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5 September 2019
Toledo man indicted on cocaine and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was indicted on drug and firearms charges.
Ronnie Robinson, 32, was indicted on one count of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Robinson possessed on July 9 cocaine and a Ruger 9 mm pistol, despite a previous conviction for trafficking fentanyl, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the Toledo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S.s Attorney Matthew D. Simko is prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN was reinvigorated 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.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The burden of proof is always on the government to prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Toledo man indicted for allegedly selling fentanyl and other drugs that resulted in a fatal overdose on New Year’s EveRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was indicted for allegedly selling fentanyl and other drugs that resulted in a fatal overdose on New Year’s Eve.
Bryan Mays, 30, was indicted on one count of distribution of a controlled substance. The charge comes with a potential sentencing enhancement for causing death.
Mays, aka Sipp Nolte, sold a mixture of fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl and Tramadol on December 30, 2018, according to the indictment.
The next day, a person identified in court documents as C.L. ingested the drugs and died, according to the indictment
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas P. Weldon and Michael J. Freeman.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Three Men Indicted for Bank Robbery Inside Gallery FurnitureRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Three men are expected to make their appearances in federal court for aiding and abetting bank robbery and aiding and abetting brandishing a firearm in relation to robbing the Woodforest National Bank, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Originally charged by criminal complaint, a federal grand jury returned the two- count indictment Aug. 28, 2019, against Thaddeaues Williams, 21, Andre Palmer-Gilliams, 28, and Tydreic Sublet, 19, all of Houston. They are set to appear for their arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo today at 10:00.
The charges allege Williams jumped the counter of the bank and took an unspecified amount of money. Palmer-Gilliams allegedly entered the Woodforest National Bank while brandishing a firearm and stole money from a customer who was using the ATM inside the bank. Sublet entered the bank, while also brandishing a firearm, pointing it at customers and tellers, according to the allegations. Sublet also allegedly disarmed the security guard and took his firearm before the three men exited the bank.
The security guard was able to get a make, model and first letter of the license plate of the get-away vehicle, and officers were quickly able to locate it, according to the charges. Officers commanded them to stop but Sublet, the driver, allegedly refused and a chase ensued. The charges allege the vehicle ultimately crashed into a ditch, at which time the three men proceeded to run on foot. Authorities caught them and located four firearms - one of which belonged to the security guard - and the money allegedly stolen from the bank, according to the allegations.
The Houston Police Department and FBI Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.Spokane Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Robbery on Coeur d’Alene Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
COEUR D’ALENE – Isiah James Harrington, 19, of Spokane, Washington, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to attempted robbery, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Sentencing for Harrington has been set for November 21, 2019, before Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene.
According to court records, Harrington became aware that the victim, a Coeur d’Alene tribal member, was carrying a large amount of cash. Harrington and a co-defendant, McKenna Marie Buss, used the Snapchat app to track the victim to a Walmart in Spokane Valley, and then followed the victim’s car to a residence in Plummer, Idaho. After the victim stopped his car, Harrington got out of a vehicle with a gun and pointed it at the victim demanding cash. Harrington and Buss fled the scene, without taking any money, when they observed individuals exiting an adjacent residence to help the victim.
Buss is set for trial on November 18, 2019, at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene.
Attempted robbery is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police Department, Benewah County Sheriff’s Office and the Plummer Police Department.
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Seventh and Final Defendant Sentenced in Cross Country Methamphetamine RingRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Julie Cota, 52, of California, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who handled the case, stated that between January 2017 and June 27, 2017, the defendant conspired with others to sell methamphetamine.
In furtherance of the conspiracy, Cota worked together with co-defendant Thomas Williams to ship crystal methamphetamine from California to co-defendant Donald McKinney in Dansville, NY. The defendant, along with Williams, sent approximately four to six pounds of crystal methamphetamine to McKinney in Dansville via Federal Express parcel service, in exchange for money. Cota and Williams sold the crystal methamphetamine for $1,000 an ounce to McKinney, who then distributed the crystal methamphetamine to his own customers in the Dansville area.
Many of the methamphetamine sales took place at The Boneyard, an auto salvage business located in Dansville. Owner Kenneth Hoag was also convicted and forfeited the business as a result of his conviction.
Cota was one of seven defendants convicted and sentenced in this case. Also convicted and sentenced:
• Thomas Williams - sentenced to serve 144 months in prison; • Donald McKinney - sentenced to serve 120 months in prison; • Kenneth Hoag - sentenced to serve 12 months and 1 day in prison and forfeiture of The Boneyard; • Kurt Redance - sentenced to serve 48 months in prison; • Andrew Culliton - sentenced to serve 36 months in prison; and
• Brandie Schumacher - sentenced to four years probation to include three months home detention.“Like illicit opioids, methamphetamine destroys lives,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Whether these drugs are on the streets of a large urban city, or in a small rural area, our Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring an end to the scourge and hold accountable those who seek to fill our communities with these dangerous and potentially deadly substances.”
“Illegal drug sales have no borders and through our local, state and federal partners, we too are breaking down our jurisdictional borders to follow those distributing these deadly drugs,” stated Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty. “We will continue to aggressively investigate drug crimes in Livingston County and do our very best to hold drug dealers accountable.”
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Thomas Dougherty; and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton.
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Second Tennessee Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense for Beating InmateRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Tanner Penwell, 22, pleaded guilty to using unlawful force on an inmate while Penwell was serving as a correctional officer with the Tennessee Department of Corrections.
"This type of behavior and violation of an inmate’s civil rights will not be tolerated," said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. "The Department of Justice will continue to seek out justice on behalf of those who have had their civil rights violated."
"Correctional officers must abide by and adhere to the same laws they take an oath to uphold and enforce. Instead of serving and protecting the public, this officer used physical force to violate the civil rights of an individual and will now be held accountable, vividly illustrating that no one is above the law," said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant.
"The FBI will vigorously investigate and bring to justice any law enforcement officer who crosses the line and engages in activity that violates the civil rights of those whose safety they are charged with," said Bryan McCloskey, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "This plea should be a reminder that wearing a badge does not make one above the law."
With his guilty plea, Penwell admitted that, on February 1, 2019, he and several other correctional officers entered the cell of R.T., an inmate in the mental health unit at the Northwest County Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Penwell and the other officers entered the cell because R.T. was a suicide risk. Inmate R.T. was already bleeding when the officers entered his cell, and R.T. flung blood toward the correctional officers.
Once inside, a correctional officer looked in the direction of the surveillance camera in the cell and said, "violate the camera." Another correctional officer then covered the camera with his hand.
The correctional officer who asked for the camera to be violated then repeatedly punched R.T. Penwell estimated that this officer hit R.T. more than 20 times. When the officer stopped hitting R.T., he looked back at Penwell and said, "get him." Penwell stepped up and punched R.T. multiple times in the head. After Penwell stopped punching R.T., a third correctional officer punched R.T.
Throughout the time he was being punched by the correctional officers, inmate R.T. sat on the bench in the cell and only used his arms to cover his face in an apparent attempt to protect his face from the correctional officers’ punches. At no point did R.T. attempt to fight back. Penwell knew that punching R.T. was unlawful, but he did not step in to stop it. A supervisor and several correctional officers were in a position to watch as the three correctional officers punched inmate R.T., but none of them attempted to stop the officers from hitting R.T. After R.T. was punched by the officers, Penwell observed that R.T. was bleeding much more than when they had first entered the cell.
Once outside of the cell, Penwell spoke with several correctional officers and a supervisor. The supervisor said he needed to see if the camera inside the cell was working. The supervisor and the first correctional officer who punched R.T. decided that all of the officers would falsely claim that R.T. injured himself while he was on suicide watch in the mental health unit.
The next morning, the first correctional officer who punched R.T. told Penwell that instead of falsely claiming that R.T. injured himself, as the supervisor had proposed the day before, they should both falsely blame the third correctional officer who punched R.T. for all of R.T.’s injuries. Over the next few days, the first officer who punched R.T. repeatedly told Penwell to stick to this new cover story.
With today’s guilty plea, Penwell admitted that he violated 18 U.S.C. § 242 when he repeatedly punched and injured inmate R.T. without legal justification. The maximum penalty for this civil rights offense is 10 years imprisonment.
In a related case, former Correctional Officer Nathaniel Griffin entered a guilty plea in federal court on August 15, 2019. Sentencing is scheduled for November 27, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Division of the FBI with the support of the Tennessee Department of Corrections, and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Rebekah J. Bailey of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant United States Attorney David Pritchard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.
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Second Tennessee Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense for Beating InmateRead the Press Release
Tanner Penwell, 22, pleaded guilty to using unlawful force on an inmate while Penwell was serving as a correctional officer with the Tennessee Department of Corrections.
“This type of behavior and violation of an inmate’s civil rights will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to seek out justice on behalf of those who have had their civil rights violated.”
