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Monday 1 July 2019
Penn Hills Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Multiple Drugs and a FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Allegheny County has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count Indictment, returned on June 25, named Duane Eugene Cash, Jr., age 47, of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about December 7, 2018, Cash possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of an analogue of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and quantities of cocaine, marijuana and tramadol. The Indictment further alleges that Cash, a convicted felon, possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the Penn Hills and Monroeville Police Departments conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Panola County Man Convicted of Drug Trafficking, Tampering, Obstruction ChargesRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A 30-year-old Carthage, Texas man has been convicted of federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Winfred Earl Ware, Jr. was found guilty by a jury on June 28, 2019, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, obstruction of justice and witness tampering following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
According to information presented in court, from 2014 through 2017, Ware conspired with others to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The evidence presented in trial showed that pending trial for the drug conspiracy charge in August 2018, Ware created false Facebook entries purported to be from a government witness which would tend to exonerate the defendant. By submitting those false documents to the court to be used at trial, the government had to dismiss the pending drug charge against Ware to investigate these messages. Upon examination, the government determined that the Facebook entries were created by Ware in an effort to influence the testimony of several witnesses in the original trial and to corruptly influence the due administration of justice. Ware was then indicted in Dec. 2018, on the original drug conspiracy as well as the charges of obstruction of justice and witness tampering.
Under federal statutes, Ware faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison for the drug trafficking and tampering charges and up to 10 years in federal prison for the obstruction violation. The maximum statutory sentences prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Panola County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Gaston and Michelle S. Englade.
Operation Zero Hour II Results in 172 Arrests in Cumberland and Robeson CountiesRead the Press Release
**Reissued from U.S. Marshals Service**FAYETTEVILLE, NC – The U.S. Marshals Eastern District of North Carolina Violent Fugitive Task Force, in coordination with various federal, state and local partners, recently wrapped up an operation dubbed Zero Hour II. This operation combined the expansive resources of the participating agencies with the goal of locating subjects wanted on outstanding warrants and conducting searches of high-risk individuals under the supervision of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
Conducted in Robeson County June 11 – 13 and Cumberland County June 25 – 27, this operation was the culmination of months of planning, and resulted in the arrest of 75 subjects in Robeson County and 99 subjects in Cumberland County. 442 charges were cleared in the two counties and 42 firearms were recovered. Additionally, $66,922 in U.S. currency was seized along with quantities of a variety of narcotics including marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine. Searches were attempted at the residences of 337 high-risk probationers or parolees, with 134 searches successfully completed. Participating agencies will continue to investigate information developed during the operation and additional arrests are likely.
Michael East, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina, commented, “I would like to thank all of the men and women of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners. Operations such as these take substantial planning and would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of everyone involved. Additional operations are forthcoming and we are coming to your town in the very near future.”
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, stated, “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to the continued partnership with all local, state, and federal law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices to make Eastern North Carolina a safer place. This type of effort is an essential part of our drive to reduce violent crime, remove the worst offenders from our communities, and take back North Carolina from violent criminals and drug traffickers. Thank you to the officers who put their safety on the line for us in a very serious way over these last few weeks in conducting these enforcement operations.”
Significant arrests included:
- Javaras Hammonds, 20, of Lumberton, who was charged with First Degree Murder and Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon in relation to an incident that occurred in Lumberton on June 5.
- Michael Alvarez, 31, of Fuquay Varina, who escaped from a NC DPS facility in Lumberton on June 12. Alvarez was captured within hours of the escape and a female who assisted in the escape was also arrested and charged.
- Anthony Coar, 74, of Fayetteville, who was charged with violating the terms of his federal Supervised Release. Coar was found to be in possession of inappropriate images as well as devices to access internet content.
- Marcus Bryan, 21, of Fayetteville, who was charged with Attempted First Degree Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury, and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon in relation to an incident that occurred in Fayetteville on June 7.
The following agencies participated in this operation:
Robeson County – U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Fairmont Police Department; Lumberton Police Department; N.C. Department of Public Safety; N.C. Information Sharing and Analysis Center; Pembroke Police Department; Red Springs Police Department; Robeson County District Attorney’s Office; Robeson County Sheriff’s Office; and, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Cumberland County – U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office; Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office; Drug Enforcement Administration; Fayetteville Police Department; Hope Mills Police Department; N.C. Department of Public Safety; N.C. Information Sharing and Analysis Center; Spring Lake Police Department; and, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov
Oak Grove woman sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for trafficking pure methamphetamineRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – An Oak Grove woman who trafficked methamphetamine was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which tested to be 98% pure, announced U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph.
United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty also sentenced Sedonnia Axl Lee Bass, 28, during a revocation hearing to serve an additional 15 months in prison, to run consecutive with the 10-year sentence, for violating her supervised release conditions related to a previous conviction stemming from a federal drug charge in the Middle District of Florida.
West Carroll Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic violence call on November 25, 2018, at an Oak Grove residence and made contact with Bass, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked in the driveway. Bass told the deputy that she had not seen the altercation and would not say why she was there. While talking with Bass, the officer noticed that she was trying to conceal something near the center console.
A search of the car revealed a black bag containing small baggies, a scale, a spoon and a pink glass-smoking pipe wrapped in a handkerchief on the floorboard area of the driver’s side. The deputy also found a clear plastic bag between the center console and the driver’s seat containing 117.0549 grams of 98% pure methamphetamine. Bass admitted that the methamphetamine found in the vehicle belonged to her and stated that she sold methamphetamine in and around the Oak Grove area.
When Bass identified herself, the deputy recognized her name and knew that she had active arrest warrants and placed her under arrest. At the time of her arrest, Bass was on supervised release for a previous drug conviction in the Middle District of Florida, where she received a sentence on March 25, 2010, of 120 months in federal prison and 60 months of supervised release following her confinement, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The DEA, West Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office and Oak Grove Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath prosecuted the case.
North Carolina Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to File False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Winston-Salem, North Carolina, resident was sentenced to 21 months in prison today for conspiring to defraud the United States by filing false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew G. T. Martin for the Middle District of North Carolina.
According to court documents, Claudia Lynette Shivers co-owned and operated two tax return preparation businesses: Fast Tax of Winston-Salem Inc. in Winston-Salem and Quick Taxes LLC in Greensboro. Shivers and her co-conspirators falsified items on clients’ tax returns, such as dependents and Schedule A deductions, in order to fraudulently maximize their refunds. Shivers also directed clients to hand-write false information on tax forms and other documents used in the preparation of their returns. Shivers further admitted that she held training sessions for her employees, during which she would instruct them on how to manipulate information on tax returns in order to obtain refunds to which clients were not entitled. Between January 2014 and April 2017, Shivers and her co-conspirators prepared approximately 519 false tax returns, which claimed approximately $1.3 million in false refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Shivers’ co-conspirator, Shannon DeWayne Patterson, was previously sentenced to 13 months imprisonment. Shivers’ other co-conspirators, Kristyn Dion Daney and Rakeem Lenell Scales, were sentenced to nine months and one day, and probation, respectively.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge William Osteen, Jr. ordered Shivers to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution of $38,266 to the IRS.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Martin commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi of the Tax Division and Criminal Division Chief Clifton T. Barrett of the Middle District of North Carolina, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
North Carolina Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to File False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Winston-Salem, North Carolina, resident was sentenced to 21 months in prison today for conspiring to defraud the United States by filing false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew G. T. Martin for the Middle District of North Carolina.
