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3 September 2019
Mexican Citizen Pleads Guilty to Importing MethRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 57-year old Mexican citizen faces up to life in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy and importation of more than 50 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On July 12, 2019, Oscar Javier Villagomez-Palacios attempted entry into the United States at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge #1 in Laredo, driving an Audi Q5. During a secondary inspection, a narcotics detection dog alerted to the presence of an odor emitting from the tires of the vehicle. Authorities conducted an X-ray examination and discovered anomalies in all four tires. Further inspection revealed non-factory compartments around the rim of the tires containing a crystalline substance, which field-tested positive for methamphetamine with a total weight of 50.46 kilograms.
The drugs have an estimated street value of $700,000.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Villagomez-Palacios faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary McAuliffe is prosecuting the case.
McFarland Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Methamphetamine and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Edgar Hernandez, 34, of McFarland, pleaded guilty today to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Hernandez, who is also known as “Dopey,” sold methamphetamine on Jan. 17, Feb. 28, and March 6, 2019, in the McFarland area. When Hernandez was arrested on March 6, he was found to be in possession of a firearm and narcotics.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the McFarland Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Newman is prosecuting the case.
Hernandez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Dec. 2. Hernandez faces a mandatory minimum five-year sentence and a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $5 million fine related for the distribution of methamphetamine charge; and a mandatory consecutive five-year sentence and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine for firearm charge. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
This case 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.
Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Selling Meth in IowaRead the Press Release
An Iowa man who sold and possessed meth was sentenced August 29, 2019, to five years in federal prison.
Jaime William Hasselbusch, age 28, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 11, 2019, guilty plea to distribution of methamphetamine.
In a plea agreement, Hasselbusch admitted selling methamphetamine three times in Cedar Rapids. Hasselbusch also possessed over a half ounce of pure methamphetamine on another occasion. At sentencing, the district court enhanced Hasselbusch’s sentence after finding that he possessed brass knuckles in connection with his drug offenses.
Hasselbusch was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Hasselbusch was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Hasselbusch is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Nydle and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/. The case file number is 1:19-cr-00007-CJW-MAR.
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Man Sentenced for Possessing Methamphetamine for SaleRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Bounmee Thor, 33, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced on August 30 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to six years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Thor pleaded guilty to the charge on June 28, 2019.
In the fall of 2018, the West Central Drug Task Force received information from the Drug Enforcement Administration in Minnesota that Thor was bringing methamphetamine from St. Paul, Minnesota to an individual in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In October 2018, law enforcement agents obtained a warrant to place a GPS tracker device on Thor’s vehicle and confirmed that Thor was making multiple trips between St. Paul and Eau Claire.
On November 27, 2018, Thor was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Eau Claire Police for speeding. He initially provided a false name, but eventually admitted his real identity. He was arrested on an outstanding probation warrant and searched. The search revealed 58 grams of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. Thor provided a post-Miranda confession confirming that the majority of methamphetamine he possessed was for re-delivery to another person whom he would not identify. At sentencing, the Court found that Thor was responsible for possessing and distributing a total of 285 grams of methamphetamine in October and November 2018. At the time, Thor was on state probation for felony drug distribution.
Despite Thor’s unwillingness to name the person he was delivering methamphetamine to on November 27, 2018, law enforcement agents were able to identify that individual as Sylvia M. Erickson, of Eau Claire. On March 13, 2019, a federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin returned a seven-count indictment against Erickson, charging various drug and gun-related offenses. On August 16, 2019, Erickson pleaded guilty to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in January 2019. Her sentencing is scheduled before Judge Conley on October 29, 2019.
The charges against Thor and Erickson were the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Eau Claire Police Department, with assistance from the Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Office. The prosecution of both cases has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith P. Duchemin.
Man Charged in Deaths of Three Smuggled Chinese MigrantsRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Michael G. Wheat (619) 546-8437
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – September 3, 2019
SAN DIEGO – Neil Edwin Valera, a U.S. citizen who resides in Tijuana, was arraigned in federal court today in connection with the deaths of three Chinese migrants, including a mother and her 15-year-old son, who were found in the trunk of Valera’s BMW two days after he crossed into the United States through the San Ysidro Port of Entry in the same car.
Valera, a truck driver from El Paso, Texas, was taken into custody at the downtown bus station on Saturday. He was charged via complaint with Encouraging Aliens to Enter Resulting in Death and Bringing in Aliens without Presentation for Financial Gain.
On August 11, 2019, at 4:54 p.m., San Diego police received an emergency 911 call from a person reporting a foul odor and blood dripping from a suspicious vehicle with Texas license plates parked near the 2100 block of Jaime Avenue in San Diego.
San Diego police officers discovered a 1999 silver BMW with a Texas license plate. The officers lifted the trunk and found what initially appeared to be two deceased Asian females. Homicide detectives found an additional victim, an Asian male, pressed up against the rear wall of the trunk. A witness said the car was first noticed two days earlier and no one was seen coming or going.
Video recordings show the same car crossing into the United States from Mexico on August 9, 2019, at the San Ysidro port of entry at 3:14 p.m. According to the complaint, the driver was Valera, the registered owner of the vehicle. Valera used his Sentri card to enter into the U.S. After that day, Valera only crossed into the United States on foot, through pedestrian lanes at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
“These tragic cases are grim reminders that attempting to cross into the United States illegally in the trunk of a car – and putting your faith, hope and future in the hands of smugglers – is extremely dangerous,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “My office will aggressively prosecute those who smuggle others into the United States for financial gain, place vulnerable people in grave danger, and recklessly cause deaths.”
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Violent Crime and Human Trafficking (VCHT) Section. Formed in 2019, by U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer, the VCHT is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving violent crimes, firearms and gang cases; sex trafficking and child exploitation; civil rights, and labor trafficking. The VCHT Section oversees the Southern District of California Coordinators for Project Safe Neighborhoods, Human Trafficking, and Project Safe Childhood. The VCHT Section also provides federal prosecutors to the downtown San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group, the North County Gang Task Force, and the East County Gang Task Force.
DEFENDANT Case Number 19mj3525
Neil Edwin Valera Age: 50 Tijuana
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Encouraging Aliens to Enter Resulting in Death – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(vi) and (B)(iv)
Maximum penalty: Life in prison or death and $250,000 fine
Bringing in Aliens without Presentation for Financial Gain – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii)
Maximum penalty: Mandatory minimum three years, up to 15 years in prison
AGENCY
San Diego Police Department
Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Maine Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Firearms and Assault CrimesRead the Press Release
CONCORD - William Charles Pelletier, 36, of Andover, Maine, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for unlawful transportation of a firearm in interstate commerce and simple assault, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 10, 2017, the defendant groped a passenger while aboard an airplane. On March 13, 2018, the defendant was indicted in the Northern District of Georgia for felony abusive sexual contact for that conduct. It is unlawful for a person who is under indictment for a felony to transport a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce. On November 25, 2018, while that charge remained pending and the defendant was on pretrial release, the defendant transported two firearms from Vermont to New Hampshire.
Pelletier previously pleaded guilty on March 26, 2019, to charges related to both matters. He pleaded guilty to simple assault to resolve the Georgia matter.
The firearms have been forfeited to the United States.
“The defendant’s conduct jeopardized public safety in multiple ways,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “First, he assaulted a fellow passenger on an airplane. Then, although on pretrial release with charges pending, he illegally transported firearms across state lines. Mr. Pelletier’s actions clearly merited the prison sentence imposed by the judge today.”
“Pelletier believed he could sexually assault a fellow passenger on a flight to Atlanta. Behavior like this will not be tolerated by the FBI,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This sentence will hopefully send a message that this conduct is unacceptable, and anyone who chooses to act in this manner will be prosecuted. Citizens deserve to feel protected from sexual assault and should not have to fear this happening to them while traveling.”
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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Litchfield Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
CONCORD - William McKnight, 48, of Litchfield, pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from November 7, 2018 to November 19, 2018, members the Nashua Police Department Problem Oriented Policing Unit working in conjunction with members of the Nashua Police Department Narcotics Intelligence Division investigated McKnight for distributing fentanyl in Nashua. They arranged for a cooperating individual to purchase fentanyl from McKnight on three occasions.
On January 16, 2019, Nashua Police Department searched McKnight’s apartment and found drug paraphernalia, including a scale, needles, plastic bags and cotton swabs.
McKnight is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2019.
“The trafficking of fentanyl has had a devastating impact throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Nashua is located in close proximity to the regional distribution center for this dangerous drug and along with other Hillsborough County communities, has been especially hard hit. Through Operation S.O.S., we are working with Nashua Police to send a message to fentanyl dealers that their dangerous and illegal activities will not be tolerated in New Hampshire.”
This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joachim Barth.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July of 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the large number of overdoses and deaths associated with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on prosecuting synthetic opioid trafficking cases arising in Hillsborough County, which includes Manchester and Nashua.
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Lincoln Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Sabas Rodriguez-Cisneros, 47, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge John M. Gerrard to 20 years and 10 months (250 months) for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Following the prison term, Rodriguez-Cisneros will serve five years on supervised release. He was convicted of the offense by a federal jury in May of 2019.