“Correctional officers must abide by and adhere to the same laws they take an oath to uphold and enforce. Instead of serving and protecting the public, this officer used physical force to violate the civil rights of an individual and will now be held accountable, vividly illustrating that no one is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee.
“The FBI will vigorously investigate and bring to justice any law enforcement officer who crosses the line and engages in activity that violates the civil rights of those whose safety they are charged with,” said Bryan McCloskey, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “This plea should be a reminder that wearing a badge does not make one above the law.”
With his guilty plea, Penwell admitted that, on Feb. 1, he and several other correctional officers entered the cell of R.T., an inmate in the mental health unit at the Northwest County Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Penwell and the other officers entered the cell because R.T. was a suicide risk. Inmate R.T. was already bleeding when the officers entered his cell, and R.T. flung blood toward the correctional officers.
Once inside, a correctional officer looked in the direction of the surveillance camera in the cell and said, “violate the camera.” Another correctional officer then covered the camera with his hand. The correctional officer who asked for the camera to be violated then repeatedly punched R.T. Penwell estimated that this officer hit R.T. more than 20 times. When the officer stopped hitting R.T., he looked back at Penwell and said, “get him.” Penwell stepped up and punched R.T. multiple times in the head. After Penwell stopped punching R.T., a third correctional officer punched R.T.
Throughout the time he was being punched by the correctional officers, inmate R.T. sat on the bench in the cell and only used his arms to cover his face in an apparent attempt to protect his face from the correctional officers’ punches. At no point did R.T. attempt to fight back. Penwell knew that punching R.T. was unlawful, but he did not step in to stop it. A supervisor and several correctional officers were in a position to watch as the three correctional officers punched inmate R.T., but none of them attempted to stop the officers from hitting R.T. After R.T. was punched by the officers, Penwell observed that R.T. was bleeding much more than when they had first entered the cell.
Once outside of the cell, Penwell spoke with several correctional officers and a supervisor. The supervisor said he needed to see if the camera inside the cell was working. The supervisor and the first correctional officer who punched R.T. decided that all of the officers would falsely claim that R.T. injured himself while he was on suicide watch in the mental health unit.
The next morning, the first correctional officer who punched R.T. told Penwell that instead of falsely claiming that R.T. injured himself, as the supervisor had proposed the day before, they should both falsely blame the third correctional officer who punched R.T. for all of R.T.’s injuries. Over the next few days, the first officer who punched R.T. repeatedly told Penwell to stick to this new cover story.
With today’s guilty plea, Penwell admitted that he violated 18 U.S.C. § 242 when he repeatedly punched and injured inmate R.T. without legal justification. The maximum penalty for this civil rights offense is 10 years imprisonment.
In a related case, former Correctional Officer Nathaniel Griffin entered a guilty plea in federal court on Aug. 15. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 27.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Division of the FBI with the support of the Tennessee Department of Corrections, and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Rebekah J. Bailey of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant United States Attorney David Pritchard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.
Second Haverford College Student Pleads Guilty to Attempt to Access President Trump’s Tax InformationRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Andrew Harris, 23, of Philadelphia, entered a plea of guilty before United States Judge Cynthia M. Rufe on the charges related to violations of 18 U.S.C. § 1030 for using a school computer and someone else’s username without that person’s permission in an attempt to illegally obtain President Donald Trump’s tax returns from the Internal Revenue Service. Harris’ co-defendant, Justin Hiemstra, previously pleaded guilty on August 6, 2019.
These charges arose out of a plot between the defendant, then a student at Haverford College, and Hiemstra (another Haverford College student), to use computers at the school’s computer lab and the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) website to illegally access the tax returns. The defendants opened a false FAFSA application in the name of a member of the Trump family, and found that someone else had already obtained a username and password for Donald Trump. In order to reset the password, the defendants were prompted to answer challenge questions, which the original person had created when setting up the account. They were able to answer the questions and reset the password, and then used the President’s personal identifier information, including his social security number and date of birth, to attempt to import the President’s federal tax information into the bogus FAFSA application. Ultimately, this illegal attempt failed.
“No matter what you think about the President’s tax returns, clearly this kind of illegal activity cannot be tolerated or condoned. Unauthorized or false attempts to obtain any citizen’s IRS filings are a serious violation of privacy rights and a federal crime, and there’s nothing funny about it,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Now this un-funny plot has branded both Harris and his cohort, Hiemstra, with federal criminal convictions that they deserve.”
The case was investigated by the Department of Education – Office of Inspector General and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony J. Wzorek.
Sacramento Man Indicted for Assaulting Federal Agents with a FirearmRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a 14-count indictment today against Jason Raysean Broadbent, 32, of Sacramento, charging him with assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon and various firearms and drug trafficking offenses, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to the indictment, on November 19, 2015, Broadbent assaulted Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives agents by firing and brandishing a Glock semi‑automatic pistol while they were performing their official duties in Sacramento County. Broadbent, a convicted felon, allegedly possessed multiple firearms, including two machineguns and a pipe bomb. The indictment further alleges that Broadbent possessed methamphetamine for distribution within 1,000 feet of a private secondary school and on a premises where children were present or resided.
This case is the product of an investigation by ATF, the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Woodland Police Department, the Yolo County Narcotic Enforcement Team, and the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David W. Spencer and Justin L. Lee are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Broadbent faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $20 million fine. Broadbent also faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison on some of the drug trafficking charges. He faces separate mandatory minimum sentences of five to 30 years in prison, consecutive to any other prison term imposed, for possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. He also faces a mandatory consecutive sentence of 10 years in prison for discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a mandatory consecutive sentence of seven years in prison for brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Russian and Italian Nationals Charged with Conspiring to Steal Trade Secrets from American Aviation CompanyRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Russian national and an Italian national have been charged here with conspiring and attempting to steal trade secrets from an American aviation company.
Alexander Yuryevich Korshunov, 57, and Maurizio Paolo Bianchi, 59, were charged by a criminal complaint on Aug. 21. Korshunov was arrested on Aug. 30 at Naples International Airport in Italy. The complaint was unsealed today.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Korshunov was an employee of a Russian state-owned company and had previously been a Russian public official whose service included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bianchi was a former director at an Italian subsidiary of GE Aviation, one of the world’s top aircraft engine suppliers, which is headquartered in the Southern District of Ohio. While working for the subsidiary, Bianchi was responsible for business in China, Russia and Asia.
After leaving the subsidiary, Bianchi went to work for a company called Aernova in Forli, Italy.
Korshunov was employed at United Engine Corp (UEC), which included a subsidiary named Aviadvigatel (a branch of the Russian state-owned company), which had been “entity listed” by the U.S. Department of Commerce in September 2018 for acting contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States.
Aernova and Aviadvigatel had a contract during the time of the alleged conduct.
It is alleged that between 2013 and 2018, Bianchi – on behalf of Korshunov – hired current or former employees of GE Aviation’s Italian subsidiary to do consulting work related to jet engine accessory gearboxes for Bianchi and Korshunov. The employees’ statements of work typically stated that the “the holders of patent and intellectual property obtained as a result of the work are…the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.”
Throughout the consulting, employees allegedly used trade secrets owned by GE Aviation to create the technical report. The effort focused on accessory gearboxes made by Avio Aero, which are external engine components that provide power to systems such as hydraulic pumps, generators and fuel pumps.
The affidavit details that Korshunov arranged and paid for employees to meet with him in June 2013 at the Paris Air Show in Le-Bourget, France and in 2014 in Milan, Italy to discuss and revise the technical report.
Conspiring to and attempting to steal trade secrets is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Benjamin C. Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI and the cooperation of GE Aviation, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy S. Mangan and Trial Attorney Will Mackie of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, who are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division assisted in the investigation.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Russian and Italian Nationals Charged with Conspiring to Steal Trade Secrets from American Aviation CompanyRead the Press Release
A Russian national and an Italian national have been charged in the United States with conspiring and attempting to steal trade secrets from an American aviation company.
Alexander Yuryevich Korshunov, 57, and Maurizio Paolo Bianchi, 59, were charged by a criminal complaint on Aug. 21. Korshunov was arrested on Aug. 30 at Naples International Airport in Italy. The complaint was unsealed today.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Korshunov was an employee of a Russian state-owned company and had previously been a Russian public official whose service included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bianchi was a former director at an Italian subsidiary of GE Aviation, one of the world’s top aircraft engine suppliers, which is headquartered in the Southern District of Ohio. While working for the subsidiary, Bianchi was responsible for business in China, Russia and Asia.
After leaving the subsidiary, Bianchi went to work for a company called Aernova in Forli, Italy.
Korshunov was employed at United Engine Corp (UEC), which included a subsidiary named Aviadvigatel (a branch of the Russian state-owned company), which had been “entity listed” by the U.S. Department of Commerce in September 2018 for acting contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States.
Aernova and Aviadvigatel had a contract during the time of the alleged conduct.
