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31 July 2019
Worthington Woman Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Social Security Benefits from Vulnerable AdultsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced the sentencing of ELIZABETH ANN BERGER, 58, to one year and one day in prison for stealing thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits from vulnerable adults. BERGER, who pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds on April 1, 2019, was sentenced yesterday by Chief Judge John R. Tunheim in U.S. District Court in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, from March 2013 through April 2015, BERGER was acting as the President and CEO of Prairie Payee Services, Inc., an organizational representative payee for vulnerable adults who were Social Security beneficiaries. Between March 2013 and September 2014, BERGER stole $49,651.78 in Social Security benefits administered by Prairie Payee Services, Inc. and fees collected from the Social Security Administration.
This case was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
ELIZABETH ANN BERGER, 58
Worthington, Minn.
Convicted:
- Theft of government funds, 1 count
Sentenced:
- One year and one day in prison
- Two years of supervised release
- $49,651.78 in restitution
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Wayne County Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Ammunition While Being a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Steven Ferguson, 40, of Wayne County, was sentenced today to nine months in prison for being a prohibited person while possessing ammunition, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
“If you want to own a firearm, you need to know the rules,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “If you’re prohibited, you’re prohibited from firearms and ammo. It’s pretty simple. And if we catch you in violation of the law, we’re going to prosecute you.”
On February 2, 2018, a Huntington Police Officer on patrol observed a black Dodge truck stuck in the mud in Rotary Park in Huntington. The officer observed two occupants in the vehicle. After observing and securing a large machete and a hunting knife, Ferguson told the officer a bag contained ammunition. Ferguson was prohibited from possessing the ammunition under federal law because of a 2012 misdemeanor domestic battery 2nd offense conviction in Cabell County Magistrate Court.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor handled the prosecution of the case.
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Waunakee Man Sentenced to 84 Months for Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Patrick O’Connor, 61, Waunakee, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William Conley to 84 months in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering. O’Connor, a real estate developer and licensed real estate agent, pleaded guilty to these charges on April 4, 2019.
The government’s investigation revealed that between 2011 and 2018, O’Connor solicited funds from several individuals for investment in an entity he created entitled “Madison Financial Services.” As part of his solicitations, O’Connor made various material misrepresentations to investors regarding Madison Financial Services. For example, O’Connor represented that Madison Financial Services would invest all of the investors’ funds into a TradeStation online brokerage account. O’Connor represented that he would use the TradeStation account to actively trade purchased securities and he projected an average annual return on the investment of 2% a month, or 24% annually.
In fact, O’Connor used a large portion of the investors’ funds for his own personal expenses, including expenses related to his real estate development business and to repay other investors. In addition, of the funds that O’Connor actually deposited into his TradeStation accounts and actively traded, he either lost or withdrew the vast majority of the funds and rarely generated any profit.
To further perpetuate the fraud, O’Connor provided investors with purported account statements from their investments with Madison Financial Services. The account statements were fictitious and showed the investors’ supposed year-to-date profits and their supposed current portfolio balance. In addition, O’Connor made Ponzi-style payments to some investors and stated that the money was interest income earned from their investment in Madison Financial Services.
On October 26, 2017, a criminal investigator from the Internal Revenue Service visited O’Connor at his home in Waunakee. During the interview, the investigator questioned O’Connor regarding the particulars of Madison Financial Services and its investments. Specifically, the investigator asked about a $500,000 check from an investor where only $300,000 was transferred into O’Connor’s TradeStation account. Records showed O’Connor used the remaining $200,000 to pay off a real estate loan and for various personal expenses. When pressed to explain the transactions, O’Connor lied to the investigator and stated the investor was also investing in his real estate company. O’Connor also falsely stated that any remaining money used for his own personal expenses came from a fee charged to the client for his services.
In the months following the interview with the IRS investigator, O’Connor continued to solicit people for investments and convinced two investors to provide him with over $1.7 million. In total, O’Connor convinced six investors to invest over $12 million with him. The total loss to the investors once the fraud scheme was revealed was $9,686,848.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Conley stated O’Connor’s Ponzi scheme was “calculated and predatory” and the total amount of money that he stole was “staggering.” Judge Conley noted that O’Connor was living a lie while destroying his investors’ finances, and it was a life full of pride, hubris, and greed. Judge Conley also noted that O’Connor’s decision to take more money from investors after being interviewed by law enforcement was “morally bankrupt.”
The charges against O’Connor were a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Waterloo Man Sent to Federal Prison After Carrying Assault Rifle During Altercation in 2016Read the Press Release
A man who possessed a firearm in 2016, after the Black Hawk County Sheriff denied him a gun permit in 2014, was sentenced yesterday to more than three years in federal prison. Michael Thomas Buttermore, age 38, from Waterloo, Iowa, originally from Beaver County, Pennsylvania, received the prison term after a January 2, 2019, guilty plea to possessing a firearm as a prohibited person.