In early March, 2018, a DHL package was intercepted by United States Customs and Border Control agents at the Cincinnati, Ohio, port of entry. The package was addressed to Rodriguez-Cisneros’s girlfriend in Lincoln, Nebraska. Customs agents opened the package and found methamphetamine and pills. Homeland Security Investigations agents sent the package to their Omaha office, and Omaha HSI agents delivered it to the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force. On March 5, 2018, an undercover Lincoln Police officer delivered the package to Rodriguez-Cisneros’s girlfriend in Lincoln. She was arrested. The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Laboratory found the package contained 400 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine, and purity analysis showed at least 370 grams of actual (pure) methamphetamine. There were also 197 fentanyl tablets in the package.
Testimony and evidence presented at trial established that between October of 2016 and March 5, 2018, Rodriguez-Cisneros was involved in selling methamphetamine in the Lincoln, Dwight, and Crete, Nebraska areas.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force, the Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
Levy County Man Indicted for "Sextortion" of Washington Teen and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe for the Northern District of Florida today announced the indictment and arraignment of Dustin Lee Norman, 23, of Trenton, Florida, after a federal grand jury in Gainesville returned an indictment charging him with Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Receiving Child Pornography, Possessing Child Pornography, and Sending Interstate Transmissions of Extortionate Communications.
The indictment alleges that between September 19, 2018, and October 19, 2018, Norman knowingly and intentionally used, persuaded, induced, or enticed a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct. The indictment also alleges that during the same time period, Norman knowingly used a cell phone and the internet to transmit communications containing threats to injure the reputation of the minor female, who resided in the state of Washington, intending to extort images and videos of the minor female in various stages of undress, while naked, and while engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Norman faces the following penalties:
• Sexual exploitation of a child: a maximum of 30 years in prison and a 15-year mandatory minimum in prison;
• Receipt of child pornography: a maximum of 20 years in prison and a 5-year mandatory minimum in prison;
• Possession of child pornography: a maximum of 10 years in prison;
• Sending interstate transmissions of extortionate communications: a maximum of 2 years in prison.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen is prosecuting the case.
Trial is scheduled for October 29, 2019, at 8:30 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html
Leader of Bank Robbery Crew Gets Nearly Two Decades in PrisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 31-year-old Houston resident has been handed a significant sentence for leading a crew of bank robbers responsible for multiple crimes in the local area, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Javier Flores, 31, originally from Chicago, Illinois, but a long-time Houston resident, pleaded guilty March 26, 2019, to two counts of aiding and abetting aggravated bank robbery and one count of aiding and abetting the brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen imposed a total of 235 months in federal prison - 151 months for the robberies in addition to another 84 months for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence which must be served consecutively. The sentence will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
Flores was found responsible for leading a crew that robbed the Prosperity Bank on Westheimer Road June 2, 2017, and the BBVA Compass Bank on Fry Road in Katy, June 21, 2017. Perry Fluellen, 28 and Brandon Carter, 29, both of Houston, and Steve Malala, 36, of Kenya, Africa, were also involved in these robberies and have also pleaded guilty. They are pending sentencing at a later date.
The group conducted or attempted to conduct at least a dozen bank robberies over the course of six months in 2017 at various banks on the west side of Houston. Flores acted as the leader of the group and would select and scout the banks prior to the robberies. On the day of the robberies, he provided firearms and transportation and acted as a lookout, while Fluellen and Carter conducted the robbery, holding the employees at gunpoint. Often times, the crew would remain on an open cellular phone line so Flores could instruct them when to enter and exit the bank.
On June 21, 2017, following the BBVA Compass Bank robbery, law enforcement used surveillance and a GPS tracker attached to bait money to stop and arrest the suspects. After a short car and foot chase, the crew was taken into custody. At that time, Fluellen was found in possession of money and cash straps stolen from the bank, as well as a firearm.
All have been and will remain in custody.
The case is an example of coordination between law enforcement who are part of the Houston Law Enforcement Violent Crime Initiative. The goal is to proactively fight and reduce violent crime across the Greater Houston area by targeting the region’s most violent offenders, augmenting investigative and prosecutorial efforts and enhancing training, public awareness and education.
The FBI conducted the investigation in conjunction with the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Porto and Heather Winter are prosecuting the case.
Kentucky Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing Mail Parcels Containing Medication Intended for VeteransRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ashland, Kentucky man pled guilty to illegally stealing and rifling through mail parcels intended for veterans, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Michael Lawrence Collins, 48, was a truck driver for a company who contracted with the United States Postal Service to transport mail between Post Office facilities. Collins gained access to the mail by virtue of his employment as a contract truck driver.
“A despicable crime – stealing critical medications intended for those who served our Nation,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Collins was stealing pain medication for his own personal use that was intended for veterans in the Huntington area. Collins was supposed to deliver the mail, not steal the mail. I appreciate the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service to catch Collins so that veterans in the Huntington area will once again get their much needed medications.”
An investigation was initiated in 2018 by agents of the United States Postal Inspection Service after receiving complaints that prescription medication packages sent from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Huntington were not received or the packages had been ripped open. Postal inspectors then identified the truck route in which the suspicious activity was occurring and conducted surveillance. Collins was identified as the suspect. On December 18, 2018, Postal Inspectors placed test packages into the mail stream on Collins’ mail route. Postal inspectors approached Collins on the dock of the Huntington Post Office, and Collins was found to have one of the test packages in his jacket. Collins confessed that he had been stealing and tearing open the medication parcels.
At the September 3, 2019 plea hearing, Collins admitted that on approximately eighteen occasions, from August 2018 through December 2018, he opened and removed the contents of sealed U.S. mail parcels that were labeled as being sent from the VAMC to people in the Huntington area. Collins admitted that he was looking for pain pills, such as hydrocodone, for his personal use.
Collins faces up to five years in prison when sentenced on December 9, 2019. The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing.
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KCK Man Sentenced for Robberies at Bank, Pharmacy and Retail StoreRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced today to 77 months in federal prison for robbing a bank and a pharmacy and attempting to rob a retail store, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Ralph McGinnis, 63, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery.
In his plea, McGinnis admitted he robbed the Bank of Labor at 756 Minnesota in Kansas City, Kan. He told a bank clerk, “don’t say anything,” and demanded money from a cash drawer. When he fled from the bank with cash, a security guard followed him as far as an apartment building in the 700 block of Nebraska Avenue where McGinnis lived.
The day before the bank robbery, McGinnis was carrying what appeared to be a rifle when he attempted to rob a Family Dollar at 1200 N. 7th Street. After the clerk ducked behind the counter, McGinnis left with no money.
On the same day as the attempted robbery, McGinnis robbed the CVS Pharmacy at 950 Minnesota. He told a clerk he had a gun and would use it if he didn’t get what he wanted. He fled with cash.
McAllister commended the FBI, the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug for their work on the case.
Justice Department Settles Immigration-Related Discrimination Claim Against Security CompanyRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with U.S. Security Associates Inc. (USSA), which was recently acquired by Allied Universal Holdco LLC (Allied Universal) – the largest private security firm in the United States. Prior to its acquisition, USSA provided security services to hospitals, schools, financial institutions, government facilities, events, and other businesses. The settlement resolves a claim that USSA’s Falls Church, Virginia office violated the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by discriminating against work-authorized non-U.S. citizens when verifying their work authorization. The settlement applies to USSA and Allied Universal.
“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that employers do not unlawfully discriminate because of citizenship status or national origin when requesting documents to verify employees’ work authorization,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “We are pleased that USSA and its successor, Allied Universal, have agreed to resolve this matter with the Division and ensure that their Falls Church office complies with the anti-discrimination provision of the INA.”
The Department’s independent investigation concluded that, from at least Jan. 1, 2015, to July 30, 2018, USSA’s Falls Church, Virginia, office required lawful permanent residents to provide specific documentation to prove their work authorization, while not imposing a similar requirement on U.S. citizens. Federal law allows all work-authorized individuals, regardless of citizenship status, to choose which valid, legally acceptable documents to present to demonstrate their ability to work in the United States. The anti-discrimination provision of the INA prohibits employers from requesting more or different documents than necessary to prove work authorization based on employees’ citizenship status or national origin.
Under the settlement, USSA or its successor will pay $194,000 in civil penalties to the United States and be subject to departmental monitoring and reporting requirements. Additionally, certain employees will be required to attend training on the requirements of the INA’s anti-discrimination provision.
The Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. Among other things, the statute prohibits citizenship status and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; and retaliation and intimidation.
For more information about protections against employment discrimination under immigration laws, call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a free webinar; email [email protected]; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites.
Applicants or employees who believe they were subjected to retaliation; different documentary requirements based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin; or discrimination based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee, should contact IER’s worker hotline for assistance.
Jury Convicts Armed Robbery Getaway Driver/LookoutRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Dajor Marquis Atkins (27, Tampa) guilty of four offenses related to a takeover-style armed robbery. The jury found Atkins guilty of one count of conspiring to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, one count of interference with interstate commerce by robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Atkins faces a minimum mandatory penalty of seven years, and up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 4, 2019.