According to court documents, Claudia Lynette Shivers co-owned and operated two tax return preparation businesses: Fast Tax of Winston-Salem Inc. in Winston-Salem and Quick Taxes LLC in Greensboro. Shivers and her co-conspirators falsified items on clients’ tax returns, such as dependents and Schedule A deductions, in order to fraudulently maximize their refunds. Shivers also directed clients to hand-write false information on tax forms and other documents used in the preparation of their returns. Shivers further admitted that she held training sessions for her employees, during which she would instruct them on how to manipulate information on tax returns in order to obtain refunds to which clients were not entitled. Between January 2014 and April 2017, Shivers and her co-conspirators prepared approximately 519 false tax returns, which claimed approximately $1.3 million in false refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Shivers’ co-conspirator, Shannon DeWayne Patterson, was previously sentenced to 13 months imprisonment. Shivers’ other co-conspirators, Kristyn Dion Daney and Rakeem Lenell Scales, were sentenced to nine months and one day, and probation, respectively.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge William Osteen, Jr. ordered Shivers to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution of $38,266 to the IRS.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Martin commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi of the Tax Division and Criminal Division Chief Clifton T. Barrett of the Middle District of North Carolina, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
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New Hampshire Men Plead Guilty to Distribution of SuboxoneRead the Press Release
CONCORD, - Peter J. Carney, 57, of Stewartstown, and Dustin Grant, 34, of Colebrook, pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of suboxone, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 15, 2018, Carney sold suboxone to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers. On February 14, 2019, Grant sold suboxone to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement officers. Both sales occurred within 1,000 feet of an elementary school.
Carney is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11th 2019. Grant is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30th 2019.
“Drug trafficking affects people in all parts of our state,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who sell drugs illegally should be aware that the law enforcement community in New Hampshire is united in its effort to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who commit drug trafficking crimes.”
This matter was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the Colebrook Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s Division of Enforcement and Licensing, and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Charles Rombeau and John S. Davis.
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Michigan Boat Owner Arrested for Allegedly Conducting Illegal Charter Operations on Chicago WaterwaysRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Michigan man has been arrested on federal criminal charges for allegedly conducting illegal charter boat operations on Chicago waterways.
CHRISTOPHER MIKE GARBOWSKI used a 40-foot powerboat known by the names “Anchorman,” “Sea Hawk” and “Manaje III,” to conduct illegal commercial charter operations on Chicago waterways, including Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, according to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Garbowski charged money to charter the boat to various groups of passengers, such as bachelorette parties and family celebrations. Garbowski conducted the charter operations during the 2017 and 2018 boating seasons even though the vessel had not been inspected and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard, as required by federal regulations, the complaint states. Garbowski also captained the charters even though he lacked the proper Coast Guard credentials to do so, the charges allege.
Garbowski, also known as “Christopher Michael Garbowski” and “Michael Gunnman,” 33, of Sterling Heights, Mich., is charged with one count of violating an order of the captain of the port. Garbowski was arrested Saturday. He made an initial court appearance Saturday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Young B. Kim, who ordered Garbowski released on a $10,000 unsecured bond. Garbowski’s next court date was set for July 8, 2019.
The complaint was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Neal R. Marzloff, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Central Region; and Jerry Costello, Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Chapman.
“The safety of the boating public is a top priority for the Coast Guard,” said CGIS Special Agent-in-Charge Marzloff. “Illegal charters pose a safety risk to passengers, but also impact the livelihood of licensed mariners that abide by the rules. The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), in coordination with our partners, is committed to investigating those who knowingly violate maritime laws and regulations.”
According to the complaint, Garbowski advertised his charter business on websites and apps such as Get My Boat and Boatbound. The Coast Guard notified Garbowski about the federal regulations on multiple occasions, including at Monroe Harbor in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2017, when Coast Guard personnel boarded the boat moments before Garbowski was set to begin a five-hour charter for eight female passengers who booked the “Sea Hawk” for $2,400, the complaint states. As the women were walking down the dock to board the boat, Garbowski called one of them on her cell phone and told her to lie to Coast Guard personnel by pretending they were all friends with Garbowski, the complaint states.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The charge in the complaint is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
A 29-year-old Mexican national, arrested as part of an operation led by the Justice Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), pleaded guilty Monday to possession with attempt to distribute methamphetamine and to possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
During Monday’s plea hearing, Jesus Ponce Dominguez admitted to possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He also admitted to possessing 12 firearms that he used while trafficking the drug in Tulsa. In total, Dominguez possessed a combination of seven pistols, one shotgun and four rifles. Dominguez was arrested in December 2018 after it was discovered that he was distributing methamphetamine transported from Mexico into the Northern District of Oklahoma. Investigators later discovered 17 pounds of methamphetamine, two pounds of heroin, and multiple firearms at an apartment and storage unit Dominguez rented in Tulsa.
“The United States must disrupt the flow of drugs over the border from Mexico and dismantle the organizations trafficking them,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Heroin and methamphetamine are modern day plagues on society. Shame on Mr. Dominguez for profiting off of other people’s addictions.”
U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell accepted Dominguez’s plea and set sentencing for Oct. 1, 2019.
The Tulsa Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Duncombe is prosecuting the case.
The OCDETF Program was established in 1982 as a multi-agency, nationwide effort to pursue comprehensive, intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional investigations of major criminal organizations trafficking drugs and laundering the illicit proceeds. The OCDETF Program forms the centerpiece of the Justice Department’s counternarcotics strategy, and uses prosecutor-led, multi-agency task forces to combat drug cartels.
Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Daniel Irving, 28, of Manchester, pleaded guilty in federal court to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, September 19, 2018, law enforcement officers encountered Irving and another individual in a vehicle near a convenience store in Concord, New Hampshire. Officers seized from the vehicle more than five grams of methamphetamine and two firearms. In addition, drug paraphernalia, including a glass mirror, digital scale, a ledger, syringes and plastic baggies were confiscated.
Irving is scheduled to be sentenced on October 10, 2019.
“Methamphetamine presents a rising threat to the citizens of New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This is especially true when dealers are in possession of firearms. In order to protect the public, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who are distributing methamphetamine.”
"This case represents the continuing impact that strong law enforcement partnerships have on illegal drug trafficking. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate violent drug offenders like Mr. Irving who target our communities with their drug related violent activity to ensure they are held accountable," said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Concord Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
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Lincoln Couple Pleads Guilty to Transporting and Selling Fish in Violation of Federal Lacey Act LawsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Phong T. Duong, age 48, and Oanh T. Pham, age 46, both of Lincoln, Nebraska, pleaded guilty on June 28, 2019, to federal Lacey Act Violations in federal court in Omaha. Duong pleaded guilty to conspiring to traffic wildlife, a felony, and Pham pleaded guilty to the illegal taking, transport, and selling of fish, a misdemeanor. Duong and Pham pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. Sentencing for both Duong and Pham is scheduled for September 20, 2019.
A joint investigation conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism determined that Duong, and his spouse, Pham, operated a business out of their Lincoln, Nebraska, residence that sold wildlife and fish to customers located in Nebraska.
At various times between May 2013 and July 2016, Duong and Pham obtained fish, typically consisting of crappie, white bass, and wiper, from the Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, and other reservoirs, located in the State of Kansas, in violation of Kansas wildlife laws. To avoid detection and evade law enforcement, Duong and Pham would routinely change fishing locations upon the Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, and other reservoirs, stash fish at off-site locations, and utilized “straw fishermen” including minor children and others to conceal fish taken in excess of the established possession limits. Duong and Pham regularly transported the illegally taken fish from the State of Kansas to the State of Nebraska. Upon arrival in the State of Nebraska, the fish would be cleaned and bagged at Duong and Pham’s residence. Duong and Pham would then sell the fish to customers located in Nebraska for a profit.
“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to protecting native species and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people," said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. “Overfishing impacts local economies and fish populations. It also deprives law abiding citizens and others who enjoy outdoor recreation activities related to these resources. We will continue to work with our partners to vigorously investigate and apprehend those involved with the unlawful acquisition, sale, and exploitation of our nation's natural resources. Together, we will ensure that our country's wildlife and wild places are protected for generations to come.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.
