Justice has obtained over $474 million in monetary relief for over 120,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. The SCRA provides protections for servicemembers in areas such as evictions, rental agreements, security deposits, pre-paid rent, civil judicial proceedings, installment contracts, credit card interest rates, mortgage interest rates, mortgage foreclosures, automobile leases, life insurance, health insurance and income tax payments. For more information about the Department’s SCRA enforcement, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations may be found at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php.
Jury Finds Mexican National Guilty of Being a Deported Alien Found in the United StatesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal jury returned a guilty verdict today convicting Jose Elfego Gutierrez-Gomez, 36, a citizen of Mexico residing in Stockton, of being a deported alien found in the United States, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Gutierrez-Gomez originally entered the United States without having obtained legal status. Then in 2008, he was convicted of methamphetamine trafficking and sentenced to five years in prison. Following his release from prison, he was removed from the United States. Gutierrez-Gomez subsequently illegally reentered the United States.
Gutierrez-Gomez came to the attention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and on December 21, 2018, he was arrested. A grand jury subsequently indicted him.
This case is the product of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shea J. Kenny and Katherine T. Lydon are prosecuting the case.
Gutierrez-Gomez is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 23 by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller. Gutierrez-Gomez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Judge Convicts Pittsburgh Man of Multiple Federal Drug and Gun Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Following a two-day non-jury trial, Jamiek Moore was convicted of multiple violations of the federal narcotics and firearms laws, including conspiracy to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and two counts of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Moore, 23, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was tried before United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that on or about June 8, 2017, Moore conspired with others, including co-defendant Jaimere Dehonney, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, and that Moore possessed firearms on that day in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The government’s evidence largely consisted of items seized by law enforcement pursuant to search warrants from a residence and vehicle utilized by Moore, Dehonney, and others, located on Yosemite Drive in Penn Hills, Allegheny County. That evidence consisted of quantities of heroin, large quantities of heroin packaging materials, approximately $28,000 in U.S. Currency, and two loaded firearms. The government further established that on May 15, 2017, at a residence located on Rhine Court, Moore possessed quantities of marijuana and heroin with the intent to distribute them, and that he possessed two loaded firearms that day in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Judge Walton scheduled sentencing for Nov. 22, 2019 at 2 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $2,750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pittsburgh Police Department and the Penn Hills Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jamiek Moore.
Jamie Lightfoot, Jr. Pleads Guilty to Running One of the Largest Drug Trafficking Organizations in Pittsburgh-Area HistoryRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A leader of one of the largest Drug Trafficking Organizations to operate in the Pittsburgh area has pleaded guilty to federal narcotics and firearm charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jamie Lightfoot, Jr., 27, formerly of Verona, PA (Penn Hills) pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime before Chief United States District Court Judge Mark R. Hornak. In all, Lightfoot, Jr. accepted responsibility for between 50 kilograms and 150 kilograms of cocaine. Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for January 10, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Lightfoot, Jr. has been detained since his initial appearance and will remain detained pending sentencing.
According to information presented to the court, from January 2015 to November 5, 2017, Jamie Lightfoot, Jr. conspired with others to import large quantities of cocaine and marijuana into Western Pennsylvania. The drugs would be driven to his Harvest Drive home from out of state in a Mercedes Sprinter ‘Sno Cold’ Van and eventually a large RV. Once the drugs came into Western Pennsylvania, Lightfoot and his co-conspirators would use his residence and other locations to break down, repackage, and distribute the drugs to co-conspirators in almost every region of Western Pennsylvania.
On November 5, 2017, an FBI and Pennsylvania State Police Task Force executed a search warrant at Lightfoot’s residence after the RV arrived at the location. The search netted 52 kilograms of cocaine and heroin, 85 pounds of marijuana, illegal steroids, three firearms, and nearly a million dollars in cash. Lightfoot, Jr. pleaded guilty to possessing of one of the firearms, which was found in the house, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. As part of his plea, Lightfoot, Jr. agreed to forfeit all of the US Currency seized at the house as well as any interest in his Harvest Drive residence.
The law provides for a combined maximum sentence of not less than 15 years in prison and up to a maximum of life and/or a fine of not more than $10,000,000. 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 and Shaun Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police, with assistance from the South Strabane Police Department, the Elizabeth Borough Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department and the Perryopolis Police Department, 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.
Illegal Alien Child Abuser Found Guilty of Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Woodbridge woman who was recently convicted of aggravated sexual battery of a child family member was found guilty today of illegally reentering the United States.
“Terrazas Siles not only disregarded our immigration laws, she also sexually abused an innocent child while residing in the United States illegally,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We are committed to prosecuting criminal immigration cases, especially when the illegal alien presents a serious danger to children and other vulnerable victims in our community.”
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Lourdes Terrazas Siles, 39, is a native and citizen of Bolivia. Terrazas Siles had been previously removed from the United States in 2000, after she attempted to enter the United States with a fraudulent passport. Sometime thereafter, Terrazas Siles reentered the United States without permission to do so. She was found in the United States in August 2016, when she was arrested for felony aggravated sexual battery by a parent, step-parent, grandparent, or step-grandparent of a victim at least 13 but less than 18 years of age. She was convicted in Virginia on aggravated sexual battery charges in June 2017.
Terrazas Siles faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison when sentenced on October 11. 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.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Lyle A. Boelens, Acting Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema found Terrazas Siles guilty after a bench trial. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony W. Mariano and Assistant U.S. Attorney Danya E. Atiyeh are prosecuting the case. This case was previously handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Kraft.
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. 1:19-cr-127.