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16 August 2019
Lowell Woman Charged with Stealing Approximately $182,000 from EmployerRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lowell woman was charged yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with embezzling approximately $182,000 from a veterinary hospital that employed her.
Sasha A. Saulnier, 32, was charged with one count of wire fraud. She appeared in federal court in Boston yesterday and was released on conditions.
According to the charging documents, Saulnier was employed by a full service animal hospital as a client relations specialist from October 2011 until September 2018. During that time, she was responsible for front-desk interactions with clients and managed phone lines, booked appointments and processed retail transactions for items sold at the animal hospital. In this capacity, she had access to a practice management software and the ability to process returns of purchased products and refund the debit or credit card used at the time of purchase.
From March 2014 and continuing through August 2018, Saulnier entered false refund transactions into the company’s practice management software, giving the appearance that a disbursement of money was legitimate. She then concealed the refund transactions so they went undetected by the company. When processing these fictitious refunds, Saulnier credited her own personal debit cards. All of these personal debit cards linked directly to Saulnier’s personal checking account. To do this, Saulnier would occasionally enter a fictitious refund of merchandise that was legitimately purchased by a customer, but never returned, and then credit the bogus refund to her own personal debit account.
In August 2018, thinking a refund was processed in error, the hospital manager confronted Saulnier, who indicated that she may have made a mistake because she was working on two computers and must have entered the information incorrectly. But the company discovered other returns processed to the same debit card number, and before it could complete its investigation, Saulnier resigned in September 2018.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or up to twice the loss involved, restitution and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Long Island Man Extradited from Ireland to Face Child Pornography and Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
Daniel Mullan will be arraigned this afternoon in federal court in Central Islip before United States Magistrate Judge A. Kathleen Tomlinson on an indictment charging him with sexual exploitation of a child, transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity and possession of child pornography. Mullan was extradited to the United States from Ireland on August 15, 2019.
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), and Geraldine Hart, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the extradition and charges.
“As alleged, Daniel Mullan victimized children here and abroad for decades by sexually abusing them and recording these acts,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “The protection of children is a priority of this Office and the Department of Justice. Those who exploit and victimize children will be identified and brought to justice.” Mr. Donoghue extended his grateful appreciation to the FBI’s Long Island Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, comprising the FBI and local law enforcement agencies, for its investigative work and assistance in the case.
“As alleged in the indictment, Mr. Mullan has sexually abused children for decades, robbing them of the innocence all children deserve,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “The Long Island Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force along with the FBI's Victim Specialists are committed to identifying and providing assistance to all of Mr. Mullan’s victims. We are asking anyone who may have been a victim of Mr. Mullan to call us at 1-800-CALL-FBI. We believe there are other children who were victimized and we would like to hear from them.”
“For years, Daniel Mullan preyed on children robbing them of their innocence and he will now have to answer for his horrifying crimes,” stated SCPD Commissioner Hart. “I applaud the tireless work of the Eastern District of New York and the FBI’s Long Island Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, who are dedicated to protecting our children and bringing those who target them to justice.”
According to court filings, in the summer of 2017, the FBI executed search warrants at Mullan’s residence in Elmont, New York, and his rental storage unit in Melville, and seized hundreds of images and videos of child pornography. Several videos depicted Mullan engaged in sexual acts with teenage boys dating back to the early 1980s. Numerous victims were then identified, including a male juvenile with whom Mullan traveled in the United States and abroad between 1999 and 2006 for the purpose of engaging in sex and recording it for himself and to sell to others.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Mullan faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ and a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Maffei is in charge of the prosecution. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs assisted in the extradition.
The Defendant:
DANIEL MULLAN
Age: 80
Elmont, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-495 (ADS)
Local Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Possessing Gun as Convicted Felon, Violating Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
DAYTON – A Dayton man was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 84 additional months in prison for crimes related to an Indiana robbery.
Jeremy Watson, 40, was on federal supervised release in April 2018 for a 2004 conviction in the Southern District of Ohio when he robbed a Dollar General Store in Lawrenceburg, Ind. Watson is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence for the robbery in Indiana and will serve the additional seven years consecutively.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Jonathan McPherson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Miamisburg Police Chief John Sedlak announced the sentence handed down yesterday by U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice.
According to court documents, Watson fled to Miamisburg, Ohio following the robbery in Indiana. Law enforcement officers encountered Watson at a hotel in Miamisburg on April 3, 2018. Watson attempted to flee on foot, but slipped and fell. While on the ground, he turned and pointed a gun toward the police.
Watson pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He was sentenced to 48 months in prison for that crime and to 36 months in prison for violating his supervised release.
Watson had been released from federal custody in June 2017. He had been sentenced to 168 months in prison for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence (a carjacking).
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by the ATF and Miamisburg Police Department, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Hunt, who is representing the United States in this case.
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Little Rock Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Million-Dollar Equipment Flipping SchemeRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A Little Rock man was sentenced for orchestrating a scheme that defrauded a government program intended help non-profits, municipal agencies, and disadvantaged businesses. Mark Gregory Jackson, Sr., 62, of Little Rock, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
Judge Miller also sentenced Jackson to three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. Jackson and co-conspirators Jimmy Don Winemiller, Jr., 54, and Don “Terrell” Stephens, Jr., 40, also of Little Rock, all pleaded guilty in July 2018 to conspiring to commit wire fraud. Judge Miller ordered Jackson to forfeit over $1 million and pay up to $350,000 to settle related tax deficiencies. Last October, Judge Miller sentenced Stephens to 30 days in jail and ordered him to forfeit over $125,000. This March, Judge Miller sentenced Winemiller to 20 months’ imprisonment and ordered him to forfeit nearly $275,000.
The scheme targeted the Federal Surplus Property Donation Program, which allowed qualifying non-profits, municipal agencies, and disadvantaged businesses to acquire government surplus at special below-market rates. Recipients are required to demonstrate a legitimate need for the surplus, and they must agree not to sell, lease, or rent it.
Jackson operated through his construction business, Kingridge Enterprises, Inc. He gained access to the program by falsely claiming his disadvantaged nephew owned and operated Kingridge. In truth, the nephew never worked for Kingridge, drew no salary, exercised zero control, and lived over 100 miles away from its Little Rock headquarters.
Once in the program, Jackson gave false justifications to acquire surplus, which was usually construction equipment. After obtaining the construction equipment under these false pretenses, Jackson sold the equipment at steep markups. To conceal the fraud, Jackson made buyers sign sham “joint venture” contracts, and he attempted to hide the activity from investigators.
A 2013 deal illustrated the scheme. On October 1, 2013, an out-of-state equipment dealer wired Winemiller $20,000 for a CAT 621B Scraper. Upon receipt, Winemiller paid Jackson $18,500. On October 2, Jackson, through his construction business, successfully requested donation of the CAT 621B Scraper for just $12,000 by falsely claiming Kingridge needed it for a “$1.1 Million Dollar Corp [sic] Engineer Project.” Over four years, Jackson unlawfully flipped more than 100 pieces of equipment through deals like this, making over $1 million in the process.
Cody Hiland, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Mo Myers, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the FBI, Don Abram, Special Agent in Charge for the Central Region of the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Small Business Association, and Jamie Willemin, Special Agent in Charge for the Southwest Region of the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. General Services Administration, announced today’s sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander D. Morgan prosecuted the case for the United States following a multi-year investigation by FBI-Memphis, SBA-OIG, and GSA-OIG.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available on-line at http://www.justice.gov/edarTwitter: @EDARNEWS
Lexington Man Sentenced to 60 months for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Jameel Sleet, 18, of Lexington, was sentenced today, to 60 months in federal prison, by United States District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
In November 2018, Sleet was stopped by Lexington Police, who found him with approximately 40 grams of fentanyl, 39 grams of cocaine, and 16 grams of crack cocaine. In his plea agreement, Sleet admitted that he intended to distribute the drugs. Sleet pleaded guilty in April 2019.
Under federal law, Sleet must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for four years following his release.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; D. Christopher Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA; and Lawrence Weathers, Chief of the Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kiebler.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), a Department of Justice initiative designed to target trafficking of dangerous synthetic opioids.
Lexington Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Maurice Love, 21, of Lexington, pleaded guilty in federal court today, before U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
As part of his guilty plea, Love admitted that, on February 8, 2019, he possessed 83 grams of fentanyl, $2,620 in cash, a digital scale, and powder used to mix the fentanyl prior to distribution. Love also admitted that he intended to distribute the fentanyl to others. Love was indicted in May of 2019.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; D. Christopher Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA; and Lawrence Weathers, Chief of the Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lexington Police Department. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kiebler.
Love is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2019. He faces up to 40 years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statutes.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), a Department of Justice initiative designed to target trafficking of dangerous synthetic opioids.
Jury Finds in Favor of FBI in Civil Lawsuit Brought by Former Special AgentRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Earlier today, a federal jury in Hattiesburg found that Plaintiff Warren Flowers, a former Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation who had been fired by the agency, failed to prove that his termination was the result of retaliation for filing a claim of discrimination against his supervisors, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office represented the FBI at trial and, during the trial, introduced evidence that the FBI had fired Flowers for his repeated lack of candor. For example, Flowers admitted in a signed, sworn statement that he had knowingly falsified a FBI form seeking approval to use a confidential human source. When confronted by his supervisor, Flowers falsely claimed he had received approval when he knew he had not.
