Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Monday 24 June 2019
Ohio Man Sentenced for Traveling to Meet a Minor for SexRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man was sentenced today to spend 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and traveling in interstate commerce in order to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
“The message should be clear -- if you try to sexually exploit our children and we find you, we will prosecute you,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
Douglas James Allmon, 51, of Canton, Ohio, previously pled guilty to both charges in January 2019. Allmon admitted that during August and September 2018 he communicated via text message with a minor he believed to be a 14-year-old girl in Parkersburg, West Virginia. During the conversations, Allmon attempted to persuade and entice the minor to meet him in order to engage in sexual intercourse. On September 7, 2018, Allmon traveled from his home in Ohio to Parkersburg, West Virginia, in order to have sex with the minor. Only then did Allmon discover that the minor was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.
Upon his release from prison, he will be required to serve a term of supervised release of 15 years. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia States Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Parkersburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald was in charge of the prosecution. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
Neenah Resident Sentenced to 15 Years of Imprisonment for Methamphetamine and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 21, 2019, Tou W. Vang, a/k/a “Meng Vang” (age: 38), of Neenah, Wisconsin, was sentenced for violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c) for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a), for possessing with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of pure methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on December 20, 2018, Appleton Police initiated a traffic stop on Vang’s minivan. The police pursued Vang to a residence off Wisconsin Avenue in Appleton, where they observed him attempt to hide a 9 mm handgun in the snow behind the residence. While speaking with the officers, Vang informed them that he was “high as a kite” and there was “two pounds of marijuana in the van.” Officers searched the vehicle and in addition to the marijuana, located approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine, $4,001 in cash, digital scales for weighing drugs prior to distribution, and firearm ammunition. A subsequent search of Vang’s residence revealed additional drug paraphernalia, a drug distribution ledger, and several homemade firearm silencers.
In pronouncing sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach noted the serious nature of Vang’s offense and the need to send a strong message of deterrence to Vang and anyone else who might attempt to distribute drugs in Northeast Wisconsin. The judge also noted his concern over Vang’s construction of firearm silencers. The judge ordered Vang to serve 10 years for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and an additional 5 years for possessing a firearm while involved in drug trafficking. Upon his release from federal prison, Vang will serve 5 years on supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Appleton Police Department and the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
# # # #
Montgomery County Man Sentenced to 52 Years in Prison for Abuse of Autistic GirlRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced that John Brown, 28, of Norristown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 52 years imprisonment, lifetime supervised release, a $600 special assessment, and a $25,000 assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act by the Honorable Gene E.K. Pratter. The defendant was also ordered to have no contact with the victim or her family for the rest of his life.
In September of 2017, the defendant pleaded guilty to three counts of manufacturing sexually explicit images of his sexual abuse and exploitation of an autistic girl for more than 18 months, one count of distribution of those pornographic images over the Internet to others, and one count of possession of child pornography for his collection of thousands of images and videos of children being sexually abused and assaulted that he downloaded from the Internet.
Brown took part in a twisted plan with his codefendant to manipulate and sexually assault the child victim in this case, who had been diagnosed on the Autism spectrum and suffered from learning disabilities and mental health issues. Brown cut his hair and shaved his face so that he could pose as a teenage boy to dupe the victim into believing he was her boyfriend and gain her trust. As her “boyfriend,” Brown then engaged her in sexual activity, photographed and videotaped her, and distributed the videos and images back to his codefendant. Brown also distributed this child’s images out to others over the Internet dozens of times.
In addition to the child victim in this case, the investigation revealed Brown also had a sexual relationship with two other minor girls, and had been making plans to meet up with the father of an 11-year old girl to have three-way sex with that man’s child.
“Child exploitation is a pervasive problem – made more so by the accessibility of the Internet and digital media – that demands an aggressive response,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “The allegations in this case are particularly disturbing because of the defendant’s abuse of a child with learning disabilities and the efforts he took to gain her trust so he could victimize her. We stand ready with our federal and local partners to identify and prosecute those who would prey upon minor children.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Willistown Police Department, and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.
Maryland Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Role in Armed Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jharrod Armstrong, 21, of Capitol Heights, Md., was sentenced today to seven years in prison stemming from his role in several armed robberies, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Armstrong was found guilty on January 22, 2018, following a plea in the D.C. Superior Court before the Honorable Todd E. Edelman. Armstrong was convicted of one count of armed robbery, one count of attempted robbery, and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, stemming from three different incidents that occurred in 2016 and 2017. Following his prison term, Armstrong will be placed on three years of supervised release.
On September 16, 2016, law enforcement stopped Armstrong in the 1400 block of Columbia Road, N.W., Washington, D.C and discovered a Glock 23 .40 caliber firearm in his undergarments (case 2016-CF2-15164).
Less than a year later, Armstrong committed two armed robberies on July 2, 2017 (case 2017-CF3-13635). At approximately 12:35 a.m., Armstrong encountered one victim in the 4500 block of Arkansas Avenue N.W., pointing a firearm at him and forcing him to give Armstrong his cell phone and change the phone’s password. Armstrong fled in a recently stolen silver BMW SUV. Less than 10 minutes later, Armstrong pointed a firearm at a different victim in the 1400 block of Fort Stevens Drive, N.W., forcing the victim to hand Armstrong his wallet. Armstrong fled in the same silver BMW SUV. The BMW was located the following day parked in a handicapped parking spot in front of 1127 Girard Street N.W. Inside of the vehicle, law enforcement later located a BMW manual, which had a fingerprint on it that belonged to Armstrong. Armstrong was identified by the first victim through a presented nine-person photo array.
Law enforcement also learned that Armstrong had a pending arrest warrant issued on July 19, 2017, from Prince George’s County, Md. for first-degree murder. MPD apprehended Armstrong on the same day. Police found a Taurus .45 caliber firearm underneath Armstrong’s compression shorts.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu, and Chief Newsham commended the assistance provided by officers of MPD and the Prince George’s County Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who prosecuted the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Rosen of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar of the Felony Major Crimes Section.
Case Numbers:
17-CF3-13635
17-CF2-12397
16-CF2-15164
Man Who Sought Asylum in United States Arrested for Installing Skimmers on Gas PumpsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Yosbel Ponce Bernal, 26, has been charged with using gas pump skimmers in Butler and Hamilton counties. Ponce is a Cuban national with a Florida address. He was arrested in Louisville, Ky. on Friday.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Todd A. Wickerham, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, and Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds announced the charges, which were unsealed Friday.
A skimmer placed inside a gas pump collects credit card information from victims using the pump. The skimmer is installed between the credit card reader and the other internal circuitry of the gas pump. The intended gas purchase will typically proceed without interruption of any kind or any notification to the victim or third party. A single gas station skimmer is capable of storing credit card information for hundreds of victims, and many skimmers are capable of storing approximately thousands of card numbers.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, in September 2018, the Butler County Auditor’s Office alerted the FBI to a skimmer in Fairfield, Ohio. The auditor’s office removed the skimmer and discovered information stored from 27 credit cards.
In October, camera surveillance of the gas pumps recorded Ponce opening the gas pump door and spending minutes allegedly installing a second skimming device deeper into the gas pump than the first skimmer had been. Ponce is recorded at the pump after midnight; the gas station closed at 11pm.
In November, skimmers were discovered on two gas pumps in Hamilton County. Video surveillance from the Hamilton County location also allegedly depicts Ponce.
Law enforcement officials tested a gas pump for fingerprints and matched two prints to Ponce. Ponce’s fingerprints are on record from previously applying for asylum in the United States.
Using a skimmer is a federal crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
"We appreciate the efforts of the FBI and United States Attorney's Office as we work together to combat this criminal activity in the region,” said Butler County Auditor Reynolds.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI and Butler County Auditor’s Office, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry, who is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
Man Sentenced to Prison for Selling FirearmsRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to five years in prison for selling firearms to a resident of another state.
“Trafficking firearms poses a real danger to the safety of our communities,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern of Virginia. “We will continue to prosecute these types of cases and take illegally sold guns off of our streets and out of the hands of potential criminals.”
According to court documents, Brian Samuels, 21, sold 39 firearms to an undercover agent over the course of approximately four months in 2018. Prior to making controlled purchases of the firearms from Samuels, law enforcement learned that Samuels was searching for a new buyer for his firearms after his original buyer was arrested. As a result, law enforcement introduced an undercover agent to make purchases from Samuels from August through January 2019.
Over the course of those four months, Samuels recruited straw purchasers to acquire firearms he would sell to the undercover agent. He also would seek assistance from others to help complete the sales to the undercover agent by delivering the firearms. These firearms included multiple AK pistols, AR pistols, extended magazines with 30-60 round capacities, and stolen firearms. In February, ATF and other assisting law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant at Samuels’s home and located an additional 14 firearms, bringing the total to 53. As a part of the criminal sentencing, Samuels forfeited all 53 firearms to the United States.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen E. Anthony and Janet Jin Ah Lee 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-34.