According to evidence presented during the five-day trial, on June 2, 2018, Atkins served as the lookout and getaway driver while his co-defendant, Riley Harris, entered the AT&T store located at 21561 U.S. Highway 19 North in Clearwater. Harris held the employees at gunpoint, forced them to open the inventory storage locker and cash register, bound the employees’ hands and feet with packing tape, and stole cash and merchandise worth more than $47,000. Harris then fled the store in the waiting vehicle as Atkins drove the pair from the scene. Law enforcement officers tracked the getaway vehicle as it fled the scene and identified Harris and Atkins as the robbery team.
This was the fourth in a series of similar takeover-style armed robberies of AT&T stores committed by Harris between December 2017 and June 2018. Atkins only participated in the fourth and final armed robbery.
Harris previously pleaded guilty. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 6, 2019.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Clearwater Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael M. Gordon.
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.
Jose Inez Garcia-Zarate Remains Under Federal Firearm Charges in the Northern District of CaliforniaRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – On December 5, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted Jose Inez Garcia-Zarate for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and for being an illegally present alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to the indictment, on July 1, 2015, Garcia-Zarate, a citizen of Mexico who reportedly is 48 years old, possessed a semi-automatic pistol and multiple rounds of ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (felon in possession of a firearm) and 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(5) (unlawfully present alien in possession of a firearm). As the government alleged in a public filing in this case, on July 1, 2015, Garcia-Zarate was on Pier 14 on the Embarcadero in San Francisco. Also on the pier were 31-year old Kathryn Steinle, her father James Steinle, and Frances “Kaye” Williams, a family friend. The three were sightseeing. At approximately 6:30 p.m., Garcia-Zarate possessed and fired a semi-automatic pistol. The bullet fired by Garcia-Zarate hit Kathryn Steinle in the back and killed her. At the time of the shooting, Garcia-Zarate was a felon, an illegal alien, and was on federal supervised release from a prior conviction in 2011 in the Western District of Texas.
On November 30, 2017, a jury in San Francisco county convicted Garcia-Zarate of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of California state law. On August 30, 2019, the California state Courts of Appeal overturned Garcia-Zarate’s state conviction based on the failure of the state trial court to instruct the jury on the state affirmative defense of momentary possession.
“The state-court ruling has no legal effect on the federal prosecution, which will continue,” stated United States Attorney David Anderson. “A repeatedly deported, previously convicted felon has no right to possess a firearm under federal law, even if California extends him sanctuary.”
An indictment merely alleges that a crime has been committed and Garcia-Zarate, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Garcia-Zarate currently is in federal custody awaiting trial on these charges. If convicted of either violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), Garcia-Zarate faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Six Counts of Illegally Accessing Veterans' Medical RecordsRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man pled guilty to illegally accessing the medical records of six veterans, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Jeffrey Miller, 39, an employee of the Veterans Benefits Administration in Huntington, pled guilty to six counts of unauthorized access of a computer.
“This is a very serious matter. Medical records are protected information and the expectation and right of privacy is paramount,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Federal law requires employees of the Veterans Benefits Administration to protect the medical records of our veterans. Anyone that improperly accesses, uses or exploits veterans’ medical records will be held accountable.”
Miller admitted that he illegally accessed the medical records of six veterans between January and May of 2018. Miller further admitted that he took a picture of the medical records of former West Virginia State Senator Richard Ojeda, and then sent the picture to an acquaintance.
Miller faces up to one year in prison on each of the six counts of fraud in connection with computers when he is sentenced on December 9, 2019.
The Department of Veterans Affairs – Officer of the Inspector General and the FBI conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stefan Hasselblad is handling the prosecution.
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Home health care owner pleads guilty to defrauding Georgia MedicaidRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Diandra Bankhead, the owner and operator of Elite Homecare (“Elite”), an Atlanta-based home healthcare provider, has pleaded guilty to defrauding Medicaid by submitting thousands of fraudulent claims for services that were never provided to medically fragile children under the Georgia Pediatric Program (“GAPP”).
“Bankhead exploited Medicaid-eligible children who suffer from significant physical and cognitive disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Her fraud included billing for services never performed and for children never seen. Georgians dependent on these types of services deserve our best, not to be used by someone who is looking to enrich themselves at their expense.”
“The greed of this defendant deprived health care to many at risk children in Atlanta, focusing on profit rather than the care of our kids,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will not stand by and allow those who commit fraud to take advantage of programs that are intended to support our state's most vulnerable citizens.”
“This plea is another example of our strong commitment to aggressively pursue health care providers who recklessly bill the Medicaid program,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “The OIG, our State law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to protect government health programs and those they serve.”
“This is one of many cases we have seen lately that involves someone undermining the integrity of the Medicaid program and neglecting their responsibility to support children who may desperately need these services. This trend is unacceptable, and we will continue to work with our federal partners to stop it in its tracks and protect this vulnerable population,” said Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: GAPP is an in-home nursing program designed to serve Medicaid-eligible children under the age of 21 years of age based on a medical necessity. The program offers in-home skilled nursing services for medically fragile children who require nursing services, and personal care services, including feeding, bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, preparation of meal, and assisting with the mobility and ambulation of members.
Medically fragile children who are eligible for services under GAPP typically suffer from significant physical and cognitive disabilities, including autism, blindness, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epileptic seizures, and/or paralysis.
Bankhead's scheme began in approximately September 2015 and continued until April 2018. Over that time, Elite submitted more than 5,400 claims to Georgia Medicaid—the vast majority of which were fraudulent—and for which Elite received $1.2 million. Bankhead defrauded Medicaid in a number of ways, including:
- Submitting fraudulent credentialing information to the State of Georgia Department of Community Health in order to become a certified GAPP provider, including falsely representing that a registered nurse—without her knowledge or authorization—served as Elite’s RN Supervisor.
- Falsely representing to Medicaid that a registered nurse (“RN”) or RN Supervisor had conducted the initial evaluation of putative GAPP members as required by applicable regulations.
- Submitting fraudulent claims for in-home nursing services allegedly provided to families who had not retained Elite to provide any services.
- Submitting fraudulent claims in which Elite employees allegedly provided more than 24 hours of services in a given day.
- Submitting fraudulent claims where Elite employees were impossibly providing services to multiple children simultaneously.
- Submitting fraudulent claims in the names of multiple individuals, including RNs, who did not provide the services in question, and did know that their identities and credentials were being used.
- Submitting fraudulent claims that had been “upcoded” – that is claims which fraudulently increased the amount Medicaid paid Elite – by materially misrepresenting the level of care provided and the level of licensing for the individual allegedly providing the services. For example, Elite submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid purporting that an RN (billed at $40/hour) had rendered the services when in fact an licensed professional nurse (billed at $30/hour) and/or personal care service provider (billed at $20/hour) had actually done so.
- Preparing fraudulent supporting documentation for the in-home nursing services that were never provided, including fraudulent patient care charts.
Bankhead pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud. Sentencing for Diandra Bankhead, 42, of Atlanta, Georgia, is scheduled for January 28, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., before Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Georgia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex R. Sistla is prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
- Submitting fraudulent credentialing information to the State of Georgia Department of Community Health in order to become a certified GAPP provider, including falsely representing that a registered nurse—without her knowledge or authorization—served as Elite’s RN Supervisor.
Hamden Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm and Narcotics ChargesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that CLEMENTE HOLMES, also known as “Cavali” and “Vali,” 30, of Hamden, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to firearm and narcotics offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2019, law enforcement made two controlled purchases of narcotics from Holmes at his Goodrich Street residence. On January 22, 2019, a court-authorized search of the residence revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine, as well as a loaded 9mm handgun. Holmes was arrested on state charges on that date.
In February 2019, investigators made a controlled purchase of crack cocaine from Holmes, who had posted bond after his state arrest.
Holmes was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on February 26, 2019. At the time of his arrest, a search of his residence revealed more heroin packaged for distribution. He has been detained since his arrest.
In 2012, Holmes was convicted in state court of sale of narcotics and possession pistol without a permit.
Holmes pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; one count of possession of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine base (“crack”) with intent to distribute, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries maximum term of life imprisonment.
A sentencing date is not scheduled.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the East Haven, Hamden and New Haven Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
Gang Member Pleads Guilty After Ballistic Database Links His Guns to Four Drive-By ShootingsRead the Press Release
A gang member involved in several drive-by shootings in Dallas pleaded guilty today to multiple gun and drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Rafael Rubi, 24, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance Tuesday morning before Magistrate Judge Rebecca Rutherford.
Using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, or NIBIN, federal agents were able to link shell casings found at the scenes of at least four drive-by shootings in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood to firearms found in Mr. Rubi’s home and car.
“Intelligence gleaned from ATF’s ballistic database helped get a violent criminal off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “We are proud to partner with ATF to use every investigative tool at our disposal – from shrewd agents to sophisticated technology – to track criminals wielding unlawful firearms against our communities.”
