Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
12 September 2019
Former Union Official Pleads Guilty to Interstate Transportation of Stolen PropertyRead the Press Release
A former president of Local 2463 of the American Federation of Government Employees pleaded guilty today to Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property, in connection with his theft of tens of thousands of dollars from the union, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and District Director Mark Wheeler of the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor Management Standards Washington District Office.
Audonus A. Duplessis, 25, of Washington, D.C., appeared before Judge Richard J. Leon in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and pleaded guilty to the sole count in an indictment returned against him in June 2018. Judge Leon scheduled sentencing of this matter for Dec. 5, 2019.
According to a statement of facts signed by Duplessis in connection with his guilty plea,
Duplessis stole more than $80,000 from the union during his tenure as President of Local 2463, making unauthorized cash withdrawals from the Local’s checking account and charging purchases of personal items to a debit card associated with that account. As charged in the indictment, on Sept. 25, 2017, Duplessis withdrew $11,300 from the Local 2463 checking account at a Wells Fargo branch in Washington, D.C. He then transported that stolen money to the Honda dealership in Tysons Corner, Virginia, where he used it to purchase a 2013 Dodge Charger for his personal use. Other unauthorized items that Duplessis purchased with union money included clothing from Armani, a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun and a subscription to an online dating service.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) represents over 700,000 federal and D.C. government workers nationwide. Local 2463 represents approximately 2,400 employees at the Smithsonian Institution and Kennedy Center, the majority of whom are located in the Washington, D.C. area. Duplessis, a security guard at the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History and Culture, was elected to serve as President of Local 2463 in May 2017. While serving as President, Duplessis worked one day a week at the Smithsonian and received four days of “official time” to work full-time at the union.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards and Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Alexander Gottfried of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.
Former President of Massachusetts State Police Union and Union’s Former Lobbyist Indicted on RICO and Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former President of the State Police Association of Massachusetts (SPAM) and the union’s former Massachusetts lobbyist were indicted today by a federal grand jury in Boston on charges of racketeering, fraud, obstruction of justice and tax crimes.
Dana A. Pullman, 57, of Worcester, and Anne M. Lynch, 68, of Hull, were indicted on one count of racketeering conspiracy, one count of racketeering, one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, one count of honest services wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, one count of obstruction of justice and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. Pullman was charged with two additional counts of wire fraud and two counts of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return, and Lynch was charged with an additional count of obstruction of justice and four counts of aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return. The defendants will be arraigned in federal court in Boston on a date yet to be determined. Pullman and Lynch were charged by criminal complaint and arrested on Aug. 22, 2019.
According to the indictment, the SPAM was an association consisting of more than 1,500 troopers and sergeants from the Massachusetts State Police (MSP). SPAM acted as the exclusive bargaining agent between its members and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regarding the terms and conditions of SPAM members’ employment. Pullman, who was an MSP trooper from 1987 to at least 2018, was the President of SPAM from 2012 until his resignation on Sept. 28, 2018. Lynch’s lobbying firm represented SPAM during the same time period, in exchange for monthly retainer payments.
It is alleged that, from at least 2012 until Pullman resigned as the President of SPAM in September 2018, Pullman, Lynch and others were involved in a conspiracy to defraud SPAM members and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts of their right to honest services from Pullman through fraud and deceit. This included illegal bribes and kickbacks that Pullman received from Lynch and her firm. Pullman, Lynch and others were also allegedly involved in a scheme to defraud two different companies that sought to do business with the Commonwealth. They are further charged with conspiring to defraud the United States by hiding the payments from Lynch and her lobbying firm to Pullman in a manner designed to avoid reporting and paying taxes on that income to the IRS.
Pullman is also charged with wire fraud in connection with his alleged embezzlement and misuse of SPAM funds for personal use by (1) submitting expense reimbursement checks to SPAM without receipts; (2) circumventing and bypassing SPAM’s governing Executive Board; and (3) using a debit card tied to a SPAM bank account. Specifically, Pullman used the SPAM debit card to pay for thousands of dollars of meals, flowers, travel, and gifts for an individual with whom Pullman was having a romantic relationship.
Pullman and Lynch are also charged with attempting to obstruct the grand jury’s investigation of this matter by manipulating subpoenaed records, and Lynch is charged with attempting to obstruct the grand jury’s investigation by lying to investigators.
The charges of racketeering conspiracy, racketeering, fraud and fraud conspiracy each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of obstruction of justice provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina E. Barclay and Neil J. Gallagher Jr. of Lelling’s Public Corruption Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Philadelphia City Controller’s Office Employee Indicted on Federal Public Corruption ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Jeffrey Blackwell, 46, of Philadelphia, PA was charged by Superseding Indictment with honest services wire fraud, federal program bribery, filing a false tax return, and failure to file a tax return. In a news conference today, U.S. Attorney McSwain discussed the charges against the defendant and the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to investigating and prosecuting all types of public corruption.
The 13-count Superseding Indictment, unsealed this morning, alleges that the defendant – a former City of Philadelphia employee in the Office of the City Controller – committed a series of frauds, accepting more than $22,000 in bribes and kickbacks from individuals seeking City permits and contracts. Between 2013 and 2015 while serving in the Investigations Division of the Controller’s Office, Blackwell misused his official position to enrich himself by soliciting money in exchange for official actions or the promise of official actions, but rarely provided the promised permits or contracts. These promised services included lucrative city contracts and licenses, permits for home renovation work, and even mundane permits to park a storage container on the street. Blackwell is also charged with one count of federal program bribery for allegedly accepting a bribe to award a contract with the City to install decals on Philadelphia Police vehicles and a license to operate a used car sales business. Finally, the defendant faces charges related to making a false claim on his tax return in 2012, and failing to file federal tax returns in 2014 and 2015.
“Corruption is an insidious crime. It is a cancer that must be attacked and destroyed wherever it is found. It is lethal and can literally suck the life out of an organization, or even a city,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “My Office is committed to the fight against corruption: if you are an elected official, a public official or a public employee and you debase yourself and your position and betray the public through corrupt acts, you will be prosecuted and jailed. And when doing your job, don’t try to walk up to the line between corrupt and honest behavior. Stay far away from that line. Instead, do your job honestly and faithfully every day in every possible way. That is what the public deserves.”
“When government employees seek bribes and kickbacks, they’re blatantly putting their own greed ahead of the interests of the people they serve,” said Christian Zajac, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “As alleged, Blackwell traded on his official position in order to enrich himself. In doing so, he deprived the citizens of Philadelphia of their right to honest services from their city workers. The FBI is committed to investigating public corruption, in order to protect the integrity of government at all levels. We’d ask anyone who may be aware of criminal misconduct by a public official to call our Philadelphia field office, or go to tips.FBI.gov and share the information.”
“This indictment is an important victory for America's taxpayers who play by the rules,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Guy Ficco. “Those Americans who file accurate, honest and timely tax returns can be assured that the government will hold accountable those who don't.”
“This indictment sends a message that you can’t skirt City permitting rules,” said Philadelphia Inspector General Amy Kurland. “The rules ensure that construction work will be done safely and honestly. We were pleased to have played a role in this investigation, and we look forward to working with our law enforcement partners to continue aggressively pursuing anyone who doesn’t play by the rules.”
“The vast majority of city employees are good people who work hard each and every day to improve the city,” said Philadelphia City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart. “However, there are a few bad actors who abuse their positions and the public’s trust. We cannot turn a blind eye to those individuals. They must be rooted out and held to account. Today’s announcement sends a clear message that these kinds of egregious actions won’t be tolerated.”
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of more than thirty years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service with assistance from the Philadelphia Office of the Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Ignall. An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former District of Columbia Attorney Sentenced to Prison for $2 Million Investment Fraud Scheme and Failure to File Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
A former District of Columbia attorney was sentenced to prison today in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia for operating a fraudulent trading program for investors and failing to file a tax return announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
Brynee Baylor, was sentenced to 25 months in prison for conspiracy and securities fraud, one year of prison (concurrent) for her other fraud convictions and for failure to file a tax return and pay taxes, three years of supervised release, and restitution to her victims in the amount of $2.2 million dollars. In May 2019, a jury convicted Baylor of one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, one count of securities fraud, and five counts of first-degree fraud under District of Columbia law. In June 2019, Baylor pleaded guilty to one count of willfully failing to timely file a 2010 individual income tax return and to pay taxes.
According to court documents, Baylor, a former partner in the D.C. law firm Baylor & Jackson PLLC, conspired with a Pennsylvania man and his company, the Milan Group, to recruit investors to a purported trading program. Investors were promised extremely large profits in a short time with little or no risk.
The evidence presented at trial showed that in 2010 and 2011, Baylor caused more than $2 million of investor funds to pass through the Baylor & Jackson lawyer trust account. More than half of the investor funds were used for the benefit of Baylor, the Pennsylvania man, the Milan Group, and Baylor & Jackson. Baylor falsely assured investors that the purported trading program was legitimate and that she had personally observed investors successfully complete transactions with the Milan Group. In reality, the Milan Group did not complete any such transactions and the investors lost all their funds.
In 2011, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sued Baylor and others for fraud in connection with the purported trading program. In 2013, Baylor was permanently enjoined from promoting investment programs and ordered to pay disgorgement and a civil penalty.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman thanked the SEC for its invaluable assistance and commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Jeffrey McLellan and Eric Powers of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Former Chattanooga Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Desmond Logan, 38, formerly an officer with the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD), pleaded guilty today in federal court in the Eastern District of Tennessee to two counts of violating the civil rights of victims while performing his duties as a law enforcement officer. Specifically, the defendant sexually assaulted one woman and, in a separate incident, entered the car of another victim and refused to let her out, causing her to fear for her physical safety.
According to court documents filed in connection with the guilty plea, the defendant, while on duty on June 12, 2018, handcuffed and arrested K.B.V. Rather than transporting K.B.V. directly to the Hamilton County Jail, the defendant drove K.B.V. in his squad car to an empty and isolated parking lot. There, Logan sexually assaulted K.B.V. Additionally, on Jan. 2, 2016, in the evening hours, the defendant, while working on a security detail at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, got in the passenger seat of D.H.’s car and claimed he needed a ride to his car, which he maintained was parked in a different lot. The defendant intentionally directed D.H. to a secluded parking lot with no people. There, the defendant took out his taser and pressed it against D.H.’s leg, causing D.H. to fear that he would cause her physical harm. When D.H. tried to escape, Logan prevented her from getting out of the car.