Evidence presented in court showed that, in 2005, Buttermore was committed to a mental institution in Pennsylvania. In 2014, after moving to Iowa, Buttermore applied to the Black Hawk County Sheriff for a permit to acquire a firearm. The Sheriff denied Buttermore’s application and reminded Buttermore that it was illegal for him to possess firearms under federal law on account of his 2005 commitment. In 2016, the Waterloo Police Department began receiving reports about Buttermore acting erratically. In September 2016, Buttermore was involved in an altercation at his residence with another man; during the incident, Buttermore was carrying a Colt M4 assault rifle and the other man had a knife. A woman later reported that Buttermore had chased her down the street with the assault rifle. Ultimately, officers approached Buttermore and he agreed to surrender the firearm along with ammunition he illegally possessed, including two high-capacity magazines. After surrendering the firearm, however, Buttermore unsuccessfully attempted to regain possession of the firearm from the Waterloo Police Department. In addition to his prior commitment, Buttermore, who has a criminal history in both Pennsylvania and Iowa, now admits he was an unlawful user of methamphetamine and heroin, which also made it unlawful for Buttermore to possess firearms.
Buttermore was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Buttermore was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-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.
Buttermore 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 Waterloo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-2063.
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Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Fraud Scheme and Possessing Fraudulent Austrian PassportRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Tyrone Grandberry, 59, of Woodbridge, Virginia, pled guilty yesterday to federal charges of wire fraud, stemming from a scheme to defraud individuals that trusted the defendant to invest money on their behalf, and possessing a fraudulent immigration document, stemming from obtaining and possessing a fraudulent Austrian passport in another name.
U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia, Charles A. Dayoub, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, and Todd J. Brown, Director of the Diplomatic Security Service made the announcement today.
Grandberry pled guilty before the Honorable Paul L. Friedman in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to one count of wire fraud, under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and to one count of possessing a fraudulent immigration document, under 18 U.S.C. § 1546(a). The charges carry statutory maximums of twenty years and ten years in prison. Grandberry also agreed to the forfeiture of $2,123,033.57 that was seized pursuant to a warrant. Sentencing is scheduled for October 30, 2019.
According to the government’s evidence, Grandberry engaged in conduct that constituted an investment fraud scheme. Grandberry along with others solicited investments totaling approximately $4,000,000, in which they benefited from the scheme by diverting money for their personal use. In some cases, Grandberry “repaid” or “refunded” prior victims with money that he obtained from new investors.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Liu, Acting Special Agent in Charge Dayoub, and Director Brown commended the work of those who investigated the case at the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Swanton, Paralegal Specialists Jessica McCormick and Chela Okonji, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica Jennings of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They also praised Assistant U.S. Attorney Demian Ahn of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia who prosecuted the case.
Upshur County woman sentenced for role in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Angela Dawn White, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years probation for her participation in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
White, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in November 2017. White admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Upshur County in March 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, the Greater Harrison Drug &Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the West Virginia State Police, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Buckhannon Police Department, and the Weston Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.U.S. Citizen Arrested for Sexual Conduct with A Minor in A Foreign PlaceRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – George Alexis Theros, 76, was arrested yesterday and charged by criminal complaint with engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place, in violation of 18 United States Code § 2423(c). He made an initial appearance in federal court on July 31, 2019.
Kenji M. Price, U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii, announced that the criminal complaint charges Theros with sexually abusing a 14 year-old girl on a boat in Panama. The complaint alleges that witnesses in Panama reported acts of sexual conduct Theros committed on the girl, whom he had claimed was his daughter. Witnesses in Thailand reported that, years ago, Theros paid the girl’s family in Thailand in order to "adopt" her when she was nine or ten years old. The witnesses also reported that the girl then proceeded to live with Theros in his home in Thailand.
According to the criminal complaint, in the spring of 2019, Theros traveled with the girl from Thailand to Panama, and planned to transport her to Hawaii on a boat. When witnesses on the boat realized Theros was sexually abusing the girl, they reported his conduct to law enforcement in Panama. Theros abruptly fled back to Thailand, leaving the girl behind in Panama. He traveled to Hawaii last week, and was arrested on July 30, 2019.
Combatting the exploitation of children is a significant enforcement priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii (USAO), as well as federal law enforcement agency components in Hawaii, such as the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This prosecution is one of many brought by the USAO in the last 15 months to hold those who sexually exploit minors accountable.
Last May, the USAO brought federal charges against Defendant Dustin Miyakawa for coercion and enticement of a minor, sex trafficking of children, and sexual exploitation of a child. Miyakawa pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor, and is facing a minimum term of 10 years of imprisonment when he is sentenced in October. Since last May, the USAO brought significant charges against 12 additional defendants—which includes Theros—for exploiting children. Eight of these defendants are charged with attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual acts, and some of the eight are charged with other offenses. If convicted of attempted enticement, the defendants face a mandatory minimum term of 10 years of imprisonment.