Ligonier, Indiana Man Sentenced to 87 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Phillip Yoder, age 41, of Ligonier, Indiana, was sentenced before United States District Court Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on his guilty pleas to wire fraud, bank fraud, mail fraud and bankruptcy fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Yoder was sentenced to serve 87 months each on the mail fraud, bank fraud, and wire fraud counts, and 60 months on the bankruptcy fraud count, all to run concurrently. Yoder also was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay a total of $581,386.04 in restitution.
According to his plea agreement, beginning in or about 2014 and continuing until in or about July 2015, Yoder and others, sometimes working through the entity, KOH Enterprises, LLC, defrauded persons via a “Foreclosure Rescue Scheme.” As part of the scheme to defraud, Yoder and others monitored foreclosure notices of properties, and would then approach distressed homeowners and convince them to transfer title of the property in exchange for false promises of being able to avoid further foreclosure obligations. They falsely represented to these homeowners that they would handle their mortgage arrearages and the foreclosure process. Because of these false representations, the homeowners vacated the property and transferred their interest in the property through a Quitclaim deed to business entities. Those entities then furthered the scheme by recording the Quitclaim at the local Recorder’s Office. However, the Quitclaim deed did not extinguish the homeowner’s outstanding mortgage debt. Yoder and others would use the mail to send a fraudulent document, entitled an “International Promissory Note”, purporting to satisfy the outstanding mortgage debt to the financial institution holding the mortgage. Simultaneously, Yoder and others would cause a fraudulent “Satisfaction of Mortgage” to be filed with the county recorder’s office in an attempt to discharge the mortgage. They would then convey another Quitclaim deed to an investor or purchaser of the properties, even though the property was still encumbered. The total loss to investors and insurers was $1,466,136.20.
With regard to the bankruptcy fraud, which resulted from a referral by the U.S. Trustee for Region 10, according to his plea agreement, on or about February 24, 2016, Yoder knowingly and fraudulently made a material false declaration, certificate and verification under the penalty of perjury in his bankruptcy proceeding. He claimed as an asset a “Billion dollar gold bond” when he knew that the purported bond was fraudulent and worthless. In his bankruptcy proceeding, Yoder claim $792,592.46 in debts.
“Creating a scheme that enriches the defendant while defrauding banks, insurers and average home owners, jeopardizes our financial system,” said U.S. Attorney Kirsch. “My Office in coordination with all our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively prosecute these type of cases.”
“Everyone has the right to expect honest representation from those they do business with. Targeting homeowners with this type of fraudulent activity when they are already dealing with financial hardship is not only illegal but a violation of trust and won’t be tolerated by the FBI,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and pursue those who try to line their pockets at the expense of others and hold them accountable.”
HUD Special Agent in Charge Geary stated, “At such a critical time for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, with programs that are vital to the well-being of so many in our communities, it is critical that those resources are completely dedicated to those in need. The HUD Office of Inspector General is committed to partnering with Federal prosecutors and fellow law enforcement to aggressively pursue those engaged in activities that harm HUD’s Single Family housing programs.”
“Today’s sentence sends a strong message to those who abuse the bankruptcy system,” stated Nancy J. Gargula, United States Trustee for Indiana and Southern and Central Illinois (Region 10). “Providing false documents such as fictitious “bonds” to the United States Bankruptcy Court undermines the integrity of the system and will not be tolerated. We appreciate the commitment of U.S. Attorney Kirsch and our law enforcement partners to holding those who abuse the bankruptcy system accountable. We welcome information that will help detect fraud and abuse in the bankruptcy system and we encourage citizens to report suspected bankruptcy fraud through our Internet hotline at [email protected].” The United States Trustee Program is the component of the Justice Department that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General in collaboration with the Northern Indiana Bankruptcy Fraud Working Group coordinated by the U.S. Trustee. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Maciejczyk.
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Larned Man Sentenced for Attacks on Internet Service ProviderRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Larned man was sentenced today to 27 months in federal prison for causing a series of denial of service attacks on a Kansas internet service provider, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
In April, a jury convicted Michael D. Golightley, 35, Larned, Kan., on seven counts of damaging a protected computer and one count of threatening to damage a protected computer.
During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Golightley contacted an entity called DDosCity to arrange for a series of attacks on Nex-Tech’s computers.
Nex-Tech is an internet service provider with offices in Hays, Lenora, Beloit, Concordia, Courtland, Dodge City, Downs, Great Bend, Hill City, Hoxie, McPherson, Norton, Osborne, Phillipsburg, Plainville, Quinter, Russell, Salina, Smith Center, Stockton and WaKeeney.
Prosecutors presented evidence that on March 30 and 31, 2017, Nex-Tech was hit by three denial of service attacks that overloaded the company’s servers.
Before the attacks, Golightley sent Nex-Tech two threats. He was angry about the company removing an ad he placed on Nex-Tech Classifieds for a PlayStation 3 game that been “jail broken,” or modified to bypass a system security check. Golightley placed the ad a second time and sent Nex-Tech a warning that he would “violate this site by bringing it offline” if the ad were removed again. He added: “If u make me upset, I will retaliate -- your choice.”
McAllister commended the FBI, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan McCarty for their work on the case.
Kanawha County woman sentenced for a federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County woman was sentenced today for a federal drug charge. Bree Eberbaugh, 28, of Charleston, pled guilty on March 1, 2019, to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
“Fentanyl is a deadly killer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “My office is working overtime to pursue every lead and root out every purveyor of the poisons killing our communities. You’ll find no sympathy here for anyone assisting the drug trade including fentanyl, In every case, I will seek the maximum sentence permissible.”
Eberbaugh admitted that on August 28, 2017, her apartment was raided pursuant to a search warrant. During the search, over 50 grams of fentanyl was discovered. Eberbaugh stated that she believed she was selling heroin, but forensic analysts determined the substance to be fentanyl.Eberbaugh admitted that she helped arrange sales for the fentanyl and acknowledged that some fentanyl had been sold just prior to the search warrant. Eberbaugh also admitted that she had assisted another individual with selling and distributing fentanyl.
Eberbaugh was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison, followed by three years on supervised release. Judge Faber specifically noted the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct and the danger it poses to the public.
MDENT conducted the investigation. The sentencing hearing was held before United States District Judge David A. Faber. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner is handling the prosecution.
Houma Man Indicted for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DAVID ANTHONY MAR, a/k/a Oliver Armando Gamino-Avellaneda, age 24, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was charged November 16, 2018, in a one-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to the indictment, on November 5, 2018, MAR possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana. MAR pled guilty May 9, 2019, and faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Levee District Police Department, and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections – Division of Probation and Parole. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Paige O’Hale.
Hopewell City Employee Sentenced to Prison for Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond woman was sentenced today to two years in prison for her role in a conspiracy to defraud the City of Hopewell of funds intended for at-risk school children, and filing false tax returns.
According to court documents, Jamillah Karriem, 45, was employed by the City of Hopewell as the City’s Comprehensive Services Act (CSA) Coordinator. The Commonwealth of Virginia utilizes the CSA to provide state funding for services to high-risk children across the Commonwealth, and provides those state funds to localities, such as Hopewell. As the city’s CSA Coordinator, Karriem was responsible for directing CSA-funded contracts to service providers for at-risk school children in Hopewell.