In addition to these two victims, the defendant admitted as part of his guilty plea that he also sexually assaulted two more female victims who were in his custody. In each of these two incidents, the defendant drove the victim in his squad car to a deserted area where he sexually assaulted them. None of these victims consented to having sexual contact with the defendant.
“The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting officers who violate their oath by sexually assaulting and unlawfully seizing persons while on duty,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “We will continue to send the strong message that the federal government will not tolerate such egregious abuses of power.”
“This case exhibits our continued efforts to prosecute those who would use their power to commit acts of violence and injustice against members of our community,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey of the Eastern District of Tennessee. “Our office will continue to stand by and protect the victims of such crimes.”
"Civil Rights violations, particularly when they involve a member of law enforcement, are of tremendous concern. The entire law enforcement profession is tarnished when an officer betrays the oath to protect and serve. The FBI will vigorously investigate any officer or agent of the law who is breaking the rules that he or she is sworn to uphold or is violating the civil rights of others," said Knoxville Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico.
With his guilty plea, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. In addition to the sentence that the Court ultimately imposes, the defendant must forfeit his law enforcement certification.
A sentencing date has been set for February 10, 2020..
This case was investigated by the Knoxville Division of the FBI, with the support of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney James Brooks of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Olimpia Michel of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice are prosecuting the case.
Former Chattanooga Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
Desmond Logan, 38, formerly an officer with the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD), pleaded guilty today in federal court in the Eastern District of Tennessee to two counts of violating the civil rights of victims while performing his duties as a law enforcement officer. Specifically, the defendant sexually assaulted one woman and, in a separate incident, entered the car of another victim and refused to let her out, causing her to fear for her physical safety.
According to court documents filed in connection with the guilty plea, the defendant, while on duty on June 12, 2018, handcuffed and arrested K.B.V. Rather than transporting K.B.V. directly to the Hamilton County Jail, the defendant drove K.B.V. in his squad car to an empty and isolated parking lot. There, Logan sexually assaulted K.B.V. Additionally, on Jan. 2, 2016, in the evening hours, the defendant, while working on a security detail at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, got in the passenger seat of D.H.’s car and claimed he needed a ride to his car, which he maintained was parked in a different lot. The defendant intentionally directed D.H. to a secluded parking lot with no people. There, the defendant took out his taser and pressed it against D.H.’s leg, causing D.H. to fear that he would cause her physical harm. When D.H. tried to escape, Logan prevented her from getting out of the car.
In addition to these two victims, the defendant admitted as part of his guilty plea that he also sexually assaulted two more female victims who were in his custody. In each of these two incidents, the defendant drove the victim in his squad car to a deserted area where he sexually assaulted them. None of these victims consented to having sexual contact with the defendant.
“The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting officers who violate their oath by sexually assaulting and unlawfully seizing persons while on duty,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “We will continue to send the strong message that the federal government will not tolerate such egregious abuses of power.”
“This case exhibits our continued efforts to prosecute those who would use their power to commit acts of violence and injustice against members of our community,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey of the Eastern District of Tennessee. “Our office will continue to stand by and protect the victims of such crimes.”
"Civil Rights violations, particularly when they involve a member of law enforcement, are of tremendous concern,” said Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI’s Knoxville Field Office. “The entire law enforcement profession is tarnished when an officer betrays the oath to protect and serve. The FBI will vigorously investigate any officer or agent of the law who is breaking the rules that he or she is sworn to uphold or is violating the civil rights of others."
With his guilty plea, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. In addition to the sentence that the Court ultimately imposes, the defendant must forfeit his law enforcement certification.
A sentencing date has been set for Feb. 10, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Knoxville Division of the FBI, with the support of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney James Brooks of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Olimpia Michel of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice are prosecuting the case.
Former Bookkeeper Sentenced to 36 Months in Federal Prison for Scheme to Embezzle in Excess of $99,000 from Greater Spokane County Meals on WheelsRead the Press Release
Spokane –William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Michelle Susan Ferrell, age 59, of Spokane Valley, was sentenced today after having pleaded guilty on February 26, 2019, to wire fraud. Senior United States District Judge Robert H. Whaley sentenced Ferrell to a 36-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court supervision after she is released from federal prison. Judge Whaley also ordered Ferrell to pay restitution, and forfeiture of $99,871. Judge Whaley ordered that Ferrell be immediately taken into custody to begin serving her sentence.
According to information disclosed during the court proceedings, Ferrell worked as a bookkeeper for Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels (Meals on Wheels) between May 2013 and April 2018. Meals on Wheels, which is part of the nationwide Meals on Wheels America organization operating throughout the United States, relies on government funding and private donations to provide over 1,000 meals each day to elderly and disabled residents of Spokane County. As a bookkeeper for Meals on Wheels, Ferrell had access to the organization’s bank accounts, debit cards, and payroll system.
While employed at Meals on Wheels, Ferrell used the organization’s funds and bank accounts to pay for her unauthorized personal expenses, including mortgage, utility, and property tax payments on her residence, and to electronically transfer funds to herself and her businesses. Ferrell concealed her thefts by making false and misleading entries in Meals on Wheels’ internal accounting system, creating the appearance that she was paying legitimate operating expenses of the organization. Over a five-year period, Ferrell stole in excess of $99,000 in Meals on Wheels funds.
Ferrell also defrauded the United States Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Ferrell was responsible for withholding and paying Meals on Wheels’ quarterly payroll taxes to the IRS. As part of her scheme, Ferrell withheld payroll taxes but did not remit all the taxes to the IRS, or failed to file the organization’s quarterly payroll tax returns for certain quarters, and made false entries in the organization’s internal accounting records representing that the quarterly payroll taxes were paid in full. By engaging in these fraudulent actions, Ferrell ensured there would be sufficient funds in the Meals on Wheels account to cover her personal expenses.
United States Attorney Hyslop stated, “The sentence imposed today holds Ferrell accountable for abusing her position of trust as a bookkeeper for Meals on Wheels, a charitable organization that provides critical services to so many vulnerable people in our community. By lining her pockets, Ferrell put herself above the needs of others. I commend the excellent work done by the FBI in investigating this case. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington will continue to work closely with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute white collar crime and fraud.”
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Dan Fruchter, Tyler H.L. Tornabene and Brian Donovan, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.
Former Assistant Director of Real Estate for the City of Boston Pleads Guilty to Bribery and Filing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Assistant Director of Real Estate working for the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with accepting $50,000 in bribes.
John M. Lynch, 66, pleaded guilty to one count of bribery involving an organization receiving federal funds and one count of filing a false federal tax return. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Jan. 24, 2019. According to the terms of a plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence of 46 to 57 months in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine and forfeiture.
“The residents of Boston deserve honesty and integrity from their public officials, whether elected or appointed,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Government is supposed to work on behalf of – for the benefit of – all citizens, and public officials, paid with taxpayer dollars, should be above reproach. John Lynch’s actions were an affront to these ideals. This office will pursue and prosecute all public officials whose greed leads them to breach the public trust and break federal law.”
“John Lynch saw more value in lowering his ethical standards than raising the profile of Boston as a metropolitan mecca for economic growth and prosperity. Today, he finally accepted responsibility for his criminal conduct, admitting he accepted $50,000 in bribes to help a real estate developer secure a key vote from the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Putting one’s official position up for sale to help others cash in further erodes the public’s trust in their government and cheats them out of the honest services they deserve.”
“Public officials, whether elected or appointed, hold positions of trust in the eyes of the public. That trust is broken when they abuse their authority and commit crimes,” said Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Boston Field Office. “Mr. Lynch used his influence at the BPDA in exchange for a substantial bribe, then failed to report $60,000 on his tax return. As part of a steadfast law enforcement team, IRS will continue to hold financial fraudsters and tax evaders accountable.”
In 2017, a Boston real estate developer sought to sell a parcel of residential real estate in Boston, but needed Boston Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) approval to extend a permit that would allow the property to be sold as a multi-unit development. In order to secure the permit extension, the developer agreed to pay $50,000 in bribes to Lynch, in return for Lynch using his influence at the BPDA to secure a vote from a ZBA member. In May 2017, the ZBA member voted to grant the permit extension, enabling the developer to sell the property at an additional half million dollar profit that the developer otherwise would not have received. Per their agreement, the developer then paid Lynch $25,000 in cash and gave Lynch a $25,000 check, which Lynch used to pay a personal bill. Lynch then failed to report those and another $10,000 payment he had received from the real estate developer on this 2018 tax returns.
The charge of bribery involving an organization receiving federal funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greater, and forfeiture. The charge of filing a false federal tax return provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Lelling, FBI Boston SAC Bonavolonta, and IRS-CI SAC O’Connell made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Chao of Lelling’s Public Corruption Unit is prosecuting the case.
Former Asbestos Abatement Contractor Sentenced to 12 Years for Violating Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Lloyd Robl, 49, New Richmond, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 12 years in prison, and three years of supervised release.
On June 20, 2019, Robl pleaded guilty to wire fraud and a Clean Air Act violation. Judge Conley imposed a 72-month sentence on each count to run consecutive to each other. The court also ordered the federal sentence to run consecutive to Robl’s current state prison sentence of 30 months for felony possession of methamphetamine.
Robl worked as a self-employed asbestos abatement contractor in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He performed asbestos removal and disposal services for residential and commercial clients in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Robl engaged in a scheme to defraud his clients by: (1) falsely advertising on Craigslist he was licensed, insured and bonded to do asbestos abatements; (2) failing to tell his clients that his Minnesota license had been revoked in July 2001 and he was permanently enjoined by the State of Minnesota from providing asbestos abatement services; and (3) providing his clients with falsified records including falsified insurance policy documents, falsified Minnesota asbestos abatement licenses, falsified air sampling results, and falsified asbestos waste manifests.
In addition, Robl violated the Clean Air Act by knowingly releasing asbestos into the ambient air which placed others in imminent danger of death and serious bodily harm. Robel improperly disposed of asbestos-laden waste by: (1) burning the materials in burn piles or in 55-gallon drums at his home; and (2) spreading the ashes collected in the 55-gallon burn barrels along the tree line and in the farm field behind his home.