It is alleged that between 2013 and 2018, Bianchi – on behalf of Korshunov – hired current or former employees of GE Aviation’s Italian subsidiary to do consulting work related to jet engine accessory gearboxes for Bianchi and Korshunov. The employees’ statements of work typically stated that the “the holders of patent and intellectual property obtained as a result of the work are…the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.”
Throughout the consulting, employees allegedly used trade secrets owned by GE Aviation to create the technical report. The effort focused on accessory gearboxes made by Avio Aero, which are external engine components that provide power to systems such as hydraulic pumps, generators and fuel pumps.
The affidavit details that Korshunov arranged and paid for employees to meet with him in June 2013 at the Paris Air Show in Le-Bourget, France, and in 2014 in Milan, Italy, to discuss and revise the technical report.
Conspiring to and attempting to steal trade secrets is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Benjamin C. Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI and the cooperation of GE Aviation, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy S. Mangan and Trial Attorney Will Mackie of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, who are prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division assisted in the investigation.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Rochester Nail Salon Owner Pleads Guilty to Defrauding the SNAP ProgramRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Hang T. Lam, 46, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to the unauthorized use, transfer, acquisition, and possession of USDA food stamp benefits. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that in April 2018, the Monroe County Department of Social Services (DSS) developed information that Young’s Nails, which is owned and operated by the defendant, was trafficking in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/food stamp benefits for cash, nail services, and other non-food items. Young’s Nails does not sell food and is not authorized to accept SNAP benefits.
Between April 19, 2018, and October 1, 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General conducted five undercover transactions at Young’s Nails using a SNAP Electronic Benefits (SNAP EBT) card. Purchases included nail services such as manicures and pedicures, cigarettes, jewelry, and cash. Lam charged double the cost when a SNAP EBT card was used.
When the undercover purchases were made, the defendant used the Tanhong Du Supermarket on N. Clinton Avenue in Rochester, Ocean Garden Oriental Foods Inc. on S. Clinton Avenue in Rochester, and the Asia Food Market on Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road to process the undercover transactions. All three stores are approved to participate in the SNAP program.
On November 7, 2018, a search warrant was executed at Young’s Nails. Law enforcement officers seized SNAP EBT cards, dozens of handwritten notes containing four digit PIN numbers and various cash amounts, and SNAP EBT receipts from the Asia Food Market and other SNAP authorized stores. As a result, officers identified and interviewed SNAP clients involved in SNAP fraud with Lam at Young’s Nails. Eight of these individuals reported that they exchanged SNAP benefits for cash and nail services.
To date, approximately $26,000 dollars in fraudulent SNAP transactions executed by Lam have been identified.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Monroe County Department of Social Services, under the direction of Commissioner Corinda Crossdale; and the New York State Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Inspector General Letizia Tagliafierro.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2019, before Judge Wolford.
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Rochester Man Sentenced for Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Daiquan Hill, 25, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin, was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who handled the case, stated that between January 2018 and June 14, 2018, the defendant conspired with others to distribute heroin. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Hill distributed quantities of heroin to customers and also directed others as to when, where, and how much narcotics to deliver to customers.
On June 14, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on Grafton Street in Rochester. They recovered approximately 38 grams of heroin and items used for the packaging and distribution of illegal narcotics for street-level distribution, including scales and baggies.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary; U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Jeffrey Wilson; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
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Rochester Man Sentenced for Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jonathan Velasquez, 26, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who handled the case, stated that between March and August 2018, the defendant conspired with sell fentanyl. On March 21, 2018, Velasquez distributed fentanyl to an undercover police officer. On June 23, 2018, the defendant was operating a vehicle in the area of 169 Joseph Avenue in Rochester when he was stopped by police. At the time, Velasquez was in possession of approximately 303 bags of fentanyl and approximately $6,820.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron Singletary; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton; United States Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Jeffrey Wilson; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Randy Bower; and the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Joseph V. Cardone.
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Randolph County man sentenced for possession of illegal explosive materialRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Brian Scott Mayle, 40, of Coalton, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 49 months incarceration for possessing an illegal explosive material, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
In July 2016, Mayle who is not a licensee or permittee, received and transported C4 explosive material in Randolph County. He pled guilty to one count of “Receipt and Transfer of Explosive Material without a License” in January 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Rancho Cordova Men Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment today against Matthew Lee Roberson, 36, and Randy Lee Collins, 61, both of Rancho Cordova. The indictment charges Roberson with heroin and methamphetamine dealing as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment charges Collins with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on August 22, 2019, deputies from the U.S. Marshals Service assisted DEA special agents in executing a search warrant at the home shared by Roberson and Collins. Roberson complied with the order to get on the floor and was arrested. Collins, however, exited the bedroom and pointed a loaded 9 mm gun at the deputies. When he did not comply with commands to drop the gun, members of the entry team fired their weapons at him. Collins was struck in the hand, and he subsequently dropped the gun. Medical aid was rendered to Collins. During the search, agents discovered multiple firearms, methamphetamine, and heroin in the house.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hitt is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Roberson faces a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. Collins faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Putnam County man indicted after allegedly filing income tax returns over three years that understated his income by more than $1.7 millionRead the Press Release
A Putnam County man was indicted in federal court after allegedly filing income tax returns over three years that understated his income by more than $1.7 million.
Jeffrey J. Blanford, 47, of Kalida, was indicted on three counts of tax evasion.
According to the indictment:
Blanford stated his taxable income for 2013 was $106,972, when, in fact, he knew it was $491,613.
Blanford stated his taxable income for 2014 was $148,236, when, in fact, he knew it was $700,150.
Blanford stated his taxable income for 2015 was $91,614, when, in fact, it was $899,560.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gene Crawford and Michael J. Freeman.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Prairieville Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that Chief United States District Judge Shelly D. Dick sentenced Gaylen T. Hall, a 41-year-old resident of Prairieville, Louisiana, to 72 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Court further sentenced Hall to 3 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, and ordered that the firearm possessed by Hall be forfeited.
According to the factual basis submitted during Hall’s guilty plea, on January 30, 2019, a Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Tahoe near the intersection of Juban Road and Interstate 12. After a brief stop, the Tahoe drove off before the Deputy could contact the occupants. During the pursuit, Hall, the front seat passenger, threw methamphetamine, a Sig Sauer firearm, and various other items out of the front passenger-side window of the Tahoe. Hall had instructed the driver to drive off after the initial stop.
The Tahoe eventually stopped along the side of Interstate 12. After detaining the driver and Hall, deputies approached an open door of the Tahoe and observed what appeared to be methamphetamine littered throughout the interior compartment. During the subsequent search, deputies recovered digital scales, several clear plastic sandwich bags, a box containing 84 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition, plastic straws, $100 in cash, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a damaged Samsung smartphone on the front passenger seat.
Meanwhile, other responding deputies canvassed the side of the road along the pursuit route. These deputies recovered plastic sandwich bags containing a quantity of methamphetamine, the Sig Sauer firearm with one live round of Remington .45 caliber ammunition in the chamber, and other items. In total, deputies recovered 30.17 grams of methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Our office continues to work hard to keep firearms and illegal drugs out of the hands of drug dealers. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will utilize our resources to keep our communities safe. I want to thank our prosecutors, and our federal, state, and local partners for their efforts.”
“This individual disregarded both the law and the safety of others,” said ATF New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “It is imperative that armed drug dealers are taken out of the community they victimize and before a tragedy can occur.”
“I am proud of my deputies for working hard to help maintain the safety of Livingston Parish. I would hope that this sends a clear message to criminals who choose this lifestyle. We will not tolerate this type of activity. As always, I appreciate the cooperation between law enforcement agencies & the working relationship we have with the US Attorney,” said Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard.
This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, with substantial assistance from the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Dippel and Alan Stevens, who also serve as Deputy Criminal Chiefs.
Plattsburgh Man Sentenced to 78 Months for Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Sean R. Fabian, age 42, of Plattsburgh, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 78 months in prison for conspiring to distribute 300 grams of cocaine.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and Plattsburgh City Police Chief Levi J. Ritter.
Fabian was convicted by a jury on April 5, 2019 following a four-day trial. The evidence showed that on February 11, 2018, Fabian conspired with Hannah Dyer to traffic 300 grams of cocaine from New York City to Plattsburgh for distribution. On February 13, 2018, the pair met in Albany where Fabian provided the 300 grams of cocaine to Dyer, who was to take the cocaine to Plattsburgh. The New York State Police stopped Dyer’s vehicle in Clinton County and found the 300 grams of cocaine in a thermos, submerged in a fish stew.
United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also sentenced Fabian to 6 years of supervised release, to follow his incarceration. Fabian has been in custody since his arrest on June 21, 2018.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Plattsburgh City Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas Collyer and Troy Anderson.