Three of the 12 defendants are charged with child pornography offenses. Two of them—Daniel Lyles and Justin Furr—pleaded guilty. At sentencing, both face a mandatory minimum term of five years of imprisonment.
"These prosecutions demonstrate the federal law enforcement community’s commitment to protecting one of Hawaii’s most precious assets—the boys and girls who hold its future in their hands," stated U.S. Attorney Price. "Our message as a law enforcement community is simple: If your goal is to sexually exploit children, we’ll do everything in our power as a federal law enforcement community to find a home for you in federal prison."
"The sexual exploitation of children is a heinous offense, U.S. citizens traveling abroad need to be cognizant of the fact that U.S. law prohibits this activity and that U.S. law enforcement agents will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice," said John F. Tobon, Acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI Honolulu.
The Theros prosecution was jointly investigated by HSI in Honolulu, Hawaii and Panama City, Panama, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Overseas Criminal Investigations Division with assistance from the DSS Honolulu Resident Office, and local law enforcement in Panama and Thailand. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Early.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and a defendant charged by complaint or indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted of the charge in the complaint, Theros faces up to thirty years in prison. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney’s Office to Take Part in 36th Annual National Night OutRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen will join law enforcement, community leaders, and residents on Tuesday, August 6th in Bristol, Virginia, to celebrate the 36th annual National Night Out crime and drug-prevention event. Officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office will also attend events in Roanoke, Roanoke County, Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Lynchburg, Bedford County, Tazewell County, Albemarle County, Pulaski, Marion, Waynesboro, Winchester, Salem, and Abingdon.
National Night Out is a community-building and crime prevention campaign that promotes collaborative law enforcement-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Thousands of communities nationwide will participate in neighborhood block parties, festivals, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, and activities that heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts. Events such as these help to strengthen neighborhood spirit, police-community partnerships, and demonstrate a shared commitment for strong and safe communities.
“Reducing violent crime and promoting safety in American communities is a major focus of the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys across the country,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen. “National Night Out is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds, the respect, and the camaraderie between neighbors and law enforcement officers. These relationships make our country stronger and safer.”
“Our local law-enforcement partners play a vital role in critical DOJ initiatives, including violent-crime reduction and drug enforcement,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated. “We are proud to stand with them as they work to increase cooperation and trust between their agencies and the communities they serve.”
National Night Out organizers are expecting over 16,000 communities and 38 million people nationwide to take part in community events on Tuesday.
U.S. Attorney's Office Seeks Death Penalty for Two Men Charged in Witness-Tampering Murder, Drug-trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri has filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against two men previously charged in two area murders.
Shawn Burkhalter, also known as “Deuce,” 30, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Joshua Nesbitt, also known as “T,” 25, of Crowder, Mississippi, were indicted last year for the murders of Anthony Dwayne Johnson and Danny Lamont Dean. On Tuesday, July 30, the government filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Burkhalter and Nesbitt.
The notice of intent states that the government believes a sentence of death is justified for Johnson’s murder in furtherance of an evidence-tampering conspiracy, for Johnson’s murder as a potential witness, and for Johnson’s murder in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The notice also states that the government believes a sentence of death is justified for Dean’s murder in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Each of those four counts of the indictment carry a possible sentence of death.
Murder of Anthony Dwayne Johnson
The federal indictment alleges that Burkhalter and Nesbitt shot and killed Johnson on Oct. 4, 2015, using a Rock River Arms AR-15 5.56-caliber semi-automatic rifle.
Burkhalter and Nesbitt are charged together in one count of murdering a potential witness. The indictment alleges that Johnson’s murder occurred in order to prevent his testimony and to prevent him from communicating with law enforcement.
Burkhalter and Nesbitt also are charged together with participating in a witness- and evidence-tampering conspiracy that resulted in Johnson’s murder. Their objective, the indictment says, was to kill or at least intimidate and threaten Johnson to prevent his testimony and to prevent him from communicating with law enforcement. They also allegedly threatened to kill another person, identified as “Witness #1,” to cause that person to help conceal the AR-15 rifle used to murder Johnson and Dean, so that it could not be used as evidence.
Burkhalter and Nesbitt also are charged together with using a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that Johnson’s murder occurred during a robbery of marijuana from an apartment.
Murder of Danny Lamont Dean
The indictment alleges that Burkhalter and Nesbitt shot and killed Dean on Sept. 10, 2015, while robbing him of cocaine. They allegedly used the same AR-15 rifle. Burkhalter and Nesbitt are charged together in one count of using a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime.