In October 2011, Karriem directed a friend to form a business, A World of Possibilities (“WOP”), for the ostensible purpose of providing mentoring and counseling services to at-risk students at public schools in Hopewell. Karriem thereafter steered a CSA counseling services contract to WOP, and between November 2011 and June 2015, WOP billed the City of Hopewell for more than $480,000 worth of counseling services purportedly provided to a number of public school students. WOP did not actually provide any services to those students, however, and Karriem and her co-conspirator split the fraudulent proceeds. From 2012 to 2015, Karriem also filed four false tax returns, significantly under-reporting her income each year. Karriem’s total criminal tax loss amounts to at least $133,602.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, David W. Archey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Washington, D.C. Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas A. Garnett and Kaitlin Cooke prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-58.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 135 Months in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking Two MinorsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HIRAN SANCHEZ, also known as “Ivan” and “Pablo,” 22, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 135 months of imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for the sex trafficking of two minors.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Sanchez recruited two minor victims to engage in commercial sex acts. Sanchez trafficked the first victim, who was 15 at the time, in the summer of 2016, and the second victim, who was 16, in April and May 2017. After Sanchez advertised the victims’ prostitution services on Backpage.com, he transported the victims to Hartford-area hotels to meet with clients who paid them for sex. The victims provided all of the money they were paid to Sanchez.
Judge Thompson ordered Sanchez to pay $3,750 in restitution to his first victim, and $3,900 in restitution to his second victim.
Sanchez has been detained since his arrest on January 22, 2018. On January 29, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.
This matter was investigated by the Connecticut State Police and Hartford Police Department, through the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force, and with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and Nancy V. Gifford.
Henderson Convicted Felon Sentenced in Federal Court on Drug and Ammunition ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, sentenced CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS, 59, of Henderson to 57 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised released. Judge Dever also ordered that WILLIAMS’s one-third interest in his residence be forfeited to the federal government.
On March 11, 2019, WILLIAMS, pled guilty to two counts of distribution of cocaine base (crack), possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack), maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of distributing cocaine base (crack) and aiding and abetting, and being a felon in possession of ammunition. In early 2018, WILLIAMS and others were identified by the Vance County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) as trafficking in narcotics out of his residence located at 310 Yancey Lane in Henderson, North Carolina. A series of controlled purchases of narcotics were made from WILLIAMS at that residence by a confidential informant. Thereafter, VCSO sought and obtained a search warrant for WILLIAMS’ residence. Upon the execution of that warrant, VCSO encountered WILLIAMS with crack cocaine and ammunition. At the time of the offense, WILLIAMS was a convicted felon and, therefore, was prohibited from possessing ammunition or firearms.
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. Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted 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 is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement. For more information about this initiative please click https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for the government.
Great Falls woman admits meth, heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – Jacqueline Marie Kirkaldie, of Great Falls, admitted today that she distributed methamphetamine and heroin that came to the community from California, said U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
Kirkaldie, 32, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. She is detained. Kirkaldie faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and set sentencing for Oct. 16, 2019.
In court records, the prosecution said that beginning in September 2018, the Russell Country Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating a meth and heroin distribution ring in Great Falls. Kirkaldie was among those who redistributed for the group.
In January, detectives interviewed a heroin addict who said he got his heroin from Kirkaldie and knew that she had a source of drugs who brought pound quantities of meth and heroin from California to Great Falls on a weekly basis.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the DEA and Russell Country Drug Task Force.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Georgia Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced LAMONT PHILLIP REDMAN, 28, of Buford, Georgia, to 60 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised released.
On September 6, 2018, REDMAN was named in a two-count Indictment charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of a Firearm with an Altered or Obliterated Serial Number. On March 18, 2019, REDMAN pled guilty to Count One which charged conduct that concluded on June 7, 2018.
On June 7, 2018, members of the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) responded to a 911 call involving an assault by pointing a firearm. As officers arrived on the scene, they observed REDMAN standing in front of an apartment building arguing with an unknown individual. When officers approached the defendant, REDMAN rushed to his vehicle and placed something inside. When officers approached the defendant, REDMAN appeared nervous and began cursing. Witnesses on the scene reported that REDMAN had a firearm. REDMAN was placed in handcuffs and a search of his person revealed no contraband.
Upon searching REDMAN’s vehicle, officers located a loaded .380 caliber handgun, with a partially obliterated serial number, under the front passenger seat. Officers also located a box of .380 caliber ammunition under a pile of clothes in the front passenger seat and a plastic bag containing marijuana residue. REDMAN was placed under arrest.
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. Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted 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 is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement. For more information about this initiative please click https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant United States Attorney Daniel W. Smith prosecuted the case for the government.
Former HUD Employee Sentenced to 24 Months for Accepting Bribes from Government ContractorRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kevin Jones, 48, a former contract oversight specialist with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), was sentenced today to 24 months in prison on a federal bribery charge stemming from a scheme in which he provided non-public information about pending HUD contracts to a business owner in exchange for tickets to sporting events, travel, and cash.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Charles A. Dayoub, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, and Reginald O. Sessoms, Special Agent in Charge, Special Investigations Division, HUD Office of Inspector General.
Jones, of Laurel, Md., pled guilty in March 2019, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of federal bribery. He was sentenced by the Honorable Randolph D. Moss. As part of his plea agreement, he is required to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $50,302.75 representing the value of the gifts and benefits he received. Following his prison term, Jones will be placed on three years of supervised release and complete 100 hours of community service.
According to a statement of offense signed as part of the plea, Jones began work at HUD in 1999. His responsibilities included serving as the technical point of contact for certain contracts and reviewing contractor performance. By virtue of his position, he had access to bid, proposal, and source selection information about a number of HUD contracts.
The bribery charge involves Jones’s dealings with Charles Thomas, the sole owner and president of a company in Maryland that provided technology services to agencies of the federal government and educational services to public school children in the Washington, D.C. area.
Between at least 2010 and 2018, according to the statement of offense, Thomas provided Jones with tickets to sporting events, travel, and cash in exchange for Jones providing Thomas and his company with non-public information about pending HUD contracts. In particular, the information and recommendations that Jones provided gave Thomas an unfair competitive advantage in obtaining two contracts valued at more than $4.5 million. Jones himself approved invoices totaling nearly $3.8 million for work done under one of the two contracts.
According to the statement of offense, from 2010 through 2017, Thomas and his company provided Jones with a variety of gifts and benefits, including more than $17,000 worth of tickets to Washington Redskins games and three Super Bowls; $1,700 in Washington Wizards tickets, more than $3,200 in hotel accommodations; more than $3,600 in travel expenses, more than $13,000 in cash and checks, meals, a camera, and a pair of basketball shoes.
In a related prosecution, another former HUD employee, LaFonda Lewis, 57, of Lusby, Md., was sentenced to a year and a day in prison in April 2019, for providing non-public information about pending HUD contract to Thomas in exchange for money, tickets to sporting events, and other things of value. As part of her plea, she agreed to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $23,055, representing the illegal proceeds. Lewis was a former supervisory contract oversight specialist.
Thomas, 45, of Lusby, Md., pled guilty in May 2018 to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and two counts of conspiracy to pay gratuities and violate the Procurement Integrity Act. Thomas is awaiting sentencing. In his guilty plea, Thomas admitted to paying bribes to the two HUD employees as well as to an employee of the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) in return for payments on contracts involving that agency.
The former District of Columbia employee, Shauntell Harley, 49, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced in July 2018 to 56 months in prison for accepting bribes in return for clearing the way for payments to be made to Thomas and another businessman.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu, Acting Special Agent in Charge Dayoub, and Special Agent in Charge Sessoms commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, HUD’s Office of the Inspector General, and the Office of the Inspector General for the District of Columbia.
They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Joshua Fein and former Paralegal Specialist Kristy Penny. Finally, they expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter C. Lallas, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
Former Federal Employee Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SCOTT PIERSON, 58, of Vernon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for downloading and possessing child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2018, the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General received information that Pierson, an Administrative Officer assigned to the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) Bradley Flight Standards District Office in Enfield, was using his FAA-issued laptop computer to access websites known to contain images of child pornography.