"The FBI did the right thing with regard to Warren Flowers and a jury of his peers agreed," said U.S. Attorney Hurst. "I want to commend our attorneys who defended the FBI in this suit. We as citizens expect nothing less from our law enforcement officers than honesty and candor, and those who cannot simply tell the truth should not expect to remain in this honored profession."
The suit was filed by Flowers in 2017 against the United States Attorney General. Prior to trial, the Court dismissed Flowers’ claims of race discrimination and hostile work environment.
Hurst applauded the excellent legal work in defending the FBI performed by Assistant United States Attorneys Angela Givens Williams and Kristi Johnson. The cases is captioned Flowers v. Attorney General Barr, 2:17-cv-118-KS-MTP.
Jury Convicts Conroe Woman of Defrauding the GovernmentRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 51-year-old resident of Conroe has been found guilty of making false statements on Social Security forms, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Special Agent in Charge Adam D. Schneider of the Social Security Administration – OIG (SSA-OIG), Dallas Field Division.
The jury deliberated for nine hours before convicting Wanda Skilton yesterday following a three-day trial.
“The jury delivered a strong message that making false statements won’t be tolerated,” said Schneider. “The verdict should serve as a warning to those who choose to selfishly defraud the SSA. My office will ensure these cases are vigorously pursued and will continue to work jointly with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute fraud perpetrators.”
In 2010, the SSA appointed Skilton to receive benefits on behalf of her minor son. On June 5, 2017, Skilton submitted annual reporting forms on which she lied about her son’s living arrangements and how she was using her son’s benefits.
She claimed he was living with her and that she was spending his benefits on his care and support. At trial, the jury heard Skilton had claimed she was sharing custody equally the child’s father.
In truth, her son had been living with his father since August 2014.
Skilton was using his benefits for her own living expenses.
Further testimony revealed that Skilton had dropped her son off with his father in August 2014 and has not had custody of him more than occasional visits since that time. The boy’s father advised the jury that he has paid for his son’s living expenses since his son moved in with him.
The defense attempted to convince the jury she had custody of her son more than just occasionally and could have been confused by the questions on the forms. They did not believe her claims and found her guilty of two counts of making false statements.
U.S. District Judge Gray Miller presided over the trial and set sentencing for Nov. 14, 2019. At that time, Skilton faces up to five years in prison, a possible $250,000 maximum fine and may be required to make restitution to the Social Security Administration.
Skilton was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
SSA-Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted the investigation.
Any suspected instances of Social Security fraud should be reported to the SSA-OIG’s fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or online.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Sandel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman prosecuted the case.
Johnstown Man Possessed Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Leon E. Szewczyk, 35, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on April 6, 2018, Szewczyk possessed with the intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack."
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Dec. 16, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for at least 10 years in prison and up to life, a fine of $8,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Szewczyk.
Jacksonville Woman Convicted of Conspiracy to Import CocaineRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – A federal jury has found Karen Collins (51, Jacksonville) guilty of one count of conspiracy to import at least five kilograms of cocaine. She faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 19, 2019.
According to evidence presented at trial, Collins recruited young women from her place of employment to carry suitcases roundtrip, from Jacksonville to Jamaica and Trinidad, with either currency or cocaine that was concealed in secret compartments. This conspiracy extended to Chicago, Baltimore, Charlotte, and Texas.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (Jacksonville, Baltimore, and Miami Divisions), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Charlotte, North Carolina). It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Taylor.
Jacksonville Contractor Agrees to Pay $500,000 to Settle False Claims Act LiabilityRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Sunrise Systems of Brevard, Inc. has agreed to pay the United States $500,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims for government funds in violations of Small Business Administration regulations.
The settlement relates to a Small Business Administration (SBA) grant for a NASA demolition project. The SBA provides opportunities and grants to minority owned small businesses to partner as joint ventures with larger businesses, such as Sunrise. According to the settlement agreement, from December 10, 2013, through February 9, 2016, Sunrise partnered with a minority-owned small business, V&R Enterprises of Jacksonville, Inc., but violated the SBA’s labor and work performance requirements in order to access SBA set-aside funds. The government alleged that Sunrise performed nearly all of the work on the joint venture project and received nearly all of the profits, in violation of the law.
“Violating SBA regulations harms small business and hampers economic growth,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to enforcing federal law to ensure a fair playing field for all government contractors.”
This settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, NASA - Office of Inspector General, the United States Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, and the Small Business Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy R. Bloor led the investigation.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Aug. 13 was:
Mark Luciano, 59, of Henderson, NV, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Luciano faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Luciano was released pending further proceedings. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force investigated the case. Pacer case reference. 19-86.
Seth William Daniel, 24, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Daniel faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Daniel was detained. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Pacer case reference. 19-102.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston for an initial appearance on a complaint on Aug. 15 was:
Sean Henry White Bremmer, 24, of Browning, on charges of sexual abuse of a minor, receipt of child pornography and transfer of obscene material to minors. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bremmer faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. He was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the FBI. Pacer case reference. 19-63.
Appearing on an indictment and pleading not guilty was:
William Joseph Spotted Eagle, 38, of Heart Butte, on charges of sexual abuse. If convicted of the most serious crime, Spotted Eagle faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. He was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the FBI. Pacer case reference. 19-58.
Appearing on Aug. 14 and pleading not guilty was:
Joshua James Birdrattler, 35, of Browning, on charges of aggravated sexual abuse. If convicted of the most serious crime, Birdrattler faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. He was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the FBI. Pacer case reference. 19-57.
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Individual and His Company Indicted for Violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)Read the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On Thursday, August 16, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment charging Tower & Son Exterminating, Corp. and its owner Wilson Javier Torres-Rivera for violations of FIFRA, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency are in charge of the investigation.
Tower & Son Exterminating, Corp. is a Puerto Rico corporation that provided pest control services. According to the allegations in the indictment, Tower & Son Exterminating, Corp., and Wilson Javier Torres-Rivera, in the District of Puerto Rico and within the jurisdiction of this Court, acting as a commercial applicator, did knowingly apply the restricted-use pesticide Meth-O-Gas Q, containing methyl bromide, at the locations listed below, for the purpose of exterminating household pests, a use not in accordance with its registration and labeling:
1. August 19, 2014 at Cangrejos Yacht Club Carolina, PR
2. October 1, 2014 at Carr. 176 Km Camino Armando Marrero, PR
3. October 3, 2014 at Calle Estrella Del Mar, Dorado, PR
4. November 19, 2014 at Los Sueños Ciudad Jardín, Gurabo, PR
5. December 4, 2014 at Road 829 Km 6.2, Bayamón, PR
6. December 10, 2014 at Los Robles, Las Cumbres, San Juan, PR
7. January 12, 2015 at Los Robles, Las Cumbres, San Juan, PR
8. February 19, 2015 at Tejas Ward, Los Velázquez, Las Piedras, PR
All in violation of Title 7, United States Code, Sections 136j(a)(2)(G) and 136l(b)(1)(B).
Methyl bromide is acutely toxic and could be used only as a commodity fumigant for quarantine/regulatory use. According to its labeling, methyl bromide exposure could be fatal or cause acute illness or delayed lung or nervous system injury. Methyl bromide is odorless and nonirritating to skin and eyes during exposure. Early symptoms of overexposure are dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Lung edema may develop in 2 to 48 hours after exposure, accompanied by cardiac irregularities; these effects are the usual cause of death. Exposure to toxic levels of methyl bromide could occur without warning or detection.
“The highly dangerous actions of the defendant exposed both workers and the public to hazardous materials,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Today’s indictment underscores the importance of industry’s compliance with the law to ensure the protection of human health and the environment for the benefit of the people.”
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel from the Environmental Crimes Section, Howard P. Stewart and Assistant United States Attorney Carmen M. Marquez. An indictment is only an accusation and not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Illegal Alien Child Sex Offender Heads to PrisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 40-year-old Mexican man who committed multiple sex offenses and was removed from the country has been sentenced to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Martin Mejia Ramos aka Ricardo Morales Rodriguez and Martin Jose Romes-Ramirez pleaded guilty May 10, 2019, to illegally re-entering the United States following an aggravated felony conviction.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. sentenced Ramos to a total of 48 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to again face removal proceedings following the sentence.
At the hearing, the court heard that in 2007, Ramos was convicted in Los Angeles, California, for continuous sexual abuse and lewd act upon a child. He was ordered to serve six years in prison and required to register as a sex offender for life. He was removed from the country in 2013.
In that case, Ramos had engaged in more than three sexual acts with a seven-year-old with whom he was residing. The victim claimed Ramos had touched her vagina on multiple occasions and exposed himself to her. A physical examination revealed irritation in her vagina. His hair was also found in that area. Ramos had told her not to tell anyone and threatened to hit her if she did.
Ramos had six other convictions, three of which were driving under the influence of alcohol. In one instance, he caused a traffic accident with two other vehicles. His blood alcohol was more than twice the legal limit.
Ramos illegally re-entered the United States Dec. 31, 2015. On Jan. 30, 2019, authorities discovered Ramos in New Caney during a traffic stop, at which time he provided a false address. The investigation later revealed his residence was near a community swimming pool, elementary school, middle school, high school and nursery school.
Ramos has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Laurence Goldman prosecuted the case.