“Use of ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network can provide essential leads linking firearm evidence recovered from associated or seemingly-unrelated crime scenes, even if the crimes occur in separate jurisdictions,” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “Every gun tells a story. In this case, the use of NIBIN capture and comparison technology revealed the connection between the firearms seized from Mr. Rubi and several violent crimes committed in the Dallas area. NIBIN is an excellent investigative tool. ATF works with our local, state and federal partners to advance the use of the technology to prevent, solve and prosecute violent crime offense.”
In plea papers, Mr. Rubi, a member of the street gang La Familia Homeboy, admits he was involved in all four drive-by shootings, including one shooting that targeted a driver previously involved in a car accident with Mr. Rubi’s girlfriend and another shooting that targeted the driver’s family members.
In total, approximately 119 cartridge casings were recovered at the scenes of the shootings.
The majority of the casings were later linked to two Glock pistols – one found stashed in a toilet tank in Mr. Rubi’s apartment (along with heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia), and another recovered from his Ford Mustang during a traffic stop hours after the final shooting.
During that traffic stop, officers observed Mr. Rubi’s passenger making “furtive movements” toward the floorboard, where they later located the loaded Glock pistol. Mr. Rubi admits he handed the Glock to the passenger and asked him to hide it.
A convicted felon, Mr. Rubi now faces a sentence of five years up to life in federal prison. He is set to be sentenced on December 18 before U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebekah Ricketts and Gary Tromblay prosecuted the case.
Franklin County Man Sentenced to 17+ Years for Selling Drugs, Guns to Undercover OfficersRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man who lived in Franklin County was sentenced today to 210 months in federal prison for selling drugs and guns to undercover officers, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Heriberto Armendariz-Garcia, 39, Wellsville, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. In his plea, he admitted he met multiple times with undercover officers, selling them cocaine, methamphetamine and firearms. During the course of the investigation he sold or arranged for the sale of nine kilograms of cocaine, 4.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, 16 firearms and 232 rounds of ammunition.
During one meeting with undercover officers, Armendariz-Garcia told them someone had stolen four kilograms of cocaine from him and when “the people down south” found out he might lose his house.
McAllister commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Zabel for their work on the case.
Felon Arrested in East Hartford Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELVIN GONZALEZ, 38, of Norwich, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 9, 2018, East Hartford Police arrested Gonzalez after he was found in possession of a Charter Arms .44 caliber revolver and a quantity of marijuana.
Gonzalez’s criminal history includes state convictions for sale of hallucinogen/narcotics and escape, and a federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In August 2005, he was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment for the federal firearm offense.
When he is sentenced, Gonzalez faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Gonzalez is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the East Hartford Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Federal Jury Convicts Colombian Female of International Cocaine Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Lelia Vanessa Perdomo Zapata (26, Colombia) guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine while onboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, as well as one count of possession with the intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine on that vessel. She faces up to 10 years in federal prison on each count. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 5, 2019.
According to evidence presented at trial, Perdomo Zapata was part of an international maritime drug smuggling operation involving at least 440 kilograms of cocaine worth approximately $13 million. Perdomo Zapata was the Colombian load guard for a Cartagena, Colombia-based cocaine smuggling crew. Prior to their interdiction by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Perdomo Zapata and one of her co-conspirators were transporting 18 bales of cocaine onboard a 60-foot sailing vessel from Cartagena, Colombia to Cancun, Mexico. Ultimately, USCG law enforcement officers from Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET) Pacific boarded the sailing vessel and discovered the 18 bales of cocaine and multiple electronic devices consistent with cocaine trafficking. Subsequent analysis of these devices yielded crucial digital evidence of the cocaine smuggling operation.
This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of agents and analysts from the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes and Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas DeRenzo.
Fayette County Felon Illegally Possessed a Handgun and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Grindstone, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Quashawn Priester, 31, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on July 6, 2017 Priester possessed a semi-automatic handgun and ammunition. Priester is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of a previous felony drug conviction in the Northern District of West Virginia.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for January 7, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Priester remains on bond pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to prosecution of Priester.
Federal Jury Convicts Man from Roswell of Drug Trafficking and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A federal jury in Las Cruces, N.M., found Jose Velarde-Pavia, 37, of Roswell, N.M., guilty at trial on August 28, 2019, of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, law enforcement agents from the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force observed Velarde-Pavia as the driver and only passenger of a pick-up truck driving in Roswell on June 11, 2018. The agents pulled Velarde-Pavia over with a warrant to search him and his car. Inside the car, the agents found methamphetamine weighing at least 50 grams and two pistols with ammunition. The evidence at trial proved Velarde-Pavia possessed the drugs and guns in violation of federal law.
Velarde-Pavia is currently in custody awaiting sentencing at a later date. He faces from 10 to 40 years in prison for methamphetamine possession and a consecutive sentence of five years in prison for possession of the firearm.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case with the Chaves County Metro Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Saltman and Christopher Solis are prosecuting the case.
Extortion Scheme Mastermind SentencedRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE- Kelly Custer, 57, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Holly Brady after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
Kelly Custer was sentenced to 63 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release. She was ordered to pay $1,463,437.50 in restitution to the victims of her crime.
U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II said, “We will not tolerate extortion or preying on the trust of others, in this case elderly victims of these perpetrators. Schemes like these lead to the financial and emotional distress of victims. My Office in coordination with our law enforcement partners will aggressively prosecute individuals who harass and torment elderly victims with these egregious schemes.”
"Today’s sentence sends a strong message to scammers such as Ms. Custer that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to hold accountable those who prey upon some of our most vulnerable citizens – in this case hard working seniors who thought they were helping a friend in need and that their own lives, and those of their family, were in danger if they didn’t,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division.
According to documents filed in this case, on March 19, 2015, a victim couple reported to law enforcement that they were being extorted by the mafia. The victims provided information detailing an extortion scheme that started in 2007 when they lived in Fort Wayne and continued after their move to Florida.
According to the victims, the extortion began after they were informed by Kelly Custer that she and her family faced death threats from the mafia and she needed help paying them off to protect herself and her family. The scheme then evolved when Kelly Custer then convinced the victims that their lives, their friends’ and families’ lives as well as her life would be in jeopardy if they did not pay the debt to the mafia. The victims initially received all the information concerning the extortion through Kelly Custer, in that she relayed the threats and demands to them personally. After the victims moved to Florida, however the threats from Kelly Custer continued in the form of text messages, causing the victims to fear the messages came from actual mafia members. In February of 2015, the victims were informed that Kelly Custer had been killed as a result of problems she had with the mafia; however they continued to receive threatening text messages from Kelly Custer’s phone by persons identifying themselves as members of the mafia.
The victims made the demanded payments primarily to Kelly Custer, but also directed payments to three other co-defendants, Kelly Custer’s children, on numerous occasions as instructed in the threatening text messages. The victims reported that in response to the threatening communications, they had paid “the mafia” approximately 1.5 million dollars over the past seven years, and approximately $250,000-$300,000 dollars since moving to Florida. According to the victims, in response to threats they usually paid between $3,000 and $10,000 at a time and on at least one occasion they paid $50,000 after receiving a threatening message indicating that, if they did not make that payment, a friend’s daughter would be killed.
Co-defendants William Custer, Jr., Ashley Custer, and Sidney Custer were previously sentenced following their pleas of guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and each was ordered to repay restitution to the victims in the amounts of $119,127.99; $118,583.16; and $14,399.78 respectively.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
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East Bay Resident Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Conspiring to File False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Brandon Jones was sentenced today to 36 months in prison, and ordered to pay $109,394.79 in restitution for conspiracy to file false claims, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Jeffrey S. White, U.S. District Court Judge,
Jones, 44, formerly of Hayward, Calif., pleaded guilty to the charge on June 12, 2019. According to the plea agreement, Jones admitted he conspired to file 94 fraudulent tax returns, each of which sought payment of a tax refund from the IRS. Jones admitted that to file the false returns, he obtained personal identifying information from individuals who were transient, homeless or incarcerated with him. In 2011, Jones was incarcerated at Santa Rita jail and in 2012, Jones was incarcerated at California State Hospital Prison in Patton, Calif.
A federal grand jury indicted Jones on January 19, 2017, charging him with conspiracy to file false claims, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 286; filing false claims, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 287; theft of government property, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641; and aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A. Jones pleaded guilty to the conspiracy count and the remaining counts were dismissed at sentencing.
In addition to the prison term, Judge White also sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release. The defendant was remanded to federal custody on April 21, 2017, and will remain in custody to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cynthia Stier and Jose Olivera are prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the IRS-CI.
Dover Man Sentenced to 21 Months for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – James Aubin, 46, of Dover, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for committing a bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 12, 2018, Aubin entered the Bank of New Hampshire branch on Central Avenue in Dover and demanded money from the teller. The teller gave Aubin a quantity of United States currency. After images from bank surveillance videos were shown on local news outlets, investigators were able to positively identify Aubin as the robber. After being arrested, Aubin admitted to robbing the bank.
Aubin previously pleaded guilty on April 23, 2019.
“Bank robberies are violent crimes that endanger bank employees, customers and members of the public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to deter this conduct and maintain community safety, we are fully prepared to seek prison sentences for bank robbers. Those inclined to steal money by threatening bank tellers should consider the consequences before committing the crime.”