Superseding Indictment
Burkhalter and Nesbitt were originally charged in a Feb. 21, 2018, federal indictment. A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Missouri, returned a superseding indictment on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, that contains two additional charges against Burkhalter and Nesbitt. The superseding indictment also charges an additional defendant.
The superseding indictment charges Burkhalter and Nesbitt with evidence tampering (related to the conspiracy) and charges Burkhalter with witness tampering. Burkhalter, while in pretrial detention after his arrest, allegedly threatened a person identified as “Witness #2” by using another detainee to pass a message to Witness #2, who was being held at a different detention facility.
Anthony Peltier, also known as “A-1,” 37, of Lawrence, Kansas, is also charged in the superseding indictment, along with the original co-defendants – Sharika Hooker, 30, and Autry Hines, also known as “Bud,” 28, both of Kansas City, Mo.; Nickayla Jones, also known as “Red,” 24, of Blue Springs, Mo.; and Rachel Ryce, 31, of Raytown, Mo. Co-defendant Joslyn Lee, also known as “Bless,” 27, of Blue Springs, has already pleaded guilty and therefore is not charged in the superseding indictment.
The superseding indictment retains the original charges against several co-defendants. Jones, Hines, and Ryce are charged with participating with Burkhalter and Nesbitt in the witness and evidence-tampering conspiracy that resulted in Johnson’s murder. Jones, Hines, Ryce, Hooker, and Peltier are charged together with being accessories after the fact of Johnson’s murder. The indictment alleges they assisted Burkhalter and Nesbitt by, among other things, taking steps to hide or destroy evidence pertaining to the murder of Johnson.
Drug-Trafficking Conspiracy
Six of the seven defendants – Burkhalter, Nesbitt, Jones, Hines, Ryce and Peltier – are charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana from 2008 to Feb. 20, 2018.
In addition to the conspiracy, Burkhalter and Nesbitt are charged together with one count of possessing cocaine (which they allegedly stole from Dean) with the intent to distribute on Sept. 10, 2015.
Burkhalter and Nesbitt also are charged together with one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, related to the discharge of the AR-15 rifle in furtherance of the drug-traffficking conspiracy and the possession of cocaine to distribute.
Burkhalter, Nesbitt, Jones, Hines and Ryce also are charged together with possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute on Oct. 4, 2015. The indictment alleges that they intended to sell a quantity of the marijuana they robbed from Johnson on that date. They are also charged together in one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Armed Robbery
Burkhalter and Nesbitt are charged together in one count with robbing a Kansas City, Mo., business on Sept. 8, 2015, and in one count with brandishing a firearm (the same AR-15 rifle) in furtherance of a crime of violence. Burkhalter and Nesbitt are also charged together in one count of being felons in possession of a firearm.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Raskin and Adam Caine. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
U.S. Attorney Issues Public Safety Alert: Fentanyl Crisis Raging in San DiegoRead the Press Release
Kelly Thornton (619) 546-9726
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – July 31, 2019
SAN DIEGO – In the wake of four fentanyl overdose deaths in San Diego County in 24 hours last week, U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer issued a public safety alert today for drug users to be aware that a lethal strain of fentanyl designed to look like oxycodone is being sold on the streets to unwitting buyers and the price may be the buyer’s life.
Brewer also warned that the fentanyl crisis is raging here as border seizures, prosecutions and overdoses are on pace to hit all-time highs in San Diego County at the end of 2019.
“That heroin, that meth, that coke, that oxy you think you are taking? Well, it just might have fentanyl in it, and it just might be the last thing you ever do,” Brewer said. “I cannot be more clear than this: Fentanyl may be the costliest drug you ever do, because you may pay with your life, and you won’t even know you took it.”
Fentanyl-related deaths are rapidly climbing to unprecedented levels. The Medical Examiner’s Office reports 50 confirmed fentanyl-related overdose deaths so far this year, plus another 28 suspected but yet-to-be confirmed cases with four months remaining in the year. Should this trend continue for the remainder of 2019, the death toll could potentially reach 130, which would amount to a 47 percent increase over last year’s total of 90 deaths, and a staggering 787 percent hike over five years ago when there were 15. The victims are overwhelmingly male, and the average age is 36, with the youngest 18 and the oldest 66.
“Just when we think it can’t get any worse, the latest numbers prove us wrong,” Brewer said. “I am alarmed by the dramatic surge in trafficking activity and deaths, particularly of young people. San Diego is the fentanyl gateway to the rest of the country, and we are working hard to close that gate with interdiction, prosecution and education.”
Federal authorities, led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations, have confiscated an estimated 533 kilograms – or 1,175 pounds – of illicit fentanyl at and near the international border so far this year. That’s more than half a ton. Just four years ago, authorities seized a fraction of that - only 30 kilograms. In addition, there has been a record number of seizures involving counterfeit blue pills labeled M-30 that contain fentanyl.