At today’s sentencing, nine victims testified against Robl, including four individuals who were methamphetamine addicts hired by Robl to do asbestos removal jobs with Robl. These victims explained that Robl paid them with methamphetamine, and failed to properly train them or equip them with respirators, suits, or cleaning materials. Two customers testified that Robl provided them with licenses purporting to show he was licensed by the State of Minnesota to remove asbestos. Finally, two fire fighters with the New Richmond Fire Department testified about fires they put out at Robl’s home that involved out-of-control fires in burn pits and in 55-gallon drums. The fire fighters were never told there was asbestos waste in these fires.
Judge Conley noted at today’s sentencing that Robl “has a lack of any moral compass,” and that while Robl may have been a victim to his own methamphetamine addiction, “the gravity of his ways, and his use of other addicts, shows a depth of conduct not typically seen by other persons acting under the influence of drugs.” Judge Conley added that Robl exposed people to a cancer-causing substance without their knowledge or consent. “His willful conduct caused harm to society and the environment, and countless others who will never be known.”
After the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Blader said, “My office is committed to holding accountable those who endanger their fellow citizens by degrading the environment for their own selfish financial gains.”
Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Lynn of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division added, “The defendant improperly handled asbestos, presenting a serious health threat to workers and the general public, and then tried to conceal evidence of the illegal acts. Today’s sentencing shows EPA’s commitment to prosecute those who try to undermine environmental laws and the protection of human health and the environment.”
The charges against Robl are the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency- Criminal Investigation Division, the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Law Enforcement. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Graber.
Florida Man Sentenced to 52 Months for Credit Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Janoy Garcia-Prieto, 31, Miami, Florida, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson to 52 months in federal prison for conspiring to commit access device fraud and possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices. Garcia-Prieto pleaded guilty to these charges on May 29, 2019.
On September 12, 2016, Garcia-Prieto, Pedro Lorenzo-Concepcion, and Jorge Consuegra-Rojas attempted to use a counterfeit credit card inside of a grocery store in Mauston, Wisconsin. The group’s vehicle, which had been rented by Garcia-Prieto in New Orleans, was stopped by law enforcement shortly after leaving the store. Officers searched the vehicle and found multiple false identification documents, counterfeit credit cards, multiple cellular telephones, two computers, three flash drives, six credit card skimmers, a credit card reader/writer, and 280 gift cards valued at over $23,000.
A forensic search of the flash drives and computers revealed a total of 1,679 stolen credit card numbers, some of which had been used to purchase the recovered gift cards. The investigation also revealed that Garcia-Prieto, Lorenzo-Concepcion, and Consuegra-Rojas used fraudulent credit cards to conduct dozens of purchases at Sam’s Club stores throughout Minnesota between September 9 and September 12, 2016, for a total of $20,279.78 in fraudulent charges.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson recognized that Garcia-Prieto played a critical role in a large-scale multi-state credit card fraud scheme and was actively involved in the scheme throughout the timeframe of the conspiracy. Judge Peterson also noted that Garcia-Prieto actively avoided arrest for over eight months after he was indicted by the federal grand jury in Madison on February 15, 2018. Judge Peterson also noted that Garcia-Prieto had a prior federal conviction in the Southern District of Florida for alien smuggling in 2011 and served a 30-month prison sentence.
In 2018, Judge Peterson sentenced Consuegra-Rojas to 60 months and Lorenzo-Concepcion to 46 months for their respective roles in the conspiracy.
The charges against Garcia-Prieto were a result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mauston Police Department. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Florida man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with the fraudulent abuse of the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) Informed Delivery electronic notification system.
Lucson Appolon, 27, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Dec. 5, 2019. Appolon and his co-conspirators, Fred Alcius, Peter Belony, and Kevens Louis were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud on April 9, 2019. Belony and Louis have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Alcius remains a fugitive.
Informed Delivery is a free electronic notification service provided by the USPS that gives residential and P.O. Box customers the ability to digitally preview their incoming mail and manage their packages.
According to the indictment, the defendants accessed victims’ personal identifying information, including names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses on the “dark web” and then used the information to open credit cards in the victims’ names. The defendants then subscribed to Informed Delivery using the victims’ personal identifying information and a fraudulent email address created to track the delivery of credit cards to the victims’ residential mailboxes. The defendants subsequently intercepted the credit cards at the victims’ mailboxes before the victims could receive them and used those credit cards at ATMs and to purchase gift cards and other items for resale at retail establishments. The defendants traveled to states across the East Coast in furtherance of the fraud, including New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts.
The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison, to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; the Concord, Fort Lauderdale (Fla.), Harvard, Kittery (Maine), Norfolk, Plantation (Fla.), Sherborn, and Weston Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of Lelling’s Cybercrime Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Five Paterson, New Jersey, Men Admit Stealing over $300,000 in Checks from Dozens of Mail Collection BoxesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Five Paterson, New Jersey, men have admitted their roles in a scheme to steal checks worth more than $300,000 from U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail collection boxes throughout New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Jerry Lake-Rodriguez, 26, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Co-defendants Ismael Alicea Jr., 26, Yerrisson Garcia-Rodriguez, 24, Brayan Ulloa-Ulloa, 24, and Johan Lake-Rodriguez, 27, previously pleaded guilty to separate informations charging each with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Jerry Lake-Rodriguez and his conspirators stole checks from USPS mail collection boxes in Passaic, Bergen, Morris, Essex, and Middlesex counties, and elsewhere, and fraudulently deposited them into various bank accounts, often within a day of being stolen. The stolen checks had a total value of over $300,000.
The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a penalty of a mandatory two-year term of imprisonment, to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Sentencing for Jerry Lake-Rodriguez is scheduled for Feb. 6, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Newark Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James Buthorn, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Macurdy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Defense counsel: Jerry Lake-Rodriguez: Curtis LaForge Esq., Saddle Brook, New Jersey
Johan Lake-Rodriguez: Tim Donohue Esq., West Orange, New Jersey
Garcia-Rodriguez: Kevin Buchan Esq., Roseland, New Jersey
Ulloa-Ulloa: Frank Galluccio Esq., Paterson
Alicea: Bruce Rosen Esq., Florham Park, New JerseyFive Men Charged with Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Five men have been charged in federal court in Boston as a result of a federal investigation targeting offenders of document and benefit fraud.
The following individuals have each been charged with aggravated identity theft and false representation of a Social Security number:
- Manuel Enrique Arias Aguasvivas, 32, a Dominican national residing in Methuen. According to court records, Arias Aguasvivas obtained a Massachusetts driver’s license in the name of a U.S. citizen.
- Richard Zapata Suarez, 32, a Dominican national residing in Lawrence. It is alleged that Zapata Suarez obtained a Massachusetts driver’s license in the name of a U.S. citizen.
- Jairo Samuel Andujar Ruiz, 26, a resident of Lawrence. Andujar Ruiz is charged with using the identification of another person to obtain a Massachusetts identity card.
- Robely Eladio De Jesus Guerrero, 32, a resident of Lawrence. De Jesus Guerrero is charged with using the identification of another person to obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license.
- John Doe (true identity unknown), a resident of Jamaica Plain. Doe is charged with using the identification of another person to obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license.
Arias Aguasvivas and Zapata Suarez were arrested on complaints and had initial appearances in federal court in Boston on Sept. 5, 2019. Andujar Ruiz and De Jesus Guerrero are currently in state custody awaiting trial on state charges, and John Doe is currently incarcerated in state prison. Indictments were returned against all five men today.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.
The DBFTF is currently investigating suspected aliens who are believed to have obtained stolen identities of U.S. citizens born in Puerto Rico. The DBFTF has investigated individuals who have used stolen identities to obtain public benefits that they otherwise would not be eligible to receive, including Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles identity documents, Social Security numbers, MassHealth benefits, public housing benefits, and/or unemployment benefits.
In July 2018, a DGFTF-led investigation resulted in the arrests of 25 individuals on charges of identity theft and Social Security fraud. In April 2019, a separate DBFTF-led investigation resulted in 11 additional arrests, and in June 2019 another investigation led to five arrests.
The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence that must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Jason Molina, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Office; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Boston; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Massachusetts State Police; the Massachusetts Office of Inspector General; the Lawrence Police Department; and the Methuen Police Department.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Five Men Charged with Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Five men have been charged in separate Criminal Complaints this week for allegedly conspiring to distribute heroin in the Northern District of Oklahoma, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
Pablo Soriano-Villareal, Diego Carrillo-Lopez, Felix Gil-Cardenas, David Hernandez-Perez, and Oscar Delgado-Trujillo were apprehended by authorities in Tulsa, on Wednesday, as part of a joint operation which began in June 2019. The Criminal Complaint alleges that the defendants were involved in a drug trafficking organization that sold heroin in Tulsa.
“Drug traffickers working in Oklahoma should know that the DEA and U.S. Attorney’s Office will relentlessly pursue them to disrupt and dismantle their organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Shores. “These types of cases involve collaborative investigative efforts. I commend the DEA for their role as the lead agency in this case and am appreciative of the important contributions by the FBI and Tulsa Police Department as well. We must get heroin off our streets.”
A Criminal Complaint is a set of allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government would need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, and Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O. Johnston is prosecuting the case.
Five Indicted for Stealing Copper Wire from Cellular TowersRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Christina Weaver, 40, of Collinsville, IL; Wendell Ragsdale, 45, of Springfield, IL; Bradley Quinelle Warren, 32, of Collinsville, IL; Taylor D. James, 20, of Collinsville, IL; and Haley S. James, 21, of Collinsville, IL; were indicted today by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiring to maliciously interfere with communication lines by entering onto cellular tower sites.
According to the Indictment, between April 3, 2018 and August 1, 2018, Weaver, Ragsdale, Warren, Taylor James and Haley James conspired to obtain money by stealing copper grounding bars and copper wiring from cellular telephone towers and thereafter selling the stolen copper to metal salvage dealers in exchange for cash. They entered onto over 80 cellular tower sites located in 21 different jurisdictions thereby damaging cellular communications systems in the affected areas.
Defendants Warren and Weaver are also charged with one count of malicious interference with communications lines for their role in stealing copper grounding bars and copper wiring from a cellular telephone tower in Montgomery County, Missouri.