"James Aubin told police he 'made a bad decision' when he robbed the Dover branch of Bank of New Hampshire last summer. As a working, middle-aged father, the time to know better was before he terrified a teller into carrying out his demands," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. "While today's sentence reflects Mr. Aubin's acceptance of responsibility, it should also teach him there are no excuses that help the innocent traumatized by this inherently violent crime to sleep better at night."
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Dover Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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District Court Orders Tennessee Companies and Their Owner to Stop Distributing Unapproved New Drugs and Misbranded and Adulterated Dietary SupplementsRead the Press Release
A federal court entered a consent decree of permanent injunction against defendants Basic Reset and Biogenyx, as well as their owner, Fred R. Kaufman III, and Kimberly Kaufman, the Department of Justice announced today. The permanent injunction enjoins the defendants from distributing unapproved new drugs and misbranded and adulterated dietary supplements, and a misbranded and adulterated device in violation of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).
The Department filed a complaint in the Middle District of Tennessee on Aug. 26, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), alleging, among other things, that defendants unlawfully distributed unapproved new drugs and an adulterated and misbranded device. Defendants market their drugs and device with claims that their products can be used to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent conditions, such as inflammation, chronic diarrhea, bacterial infections, head lice, allergies, and pain. The FDA has not approved Basic Reset’s or Biogenyx’s drugs or device for any use.
“Drug and dietary supplement distributors who do not comply with the law risk endangering consumers,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We work closely with the FDA in our efforts to enforce the laws that are designed to keep consumers safe.”
“The public has the right to expect that products perform according to claims included in their labeling and that the products are safe for use,” said U.S. Attorney Don Cochran. “FDA regulations exists to safeguard consumers and when those regulations are circumvented we will take whatever action is necessary to protect the public.”
“Americans expect and deserve products that meet appropriate standards for quality. To ensure safe use by consumers, it’s important that companies who sell products adhere to standards set forth by the FD&C Act, including product labeling and quality,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless, M.D. “Despite previous warnings, Basic Reset and Biogenyx placed consumers at risk by distributing certain products in violation of current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) requirements and products which failed to adequately meet labeling standards. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration remains fully committed to taking enforcement action against companies and owners who place unsuspecting American consumers at risk.”
The complaint also alleges that Basic Reset and Biogenyx misbranded and adulterated dietary supplements. Several of Defendants’ dietary supplements are missing information on their labels required by law. FDA inspections also uncovered numerous violations of the agency’s CGMP regulations for dietary supplements, including failing to establish and follow written procedures to review and investigate product complaints and failing to establish specifications to assure that the products they receive for labeling are adequately identified and consistent with the purchase order. Because Defendants failed to follow CGMP regulations, their dietary supplements are adulterated under the FD&C Act.
Basic Reset/Biogenyx is an own label distributor of various drugs, dietary supplements, and a device, and include, but are not limited to, AquaLyte, Bee Gold, Beta Factor, Body Mass Reset, CBD Reset, Dino-Min, Earth Wash, Energy FX, GH-C, Ionyte, Mello-Tonin, Miracle Facelift Masque, Nuovi Firming Masque, Nuovi Skin Toner, pH-FX, Q-min, SlimUp, TrimUp, Vibrant Energy Drink, and Energy FX.
As part of the court-ordered permanent injunction, Basic Reset, Biogenyx, and the other defendants are prohibited from receiving, labeling, holding, or distributing dietary supplements, drugs, or devices at their facility until they, among other things, recall their drugs, dietary supplements, and device, hire qualified experts, and receive written permission from the FDA to resume operations.
The United States is represented by Trial Attorney Charles Biro of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Sabis of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, with the assistance of Associate Chief Counsel Laura Akowuah of the FDA’s Office of the Chief Counsel.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
Cleveland man sentenced to 37 years in prison for using a firearm to deal fentanyl, heroin and other drugsRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was sentenced to 37 years in prison for using a firearm to deal fentanyl, heroin and other drugs.
Tyler Hall, 29, was convicted by a federal jury on all 14 counts he faced, including possession a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, being a felon in possession of a firearm and multiple counts of distribution of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine marijuana.
Hall had 1.46 grams of fentanyl, 22 grams of crack cocaine and a Walther 9 mm semiautomatic pistol during a search of his home and business on the west side of Cleveland last year, according to court documents.
Hall was a person of interest in relation to three non-fatal opioid overdoses. Two of the victims had information that their supplier’s name was Tyler and that he worked, resided and sold drugs in the area of West 104th Street and Lorain Avenue, according to court documents.
Law enforcement on July 3 searched Hall’s residence at 10400 Lorain Ave. and business, at auto body shop at 3179 West 104th Street. Hall was detained and found to be carrying two cellular phones, $1,152 in cash and a set of keys to both his residence and business, according to court documents.
Inside his residence was a desk where it appeared drugs were prepared and packaged for sale. Also nearby were 1.46 grams of fentanyl, 22 grams of crack cocaine, a Walther 9 mm semiautomatic pistol and approximately $6,000 in cash, according to court documents.
Hall was prohibited from having a firearm because of previous felony convictions, including for aggravated robbery, robbery, intimidation of a crime victim or witness and multiple drug trafficking and possession convictions, according to court documents.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of Police, Drug Enforcement Administration, Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliot Morrison and Brendan O'Shea.
Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Cortney Shelton, of Chicago, Illinois, pled guilty today to possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
“A felon with guns dealing heroin and cocaine base,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “As a result of his conviction, this “Johnny on the Spot” is going to be sent to a new spot – federal prison.”
An investigation was initiated in Scarbro, West Virginia by agents from the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force in November 2017 into drug trafficking activity by an individual known then only as “Johnny on the Spot.” The investigation later revealed that Johnny on the Spot was Shelton. Three controlled purchases of heroin were made from Shelton in late 2017 and early 2018. Agents then obtained a search warrant for a residence in Scarbro believed to be Shelton’s “stash house.” When the search warrant was executed, Shelton was present at the stash house, and detectives recovered two firearms as well as distribution quantities of heroin and cocaine base and other items related to drug trafficking.
At the plea hearing, Shelton, a convicted felon, admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin and cocaine base and that he possessed the firearms in order to protect himself from anyone who might try to steal the drugs or proceeds from the drug trafficking activity. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force, a multi-agency task force designed to combat drug trafficking activity in Southern West Virginia.
Shelton faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 21, 2019. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing.
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California Man Sentenced for Narcotics and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.--U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Juan Alfaro, 52, of Hacienda, California, who was convicted of narcotics conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who handled the trial, stated that the defendant was a member of a transnational drug trafficking organization that utilized contacts and a source of supply whose territory included Mexico, Arizona, California, and elsewhere. The source of supply was the Sinaloa Cartel, led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
Alfaro was convicted, along with co-defendant Martha Aguirre, following a jury trial in March 2019. Martha Aguirre’s brother Herman E. Aguirre was the leader of the organization.
Alfaro and Martha Aguirre used “front” companies to launder over $12,000,000 in drug proceeds from Buffalo to Los Angeles, including Triton Foods, Inc. and Kamora Investment Enterprises, Inc., which were located in the State of California. Another fictitious company, Corral Seafoods, LLC, registered in the State of New York, was allegedly located in Cheektowaga, NY, but proved to be completely fake.
Using these companies, Alfaro and Martha Aguirre disguised kilogram quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine on invoices and other documents as “Sea Cucumbers.” The local organization trafficked thousands of kilograms of illegal narcotics throughout the United States, including Lockport, Niagara Falls, and Buffalo.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized over $5,000,000 worth of illegal narcotics, including:
• 52.5 kilograms of cocaine; • 17.5 kilograms of heroin; and
• 8.5 kilograms of fentanylAlfaro is one of 17 defendants convicted in this case. Martha Aguirre is scheduled to be sentenced on September 30, 2019.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Office; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special-Agent-in Charge Kevin Kelly; the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Voutour; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Steven Preisch; the Montebello, California Police Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the DEA, Los Angeles.
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Buxton Man Sentenced to Nearly Six Years for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Michael Crockett, Jr., 35, of Buxton, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge George Z. Singal to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a felon. Crockett pleaded guilty on March 11, 2019.
According to court documents, on April 1, 2018, Crockett possessed and discharged a nine millimeter pistol in the direction of an occupied vehicle parked in his driveway in Buxton. Standing outside the vehicle at the time was a 15-year-old minor female, who reported that she had been in an abusive and sexual relationship with Crockett since she was 14 years old.
Because Crockett was convicted of a felony crime of drug trafficking in the York County Superior Court in Alfred in May 2006, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law. Several witnesses reported having regularly seen Crockett with a firearm, including one who said he used it to threaten her.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Singal varied upward from the applicable guideline range of 46–57 months, noting that the defendant had engaged in numerous examples of uncontrollable behavior and was unable to abide by the law.