“Your dealer, BFF, lover, or classmate may become your murderer and the medical examiner may become your personal physician,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Karen Flowers. “Life is precious. Don’t gamble yours away for a quick high that sends you home from the party in a body bag.”
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is committed to pursuing transnational criminal organizations who continue to profit from smuggling and distributing this deadly opioid that threatens our communities,” said Timothy J. Tubbs, Acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI in San Diego. “HSI will continue to collaborate with our local, state, federal, and international law enforcement partners to protect our communities from dangerous drugs.”
“Fentanyl is a dangerous synthetic drug that poses a deadly risk for people who encounter this opiate,” said CBP Director of Field Operations in San Diego, Pete Flores. “CBP officers take special safety precautions when handling such substances and taking them off the street is another example of how CBP protects our communities against all threats.”
The DEA is working in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies in San Diego to ensure the most effective overdose death investigations and prosecutions. DEA is actively investigating fatal overdose deaths that occur in the San Diego County and has established an Overdose Response Group, which consists law enforcement from DEA, SDPD, Homeland Security Investigations, California Department of Health Care Services and FBI. The goal of this specialized group is to identify the distributors of these deadly drugs that are bringing heartbreak to our communities.
Fentanyl is 30-50 times more powerful than heroin and so dangerous that in its purest form, even a tiny amount touching the skin can be deadly. According to law enforcement reports, the price of fentanyl in 2019 – whether in powder form and pill form – is declining, meaning that both forms are readily available in our community.
Users are also ordering up fentanyl from the so-called “Dark Web” like they would order something from Amazon. The drug is being purchased online and sent directly to customers by mail or express delivery service in the U.S.
Brewer urged users who opt to disregard his dire warning to seek Narcan, a drug that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose and save lives. Narcan is available by prescription and can be purchased at many pharmacies without a prescription.
The law enforcement community has taken this problem very seriously and developed a multi-level strategy that involves a number of approaches from different disciplines.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and District Attorney’s Office are working closely with the Medical Examiner’s Office, and its law enforcement partners, on overdose cases involving fentanyl to trace the origin of these deadly substances and build possible murder cases against suppliers. So far, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged about a dozen alleged dealers.
In November, U.S. Attorney Brewer, DEA, HIDTA and the San Diego Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force are sponsoring a Western States Opioid Summit that will bring together hundreds of professionals from multiple disciplines to provide training and best practices to combat the fentanyl scourge. Surgeon General Jerome Adams will address the group.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and its partners created a local Fentanyl Working Group in early 2017, which meets quarterly. This is a multi-dimensional group that includes local, state and federal investigative agencies, toxicologists, the Medical Examiner’s Office, DEA Lab Chemists, first responders, plus local, county and federal prosecutors. This collaboration is a significant step in working together to promote streamlined investigations.
The Fentanyl Working Group also held the sixth Fentanyl Forum on July 18, 2019, where hundreds of local and federal law enforcement officers learned about the dangers of encountering fentanyl in the field; the local smuggling trends from Mexico and China to the U.S.; parcel interdiction cases, prosecution of overdose cases in state and federal courts; and prosecution collaboration with our office and that of the District Attorney.
The Fentanyl Working Group is also committed to arming the community and first responders with the important information they need to stay safe.
Members of the public who encounter suspicious counterfeit blue pills labeled M-30 are urged to dispose of them safely by referring to resources listed at https://www.sandiegorxabusetaskforce.org/community-resources
People who need help with mental health including substance use disorder, suicide prevention, medication needs, and more can call the San Diego County Crisis line at 888-724-7240. It’s open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Two Money Mules Plead Guilty in Federal Court for Role in Sextortion SchemeRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Andreika Mouzon, age 29, of Kingstree, and Flossie Brockington, age 29, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to federal charges involving a scheme to defraud and extort military service members. Mouzon pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, and Brockington pleaded guilty to money laundering.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Mouzon and Brockington were involved in a scheme to extort and defraud Department of Defense service members. According to evidence presented to the court, during the course of the scheme, inmates posed as females on dating apps and began communicating with service members. Posing as the females, the inmates sent nude photographs of young females to the service members and solicited nude photographs in exchange. The inmates then posed as the females’ father or impersonated law enforcement, claiming that the service member was in possession of child pornography and threatening to have him arrested if he did not pay money. The inmates utilized money mules, including Mouzon and Brockington, who would receive the extorted funds via wire transfer directly from the service members, then transfer the money to inmates and their associates.
During the course of the conspiracy, Mouzon was responsible for transferring $20,421.73 of extorted funds from at least 11 service members, and Brockington was responsible for transferring $14,465.00 of extorted funds from at least eight service members.
Mouzon and Brockington both face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of $250,000.00. United States District Judge David C. Norton, of Charleston, accepted the guilty pleas and will sentence Mouzon and Brockington after receiving and reviewing a presentence report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Services, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Services, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command, United States Marshals Service, South Carolina Department of Corrections, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Limehouse of the Charleston office is prosecuting the case.