Macy Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Lavery Sheridan, 25, of Macy was sentenced in federal court for the sexual abuse of a minor and for receiving child pornography. Senior United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Sheridan to 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Sheridan will begin a 5-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Sheridan friended a 14-year-old on Facebook. They exchanged pictures. One of the pictures received by Sheridan from the juvenile was sexually explicit. They agreed to meet in person and engaged in conduct of a sexual nature.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
MS-13 Member Apprehended After Being Placed on FBI’s 10 Most-Wanted Fugitives List Admits Murdering Union County Man as Part of Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An MS-13 member previously named one of the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives today admitted killing a Plainfield, New Jersey, man on behalf of the gang, and agreeing that a conspirator would commit multiple violent acts for the gang, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Walter Yovany-Gomez, a/k/a “Cholo,” 35, who was a fugitive residing in the Maryland/Virginia area from 2011 to 2017, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of racketeering conspiracy.
According to documents filed in this and other cases and statements made in court:
In September 2013, a Newark grand jury indicted Yovany-Gomez for murder in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to commit murder in an indictment that charged 14 members of Plainfield Locos Salvatrucha (PLS), a New Jersey branch of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) transnational gang, with various gang-related offenses. The charges against Yovany-Gomez focused on the May 2011 murder of Julio Matute, whom law enforcement officers discovered beaten and stabbed to death in Matute’s Plainfield apartment. Yovany-Gomez fled New Jersey after officers went to Yovany-Gomez’s residence to question him.
In April 2017, the FBI placed Yovany-Gomez on its 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List. On Aug. 12, 2017, he was arrested without incident in Woodbridge, Virginia, based on tips received from the public.
Between 2014 and 2016, all 13 of Yovany-Gomez’s co-defendants charged in the September 2013 federal indictment were convicted, including eight MS-13 members who were convicted following a 16-week trial that ended in June 2016.
In May 2011, MS-13 leaders, members, and associates, including Yovany-Gomez, plotted to murder Matute, a PLS recruit, because they believed Matute had been socializing with rival gang members.
On May 8, 2011, Yovany-Gomez and fellow MS-13 member Cruz Flores, a/k/a “Bruja” traveled to Matute’s Plainfield apartment to carry out the murder, meeting Matute and another individual at the residence. After consuming alcohol and controlled substances with the other three individuals, Matute retired to his bedroom to sleep. When Matute attempted to leave the apartment several hours later for work, Yovany-Gomez and Flores assaulted and killed Matute. During the attack, Yovany-Gomez and Flores struck Matute in the head with an aluminum baseball bat, sliced Matute’s throat with a knife, and stabbed Matute in the back 17 times with a screwdriver. Yovany-Gomez and Flores threatened to harm the individual who witnessed the murder if that person went to the police.
Several weeks after the murder, officers went to question Yovany-Gomez at his residence. When they knocked on his door, Yovany-Gomez jumped out of a second-floor window and fled. PLS members and associates later drove Yovany-Gomez to the Maryland/Virginia area so he could avoid being arrested and prosecuted in connection with the murder. Yovany-Gomez remained in the Maryland/Virginia area until his arrest in August 2017, adopting an alias to further avoid law enforcement detection.
Flores was found guilty of the murder during the trial described above.
In addition to the Matute murder, Yovany-Gomez agreed as part of the racketeering conspiracy that another conspirator would commit multiple acts of violence on behalf of MS-13.
The charge of racketeering conspiracy carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. A plea agreement between the government and Yovany-Gomez calls for Yovany-Gomez to serve an agreed-upon sentence of 25 years in prison if it accepted by the court, at which point the government will dismiss the remaining charges in the 2013 federal indictment against Yovany-Gomez. Sentencing is scheduled for July 31, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie; and officers of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris. He also thanked the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of First Assistant Attorney General and Acting Prosecutor Jennifer Davenport, for its assistance. The FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force, the Fairfax County Police Department’s Gang Unit, and the Northern Virginia Gang Task Force coordinated the local search for and arrest of Yovany-Gomez. U.S. Attorney Carpenito also acknowledged the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Virginia and the District of Maryland for their assistance in the ongoing investigation.
The government is represented by Senior Trial Counsel Jamari Buxton and James Donnelly, Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit of the U.S Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Defense counsel: Stacy A. Biancamano Esq., Cranford, New Jersey
Luzerne County Man Convicted of Drug Distribution Resulting in Death of Pregnant Woman and Unborn FetusRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Luis Antonio Zayas, age 48, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, was convicted on June 21, 2019, for drug distribution resulting in death after a four-day trial before United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the jury returned with the guilty verdict in less than an hour of deliberation. The evidence showed that Zayas sold what he believed to be heroin to the victim on July 6, 2016. In reality, the drug was 100 percent fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid painkiller. The victim, who was 33 weeks pregnant at the time, overdosed and died. Toxicology results showed that both the mother and unborn fetus died from lethal levels of fentanyl in their systems. Zayas arranged the drug deal with the victim via text messages and proclaimed at one point that he had “damm good shit….good enough to get way higher than intended lol.”
As a result of the conviction, Zayas faces up to life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Scranton, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Jenny Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
his case is also 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 the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
# # #
Louise Larivee Pleads Not Guilty to Non-Profit EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Louise Larivee, 60, of Swanton, pleaded not guilty today in United States District Court in Burlington to federal fraud charges. U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy released Larivee on conditions pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
On June 13, 2019, a federal grand jury in Burlington returned a two-count indictment charging Larivee with conspiracy and federal program embezzlement. According to the indictment, between 2013 and 2017, Larivee was employed by the Abenaki Self Help Association, Inc. as the director of a federal grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. ASHAI functioned as a service arm of the Abenaki Nation, promoting economic and social development through programatic efforts in education, employment and economic development. Each year, ASHAI received tens of thousands of dollars in grant money from the Department of Labor. During that same period, Candy Thomas worked at ASHAI as an office worker and bookkeeper. Thomas had check signing authority on ASHAI’s bank accounts.The indictment charges that between 2013 and 2017, Larivee and Thomas conspired to embezzle, and did embezzle, more than $100,000 from ASHAI. Thomas aided the commission of this theft by issuing checks and giving cash to Larivee, at Larivee’s request, in amounts that significantly exceeded Larivee’s authorized compensation. Larivee also allegedly received travel reimbursement checks based upon fraudulently inflated mileage claims. Thomas helped cover up this fraud by sending tax forms to the Internal Revenue Service that concealed the true amount of ASHAI funds that were being paid over to Larivee.
Thomas has already pleaded guilty to related charges and is awaiting sentencing.
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that Larivee is presumed innocent unless and until she is proven guilty.
If convicted, Larivee faces up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence would be determined with reference to federal sentencing guidelines.
This case was investigated by the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General.
Larivee is represented by David Kirby, Esq. Candy Thomas is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Elizabeth Quinn. The prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
Knox, Indiana Man Charged with Distribution of Opioids and TestosteroneRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Michael Henry Minix, age 44, of Knox, Indiana, was charged in a 6 count Indictment with distribution of and possession with intent to distribute schedule II and III narcotics, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
The Indictment alleged that, beginning in August 2017 through May 2019, Minix distributed Oxycodone, a schedule II controlled substance, as well as Testosterone, Dianabol, and Metandienone, all of which are schedule III controlled substances. The Indictment also alleges that Minix possessed Testosterone with the intent to distribute.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Indiana State Police and the Marshall County Drug Task Force. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
###
Justice Department and Dillard University Agree to Renewal and Extension of Settlement AgreementRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana announced today the renewal and extension of a settlement agreement with Dillard University, a Historically Black College and University in New Orleans, Louisiana, under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
The settlement agreement consummates a 17-year effort to resolve a compliance review of the campus that devolved from a complaint lodged against Dillard regarding an inaccessible building. The campus-wide compliance review revealed that most of the buildings and facilities were not accessible to people with mobility impairments. The original 2002 settlement agreement the parties entered into called for self-surveying by Dillard of all of the inaccessible features of its campus and the formulation and funding of a plan to remediate them. Due to financial difficulties and the near destruction of the campus by Hurricane Katrina, the university was afforded extensions of time to fulfill the terms of the original settlement.
In 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with assistance from the Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, conducted another campus-wide survey to determine the accessibility of the Dillard campus. After receiving the results of the updated survey, Dillard made a vigorous and sincere commitment to making its campus fully accessible. With the aid of qualified ADA architects, Dillard devised a remediation plan with DOJ approval and identified funding to fulfill the plan within two years. Even prior to signing the settlement agreement, Dillard advertised and awarded the contract for the requisite renovations with work scheduled to begin during the summer of 2019.
Once the remediation plan is completed, Dillard will be one of only three HBCUs in the country with a fully accessible campus.
The ADA protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination by public accommodations, including colleges and universities, in their full and equal enjoyment of goods, services and facilities. More information about the ADA and be found at www.ada.gov . Further inquiries about this settlement or regarding any other disability access issue can be pursued by contacting the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (504) 680-3000.
Jacksonville Man Indicted for Federal Firearm and Drug ViolationsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Cornelius Michael Turner (32, Jacksonville) with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Turner faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
According to court documents, during a traffic stop conducted by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, officers observed Turner in his vehicle stuffing things down his pants. During a subsequent pat down, a loaded firearm and cocaine were recovered from Turner’s pants. At the time, Turner had multiple prior felony drug convictions and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington and Kelly Karase.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Indianapolis Man Sentenced for Pharmacy RobberyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Senior U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Daewoo Robertson, 19, today to 9 years in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Robertson was also ordered to pay $61,154.00 in restitution. Robertson previously pleaded guilty to a Hobbs Act robbery; that is, robbing a business involved in interstate commerce, brandishing a firearm during the robbery, and robbery involving controlled substances.