If convicted, the conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine and the malicious interference with communications lines carries a penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.
Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal Jury Finds Local Man Guilty of Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possessing a Firearm in a School ZoneRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – After a three-day federal jury trial, Herbert Graham, 32, was found guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in a school zone. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the guilty verdict today.
According to information presented in court, on January 30, 2018, Memphis Police Officers responded to a burglary/aggravated assault call at a residence. The residents of the home advised they observed a family friend, Herbert Graham, steal a laptop from their back bedroom and escape through the window. They drove around the neighborhood and found Graham walking toward Raleigh Lagrange. They demanded he return the laptop and Graham pulled a gun and threatened to kill them "if they did not back off." The victims left and called police.
As officers drove toward the scene, they saw Graham walking on Chiswood Street with the laptop in his hands. Graham saw the officers, dropped the laptop and fled from law enforcement onto the school property of Memphis Rise Academy. Officers gave chase and observed Graham toss a magazine and a gun on the ground. The school was placed on lock down for the safety of the students. Minutes later, Graham was apprehended on the school campus.
The firearm and magazine were recovered on the property. The magazine was loaded with 15 live rounds and the gun held one live round in the chamber. The gun, a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol, had also been reported stolen in 2016, in Shelby County. A criminal history check on Graham revealed he had been convicted of being a felon in possession of a handgun on May 29, 2015, in Shelby County Criminal Court.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Under our PSN initiative, we focus on removing firearms from the hands of prohibited persons, and removing dangerous felons from our streets. Clearly, this felon had no hesitation in committing a violent crime with a firearm,
and he will now be removed from our community. We are FED UP. Gun Crime is Max Time."
Sentencing is scheduled for December 20, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. Graham faces up to fifteen years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force, which includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office; the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Memphis Police Department; and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, who have all joined together to address gun-related crimes through targeted investigations and aggressive prosecution.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raney Irwin and Marques Young are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Elyria man sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for drug trafficking and firearms convictionRead the Press Release
An Elyria man was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Joshua Novak, 28, was sentenced to 151 months in prison. He previously pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of crack cocaine, one count of distribution of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Novak sold crack cocaine and a mixture of heroin and fentanyl on multiple occasions in February of 2019, according to court documents. On February 19, 2019, when police executed a search warrant at his residence, they located nearly 7 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, a firearm, ammunition, and other drug trafficking tools.
During his sentencing hearing, Novak was found by the court to be a career offender under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, having previously been convicted of at least two felony offenses of either a crime of violence or a controlled substance offense.
This case is one of nearly eighty prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), in which any cases involving heroin, fentanyl or any synthetic opioid are prosecuted in federal court. Lorain County is one of 10 communities around the nation selected as a pilot for Operation SOS. The program demonstrates the Justice Department’s continued to commitment to working with local partners to make our community safer by targeting those offenders who have made a career of drug trafficking.
This case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department and FBI, with assistance from the Lorain County Prosecutor's Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Corts, Vasile Katsaros, and Robert J. Kolansky.
Ellwood City Woman Sentenced to Prison for Probation ViolationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 10 months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release after the Court found that she violated her probation by committing perjury at a federal trial, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Kacie Zito, 33.
According to information presented to the court, on June 12, 2019, at the trial of Taurean Potter, Ms. Zito committed perjury when she denied that Potter provided her cocaine that she later sold. Despite Zito’s false testimony, the jury convicted Potter and he is awaiting sentencing.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Schwab stated that, in his nearly 20 years as a Judge, he had never seen anyone lie so blatantly as Zito.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and Yvonne Saadi prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office for its assistance in Zito’s probation violation hearing.
Eleven Defendants Charged in Federal Court with Drug Trafficking, Possession of Firearms, and Money Laundering in Green BayRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger has announced that federal, state, and local law enforcement officers engaged in a significant drug operation in Green Bay and surrounding communities resulting in a federal grand jury returning on September 10, 2019, an eleven-count superseding indictment charging eleven defendants with conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Additionally, the superseding indictment charges some defendants with possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking as well as money laundering. Additional defendants face drug charges in Brown County Circuit Court for their involvement in this drug organization. All defendants are residents of Green Bay with exception of Oscar Alonso and James Parkinson (Milwaukee), Hector Gomez-Salas (Oklahoma) and Francisco Martinez (Rochelle, Illinois).
The defendants charged in the superseding indictment are:
Name
Age
Charge
Ruben Ortiz, Jr.
36
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Money Laundering
Alejandro Lopez
37
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Possession with intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime
Francisco Martinez
38
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
Hector M. Gomez-Salas
31
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
Oscar Alonso
45
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Possession with intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession with intent to Distribute Heroin
Gabiel Y. Bonilla
37
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
Cedric D. Cohen
42
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Possession with intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime
Terry A. Johnson
27
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Possession with intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine; Possession with intent to Distribute Heroin; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime
Richard D. Guyette
26
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Possession with intent to Distribute Fentanyl
James H. Parkinson
46
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Possession with intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession with intent to Distribute Heroin
Stephanie M. Ortiz
30
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Money Laundering
As part of this investigation, law enforcement executed numerous arrest warrants and search warrants in June 2019 at various locations in Green Bay. The operation and charges are the culmination of a multi-year investigation that has resulted in the seizure of significant amounts of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, $130,000 in U.S. Currency, vehicles, and at least 14 firearms. One seizure in particular involved approximately 480 grams of fentanyl that was intended to be sold by members of the conspiracy.
If convicted of the conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, the defendants face at least a minimum term of 10 years prison, and up to life. Convictions on the firearms and money laundering counts would expose the defendants to additional terms of incarceration.
The investigation was led by the following law enforcement groups: Brown County Drug Task Force, Green Bay Police Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Menominee Tribal Police Department, Manitowoc County Metro Drug Unit, Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Drug Unit, Oneida Police Department, Wausau Police Department, Native American Drug and Gang Initiative Task Force, Brown County District Attorney’s Office, Outagamie County District Attorney’s Office, Manitowoc County District Attorney’s Office, Wisconsin Attorney General’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). The case is prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Roach.
# # # #
Eight Defendants Arrested for Distributing Millions of Opioid Pills Imported from IndiaRead the Press Release
Earlier today, a complaint was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging eight defendants, Ezhil Sezhian Kamaldoss, Harpreet Singh, Parthiban Narayanasamy, Baljeet Singh, Deepak Manchanda, Gulab Gulab, Mukul Chugh and Vikas M. Verma with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance containing Tramadol, a synthetic opioid. The defendants were arrested this morning, and their initial appearances are scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Lois Bloom.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Mark McCormack, Special Agent-in-Charge, Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Metro Washington Field Office (FDA-OCI); Todd A. Wickerham, Special Agent-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office (FBI); Philip R. Bartlett, Inspector-in-Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS); John Eisert, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Baltimore Field Office; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent-in-Charge, HSI, New York Field Office; Troy Miller, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, New York Field Office (CBP); and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office (DEA), announced the charges.
Since approximately January 2018, law enforcement agents with FDA-OCI, USPIS, HSI, CBP, DEA, FBI and other agencies have been investigating the large-scale importation of misbranded controlled substances, including Tramadol, into the United States from India. As part of the defendants’ scheme, distributors in India shipped misbranded Tramadol and other drugs to individuals and entities in the United States through the U.S. mail and other commercial couriers. The defendants primarily operated out of a warehouse in Queens where they repackaged the pills and mailed them to customers throughout the United States. The defendants maintained daily ledgers detailing the names, addresses, pill size and pill amounts ordered by customers. During the course of the investigation, the defendants distributed millions of Tramadol pills.
Ezhil Sezhian Kamaldoss is also charged with money laundering.
“As alleged, the defendants participated in a black market for prescription medications by distributing millions of opioid pills in tens of thousands of transactions in one year alone,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who profit from the suffering wrought by opioid distribution in the United States.” Mr. Donoghue expressed his appreciation to the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Maryland, the District of Massachusetts and the Southern District of Ohio for their assistance in the case.
“The illegal manufacture and distribution of opioids can result in overdoses and deaths, further fueling the national crisis,” stated FDA Special Agent-in-Charge McCormack. “The FDA is committed to disrupting and dismantling illegal prescription drug distribution networks, including those that import unapproved drugs from overseas, and distribute those drugs with reckless disregard of the risk to public health.”
“The importation of mislabeled drugs is both dangerous and illegal,” stated FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Wickerham. “It contributes to the ongoing opioid crisis in our nation and causes harm to our communities.”
“Postal Inspectors are always at the forefront in protecting communities from the scourge of illegal drugs, no matter how they enter this country, and today’s arrests are a shining example of our commitment to keep the public safe,” stated USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Bartlett.
“These individuals chose greed and profit at the cost of human lives. HSI is committed to investigating and ending these kinds of drug trafficking schemes to keep opioids off our streets,” stated HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Eisert.
“American communities continue to be plagued by synthetic opioids, often at the hands of dealers like those accused in this investigation,” stated HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Fitzhugh. “HSI is committed to aggressively targeting every level of the opioid supply chain, from the overseas vendors to the street-level dealers, in an effort to end this crisis.”
“This case serves as a great example of collaborative law enforcement efforts to combat international opioid trafficking conspirators. U.S. Customs and Border Protection thanks our partners at FBI, FDA, USPIS, HSI and DEA for their continued cooperation,” stated CBP Director of Field Operations Miller.
“DEA is addressing the threat of opioids, both internationally and domestically. We prioritize our resources by identifying and targeting the world’s biggest and most powerful drug traffickers and their organizations,” stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Boyle. “The diversion of prescription pain killers contribute to the widespread abuse of opioids which is a gateway to addiction and is devastating our communities. DEA will continue to collaborate with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who are fueling this epidemic.”
The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Ezhil Sezhian Kamaldoss faces up to 25 years’ imprisonment. The remaining defendants each face up to five years’ imprisonment.