Pittsburgh Woman Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Launder Proceeds of Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to launder proceeds of marijuana trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Holly Shrum, 29, of the City’s Overbrook neighborhood, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies conducted a multi-year investigation of a marijuana trafficking conspiracy. The investigation revealed that during the operation of the conspiracy, Shrum conspired to launder proceeds obtained through the marijuana trafficking. According to information provided to the court, Shrum and her boyfriend, codefendant Christopher Schanck, were caught attempting to launder $25,000 in drug proceeds at the Rivers Casino by inserting $20 bills into a gaming machine in increments of $500 and then cashing out the vouchers, without ever having gambled at the casino.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for January 15, 2020, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, 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 bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Indiana Borough Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Shrum. 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.
Pittsburgh Drug Dealer Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of the North Side of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to three years and ten months (46 months) in prison on conviction of possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine as well as maintaining a drug involved premises, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Kawama Hightower, 41.
According to the information presented to the court, on September 11, 2018, FBI investigators conducted a traffic stop of Hightower while he was leaving his residence. During the traffic stop, they recovered crack cocaine and nearly $4,000 in cash from Hightower and his vehicle. Later on that day, investigators executed a search warrant at Hightower’s residence and recovered additional quantities of crack cocaine, nearly 100 bricks of heroin, two loaded firearms, additional ammunition, digital scales, and drug packaging materials.
Prior to imposing the sentence, Judge Ambrose stated that Hightower’s sentence was intended to hold him accountable for his crimes, reflect the seriousness of his crimes, and protect the public.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo are prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation of Hightower. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
Orange County Felon Indicted for Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A 30-year-old Vidor, Texas man has been indicted for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown.
Taylor Graham Cozart was indicted by a federal grand jury today and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to information presented in court, on July 30, 2019, law enforcement officers responded to a motorcycle accident on Interstate Highway 10 in Orange County, Texas. The defendant was the driver of the motorcycle, which was later determined to be stolen. Cozart was transported to a nearby hospital and the accident scene was cleared, during which time officers located a backpack affixed to the motorcycle. The backpack contained a pistol, ammunition, $3,000 cash, methamphetamine, Xanax and Hydrocodone pills. Further investigation revealed Cozart was a convicted felon having three prior felony drug convictions. As a convicted felon, Cozart is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
If convicted, Cozart faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
This case is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle S. Englade.
It is important to note that a complaint, arrest, or indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Onondaga County Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Investment FraudRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Charles H. Riel, age 60, of Clay, New York, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Court Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. to serve 24-months’ imprisonment, to be followed by three years of post-release supervision for defrauding investors of hundreds of thousands of dollars. As part of his sentence, Riel was ordered to pay $197,500 in restitution to his victims. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, James Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Division.
As part of his guilty plea, Riel admitted that he was the founder, principal member, and officer of REinvest, LLC, a New York limited liability company based in Clay. From June 2010, through May 2014, Riel provided false, fraudulent, and misleading information about REinvest, LLC, including historical rates of return on supposed REinvest LLC investments and fictitious testimonials touting the financial successes of non-existent REinvest, LLC investors. As part of his guilty plea, Riel also admitted that he collected money from a total of five investors, all of whom had received false and fraudulent information regarding the nature of Riel’s business and how their funds would be utilized. Riel used a substantial portion of the monies received from investors to pay for his own personal living expenses rather than investing the funds in ways that could result in a legitimate return. He also used money from later investors to pay back a portion of the investment of an earlier investor.
This case was investigated by IRS-CI and the FBI, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicolas Commandeur and Michael D. Gadarian.
Oneonta Man Convicted for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM -- A federal jury yesterday convicted an Oneonta man of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of over 500 grams of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E, Town and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Clay Morris.
The jury returned its guilty verdict against Brian Turner, 47, after two days of testimony before U.S. District Judge Annemarie Axon. Turner will be sentenced on January 9, 2020.
"My office is dedicated to stop the influx of dangerous drugs like methamphetamine into our communities,” Town said. “This verdict assured the citizens of the Northern District that yet another peddler of this poison faces a potential life sentence and that he will soon be joined by other drug dealers in a federal prison.”
“The verdict returned in this trial is yet another example of DEAs unwavering commitment to keeping drug dealers from selling poison in our communities. The defendant distributed untold amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine to those suffering from addiction. While battling the opioid epidemic, DEA and our law enforcement partners stand vigilant against the cyclical nature of drug distribution. We cannot forget or overlook methamphetamine. Our communities are also being flooded with this dangerous drug. Defendant Turner will now hear the clang of his prison cell door instead of the clink of profits lining his pocket from selling drugs.”
Evidence at trial proved that Turner conspired with others in 2016 and 2017 to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine in Northern Alabama. DEA agents identified Turner after intercepting a phone call between him and his drug supplier in June 2017. Further investigation revealed that Turner received methamphetamine and cocaine from his supplier every few weeks for more than a year and a half, receiving several pounds of the drugs over the life of the conspiracy.
The penalty for possessing with intent to distribute and distribution of over 500 grams of methamphetamine includes imprisonment for not less than 10 years or more than life.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Austin Shutt and Blake Milner prosecuted the case.
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Ocala Armed Career Criminal Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Narcotics ChargesRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Daprix Devon Gadson (29, Ocala) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Gadson, who qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal, faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison for the firearm offense and up to 40 years’ imprisonment for the narcotics offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on April 16, 2019, Gadson led officers from the Ocala Police Department on a high-speed vehicle chase when they attempted to pull him over for a traffic offense. After fleeing for approximately two miles, Gadson crashed his car into a stop sign, disabling the car. Gadson then fled on foot, but was soon apprehend and arrested. During a subsequent search of Gadson’s vehicle, officers recovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun, 55 rounds of handgun ammunition, and at least 20 grams of methamphetamine. At the time of his arrest, Gadson had 13 prior felony convictions, including 5 for serious drug offenses, and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was jointly investigated by the Ocala Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.
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.
New York Ambulette Company Owners Plead Guilty in More than $8.6 Million Health Care Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
Two New York ambulette company owners pleaded guilty today for their roles in a more than $8.6 million health care kickback scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue of the Eastern District of New York, Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. of the FBI’s New York Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Office of Investigations and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Larsen of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) New York made the announcement.
Igor Radinovskiy, 60, and Aleksandr Radinovskiy, 37, father and son, both of Brooklyn, New York, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to offer and pay health care kickbacks and one count of conspiracy to defraud the lawful functions of the IRS before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven M. Gold of the Eastern District of New York. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
The defendants were the co-owners and officers of the ambulette company Sabe Ambulette Services Inc., which did business as Mobility Transportation. According to court filings and admissions, Igor Radinovskiy and Aleksandr Radinovskiy participated in a conspiracy in which they paid more than $8.6 million in kickbacks to co-conspirator companies not enrolled in the Medicaid program, for the referral of beneficiaries recruited by those co-conspirators, so that Sabe Ambulette could falsely bill Medicaid as if Sabe had transported those beneficiaries to various clinics in Brooklyn and Queens. The defendants then falsely reported to the IRS that the illegal kickback payments were legitimate business expenses, which caused relevant tax forms to falsely under-report business income and claim deductions.
The FBI, HHS-OIG and IRS-CI investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Trial Attorney Andrew Estes of the Fraud Section is prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm at Veterans Affairs HospitalRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MEKAILL HARRIS, age 20, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty September 3, 2019 to a one count Superseding Bill of Information charging him with possession of a firearm in a federal facility.
On April 12, 2019, HARRIS was being investigated by investigators at the Veterans Affairs Hospital, located at 119 South Galvez, New Orleans, after investigators learned that HARRIS was engaged in a domestic dispute with his girlfriend, an employee at the V.A. Hospital. According to HARRIS’s girlfriend, she was concerned that HARRIS may return to the hospital in possession of a firearm. Responding investigators located HARRIS on the hospital’s campus. HARRIS fled from officers. While running, a silver 9-millimeter handgun dislodged from HARRIS’s person onto the ground. The weapon was recovered by V.A. investigators.
On September 3, 2019, HARRIS was sentenced to credit for time served and placed on probation for a period of 1-year imprisonment by Magistrate Judge Michael B. North.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safe for everyone. 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 law enforcement officers at the Veterans Affairs Hospital and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Shariff Britton, 36, of Jersey City, New Jersey, pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing over 500 grams of cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 15, 2018, a New Hampshire State Police trooper patrolling I-95 stopped Britton for driving violations. Upon contact with Britton, the trooper smelled marijuana emanating from the vehicle and observed a marijuana “blunt” in plain view in the center console. During a consensual search, the trooper located a backpack containing 1015 grams of cocaine. Britton was placed under arrest. After his arrest, Britton admitted that he was transporting the cocaine from New Jersey to Maine.
Britton is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2019.
“Interstate drug trafficking presents a serious threat to the health and safety of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “It is imperative that we interrupt the interstate transportation of cocaine and other dangerous drugs. I commend the New Hampshire State Police for their diligence in preventing over a kilogram of cocaine from being distributed.”