This case was investigated by the Buxton and Kittery Police Departments, the York County District Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Bronx Man Pleads Guilty to ID Theft, Bank FraudRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Bronx, N.Y., man appeared in federal court in Providence today and admitted to his role in various stolen identity and bank fraud schemes and conspiracies that bilked banks, finance companies, car dealerships, and others in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and elsewhere out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Angel L. Morales, 52, is one of ten individuals charged in a series of indictments, informations, and criminal complaints filed in U.S. District Court in Providence for their alleged participation in one or more conspiracies where individuals used stolen personal identifying information to open credit union accounts online and bank accounts in person at various bank branch offices, obtained auto loans using fraudulent documentation, and then quickly withdrew the funds prior to banks discovering the fraudulent activity.
Morales is among six individuals named in a 32-count superseding indictment returned on February 6, 2019. The indictment charges Morales with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and three counts of bank fraud. Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Morales pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
Morales admitted that as a participant in the conspiracy, he opened bank accounts at various bank branch offices in Rhode Island and Massachusetts using stolen personal identifying information provided to him by other members of the conspiracy. Proceeds from fraudulently obtained car loans obtained by others with the use of fraudulent sales documents and vehicle titles were electronically deposited into accounts opened by Morales. Morales and others quickly withdrew the funds prior to banks discovering the schemes.
According to court documents, investigations led by the U.S. Secret Service with the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, East Providence, Warwick, and Pawtucket, R.I., Police Departments, Seekonk and Mansfield, Mass., Police Departments; and the Rhode Island State Police, have determined that the defendants, many known to one another, allegedly participated in various schemes to steal and use individuals’ personal identifying information to defraud banks, credit unions, finance companies, and retailers of hundreds of thousands of dollars in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
Morales traveled to the Dominican Republic in September 2018, shortly after federal agents executed search warrants at the New Jersey apartment of one of his alleged co-conspirators. Morales returned to the United States on March 30, 2019, and was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after arriving on a flight from the Dominican Republic.
Morales, who has been detained in federal custody since his arrest, is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2019.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William J. Ferland and Zachary A. Cunha.
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Bloods Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Cold Case MurderRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Bloods gang member Trendell Walker, also known as “Live Wire” and “Debo,” pleaded guilty to the firearm-related murder of 15-year-old Alvin Brothers on August 7, 2007. The guilty plea was entered before United States Magistrate Judge Steven I. Locke. When sentenced, Walker faces a maximum of life in prison.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York Field Office (HSI), and Geraldine Hart, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the guilty plea.
“Today’s plea demonstrates the Department’s unwavering commitment to holding accountable gang members like defendant Walker who show complete disregard for human life,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This Office and our law enforcement partners will continue working tirelessly to eliminate violent gangs from our communities.”
According to court filings and facts presented at the plea proceeding, on August 6, 2007, several individuals assaulted Walker and attempted to rob him. The next day, Walker met with fellow Bloods gang members and devised a plan to retaliate against his assailants. Walker and other Bloods gang members drove to Bellport, armed with firearms, where they observed Brothers and several young people standing on the corner of Post Avenue and Patchogue Avenue. Walker and other gang members opened fire on the group. Brothers was shot and died from his wounds.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher C. Caffarone and Mark E. Misorek are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
TRENDELL WALKER
Age: 31
Riverhead, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-369 (S-2)(SJF)
Area Man Sentenced to 86 Months in Prison for Sexually Abusing His Niece, Beginning When She Was 11-Years-OldRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A 49-year-old man, formerly of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on Friday to 86 months in prison on multiple charges for sexually abusing his niece when she was 11 and 12 years old, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced today.
The defendant, who is not identified here to protect the privacy of the victim, recently resided in Northwest Washington with his wife and children. He was found guilty by a jury on April 3, 2019, of four counts of second-degree child sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances, misdemeanor sexual abuse of a child with aggravating circumstances, and assault. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Craig Iscoe sentenced him to 86 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release with sex offender registration for 10 years.
According to the government’s evidence at trial, the victim lived in Florida with her mother during the year, but visited her father and his family in the District of Columbia every summer. When she visited the District of Columbia, she spent part of her time with the defendant and his family.
In the summer of 2016, when the victim was 11 years old, the defendant began sexually abusing her during these visits. The nature of his abuse escalated over time. The defendant pressured the victim not to tell, and she was afraid to disclose the abuse for fear of not being believed and of causing stress within the family.
Following the defendant’s final act of abuse in June 2017, the victim could not keep the abuse a secret anymore, and she disclosed the abuse to her aunt, the defendant’s wife. The victim later disclosed to her father, as well, and the abuse was then reported to the Metropolitan Police Department. The defendant was arrested in July 2017.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu praised the work of members of the Youth and Family Services Division of the Metropolitan Police Department. She also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenechukwu Okocha, who investigated and indicted the case; Appellate Division Deputy Chief John Mannarino; Victim/Witness Assistance Unit Chief Sarah McClellan; Paralegal Specialists Brenda C. Williams and D’Yvonne Key; Victim/Witness Advocate Lezlie Richardson; Victim/Witness Services Coordinator La June Thames; and Litigation Technology Specialist Jeanie Latimore-Brown.
Finally, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Loeb, who prosecuted the case at trial.
American Citizen, an Alleged ISIS Sniper and Weapons Instructor, Indicted for Providing Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
A five-count indictment was filed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Ruslan Maratovich Asainov, also known as “Suleiman Al-Amriki” and “Suleiman Al-Kazakhi,” with conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS; providing material support to ISIS in the form of personnel, training, expert advice and assistance and weapons; receipt of military-type training from ISIS; and obstruction of justice. If convicted, Asainov faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Asainov will be arraigned at a later date.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; Michael McGarrity, Assistant Director of the Counterterrorism Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation; William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office; and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department, announced the charges.
As detailed in court filings, Asainov is a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Kazakhstan, who resided in Brooklyn. As alleged, in December 2013, Asainov traveled on a one-way ticket to Istanbul, Turkey, a common transit point to obtain entry into Syria. He subsequently entered Syria, joined ISIS and became a sniper for the terrorist organization. Over time, Asainov rose through the ranks to become an ISIS “emir” in charge of training other ISIS members in the use of weapons. He also attempted to recruit another individual to travel from the United States to Syria to fight for ISIS.
As further alleged, in March 2015, Asainov asked a confidential informant to send him approximately $2,800 so that he could purchase a scope for his rifle. Asainov subsequently sent the confidential informant two photographs of himself holding an assault rifle fitted with a scope. Asainov messaged one individual, exclaiming in reference to ISIS, “we are the worst terrorist organization in the world that has ever existed,” and added that he wished to die on the battlefield.
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Douglas M. Pravda, Saritha Komatireddy and J. Matthew Haggans are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Jacqueline L. Barkett of the Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division of the Department of Justice.
The Defendant:
RUSLAN MARATOVICH ASAINOV
Age: 43
Syria and Bay Ridge, BrooklynE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-402
2 September 2019
United States Attorney Mike Stuart Launches Public Messaging Campaign in Conjunction with National Recovery MonthRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart is launching a public messaging campaign in conjunction with National Recovery Month. The messages, which will begin airing on September 3, 2019, speak to both drug dealers contributing to the state’s opioid epidemic and West Virginians whose lives have been touched by substance use disorder. The messages will be aired on radio stations on a statewide basis.
September is National Recovery Month, which is aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrating the people who recover. For more information about National Recovery Month visit https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/recovery-month/toolkit.
Messages that will air over the next two weeks are attached.
Follow us on Twitter: SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
Audio file Audio file
ADVISORY: Savannah Office of U.S. Attorney to close in advance of Hurricane DorianRead the Press Release
Due to mandatory evacuation orders for the state of Georgia east of I-95 in advance of Hurricane Dorian, the Savannah Office of the United States Attorney will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 3, Wednesday, Sept. 4, and Thursday, Sept. 5. Further advisories will be issued as conditions necessitate.
The Augusta Office of the U.S. Attorney will remain in operation during this period.
31 August 2019
Two Men Arrested for Carjacking with Intent to Cause Serious Bodily HarmRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – A grand jury returned an indictment against Randy Rivera-Nevárez and Domingo Emanuel Bruno-Cotto, charging them with carjacking with intent to cause serious bodily harm, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The FBI is in charge of the investigation.
According to the information contained in an affidavit filed in the case, on August 25 at approximately 9:00pm, an adult female and an adult male went to Balneario Costa de Oro beach in Dorado. At approximately 11:30pm, the male and female victims were swimming when they noticed some individuals near their belongings, so they returned to shore. As soon as they left the water, two armed male subjects approached them and announced a robbery.
The subjects took the wallets and cell phones of the victims and started negotiating with them for money. They threatened to kill the female victim if she did not cooperate. They both raped her and one forced her to perform oral sex.