On October 28, 2018, at approximately 9:33 am, Robertson, Billy Adell and Otis Brown, III robbed the CVS Pharmacy, 1701 Galvin Road South, Bellevue, Nebraska at gunpoint. Robertson, Adell and Brown are from Indianapolis and drove to Bellevue to commit the robbery. Adell was the driver. Robertson and Brown went into the store. Robertson was armed with a Glock .40 caliber handgun that he pointed at employees and a customer while he and Brown zip-tied them. Robertson and Brown fled the store in Adell’s waiting vehicle, with $60,196.50 in controlled substances. They were caught shortly thereafter when their car was stopped. Officers searched the car and found the gun, zip-ties, and a garbage bag with the stolen drugs. Once the drugs leave the store, they cannot be taken back and resold by CVS and have to be destroyed.
Adell and Brown are pending trial currently set for August 6, 2019.
The FBI Great Plains Violent Crime Task Force, comprised of FBI agents, Omaha Police Department detectives, Nebraska State Patrol Investigators and Papillion Police Department Detectives, is responsible for the investigation of the robbery. The task force was assisted by the Bellevue Police Department.
Hyannis Woman Sentenced for Smuggling CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Hyannis woman was sentenced today to time served for her role in a cocaine smuggling conspiracy.
Cristina M. Delle Femine, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to time served (three weeks) and three years of supervised release. The government recommended 12 months incarceration. In February 2019, Delle Femine pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to import cocaine and one count of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Delle Femine was arrested in Maine on Oct. 23, 2017, and appeared in federal court in Springfield later that month.
Around May 2017, Delle Femine conspired to import cocaine into the United States from Jamaica and conspired to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. Delle Femine recruited another individual to travel with her to Jamaica and paid for the individual’s flights and hotel. When in Jamaica, Delle Femine convinced her recruit to ingest and insert vaginally individually wrapped packets of cocaine to smuggle into the United States. Delle Femine also smuggled cocaine by carrying it within her body. Once in the United States, the individual Delle Femine recruited had trouble passing the cocaine packets through her system and was rushed to the hospital to have the packets surgically removed.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Hampden Man Pleads Guilty to Credit Union RobberyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Ronald Tilley, 59, of Hampden, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to robbing a credit union.
According to court records, on March 27, 2019, the defendant entered the back door of the Down East Credit Union in Bangor, Maine. He was wearing a dark mask covering his mouth, a hooded sweatshirt, sunglasses, and dark gloves. The defendant demanded money from the tellers, and stated that he had a gun and would shoot if they did not comply. The defendant obtained more than $8,700. A search warrant executed at the defendant’s residence in Hampden, Maine revealed cash stolen from the credit union. The defendant was subsequently apprehended by law enforcement in Connecticut and confessed to the robbery.
The defendant faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Bangor Police Department, the Hampden Police Department and the FBI.
Georgetown Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Inducing Minors to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Georgetown man, Bobby Cassady, 32, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, to be followed by a life term of supervised release for inducing minors to produce sexually explicit images. Cassady was also ordered to make a restitution payment in the amount of $ 15,000.00 and pay a mandatory special assessment of $5,100.00.
On Monday, United States Senior District Judge Joseph M. Hood formally sentenced Cassady, who pleaded guilty to a single count of production of sexually explicit images in interstate commerce, on February 4, 2019. Cassady must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Steven Igyarto, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI); Tony Gray, Chief of Police of the Danville, Kentucky Police Department; and Andy Beshear, Kentucky Attorney General, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the Cyber Crimes Branch of the Office of Attorney General of Kentucky, the Danville Police Department and DHS-HSI. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney David Marye.
Former Sacramento Kings Executive Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Multimillion Dollar Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jeffrey R. David, 44, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb to seven years in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
U.S. Attorney Scott stated: “David used his high-ranking position with the Sacramento Kings to deceive businesses across the country into sending him millions of dollars. The brazen scheme involved forgeries, stolen corporate executive identities, money laundering, and even instructing a former colleague to destroy evidence. Thanks to the fast actions of the Kings organization, the FBI, and attorneys in this office, the fraud did not result in the permanent deprivation of the $13.4 million that David intended to steal from his victims, as that money was recovered through timely government seizures and forfeitures. Today’s sentence should deter others from committing substantial frauds such as this one.”
“Mr. David violated the trust of his employer and clients, siphoning millions from agreements to fund purchases he could not otherwise afford. Asset forfeiture of real estate purchased with the misappropriated funds was able to restore the losses the organization suffered as a result of Mr. David’s crimes but trust is much more difficult to repair,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “This case exemplifies the FBI’s commitment to investigating large-scale financial fraud to ensure the integrity of financial transactions and ensure that those who commit greed-fueled financial crime face justice.”
According to court documents, David served as the Chief Revenue Officer for the Sacramento Kings, a professional sports franchise. As part of his duties, he negotiated sponsorship and other marketing agreements with companies in California and elsewhere. From October 2012 through July 2016, David used this position to defraud these companies by representing to them that payments they made were going to the Kings, when in fact the payments were going to bank accounts under his sole control, held in the name of Sacramento Sports Partners LLC. The Kings did not know about these payments or this LLC at the time the payments were solicited and made. In total, David stole approximately $13.4 million from five companies in California and elsewhere.
In particular, David took advantage of the King’s opening of a new stadium by amending, without the franchise’s knowledge, two major sponsorship agreements from the Golden 1 Credit Union and Kaiser Permanente, a nonprofit health care plan, so that $9 million and $4.4 million wires from these entities went to accounts controlled by David, rather than the Kings. In order to accomplish this fraud, David forged the signatures of various individuals, including the then-president of the Kings, the president and chief executive officer of the Golden 1, and an executive at Kaiser Permanente.
David used the fraud proceeds to purchase and remodel real estate in Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, in Southern California. He also spent the fraud proceeds on various personal expenses, including checks to family members, a private jet membership, and substantial credit card bills. The United States moved to forfeit and seize these properties and other assets held by David, and the professional sports franchise has received over $13.2 million in restitution to date.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Anderson, Matthew M. Yelovich, and Kevin C. Khasigian are prosecuting the case.
Former Professional Trustee of Sacramento-based Trust Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Loretta Darlene Stewart-Cabrera, also known as Loretta Dexter, 54, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud and money laundering, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Stewart-Cabrera was a professional fiduciary who served as the trustee of a trust that owned a Sacramento property. After the trust grantor died in December 2012, Stewart-Cabrera executed a scheme to obtain and spend the trust assets. Stewart-Cabrera did this by selling the trust’s property, only distributing to the trust beneficiaries approximately $30,000 of the more than $300,000 she received from the sale of the property, and spending the remaining money without the permission or knowledge of the trust beneficiaries. She used a portion of the trust funds to gamble and dine in Las Vegas casinos, pay family members, and purchase merchandise.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty is prosecuting the case.
Stewart-Cabrera is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on September 9. Stewart-Cabrera faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and fine of $250,000 for the wire fraud count; for the money laundering count, she faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the money laundering transactions. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Former Private Prisoner Transport Officer Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting an Individual During a TransportRead the Press Release
James Baldinger, 51, a former private prisoner transport officer with the Prisoner Transportation Services of America LLC. (PTS), pleaded guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to one count of violating the civil rights of a female in his custody whom he sexually assaulted during a transport.
According to court documents, Baldinger worked as a transport officer for PTS, a private prisoner extradition company that contracts with government agencies to transport individuals arrested on out-state-warrants to the extraditing jurisdiction. On or about July 11-12, 2017, during a transport from Kentucky to Bernalillo County, New Mexico, Baldinger sexually assaulted a female who was in his custody. Specifically, he touched her while she was restrained and without her consent. As a result of Baldinger’s conduct, the victim suffered pain and injury. Baldinger admitted that he knew what he was doing was wrong and against the law, yet he did so anyway.
“The Department of Justice will not tolerate officers who abuse their positions of power to sexually assault individuals in their custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute these cases and secure justice for victims of these despicable crimes.”
“This defendant exploited his authority over this vulnerable victim and deprived her of her Constitutional rights,” said U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold those who violate prisoners’ civil rights accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
The defendant was remanded into custody when he entered his guilty plea.
This case is being investigated by the Albuquerque Division of the FBI and the New Mexico State Police. It is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Maura White of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Shaheen Torgoley, formerly of the District of New Mexico and Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Brawley, of the District of New Mexico.
Former President of Oregon Foster Care Agency Sentenced to Federal Prison for Theft, Money Laundering and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Mary Holden Ayala, 59, of Portland, was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for stealing over $1 million from an Oregon foster care agency, money laundering and filing false personal income tax returns.
On February 7, 2019, after eight days of trial, Ayala was convicted by a federal jury in Portland on five counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property and seven counts of filing a false federal tax return.
From at least 2008 to 2015, Ayala, a longtime Portland resident, served as the President, Executive Director and primary agent of Give Us This Day (GUTD), a private foster care agency and residential program for youth.
“Mary Holden Ayala was responsible for protecting and caring for children in Oregon’s foster care system. Instead she callously stole from them,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Stealing from vulnerable children she was entrusted to serve with taxpayer money is a despicable act and warrants severe consequences.”