This matter was investigated by the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam Le.
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New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KEVIN McFARLANE, also known as “Jabari McBurn” and “Dexter Creque,” 41, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to firearm possession and crack cocaine distribution offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 8, 2018, in New Haven, McFarlane possessed a loaded Glock model 43 9mm semiautomatic handgun and approximately 97 grams of crack cocaine. The firearm had been reported stolen in Florida.
McFarlane’s criminal history includes a 2004 conviction in Connecticut for sale of a hallucinogen/narcotic, and a 2007 conviction in Florida for murder in the second degree.
McFarlane pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years.
A sentencing date is not scheduled.
McFarlane has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on July 11, 2018.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
NDTX Round-up September 5, 2019Read the Press Release
SENTENCING - Samuel Colin
On August 26, Samuel Colin, 25, was sentenced to 78 months in the United States Bureau of Prisons for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Court records reveal that from October 18, 2016, to September 6, 2017, he conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine. The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Investigation and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service, and the Dallas Police Department. The case was prosecuted by AUSA George Leal.
SENTENCING - Jose Guadalupe Silva
On August 23, Jose Guadalupe Silva, 31, was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal custody after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Silva admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine. The court authorized wiretapping and found that Silva and his co-conspirators used coded language to discuss the sale and dispersion of cocaine. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by AUSA George Leal.
GUILTY PLEA - Ronnie Rusk
On August 23, Ronnie Rusk, 44, pled guilty to using a communication facility to facilitate a drug felony. Rusk admitted to using a cell phone to discuss the distribution of a half-kilogram of cocaine. He coordinated with his co-defendant and a Drug Enforcement Administration cooperating defendant to deliver the cocaine to the cooperating defendant. Rusk faces a maximum sentence of up to four years. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by AUSA Suzanna Etessam.
GUILTY PLEA - Keon Dwayne Thompson
On August 27, Keon Dewayne Thompson, 35, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Thompson and his co-conspirators traveled to Bonham, Texas to kidnap the victim. Thompson threatened the victim at gunpoint to force compliance with his demands to withdraw funds from the victim’s bank account. Thompson faces a maximum possible sentence of 15 years in federal custody. The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dallas Police Department. The case is prosecuted by AUSA PJ Meitl.
GUILTY PLEA - James Earl Cude
On August 27, James Earl Cude, 54, pled guilty to receipt of child pornography. Cude received the pornography via his cell phone through the Kik application. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. This case was investigated by Homeland Security and is prosecuted by AUSA Camille Sparks.
INDICTMENT – Jose Alanis
On August 28, Jose Alanis, 34, was charged with production of child pornography and possession of prepubescent child pornography. Alanis allegedly used his cell phone and laptop to document and view minors engaged in sexually explicit acts. This case was investigated by the Dallas Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations and is prosecuted by AUSA Camille Sparks. If convicted, Alanis faces up to 80 years in federal custody.
SENTENCING - Donnie Arlondo Ferrell
On September 4, Donnie Arlondo Ferrell, 26, was sentenced to 30 years in federal custody for murder and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Ferrell murdered a postal worker during a road rage incident where he fired at the USPS vehicle. When law enforcement attempted to arrest Ferrell, he refused to exit his residence and surrender for several hours. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, Dallas Police Department, and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. AUSA P.J. Meitl prosecuted the case. To learn more about the case, click here.
GUILTY PLEA – Rafael Rubi
On September 3, Rafael Rubi, 24, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Federal agents were able to link shell casings from four separate drive-by shootings to Rubi’s firearms that were found in his home and car, along with heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Dallas Police Department. AUSA Rebekah Rickets and AUSA Gary Tromblay prosecuted this case. To learn more about the case, click here.
Multiple Austin Area Drug Trafficking Arrests in March 2018 Result in Lengthy Federal Prison TermsRead the Press Release
In Austin yesterday, a federal judge sentenced the last of 35 defendants convicted of his role in a Austin-based drug trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Will Glaspy, Houston Division; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division; IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Richard D. Goss, Houston Field Office; Texas Department of Safety Director Steven McCraw; Austin Police Chief Brian Manley, Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler; and, Cedar Park Police Chief Sean Mannix.
U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman sentenced 41–year-old Marquis Collins of Austin to 90 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Sentences for the other 34 defendants ranged from time served to 280 months (ringleader Luis Villagrana-Martinez) in federal prison.
A federal grand jury indictment unsealed in March 2018 charged the 35 defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, namely methamphetamine, cocaine and/or heroin. All of the defendants eventually pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy charge.
During the course of the conspiracy, Luis Villagrana-Martinez, age 33 of Leander, TX, and Carlos Garcia-Duarte, age 41 of Dale, TX (135 months imprisonment), were leaders of the distribution cells operating in Austin. Members of this organization utilized a local mechanic’s shop to unload, distribute, and ship drugs to sales and distribution points in Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Minnesota, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
During this investigation, law enforcement agents in several jurisdictions seized a combined total of approximately 148 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, some 56 gallons of liquid methamphetamine, 62 pounds of cocaine, 13 pounds of heroin, and approximately $400,000 in U.S. currency.
“The sheer number of defendants arrested in this case, across so many states and jurisdictions, proves once again that agencies working together are a tremendous force multiplier; achieving a level of success no one agency, office, or department could hope to attain alone’” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Glaspy. “DEA will continue to work closely with our counterparts whenever – and wherever – necessary to protect our communities.”
The DEA Austin Resident Office, FBI Austin, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Texas Department of Public Safety, Austin Police Department, Hays County Sheriff’s Office, and Cedar Park Police Department investigated this case.
Agencies providing assistance during this investigation include: Round Rock Police Department; Georgetown Police Department; Lakeway Police Department; Williamson County Sheriff’s Office; Travis County Sheriff’s Office; Rockwall Police Department; Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office; Travis County District Attorney’s Office; Bell County District Attorney’s Office; Williamson County District Attorney’s Office, Bastrop County District Attorney’s Office, DEA (McAllen, Milwaukee Field Office, Brownsville, Eagle Pass, Dallas Division, Houston Division and Houston SRT); FBI (McAllen); Homeland Security Investigations (Austin); U.S. Border Patrol (Del Rio Sector) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dan Guess and Matt Harding prosecuted this case (A18cr91) on behalf of the Government.
Mexican National Charged with Importing Large Amount of MethRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 31-year-old Mexican man is set to appear in federal court following charges of importing 22 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Oscar Emmanuel Villegas-Ipina was originally charged by criminal complaint July 31, 2019. A federal grand jury returned the two-count indictment Aug. 27, 2019, alleging conspiracy to import and importing methamphetamine into the United States.
Today, he is set to appear for his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon at 1:00 p.m.
According to the charges, Villegas-Ipina approached the Lincoln Juarez Port of Entry in Laredo July 29, 2019, driving a 2008 Toyota Sienna with his wife and two children. He was sent to secondary examination where a positive K-9 alert and x-ray examination allegedly revealed anomalies within the backrest of the front and rear seats. A search of the seats resulted in a discovery of 21 bundles of methamphetamine weighing approximately 22.48 kilograms, according to the allegations.
If convicted, he faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Garrie Brown is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Memphis Man Sentenced to 300 Months for 2017 CarjackingRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Cartrail Jacobs, 26, has been sentenced to 300 months in federal prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in the early morning hours of December 22, 2017, officers responded to a carjacking of a 2015 Black Ford Mustang at 974 N. Parkway. A Memphis woman was driving her Mustang on North Parkway when Jacobs, who was driving a previously carjacked Ford Taurus, intentionally rear-ended her Mustang. When the driver of the Mustang got out to inspect the damage from the wreck, Jacobs approached with a gun and demanded the vehicle. Jacobs drove away in the Mustang and one of the two other occupants of the Taurus drove it away. The victim immediately called police.
Memphis Police Officers responded and observed both the Black Ford Mustang and the Ford Taurus traveling together near the location of the carjacking. When police attempted to pull the vehicles over, a chase ensued involving both the Mustang, the Taurus and multiple Memphis law enforcement units. Jacobs ultimately crashed the Ford Mustang into a wall, ending the pursuit. While taking him into custody, officers discovered a loaded Ruger 9mm pistol in the Ford Mustang. Jacobs admitted to owning the weapon and possessing it during the carjacking. Because of his prior criminal record, Jacobs was sentenced as a career offender.
On September 5, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Jacobs to 300 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Under our Carjacking Initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is continuing to coordinate with our federal and local law enforcement partners to prioritize and target carjacking cases for aggressive federal prosecution. This 25-year sentence demonstrates our resolve to incapacitate the most violent offenders, uphold the rule of law, deter criminal conduct with a strong message of significant consequences, and make us all safer."
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Memphis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Neal Oldham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Maryland Man Charged with Cyberstalking Ohio VictimsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Maryland man was arrested this morning on federal charges of cyberstalking victims in the Southern District of Ohio.