First Assistant United States Attorney Mark Lesko and Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas J. Moscow, Temidayo Aganga-Williams and Andrew D. Grubin are in charge of the prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Karin Orenstein of the Office’s Civil Division is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendants:
MUKUL CHUGH
Age: 24
Long Island City, New YorkGULAB GULAB
Age: 45
Richmond Hill, New YorkEZHIL SEZHIAN KAMALDOSS (also known as Kamaldoss Sezhian,” “Kamal Doss” and “Ezhil Cezhian”)
Age: 46
Richmond Hill, New YorkDEEPAK MANCHANDA
Age: 43
Deer Park, New YorkPARTHIBAN NARAYANASAMY (also known as “Pat”)
Age: 58
Jamaica, New YorkBALJEET SINGH (also known as “Sunny”)
Age: 29
Richmond Hill, New YorkHARPREET SINGH (also known as “Vicky Singh”)
Age: 28
Plainview, New YorkVIKAS M. VERMA
Age: 45
Dix Hills, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-MJ-793 (RLM)
Dominican Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Jose Oriol Feliz Aybar, 31, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 24 months for participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the defendant distributed quantities of fentanyl in Lawrence, Massachusetts with Leudin Arismendi Lara (also known as Rolando Sierra-Oyola). On three occasions in 2016, the defendant sold fentanyl to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers and who purported to be a New Hampshire-based drug trafficker.
Lara previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to serve 91 months in prison.
Aybar previously pleaded guilty on May 29, 2019. Aybar was extradited from the Dominican Republic to face the charges in this case. He faces likely deportation to the Dominican Republic after serving his sentence.
“The deadly effects of interstate fentanyl trafficking are felt each day in the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This case demonstrates that drug dealers cannot flee the United States to avoid prosecution. In order to stop the flow of this dangerous drug into New Hampshire, we will continue to pursue traffickers and seek federal prison sentences upon their conviction.”
“New Hampshire is in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “The DEA will continue to use every resource available to identify those, like Mr. Aybar, who are contributing to the crisis. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners.”
The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Tactical Diversion Unit, Portsmouth, New Hampshire; the New Hampshire State Police, the Portsmouth, New Hampshire Police Department, the Exeter, New Hampshire Police Department, the Andover, Massachusetts Police Department, the Wilmington, Massachusetts Police Department, and the Lawrence, Massachusetts Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Seth Aframe prosecuted the case.
###
Discrimination Complaints Based on National Origin ResolvedRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – The United States Attorney’s Office and the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights (RICHR) today announced they have jointly resolved investigations into complaints that the Cranston Portuguese Club engaged in a pattern or practice of illegal discrimination against people of Cambodian ancestry. The investigations addressed allegations the Cranston Portuguese Club violated Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Rhode Island General Law § 11-24-1, et seq.
Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination because on race, color, religion, or national origin in certain places of public accommodation, such as hotels, restaurants, and places of entertainment. Under Title II, the Department of Justice can obtain injunctive relief that changes policies and practices to remedy customer discrimination.
Information was brought to the attention of the United States Attorney’s Office and RICHR that, prior to 2017, the Cranston Portuguese Club had a policy and practice of asking first-time patrons if they were of Cambodian descent. If the patron indicated that he or she was Cambodian, the Club contacted the Cranston Police Department to inquire about detail officers for the event. If the Police Department dispatched detail officers to the event, the Club imposed the charges for the detail officers on the patron.
The Club maintained that its practice of requiring a police detail was based on what it understood to be direction from the Police Department dating to the 1990’s. The investigation concluded that individuals of Cambodian ancestry were required by the Club to pay for detail officers for their weddings, birthday parties, and graduation celebrations. The Club did not follow this policy or practice for patrons who were not of Cambodian ancestry.
Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement, the Cranston Portuguese Club will establish a victim fund to compensate aggrieved persons from December 10, 2005, pursuant to R.I.G.L. §§ 11-24-4, 28-5-24; post a framed apology to the Rhode Island Cambodian community; and provide training for all officers and members. Members of the Cambodian community who incurred charges for detail officers for events held at the Cranston Portuguese Social Club from December 10, 2005 to the present, should contact RICHR at 401-222-4477.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman commented, “Discrimination against an individual or group based on their national origin, as was the case here, is simply wrong and against the law. This Office, both independently and working with partners such as the Rhode Island Commission on Human Rights, is committed to addressing claims of discrimination in our communities.”
Michael Evora, Executive Director of RICHR added, “The Commission was pleased to work with the United States Attorney’s Office on this important matter of discrimination, and we look forward to combining our efforts in the future should the occasion to do so arise.”
At the request of the Cranston Police Department, the Department of Justice also provided technical assistance to the Cranston Police Department regarding their detail policy and obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to ensure that those policies are current and compliant with Title VI.
The matter was litigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy R. Romero and RICHR staff attorney Francis A. Gaschen.
###
Detroit man admits to 29 drug chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sean Bernard Williams, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to his role in a major drug distribution operation that spanned two states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Williams, also known as “Spook,” age 46, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone,” 22 counts of “Distribution of Oxycodone,” five counts of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Oxycodone,” and one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Williams admitted to distributing the drugs from 2013 to 2017 in Monongalia County and elsewhere.
Williams faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, led the investigation. The Task Force consists of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, Morgantown Police Department, the Star City Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia University Police Department, the Granville Police Department, and the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Coosa County Escapee Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison after Pleading Guilty to Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
Montgomery, AL – Today, Shane Anthony Vernon, 29, from Kellyton, Alabama was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to federal charges following his escape from jail in 2017, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. Following his prison sentence, he will subject to five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The federal charges in this case stemmed from Vernon’s conduct in Elmore County on November 20, 2017. Court records indicate that following his escape from a Coosa County jail on November 19, 2017, Vernon eventually made his way to Elmore County where he stole two vehicles from the owners at gunpoint. When stealing the second vehicle, he forced the owner to ride with him. Ultimately, they traveled to Georgia, near Atlanta, and Vernon released the owner of the vehicle and fled. The following day, law enforcement in DeKalb County Georgia responded to a suspicious person call at an apartment complex where they found Vernon and he was apprehended.
The 15-year federal sentence will run consecutive, or back-to-back, to any prison time he will serve on related state charges.
U.S. Attorney Franklin would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance with this case: the Coosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Joshua J. Wendell prosecuted this case.
Columbia Man Sentenced for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Travis Jay Hall, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 10 years in federal prison without parole.
Hall, who pleaded guilty on June 5, 2019, was arrested in the parking lot of the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel on April 17, 2019. Hall was in possession of 467 grams of methamphetamine as well as drug paraphernalia. Law enforcement officers searched his hotel room and found 16 grams of methamphetamine, prescription pills, and additional drug paraphernalia.
According to court records, Hall told officers he had been selling methamphetamine since his release from prison in August 2018. Hall also told officers that over the previous month he had purchased one pound of methamphetamine per week for $5,000 in Kansas City, Mo., and personally redistributed that methamphetamine in the Columbia area.
Hall has nine prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, as well as prior felony convictions for possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to deliver or sell, possession of a firearm while an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and endangering the welfare of a child. Hall was on probation at the time of his arrest in this case.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Jolly. It was investigated by the Columbia, Mo., Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Columbia Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm, Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm and methamphetamine to distribute.
Elfonta Arnaz Stevens, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to seven years and six months in federal prison without parole.
On June 5, 2019, Stevens pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Detectives with the Columbia Police Department located Stevens in the parking lot of Eagle Stop gas station on North Providence Road on May 2, 2018, after receiving a report that he was in possession of a firearm. The detectives placed Stevens in handcuffs to frisk him for weapons. During their frisk, a detective found a Hi-Point .380-caliber handgun in Stevens’s right front pocket, two baggies that contained a total of six grams of methamphetamine (one of the baggies contained five smaller baggies of methamphetamine) in his sock, and $263.
Stevens has 10 prior felony convictions, including three prior felony convictions for possessing a controlled substance, three prior felony convictions for resisting arrest, and prior felony convictions for stealing, property damage, tampering, and domestic assault. Stevens has also been convicted of 40 misdemeanor offenses, including resisting arrest, assault of a law enforcement officer, domestic assault, assault, harassment, trespassing, stealing, possession of marijuana, and many traffic-related offenses.
According to court records, for example, Stevens assaulted a woman he was living with by threatening to kill her, throwing a bottle of hydrogen peroxide at her, punching her in the face, choking her until she could no longer breathe and fell to the ground, and ripping the phone from the wall to prevent her from calling for help. He also assaulted another woman by grabbing the steering wheel of the car they were riding in and trying to pull it to one side, grabbing the woman by the hair on the back of her head and forcing her face towards his exposed penis, urinating in her face and ripping her weave out of her head when she attempted to escape.
Stevens was partially paralyzed from the waist down as a result of a gunshot wound he sustained in 1994 at the hands of his then-girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend. As a result, he has been wheelchair dependent. Most of his criminal conduct occurred following his disability.
Stevens admitted that he developed a daily habit of using methamphetamine three years ago, according to court records, and that he was using methamphetamine daily until he was arrested in this case.
This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron M. Jolly. It was investigated by the Columbia, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Clinton Woman Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Acquire a Firearm by FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Yolunda Shaunderes Walker, 36, of Clinton, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Tom Lee to attempting to purchase a firearm by making false statements on a federal background check form, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On June 6, 2019, Walker attempted to purchase a 9mm pistol from a pawn shop in Jackson by completing ATF Form 4473, a federal background check form required for all firearms purchases from firearms dealers. On the form, Walker falsely stated that she was not a habitual user of controlled substances.
In, 2017, Walker was charged with possession of marijuana after calling the Clinton Police Department to report that she was holding burglars at gunpoint in her home. Officers investigated and determined there were no burglars in the home and no evidence that a burglary had taken place. The officers found marijuana and a firearm in the home. There were also bullet holes inside the home where it was apparent that Walker had discharged her firearm several times inside the residence. Walker was interviewed by an officer and admitted that she smoke marijuana almost daily. As a habitual user of controlled substances, Walker is legally prohibited from purchasing a firearm.
Walker will be sentenced by Judge Lee on December 12, 2019, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.
Clinton Man Pleads Guilty Under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jeremie Markell Torrey, 29, of Clinton, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Tom Lee to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On June 1, 2018, Torrey was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by Jackson Police Department officers. When the officer spoke with the driver, he smelled marijuana in the vehicle. Marijuana was found in the vehicle, along with baggies for packaging and a digital scale.