“Foster children have already lost almost everything—their parents, their homes, their sense of security. Mary Holden Ayala took from them the last thing they had—faith in a foster care system that is supposed to give them a chance at a better life. To steal from society’s most vulnerable children to enrich yourself is simply unconscionable,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.
“Mary Ayala’s crimes include stealing funds intended to provide support for juvenile foster kids entrusted in her care, spending the funds selfishly on a luxurious lifestyle, and then hiding her personal use of the funds by filing false tax returns,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Justin Campbell. “Today’s sentence holds Ayala accountable. IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to work with our partners and investigate those who steal from the most vulnerable in our society.”
“Stealing money meant to pay for foster care expenses is reprehensible,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven Ryan of the HHS Office of Inspector General. “Such greed-fueled fraud can impact those in need and cheats taxpayers; however, today’s sentence shows that our hardworking investigators and law enforcement partners are committed to making sure criminals are held accountable for their actions.”
According to court documents, since its inception in 1979, GUTD was primarily funded by the Oregon state and federal government for foster care services including hiring and screening foster parents for community placements, compensating foster parents for services and placing foster children in residential or group homes. GUTD federal funding originated from the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and was administrated by ODHS.
From 2009 through 2015, Ayala exercised sole and complete control over GUTD finances. No other GUTD employee or board member had access to the organization’s bank accounts or statements during this time. With no internal controls in place, Ayala wrote checks, used the GUTD debit card and withdrew cash at will, using the organization’s bank accounts as her own.
Ayala used the money stolen from GUTD to pay her mortgage, remodel her home and fund other retail, travel and transportation expenses. Additionally, she used the money to fund other, non-GUTD business ventures including a media company, Big Mary’s fish and ribs restaurant in Portland, and to purchase and flip a commercial property.
In total, Ayala stole over $1 million from GUTD. As a result, her employees, foster parents and foster children in GUTD’s care suffered. GUTD residential house managers complained about a lack of basic necessities, including but not limited to food, toiletries and cleaning supplies.
In 2015, the day after Ayala resigned her position at GUTD, she filed five false federal income tax returns for tax years 2009 through 2013. Shortly thereafter, she filed a sixth false return for tax year 2014. Ayala failed to file a tax return in 2015.
During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Marco A. Hernandez ordered Ayala to pay $239,192 in restitution to the IRS and $1,025,235 to satisfy a forfeiture money judgement. The court also forfeited to the U.S. more than $451,000 in net proceeds from the sale of a commercial property on NE Martin Luther King Boulevard in Portland that Ayala purchased with stolen GUTD funds.
In a superseding indictment returned on May 3, 2017, a federal grand jury in Portland charged Ayala with five counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, one count of concealment of money laundering, one count of failure to file a personal federal tax return and two counts each of engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived property and filing a false personal federal tax return. The government dropped the concealment of money laundering charge prior to trial.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and IRS-Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Donna Maddux, Clemon Ashley and Julia Jarrett, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
Former Partner of Manhattan Accounting Firm Pleads Guilty to Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that STEVEN L. HENNING, a certified public accountant who was a partner at a Manhattan accounting firm, pled guilty today to participating in two wire fraud schemes. In the first, he falsely claimed to have entered into multimillion-dollar intellectual property deals and defrauded investors out of $2 million. In the second, he falsely claimed to have entered into client engagements and defrauded an employer out of over $270,000.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Steven Henning admitted today that he defrauded investors and then continued committing crime by defrauding an employer who hired him after he left his partnership at a Manhattan accounting firm. Through the frauds, he stole over $2.2 million. He will now have to answer for his actions.”
According to the Information filed today to which HENNING pled guilty, as well as other public information, HENNING, a CPA at a Manhattan accounting firm, established his own firm called OpportunIP, which he allegedly told victims was a company specializing in assisting other entities in taking intellectual property to the market. Henning induced victims to invest in OpportunIP by providing them with false documents showing OpportunIP’s involvement in multi-million dollar transactions that would reap millions of dollars in future profits. Ultimately, the victims learned that the deals did not exist and they were victims of an alleged scheme to defraud them out of millions of dollars.
As further alleged in the information, after leaving the Manhattan accounting firm, HENNING sought employment with a firm in Chicago, Illinois (the “Chicago Firm”). He induced the Chicago firm to hire him and provide him with $240,000 in draw payments based on false and fraudulent statements, including by sending the Chicago Firm fraudulent contracts.
* * *
HENNING, 58, pled guilty to two counts of wire fraud, which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing before Judge Cathy Seibel has been scheduled for October 18, 2019.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the U. S. Postal Inspection Service and the SEC Office of Inspector General.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Margery B. Feinzig is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Emergency Medical Technician Sentenced to 19 Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Bryan Matthew Cooney (30, Casselberry) to 19 years in federal prison, to be followed by 30 years of supervised release, for possession of child pornography. The court also ordered Cooney to forfeit a cellphone, which was used in furtherance of the commission of the offense.
According to court records, from September 19 through September 27, 2018, Cooney chatted with an FBI undercover agent (UC) though a social media application about sexually exploiting a 12-year-old girl, who Cooney alleged was his daughter. During the chats, Cooney shared clothed images of the child with the UC and alleged to have had sexually abused and produced images of the girl engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
On October 30, 2018, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Cooney’s residence and interviewed him. Cooney admitted that he was the person chatting with the UC about sexually exploiting a 12-year-old child, who was actually his friend’s daughter. Cooney indicated that he obtained images of the girl from his friend’s Facebook page and shared them with the UC during chats. Cooney said that he had been viewing child pornography for the past four of five years and gave the agents access to his Dropbox account, where they found hundreds of videos and numerous images of child pornography. The images depict bestiality and other acts of sadistic conduct against children between the ages of 4 and 10.
Additionally, in a subfolder, Cooney had images of his Facebook friend’s daughters. Cooney had posted some of those images on a social media application while pretending that one of the children was his alleged 12-year-old daughter. Cooney did this in an effort to obtain images of child pornography from other online users. The subfolder was identified with the child’s real name.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilianys Rivera Miranda.
Former City of Chicago Alderman Sentenced to a Year in Prison for Using Charitable Funds to Pay Personal ExpensesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Former City of Chicago Alderman WILLIE B. COCHRAN was sentenced today to a year and a day in federal prison for pocketing money from a charitable fund intended to help families and children in his South Side ward.
Cochran, 67, of Chicago, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso imposed the sentence in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI initiated the investigation after receiving information from the former City of Chicago Legislative Inspector General’s Office, which was headed at that time by Faisal Khan. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather McShain and Christopher Stetler.
While representing the 20th Ward in the Chicago City Council, Cochran operated the “20th Ward Activities Fund,” which he purported to use for charitable endeavors to help families and children living in the ward. Cochran controlled a bank account connected to the fund. When soliciting donations to the fund, Cochran falsely represented that all contributions would be used for charitable events, including a back-to-school picnic, a Valentine’s Day party for senior citizens, and events during the holiday season in November and December.
Cochran admitted in a plea agreement that he used some of the contribution money for his own personal use, including paying his daughter’s college tuition, withdrawing cash at casino ATMs, and purchasing items for his home. From January 2010 to April 2014, Cochran pocketed approximately $14,285 from the fund and converted the money to his own personal use, the plea agreement states.
Florence Assistant U.S. Attorney Receives DOJ Office of the Inspector General AwardRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has presented Assistant United States Attorney A. Bradley Parham with an award for his outstanding contributions to the mission of the OIG. Parham, who has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of South Carolina since 1997, has worked hand-in-hand with the DOJ OIG since approximately 2006 on investigations and cases involving the Federal Correctional Institutions in Bennettsville and Williamsburg. In partnership with the OIG, he has prosecuted correctional officers for a range of offenses, including public corruption and the possession and distribution of narcotics and contraband.
“For 22 years, Brad has fought to ensure the law is enforced fairly, diligently, and justly,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “Like the Office of the Inspector General, we are proud of his excellent work rooting out public corruption and holding accountable federal employees in the District of South Carolina.”
#####
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Marrero Man for Drug and Firearm ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced on Thursday, June 20, 2019 that OLIN D. GRANT, JR., age 22, a resident of Marrero, Louisiana was charged in a four-count indictment by a federal grand jury. In count one, GRANT is charged with possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a quantity of marijuana. In count two, GRANT is charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. In count three, GRANT is charged with possession of a machine gun; and in count four, GRANT is charged with possession of a non-registered firearm.
If convicted of count one, GRANT faces a maximum sentence of 5 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 2 years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00. If convicted of count two, GRANT faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 5 years, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. As to counts 3 and 4, GRANT 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 the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safe for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, then Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN was launched in 2001.
The case was investigated by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Melissa Bücher and Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
* * *
Federal Court Bars Florida Tax Return Preparer and Businesses from Preparing Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A federal court in Orlando, Florida, entered a permanent injunction against Lakeesha Tucker, Lakeesha Tucker LLC, and Simplified Financial Services LLC, barring them from preparing federal tax returns for others and owning or operating a tax preparation business, the Justice Department announced today.
The court previously entered a judgment against all three defendants for $1,628,046.50, after an earlier order stated that this amount was a reasonable approximation of defendants’ ill-gotten gains they received for the preparation of tax returns.
In its complaint, the government alleged that the defendants prepared tax returns making false or fraudulent claims for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Among the misconduct alleged, defendants reported phony business-related income and expenses, and job-related expenses, and claimed false education credits and charitable contributions.
Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers.
In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
Former Private Prisoner Transport Officer Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting an Individual During a TransportRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – James Baldinger, 51, a former private prisoner transport officer with the Prisoner Transportation Services of America LLC. (PTS), pleaded guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to one count of violating the civil rights of a female in his custody whom he sexually assaulted during a transport.
According to court documents, Baldinger worked as a transport officer for PTS, a private prisoner extradition company that contracts with government agencies to transport individuals arrested on out-state-warrants to the extraditing jurisdiction. On or about July 11-12, 2017, during a transport from Kentucky to Bernalillo County, New Mexico, Baldinger sexually assaulted a female who was in his custody. Specifically, he touched her while she was restrained and without her consent. As a result of Baldinger’s conduct, the victim suffered pain and injury. Baldinger admitted that he knew what he was doing was wrong and against the law, yet he did so anyway.
“The Department of Justice will not tolerate officers who abuse their positions of power to sexually assault individuals in their custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute these cases and secure justice for victims of these despicable crimes.”
“This defendant exploited his authority over this vulnerable victim and deprived her of her Constitutional rights,” said U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold those who violate prisoners’ civil rights accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
The defendant was remanded into custody when he entered his guilty plea.
This case is being investigated by the Albuquerque Division of the FBI and the New Mexico State Police. It is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Maura White of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Shaheen Torgoley, formerly of the District of New Mexico and Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Brawley, of the District of New Mexico.
Ex-L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced to One Year in Federal Prison for Lying to FBI as Part of Cover-Up of Attack on Jail VisitorRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A former deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was sentenced today to 12 months in federal prison for lying to FBI agents about the beating of a handcuffed man that took place in 2011 at Men’s Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles.
Byron Dredd, 37, was found guilty by a federal jury in January of making false statements to the FBI. He was sentenced by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer, who said that Dredd’s conduct was egregious because it was part of a cover-up and supported false criminal charges against the victim.
According to evidence presented at Dredd’s four-day trial earlier this year, Dredd and five other deputies were assigned to the Visiting Center at Men’s Central Jail. On February 26, 2011, the victim went to the jail to visit his brother, who was in custody. Deputies handcuffed the victim and brought him to an employee break room because they suspected he was in possession of a mobile phone. Deputies then beat the victim, who remained defenseless with his arms handcuffed behind his back the entire time. Dredd witnessed the unjustified beating through a window from an adjacent room. As a result of false reports authored by Dredd and other deputies, the victim was charged with several crimes, including resisting an officer and battery. These charges later were dismissed.
After the FBI opened a civil rights investigation into the assault, Dredd lied to the FBI during an interview on July 17, 2012. Dredd falsely told the FBI that the victim was the aggressor, that he saw the victim take a swing at a deputy, that the victim tried to push past a deputy in an attempt to escape, and that he saw the victim punch a deputy in the chest.
In a previous trial in 2016, a jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict against Dredd on the false statements. At that trial, Dredd was also acquitted of conspiring to violate the victim’s civil rights and obstructing a federal investigation.
Previously in this investigation, five deputies who participated in the beating and cover-up of the handcuffed victim were convicted and sentenced to prison, including former Sergeant Eric Gonzalez, who is serving an eight-year prison term after being found guilty of violating the victim’s civil rights and falsifying reports.
This case was investigated by the FBI, and is the last in a series of cases resulting from a larger investigation into corruption and civil rights abuses at county jail facilities in downtown Los Angeles. A total of 22 members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department were convicted of federal charges.
This matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Veronica Dragalin and Agustin D. Orozco of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section.
East Hartford Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEXANDER PEDRAZA, 28, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Pedraza promoted the prostitution of a 16-year-old girl by advertising the victim’s prostitution services and soliciting clients on Backpage.com. In March 2017, he harbored the victim in motel rooms he rented in Hartford, Windsor and East Windsor, where clients met the victim and paid for sex acts. Pedraza also had sexual contact with the victim.
The investigation also revealed that, between September and December 2016, Pedraza engaged in sex trafficking of at least two 18-year-old females.
Pedraza has been detained since his arrest on May 26, 2017. On February 11, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking of a minor.
This investigating was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Windsor Police Department, through the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neeraj N. Patel and Sarala V. Nagala.
Drug Company Sales Rep Sentenced for Role in Kickback Scheme Related to Fentanyl Spray PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that NATALIE LEVINE, 35, of Scottsdale, Arizona, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to five years of probation for engaging in a kickback scheme related to fentanyl spray prescriptions. Judge Arterton also ordered Levine to spend the first six months of probation in home confinement, and to perform 150 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately March 2013 to October 2014, Levine was employed by Insys Therapeutics, an Arizona-based pharmaceutical company that manufactured and sold Subsys, a fentanyl-based sublingual spray that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration solely for the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients. Levine was a sales representative for the company and was responsible for covering the territories that included Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
Levine induced certain medical practitioners, including an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in Connecticut, a physician’s assistant (PA) in New Hampshire, and a physician in Rhode Island, to prescribe Subsys by paying them to participate in hundreds of sham “Speaker Programs.” The Speaker Programs, which were typically held at high-end restaurants, were ostensibly designed to gather licensed healthcare professionals who had the capacity to prescribe Subsys and educate them about the drug. In truth, the events were usually just a gathering of friends and co-workers, most of whom did not have the ability to prescribe Subsys, and no educational component took place. “Speakers” were paid a fee that ranged from $1,000 to several thousand dollars for attending these dinners. At times, the sign-in sheets for the Speaker Programs were forged so as to make it appear that the programs had an appropriate audience of healthcare professionals.
The medical practitioners were paid thousands of dollars in illegal kickbacks in order to prescribe Subsys, and induce others to prescribe Subsys, over similar medications. Medicare Part D plans authorized payment for hundreds of Subsys prescriptions written by the three medical practitioners, resulting in a loss of approximately $4.5 million.
Levine’s restitution figure will be determined after additional court proceedings.
On July 11, 2017, Levine pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-kickback law.
Several other individuals affiliated with Insys Therapeutics, and medical practitioners involved in this kickback scheme, have been charged and convicted in the District of Connecticut and in other Districts across the United States. In sentencing Levine, Judge Arterton credited Levine’s significant cooperation and assistance to the government’s prosecution of defendants in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
On January 3, 2019, Levine’s husband, Michael Babich, who was the CEO and President of Insys Therapeutics, pleaded guilty in the District of Massachusetts to conspiracy and fraud charges stemming from the scheme. He awaits sentencing.
On May 2, 2019, a federal jury in Boston found John N. Kapoor, the founder and former Executive Chairman of Insys Therapeutics, and four other former Insys executives guilty of racketeering conspiracy.
Earlier this month, Insys Therapeutics agreed to pay a total of $225 million to resolve criminal and civil investigations of the company.
The investigation in the District of Connecticut is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas P. Morabito, Sarah P. Karwan and Richard M. Molot.
U.S. Attorney Durham encouraged individuals who suspect health care fraud to report it by calling the Health Care Fraud Task Force (203) 785-9270 or 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Driver of Ridesharing Service Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Kidnapping A RiderRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that HARBIR PARMAR was sentenced in White Plains federal court to three years in prison for kidnapping and wire fraud. PARMAR pled guilty on March 11, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Vincent L. Briccetti, who imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Many people rely on rideshare apps to navigate New York safely. But when a woman hailed an ridesharing car driven by Harbir Parmar, her ride home took a turn for the worst. With Parmar’s lengthy prison term, he will no longer be able to take advantage of ridesharing customers.”
According to the Indictment and statements made during today’s plea proceedings:
On February 21, 2018, PARMAR, who worked as a driver for a ridesharing company (“Company-1”), picked up an individual (“Victim-1”) in New York, New York, who sought to be driven to White Plains, New York. After Victim-1 fell asleep in the backseat of the vehicle, PARMAR changed Victim-1’s destination in Company-1’s mobile application to an address in Boston, Massachusetts, and proceeded to drive toward that location. When Victim-1 awoke, the vehicle was in Connecticut. Victim-1 requested that she be taken to White Plains or to the police station, but PARMAR refused. PARMAR instead dropped Victim-1 off on the side of I-95 in Branford, Connecticut. Victim-1 went to a nearby convenience store where she sought assistance.
In addition, from December 2016 through February 2018, PARMAR sent false information about the destinations of Company-1’s customers through Company-1’s mobile application on several occasions. At times, he also sent false information about the application of a cleaning fee to be applied to the accounts of Company-1’s customers. In these instances, customers of Company-1 filed complaints with Company-1 about being overcharged for their rides. These instances have resulted in thousands of dollars in improper charges to the accounts of Company-1’s customers.
* * *
In addition to the prison term, PARMAR, 25, of Howard Beach, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $3,642 in restitution and forfeiture.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force, which comprises investigators from the FBI, U.S. Probation Office, New York State police, Westchester County Department of Public Safety, Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, the New York City Police Department, Yonkers Police Department, Greenburgh Police Department, Mount Vernon Police Department, and the Peekskill Police Department.
The case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Bagliebter is in charge of the prosecution.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Malik Morris, 20, of Washington, D.C. pled guilty to second degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill on Friday stemming from a shooting where he struck and killed one D.C. man and injured another, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Morris pled guilty on June 21, 2019, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The plea, which is subject to the Court’s approval, calls for an agreed-upon sentence of 15 years in prison. He will be sentenced by the Honorable Ronna Beck on August 30, 2019.