Vincent Brocoli, 32, of Essex, Md., was charged with three counts of cyberstalking in an indictment returned here August 29 and unsealed today.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Todd A. Wickerham, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges.
According to the indictment, from August 2016 until April 2019, Brocoli (also known as Matthew Dehart, BunchMedia and BunchMarketing), cyberstalked a female victim and her parents by creating social media accounts in their names, sending them threats, and using the Internet to cause substantial emotional distress to their family.
Brocoli allegedly created social media accounts like @xokirstylies1, @xokirstyslut1 and @killyourselfkirsty, among others.
It is alleged Brocoli used the Internet to post photos of the victim with a cross on her forehead and send messages like “I hope you get cancer and die UGLY SLLUT [sic],” and “Go away and die. Just put a gun in your mouth and get it over with.”
The indictment also details that, over the course of nearly three years, Brocoli allegedly used the Internet and multiple social media platforms to post threatening and sexually vulgar comments, calling the victim a “worthless lying slut” and a “whore.” Brocoli also allegedly used the Internet to post comments asserting that the victim and her husband had AIDS, like claiming that the victim “took [her husband]’s gay cum down her throat and now she has aids. Diseased whorebag.”
Brocoli allegedly posed as the victim’s father and mother online by creating multiple Instagram and Twitter handles using their names. He also used the Internet to post comments to the victim’s mother, calling her a “pedophile,” commenting that she needed “to be arrested for child abuse,” and telling her to “Shut up and die.” Brocoli further used the Internet to post to the victim’s father that he would “be the first to go to hell and answer to the real God when the time comes.”
Cyberstalking is a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Jessica H. Kim and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher N. St. Pierre, who are prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Marketing Executive for Two Global Companies Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge for Defrauding Her EmployersRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Rebecca Jelfo, age 47, of Silver Spring, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to a federal wire fraud charge in connection with a scheme to defraud two employers of a total of at least $855,000 by submitting fraudulent and inflated invoices.
The guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
According to her plea agreement, from approximately 2008 until December 2015, Jelfo was Head of Marketing and Communications for the Americas for Company A, a global airline. Between January 4, 2016 and January 31, 2018, Jelfo was a Senior Director of Luxury Brand Marketing – Partnerships and Promotions for Company B, a global hospitality company. As part of Jelfo’s duties at both companies, she contracted with marketing vendors and was responsible for approving certain marketing invoices.
Jelfo admitted that beginning while she was employed at Company A and continuing throughout her employment with Company B, Jelfo participated in an over-invoicing scheme designed to defraud her employers. Specifically, Jelfo submitted or caused to be submitted, false and inflated invoices purported to be for various marketing services or products provided to her employer. Jelfo knew that the invoices did not accurately reflect the products or services provided by the vendors, but took steps to make sure that Company A and Company B paid the invoices. After the companies paid the invoices, Jelfo instructed the vendors to remit payments to cover her personal debts.
As detailed in her plea agreement, Jelfo instructed three separate vendors to remit payments to cover her personal expenses. Specifically, from as early as May 21, 2015 through August 24, 2016, Vendor 1 remitted payments for Jelfo’s personal expenses totaling $263,697, including a $13,000 payment to Jelfo’s Neiman Marcus credit card account, a $28,000 payment to Jelfo’s Saks Fifth Avenue credit card account, and purchasing $15,000 in American Express gift cards, some of which Jelfo used to make purchases at a high-end furniture store in Washington, D.C.
Similarly, while employed by Company B, Jelfo submitted false invoices purporting to come from Vendor 2. After Company B paid the invoices to Vendor 2, Vendor 2 remitted payments totaling $106,302 to Jelfo’s personal American Express credit card account. On at least one occasion, Jelfo instructed Vendor 3 to submit an inflated invoice to Company B and provided Vendor 3 with fraudulent documentation that appeared to justify the inflated invoice. Based on Jelfo’s request, Vendor 3 sent an invoice to Company B requesting a payment of $74,880. After receiving the payment from Company B, Vendor 3 made a $64,851.24 payment to Jelfo’s personal credit card account, as instructed by Jelfo.
Jelfo admitted that between May 21, 2016 and January 31, 2018, she stole at least $855,587.25 from Company A and B as a result of this scheme. As part of her plea agreement Jelfo is required to forfeit any proceeds or property obtained as a result of the scheme, and to pay restitution in the full amount of the loss, which is at least $855,587.25.
Jelfo faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte has scheduled sentencing for Jelfo on December 10, 2019, at 9:30a.m.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked investigators from the victim companies for their assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin B. Pulice and Gregory D. Bernstein, who are prosecuting the case.
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Marion County woman admits to role in cocaine and heroin distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Andrew Parker, of Mannington, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Parker, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting in the Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Parker admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in April 2018 in Monongalia County.Parker faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Man who Robbed West Mifflin PNC Bank Wearing a Pirates Hat and McDonald’s Uniform Shirt Will Spend 4+ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court four years and two months (50 months) in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed the sentence on Barry Daniels, 30, who committed the bank robbery while wearing a McDonald’s uniform shirt. Daniels was formerly employed by the fast-food restaurant.
According to information presented to the court, on or about September 12, 2018, Daniels, wearing a Pirates baseball hat and a black buttoned-up McDonalds’ shirt, entered the PNC Bank at 4917 Homeville Road, West Mifflin, PA 15122, handed the teller a deposit slip with a note on the back, which read: "Give me all of your 100s and 50s." Surveillance video, from the bank, shows Daniels arrive at the bank, driving a black vehicle, enter the bank and rob it, and then exit the bank, returning to the same vehicle which he then drove out of the parking lot. The Court was further advised that Daniels took $505.00 from the bank teller.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Mifflin Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Daniels, and were assisted by the Turtle Creek Police Department in apprehending the defendant.
Man Sentenced to 97 Months in Prison for Role in International Credit Card Fraud and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A man who pleaded guilty to his involvement in a multimillion dollar international counterfeit credit card fraud and money laundering conspiracy was sentenced today to 97 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Bruno Macedo Correia, 29, pleaded guilty in July 2019, to conspiracy to commit fraud and related activity in connection with access devices and conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition to imprisonment, United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey ordered Correia to pay restitution in the amount of $2,288,180.97. The Court also imposed a $5,000,000 criminal forfeiture money judgment, and ordered 196 items of property and U.S. currency forfeited.
Correia admitted that, from January 2013 to about January 2017, he conspired with others to commit credit and debit card fraud by using “skimmers” placed on automatic teller machines (ATMs), Global Cash Advance (GCA) machines, and other means to obtain stolen account information. The group also obtained stolen credit card information through the use of malware and point of sale intrusions. Correia and his co-conspirators set-up credit card forgery “laboratories” in residences and hotel rooms to manufacture counterfeit credit and debit cards. They used the counterfeit credit and debit cards to obtain cash withdrawals from ATMs and GCA machines located in Nevada and elsewhere and also to purchase high-end merchandise including luxury watches, jewelry, and clothing at hotel-casinos and businesses in Las Vegas, Nevada and other cities throughout the United States, including: Del Mar, California; Detroit, Michigan; New Orleans, Louisiana; Nassau County, New York; Biloxi, Mississippi; and Atlantic City, New Jersey. The group laundered the fraud proceeds and resold the fraudulently obtained retail items on the black market or online marketplaces.
Twenty-one individuals were charged in a 2017 indictment for their alleged roles in the conspiracy. To date, 12 defendants have pleaded guilty or have been sentenced. Co-defendants Fausto Teixeira Martins Neto and Felipe Augusto Vicale Martins are currently scheduled for a jury trial beginning in January 2020. The remaining seven indicted defendants are currently at large. The charges as to these defendants are allegations only and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Burns is prosecuting the case.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing Nearly $800,000 in JewelryRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Arlington man pleaded guilty today to robbing two Falls Church pawn shops of nearly $800,000 in jewelry and watches.
According to court documents, in July 2014, Budder Khan, 29, entered Route 50 Gold and Jewelry Exchange, forced the store’s employees to the ground using what appeared to be a real firearm, smashed the business’s glass display cases and took jewelry and watches worth over $650,000. Later, in April 2015, Khan entered Top Pawn, again used what appeared to be a real firearm to frighten the store’s employees, smashed the business’s glass display cases and stole jewelry and watches worth over $143,000.
Khan pleaded guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison when sentenced on December 6. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI WFO’s Violent Crime Safe Streets Task Force which is composed of Special Agents of the FBI, along with Detectives from the Fairfax County Police, the Prince William County Police, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, the Arlington County Police, the Alexandria City Police, the Leesburg Police, Vienna Police Department, Herndon Police Department, Fairfax City Police, Falls Church Police Department, the Washington Metropolitan Police Department and in partnership with the ATF, USMS, HSI, and other federal agencies. This task force focuses on investigating the most egregious and violent criminal enterprises and actors operating in the Capital Region.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Timothy M. Dunham, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis, III accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Blanchard is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-199.