Eventually, the subjects gave the female victim back her clothes, pepper-sprayed the male victim in the face, then left with male victim’s vehicle, a white 2000 Jeep Cherokee.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Gottfried. If convicted, the defendants could face up to 25 years in prison. An indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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30 August 2019
“Block Boyz” gang leader and last two members sentenced to serve time in federal prisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – The “Block Boyz” gang leader and final two defendants have been sentenced to federal prison, announced David C. Joseph, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana. DeMarcus D. Morris, 30, Jimmie R. Durden Jr., 30, and Gary J. McCain, 24, all of Shreveport, Louisiana, were sentenced this week in federal court for being part of a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, and for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
DeMarcus D. Morris, the ring leader of the “Block Boyz” gang, was sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to serve 405 months in federal prison for RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (including crack cocaine, powder cocaine, Roxicodone and ecstasy), distribution of crack cocaine, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
On Thursday, Judge Foote sentenced the remaining two defendants, Jimmie R. Durden Jr., and Gary J. McCain, respectively, to 190 months in federal prison and 110 months in federal prison for RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (including crack cocaine), and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Morris, Durden and McCain were named in an 18-count indictment filed in June of 2017 charging nine defendants with various crimes including RICO conspiracy, distributions of controlled substances, convicted felons in possession of firearms, and conspiracies to commit violent crimes. On October 3, 2018, following a two and a half-week trial, Marcus, Durden, and McCain were found guilty along with co-defendants, Lonnie D. Johnson and Larshandra C. Davenport. Defendants, Frank J. Morris, Ravion M. Alford, and Rodrick R. Hicks previously pleaded guilty to the RICO conspiracy and have been sentenced. Defendant, Golanda W. Atkins, was dismissed from the indictment on September 7, 2018.
“We hope that today a measure of peace is felt in the Queensborough neighborhood that this gang terrorized,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “These defendants will be behind bars for years and miles away from the people that they harmed.
“And to those terrorizing their neighborhoods with firearm violence, to those poisoning our community with illegal drugs; make no mistake, we are coming for you,” Joseph continued. “If you don’t make a change in your life, your future – assuming that you aren’t killed by the drugs you sell or the firearms you carry – will be in federal prison. This is not a threat, it’s a promise.
“I want to thank the local and federal law enforcement officers who put it all on the line to convict these criminals,” said Joseph. “I also want to thank the prosecutors from my office for their hard work making and trying this case.”
“Along with our partners, the FBI has dedicated significant time, manpower, and resources toward investigating the “Block Boyz” gang,” said the FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Riedlinger. “Justice has been served to those who chose to traffic and distribute illicit narcotics and terrorize their communities with senseless firearm violence. We will continue to enforce the laws and intervene when drugs and violence lead to the death of our citizens.”
The defendants have now been convicted and sentenced for their part in the conspiracy:
Co-Defendant
Date of Conviction
Sentencing/Charge
Demarcus D. Morris, 30, of Shreveport, Louisiana
October 3, 2018 (trial)
August 27 2019 – 405 months in prison and $108,130 restitution
Frank J. Morris, 26, of Shreveport, Louisiana
August 30, 2018 (guilty plea)
July 23, 2019 – 60 months in prison for RICO conspiracy.
Jimmie R. Durden Jr., 30, of Shreveport, Louisiana
October 3, 2018 (trial)
August 29, 2019 – 190 months in prison
Lonnie D. Johnson, 25, of Shreveport, Louisiana
October 3, 2018 (trial)
July 25, 2019 – 240 months in prison for RICO conspiracy, and $108,103 restitution.
Gary J. McCain, 24, of Shreveport, Louisiana
October 3, 2018 (trial)
August 29, 2019 – 110 months in prison
Ravion M. Alford, 24, of Shreveport, Louisiana
December 21, 2017 (guilty plea)
July 23, 2019 – 180 months in prison for RICO conspiracy.
Rodrick R. Hicks, 25, of Shreveport, Louisiana
January 29, 2018 (guilty plea)
September 29, 2019 – 42 months in prison for RICO conspiracy.
Larshandra C. Davenport, 46, of Shreveport, Louisiana
October 3, 2018 (trial)
July 30, 2019 – 71 months in prison for RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (cocaine and Roxicodone), and distribution of powder cocaine.
The “Block Boyz” was a criminal enterprise that primarily used the west side of the Queensborough neighborhood as their base of operations. For many years, the defendants took part in a criminal organization known as the “Block Boyz” and the “Get Money Boyz” or “GMB.” In the federal indictment, gang members were charged with at least 66 criminal acts that members of the organization committed to further the RICO conspiracy. The acts included armed robberies, distribution of drugs, shootings and witness intimidation. The organization sold crack cocaine, powder cocaine, Roxicodone, marijuana, Ecstasy and Alprazolam.
Gang members sold illegal drugs and committed armed robberies. They maintained and circulated a collection of firearms for use in their criminal activity and used cell phones to operate their criminal enterprise. Members of the organization bragged about their illegal activity, such as their possession of firearms, and took pictures of themselves with firearms and money to intimidate others and increase their position in the community. “Block Boyz” members were also the prime suspects in several homicides.
The FBI Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force, ATF, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the Shreveport Police Department, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office the participated in the investigation. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath prosecuted the case.
York Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Timothy Moroney, 55, of York, Maine and formerly of Massachusetts, pled guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to failing to register as a sex offender in Maine and New Hampshire.
According to court records, in 1985, Moroney was convicted of aggravated rape in Massachusetts. The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act requires convicted sex offenders to register in every jurisdiction in which they reside, work and go to school, and to keep their registration information current at all times. Between 2005 and 2007, Moroney registered as a sex offender in Massachusetts. In January of 2007, Moroney moved to Maine, but failed to register until February of 2019. In late 2018 and early 2019, Moroney commuted from Maine to New Hampshire to work, but failed to register in New Hampshire.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the York Police Department.
Washington, D.C. Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Synthetic CannabinoidsRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Theodore C. Chuang today sentenced Nathaniel Michael Worthy, age 47, of Washington, D.C., to 135 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and controlled substance analogues.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Washington Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Jesse R. Fong of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Chief Peter Newsham of the Metropolitan Police Department; and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha N. Braveboy.
According to Worthy’s plea agreement, from at least January 1, 2016 through February 9, 2019, he conspired with others, including Carjandario Danielle Yarborough, to distribute synthetic cannabinoids and other controlled substances and controlled substance analogues. Controlled substance analogues are substances that are chemically manufactured to mimic and create a “high” similar to other drugs. Worthy, Yarborough, and their co-conspirators obtained synthetic cannabinoids, known by various names, including “Salt” and “Black Bag,” and sold them in Maryland and other locations, including the District of Columbia and Virginia. Worthy and his co-conspirators obtained cash from the drug sales and possessed firearms in furtherance of the conspiracy. Worthy and his co-conspirators routinely rented hotel rooms and vehicles to distribute the synthetic cannabinoids.
On September 29 and September 30, 2016, Worthy and Yarborough rented hotel rooms in Temple Hills, Maryland, to prepare and distribute synthetic cannabinoids. While at the hotel, Worthy and Yarborough believed that another co-conspirator, Victim 1, had stolen money from them in connection with the sale of synthetic cannabinoids. When Worthy confronted Victim 1 about the suspected theft, Yarborough stabbed Victim 1 in the chest with a knife, killing him.
After Victim 1 was killed, Worthy and another co-conspirator removed synthetic cannabinoids and drug proceeds from the hotel room. After the co-conspirators left the hotel room where Victim 1 had been killed, Yarborough called 911 and falsely reported that she had killed Victim 1 in self-defense.
On January 4 and February 2, 2017, Worthy and co-conspirators rented hotel rooms in Arlington, Virginia, and College Park, Maryland, respectively, and possessed synthetic cannabinoids intended for distribution, as well as items to facilitate distribution of these substances. Specifically, on January 4, 2017, Worthy possessed a loaded 9mm pistol in furtherance of the drug conspiracy and on February 2, 2017, he possessed packaging materials and $4,752.18 in cash, which was the proceeds from the sales of the synthetic cannabinoids.
On January 30, 2018, Worthy and Yarborough sold synthetic cannabinoids to a law enforcement officer. On February 9, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence where Worthy and Yarborough lived. Law enforcement recovered synthetic cannabinoids intended for distribution, a different 9mm pistol, a .25-caliber pistol, and $1,640.79 in cash, which was generated from the sale of synthetic cannabinoids.
Carjandario Danielle Yarborough, age 35, of Washington, D.C, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on July 2, 2019, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and controlled substance analogues, and for murder in furtherance of the conspiracy.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF, the DEA, the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation and recognized Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore and the Arlington County Police Department for their assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys William D. Moomau and Gregory D. Bernstein, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
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Vancleave Woman Sentenced to Almost Three Years in Federal Prison for Credit Union TheftRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Merrideth Christina McMillian, 46, of Vancleave, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 33 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for credit union theft, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Judge Ozerden further ordered that $376,152.60 in restitution be paid to the victims.
While employed as the vice president of Singing River Federal Credit Union’s Moss Point branch, McMillian stole more than $350,000 from the credit union. The fraud was discovered after an audit in August 2018 showed suspicious transactions.