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Two Mid-Missouri Women Arrested on Charges They Distributed Morphine Leading to Multiple OverdosesRead the Press Release
St. Louis - The United States Marshals Service today arrested Megan Lowe, 41, of Bevier, Missouri and Kimberly Ann Basler, 44, of Atlanta, Missouri on Federal drug charges. The Indictment against Lowe and Basler was unsealed following their arrests. It alleges that on October 5, 2018, Lowe and Basler distributed controlled substances, and that two people, identified only as E.O. and M.J., ingested those drugs. M.J., of Columbia, Missouri, died as a result, and E.O., also of Columbia, became seriously ill. Lowe and Basler are each charged with two counts – one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death. They are expected to make their initial appearances in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri in St. Louis on August 1, 2019.
The case was investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Columbia, Missouri Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Lowe and Basler face mandatory minimum sentences of 20 years on each of the two counts with which they are charged. These sentences could be ordered to be served concurrently (at the same time) or consecutively (one after the other).
Charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Indiana Men Sentenced to More Than Ten Years in Prison for Armed Robbery of Scranton PharmacyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rashad Coleman, age 26, and Coreon House, age 21, both of Indianapolis, Indiana, were each sentenced on July 30, 2019, by United States District Court Senior Judge James M. Munley, to serve 125 months’ imprisonment for the armed robbery of a CVS Pharmacy in Scranton.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, House and Coleman previously pleaded guilty to the charges of armed robbery of a pharmacy and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, filed as a result of the armed robbery of the CVS Pharmacy, located on Moosic Street in Scranton, which occurred on May 21, 2018. House, Coleman and a third individual, Nicola Dunlap, age 21, also of Indianapolis, traveled from Indianapolis to the CVS Pharmacy in Scranton. Upon entering the pharmacy, House pointed a firearm at a CVS employee while Coleman acted as a lookout and Dunlap acted as a getaway driver. House and Coleman proceeded to take numerous bottles of pills from the pharmacy, including oxycodone, morphine and xanax. All three were apprehended a short time later after police stopped the vehicle in which they were traveling.
The charges against Nicola Dunlop are still pending.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Scranton Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
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. 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 enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
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Two Convicted Felons Admit Guilt in Separate Felony Gun CasesRead the Press Release
ALBANY – Two defendants with lengthy criminal histories involved in separate felony gun cases in the Valdosta, Georgia area entered guilty pleas for their crimes this afternoon, announced Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Clifford Timothy Bradley, II, 38, of Valdosta, Georgia, and Paul A. Bradford, 48, of Lakeland, Georgia, entered guilty pleas to one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands. Both defendants face a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine, or both. The defendants will be sentenced on October 24, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.
According to a statement of fact submitted by the Government, Mr. Bradley was pulled over for speeding in a Valdosta residential area on August 17, 2018. Mr. Bradley was taken into custody, and Lowndes County deputies discovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol in the center console. Mr. Bradley has three prior felony convictions in Lowndes County, including pleading guilty to a 2006 robbery for which he was imprisoned. Mr. Bradley admitted he knew at the time of his 2018 arrest that he was illegally in possession of a firearm.
According to a statement of fact submitted by the Government, Mr. Bradford was arrested at his home in Lakeland, Georgia on July 18, 2018 during the service of an arrest warrant for another individual living in his home. Deputies discovered a 12-gauge shotgun, and Mr. Bradford admitted that the firearm belonged to him, and that he was in possession of it illegally. Mr. Bradford had prior felony convictions in Lanier County Superior Court, including a 1990 Burglary and Theft by Taking conviction and a 1998 Statutory Rape conviction.
“Our office remains relentless in its pursuit to remove guns from the hands of convicted felons with violent criminal histories,” said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “We are working alongside law enforcement agencies across the Middle District to curb violent crime, and holding felons accountable for illegally possessing dangerous weapons is a common-sense approach to meeting our shared goal.”
Both cases were prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Mr. Bradley’s case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Bradford’s case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lanier and Berrien County Sheriff’s Offices. Both cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers.
Questions concerning this case can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Two Arrested for Cross-Country Marijuana Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint has been unsealed in the Eastern District of New York charging Kevin Lau, Kenneth Tam and Jack Thai with conspiracy to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute, large quantities of marijuana. Thai was arrested on July 24, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and made his initial appearance today in federal court in Brooklyn before United States Magistrate Judge Steven L. Tiscione. Thai was released on a $50,000 bond. Tam surrendered to law enforcement yesterday and made his initial appearance yesterday before Magistrate Judge Tiscione. Tam was released on a $500,000 bond. Lau is currently a fugitive.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent-in-Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, New York Field Office (HSI), announced the arrests.