Local Waterfowl Outfitter Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Guided HuntRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – Rick A. Hamm, 58, of Chillicothe, Ill., owner of “Show Me Your Snows,” a waterfowl outfitting service, pleaded guilty today in federal court to unlawful sale of wildlife, in violation of the Lacey Act. Hamm admitted that in December 2015, he and his assistant guides took two hunters on a guided waterfowl hunt in Fulton County, Ill. During the hunt, Hamm and his guides used an electronic caller to lure geese into shooting range, knowing it was unlawful under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Illinois conservation regulations. As a result of the use of the electronic caller, the hunters were able to shoot and kill geese. The two hunters were agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acting in an undercover capacity.
At sentencing, scheduled on Jan. 9, 2020, before U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid, the government and Hamm have agreed to a sentence of 24 months of probation with the condition that during the 24-month period, Hamm is banned from hunting and guiding worldwide. Hamm has also agreed to pay $2,500 in restitution to the State of Illinois and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and to pay a $50,000 fine.
This is the second time Hamm has been prosecuted in federal court for wildlife crimes. In 2000, he pleaded guilty to three violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act dealing with shooting waterfowl over the bag limit, transporting untagged waterfowl, and hunting with lead shot. In that case, Hamm paid a $5,000 fine.
Each of Hamm’s co-defendants, Trent Gustafson, Zachary Entwistle, James Schupp, and J. Weston Schupp, have previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing on October 17, 2019, before Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Legge in the prosecution. The charges were investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with the assistance of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Las Vegas Businessman Admits Trafficking More than $1 Million in Counterfeit ElectronicsRead the Press Release
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas W. Pilchak (619) 546-9709
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 5, 2019
SAN DIEGO – A Las Vegas business owner admitted today to running a years-long conspiracy to import counterfeit electronics from China into the United States.
During a hearing this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara L. Major, Saad Ahmed pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Traffic in Counterfeit Goods.
Ahmed, 32, owns and operates PhonePartsUSA, a Las Vegas, Nevada-based company that sells cellular telephone parts and other electronics throughout the United States—including to customers in San Diego. As part of his plea agreement, Ahmed acknowledged conspiring with a variety of individuals in China to bring counterfeit cell phone parts and accessories from China to the United States. The conspiracy stretched back to at least September 2012, according to court documents.
PhonePartsUSA trafficked $1,499,999 worth of counterfeit goods during this period, per Ahmed’s plea agreement. The phony merchandise bore trademarks from Samsung, Apple and the electronic quality certification company UL, but were actually inauthentic copies. The charges against Ahmed also allege that he grossly undervalued his international imports to deflect U.S. Customs’ attention from his shipments.
Ahmed agreed to pay restitution to the three trademark holders in an amount totaling $269,681, which constituted the net proceeds received by Ahmed’s business from trafficking in the counterfeit merchandise. Ahmed also agreed not to contest the forfeiture of 4,453 cell phone parts and accessories seized from PhonePartsUSA as part of a search by Homeland Security Investigations last summer.
“Counterfeit goods confuse and deceive the public, damage legitimate manufacturers, and can even pose a serious risk to consumers’ safety,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “This office and our agency partners will aggressively prosecute who seeks to make a quick illegal profit at the public’s expense.”
“Trafficking counterfeit merchandise hurts legitimate businesses and poses a significant public safety risk as these individuals prey on unsuspecting consumers who believe they are getting name brand products at a reduced price,” said Francisco Burrola, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (Nevada), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “HSI Nevada agents are committed to conducting intellectual property theft investigations that not only protect the companies who have trademarked licensed products, but also the consumers who believe they are buying authentic and/or safe products.”
Ahmed is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Thomas Whelan.
DEFENDANT Case Number 19-cr-3401-W
Saad Ahmed Las Vegas, NV Age: 32
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Traffic in Counterfeit Goods – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 371 & 2320(a)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison, $250,000 fine (or twice the pecuniary gain or loss), restitution and forfeiture.
AGENCY
Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Customs & Border Protection
Justice Department Reaches Settlement Agreement with Physicians and El Paso Physicians Group over Allegations of Violating the False Claims ActRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney John F. Bash of the Western District of Texas announced today that Dr. Robert Moreno, Cheryl Moreno, William “Bill” Collins, Accutrack Medical Claims Service, LLC, and El Paso Integrated Physicians Group, P.A. paid $2,929,162 to settle allegations that they defrauded the U.S. and the State of Texas through their Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs.
“Providers who line their pockets by over-billing for medical care increase medical costs for all of us and drain critical funds from Medicare and other government health programs,” said U.S. Attorney Bash. “The Government will continue to hold accountable medical professionals who undermine our healthcare system through fraudulent over-billing for care.”
On October 30, 2013, Sergio Garcia filed a qui tam action in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, alleging that Dr. Robert Moreno, Cheryl Moreno, William “Bill” Collins, Accutrack Medical Claims Service, LLC, and El Paso Integrated Physicians Group, P.A. double-billed and over-billed government payors for Remicade (Infiximab), an infusion drug sold in single-use vials. Relator alleged that the Group pooled Remicade from partially used vials and used it in other patients, resulting in double-billing for the split vial, and also that it billed for Remicade not used or that was diluted. The complaint further alleged that the Group billed for drugs illegally imported from Canada and other foreign countries.
Multiple federal and state agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, Department of Defense-Defense Health Agency and the Texas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, conducted an extensive investigation into the allegations. Based on the results of the investigation, the U.S., along with the State of Texas, pursued efforts to recover some of the federal and state funds that they allege, were illegally obtained by the defendants.
The lawsuit, United States ex rel., Sergio Garcia, v. Robert Moreno, M.D., et al., Civ. A. No. SA:13-CA-0992XR was filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to sue for false claims against the U.S. and to receive a share of any recovery. The Act permits the U.S. to intervene in such lawsuits, as the U.S. has done in this case.
The claims asserted against the defendants are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Department of Justice Attorney Susan Strawn (formerly an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Texas) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eduardo R. Castillo represented the federal government in the civil lawsuit.
Jury Finds Midland Man Guilty of Attempted Online Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
In Midland yesterday, a federal jury convicted 37-year-old Midland resident Cole S. Crocker of attempted online enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash, FBI Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie, Jr., El Paso Division, and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that on March 22, 2019, Crocker responded to an online advertisement uploaded by an FBI undercover agent. Crocker began chatting with the undercover agent via messaging applications, and the conversation quickly turned graphic and sexual in nature. The undercover agent represented to Crocker that he had access to an eight-year-old girl for sex, and Crocker expressed interest. As the chats progressed, Crocker also engaged in several recorded phone conversations with the undercover agent where they discussed the logistics of a meet-up to have sex with the eight-year-old girl. Crocker was arrested later that evening when he arrived at the purported meeting location in Midland.
“Through the hard work of law enforcement and our Midland office, we have taken another child predator off the streets. Child abuse is a massive problem in our society, and we are fighting it with everything we’ve got,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash.
Crocker, who faces a mandatory minimum of ten years and up to life in federal prison, was placed into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following the verdict. Sentencing is scheduled for 9:30am on December 3, 2019, before U.S. District Judge David Counts in Midland.
This investigation and arrest was the result of a joint operation between the Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane A. Chriesman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Jordy Robertson Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Wire Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JORDY ROBERTSON, age 37, from St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, pled guilty today to a two-count bill of information that charged ROBERTSON with wire fraud and conspiring to distribute cocaine.
According to the bill of information, ROBERTSON’s drug trafficking conspiracy ran from at least May of 2017 through January of 2019, and his wire fraud scheme ran from October of 2016 through January of 2019.
On the drug charges, ROBERTSON faces up to twenty years in prison, followed by at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. On the wire fraud charges, ROBERTSON faces up to twenty years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain to ROBERTSON or the gross loss to any victims.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan L. Shih and Nicholas D. Moses are in charge of the prosecution.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”). OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
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Italian Shipping Company Sentenced to Pay $4 Million for Concealment of Pollution from VesselRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A shipping company based in Italy was sentenced today to pay $4 million for discharging oily waste and other pollutants into the sea and then lying about it, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jean E. Williams announced.
The company, d’Amico Shipping Italia S.p.A., previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to an information charging it with violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. In addition to the $4 million penalty, the terms of the plea agreement place d’Amico on probation for four years. During probation, the company will be subject to the terms of an environmental compliance program that requires outside audits by an independent company and oversight by a court-appointed monitor
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
The charge to which d’Amico pleaded guilty related to the deliberate concealment of vessel pollution from an oil tanker – the M/T Cielo di Milano – owned by that company, which visited ports in New Jersey multiple times, as well as ports in Maryland and Florida. The company admitted that the ship’s crew intentionally bypassed required pollution prevention equipment by discharging machinery space bilge water and oily waste from the vessel’s engine room through its sewage system into the sea. The company also admitted that crew members falsified the vessel’s Oil Record Book, a required log regularly inspected by the Coast Guard; made false statements to the Coast Guard during its inspection of the M/T Cielo di Milano in January 2015; and destroyed the vessel’s sounding log after the Coast Guard had boarded the vessel.