According to the government’s evidence, on November 26, 2018, at approximately 1:49 p.m. in the 1800 block of Benning Road, Northeast, Morris observed several people, including the decedent in a convenience store. Morris did not enter the store, instead, he went to an adjacent parking lot where he adjusted his pants and moved an object consistent with a firearm around his waistband. Shortly thereafter Morris ran past the convenience store and toward the decedent and another individual who were walking on Benning Road. Morris fired several shots in the direction of the decedent striking him and injuring another victim. After the shooting, Morris fled the scene. He was subsequently arrested in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania on December 6, 2018, before he was extradited back to the District of Columbia to face charges.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham, commended the work of the MPD officers who investigated the case. They also acknowledge the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including, Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin, Paralegal Specialist Lashone Samuels, and Victim/Witness Advocate Marcy Rinker.
Finally, they commend the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Santiago, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Crack Dealer Sentenced to 12 Years' Imprisonment for Narcotics and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that Ricky Fountain, 41, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 144 months’ imprisonment and five years’ supervised release after pleading guilty to four counts of distribution of cocaine base, one count of distribution of cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Senior United States District Judge R. Barclay Surrick imposed the sentence.
“Illegal firearms possession and drug trafficking is a deadly combination,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “This case is an example of federal and local law enforcement working together to stop the flow of illegal narcotics onto the streets of Philadelphia. My Office will continue to aggressively prosecute these crimes to keep our communities safe.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mary E. Crawley and Alison Donahue Kehner.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm Following Drive-By ShootingRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Missouri, man, who displayed a firearm during a drive-by shooting at a local convenience store, pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing a firearm.
Victor Seth Kee, 20, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, an unknown person in a white van fired several shots at Kee and two other individuals who were walking through the parking lot in front of Mari’s Convenience Store, 1210 E. Prathersville Road, in Columbia at approximately 10 a.m. on Feb. 2, 2019. Surveillance video captured Kee pulling a black handgun from his front right pants pocket after the shots were fired. The three men got into a Kia Forte with a temporary tag displayed on the rear bumper.
About 10 minutes later, another officer conducted a traffic stop on the Kia Forte near Bold Venture and Derby Ridge Road, and took four subjects into custody. Kee was a passenger in the back seat of the vehicle. After all four occupants were restrained, officers found a loaded HK 9mm semi-automatic handgun on the back seat where Kee had been seated. The handgun had been reported as stolen.
Although the officers tried to interview all four subjects and obtain statements pertaining to the shooting and the handgun, they received no cooperation from any of the occupants in the car.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Kee has prior felony convictions for tampering with a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, burglary, and assault.
Under federal statutes, Kee is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant 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 United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Maness. It was investigated by the Boone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Columbia, Mo., Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
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 Missouri. 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. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.Canton man sentenced to nearly 11 years in prison for having firearm and mixture of fentanyl, carfentanil, heroin and cocaineRead the Press Release
A Canton man was sentenced to nearly 11 years in prison for opioid and firearms crimes.
Michael J. Meadows, 49, was sentenced to 131 months in prison. A jury convicted him earlier this year on one count of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Meadows possessed at least 100 grams of a mixture of fentanyl, carfentanil, heroin and cocaine, as well as a Springfield .45-caliber pistol and ammunition, on Jan. 18, 2018. Meadows was prohibited from having firearms or ammunition because of prior convictions, including cocaine possession, having a weapon under disability and aiding and abetting distribution of crack cocaine, according to the court documents.
“Opioids, cocaine and firearms are all deadly on their own, let alone put together in one dangerous situation,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This sentence will help make our community safer.”
“The opioid crisis has evolved and so has the nature of the threat, with potent synthetic opioids representing a sharply increasing amount of the total exposure to these drugs, further fueling a growing addiction crisis,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark S. McCormack, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “The FDA has expanded our enforcement efforts to include increased interdiction work aimed at stopping the illegal flow of counterfeit and unapproved prescription drugs and illicit opioids and we will continue to pursue and bring to justice criminals who intend to threaten the health and safety of Americans.”
This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron P. Howell and Christopher Joyce.
Cameron Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Cameron, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Benjamin W. Clark, 27, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 18 years in federal prison without parole.
On Feb. 4, 2019, Clark pleaded guilty to participating in a drug-trafficking conspiracy. Co-defendants Jalie J. Brinlee, 29, of Cameron, and Robert J. Keegan, 37, of Harrisonville, Missouri, each have also been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison without parole.
Clark, Brinlee, and Keegan each admitted they participated in a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine from January to May 24, 2017. Clark and Brinlee purchased methamphetamine from various suppliers and distributed it to customers in Cameron, Kansas City and elsewhere.
On May 12, 2017, Keegan was stopped by law enforcement and was found in possession of a Hi-point .40-caliber handgun and a duffel bag containing approximately 3.8 kilograms of methamphetamine.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Edwards. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Belton, Mo., Police Department, the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the Jackson County Drug Task Force.
California Man Sentenced to 42 Months for Distributing Methamphetamine in Tomah AreaRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Lucas Rodriguez, 29, Hemet, California, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on June 20, 2019, by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 42 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.
Rodriguez mailed two packages of methamphetamine from California to Tomah, Wisconsin. Law enforcement agents seized both packages, which contained almost 100% pure methamphetamine. The amount of methamphetamine attributable to Rodriguez was approximately 653 grams, which Judge Conley described as a conservative estimate since the defendant likely had been selling methamphetamine for much longer.
The charge against Rodriguez was the result of an investigation conducted by the Tomah Police Department, Monroe County Joint Investigative Task Force, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper.
California Husband and Wife Indicted on Charges Related to Forced Labor of Guatemalan Woman and Her Minor DaughtersRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today in federal court in the Eastern District of California following the arrests of Nery A. Martinez Vasquez, 50, and Maura N. Martinez, 50, of Shasta Lake, California. The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy, forced labor, and alien harboring for financial gain. Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott of the Eastern District of California, and Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI’s Sacramento Division made the announcement.
According to the allegations set forth in the indictment, between September 2016 and February 2018, the defendants conspired to bring a Guatemalan woman and her two minor daughters to the United States using temporary visitor visas, harbored them after their visas expired, and forced them to work long hours at a restaurant and cleaning service for minimal to no pay. The indictment further alleges that the defendants imposed a debt on the victims to prevent them from returning to Guatemala, subjected them to physical, psychological, and verbal abuse, threatened them with arrest, and separated the Guatemalan woman from her daughters, all to compel their labor.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted of forced labor and conspiracy to commit forced labor, the defendants face sentences up to 20 years in prison, as well as mandatory restitution. If convicted of alien harboring for financial gain and conspiracy to commit alien harboring, the defendants face up to ten years in prison.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Sacramento Division. It is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Avner Shapiro for the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Schuller Hitchcock for the Eastern District of California.
Sacramento was one of six districts designated through a competitive, nationwide selection process as a Phase II Anti-Trafficking Coordination Team, through the interagency ACTeam Initiative of the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Labor. ACTeams focus on developing high-impact human trafficking investigations and prosecutions involving forced labor, international sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion through interagency collaboration among federal prosecutors and federal investigative agencies.
Brownsburg man sentenced in terrorism caseRead the Press Release
Indianapolis – Josh J. Minkler, the United States Attorney, announced today that Akram Musleh, 21, of Brownburg, Indiana, has been sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment in connection with his plot to travel from the United States to Syria and join the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
The sentence, handed down by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker at a hearing in Indianapolis, Friday afternoon, represents the culmination of a years-long investigation led by the United States Attorney’s Office and agents of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, with assistance from the Brownsburg Police Department.
During the sentencing hearing today, the court heard that Musleh was arrested three years ago today, on June 21, 2016, as he boarded a bus from Indianapolis to New York City, the first stop on Musleh’s trip to North Africa, Turkey, and finally ISIS controlled territory in Syria. The court heard that Musleh had been on the radar of the Indianapolis FBI Field Office ever since the summer of 2013, when Musleh began posting videos of Anwar al-Awlaki, a member of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), on his various social media accounts, and praising al-Awlaki’s ideology. The FBI interviewed Musleh at Brownsburg High School (“BHS”), where Musleh was enrolled as a student, in December of 2013.
But the FBI interview did little to deter Musleh. Musleh continued to consume ISIS propaganda online, and purchase items linked to the terror group, including a black turban and a black shahada flag, the now infamous symbol of terror around the world. Between April and June of 2015, the court heard that Musleh booked four separate airplane tickets from the Chicago O’Hare Airport to Iraq and Turkey. While three of those reservations were ultimately canceled, on June 23, 2015, Musleh arrived at O’Hare and attempted to board the fourth flight. Officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted Musleh, then 17 years old, before he could board the flight, and prevented him from traveling. At the time, CBP searched Musleh’s bags and discovered several journals which contained quotes from multiple members of designated terrorist organizations to include: al-Qaeda, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, al-Qaeda in Iraq, and ISIS.