Holdenville Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm TheftRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nathaniel Nathan Nash, age 18, of Holdenville, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Theft Of A Firearm From A Federal Firearms Licensee’s Inventory, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(u) and 924(i)(1), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleges that on or about April 10, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly steal, take, and carry away from Easy Pawn Shop, the premises of a person who is licensed to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, and dealing in firearms, a firearm in the licensee’s business inventory which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Holdenville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States.
Hartford Man Who Threatened Tow Truck Operator Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS QUINTANA, 28, of Hartford, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 29, 2018, Quintana pointed a firearm at a tow truck operator who had started the process of towing Quintana’s car, which had been improperly parked in a private lot on Garden Street in Hartford. After the tow truck operator removed the car from the tow hitch and Quintana walked away, the victim’s partner called police. Officers responded to the scene, apprehended Quintana who was nearby, and retrieved a loaded Ruger P95 9mm millimeter handgun that Quintana had discarded as police arrived.
Quintana’s criminal history includes felony convictions for possession of narcotics with intent to sell, and carrying a pistol without a permit.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Quintana is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on January 8, 2020, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Clark and Michael Gustafson.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Guaynabo Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to Pay Legal Child Support ObligationsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – Defendant Alexis Juelle-Albello pled guilty before United States District Court Judge Pedro A. Delgado to a one-count indictment which charged that from on or about May of 2011, continuing through the present, in the District of Puerto Rico, the defendant traveled in interstate commerce with the intent to evade a court imposed child support obligation, and said obligation has remained unpaid for a period longer than one year and is greater than $5,000 in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section228(a)(2), announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. According to court documents, the total amount of the debt as of June 2018 was $1,868,012.50.
Juelle-Albello married his first wife in Carolina, Puerto Rico, on November 8, 1991 and had two children. On June 26, 2007, the Trial Court of Bayamón, Family and Minors Part (the “Bayamón Court”), issued a judgment of divorce. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Bayamón Court’s orders in the divorce proceedings, the mother was given custody of the children and child support obligations were imposed on Juelle-Albello, which included the payment of a monthly stipend of $13,893.81 through the Puerto Rico Child Support Administration (“ASUME”).
On or about April 1, 2011, the Bayamón Court issued an order advising Juelle-Albello that his failure to comply with several orders requiring that he pay the children’s’ school tuition debt would result in his arrest without further hearings. On April 6, 2011, Juelle-Albello sought a Driver’s License from the State of Florida where he reported his residential address to be in Weston, Florida, and he setup residence with his new wife and child. He also took two trips to Mexico seeking business opportunities. In the meantime, Juelle-Albello continued to disregard the Bayamón Court’s orders and on May 19, 2011, the Bayamón Court found him in contempt and ordered his arrest. Despite the contempt order, Juelle-Albello failed to pay his child support obligations.
From 2014 through 2017, Juelle-Albello made multiple filings in the Bayamón Court seeking the renewal of his passport because the U.S. Department of State would not renew his passport because of his outstanding child support obligations. In the motions filed, Juelle-Albello offered increasing amounts to the Court in exchange for an order authorizing the issuance of a passport. On January 27, 2014, he offered to make payments of $3,000.00 per month. On May 23, 2014, he offered a $30,000.00 lump sum payment alongside the monthly payments of $3,000.00. On August 22, 2014, he offered a lump sum payment of 20% of the outstanding debt of approximately $1,200,000.00, which lump sum payment would have equaled approximately $248,000.00. On May 17, 2017, he offered to make payments of $4,000.00 per month. All of these offers to pay in exchange for the renewal of his passport so he could pursue further business opportunities around the world evidenced Juelle-Albello’s capacity to pay his outstanding child support obligations, at least in some part, and his willful decision not to meet these obligations in any part.
The Bayamón Court rejected Juelle-Albello’s offers to make partial payments in exchange for the renewal of his U.S. passport and ordered him, instead, to make immediate payment of the totality of the outstanding debt to ASUME, which the Bayamón Court established in June 21, 2018 to be $1,868,012.50. Juelle-Albello has not made any payments to ASUME to address his outstanding debt from July 2013, through the present. Juelle-Albello only appeared in this jurisdiction in July 2018, after Mexican Immigration authorities deported him and delivered him to U.S. authorities pursuant to a federal arrest warrant issued in this case.
“The failure of parents to meet their child support obligations is a serious problem in this country and Congress enacted the federal felony crime under which Juelle-Albello has been prosecuted so federal agencies can supplement state and local child support enforcement efforts,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “Making sure parents live up to their financial responsibilities for the children is an important national priority. Protecting the wellbeing and interests of our most precious national source, our children, is highly appropriate and necessary.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dennise N. Longo-Quiñones. The case was investigated by the FBI. The defendant is facing a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and fines up to $250,000, or both.
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Grant County man admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jared Judy, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Judy, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Judy admitted to distributing more than 69 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine in May 2019 in Berkeley County.
Judy faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
These charges are the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep. This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Helman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, West Virginia State Police, and the Charles Town Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Fourth Manhattan Doctor Pleads Guilty to Accepting Bribes and Kickbacks from Pharmaceutical Company in Exchange for Prescribing Fentanyl DrugRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JEFFREY GOLDSTEIN, a doctor who practiced in Manhattan, pled guilty today to conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, in connection with a scheme to prescribe Subsys, a potent fentanyl-based spray, in exchange for bribes and kickbacks from Subsys’s manufacturer, Insys Therapeutics. GOLDSTEIN pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As he admitted today, Jeffrey Goldstein, a Manhattan doctor who owned a private medical office on the Upper East Side, prescribed his patients Subsys, a powerful fentanyl drug, in exchange for nearly $200,000 in bribes and kickbacks from the drug’s manufacturer, Insys, as well as various other items of value, including all-expenses paid visits to a Manhattan strip club. Goldstein is the fourth doctor to plead guilty in this case and his admission of guilt once again demonstrates that this Office will hold any physician accountable when that physician’s medical judgment is compromised by the corrupting influence of money. That is particularly so when the drug that is being prescribed is a dangerous opioid like fentanyl. This case should stand as a warning to the New York medical community that if you take bribes from pharmaceutical companies in exchange for prescribing – whether in the form of Speaker Program fees or otherwise – this Office will hold you to account for placing your own interests above those of your patients.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment against GOLDSTEIN and filings in related proceedings:
The Insys Speakers Bureau
Subsys, which is manufactured by Insys, is a powerful painkiller approximately 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. The FDA approved Subsys only for the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients. Prescriptions of Subsys typically cost thousands of dollars each month, and Medicare and Medicaid, as well as commercial insurers, reimbursed prescriptions written by GOLDSTEIN.
In or about August 2012, Insys launched a “Speakers Bureau,” a roster of doctors who would conduct programs (“Speaker Programs”) purportedly aimed at educating other practitioners about Subsys. In reality, Insys used its Speakers Bureau to induce the doctors who served as speakers to prescribe large volumes of Subsys by paying them Speaker Program fees. Speakers were supposed to conduct an educational slide presentation for other health care practitioners at each Speaker Program. In reality, many of the Speaker Programs were predominantly social affairs where no educational presentation about Subsys occurred. Attendance sign-in sheets for the Speaker Programs were frequently forged by adding the names and signatures of health care practitioners who had not actually been present.
GOLDSTEIN’s Participation in the Scheme
GOLDSTEIN was a doctor of osteopathic medicine who owned a private medical office on the Upper East Side. GOLDSTEIN received approximately $196,000 in Speaker Program fees from Insys in exchange for prescribing large volumes of Subsys. After GOLDSTEIN began prescribing a competitor painkiller, Insys pressured him to stop doing so and switch patients to Subsys, which GOLDSTEIN did.
GOLDSTEIN also received other items of value from Insys in order to induce him to prescribe. For example, Insys employees took GOLDSTEIN and Todd Schlifstein, who co-owned a private medical office with GOLDSTEIN, to a Manhattan strip club where Insys spent approximately $4,100 on a private room, alcoholic drinks, and “lap dances” for GOLDSTEIN and Schlifstein. GOLDSTEIN also arranged for Insys to pay for the annual holiday party for his private medical office.
In 2014, GOLDSTEIN was approximately the fifth-highest-paid Insys Speaker nationally. He was the sixth-highest prescriber of Subsys in the last quarter of 2014, accounting for approximately $809,275 in overall net sales of Subsys in that quarter.
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GOLDSTEIN, 49, of New Rochelle, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. GOLDSTEIN is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Wood on January 22, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.
Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the FBI, and thanked the Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Inspector General for its participation in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah Solowiejczyk and David Abramowicz are in charge of the prosecution.
Former University Student Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Faisal Buarki (23, Tampa) to 18 months in federal prison for possession of firearms by an alien who was admitted under a non-immigrant visa.
Buarki had pleaded guilty on June 3, 2019.
According to court documents, in February 2019, officers from the Tampa Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a car that Buarki was driving in south Tampa due to a mismatched license plate. A subsequent search of the car’s passenger area revealed two bullets on the front floorboard, a small amount of marijuana, and MDMA. Officers also found two handguns among Buarki’s possessions in the trunk, including a Glock .23 40-caliber pistol, containing 18 rounds of ammunition in the magazine, and an FNX-9 9mm pistol, both of which had been previously reported stolen. Buarki later admitted that he had possessed the two guns.