“Today’s arrests end the defendants’ scheme of shipping marijuana by tractor trailer and grounds their use of commercial airline flights to transport illicit drug cash,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “Together with HSI, our Office will continue to identify and prosecute traffickers who distribute narcotics into our communities.”
“This trio allegedly operated a coast to coast operation, moving more than 50 tons of marijuana to New York and other cities around the U.S.,” stated HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Melendez. “Over the course of 3 years, trucks were used to move the product east, as far as Queens, while the proceeds were smuggled back to the west coast by plane. HSI’s Border Enforcement Security Task Force followed the money in this large-scale drug distribution conspiracy, which resulted in the three arrests this morning. These individuals will now make that same trip, from West Coast to East Coast, to face prosecution.”
As alleged in court documents, between February 2015 and December 2018, the defendants conspired to ship multiple kilogram quantities of marijuana by tractor trailer from California and Washington State to Queens and elsewhere for distribution. The shipping crates used to transport the marijuana were falsely labeled as containing furniture, clothing and other merchandise. Lau’s co-conspirators stored the crates in commercial facilities and residences in Queens and other locations in New York City. The cash proceeds of the marijuana were then smuggled back to the West Coast concealed in luggage on commercial airlines.
During the investigation, HSI agents seized approximately $500,000 in cash from members of the conspiracy. Based on records of more than 200 marijuana shipments and the seizures of marijuana by law enforcement, HSI estimates that the defendants transported more than 100,000 pounds of marijuana, marijuana oil and drug paraphernalia.
If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life in prison.
The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorneys James P. McDonald and Philip Pilmar are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
KEVIN LAU
Age: 34
San Francisco, CaliforniaKENNETH TAM
Age: 35
San Francisco, CaliforniaJACK THAI
Age: 39
Las Vegas, NevadaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-MJ-626
Twelve People Charged in Long-Running Investigation of Newark G-Shine BloodsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Twelve members, associates, and suppliers of a drug trafficking organization based in Newark have been charged in connection with their roles in distributing heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine and using firearms to protect their illegal operation, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
The 12 defendants were charged in a complaint unsealed today (six others have been previously charged on separate complaints). Eight of the 12 defendants charged today are scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Dickson in Newark federal court. One remains at large. (See table below.)
“That these defendants allegedly used a neighborhood rec center as a place to conceal and sell dangerous drugs is almost beyond comprehension,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “While neighborhood children were coming here to play basketball and chess, they may have been just a few feet away from narcotics and the criminals who sell them. Getting the people who ran this operation off the street is a priority for law enforcement, and together with our partners in the DEA, the Newark Police, the New Jersey State Police and many others, we are doing just that.”
“Today’s operation highlights how cooperation between law enforcement at all levels can successfully lead to the dismantlement of a drug operation,” Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division, Susan A. Gibson, said. “Those arrested not only held a community hostage with their violence and drug dealing, but they also utilized a community recreation center to deliver and store their heroin. These people were concerned only with making money with no concern for damage they were causing.”
“Once again, a great collaboration with our federal partners helps Newark to become a safer place,” Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said. “Last year, the US Attorney’s Office was responsible for over 100 violent cases. I’m glad to see this trend continue in 2019. The people of Newark are the benefactors.”
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
The charges and arrests are the result of a long-running wiretap investigation led by the DEA. The organization’s leaders – Edward Williams and Wali Duncan – obtained their supply of narcotics from Rahim Jackson and Arthur Hardy, who would deliver the narcotics personally or through runners. On numerous occasions, large narcotics deliveries took place in and around the Rotunda Recreation and Wellness Center on Clifton Avenue, where Hardy was the director and Jackson and Williams were employees. These individuals also used the center to stash drugs and money.
Williams and Duncan are members of the G-Shine set of the Bloods street gang, which operates at the Janice Cromer Village public housing complex, also known as the Broadway Townhomes, in Newark. Duncan supplied narcotics to numerous individuals who would sell them in the neighborhood, which is near two elementary schools and a high school.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gibson; members of the Newark Department of Public Safety, under the direction of Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose; and the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, with the investigation leading to the charges.
He also thanked the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura; the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II; the Rockaway Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Martin McParland; and special agents of the ATF, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson in Newark for their assistance.
This investigation was part of the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), which was formed in August 2017 to combat violent crime in and around Newark. Federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals, Newark Department of Public Safety, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Essex County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Parole Board, Union County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, N.J. Department of Corrections, East Orange Police Department, and Irvington Police Department.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather K. Suchorsky of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.