The company admitted the following in a detailed joint factual statement filed in Court:
- From August 2014 through January 2015, the M/T Cielo di Milano used two different methods to illegally dispose of oily waste, both of which involved discharging it from the vessel’s sewage holding tank into the sea.
- Some of the discharges took place within the exclusive economic zone, that is, within 200 nautical miles of the United States.
- Two different chief engineers were involved in the illegal discharges and the intentional falsification of the Oil Record Book to cover up those discharges.
- One chief engineer falsified the Oil Record Book to state that bilge water had been processed through the vessel’s pollution control equipment when, in fact, it had not.
- The crew routinely hid equipment used to conduct the discharges when the vessel entered port.
- During a Coast Guard inspection of the vessel in Bayonne, New Jersey, in January 2015, the chief engineer and second engineer lied to inspectors and told lower-level crew members to lie as well.
- After the Coast Guard departed the vessel, the chief engineer destroyed a notebook containing tank soundings by burning the pages in the vessel’s boiler flame in order to conceal the notebook from the Coast Guard.
The $4 million penalty includes $1 million in organizational community service payments to restore the coastal environment of New Jersey. The funds will be directed to environmental projects that to be selected by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support the cleanup of marine pollution, preservation of aquatic life, and restoration of the shorelines around Newark Bay.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Williams credited special agents of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Richard D. Cox, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen P. O’Leary of the Health Care and Government Fraud Unit in Newark and attorneys from the Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Illegal Trafficker of Fish and Wildlife Sentenced to Four Years ProbationRead the Press Release
Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Simon Lee Sampson, age 71 of Toppenish, Washington, and an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, was sentenced after having pleaded guilty on April 24, 2019, to two Lacey Act violations, including the Sale of Wildlife and Conspiracy to Sell Fish/Wildlife. United States District Judge Bastian sentenced Sampson to a four-year term of probation.
The Lacey Act enforces federal conservation efforts for birds, wildlife, fish, and plants. It applies to tribal and non-tribal members alike. According to information disclosed during court proceedings, beginning in August 2015 through November 2016, Sampson sold sturgeon, steelhead, salmon, smelt, and deer to an undercover Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife detective in violation of Yakama tribal law and the Lacey Act. Sampson described himself as “hustling fish” since 1976.
Sampson illegally trafficked a number of species of fish listed as threatened by the Endangered Species Act. With the assistance of other individuals, Sampson harvested or possessed fish or hunted deer in violation of Yakama tribal law, then unlawfully sold the fish or deer to the undercover, which violated the Lacey Act. At times, Sampson indicated that the sale was “under the table” and “hush hush.” Sampson also acknowledged to the undercover officer that steelhead fishing was regulated because of over-harvesting. Sampson’s illegal sales of fish and wildlife to the undercover officer totaled $4,720.
In pronouncing sentence, Judge Bastian cautioned Sampson that if he did not follow the rules during his term of probation, there could be severe consequences. Sampson has a prior state conviction in Oregon for fishing violations during prohibited seasons. He was convicted in 2017 in Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland, Oregon for Prohibited Activities During Closed Season involving Chinook Salmon.
United States Attorney Hyslop said, “Illegal trafficking of wildlife represents a serious threat to our critical ecosystems. I commend the collaborative work of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Law Enforcement and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife-Police in investigating this matter. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington will continue to aggressively prosecute those individuals who may engage in the illegal trafficking of wildlife.”
Jim Landon, Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Law Enforcement, said, “NOAA is committed to managing marine resources in a fair and sustainable manner. Criminals who circumvent the law for their own personal gain harm both the resource itself as well as those who depend on the resource. The NOAA Office of Law Enforcement and its state and tribal partners are dedicated to enforcing the laws and regulations that exist to prevent this type of exploitation."
This case was investigated by the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife-Police. This case was prosecuted by Meghan McCalla, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Houston Men Indicted for Interstate Transportation of Stolen GoodsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – Two Houston men have been indicted for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Lynric Doniel Strambler, 40, and Curtic DeMaine White, 43, were indicted by a federal grand jury today and charged with interstate transportation of stolen property and conspiracy.
According to information presented in court, on July 31, 2019, Strambler and White are alleged to have burglarized the Best Buy Co., Inc in Mobile, Alabama and D’Iberville, Mississippi. Strambler and White were arrested in Vidor, Texas while transporting approximately 20 stolen iPhones from Mississippi to Texas.
If convicted, the defendants each face up to 10 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Vidor Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher T. Tortorice.
It is important to note that a complaint, arrest, or indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Houston Man Charged in First Known Case Since Bump Stock BanRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal grand jury has indicted a 43-year-old Houston man on four counts of firearms violations including possession of a machine gun, specifically, a bump stock, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The four-count indictment, returned yesterday, alleges Ajay Dhingra possessed a machine gun, made two materially false statements in the acquisition of two firearms and unlawfully possessed a firearm after having been adjudicated as a mental defective or who had been committed to a mental institution.
Previously charged by criminal complaint, he made his initial appearance in federal court Aug., 19, 2019, at which time he was ordered into custody pending further criminal proceedings. He is expected to appear for his arraignment before U.S. District Judge Gray Miller Sept. 12, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.
According to court records, on or about Aug. 17, 2019, Dhingra called the George Bush Foundation and left a concerning message. Authorities discovered Dhingra had previously been committed to a mental institution, according to the allegations. As such, he is prohibited by federal law of possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The charges further allege law enforcement contacted Dhingra at his residence where they found two firearms in his possession, one of which law enforcement identified as a rifle with an installed bump stock.
Authorities obtained a search warrant, which allegedly resulted in the discovery of a Glock pistol, a Colt rifle with a bump stock and 277 rounds of 9 mm ammunition.
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), this is the first case filed in Texas and what is believed to be the first nationwide involving illegal possession of bump stocks since the law was implemented in March 2019.
If convicted of any of the charges, Dhingra faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
The Secret Service and ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ted Imperato and Steven Schammel are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Homewood Man with Heroin in his House and Car Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, has been sentenced in federal court to three years and five months (41 months) in prison on conviction of attempt to possess with intent heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Farren Mason, Sr., 60, of the City’s Homewood neighborhood.
According to information presented to the court, on November 9, 2018, Mason’s car and house were searched. During the searches, agents and task force officers recovered 150 bricks of heroin from Mason’s car and additional heroin and $70,000 in cash were found in Mason’s house. The total amount of heroin seized totaled 232 grams.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Horan stated that Mason’s sentence was intended to hold him accountable for his crimes and to deter future criminal conduct.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leo Ivory prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the North Versailles Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mason.
Hendricks County man sentenced to 30 months in prison for charges of tax evasionRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS - United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that Scott C. Cole, 55, Brownsburg, Indiana, was sentenced to 30 months in prison by United States District Chief Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. Cole previously pleaded guilty to a charge of tax evasion.
“Cole, a former attorney and paid tax preparer, intentionally and purposely used his ‘expertise’ to repeatedly obstruct the Internal Revenue Service and to evade his federal tax obligations,” said Minkler. “Taxpayers who deceive and defraud the federal government by deliberately failing to pay their federal income taxes, like Cole, will be found and prosecuted.”
“The Tax Division with its partners in the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will prosecute tax professionals, such as Cole, who abandon their professional ethics and instead willfully commit tax fraud,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Tax Division.
According to Chief Judge Magnus-Stinson, the IRS did not succumb to the defendant’s attempt to wear them down and the defendant has no credibility before the court. Stinson also said, “Cole has a complete lack of respect for the law, for the tax code, his fellow citizens and for the court.”
Cole attempted to evade and defeat tax payments by opening bank accounts with sham company names and directed payment for services he rendered to the same artificial companies. He paid personal expenses through third-party business accounts, dealt extensively in cash and filed false 1040 tax returns understating taxable income.
The court found that the defendant owes $2,410,443 to the IRS.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation said, “After years of deceit, Scott Cole has been dealt the consequences of evading his federal income taxes. Our sworn mission is to protect the federal tax system from those that cheat it. Today’s sentencing of Mr. Cole emphasizes the Internal Revenue Service will continue their pursuit of those who use fraudulent methods to corrupt our nation’s tax system.”
According to Assistant United States Attorney James M. Warden and Assistant Chief Stanley J. Okula of the Tax Division, who prosecuted this case for the government, Cole will serve two years of supervised release following his imprisonment and pay full restitution to the government.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to utilize and partner with the law enforcement agencies to prosecute individuals engaged in income tax evasion. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 5.4.