Under federal law, Buarki, who had been admitted to the United States from Kuwait on an F1 non-immigrant visa to study at the University of Tampa, was prohibited from possessing any firearms while he resided in the United States. Buarki’s status in the United States has since been terminated, and he faces removal from the United States upon his release from custody.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
Former Ohio Resident Admits to Traveling to Engage in Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Vienna, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of traveling with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity with a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jeffrey Judd, 60, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in late May 2017, Judd began conversing with a 14-year-old male over the "Chathour" software application and by email. He arranged to meet the child victim in the parking lot of his school on June 1, 2017, and traveled from Vienna, Ohio, to Hermitage, Pennsylvania, to engage in intercourse and oral sex acts with the victim. The victim was frightened by Judd’s arrival at the school, and failed to show at the meet location. He later reported his communications with Judd to school officials. Judd continued to communicate by email with the victim until June 5, 2017.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Dec. 6, 2019, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Defendant Judd has been detained pending the resolution of the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hermitage Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Judd. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Members of Ohio Militia Group Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Possess Unregistered ExplosivesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Two former members of an Ohio militia group heave pleaded guilty to violating the National Firearms Act by conspiring to possess destructive devices.
Ryan D. King, 37, of Franklin, Ohio and Randy D. Goodman, 53, of Ripley, Ohio, each pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to possess unregistered explosive devices. King and Goodman were indicted by a federal grand jury in February.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Todd Wickerham, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the pleas entered into yesterday afternoon before U.S. District Judge Susan J. Dlott.
According to court documents, King and Goodman were members of a militia group operating in the Southern District of Ohio. King and Goodman established a small subset of the militia group and referred to it as the “Special Projects Team.” The defendants advocated that this Team construct, use and stockpile explosives including pipe bombs, landmines and remote activated explosive devices.
As part of their pleas, the defendants admitted they conspired to possess destructive devices in violation of the National Firearms Act, specifically, bombs and parts necessary to make pipe bombs.
In January 2019, King and Goodman tested their “crater makers” at Goodman’s home in Ripley, Ohio. They discussed construction and ignition methods in detail. Goodman referenced the Boston Marathon as an example of a remote detonation system that worked.
They discussed which methods would be most lethal, including constructing their explosive devices out of metal pipes instead of PVC.
For example, Goodman asked, “Do we know how they built the pressure cookers for the Boston bombers…we are talking the same concept…”
King added, “If you really want explosions you would bury these in the driveway, so they go up and out. We can build land mines, I’ve already built them before, you know that.”
Conspiring to possess destructive devices is a crime that carries a potential maximum sentence of five years in prison.
This case was investigated by agents with the FBI and is being prosecuted by United States Attorney Glassman and Assistant United States Attorney Sheila G. Lafferty.
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Former Leader of Violent Kenyan Organized Crime Family Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Narcotics, Weapons, and Obstruction OffensesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that BAKTASH AKASHA ABDALLA, a/k/a “Baktash Akasha,” was sentenced to 25 years in prison for conspiring to import and importing heroin and methamphetamine, conspiring to use and carry machineguns and destructive devices in connection with their drug-trafficking crimes, and obstructing justice by paying bribes to Kenyan officials in an effort to avoid extradition to the United States. The defendants were provisionally arrested in Kenya on November 9, 2014, after providing 99 kilograms of heroin and two kilograms of methamphetamine to confidential sources acting at the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”). Their bribery scheme was thwarted on January 29, 2017, when the defendants were expelled from Kenya and DEA agents brought them to the U.S. AKASHA ABDALLA previously pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker, and U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero imposed today’s sentence.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Baktash Akasha led a massive drug trafficking organization responsible for shipping tons of finished narcotics, and the ingredients to make tons more, around the world. Akasha, along with his brother, ensured that their enterprise operated with impunity for nearly 20 years by eliminating and intimidating rival drug traffickers with violence and murder, and bribing Kenyan government officials to avoid extradition to the U.S. Akasha was once one of the world’s most prolific and violent drug traffickers, but today’s significant sentence of 25 years in prison all but guarantees he will never profit from the illicit drug trade again.”
According to the Superseding Indictment, other court filings, and statements made during court proceedings[1]:
AKASHA ABDALLA and his brother, Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla, a/k/a “Ibrahim Akasha” (together, “the defendants”) operated a sprawling and lucrative international drug-trafficking organization, which distributed multi-ton quantities of narcotics including hashish, ephedrine, methamphetamine, and methaqulone—a Schedule I controlled substance commonly referred to in Europe, South Africa, and elsewhere as “Mandrax” or “mandies,” and in the U.S. as “Quaaludes.” For almost two decades, BAKTASH AKASHA ABDALLA acted as the leader of the Akasha Organization, and Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla functioned as his brother’s deputy. The defendants engaged in acts of violence to protect the reputation of the Akasha Organization and their drug-trafficking business. For example, in 2014, the defendants kidnapped and assaulted a rival drug trafficker in Kenya named David Armstrong. The defendants helped orchestrate the murder in South Africa of an associate of Armstrong, who was known as “Pinky” and was shot approximately 32 times in the street. The defendants subsequently participated in an altercation at a public shopping mall in Kenya with an Armstrong associate named Stanley Livondo, during which Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla threatened Livondo with a pistol in the mall.
By early 2014, the defendants and other members of the Akasha Organization started to work to import ton quantities of methaqualone precursor chemicals into Africa in order to fuel the illicit pills’ production in South Africa. The defendants used the proceeds of their methaqualone-related business to pursue other illegal ventures, including efforts to import ephedrine that was produced illegally by Avon Lifesciences in India, so that the Akasha Organization and others could manufacture methamphetamine in Africa. In connection with these methamphetamine-production efforts, the defendants aligned the Akasha Organization and other associates with co-defendant Muhammad Asif Hafeez, a/k/a “Sultan,” and worked together to establish a methamphetamine-production facility in Mozambique. But the defendants, Hafeez, and other co-conspirators were forced to abandon their plan after law enforcement authorities seized approximately 18 tons of ephedrine from an Avon Lifesciences factory in Solapur, India, including several tons of ephedrine that the defendants and Hafeez planned to use to manufacture methamphetamine in Mozambique.
Over the course of several months beginning in March 2014, during telephone calls and meetings in Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya, the defendants agreed to supply, and in fact did supply, multi-kilogram quantities of heroin and methamphetamine to individuals they believed to be representatives of a South American drug-trafficking organization, but who were in fact confidential sources (the “CSes”) working at the direction and under the supervision of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”). The defendants negotiated on behalf of the Akasha Organization to procure and distribute hundreds of kilograms of heroin from suppliers in the Afghanistan/Pakistan region and to produce and distribute hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine, which they understood would ultimately be imported into the U.S.
During a meeting in Mombasa, Kenya, in April 2014, BAKTASH AKASHA ABDALLA introduced a CS via Skype to one of his heroin suppliers in Pakistan, who said he could provide 420 kilograms of 100 percent pure heroin—which he called “diamond” quality—for distribution in the U.S. Thereafter, in June 2014, a co-defendant began discussing with the CSes his ability to procure methamphetamine precursor chemicals and to establish labs to produce methamphetamine for importation to the U.S. In a meeting in Mombasa in September 2014, BAKTASH AKASHA ABDALLA introduced another co-defendant as a narcotics transporter from Afghanistan who moved ton quantities of narcotics using ships. BAKTASH AKASHA ABDALLA and a co-defendant also described Hafeez to the CSes as one of the top drug traffickers in the world.
In September and October 2014, Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla personally delivered one-kilogram samples of methamphetamine and heroin to the CSes in Nairobi on behalf of the Akasha Organization. In early November, Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla personally delivered an additional 98 kilograms of heroin to the CSes in Nairobi on behalf of the Akasha Organization. A few days later, Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla also delivered another kilogram of methamphetamine. In the course of these preliminary transactions, the Akasha Organization provided a total of 99 kilograms of heroin and two kilograms of methamphetamine to the CSes, and agreed to provide hundreds of kilograms more of each.
The defendants, along with Gulam Hussein and Vijaygiri Anandgiri Goswami, were provisionally arrested by Kenyan Anti-Narcotics Unit officers on November 9, 2014, in Mombasa, Kenya, prior to another planned meeting with the CSes. At the time of the provisional arrests in Kenya, 500 kilograms of heroin brokered by Hafeez were being transported through international waters to the defendants in Africa. The defendants directed the ship to return to the Afghanistan/Pakistan region rather than risk interdiction upon arrival. Following the arrests and during pending extradition proceedings, the defendants continued to distribute ton quantities of narcotics. They used some of the drug proceeds to bribe Kenyan officials— including judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers—in an effort to avoid extradition to face the charges against them in the U.S.
On January 29, 2017, the Kenyan government expelled the defendants, and the DEA brought them to the Southern District of New York for prosecution.
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In addition to the prison term, BAKTASH AKASHA ABDALLA, 41, was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine.