On July 19, 2018, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Pierson’s residence and seized computers and electronic storage devices, including his FAA-issued laptop. Forensic examination of the seized items revealed more than 1,500 images and videos of children, including children younger than 12 years old, engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Pierson has been detained since his arrest on July 19, 2018. On March 18, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Flint Man Receives 200 Months in Prison for Drug-Related Robbery and Drug Dealing While ArmedRead the Press Release
Tavaras Warren, 40, of Flint, Michigan, was sentenced on June 27, 2019 to a total of 200 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Matthew F. Leitman for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, that is, a drug robbery, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Timothy R. Slater, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
As part of his plea, Warren admitted that on December 3, 2015, he went to the victim’s house after negotiating to sell the victim marijuana. Instead of completing the drug deal, Warren and an accomplice robbed the victim at gun point of approximately $2,500. Warren then shot the victim before fleeing the scene. Warren also admitted that he attempted to obstruct justice by trying to contact the victim through a third party to encourage the victim not to cooperate with law enforcement.
In a separate incident on March 9, 2017, Warren admitted that he possessed crack cocaine with the intent to distribute it while simultaneously being armed with a firearm.
Judge Leitman also ordered Warren to be placed on supervised release following his imprisonment for a period of three years.
The case was investigated by special agents and task force officers with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Christopher Rawsthorne of the United States Attorney’s Office.
Federal Prison Employee Who Smuggled Phones into Prison Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIC WILLIAMS, 38, of Danbury, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of providing contraband in prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Williams worked in the Food Service Department at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury (FCI Danbury). On July 9, 2017, Williams attempted to smuggle four mobile phones and an electric beard trimmer into the prison by hiding the items in his hat as he entered the facility through the staff entrance. When a corrections officer arrived at the staff entrance to screen Williams for admission into the facility, Williams abandoned the attempt and left his hat containing the contraband in the entrance area. When a supervisory officer found the hat and asked Williams if it belonged to him, Williams denied that it was his hat.
Williams was arrested on July 20, 2018 and is released on a $50,000 bond.
At sentencing, Williams faces a maximum term of imprisonment of six months and a fine of up to $5,000. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
This matter is being investigated by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with cooperation from the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marc H. Silverman and Maria del Pilar Gonzalez.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two Lafourche Men for Being Felons in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on June 20, 2019, JAVANTI COLER, age 25, a resident of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, and DEONDRE GRAMMA, age 26, also a resident of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, were charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury. In count one, COLER and GRAMMA are charged with being convicted felons in possession of a firearm.
If convicted of count one, both COLER and GRAMMA face a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 3 years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Thibodeaux Police Department, The Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (A.T.F.). Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Laplace Man for Drug and Firearm ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ANDREW ANDERSON, age 38, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, was charged in a three-count indictment by a federal grand jury on May 31, 2019. In count one, ANDERSON is charged with possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a quantity of heroin. In count two, ANDERSON is charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. In count three, ANDERSON is charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, on May 22, 2019, DEA agents and St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies, executed a federal search warrant at ANDERSON’s residence in Laplace, Louisiana. During the search, agents found one AK-47, and three handguns, all of which were fully loaded. Agents also located multiple plastic bags of substances suspected to be crack cocaine and heroin, which were packaged for distribution.
If convicted of count one, ANDERSON, faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release not less than 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For count two, ANDERSON faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed by the court, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 5 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. As to count three, ANDERSON faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
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Dominican National Sentenced for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced on Friday, June 29, 2019, in federal court in Boston in connection with misusing a Social Security number and identity theft.
Jose Gonzalez Vizcaino was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to two years in prison. Upon completion of his sentence, Vizcaino will be subject to deportation proceedings.
On March 11, 2014, Vizcaino walked into a branch of the Registry of Motor Vehicles and used the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of a United States citizen from Puerto Rico to apply for a Massachusetts learner’s permit. On May 19, 2014, Vizcaino returned to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and again used the same name, date of birth, and Social Security number of the United States citizen to apply for a Massachusetts driver’s license.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. This case was prosecuted by Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit.
Destrehan Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Federal Court for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
U.S. Peter G. Strasser announced that United States District Court Judge, Barry W. Ashe, sentenced DILLON DAVIS, age 26, of Destrehan, to 151 months of imprisonment for committing a bank robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a). DAVIS’ two prior drug convictions qualified him as a career offender, thus enhancing his sentencing guideline range.
The federal indictment alleged that DAVIS entered the Chase Bank located at 3540 Williams Boulevard, in Kenner, Louisiana, on August 2, 2017, and demanded one thousand dollars in U.S. currency from a bank teller.
DAVIS’ case has been designated as a Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) case. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Kenner Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
Defendant Sentenced to 86 Months in Prison for Defrauding Investors in Binary Options and Cryptocurrency SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Blake Kantor, who formerly operated a binary options company known as Blue Bit Banc and Blue Bit Analytics (“BBB”), was sentenced by United States District Judge Sandra J. Feuerstein to 86 months’ imprisonment for operating a scheme to defraud BBB investors, and BBB investors who also invested in a cryptocurrency known as “ATM Coin,” to be followed by three years’ supervised release. Kantor was also ordered to pay restitution of $806,405 to the victims of his crime, forfeiture of $1.5 million, and forfeiture of approximately $153,000 of stolen proceeds. In November 2018, Kantor pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and as part of his plea agreement, he admitted to obstructing the government’s investigation.
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), Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), and James McDonald, Director, Division of Enforcement, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), announced the sentence.
“Kantor has been held accountable for defrauding investors through his lies and deceit,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to vigorously prosecute those who perpetrate financial frauds and obstruct investigations of their crimes.”
“Mr. Kantor has rightfully been punished for making promises he knew would not be kept. IRS-Criminal Investigation is committed to apprehending those who create elaborate schemes that have no purpose other than to mislead investors by defrauding them for personal gain,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Larsen.
“The CFTC is committed to working vigorously to root out fraud in all of our markets, including those involving virtual currencies,” stated CFTC Director McDonald. “As this parallel action shows, we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who engage in this sort of misconduct are identified and held accountable. I am grateful to the U.S. Attorney and his team for their work on this important case.”
In March 2014, Kantor established BBB, and from approximately 2014 to 2017, he and others solicited and received approximately $1.5 million from more than 700 investors in BBB’s binary options. Kantor told investors that they could place binary option trades, or a BBB representative could do so for them, and that the predetermined profits promised them would be based on the actual prices of securities, currencies and other investments at particular points in time. However, Kantor did not inform the investors that a BBB computer software program fraudulently altered data associated with binary options investments, so that the probability of investors earning a profit favored BBB and disadvantaged investors. Kantor also fraudulently persuaded several BBB investors’ to convert their BBB investments into “ATM Coin,” a worthless cryptocurrency that he told investors was worth as much as $600,000.
In October 2017, after FBI agents informed Kantor that they were investigating his involvement in binary options, Kantor directed a co-conspirator to alter BBB customer lists. Around the same time, Kantor deleted emails related to his scheme. When interviewed by the FBI, Kantor falsely stated that he had not been involved in binary options since August 2013.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley T. King and Madeline M. O’Connor are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
BLAKE KANTOR (also known as “Bill Gordon”)
Age: 44
Fort Lee, New JerseyE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-177 (SJF)
Dangerous Louisville Felon with Gang Ties Sentenced 20 Years for Armed Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – United States District Court Judge Rebecca G. Jennings sentenced Jamar Garrison, 33, of Louisville, Kentucky, to 20 years of federal imprisonment followed by 6 years of supervised release for possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
“This case sets the bar for what law enforcement collaboration can look like in Louisville,” stated U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “What started as a vehicle stop by intrepid LMPD officers resulted in a trigger-puller doing hard time in federal prison.”