Shockingly, as the court heard today, not even his encounter with CBP at O’Hare was enough to deter Musleh from his goal to join and fight with ISIS. On April 6, 2016, Musleh booked a one-way ticket from John F. Kennedy International (“JFK”) Airport in New York to Nador, Morocco, departing on June 23, 2016. Between May 1 and June 20, 2016, the FBI monitored Musleh as he continued to consume ISIS propaganda and made contact with more than 12 different ISIS fighters, supporters and facilitators around the world in a renewed effort to travel to join the terrorist organization. In his conversations with those contacts, Musleh declared his allegiance to ISIS, expressed his eagerness to join ISIS, and sought to determine the best way to travel from the United States to ISIS controlled territory in Syria or North Africa. Musleh also sought the advice of his contacts on when to travel, and the best routes to travel to avoid detection by law enforcement authorities. When one of his contacts suggested Musleh send money to support the terror organization instead of traveling, Musleh replied that he was afraid sending money would draw law enforcement attention and Musleh “[didn’t] want to lose [his] freedom before doing something massive.” At the suggestion of his contacts, Musleh also purchased a return ticket from Morocco to the United States to avoid law enforcement scrutiny of his one-way ticket.
Ultimately, Musleh was arrested on June 21, 2016, as he attempted to board a bus from Indianapolis to New York City where he intended to board the flight to Morocco. In searches of Musleh’s electronic devices the FBI recovered numerous files containing ISIS propaganda, including horrific pictures and videos depicting the violence inflicted on countless people in the middle east and north Africa. Also located on Musleh’s electronic devices were a “kill list” of U.S. service members published by ISIS, and a pro-jihad video Musleh produced and created which included a listing of Hoosier service members killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“The homegrown radicalization of American youth is a challenge the entire country faces and one our district must rally against with swift, determined, and unwavering resolve,” said Minkler. “Enforcement is charged with and proud to ferret out and hold responsible those who engage in treacherous behavior. But this case is a stark reminder that enforcement needs the community to partner with us. If you see something, you must say something. We are pleased and grateful to the men and women of the FBI for disrupting Musleh’s plans.”
“This matter is another instance of the nature of terrorism and its pervasive reach into our communities. It also emphasizes the invaluable partnerships the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force has with our state and local partners to identify and disrupt the activities of those like Akram Musleh - who remained unwavering in his allegiance to ISIS,” said Robert Middleton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Indianapolis Division. “Today's sentence highlights the dedication of all involved who work tirelessly every day to prevent acts of terrorism around the globe.”
According to Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Rinka, who leads the office’s National Security Unit, Musleh was also ordered to serve 140 months’ supervised release following his incarceration.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s firm commitment to identifying, disrupting and prosecuting those who engage in international and domestic terrorism. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan 1.1.
Baton Rouge Man Convicted in Federal Court of Illegally Possessing Five Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that DOUGLAS D. CHENEVERT III, a 40-year old resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been convicted of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. As a result of his conviction, CHENEVERT now faces a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison, significant fines and a period of supervised release.
In a hearing before U.S. Chief Judge Shelly Dick on June 20, 2019, CHENEVERT pled guilty to possessing: a Smith and Wesson, model SD9VE, 9mm caliber semiautomatic pistol; thirteen (13) 9mm caliber Winchester cartridges; an Ithaca, 12 gauge shotgun; a Berretta ARX Model 160, .22 caliber rifle; a Ruger Model AR556 .223 caliber rifle; and a Taurus Judge .410 gauge/.45 Long Colt Caliber pistol. CHENEVERT had previously been convicted of simple burglary in 1998 in East Baton Rouge Parish.
On July 14, 2018, Baton Rouge City Police responded to a burglary at a cell phone shop on North Foster Drive. An officer observed two men enter the shop. As the two men left the shop in a stolen pickup truck, the officer attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled and, after a short chase, wrecked the truck. Both men then fled on foot. A canine officer and his dog quickly apprehended CHENEVERT, the driver of the pickup truck. The officers found the Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol in CHENEVERT’s clothing, loaded with 13 rounds of Winchester ammunition.
A residence located on East Brookstown, which CHENEVERT used as a rental property, was searched. Officers found and recovered the additional four firearms. At the hearing, CHENEVERT admitted he knowingly had constructive possession of the firearms and had the power to exercise dominion and control over the firearms stored in the residence.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “Unfortunately, guns are possessed and used unlawfully during the commission of other crimes. This case is yet another example of the dangers our local law enforcement officers face when they confront felons in possession of a firearm. My office is strongly committed to enforcing our nation’s gun laws. I commend our prosecutor and our federal and local partners for their outstanding work in obtaining this conviction.”
This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Baton Rouge City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III is prosecuting the case.
Aurora Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
DENVER -- Alan Alonzo Williams, age 56, of Aurora, Colorado was sentenced last week by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Blackburn to serve 84 months in federal prison followed by 5 years on supervised release for bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn, IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Caramucci, and FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips.
Williams, who was sentenced on June 19, 2019 had pled guilty on January 12, 2017, but his sentencing hearing was delayed several times at his request. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,146,828.28 to the lenders he pled guilty to defrauding.
According to the indictment and plea agreement, Williams wanted to obtain funds for himself and for Williams Vending Company, Inc. (WVC), a company established by Williams and his parents that sold, leased, repaired and operated vending machines. Williams was unable to qualify for bank loans due to his prior felony convictions and status as a parolee. He engaged the involvement of a third party, Ms. X, who had no true ownership interest in WVC to represent that she was its president in order to obtain loans on behalf of WVC. In actuality, Williams controlled the finances and operations of WVC. Williams knew that Ms. X had a serious drug problem, and exploited her habit by causing her to sign various documents and then providing her with money, which she would use to buy drugs to get high.
In 2007, Williams had Ms. X sign a contract to purchase a home in Denver, and he later arranged for her to obtain a $800,000 loan to purchase the property. Williams caused false information about Ms. X’s financial status, including fraudulent Forms W-2 and earning statements, to be submitted to the lender in order to make it appear that she qualified for the loan.
Williams subsequently arranged for three bank accounts to be opened in WVC’s name and gave Ms. X sole signature authority over the accounts. He nonetheless maintained control over the accounts. He later worked through loan brokers in order to obtain Small Business Administration loans for WVC. Much of the information that Williams submitted in order to obtain the loans was false. The false information included that Ms. X was the president and sole owner of WVC, that she had many years of management experience, that she currently earned a substantial salary at WVC, and that she had substantial assets and resided in a $1.1 million home. None of that was true.
Williams also told the brokers that WVC focused on proving vending products to government offices and agencies, as Ms. X qualified as a minority business owner and the company qualified as a minority contractor. Williams similarly obtained a loan by representing that WVC had a contract to provide vending services for three major apartment complexes, when there was no such contract. William misrepresented to the lenders how the loan proceeds would be used. He presented documents purporting to be agreements between various government agencies and WVC to the lenders when, in fact, WVC did not have agreements with those agencies. Williams did not use all the loan proceeds to pay creditors as required by the terms of the loans. Williams used a large portion of the proceeds for his own purposes, rather than for the purposes authorized for the SBA guaranteed loan.
The loans Williams obtained for WVC through these fraudulent means including a loan for $800,000 and additional loans for $360,000. Williams also attempted to obtain another loan for $550,000, which was declined by the lender.
“Fraud hurts our economy and hurts victims, as was the case here,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “The seven year federal prison sentence is an appropriate outcome for this defendant’s attempt at cheating the system.”
“Williams’ scheme was about driven greed and a blatant disregard for the damage inflicted on the banking system. Today’s sentence sends a message that bank fraud will ultimately cost the fraudster," said IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Caramucci.
"The FBI is committed to aggressively pursuing those who commit bank fraud. Falsifying information on a loan application and lying to a lender to facilitate approval for a loan is a felony,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips. “We hope the recent sentencing of Alan Alonzo Williams will deter others who engage in these types of fraud schemes.”
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the FBI. The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Weber.
Attorney Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking Charge and Admits Selling Opioids after Posting Ads on CraigslistRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Downey-based attorney pleaded guilty this afternoon to a federal narcotics distribution charge for illegally selling more than 1,000 oxycodone pills after offering the opioid drugs for sale on Craigslist.
Jackie Ferrari, 36, a resident of Downey, pleaded guilty to one count of illegally distributing oxycodone.
According to court documents, Ferrari sold a law enforcement source 50 oxycodone pills for $1,200 during a transaction on January 10. Ferrari was arrested in this case on January 18 after agreeing to sell the source another 180 pills for $4,100.
The investigation into Ferrari began after a 22-year-old woman died in August 2018 of a fentanyl overdose, and text messages on the victim’s phone initially indicated that she may have purchased the narcotics from a drug trafficker associated with Ferrari. While investigators did not link Ferrari to that overdose death, they opened an investigation “based on evidence…that she is a large-scale trafficker in opiates via the website Craigslist” and information developed by two local police departments tying Ferrari to drug trafficking activities in late 2017, according to an affidavit filed in this case.
Court documents describe how Ferrari posted ads on Craiglist offering oxycodone and other drugs under coded names such as “foxy roxy dolls,” which referred to Roxicodone, a short-acting version of oxycodone. In her plea agreement, Ferrari admitted informing customers that they would be required to ingest a pill in her presence, to verify that they were not law enforcement.
As a result of today’s guilty plea, Ferrari will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on October 21 by United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald.
The investigation into Ferrari is being conducted by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, which operates under the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The investigation is being led by DEA agents and deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The Costa Mesa Police Department and the Cypress Police Department provided substantial assistance in the investigation.