Hafeez was provisionally arrested in London in August 2017, and the U.S. has requested his extradition from the United Kingdom. Ibrahim Akasha Abdalla pleaded guilty to the same drug-trafficking, weapons, and obstruction offenses as BAKTASH Akasha Abdalla, and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Marrero on November 8, 2019.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding efforts of the Special Operations Division of the DEA, Bilateral Investigations Unit. Mr. Berman also thanked the DEA Dubai Country Office, the DEA Nairobi Country Office, the DEA Pretoria Country Office, the DEA New Delhi Country Office, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, Kenya’s Anti-Narcotics Unit, Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Kenya’s Director of Criminal Investigations, local Nairobi law enforcement officers, and the Government of Kenya.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emil J. Bove III, Amanda L. Houle, and Jason A. Richman are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment against Muhammad Asif Hafeez, a/k/a “Sultan,” are merely accusations, and Hafeez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] The descriptions set forth below of conduct by co-defendant Muhammad Asif Hafeez, a/k/a “Sultan,” constitute only allegations, and all descriptions should be treated as allegations with respect to Hafeez.
Former Hands-On Child Sex Offender Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Possession of over 500 Images of Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas resident with an extensive criminal history of sex offenses against children was sentenced today to 25 years in federal prison followed by lifetime supervision for possession of 550 images and 27 videos of child exploitation.
“Through the Project Safe Childhood initiative, together with our partners, we are committed to vindicating the rights of vulnerable child victims,” said United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message that law enforcement will pursue justice against child predators.”
“It is a high priority of the FBI to protect the most vulnerable in our society: our children,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI Las Vegas Division. “Every time child pornography is viewed on the internet it re-victimizes a child.”
After a three-day jury trial in November 2018, David Alan Cohen, 59, was found guilty of possession and receipt or distribution of child pornography. He was previously arrested for a series of child sex offenses in New York and New Jersey. United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon presided over the trial and sentencing hearing.
According to court documents, the investigation began in August 2016, after law enforcement received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that child pornography was uploaded to a web-based chat room. The IP address associated with the child pornography upload resolved to Cohen’s residence. During the execution of a search warrant, Cohen was interviewed by law enforcement. He discussed his sexual proclivities, prior sex crimes against children, and admitted that he received child pornography files. Cohen’s computer, cell phone, and numerous CDs and DVDs were seized. A forensic examination of the seized items revealed over 550 images and 27 video files of illegal child sexual abuse material, including sadomasochism and bestiality.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elham Roohani and Allison Reese prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Former Chief Executive Officer of St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Sentenced for Cover UpRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Sheila M. Sweeney, 62, of Ladue, was sentenced to three years’ probation for Misprision of a Felony and ordered to pay a fine of $20,000. Sweeney appeared today before U.S. District Court Judge Catherine D. Perry.
According to court documents, Sheila Sweeney was the Chief Executive Officer of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, having been recommended for that position by former St. Louis County Executive Steven V. Stenger during August 2015. Stenger believed he could exercise control of the Partnership’s contracts and grants through Sweeney, who did, in fact, take her directions from Stenger throughout her tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership. Sweeney had knowledge of Stenger’s ongoing bribery scheme, whereby Stenger accepted political donations in exchange for awarding contracts through St. Louis County and the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and its affiliated organizations. Stenger’s scheme deprived the citizens of St. Louis County of their right to the honest services of both Stenger and Sweeney. Knowing of Stenger’s illegal bribery scheme, Sweeney failed to report the criminal conduct to law enforcement. Sweeney also took steps and engaged in conduct to conceal and cover up Stenger’s illegal bribery scheme which allowed Stenger’s scheme to continue undetected for several years. By her criminal conduct, Sweeney violated her fiduciary duties to the Board of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, and abused the trust of the St. Louis County citizens who deserved her honest services.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Postal Inspection Service are investigating this case with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Five Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges, Illegal and Unlawful Alien in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Greenville has returned indictments charging ALFONSO BRAVO-BANUELOS, age 56, of Mexico, JORGE LUIS RAMIREZ-HERNANDEZ, age 36, of Mexico, and SALOMON MARTINEZ-RAMIREZ, age 41, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
Additionally, the grand jury returned an indictments charging REY FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ-ALAVEZ, age 33, of Mexico, with illegal reentry and illegal and unlawful alien in possession of ammunition, and JOSE PEREZ-ARELLANO, age 44, of Mexico, with illegal reentry and illegal and unlawful alien in possession of a firearm.
If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, BRAVO-BANUELOS, previously deported and found in Granville County, and RAMIREZ-HERNANDEZ, who was previously convicted of felony death by vehicle and driving while impaired, deported three times and found in Craven County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
MARTINEZ-RAMIREZ, previously deported two times and found in Granville County, is alleged to have been previously deported subsequent to a felony conviction for illegal reentry of a deported alien in the Middle District of North Carolina. Therefore, if convicted, MARTINEZ-RAMIREZ would face a maximum imprisonment term of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of illegal reentry and illegal and unlawful alien in possession of ammunition or firearm, HERNANDEZ-ALAVEZ, previously deported three times and found in Wake County, and PEREZ-ARELLANO, previously deported and found in Wake County, would face maximum penalties of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.
Federal Prison Setnence for Illegal Alien Who Threatened His Girlfriend with a GunRead the Press Release
An illegal alien who pulled a gun on his girlfriend during an argument has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison. Jose Alberto Ixtepan-Chagala, 26, of Veracruz, Mexico, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a one-count indictment charging him with being an unlawful alien in possession of a firearm.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that on the night of Feb. 11, 2019, officers responded to reports of shots fired at the home of the defendant’s girlfriend in Alton, Illinois. Ixtepan-Chagala reportedly woke his girlfriend by holding a 9mm handgun to her head.
According to reports, he took her outside at gunpoint and then fired the gun into the ground several times. Several young children were inside the home during the altercation. Responding officers recovered the gun in a nearby yard and arrested Ixtepan-Chagala, who was later found to be in the United States unlawfully.In lieu of supervised release, Ixtepan-Chagala will be subject to removal proceedings at the completion of his prison term.
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.The investigation was conducted by agents from the Department of Homeland Security and the Alton Police Department.
Federal Charges for Pensacola Man Related to Allegations of Human Trafficking in Multiple StatesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe, of the Northern District of Florida, announced today that a federal arrest warrant was executed on a Pensacola business owner for using interstate facilities for purposes of racketeering, money laundering conspiracy, and the harboring of illegal aliens for commercial advantage or private financial gain. The three count criminal complaint alleges that Pensacola resident David C. Williams, 41, was arrested in connection with his operation of multiple Asian massage parlors in Florida, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Along with the arrest of Williams on these federal charges, over a dozen search warrants were executed at massage parlors linked to Williams in these three states. This included multiple federal search warrants in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, and Gainesville, all of which are located in the Northern District of Florida. Over half a dozen seizure warrants were also executed on bank accounts linked to the allegations against Williams.
Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg is prosecuting the case following a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Gainesville Police Department, the Clearwater Police Department, the Florida State Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Pennsylvania.
A detention hearing for Williams has been set for August 20, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation by law enforcement 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 U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html
Fayette County Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Marquis Benjamin Lewis, 41, of Lexington, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison today, by United States District Judge Danny C. Reeves, after pleading guilty to possessing cocaine and mixtures of heroin and fentanyl with the intent to distribute them, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
On October 24, 2018, officers with the Lexington Police Department executed a search warrant at Lewis’s residence in Lexington. During the search, officers located quantities of cocaine and mixtures of heroin and fentanyl, packaged separately for distribution, along with various items of drug paraphernalia. In addition to the narcotics, officers also located a total of four firearms, two of which were stolen, dispersed throughout Lewis’s residence and vehicle. Lewis had a prior felony conviction and was prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm.
Under federal law, Lewis must serve 85 percent of his sentence. Upon completion of his imprisonment, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for a period of three years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Stuart L. Lowery, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Lawrence Weathers, Chief of the Lexington Police Department, jointly made the announcement.
ATF and the Lexington Police Department conducted the investigation. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Francisco Villalobos II.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The PSN program was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Elder Caregiver Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Defrauding a 92-Year-Old Homebound VictimRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Arizona – On August 14, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Rosemary Márquez sentenced Margaret Gastelum to 30 months in prison for defrauding a 92 year-old homebound- victim. The court also ordered Gastelum to pay $184,648 in restitution for the victim’s losses. Gastelum previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
Gastelum and her daughter, co-defendant Mona Lisa Rodriguez, provided home care assistance for the victim. In her plea agreement, Gastelum admitted that she and Rodriguez gained access to the victim’s banking information and fraudulently used funds from the victim’s bank accounts. Gastelum and Rodriquez further fraudulently used the victims’ credit cards and overcharged for elder care services without the victim’s knowledge.
Rodriquez also previously entered a guilty plea for her involvement in the scheme, and is scheduled for sentencing on September 24, 2019.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the United States Secret Service and the Tucson Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wallace Kleindienst for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona.
Eastern Kentucky Landscape Owner Sentenced for Violating the Fair Labor Standards Act and H-2A Visa ProgramRead the Press Release
ASHLAND, Ky. – Michael Anthony Wheeler, owner of Tri-State Lawn Care Inc. (Tri-State), has been sentenced to serve five years on unsupervised probation and ordered to pay $327,087 in back wages to 17 employees, for violating requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the H-2A visa program.
According to his plea agreement, Wheeler pleaded guilty to willful violations of the FLSA’s overtime requirement and eight counts of making false statements on his H-2A applications. In addition, Tri-State and Wheeler agreed to a 10-year H-2A debarment, five years of third party monitoring, and $125,000 in fines and money judgments.