Torrey was sitting in the back seat of the car, and a Glock pistol was found on the rear passenger armrest just next to where he was sitting. A Smith & Wesson pistol was also found under the front passenger side seat where another passenger, Clifton Horton, was sitting.
During interviews by the FBI, Torrey admitted to possessing the Glock pistol and Horton admitted to possessing the Smith & Wesson pistol. Both Torrey and Horton are convicted felons and it is illegal for them to possess firearms. Horton is being prosecuted in a separate criminal case by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Torrey will be sentenced on December 12, 2019, by Judge Lee, and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.
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.
City Honors Teacher Arrested on Sexual Exploitation and Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Peter Hingston, 59, of Amherst, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempted sexual exploitation of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, and possession of material that contained an image of child pornography. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who is handling the case, stated that in June 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation learned the Buffalo Police Department was investigating an incident related to the possible production of child pornography involving Peter Hingston, a City Honors school teacher. The report alleged that Hingston, a middle school technology teacher was observed using a GoPro camera to photograph or record female students in a sexually inappropriate way.
Multiple students came forward regarding Hingston’s use of the GoPro during class. An examination of the defendant’s GoPro camera revealed numerous videos of Hingston exposing himself and using the minor victims in a sexually explicit manner.
“For the second time in two weeks, we are charging a Buffalo school teacher with a very disturbing crime,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “As parents, we trust that teachers will help to educate and shape our children. Where teachers violate that trust and seek to exploit our children to satisfy their own twisted desires, this Office, together with our partners in law enforcement, will do everything that we can to remove such predators. I want to commend the students at City Honors who had the courage and maturity to say something when they saw something.”
“The Hingston investigation reminds us to continue empowering our children to speak up and share what they see,” said Gary Loeffert, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI's Buffalo office. “The criminal complaint describes student witnesses expressing valid concerns about Hingston's unusual behaviors in the classroom. The school in turn reported his actions to the Buffalo Police Department, and Buffalo Police reached out to the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. The students' voices are the reason Hingston is not teaching middle school students right now in a Buffalo public school classroom.”
The defendant made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Roemer and was detained.
Members of the public who have information related to this case or feel they may have been victimized by Hingston are asked to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 716-843-1616 and leave a message and telephone number. A member of the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force will contact them during normal business hours.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief James P. Stauffiger.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
# # # #
Chelsea Gang Member Sentenced to Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Chelsea man was sentenced on September 10, 2019, in federal court in Boston to six years in prison for drug trafficking.
Andres Perez, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to six years in prison and three years of supervised release during which time Perez is prohibited from associating with members of the East Side Money Gang.
In December 2017, Perez was indicted along with Cesar Alicea, also of Chelsea, who was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The government alleged that both men were members of the East Side Money Gang.
On Oct. 31, 2017, police officers observed a suspected drug deal from a car and then stopped the car, which was driven by Perez, with Alicea in the passenger seat. Police removed Perez from the car and pat-frisked him. At the same time, Alicea fled from the car and threw an item, which was recovered and determined to be a .25 caliber Raven Arms pistol. Police later recovered crack cocaine from the car and found Perez in possession of heroin.
Alicea pleaded guilty and was sentenced in January 2019 to 48 months in prison.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Revere Police Chief James Guido; and Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy E. Moran and Michael Crowley of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Centre County Man Pleads Guilty in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Bellefonte, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Charles Jones, age 26, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the GBK street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Charles Jones and his co-conspirators conspired to distribute quantities of heroin.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for February 19, 2020 at 9:00 a.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 of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s detention.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Yvonne M. Saadi are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly led the multi-agency investigation, which also included the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Robinson Township Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department, that led to the prosecution of Charles Jones.
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.
Brothers Sentenced for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced DUSTIN DINET, age 32, of New Orleans, and STEVEN DINET, age 44, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, who are brothers, for conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin on Wednesday, September 11, 2019.
The DINETs had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring together to deal crack cocaine and heroin. The DINETs acknowledged making three sales of an ounce of crack each to an undercover source. They also admitted that approximately ¼ kilogram of heroin and $78,000 discovered during the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Marrero belonged to them. DUSTIN DINET, who qualified as a Career Criminal because of prior drug trafficking convictions, was sentenced to 188 months in prison and 4 years of supervised release. STEVEN DINET was ordered to serve 37 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Haller is in charge of the prosecution.
* * *
Braxton County man admits to drug distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Lee Frederick, of Duck, West Virginia, has admitted to drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Frederick, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Methamphetamine Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Frederick admitted to selling methamphetamine near Gilmer County High School in September 2018.
Frederick faces not less than one and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Beckley Man Sentenced on Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Beckley man was sentenced on federal drug and gun charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Derrick Mitchell, 30, was sentenced to 96 months in prison for distribution of heroin and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Beckley/Raleigh County Drug Task Force.
“A deadly combination,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Mitchell was selling firearms in addition to trafficking powerful and dangerous drugs. With Mitchell off to federal prison, Raleigh County is no doubt a safer place to live.”
Previously, Mitchell admitted that on December 12, 2017, he sold what he believed to be heroin, but in fact turned out to be a mix of heroin and fentanyl, to a confidential informant working with the ATF. The drugs sold on that date were tested by the Drug Enforcement Administration and confirmed to contain heroin and fentanyl. Mitchell also admitted that on January 9, 2018, he sold two firearms, a Taurus, model PT111, Millennium G2, 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a German, model Makarov MP, 9 X 18mm caliber pistol, to a confidential informant who was again working with the ATF. This transaction was audio and video recorded. At the time Mitchell sold the firearms, he was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2015 drug-related felony conviction in Raleigh County, West Virginia. Mitchell further admitted to selling cocaine and “crack” cocaine on four other occasions. During one of those occasions, Mitchell also sold another firearm knowing that he was prohibited from possessing any firearms. On January 24, 2018, officers executed a search warrant at Mitchell’s residence and located additional firearms.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
###
Bear Poachers Banned from Hunting and Banned from the Cherokee National ForestRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On September 4, 2019, Keith Bernard McJunkin, 59, of Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and Levi Zachary Wilson, 31, of Tellico Plains, Tennessee, were found guilty by the Honorable H. Bruce Guyton, Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge, of baiting bears inside the Cherokee National Forest. Each defendant was sentenced to 2 years of probation and banned from hunting anywhere or entering any national forest for a period of 2 years. Keith McJunkin was also ordered to pay $1,600 in fines, and Levi Wilson was ordered to pay $1,100 in fines.
Keith McJunkin and Levi Wilson were two members of a group of hunters from Tellico Plains, Tennessee, who baited and trapped bears inside the Cherokee National Forest in July and August of 2018. Terry Worth McJunkin, 37, Joseph Don Taylor, 38, and Derrick F. Cathey, 32, each previously pleaded guilty to hunting bear over bait. Terry McJunkin was sentenced to 5 years of probation with a 5-year hunting ban and 5-year national-forest ban and ordered to pay $4,000 in fines. Joseph Taylor and Derrick Cathey were each sentenced to 2 years of probation with a 1-year hunting ban and 1-year national-forest ban. Joseph Taylor was also ordered to pay $3,000 in fines and $250 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service. Derrick Cathey was ordered to pay $250 in fines.
The investigation of the illegal bear poaching was jointly conducted by officers from the U.S. Forest Service and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. McLaurin represented the United States.
Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Corey F. Ellis as Acting Director of the Executive Office for U.S. AttorneysRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr today announced that Corey F. Ellis has been named Acting Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA). Ellis is filling the position that has been held since December 2017 by James A. Crowell IV, who was nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as a judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
“Jim Crowell has provided exemplary leadership to EOUSA and the United States Attorneys’ community,” said Attorney General Barr. “Jim’s commitment to ensuring justice is served for everyone has been the hallmark of his distinguished career. The Department’s loss is very much the Judiciary’s gain.”
Prior to this appointment, which will be effective September 16, Ellis served in several positions in the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, including Chief of Staff to Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein. Before joining the Deputy Attorney General's office, Ellis was the First Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, where he began as an Assistant United States Attorney in 2005. During his tenure in the United States Attorney’s Office, Mr. Ellis handled a range of cases including organized crime, computer hacking and intellectual property, international money laundering, public corruption, violent crimes, financial fraud and capital crime cases.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Corey in his new role as Director of EOUSA,” said Attorney General Barr. “As a career prosecutor with a stellar record, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about the United States Attorneys’ community to the job, and I am confident he will help continue to build upon our many successes in enforcing the rule of law, deterring crime, and bringing criminals to justice.”
Allen County Receives High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) DesignationRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Director Chuck Porucznik announce the addition of Allen County to the Indiana HIDTA.
Created by Congress in 1988, the HIDTA task force program, which is under the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), creates a mechanism for coordination of federal, state, local and tribal resources to combat drug trafficking in designated regions of the country.
The HIDTA designation for Allen County will allow access to federal resources to combat drug distribution and increase enforcement efforts. Law enforcement agencies will now access drug trafficking issues and create Allen County specific initiatives that will laser focus on outcomes and performance. HIDTA provides unprecedented national connectivity to access drug threats and trends throughout the country.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “I am pleased that we are able to expand the footprint of the Indiana HIDTA to Allen County. The HIDTA program is a tremendous asset to Indiana to reduce drug distribution networks grip on the area therefore reducing other violent crimes like gang/cartel violence and gun offenses.”
HIDTA Director Chuck Porucznik said, “The addition of Allen County to the Indiana HIDTA allows 5 counties in the more populated areas of the state to gain focused attention and federal resources to reduce drug related activity and violence. The goal of the HIDTA program is simple, disrupt the market for illegal drugs by dismantling and disrupting drug trafficking and money laundering organizations through law enforcement coordination.”
Allen County Sheriff David J. Gladieux said, “Allen County receiving the HIDTA designation is a giant step forward in the battle against illegal narcotics distribution. The federal resources available because of this designation, will prove invaluable not just to law enforcement, but to all of the citizens that live and work in Allen County. The collaborative effort that this designation brings to the table, by allowing Allen County to join forces and share federal resources with 4 other HIDTA designated counties, will undoubtedly produce significant results in the war on illegal narcotics.”