McMillian carried out the fraudulent scheme by going into the bank’s computer system and releasing collateral that was used for other loans. Once the collateral was released, she used that collateral to borrow money. Agents also uncovered that in 2017, McMillian used a customer’s information, without her consent, to take out several unsecured loans. The loans ranged from $5,000.00 to $60,000.00. On another occasion, McMillian used a friend’s name and a customer’s money market account information to take out a fraudulent loan of $47,500. In total, McMillian stole more than $350,000.00.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Sponsors 20th Annual Southern States Victim Assistance ConferenceRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that this week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina joined 15 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands as a co-sponsor of the 20th annual Southern States Victim Assistance Conference. The conference, which took place August 27-29 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, aimed to improve support services for victims of all types of crime by providing training opportunities to federal, state, and local law enforcement, victim assistance professionals, prosecutors, NGOs, and others involved in the criminal justice system.
This year’s theme was Building Partnerships to Expand Our Reach, and the curriculum emphasized a multidisciplinary approach to victim services that is victim-centered, practice-based, and research-informed. Training topics included hate crimes, sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, the opioid crisis, elder abuse, and underserved populations.
The Conference recognized the distinguished service of two South Carolinians during its Crime Victims Service Awards ceremony. Easter LaRoche, Coordinator of Victim Services for the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, was recognized as an outstanding victim advocate. LaRoche supervises eight victim advocates and carries her own caseload, working to make sure that victims and their families who come into contact with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office have their voices heard and their interests protected. The Medical University of South Carolina’s Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, led by Dr. Dean Kilpatrick, Ph.D., was recognized as an outstanding victim services provider. Since its opening in 1977, the Center has provided specialized mental health and clinical services for crime victims and their families and conducted innovative research, education, and training to advance scientific and public understanding of the mental health impacts of exposure to crime.
“One of the highest callings of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is to seek justice for victims of crime, ensuring they have a voice in our legal system and working to find, prosecute, and convict those who have harmed them,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “The Southern States Victim Assistance Conference provides invaluable training for the women and men on the front lines of victim services, and we are proud to be a part of it. We are especially proud of the hard work and dedication of Easter LaRoche, Dr. Dean Kilpatrick, and his team at the Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, who have rightfully been recognized for the important work they do to serve crime victims throughout our state.”
Representing the U.S. Attorney’s Office on the Conference’s Executive Committee was Victim Witness Coordinator Clarissa W. Whaley, who also serves as Chair of Program Development. Through the annual Southern States Victim Assistance Conference, Whaley and the Executive Committee support the Department of Justice’s mission to ensure continued education and increased awareness regarding issues affecting victims of crimes.
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Two Duluth Men Charged in 15-Count Indictment Alleging A Heroin Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a 15-count federal indictment charging ERIC ANTOINE BLACK, a/k/a “J,” 36, and OTIS JASON WEAVER, a/k/a “O,” 39, in a heroin distribution conspiracy. BLACK was also charged with possession of cocaine and firearms violations. BLACK and WEAVER will be arraigned on these charges before a Magistrate Judge in U.S. District Court at a later date.
According to the allegations in the indictment, between March 20, 2019, through May 30, 2019, BLACK and WEAVER conspired with each other and others to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin. According to the indictment, BLACK and WEAVER distributed heroin on several occasions between those dates. BLACK was also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The indictment further alleges that on May 30, 2019, BLACK illegally possessed a firearm, namely, a Glock model 27 .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Because he has prior felony convictions in Cook County, Illinois and LaPorte County, Indiana, BLACK is prohibited under federal law from possessing any type of firearm or ammunition at any time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Duluth Police Department. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
ERIC ANTOINE BLACK, a/k/a “J,” 36
Duluth, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Distribution of heroin, 9 counts
- Possession with intent to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Possession with intent to distribute cocaine, 1 count
- Felon in possession of a firearm, 1 count
- Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, 1 count
OTIS JASON WEAVER, a/k/a “O,” 39
Duluth, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Distribution of heroin, 9 counts
- Possession with intent to distribute heroin, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Turkish National Charged with Bulk Cash SmugglingRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Ahmet Sakarya (30, Istanbul, Turkey) with bulk cash smuggling. If convicted, Sakarya faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Sakarya that the United States intends to forfeit any assets that are traceable to the offense.
According to the indictment, on August 13, 2019, Sakarya attempted to board a flight from Tampa International Airport to Frankfort, Germany after falsely declaring that he was only carrying $14,000 in U.S. Currency. Upon further investigation, U.S. Custom and Border Patrol officers discovered that Sakarya was transporting $55,000 in cash that was hidden in his luggage.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael C. Baggé-Hernández.
Toledo man sentenced to 35 years for sex trafficking of a minorRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was sentenced to 35 years in prison for sex trafficking involving a minor.
Lawrence Jones, 32, previously pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor.
Jones met a minor via social media who had run away from home. Jones transported the girl to a home on Coventry Avenue in Toledo, where he took nude photographs of her and posted them online, offering commercial sex acts in the Toledo area in January, according to court documents.
The minor performed approximately 25 commercial sex acts, with all the money going to Jones. The minor told Jones several times that she was not yet 18 years old, according to court documents.
“This defendant preyed on a vulnerable child for his own financial gain,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will continue to work to prosecute people who treat children like property.”
"This child predator is deserving of this lengthy prison sentence, 35 years behind bars where he will not have access to children,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith said. “The FBI will continue working this repulsive violation to ensure individuals sexually violating children are held accountable to fullest extent of the law."
Jones was also ordered to pay $17,656 in restitution and other assessments.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Toledo office and the Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling, Tracey Tangeman and Suzana Koch.
Three Men Arrested on Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Reno Sayles, Jr., 29, of Cheektowaga, NY, as well as Kevin Brown, 27, and Marlon Worthy, 32, both of Buffalo, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremiah E. Lenihan, who is handling the case, stated that on or about August 22, 2019, Sayles, Brown and Worthy were observed leaving a residence on Wanda Avenue in Cheektowaga, NY. Upon leaving that residence, Brown and Worthy walked towards a vehicle. Brown retrieved a backpack from inside the vehicle. Law enforcement seized the backpack and upon searching it, discovered that it contained 2 loaded handguns, approximately 1 ounce of heroin, ammunition, magazines, scales, and a bulletproof vest. Officers recovered over 50 grams of cocaine from inside Worthy’s vehicle and another 10 grams inside his pocket. Pursuant to a search warrant of Sayles’s residence, officers recovered narcotics paraphernalia.
The defendants were arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer, and are being held pending their detention hearings.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David J. Zack; and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy B. Howard with the assistance of their narcotics K-9.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Three Arrested on Drug, Gun Charges in RoanokeRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – Three Roanoke residents were arrested Wednesday on federal drug and gun charges during the execution of a series of search warrants at residences in the City of Roanoke, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today. The arrests were made as part of the Western District of Virginia’s ongoing Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative to reduce gun and violent crime.
“We are committed to working with the Roanoke Police Department to reduce violent crime, unlawful gun possession, and the distribution of deadly substances like heroin and fentanyl in this community,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “With the help of our local partners across the district, we have significantly increased, over the past year, the number of federal cases involving firearms, violence, and drug trafficking, and will continue these critical initiatives in the Roanoke Valley to make our community safer.”
Arrested and charged this week were Jarod Sylvester Alston, 26, Antonio Lemar Waddell, 29, and Dwayne Parnell Leftwich, 31. Waddell and Alston were charged on a criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances including quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Leftwich currently faces a firearms-related charge.
According to court documents, beginning on or about July 2019, investigators with the Roanoke Valley Regional Drug Unit developed evidence that Waddell, Alston, and Leftwich were distributing narcotics in and around the Roanoke area. Warrants were executed on August 28, 2019 to search residences associated with the three defendants, located on Crescent Street, Grayson Avenue, and Elm Street in the City of Roanoke. During those searches, investigators recovered more than 100 grams of suspected heroin, more than 100 grams of suspected fentanyl, and more than 400 grams of suspected methamphetamine, in addition to firearms and more than $38,000 in cash.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATFE), the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Roanoke City Police Department, and members of the region’s High Intensity Drug Task Areas (HIDTA) program. Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro is prosecuting the case for the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Threat Caller Goes to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Samuel Santellan sentenced to one year for threatening a mass shooting
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN —Samuel Adam Santellan, 55, of Florida, was sentenced to a year in prison for communicating a threat in interstate commerce, U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced today. In imposing the sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker stated that one of his considerations was to deter such threats, which endanger public safety whether or not the caller intends to carry them out.
In December, 2018, Santellan called the Kalamazoo office of the Social Security Administration, from Florida, about a rejected disability claim. Santellan became angry when he did not receive the relief he was hoping for, and told the clerk he was going to "get a gun, come to the [Social Security] office and shoot everyone." The Kalamazoo office was placed on alert, and a uniformed officer of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety was temporarily dispatched to provide armed security.
At sentencing, Santellan claimed he did not possess a gun and had no intention of carrying out a mass shooting. Special Agents of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and officers of the Daytona Beach Shores (Florida) Police Department expended significant resources tracking and locating Santellan, both before he was indicted and after he failed to appear for court while out on bond. "Law enforcement has to take every threat of mass firearms violence seriously," said U.S. Attorney Birge. "Every officer and agent diverted to deal with an aborted threat or a hoax is unavailable to stop another shooter."
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the Daytona Beach Shores Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler.
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