Tri-State – a landscaping, construction, flooring, heating and air company – provides residential and commercial services to Ashland, Huntington, West Virginia, and Portsmouth, Ohio.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Cheryl M. Stanton, Wage and Hour Administrator, U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division; Patrick S. Mills, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office, U.S. State Department's Diplomatic Security Service; John Condon, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations and Richard Sanders, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, including its Wage and Hour Division, Office of the Inspector General, and Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Homeland Security Investigations and the Kentucky State Police. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Hydee Hawkins and David Marye.
Durham Clinician Receives Active Prison Sentence for Fraudulently Obtaining SuboxoneRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. B A Durham-based clinician was sentenced today in federal court in Greensboro on charges that he used the DEA registration number of another person to acquire suboxone, announced United States Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin of the Middle District of North Carolina.
BASIL DERRICK HALLIDAY, age 57, a resident of Rougemont, North Carolina, was sentenced to a five month term of imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge N. Carlton Tilley, Jr. The term will run consecutive to another five month term imposed because HALLIDAY committed the drug offense while on probation for a 2013 federal conviction for embezzlement from a government agency. In addition to prison time, HALLIDAY was ordered to serve 31 months of supervised release and to pay a special assessment of $500.00. HALLIDAY was convicted of the current charges after a two-day trial in March 2019.
In December 2013, a Diversion Investigator (DI) with the Drug Enforcement Administration received a complaint that HALLIDAY, the President and Owner of Adaptive Integrated Methods (AIM), a drug addiction and mental health treatment clinic, was improperly dispensing suboxone (buprenorphone), a Schedule III controlled substance. In furtherance of the investigation, the DI obtained numerous invoices from Clinic Pharmacy documenting HALLIDAY’s purchases of suboxone. HALLIDAY, however, is not a physician and does not have a license to dispense suboxone or other controlled substances. The pharmacy invoices noted the ordering physician was S.J., and included S.J.’s DEA registration number. S.J. , however, did not authorize the purchases of suboxone.
“We are pleased that the Court ordered active time for this defendant. I hope it sends a strong message about illegally distributing legal drugs. We must stop the flow of opioids to the street. I commend DEA and AUSAs DeFranco and DuPre for their excellent work,” said U.S. Attorney Martin.
The case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael A. DeFranco and Nicole R. DuPre.
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Dominican National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
Jonathan Manuel Lara Troncoso, 33, a Dominican national residing in Lawrence, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to two years in prison. Lara Troncoso will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In May 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien.
Lara Troncoso was previously ordered deported from the United States in June 2006, but returned sometime thereafter and assumed the identity of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico. In an effort to avoid detection by law enforcement, Lara Troncoso mutilated his own fingerprints. While unlawfully in the country, he was convicted three times of drug offenses in Massachusetts while using a fraudulent identity, including a 2017 state conviction for fentanyl trafficking. By the time he was convicted of fentanyl trafficking, his fingerprints had regenerated and healed enough to match the fingerprints on file from his prior deportation
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Marcos D. Charles, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Convenience Store Owner and Manager Both Sentenced to 12 Months and One Day for Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) announced that SINGEO I. SINGENES, age 63, and INNOCENCIA ESIROM, age 56, were sentenced in U.S. District Court today by Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood. SINGENES and ESIROM were convicted of unauthorized use of food stamp benefits, in violation of Title 7, United States Code, Section 2024(b). Each defendant received a sentence of 12 months and one day imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. The Court also ordered each defendant to pay a $100 special assessment fee and, jointly and severally, a total of $490,000 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
SINGENES owned and ESIROM operated S & I Mart, a small convenience store that was located in Barrigada, Guam, and has since closed. On March 1, 2011, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service authorized S & I Mart to participate in the agency’s program known as SNAP, formerly the Food Stamp Program. SNAP is a 100% federally funded program that provides financial aid to eligible recipients for use at authorized retail food stores. Under the program, SNAP recipients receive electronic benefits transfer (“EBT”) authorization cards that operate as debit cards. Each month authorized recipients are issued certain amounts of SNAP benefits that could be accessed only with their EBT cards and encrypted personal identification numbers. Under the program, SINGENES and ESIROM knew that SNAP benefits could not be accepted or redeemed in exchange for credit or loans, and that SNAP recipients could not be discriminated against by charging them interest or different prices, among other things.
From March 1, 2011 to September 1, 2013, the defendants defrauded the USDA and obtained SNAP benefits in exchange for extending credit to SNAP recipients. The defendants allowed SNAP recipients to purchase items on credit, and used their SNAP benefits from their EBT cards to pay off their credit balances at the beginning of the next month. The defendants also charged higher prices to SNAP recipients who purchased merchandise on credit and charged them a $20 late fee if they failed to pay their credit balances at the beginning of the following month. The practice of accepting SNAP benefits as payment on credit accounts or loans was a violation of the program and accounted for 90% of the store’s sales.
U.S. Attorney Anderson stated, “The USDA investigation revealed a continuous pattern of fraud by these defendants over a substantial period of time. The SNAP program provides essential nutritional benefits to needy families nationwide. That these defendants would defraud not only the program, but also the recipients is unconscionable. Our office will hold dishonest retailers accountable through prosecution and disqualification in an effort to maintain the integrity of this important program.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the USDA-Office of Inspector General investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Marivic P. David, Assistant United States Attorney.
Cheektowaga Man Pleads Guilty to Selling FentanylRead 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 Byron Cobb, aka Tone, 39, of Cheektowaga, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth T. Molisani and Jeremiah E. Lenihan, who are handling the case, stated that in July 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating the narcotics trafficking activities of the defendant. Between July 27, 2018, and February 13, 2018, investigators conducted 11 controlled purchases of heroin from Cobb.
On February 20, 2018, investigators executed a search warrant at the defendant’s Sidney Street residence in Buffalo. Officers seized multiple plastic bags containing suspected fentanyl, two digital scales, a strainer with suspected drug residue, and drug packaging materials.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Chief Byron Lockwood.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 25, 2019, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
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Bunch Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Assaulting an Employee of the United States with A Deadly and Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jeremy Lee Poafpybitty, a/k/a “Chooch”, age 33, of Bunch, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Assaulting An Employee Of The United States With A Deadly And Dangerous Weapon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 111(a)(1) and (b). The charges arose from an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Tahlequah Police Department.
The Indictment alleges that on or about July 24, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant knowingly, intentionally, and forcibly, with the use of a knife, assaulted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with and inflicted bodily injury to an employee of the United States Postal Service while in the performance of official duties.
“United States Postal Service employees overcome many challenges to delivering mail, but violence is one they should never have to face. The defendant is being justly punished for his violent acts against the victim, a postal employee,” said United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.Buffalo Man Sentenced to 42 Years in Prison for Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead 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 Duke Jimenez, 36, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of production and possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 42 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised released by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that between February 10 and October 27, 2014, the defendant engaged in sexual contact with a three-year-old female child entrusted to his care. This conduct resulted in both physical and emotional harm to the child. In a written victim impact statement, the victim’s mother stated that the child would scream and cry “the bad man’s going to kill me” and “he said he would kill me.”
During the sexual contact, Jimenez used his cellular telephone to create visual depictions of the victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The images were located on the defendant’s SD card. Jimenez was arrested by the Buffalo Police Department on November 18, 2015, at which time the defendant’s telephone was seized. A subsequent search of phone and SD card in the phone revealed 18 image files which depicted the victim engaging in the sexually explicit conduct.
“While kids often seek to escape imaginary childhood monsters by hiding under their covers, where those monsters are real, we must do all that we can to capture and cage them,” noted U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “This sentence illustrates just how seriously we take our obligation to protect the most vulnerable among us.”
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Buffalo Office, under the direction of Gary Loeffert, Special Agent-in-Charge; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; and the Cheektowaga Police Department under the direction of Chief David Zack.
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Buffalo Man Indicted on Multiple Drug 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 a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Victor Quinones, 22, of Buffalo, NY, with distribution of heroin, possession with intent to distribute butyryl fentanyl, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Volkert, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between September 2018 and July 18, 2019, the defendant maintained and used a home at 165 Leroy Avenue in Buffalo for the purpose of drug trafficking. On July 16, 2019, Quinones sold heroin to an individual working with the FBI.
On July 18, 2019, investigators executed a federal search warrant at 165 Leroy Avenue. Officers seized drug packaging materials and a quantity of butyryl fentanyl. The defendant was arrested at that time.Quinones was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroder, Jr. and is being detained.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Buffalo Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
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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Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for an Account Takeover and Money Laundering Scheme Affecting Tens of Thousands of VictimsRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that JASON MICKEL ELCOCK, a/k/a “Prezzi,” was sentenced today in Manhattan federal court to 57 months in prison for engaging in a decade-long scheme to steal personal and financial information from tens of thousands of individuals and businesses and unlawful possession of a firearm, resulting in a loss of more than $1.1 million to banks and online retailers. ELCOCK pled guilty on March 12, 2019, to wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies, and unlawful possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero imposed sentence earlier today.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “The theft and exploitation of our online data by perpetrators hiding in the weeds of the Internet is becoming all too common. This Office is committed to identifying, exposing and prosecuting cyber thieves wherever they may be found.”
NYPD Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill said: “As criminals move to the digital frontier, law enforcement is following. In this case, the NYPD is proud to have teamed with its FBI partners to bring this insidious criminal scheme to a close.”