The case against Ferrari is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Barron, Chief of the Santa Ana Branch Office, and A. Carley Palmer of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering & Racketeering Section.
Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Recipients for the 33rd Annual Attorney General's Volunteer AwardsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the recipients for the 33rd Annual Attorney General’s Volunteer Awards Ceremony, awarded to those within the Department of Justice, and members of the general public, who have shown admirable dedication to improving their communities. These awards are separated into two different categories, the Attorney General’s Volunteer Award for Community Service and the Attorney General’s Citizen Volunteer Service Award.
The first award, the Attorney General’s Volunteer Award for Community Service, is awarded to an employee or group of employees from the Department, who have shown exemplary community service efforts. The recipients of this year’s award are:
- Brian K. Caserta, U.S. Marshal Service, for his work with the Sports Training Academics Recreation/Police Athletics League to empower youth and build a safer community through positive encounters with law enforcement in San Diego, California;
- Roland L. Hankey II, FBI, for his service as an Emergency Medical Technician with the Culpeper County (Virginia) Volunteer Rescue Squad;
- Drew Yeates, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, for his sustained pro bona work with the Safe Harbor Crisis Center in Layton, Utah, assisting victims of domestic violence.
The second award, the Attorney General’s Citizen Volunteer Service Award, is awarded to members of the public for their outstanding volunteer contributions towards the Department’s mission. The recipients of this year’s award are:
- Laura D. Martin and Patricia A. Torchia, for their volunteer service providing inmates with re-entry life skills at the Federal Medical Center - Rochester, Minnesota;
- Max Schachter, for his relentless work supporting the creation of national school safety best practices as Founder and CEO of Safe Schools for Alex.
“Today we honor these exceptional men and women for their remarkable contributions to protecting and improving their communities,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To take only a few examples, they have strived to keep schoolchildren safe, empowered victims of domestic violence, provided inmates with re-entry life skills, and fostered trust between law enforcement and youth. Our awardees’ communities have been made immeasurably better for their efforts. The Department of Justice and a grateful country thank them for their work.”
Anamosa Felon Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Helping to Fence Stolen GunsRead the Press Release
An Anamosa man who helped fence stolen firearms was sentenced on June 20, 2019, to seven years in federal prison.
David A. Miller, age 48, from Anamosa, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 14, 2019, guilty plea to one count of possessing a firearm as a felon.
At the guilty plea and other court hearings, evidence established that, in March 2017, Miller received seven guns from another felon in rural Anamosa. Miller agreed to take the seven guns to a third man’s home in Olin in order to facilitate a trade of the guns for a stolen four-wheeler. Officers later found the guns during a search of the Olin man’s home. Then, in January 2018, officers found an eighth firearm during a search of a shop at Miller’s home. Miller was storing the eighth firearm for his son, after his son’s mother kicked the son out of her house.
Miller has an extensive criminal history, which includes more than 30 adult criminal convictions, including five drunk driving convictions and a conviction for manufacturing methamphetamine in Benton County. Miller was on pretrial release in state court in Jones County for a felony theft charge when he received the seven stolen firearms.
Miller was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Miller was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
Miller is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the Jones County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-99-CJW.
Abingdon Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – An Abingdon man, who posted pictures on social media of himself posing with a rifle and appearing to be high on drugs while making threats to others, was sentenced last week in U.S. District Court to 41 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and distribution of cocaine, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen and Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring announced today.
Christopher Lewis Johnson, 27, previously pleaded guilty to a two count Indictment charging him with the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition after previously being convicted of a felony punishable for a term of more than one year and distribution of cocaine.
According to documents filed with the court, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a call on August 22, 2018, that Johnson had posted pictures and videos online that appeared to show him high on drugs, armed with a rifle, and making threats to himself and others. It also appeared that Johnson was actively searching online for drugs and drug dealers. When authorities from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded, Johnson came out of his apartment armed with an AR-riffle and, after a struggle, was taken into custody. Witnesses also described Johnson as armed and told police he was known to shoot exploding targets outside of his apartment. Court documents further revealed that on a separate occasion, Johnson distributed cocaine to a confidential informant working with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant United States Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Virginia Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, prosecuted the case for the United States.
Sunday 23 June 2019
More Charges Filed in St. Louis Area Armed Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
Three men accused of committing a string of armed robberies in the St. Louis metropolitan area are facing new charges in the Southern District of Illinois. Jalon Moore and Garry Johnson, of St. Louis, and Larry Rhines, of Collinsville, Illinois, have been charged in a superseding federal indictment with conspiracy to commit multiple armed robberies, two counts of business robbery, one count of bank robbery, and using firearms to commit each of those robberies.
According to the indictment, Moore, Johnson, and Rhines, all 22 years old, are responsible for robbing at gunpoint a Sprint store in Fairview Heights on March 9, 2019, and a Marco’s Pizza in Collinsville on March 28, 2019. Moore and Rhines were also charged with the armed robbery of a GCS Credit Union in Collinsville on March 30, 2019.
The three defendants are also under federal indictment in the Eastern District of Missouri for similar crimes arising from a string of armed robberies of the following businesses in St. Louis:
• The Mack Bar and Grill on January 9, 2019;
• A Jimmy John’s on February 9, 2019;
• A Subway restaurant on February 17, 2019;
• A Panda Express on March 18, 2019; and
• A Sprint store on March 21, 2019.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
If convicted of all charges, the three defendants could be facing decades in prison. The conspiracy charge and individual armed robbery counts each carry a 20-year maximum term of imprisonment. Using a firearm in furtherance of the robberies carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years and is punishable by as much as life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is being investigated by the FBI, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the Collinsville Police Department, and the Fairview Heights Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandria M. Burns.
Mailing Threatening Letters Leads to New Charges for Federal InmateRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Jonathan Wade Bohn, 43, of West Frankfort, Illinois, in the October 2014 mailing of two threatening letters to officials in Franklin County, Illinois.
The indictment alleges that Bohn was incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Center in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, when he sent a letter threatening to kill certain Franklin County law enforcement officers and officials. Two weeks later, Bohn allegedly sent another threatening letter, this time to the Franklin County clerk of court, claiming there was a bomb inside a Franklin County school that would detonate the following day. This second letter caused the closing of nine public schools, affecting over 6,400 students.
Mailing a threatening communication carries a maximum possible sentence of 5 years imprisonment. Threatening to use an explosive device is punishable by as much as 10 years in prison. If convicted, Bohn also faces a fine of up to $250,000 and 3 years of supervised release on each count.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
According to the Bureau of Prisons website, Bohn is now being housed at a high-security facility in Florida and is currently scheduled for release in August 2022.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Benton, Illinois Police Department. The case is being prosecuted in the Southern District of Illinois by Assistant United States Attorney Ranley R. Killian.
Edwardsville Man Gets 20 Years for Nude Photos of ToddlerRead the Press Release
Tyler S. Seibold, 31, of Edwardsville, Illinois, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for production of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft announced today. U.S. District Court Judge Staci M. Yandle handed down the sentence after Seibold pleaded guilty to a two-count indictment in March 2019. There was no plea agreement entered in the case.
An investigation by the FBI and the Illinois State Police-Forensic Computer Crime Unit revealed that on several occasions between November 2017 and May 2018 an IP address assigned to Seibold downloaded multiple images and videos of child pornography using a peer to peer file-sharing program. In June 2018, agents served a search warrant on Seibold’s Edwardsville residence and seized several computers, cell phones, and other data storage devices. A forensic search of those devices revealed what appeared to be self-produced photographs of a nude 3 year old girl.
Agents soon determined that the girl was related to Seibold and contacted her mother, who confirmed that the dates on the photographs coincided with family events and trips. The child then disclosed to her mother that Seibold had also exposed himself to her. At sentencing, both of her parents provided statements about the emotional impact Seibold’s crimes have had their daughter, who is now in counseling to deal with the aftermath of the abuse.
Seibold claimed that his punishment should be less severe because he has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but Judge Yandle was not persuaded, observing that Seibold had never been diagnosed with ASD before. She also found that Seibold’s expert witness did not use the proper testing methods and did not have the necessary qualifications to make an ASD diagnosis.
As part of his sentence, Seibold was ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release, during which time he will be required to undergo sex offender treatment, forgo possession of any cameras or visual recording devices, and have no unsupervised contact with minor females.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Illinois State Police Forensic Unit, and officers with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hoell.
Friday 21 June 2019
Wolf Point man sentenced in drunken driving fatal crashRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS— Wolf Point resident Andrew Preston Martell, who admitted he had been driving drunk when he crashed his vehicle and killed a passenger on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation last October, was sentenced on June 20 to 40 months in prison and to three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Martell, 32, pleaded guilty in March to involuntary manslaughter.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
Prosecutors said the crash occurred at about 10 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2018 on a county road known as Swimming Pool Road, near Wolf Point. Martell had been drinking alcohol heavily throughout the evening and was driving around the reservation with two female passengers. Martell drove off the straight road and crashed in a ditch. The vehicle rotated and rolled end over end coming to rest on the driver’s side. All three occupants were trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated by emergency responders. One of the passengers was impaled by a crutch in the vehicle and died at the scene. Martell’s blood alcohol concentration was about 0.182 percent.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassady Adams prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Montana Highway Patrol, Wolf Point Police Department and Fort Peck Tribes Law Enforcement.
XXX