Fort Wayne Police Chief Steve Reed said, “We already have a great relationship with various federal agencies and have worked closely with each agency to combat drugs within our community. We look forward to enhancing that relationship with our inclusion in the HIDTA program. Allen County is grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work and look forward to gaining valuable resources to enhance this effort.”
###
Alien Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargeRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Greenville has returned an indictment charging JESUS GARCIA-HERNANDEZ, age 43, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien subsequent to a Felony Conviction.
GARCIA-HERNANDEZ, previously deported three times and found in Franklin County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to a felony conviction for illegal reentry of a deported alien in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Therefore, if convicted, GARCIA-HERNANDEZ would face a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.
11 September 2019
Woodstock Man Who Posed as Deceased Sister to Steal VA Benefits Sentenced to 6 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN DEPPERT, 64, of Woodstock, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to six months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for stealing benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (the “VA”).
According to court documents and statements made in court, Deppert’s sister received disability compensation benefits from the VA through a direct deposit to her bank account. After Deppert’s sister died in January 2015, Deppert had access to her sister’s bank account, which continued to receive regular deposits of VA benefits.
In September 2017, the VA identified that Deppert’s sister had died and terminated the benefits payments. In October 2017, Deppert called the VA and, posing as his sister, explained that “she” was not deceased. As a result, the VA reinitiated the benefits payments to the bank account, and also issued a back payment of benefits.
In April 2018, after the VA again identified that Deppert’s sister had died, a VA employee contacted the telephone number it had for Deppert’s sister. Deppert, again posing as his sister, answered the call, provided his sister’s date of birth and social security number, and stated that “she” was alive.
In May 2018, Deppert, posing as his sister, left a message on a VA employee’s voicemail system requesting that all future contact be by fax or email. He subsequently sent a fax with a change of address form attached to the VA. The coversheet for the fax stated: “I am alive and living in Woodstock Valley, CT!” Deppert signed his sister’s name on the coversheet.
Through this scheme, Deppert stole $77,292. Judge Bryant ordered Deppert to pay full restitution.
On April 4, 2019, Deppert pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property.
Deppert, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 23.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
West Hamlin Man Pleads Guilty to Making High School Bomb Threat Through Snap ChatRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A West Hamlin man pled guilty to using Snap Chat to make a bomb threat directed at local high school, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. William Lee McCallister, also known as Kreekchub, 24, pled guilty to Threatening and Conveying False Information Concerning the Use of an Explosive Device.
“We don’t tolerate threats to our schools,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Hoax threats are serious federal crimes. They are not a joke. We take every single one seriously, will investigate them thoroughly and prosecute perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law. Hoax threats waste valuable law enforcement resources and disrupt school systems. Think before you post and, if you make a threat to our schools or public safety, you’ll be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
McCallister admitted that he made bomb threat directed at Lincoln County High School on Snap Chat stating he would plant a bomb at the high school via a four-wheeler trail behind the school with the intent to detonate the bomb on January 3, 2019.
McCallister faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced on December 11, 2019.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is handling the prosecution.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
###
Vermont Man Sentenced to Two Months for Procuring Naturalization Contrary to LawRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Hussien Noor Hussien, 56, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge George Z. Singal to two months in prison and three years of supervised release for impersonating another in a naturalization proceeding, procuring naturalization contrary to law and making a false statement on a passport application. In addition, the Court entered an order revoking Hussien’s citizenship, which the law requires when a person is convicted for procuring naturalization contrary to law. Hussien was convicted in April, following a three-day jury trial.
Court records and trial evidence revealed that in 2004, Hussien entered the United States as a refugee under the name Abukar Hassan Abdule. He entered with the wife and children of the true Abukar Hassan Abdule. In 2011, he applied for U.S. citizenship under the same name. He affirmed on his citizenship application and during an in-person citizenship interview in South Portland, Maine, that his name was Abukar Hassan Abdule. He ultimately was naturalized under the same name. After becoming a U.S. citizen, he applied for a U.S. passport under the name Abukar Hassan Abdule. In 2013, he filed in Vermont state court to legally change his name in the U.S. from Abukar Hassan Abdule to Hussien Noor Hussien, the name he was given at birth.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General.
U.S. Attorney’s Office remembers 9/11Read the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS - United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler remembers September 11, 2001. On that fateful day, 18 years ago today, nearly 3000 lives were lost due to a terrorist attack on American soil. Many lives were changed forever on that day, and all of us were personally touched by these horrific events.
“First responders accept the call of duty every day, without hesitation, charging head first into often harrowing and unknown circumstances,” said Minkler. “This day was no different. I applaud the bravery of these men and women. I am grateful to them for their immediate response and thank them for their service.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office proudly stands with the men and women of law enforcement, the U.S. military and all other first responders, who tragically lost their lives during the events of that day, and following their participation in the massive cleanup project of the twin towers. We stand united; we honor the courage and the heroism displayed by these individuals on that day, and in the many months following the attack.
In the shadow of this tragedy, we grieved as a nation, but we also became united, patriotic and we celebrated our great nation, together. We continue to honor the men and women that were the heroes of that day. We will never forget.
Trenton Man Admits to Participating in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Trenton man today admitted his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that allegedly distributed more than one kilogram of heroin in Trenton and the surrounding area, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Omar Council, a/k/a “Stacks,” a/k/a “O,” a/k/a “Y-O,” a/k/a “Snow,” 40, pleaded guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Freda L. Wolfson in Trenton federal court to a superseding information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
According to documents filed in this and other cases and statements made in court:
In October 2018, Council and 25 other members of a drug trafficking conspiracy operating in Trenton were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin. Council is the 18th defendant to plead guilty. On Aug. 8, 2019, a grand jury returned a 15-count second superseding indictment charging Council and eight other defendants – Jerome Roberts, a/k/a “Righteous,” a/k/a “Lee”; David Antonio, a/k/a “Papi,” a/k/a “Pop,” a/k/a “Victor Arias,” a/k/a “Santiago Ramirez”; Brian Phelps, a/k/a “B-Money,” a/k/a “B”; Timothy Wimbush, a/k/a “Young Money”; Taquan Williams, a/k/a “Trip”; Jubri West; Dennis Cheston, Jr., a/k/a “Beans”; and Wayne K. Bush – with various crimes relating to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, including firearms charges against Phelps, Wimbush, Williams, West, and Cheston.
From as early as October 2017 to October 2018, the defendants and others engaged in a narcotics distribution conspiracy that operated in the areas of Martin Luther King Boulevard, Sanford Street, Middle Rose Street, Southard Street, Hoffman Avenue, and Coolidge Avenue in Trenton. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders – including over a cellular telephone used by Council – controlled purchases of heroin from Council and others, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that Council was a significant drug distributor in and around Trenton and the surrounding area. The investigation also revealed that Council maintained close relationships with other conspirators, including Jakir Taylor, who obtained regular supplies of hundreds of “bricks” of heroin from David Antonio, whom they referred to as “Papi.” Council obtained supplies of heroin directly from Taylor and others (including supplies of heroin originating from Antonio), and regularly redistributed that heroin to others in and around Trenton.
The drug conspiracy count to which Council pleaded guilty carries a statutory mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $5 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie; special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Newark Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Sheila A. Coley; officers of the Princeton Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Nicholas Sutter; officers of the Ewing Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John P. Stemler III; officers of the Burlington Township Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Bruce Painter; and detectives of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Scott A. Coffina, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked officers of the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan; detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri; officers of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John A. Kemler; and members of the N.J. State Board of Parole for their assistance in the case..
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Brendan Day and Alexander Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the FBI’s Greater Trenton Safe Streets Task Force, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to enhance the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of individuals involved in gang-related activities, violent crime, and drug distribution in and around the greater Trenton area. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
The charges and allegations against the remaining defendants are merely accusations and those defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense Counsel: Mark W. Catanzaro Esq., Mount Holly, New Jersey
Traveling Bandit Sentenced to over 15 Years in Prison for National Bank Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
Jason Lee Robinson, 40, of Pikesville, Kentucky, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno to 188 months in prison, after previously pleading guilty to committing a string of bank robberies across the country (Case Nos. 19CR20423, 19CR20477, 19CR20478, 19CR20484, 19CR20520, and 19cr20543).
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.
According to court documents, Robinson’s bank robbery spree began in South Florida on December 28, 2018, roughly one month after he was released from federal prison following a 2013 conviction for bank robbery. On December 28, 2018, Robinson robbed a Capital Bank in Aventura, Florida of approximately $1,900. On January 2, 2019, he robbed a SunTrust Bank in Arden, North Carolina of approximately $3,040. On January 4, 2019, he robbed a Mountain Commerce Bank in Johnson City, Tennessee of approximately $4,300. On January 8, 2019, he robbed a U.S. Bank in Mount Juliet, Tennessee of approximately $3,990. On January 10, 2019, he robbed a Trustmark Bank in Prattville, Alabama of approximately $6,560. On January 14, 2019, he robbed a Fifth Third Bank in Mount Vernon, Illinois of approximately $1,950. On January 17, 2019, he robbed a Wells Fargo Bank in Price Branch, Utah of approximately $2,269.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of the FBI in this matter. She thanked the FBI’s Field Offices in Charlotte, North Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; Memphis, Tennessee; Mobile, Alabama; Springfield, Illinois; Salt Lake City, Utah; Denver, Colorado and Louisville, Kentucky, for their assistance. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa H. Miller and Michael B. Homer in the Southern District of Florida.
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.
Three Individuals Plead Guilty to Participating in Drug-Related RobberyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RON CHRISTOPHER SPEAR-ZULETA, also known as “Chris,” 46, of Woodbridge; ANINHA SPEAR-ZULETA, 32, of Woodbridge, and MARITZA TORRES, also known as “Lisy,” 35, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to offenses stemming from a drug-related robbery.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Chris Spear-Zuleta, his wife, Aninha Spear-Zuleta, and Torres robbed an associate of Chris Spear-Zuleta, who Chris Spear-Zuleta claimed owed him money in relation to narcotics transactions. On November 28, 2017, Aninha Spear-Zuleta lured the associate’s girlfriend to the Spear-Zuleta’s Woodbridge residence, where Chris Spear-Zuleta physically assaulted the girlfriend. At Chris Spear-Zuleta’s instruction, Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Torres then transported the girlfriend to a residence she shared with the associate in Milford, where Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Torres stole several items, including cash, a firearm and several items of expensive clothing.