According to the Complaint, the Indictment, the Superseding Information, statements made in court, and publicly available documents:
Between 2008 and 2018, ELCOCK, co-defendant Shoshana Marie McGill, and other co-conspirators participated in a scheme to defraud banks and e-commerce retailers by using stolen personal identifying information (“PII”), bank account information, and credit and debit card data from tens of thousands of individuals and businesses for personal financial gain. ELCOCK and his co-conspirators acquired PII and financial account data in part by buying the information from criminal websites. They also hacked into victims’ email accounts to steal personal information stored in those accounts, into victims’ online bank accounts to download copies of their checks, and into victims’ digital password vaults to pilfer their usernames and passwords. ELCOCK then monetized the stolen data in various ways, including by: (1) using the stolen credit card information to buy merchandise and services from e-commerce retailers for resale or for personal use; (2) using stolen PII to open new lines of credit in his victims’ names without their permission; (3) transferring money electronically out of victims’ bank accounts; and (4) creating and cashing fraudulent checks issued against victims’ bank accounts. Among other things, ELCOCK and McGill used the fraud proceeds to make a down payment on a Mercedes Benz, buy Rolex watches, electronic goods and designer clothing, and take trips to high end resorts. In addition, ELCOCK sold a portion of the stolen bank account data, along with check-making supplies, to other co-conspirators in exchange for a cut of the value of the checks that those co-conspirators successfully cashed. ELCOCK laundered the bulk of his criminal earnings through bank accounts belonging to other co-conspirators, including McGill.
As part of the fraudulent scheme, ELCOCK also transferred phone numbers and changed email addresses that were linked to victims’ bank and online shopping accounts, to different phone numbers and email addresses that he and McGill controlled. In some cases, ELCOCK also changed victims’ email account passwords or deleted activity alerts from their hacked email accounts. In these ways, ELCOCK prevented his victims from receiving text and email notifications regarding unauthorized transactions, to make the criminal scheme harder to detect. ELCOCK’s decade-long scheme caused banks and retailers to lose more than $1.1 million, and imposed burden and stress on countless individual victims, as they had to take steps to regain access to their phone numbers and email accounts, file police reports, notify credit agencies, cancel lines of credit, and dispute unauthorized purchases.
Law enforcement officers seized from ELCOCK’s residence a 9-millimeter pistol, ammunition, a bill counter, Rolex watches, multiples laptops, tablets and smartphones, and designer clothing, shoes, and handbags, among other things.
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In addition to the prison term, ELCOCK, 34, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to forfeit $1,111,893 and his interest in two bank accounts and certain merchandise stashed at his residence, and pay restitution.
McGill pled guilty on January 3, 2019, to conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced on June 13, 2019, by Judge Marrero to five years’ probation, including 90 days in a community re-entry facility and six months’ home confinement. She was also ordered to forfeit $1,081,893 and her interest in three bank accounts and various merchandise.
U.S. Attorney Berman praised the outstanding work of the FBI and the New York City Police Department.
This case is prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Lai is in charge of the prosecution.
Broken Bow Man Sentenced for CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Marshal Marshall, 37, formerly of Broken Bow, Nebraska, was sentenced Thursday in Lincoln, Nebraska, to the maximum sentence of 10 years in prison by Senior United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf. Marshall had previously entered pleas of guilty to cyberstalking. In addition to his prison sentence, Marshall will be required to serve 3 years on supervised release.
In December, 2017, the principal of a public school district in Broken Bow, Nebraska, reported to the FBI that someone was sending persistent and escalating threats of violence to a teacher working for the school district. The person issuing the threats was at times impersonating other teachers in the district over school email.
Investigation revealed that Marshall was impersonating teachers, friends, and family members of the victim, in order to harass, pressure, and coerce the victim into taking him back, ceasing her cooperation on a state felon in possession case, and taking other actions that he desired the victim to take. The communications caused substantial emotional distress, made the victim feel like she was being followed or surveilled at all times, and placed her in fear of actual bodily harm. She also faced threats to her reputation in the community, both professionally and personally.
Marshall conducted the cyberstalking by both text and email communication. Eventually he began to illegally wiretap the victim by breaking into her residence, placing recorders in her home and placing a motion sensor activated camera in her bedroom. The FBI recovered these devices and tied them forensically to Marshall.
Text messages from Marshall’s cell phone demonstrated he had solicited multiple men, his sister, and two minors, to aid him in the cyberstalking.
This case was investigated by the Broken Bow Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Bozeman woman sentenced to nine months for defrauding court-appointed clientsRead the Press Release
MISSOULA—Ellen Lorraine Van Ausdol, a Bozeman resident who ran a money management service for court-appointed clients, was sentenced today to nine months in prison and three years supervised release for stealing her clients’ funds and spending most of the money on gambling expenses, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen, who presided, also ordered Van Ausdol, 78, to pay $186,452.99 in restitution, with $133,558.99 to the victims and $52,894 to the IRS.
“Ms. Van Ausdol’s actions were deplorable. Those who defraud and embezzle, and particularly those who exploit the vulnerable, can expect to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” U.S. Attorney Alme said.
Van Ausdol pleaded guilty in March to wire fraud and to making and subscribing to a false tax return.
Van Ausdol operated a money management business called Fiduciary Consulting and Management, which provided services for court-appointed clients, the prosecution said in court records. Many of the clients had mental deficiencies and lacked the ability to manage their own money.
Van Ausdol embezzled from her clients during a six-year period, from about 2010 to 2016, and told investigators she used the majority of the money to cover her gambling expenses. The investigation also found that Van Ausdol did not pay income taxes of $52,894.00 on the stolen money.
The prosecution said the embezzled funds totaled $253,528, bringing the total fraud loss to $306,422. Van Ausdol repaid $119,950 to victims in 2016, leaving $94,558.99 owed to them in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation.
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Boston Man Charged with Illegally Possessing A Loaded HandgunRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was charged in federal court in Boston with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Kerry Charlotin, 30, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Charlotin has been in state custody since his arrest in Suffolk County on May 1, 2019. He will appear in federal court in Boston later today.
According to the charging documents, on May 1, 2019, officers were in the area of Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan due to resident complaints of drug dealing and public drinking. It is alleged that when Charlotin, who was seen by the officers wearing a black backpack, observed the police presence, he ran. The officers pursued him, and when they caught up to him, a black backpack was in the air and landed on the roof of a building. Charlotin, no longer wearing a black backpack, continued running from the officers; he was eventually found hiding in a fenced in area in a backyard. When officers recovered the black backpack, they found, among other things, a loaded Glock 26, 9mm caliber Lugar semi-automatic pistol containing nine rounds of ammunition, one of those rounds was in the chamber.
Based on prior felony convictions, Charlotin is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition under federal law.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William G. Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Birmingham Man Pleads Guilty During TrialRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – Birmingham man pled guilty during trial, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town, and Special Agent and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
Monterius King, 31, entered his plea on August 5th before U.S. District Judge Liles Burke at the end of the first day of trial, after several witnesses had testified. King pled guilty to robbing the ServisFirst Bank on Richard Arrington Blvd. on January 3, 2017. King also pled guilty to robbing the Jet Pep gas station on Center Point Parkway on April 24, 2017, and to discharging a firearm during that robbery, in which he shot a clerk in the stomach. King has pending charges remaining in state court for attempted murder and robbery arising from the JetPep robbery, and for robbery arising from the ServisFirst bank robbery. A sentencing date has been set for December 16th.
“Those who threaten the lives of innocent employees and customers are exactly the violent criminals we will remove from our communities and relocate to a bed in federal prison,” Town said. “The government was fully prepared to present evidence at trial that would prove the guilt of this defendant. He now faces federal time in a federal prison.”
“Protecting the public by the removal of the criminal element that commits acts of violence with a firearm was the result of the combined efforts by ATF and our partners,” Watson said.
King faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the robberies, plus a consecutive term of at least 10 years for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
The ATF investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Geer, III, is prosecuting.
Birmingham Man Pleads Guilty During TrialRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – Birmingham man pled guilty during trial, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town, and Special Agent and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
Monterius King, 31, entered his plea on August 5th before U.S. District Judge Liles Burke at the end of the first day of trial, after several witnesses had testified. King pled guilty to robbing the ServisFirst Bank on Richard Arrington Blvd. on January 3, 2017. King also pled guilty to robbing the Jet Pep gas station on Center Point Parkway on April 24, 2017, and to discharging a firearm during that robbery, in which he shot a clerk in the stomach. King has pending charges remaining in state court for attempted murder and robbery arising from the JetPep robbery, and for robbery arising from the ServisFirst bank robbery. A sentencing date has been set for December 16th.
“Those who threaten the lives of innocent employees and customers are exactly the violent criminals we will remove from our communities and relocate to a bed in federal prison,” Town said. “The government was fully prepared to present evidence at trial that would prove the guilt of this defendant. He now faces federal time in a federal prison.”
“Protecting the public by the removal of the criminal element that commits acts of violence with a firearm was the result of the combined efforts by ATF and our partners,” Watson said.
King faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the robberies, plus a consecutive term of at least 10 years for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
The ATF investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Geer, III, is prosecuting.
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Ashland Physician and Substance Abuse Treatment Center Agree to Pay $1.4 Million to Resolve Civil ClaimsRead the Press Release
ASHLAND, Ky. – An Ashland addiction treatment specialist, Dr. Rose O. Uradu, and her substance abuse treatment center, Ultimate Care Medical Services, LLC d/b/a Ultimate Treatment Center, have agreed to pay $1.4 million to resolve civil allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act, and defrauded the Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid programs.