Garrison was convicted on July 27, 2018 in United States District Court on charges of possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. Garrison had been released on bond for state drug trafficking charges when he was arrested after being found in possession of a loaded semiautomatic handgun, a mixture of heroin and fentanyl packaged for sale, several thousand dollars cash, and assorted other narcotics. The follow-up investigation revealed that while released on bond on multiple pending felony drug indictments in Jefferson Circuit Court, Garrison used vehicles rented in the names of third parties in order to transport and traffic in heroin all over Louisville.
According to a sentencing memo, Garrison is a 27 time convicted felon with prior convictions for drug trafficking, robbery, felony assault, identity theft, wanton endangerment, wanton endangerment of a police officer, felony fleeing and evading, and assorted other felony and misdemeanor crimes. He was arrested five times in 2017 while on felony bond for drug trafficking. Garrison has also been convicted for 16 misdemeanor offenses. At age 22, Garrison was convicted in connection with an organized crime prosecution targeting the Victory Park Hustlers/Victory Park Crips. As part of his involvement with the Crips, Garrison was convicted of facilitation to assault 1st degree (a shooting with serious injury), facilitation to robbery 2nd degree, facilitation of criminal syndication, and two separate counts of drug trafficking, among other offenses.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin McKenzie and Marisa J. Ford, and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Louisville Metro Police Department, with assistance from the Louisville Metro Intelligence Task Force (LMINTEL).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Kentucky. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
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Convicted Money Launderer Charged in New Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Hingham man who was convicted earlier this year of money laundering now faces new charges of money laundering conspiracy.
Yannick A. Minang, 26, was arrested earlier today and charged by criminal complaint with one count of international money laundering conspiracy. Minang will appear in federal court in Boston this afternoon. Earlier this year, Minang pleaded guilty to a five-count indictment for his role in a similar business email compromise (BEC) scheme in 2017. Minang is scheduled to be sentenced on those charges on July 17, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor.
As alleged in the charging document, Minang conspired with others to open numerous bank accounts in Massachusetts in the name of sham companies, as part of an apparent BEC scheme. A BEC scheme is a sophisticated scam often targeting businesses involved in wire transfer payments. The fraud is carried out by compromising and/or “spoofing” legitimate business email accounts through social engineering or computer intrusion techniques, to cause employees of the victim company (or other individuals involved in legitimate business transactions) to transfer funds to accounts controlled by the scammers.
It is alleged that, through the use of fraudulent invoices and spoofed email accounts, Minang conspired to trick a victim of the scheme into wiring hundreds of thousands of dollars to a bank account under his control. Minang and his co-conspirators then transferred funds from the account on to others located overseas.
The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Brady of Lelling’s Criminal Division, and Jordi de Llano, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Securities & Financial Fraud Unit, are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the U.S.Read the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Mexican citizen pleaded guilty today to illegally reentering the United States.
According to court documents, Marcos Gonzalez-Granillo, 40, originally illegally entered the United States in 1997. In 2002, he was convicted in state court in North Carolina of attempted second-degree rape and first-degree burglary, an aggravated felony. He was removed from the country at taxpayer expense in 2007 after serving his state prison sentence. Gonzalez-Granillo was next encountered by law enforcement authorities in Norfolk in 2019, when he was arrested for failure to register as a sex offender under Virginia law.
Gonzalez-Granillo pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a removed alien and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on October 4. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Lyle A. Boelens, Acting Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence R. Leonard accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel P. Shean and Elizabeth M. Yusi are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-75.
California man admits dealing meth in Havre, Great Falls, Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A California man admitted today to dealing methamphetamine in Havre, Great Falls and the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Roel Centeno, 44, of Oxnard, CA, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. He faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years of supervised release. He was detained.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and set sentencing for Oct. 16, 2019.
The prosecution said in court documents that law enforcement agents learned Centeno was arranging the shipment of numerous packages of meth to recipients in Havre, Great Falls and the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation from about June 2017 to March 2018. The recipients broke down the meth packages for local redistribution. Agents interviewed numerous persons who received meth from Centeno.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Great Falls Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Brookshire Woman Admits to Sending Homemade Bombs to State and Federal OfficialsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 47-year-old resident of Brookshire has pleaded guilty to transportation of explosives with the intent to kill, injure and intimidate a person, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI.
Julia Ann Poff admitted to mailing a package on or about Oct. 2 - 3, 2016, that contained a homemade bomb that was addressed to the former president of the United States. As part of her plea, she also acknowledged mailing two similar packages addressed to the Texas governor and the then Acting Social Security Administrator.
Each of those packages contained a victim-activated, booby trapped, improvised explosive device (IED) containing explosives materials.
“This was a resource-intensive investigation that involved the safety of the Texas Governor, President of the United States and the Social Security Administration,” said Turner. “Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the threat that Poff posed and the fear she incited was serious and real. The FBI spots, assesses and mitigates threats daily. For the last three years, the men and women of the FBI Bryan Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and its partners worked relentlessly to bring Poff’s life-threatening actions to an end. This is what the FBI does every day to keep our community safe, whether you reside in a private home, the Governor’s House or the White House.”
The investigation revealed that on Oct. 6, 2016, authorities intercepted a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) small, flat rate box at a White House mail handling facility at Bolling Air Force Base in the District of Columbia. They opened the package, and it appeared to contain a bomb.
An FBI explosives expert conducted an examination and determined it to be a homemade bomb.
Further examination linked the box and its contents to Julia Poff or her husband. The outer box contained a taped address label, under which they found a feline hair. Testing revealed this hair was microscopically consistent with the hairs taken from a cat the Poff family cared for and owned. Also, a box contained within the USPS box contained a micro-USB cable box, cellular phone, hobby fuse, matches, paper wadding, plastic sacks, sandpaper and two 20-ounce coke bottle caps as well as pyrotechnics and smokeless powder.
Poff’s daughter identified the phone as her old cell phone which was last seen in their home’s garage in August or September 2016. Authorities also learned Poff used her bank debit card to purchase a micro-USB box with the same bar code as the one found in the USPS package.
Poff admitted today she was solely responsible for sending the bomb-filled packages.
U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore accepted the plea and has set sentencing for Nov. 18, 2019. At that time, she faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 possible fine.
She has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Bryan FBI JTTF conducted the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Texas Rangers, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Department of Agriculture - OIG. The Bryan Resident Agency JTTF is comprised of the FBI; sheriff’s offices in Brazos, Waller and Walker Counties; police departments in Bryan, Texas A&M University and College Station; Secret Service; Texas Department of Criminal Justice - OIG and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ralph Imperato, Rob Jones and Alamdar Hamdani are prosecuting the case.
Brandon Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – John Barrett Cotting, 39, of Brandon, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Cotting was indicted following an extensive investigation, dubbed “Drama Queen,” targeting illegal methamphetamine distribution in Central Mississippi. During a prostitution sting, agents received messages from Cotting who wanted to meet for sexual purposes related to a Backpage.com ad. Cotting stated that he was willing to bring narcotics with him to the meeting. Once Cotting arrived at the meeting location, agents retrieved approximately 140 grams of actual methamphetamine intended for distribution.
Cotting will be sentenced by Judge Reees on October 8, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson Police Department, the Richland Police Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Internal Revenue Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
Birney man admits strangling woman to death with ropeRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – Birney resident Randy Lee Littlebird admitted today to murdering a woman by strangling her with a rope in their residence on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation last year, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Littlebird, 35, pleaded guilty to second degree murder, strangulation and domestic abuse by habitual offender.
U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided. Judge Watters continued Littlebird’s detention and set sentencing for Nov. 6, 2019.
Littlebird faces a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the murder charge, and a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the strangulation and domestic abuse charges.