Chris Spear-Zuleta and Aninha Spear-Zuleta each pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. They are scheduled to be sentenced on December 4 and December 6, respectively
Torres pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. She is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12.
Chris Spear-Zuleta has been detained since his arrest on December 22, 2018. Aninha Spear-Zuleta and Torres are released on bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and Woodbridge Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard C. Boyle and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Vizcarrondo.
Tampa Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Arnold Gerard Nelson, Jr. (33, Tampa) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison and James Thomas Lang, III (33, Tampa) to 11years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute at least100 grams of heroin and fentanyl. As part of the sentence, the court also entered a money judgment against Lang for $19,350, and a money judgment against Nelson for $25,200, the proceeds of the conspiracy. Nelson and Lang had previously pleaded guilty to the offense.
According to court documents, from January 23 through October 30, 2018, Nelson and Lang conspired to sell substances containing heroin and fentanyl, and engaged in a series of transactions with an undercover officer (UC) and a confidential informant (CI). On January 23, 2018, Nelson and two other individuals met with the UC and CI at a residence in New Port Richey. During this meeting, Nelson sold the UC more than 28 grams of a substance containing heroin and fentanyl. Nelson said he had a source for heroin, and needed help moving the product.
On April 5, 2019, Nelson and the CI arranged to meet again to conduct another narcotics transaction. On this occasion, Nelson and Lang met with the UC and CI at the residence in New Port Richey, and sold the UC more than 55 grams of a substance containing heroin and fentanyl.
Nelson and Lang met with the UC and CI again at the same residence on April 19 and May 10, 2018, and sold heroin to the UC. On both occasions, they sold approximately 57 grams of heroin and, during the May 10 transaction, they also sold approximately 23 grams of tablets purported to contain the drug ecstasy (MDMA). According to laboratory analysis, the tablets actually contained methamphetamine.
On June 14, 2018, Nelson and Lang met the UC and CI at a restaurant in Tampa and sold the UC approximately 54 grams of heroin. After this transaction, Lang continued to communicate with the UC about possible narcotics and firearms sales. Lang met with the UC four additional times between July 12 and November 1, 2018. During these meetings, Lang sold the UC more heroin and tablets containing methamphetamine. Lang also sold the UC three firearms.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
StarKist Ordered to Pay $100 Million Criminal Fine for Antitrust ViolationRead the Press Release
StarKist Co. was sentenced to pay a criminal fine of $100 million, the statutory maximum, for its role in a conspiracy to fix prices for canned tuna sold in the United States. StarKist was also sentenced to a 13-month term of probation.
StarKist faced a criminal fine of up to $100 million, the statutory maximum, for its participation in a conspiracy to fix the prices of canned tuna fish from as early as November 2011 through at least as late as December 2013. As part of today’s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Edward M. Chen found that StarKist had not proven that its financial circumstances justified a lower criminal fine. The Antitrust Division opposed StarKist’s request for a fine reduction, arguing that StarKist had sufficient financial resources to pay a $100 million criminal fine. In addition to the criminal fine and term of probation, StarKist has also agreed to cooperate in the Antitrust Division’s ongoing investigation.
“Today’s result demonstrates our commitment to enforcing the antitrust laws aggressively against companies that fix prices,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Hard-working Americans deserve the benefits of open competition when they spend their hard-earned money on items that stock kitchen shelves. When a corporation cheats customers at the checkout line, the Antitrust Division will hold it accountable to the greatest extent.”
“The consequences for greedy companies who cheat the marketplace and American consumers are significant and clear,” said FBI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. “The FBI, along with our law enforcement colleagues, will continue to pursue those who conspire to fix prices and bring them to justice.”
A total of six charges have resulted from an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into the packaged-seafood industry, which is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office and the FBI’s San Francisco Field Office. Anyone with information on price fixing, bid rigging or other anticompetitive conduct related to the packaged-seafood industry should contact the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office at 415-934-5300, visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html, or call the FBI tip line at 415-553-7400.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Production of Child Pornography and Related ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – Gilroy D. Elcock, 47, of St. Croix, was sentenced Tuesday for six counts of production of child pornography, two counts of aggravated rape first degree, and one count of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
Chief Judge Wilma A. Lewis sentenced Elcock to 360 months for the federal production of child pornography and possession of child pornography charges, and to 15 years consecutive for the aggravated first degree rape charges. The aggravated first degree rape counts will be served consecutive to the federal offenses. Judge Lewis also sentenced Elcock to supervised release for life and imposed a $700 special assessment.
Evidence presented at trial established that the defendant met J.S. and J.J.S.’s mother in October 2013. The mother and the defendant started dating and in January 2014, the defendant moved into the residence with the two children and their mother. The defendant started having sexual relations with J.S., then age16, and J.J.S., then age12, and used his cell phone to video-record the sexual encounters. According to the trial testimony, J.J.S. asked the defendant to stop the sexual encounters, but he continued. The children’s mother spoke to J.J.S., after one of Elcock’s friends told her about a sex video of one of her daughters and Elcock. J.J.S. showed her mother Facebook messages between her and the defendant. The messages were sexual in nature and when the mother saw the messages, she called the police. The police spoke to the defendant, who denied having sexual contact with the minors and recording those encounters. The defendant gave the police consent to search the phone in 2014, but no videos were recovered. A second search in 2016 yielded seven videos depicting the defendant engaged in sexual acts with J.S. and J.J.S. The videos had been hidden, using an encryption App.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Somerset Man Convicted of Running $2.2 Million Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Somerset, Ky., man was found guilty yesterday, by a federal jury sitting in London, of conspiring with co-conspirator Jason T. Castenir to run a complex and long-running Ponzi scheme. During the scheme, they defrauded dozens of victims out of over $2.2 million, through three fake investments.
After a brief deliberation following an eight-day trial, the jury convicted 58-year-old Rodney Scott Phelps of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 12 additional counts of wire fraud.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Rodney Scott Phelps and Jason Castenir created Maverick Asset Management LLC (“MAM”) in 2012, as a private-equity firm. Beginning around this time, and continuing until late 2014, Castenir and Phelps convinced a number of investors from across the country, including in Washington State, Ohio, Arizona, and Nevada, to invest in an opportunity to obtain an oil concession from the government of Belize. They boasted of vast experience in successful oil exploration ventures and promised investors royalties on any oil extracted and a considerable interest rate on their investment, all of which was to be backed by Phelps’s multi-million dollar trust, in the name of Phelps Family Trust. Investors raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for this investment, wiring those funds to MAM in Kentucky. Evidence at trial revealed that Phelps and Castenir had little experience with successful oil ventures; there was no sizeable Phelps Family Trust; and they used the money they raised for MAM operating expenses, to pay themselves, and to make Ponzi payments back to other victim-investors.
In a related scheme, Phelps convinced three victims from Tennessee to invest roughly $1.2 million with MAM to trade on various commodities markets, again boasting of MAM’s vast experience successfully trading on these markets, including with funds from the Phelps Family Trust, and convincing victims that the Phelps Family Trust backed their investment. Phelps and Castenir invested roughly one-third of this money on commodities markets, losing almost all of it in short measure, but sent victims accounting statements detailing profits on their investments. Phelps and Castenir spent the rest of the money on MAM operating expenses, personal profit, and Ponzi payments to other victim-investors.
In a third scheme, Phelps convinced two victims from Tennessee to pay $1 million to an escrow account earmarked for initiating the purchase of a casino in Tunica, Mississippi. Phelps had committed to likewise pay $1 million from the Phelps Family Trust to match the victim investment, but never did. Instead, Phelps and Castenir took this money from the escrow account to pay MAM operating expenses, invest on commodities and stock markets, personally profit, and for Ponzi payments to other victim-investors.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and James Robert Brown Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Louisville Division, jointly announced the verdict. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Kathryn M. Anderson and Kenneth R. Taylor.
Phelps will appear for sentencing on December 3, 2019. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. Castenir had previously pleaded guilty for his role in these offenses, and others, on August 18, 2017. His sentencing is scheduled for September 24, 2019, and he likewise faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing the sentences.
– END –
Six Individuals Admit Roles in Nationwide Credit Card Fraud Affecting Thousands of Account HoldersRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Six individuals have pleaded guilty to participation in a multimillion-dollar conspiracy that used stolen credit card account information to make fraudulent retail purchases, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Hamilton Eromosele, 29, of the Bronx, New York, the leader of the scheme, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge William Martini in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. George Edandison, 27, and Youssouf Traore, 21, both of the Bronx; Deja Handsford, 25, of New York City; Quincy Wielingen, 28, of Queens Village, New York; and Kaishce English, 32, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, all pleaded guilty before Judge Martini on previous dates to the same charge.A seventh conspirator, Edward Dorsey, 28, of Mount Vernon, New York, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven C. Mannion in Newark federal court on July 8, 2019, for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint charging him with participating in the same offense.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From at least 2015 through 2018, Eromosele led a network of individuals, based in the New Jersey/New York area, who made trips around the United States in order to use stolen credit card information to purchase gift cards, flights, hotels, rental cars, and other goods and services. Eromosele obtained stolen credit card information through the “dark web” and other sources, which he then provided to conspirators. Eromosele often recruited women via social media, with promises of easy profits, to fly to various locations to make fraudulent purchases. Eromosele collected his conspirators’ fraudulently purchased gift cards or luxury goods, sold them for cash, and dispersed a percentage of the proceeds to the conspirators. The conspirators made over $3.5 million in fraudulent purchases using over 4,000 stolen credit card accounts.
The conspiracy to commit bank fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million. Sentencing for Eromosele is scheduled for Jan 16, 2020.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Mark McKevitt, Newark Field Office, with the investigation leading to the guilty pleas.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Macurdy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
The charge and allegations against Dorsey are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense counsel:
Eromosele: Pasquale Giannetta Esq., Newark
Edandison: Daniel Welch Esq., Jersey City, New Jersey
Handsford: Linwood Allen Jones Esq., East Orange, New Jersey
Traore: Angelo Servidio Esq., Nutley, New Jersey
English: Frank Arleo Esq., West Orange, New Jersey
Wielingen: Jason Orlando Esq., Jersey City
Dorsey: Elizabeth Smith Esq., Mendham, New Jersey