This settlement resolves a civil lawsuit alleging that Ultimate Treatment Center, at the direction of Dr. Uradu, sought and received payments from Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid for services that were not actually provided to patients. According to the Complaint, between January 2013 and September 2014, defendants billed these government programs for “evaluation and management” services, purportedly provided to patients who visited the clinic to receive daily methadone doses. To be reimbursed by Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid, evaluation and management services should include performance of an examination of the patient, a patient history, and medical decision-making. The United States alleged that Ultimate Treatment Center did not actually perform these services when patients received their methadone doses, but falsely documented the performance of these services, in the patients’ medical records, in order to create the false appearance that the reimbursement was justified.
The United States further alleged that, during the period July 2013 to December 2014, defendants billed Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid for complex urine drug testing that the clinic’s equipment was incapable of performing. The United States contended that Defendants’ submission of claims to Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid for services not provided as billed violated the False Claims Act, a federal law the prohibits submitting false or fraudulent claims for payment to the government.
In addition to false claims, the United States alleged that Dr. Uradu issued buprenorphine prescriptions to more patients than permitted by law for a three-month period in 2014. Buprenorphine is marketed under the brand names Suboxone and Subutex, and is used medically in the treatment of opioid addiction. Because buprenorphine has the potential for diversion and abuse by recreational users, it is a controlled substance regulated by law. Dr. Uradu was only permitted to treat 100 patients with buprenorphine drug products, but repeatedly exceeded her patient limit. According to the settlement agreement, the United States alleged that Dr. Uradu violated the Controlled Substances Act each time she wrote a prescription over her limit.
The Government’s work in this investigation illustrates its commitment to combating health care fraud and violations of controlled substances laws. Tips from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). Tips about possible violations of controlled substances laws can be reported at www.dea.gov/submit-tip.
The case against Dr. Uradu and Ultimate Treatment Center was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Kentucky Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control Unit. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General assisted with the litigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Christine Corndorf and Meghan Stubblebine handled the matter for the United States.
The case is captioned United States v. Rose O. Uradu, M.D., et al., Case No. 0:18-cv-00066-HRW. The claims resolved by the settlement with Dr. Uradu and Ultimate Treatment Center are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Ashland Man Pleads Guilty to Representative Payee FraudRead the Press Release
Defendant was converting funds for personal care patients to his personal use.
ASHLAND, Ky. – Today, an Ashland man admitted in federal court that he unlawfully used representative payee funds, which were received on behalf of individuals living in the Artrip Personal Care Home in Ashland, Kentucky.
Mitchell Allen Artrip, 68, pleaded guilty to one count of representative payee fraud before United States District Court Judge David Bunning. Artrip admitted that, in his role as part owner of Artrip Personal Care home, he received representative payee benefits from the Social Security Administration on behalf of certain individuals living in his personal care home. According to the plea agreement, between November 2013 and November 2017, Artrip received representative payee funds for more than twenty individuals, totaling $241,142. Artrip admitted he spent a total of $97,806 of those representative payee funds on expenses unrelated to the use and benefit of the beneficiaries, including on his two rental properties and personal farm.
Artrip agreed pay $97,806 in restitution to the victims. The restitution will be divided among the victims according to the plea agreement. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Artrip also agreed to sell the personal care home and withdraw as the representative payee for any current Social Security beneficiaries within the next sixty days.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Wayne R. Warren, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Field Division of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, jointly made the announcement. The investigation is part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative and was assisted by the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force, which is comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement and government agencies working together to protect the Commonwealth’s elderly population from fraud and abuse.
The investigation was directed by the SSA-OIG. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate K. Smith.
Artrip is scheduled to be sentenced on January 24, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., in federal court in Ashland. He faces up to five years in prison. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal statutes.
Akron man indicted for allegedly firing his gun during the armed robbery of Akron grocery storeRead the Press Release
An Akron man was indicted for allegedly firing his gun during the armed robbery of an Akron grocery store.
Dayvaire Rogers, 26, was arrested Thursday. He was indicted in U.S. District Court on one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Rogers entered the Welcome Grocery at 210 East Cuyahoga Falls Avenue on April 20, 2019 and robbed the store with a firearm. He also discharged the firearm during the robbery, according to the indictment.
Rogers possessed a loaded FMK 9 mm pistol and 13 rounds of ammunition on April 20, 2019, despite previous convictions for burglary, heroin trafficking and heroin trafficking, which made it illegal for him to possess a firearm and ammunition, according to the indictment.
“This defendant is accused of firing his gun while robbing a market where the owner was just trying to make an honest living,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “A child was in the store at the time of the robbery. We’re fortunate this did not end in a tragedy and are grateful to the police officers and agents who worked hard to solve this crime.”
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Akron Police Department, Medina County Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, Wadsworth Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Joyce and Patrick Burke.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
40-Year Sentence Imposed for Man Who Sexually Exploited ChildRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 39-year-old resident of Kingwood has received a massive sentence following his convictions for the attempted sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Enrique Velez pleaded guilty Jan. 18, 2019.
At a hearing in federal court yesterday, U.S. District Judge David Hittner handed Velez a sentence of 360 months for the attempted sexual exploitation of a child, otherwise known as production of child pornography. He also received 120 months for the possession charge. The sentences will all run consecutively for a total of 40 years in prison.
Velez will also serve the rest of his life on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Velez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. At the hearing, the court took into consideration Velez was a repeat and dangerous sex offender because he had taken child pornography images of two minor victims.
Velez came to the attention of law enforcement Oct. 13, 2016, when authorities participated in an undercover operation in an internet chat group.
On that date, Velez began communicating with someone he believed to be the mother of an eight-year-old girl. He said he was living with a girlfriend with two minor relatives – two boys, aged five and one. Velez stated he had not “done anything” yet because of his fear of his girlfriend finding out.
He asked the person if she wanted to “do a play date,” stating he could not bring the five-year-old because he was afraid the child would say something. He sent a picture of himself and a baby. He also offered to take the baby to allow the person to sexually abuse him while Velez could sexually abuse the minor female.
As the conversation continued, Velez requested images of the eight-year-old child and wanted to trade pictures. Velez then sent two nude photos of the five-year-old male, after which they made plans to meet at a motel to engage in the sexual abuse of the young female and the one-year-old.
Later that evening, Velez arrived at the location of the motel with the one-year-old child in his vehicle. Agents found a diaper bag with condoms and lubricants.
After his arrest, Velez admitted he had left the other young male at his apartment so he could meet up with the woman and her child, further acknowledging he had taken the photo of the five-year-old minor victim.
Agents searched his cellphone after obtaining a federal search warrant and found images of child pornography. Several images included the baby naked with his genitals displayed in a lewd and lascivious manner.
Velez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, Houston Police Department, Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ann Leo is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
15 August 2019
Worcester Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Worcester man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to his role in a heroin and cocaine conspiracy.
Vito Nuzzolilo, 46, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and more than 100 grams of heroin. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Dec. 4, 2019.
According to court documents, Nuzzolilo distributed heroin and cocaine from his apartment in Worcester and from a separate “band room” that he maintained in Worcester. A federal wiretap revealed numerous communications in which Nuzzolilo coordinated the sale of heroin or cocaine to various drug customers. The investigation also revealed that Nuzzolilo coordinated with a New York-based source of supply for the delivery of significant quantities of heroin and cocaine to Worcester. As a result of the investigation, law enforcement seized drugs from various locations, including from Nuzzolilo’s band room, his BMW, and from a car transporting cocaine from Nuzzolilo’s apartment to Maine.
Four other individuals have pleaded guilty and been sentenced in this drug conspiracy. In February 2019, Ricardo Ortega-Vasquez, 42, a Dominican national residing in New York City, was sentenced to time served (approximately 23 months in prison). In November 2018, Thomas Walker of Pemaquid, Maine, was sentenced to 30 months in prison. In September 2018, Melissa Rock, also of Pemaquid, Maine, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison. And in June 2018, Kristen Little of Worcester was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
Due to the quantity of heroin involved in this case and to a prior conviction for cocaine trafficking, Nuzzolilo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of eight years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $8 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
Woodville Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Steal and Sell FirearmsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Shawnveon Holiday, 21, of Woodville, Mississippi, was sentenced Tueseday by Senior U.S. District Court Judge David C. Bramlette III to 33 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to violate federal firearms laws, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kirk Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Holiday was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $40,803.56 and a special assessment of $100.
On December 11, 2018, Holiday and co-defendant Kelandrix Lushaw were charged in a federal indictment with stealing multiple firearms from two federally licensed firearms dealers in Natchez, Mississippi. The defendants stole 13 firearms from Natchez Pawn & Jewelry on April 27, 2018, and 34 firearms from the Sports Center Sporting Goods Store on April 28, 2018. Earlier, on April 26, 2018, they had crossed the border into Louisiana to attempt to rob a gun dealer in Ridgeville, Louisiana. They proceeded to sell the stolen firearms in Wilkinson County on April 28 and 29, 2018. Holiday pled guilty before Judge Bramlette on April 11, 2019.
Co-defendant Kelandrix Lushaw pled guilty to the same charge and was sentenced by Judge Bramlette to 33 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office, the Natchez Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore M. Cooperstein.