In court records filed by the prosecution, Littlebird killed the victim on Feb. 4, 2018 at a shared residence in Birney. Littlebird and the victim were drinking alcohol throughout the day and were drunk. Another individual in the house heard a confrontation between the two and the victim yell, “No Randy, don’t, don’t,” then her scream, followed by silence.
Littlebird entered the individual’s room and said that the victim was unresponsive. The individual found the victim lying on the floor near a rope. Littlebird claimed the victim had killed herself and he had moved the body.
An autopsy determined the cause of death was ligature strangulation and multiple blunt force injuries.
In an interview with FBI and Bureau of Indian Affairs agents on Feb. 6, 2018, Littlebird confessed to fatally strangling the victim. He admitted to tying ropes around the victim’s ankles to prevent her from leaving and then he left the room. When he returned, the two argued some more. Littlebird grabbed the rope, which was now around the victim’s neck, and while standing, pulled on it, strangling her.
Littlebird has four prior domestic abuse conviction on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI and BIA.
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Bass Pro Shop Gun Thieves Admit Guilt, Await SentencingRead the Press Release
MACON – All three defendants involved in the theft of nine firearms from a Macon-based federal firearms licensee are now awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to their crimes, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Tylaun Rashard Mullins, 19, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of Theft of a Firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 before the Honorable Marc Treadwell. Mr. Mullins’ two co-conspirators, Christian Jabari Black, 19, of Macon, and Jacques Stewart, 20, of Macon, entered guilty pleas on April 16, 2019 and May 22, 2019, respectively, also to one count of Theft of a Firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee. Mr. Mullins will be sentenced on September 4, 2019, Mr. Black will be sentenced on July 10, 2019, and Mr. Stewart will be sentenced on August 7. The defendants each face a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both, and three years of supervised release.
According to Mr. Mullins’ signed plea agreement, the three defendants and one juvenile (who was not charged), were spotted by an employee exiting the Bass Pro Shops building on 500 Bass Pro Avenue in Macon on the evening of April 3, 2018. Shortly thereafter, surveillance video captured the three defendants breaking into the store and stealing nine firearms, including pump shotguns and rifles, in order to sell the firearms. Officers took the defendants into custody the next day, on April 4, 2018.
“The theft and sale of stolen firearms in our country is dangerous business, and runs counter to our efforts to remove firearms from the hands of convicted felons and criminals who use these stolen weapons to disrupt our communities,” said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney. “I want to thank the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF for quickly finding the defendants and preventing these firearms from getting into the wrong hands.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul McCommon. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Barbour County woman admits to role methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Destiny Hope Robinson, of Philippi, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Robinson, age 21, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Robinson admitted to distributing more than five grams of methamphetamine in Randolph County from December 2017 to July 2018.
Robinson is facing no less than five and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 YearsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Royal Powell, 36, Janesville, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William Conley to a mandatory minimum 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Powell pleaded guilty to this charge on March 20, 2019. His prison sentence will be followed by four years of supervised release.
On August 17, 2018, Powell exited a BP gas station in Janesville and fired a gun at a group of people standing a short distance away. In response to the gunfire, someone shot back at Powell and the bullet went into the gas station and nearly struck a woman and her small children standing inside. Powell fled the scene but police officers identified him using surveillance video from the gas station. Powell was arrested in Janesville a few weeks later and officers found the firearm used in the shooting hidden in his apartment.
Powell is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses in Rock County, Wisconsin, and Cook County, Illinois, including arson, residential burglary, and substantial battery. As a result of these violent convictions, Powell is classified as an armed career criminal and is subject to the mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. Furthermore, Powell was on Wisconsin state supervision for three separate felony convictions at the time of the shooting.
In sentencing Powell, Judge Conley took into account his lengthy criminal history, which included not only violent crimes but also drug offenses. Judge Conley stated that Powell’s decision to shoot the firearm while at the BP station needlessly endangered innocent lives.
The charge against Powell has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address violent crime.
The charge against Powell was a result of an investigation conducted by the Janesville Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron Wegner and Diane Schlipper.
Sunday 30 June 2019
“Rapid City’s Most Wanted Fugitive” Sentenced for Violent Carjacking and Discharging a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Carjacking Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence was sentenced on June 20, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Saul Crowe, age 25, was sentenced to 20 years and one month in federal prison. As to the Carjacking conviction, Crowe was sentenced to 10 years and one month in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. As to the Firearm conviction, Crowe was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, to be served consecutively to the Carjacking sentence, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
A federal grand jury indicted Crowe in January 2018 on eight felony offenses beginning in August 2016, while Crowe was on federal supervised release for a prior federal felony conviction for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
The convictions for which Crowe was sentenced relate to Crowe’s carjacking of an occupied van on October 13, 2017. Crowe held the victim at gunpoint and drove him to an isolated area north of Rapid City, where Crowe and his associates pistol-whipped and beat him. Crowe fired multiple rounds near the victim and made him beg for his life. Bullet casings from the location of the carjacking and beating were forensically matched to a weapon Crowe later abandoned in a vehicle after fleeing police. The Rapid City Police Department called Crowe “Rapid City’s most-wanted fugitive.”
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 Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its 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 local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team; Rapid City Police Department; Pennington County Sheriff’s Office; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and the RCPD/PCSO Special Response Team. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn N. Rich and Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
Crowe was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Charged with Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Louis Bettelyoun, age 32, was charged on June 18, 2019. Bettelyoun appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 24, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Bettelyoun, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully being in possession of a semi-automatic pistol in March 2019 at Rapid City. The charge is merely an accusation and Bettelyoun is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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 Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its 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 local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Bettelyoun was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Pair from Arizona indicted after seizure of one kilogram of fentanyl and 2,100 pills containing fentanylRead the Press Release
Felipe Penuelas-Rodriguez, 50, and Reyna Trejo, 30, both of Mesa, Arizona, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
The pair were arrested on June 6 with approximately one kilogram of fentanyl as well as 2,100 blue pills that test positive for fentanyl, according to court documents.
“The drugs seized are enough to kill thousands of people,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The fentanyl pills stamped to look like prescription painkillers are another reminder that there are no safe drugs available on the street.”
“This indictment is another example of our commitment to remove this poison – and those who sell it – from the streets of Toledo” said Toledo Police Chief George Kral. “This case highlights one of the many inherent dangers of street drugs – that users often are not be buying what they think they are. If this seizure had hit the streets, there would have, no doubt, been an increase in overdoses, and likely overdose deaths, in our community.”
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Toledo Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Weldon.
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.
Missouri Man Sentenced for Attempted Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Independence, Missouri, man convicted of Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography was sentenced on June 17, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Donald Scott Baker, age 47, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Baker was one of nine men who were arrested and federally indicted as a result of an undercover sex trafficking operation conducted during the 2017 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, targeting persons willing to pay to have sex with underage girls or boys obtained through the Internet. The conviction stemmed from Baker communicating with someone he believed to be associated with a 15-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover agent, for the purpose of meeting the girl to engage in sexual acts. Baker also requested pornographic images of the minor be sent to himself.
The undercover operation and arrests were a joint effort between the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Collins prosecuted the case.
Baker was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Cleveland man indicted for selling fentanyl and heroin that caused fatal overdose in Fairview Park last summerRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted for selling fentanyl and heroin that caused a fatal overdose in Fairview Park last summer.
Devontae Payne, 28, has been charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl and heroin, one count of distribution of heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and two counts of use of a communication facility to facilitate a felony drug offense.
Payne allegedly sold a mixture of fentanyl and heroin to a person who fatally overdosed in Fairview Park on August 9, 2018, according to the indictment.
Payne also allegedly sold heroin on November 1, 2018, and on November 7, 2018, allegedly possessed nearly five grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, according to the indictment.
“Defendants like this one, who sell the opioids killing our friends and neighbors, will be held accountable for their actions,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The detectives and agents who worked this case are to be commended for their tenacity.”
This case was investigated by the DEA, Cleveland Division of Police and the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Corts and Vasile Katsaros.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, the defendants’ role in the offenses and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Canton man sentenced to more than three years in prison for illegally having firearm and ammunitionRead the Press Release
A Canton man was sentenced to more than three years in prison for illegally having a firearm and ammunition.
Riccardo Harris, 36, was sentenced to 42 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi last week. Harris previously pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Canton police officers responded to a shot spotter activation at the Whistle Stop Bar on October 19, 2018. Officers found several .40-caliber shell casings in the parking lot of the bar, according to court documents and court statements.
While at the scene, officers received notification of another shot spotter activation at Harris’ residence in Canton. When officers arrived at Harris’ residence, he walked away from the officers and went behind a parked vehicle in the driveway.
Officers searched the area where Harris walked and they located a loaded .40-caliber pistol and a spent .40-caliber shell casing. Officers then recovered one round of .40-caliber ammunition in Harris’ pocket.
Officers determined that the .40-caliber ammunition Harris possessed matched the ammunition in the firearm, the shell casing near the vehicle and the shell casings recovered from the Whistle Stop Bar, according to court documents and court statements.
Harris was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due a previous conviction in Stark County for aggravated robbery.
This case was investigated by the Canton Police Department and ATF. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Howell.
Friday 28 June 2019
York Man Sentenced on Health Care Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nagy Mohamed Abdelhamed, age 68, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on June 27, 2019, by U.S. District Court Judge John E. Jones, III, to two years’ probation on Health Care Fraud charges stemming from his fraudulent receipt of Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) benefits, formerly known as Food Stamp benefits.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Abdelhamed applied for Medicaid and SNAP benefits with the York County Assistance Office in August of 2014, even though he owned a four bedroom residence in York, a gas station in York, a 2008 Mercedes Benz E350 automobile, received $1,124 a month in Social Security disability benefits, and held approximately $58,500 in eight different bank accounts.
On August 22, 2014, Abdelhamed sold his gas station for $172,883 and deposited $87,016 of the sales proceeds into a bank account. Abdelhamed did not notify the York County Assistance Office of the sale or his receipt of the sales proceeds and continued to receive Medicaid and SNAP benefits into 2018. As a result, Abdelhamed fraudulently obtained approximately $29,337 in benefits, including approximately $20,000 in Medicaid benefits.
Judge Jones also ordered Abdelhamed to pay restitution in the amount of $29,337.
The matter was investigated by the Harrisburg Offices of the FBI and the HHS Office of Inspector General. Assistant U. S. Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel is prosecuting the case.
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Westbrook Man Pleads Guilty to Two Bank Robbery ChargesRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Aaron West, 38, of Westbrook, Maine pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to two counts of bank robbery. The charges arose from robberies in January 2018 and March 2019 of a credit union in Falmouth and a bank in Portland, respectively.
According to court records, on January 31, 2018, the defendant entered the Cumberland County Federal Credit Union in Falmouth, Maine. Holding his right hand in his sweatshirt pocket in a manner consistent with carrying a concealed weapon, the defendant approached a teller and told her, “this is a robbery, no dye packs.” The defendant obtained $16,250.00 in the robbery. The defendant was subsequently arrested for that robbery and a federal grand jury indicted him in November, 2018. West was released on bail. On March 14, 2019, the defendant became a fugitive from justice because he violated the conditions of his bail and a warrant issued for his arrest.
On March 18, 2019, while in fugitive status, the defendant entered a Norway Savings Bank in Portland, Maine. The defendant held his right hand in his sweatshirt pocket, in a manner consistent with carrying a concealed weapon. The defendant told the teller, “give me the money,” and after first receiving a small amount of money, demanded “more” and threatened to “start shooting.” The defendant obtained $1,400.00 in the robbery.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each robbery. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Falmouth, Portland and Westbrook Police Departments.
Two Chicago Teenagers Arrested on Federal Robbery Charges in Connection with Near North Side Restaurant HeistRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago has charged two Chicago teenagers with robbing a Near North Side sandwich shop earlier this week. Law enforcement is also investigating whether the pair committed other robberies this month in the city’s downtown Loop neighborhood.
BRANTEZ EVANS, 18, and LAMARR BROWN, 19, are charged with one count of robbery for allegedly taking $307 during a heist Tuesday at a Subway restaurant, 1234 N. Halsted St. in Chicago, according to a criminal complaint and affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago. According to the complaint, Evans and Brown entered the restaurant, and Brown approached the counter, lifted the right side of his shirt and displayed what appeared to be a firearm. Brown then told a clerk, “give me the money,” the complaint states. When the clerk briefly hesitated, Brown allegedly stated, “Come on man you don’t want to get shot.”
Evans and Brown fled the restaurant with the cash but were arrested about 15 minutes later by officers from the Chicago Police Department’s 18th District. The officers recovered a black BB gun that was consistent with the weapon described by the robbery victims, the complaint states. Evans and Brown are also suspected of robbing two other Subway restaurants, a Dunkin Donuts, and a Mini-Mart, all in the downtown Loop neighborhood this month, according to the complaint. The investigation remains ongoing.
Brown was scheduled to appear for a detention hearing this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Young B. Kim in Chicago. Evans is set to appear for a detention hearing before Judge Kim on Monday at 1:00 p.m.
The complaint and arrests were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI; Jason R. Wojdylo, Acting Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Illinois; and Eddie Johnson, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The Federal Protective Service provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Mulaney.
The robbery charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Tampa Man Arrested and Charged in International Parental Kidnapping CaseRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the arrest of Ali Hussein Salamey (37, Tampa) for international parental kidnapping. If convicted, Salamey faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. Salamey was arrested on a federal complaint on June 21, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia as he exited an international flight.
According to the complaint, in July 2018, Salamey, who has joint citizenship in the United States and Lebanon, fraudulently obtained Lebanese citizenship and a passport for his then three-year-old son without the mother’s knowledge or consent and in violation of a family court order. Salamey obtained Lebanese citizenship and the passport for his child, who was born in and resided in Tampa, by providing the Lebanese consulate with a fraudulent family court document that had been altered by Salamey to show Salamey had sole parental responsibility and custody of the child.
On August 27, 2018, Salamey and the child left the United States and traveled to Lebanon in violation of a shared custody order. Once he arrived in Lebanon, Salamey denied the mother access to her child.
As a result of coordination between the FBI, U.S. diplomatic staff in Lebanon, and the Lebanese government, Salamey agreed on June 20, 2019, to return to the United States with the child. Salamey and the child flew from Lebanon through Paris to Atlanta, where Salamey was arrested by the FBI and the child was reunited with his mother.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mandy Riedel.
Straw Purchaser Pleads Guilty to 150+ Gun ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A straw purchaser pleaded guilty today to her role in a conspiracy to buy more than 150 guns for an unidentified Mexican man, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Sylvia Diaz, 36, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to acquire a firearm from a licensed dealer by false statement Thursday morning. Her co-conspirator, Jose Cruz Diaz, also 36, pleaded guilty to the same charge last October.
In plea papers, the duo admitted to purchasing 160 firearms for a Mexican man who gave them a list of the types of firearms he wanted and money to purchase the guns.
Together, the pair conducted approximately 50 transactions at various sporting goods stores, gun shows, and pawn shops between October 2017 and March 2018. At some point, each signed an ATF form claiming to be the guns’ actual buyers.
Ms. Diaz now faces up to 5 years in federal prison. Mr. Diaz has already been sentenced to 5 years behind bars.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cathy Richardson prosecuted the case.