This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
DEFENDANT
AGE
CHARGES
POTENTIAL PENALTIES
Edward Williams, a/k/a “Fadia,”
51
Conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin
10 year mandatory minimum; up to life
Wali Duncan, a/k/a “Haneef Toler,” a/k/a “Remix,” a/k/a “Black Ass,”
37
Conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin
10 year mandatory minimum; up to life
Rahim Jackson, a/k/a “Rah,”
43
Conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin
10 year mandatory minimum; up to life
Arthur Hardy, a/k/a “Art,”
41
Conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin
10 year mandatory minimum; up to life
Tieshorn Fletcher, a/k/a “X,” a/k/a “Fat Boy,”
37
Conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin
10 year mandatory minimum; up to life
Kareem Collier, a/k/a “Grimey,” a/k/a “Grime,”
41
Conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin
10 year mandatory minimum; up to life
*Fuquan Bunn, a/k/a “G Fu,”
38
Conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin
Distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base10 year mandatory minimum; up to life
20 year maximum
Shyiem Gordon, a/k/a “GT,”
24
Conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin
10 year mandatory minimum; up to life
Michael Graham, a/k/a “Soulman,”
35
Conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin
10 year mandatory minimum; up to life
**Terrell Evans, a/k/a “Rell
30
Conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin
Distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base10 year mandatory minimum; up to life
20 year maximum
*Arraheem Washington
42
Conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin
10 year mandatory minimum; up to life
*Wilfredo P. Jimenez, a/k/a “Pedro Munoz,” a/k/a “Pedro Munoz Almonte,” a/k/a “Carlos Rivera”
47
Conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin
Distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin10 year mandatory minimum; up to life
Five year mandatory minimum; up to 40 years
*Already in custody on separate state charges
**At large
Tuscaloosa Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A Tuscaloosa man who tried to run over a Tuscaloosa police officer was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Marcus Watson.
U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler sentenced DEVONTE JAISHUN TUCKER, 23, Tuscaloosa, to 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Tucker pled guilty in April to one-count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“This sentence comes at a time when we have seen an increase in violence against law enforcement in Alabama,” Town said. “Those who would threaten the life of any member of law enforcement would threaten the life of any member of the community. While Tucker is provided a federal prison bed in which to lay, the rest of us should all stand with the men and women of the badge.”
“Reducing the potential for violent crime in this case was critical due to ATF partnering with our state, local and federal partners,” Watson said.
On November 15, 2018, just after midnight, Tuscaloosa police officer Joshua Smith attempted to stop a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of Creekwood Village Apartments. The unidentified driver obeyed Officer’s Smith’s commands to exit the vehicle when the armed passenger, Tucker, jumped in the driver’s seat. Tucker attempted to run over Officer Smith as he fled the scene in the stolen car. A high speed chase ensued.
Tuscaloosa police officer Jacob Morris was in the area, observed Tucker speeding near Stillman College. Officers Morris and Smith pursued Tucker in a high speed chase on 15th Street and McFarland Boulevard with Tucker reaching speeds near 100 mph. Tucker finally abandoned the stolen vehicle and fled on foot near the Springbrook neighborhood. Although Tucker was armed, Officers Morris and Smith relentlessly pursued Tucker and apprehended him. Tucker was armed with a stolen Hi-Point .45 caliber pistol.
Tucker was sentenced to the statutory maximum of 10 years based on his criminal history. He endangered the life of Officer Joshua Smith, other Tuscaloosa police officers involved in the chase, and innocent lives traveling on Tuscaloosa streets that morning.
ATF investigated the case, which the Assistant United States Attorney Blake Milner prosecuted.
Tucker County man sentenced for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald Allen Poling, of Hambleton, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Poling, age 52, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in March 2019. Poling admitted to selling methamphetamine in December 2017 in Tucker County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Toledo man indicted for allegedly taking cellular phone photos of himself sexually assaulting a 2-year old and another young girlRead the Press Release
A Toledo man was indicted in federal court after he allegedly took cellular phone photos of himself sexually assaulting a 2-year old child and another young girl.
William Robert Collins, 32, was indicted in U.S. District Court on two counts of production of child pornography and one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography.
“This defendant is accused of sexually abusing two very young girls and recording the crimes,” U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said. “The allegations are reprehensible and we will hold this defendant accountable for his crimes.”
"The abuse of a child is incomprehensible,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Individuals, such as Mr. Collins, that choose to engage in the despicable taking and sharing of sexually explicit photos of children will face a court of law. Law enforcement will continue efforts to protect our most precious resource, our children.”
Investigators determined earlier this year that a person using the screen name “biggdikkdaddy” was found to be a member of multiple online groups which shared thousands of images of children, including infants and toddlers, being sexually assaulted, according to court documents.
Subsequent subpoenas revealed the username was registered to William Collins of 633 E. Central Ave. in Toledo. It was determined Collins’ most recent address was 3326 Beaumont Drive in Toledo, according to court documents.
Collins posted numerous sexually explicit images of young girls, as well as images of himself holding his penis. The hand in that photo has unique tattoos with a skull on his left thumb and the word “dilligaf” written on his left hand. Subsequent investigation revealed Collins had tattoos matching the tattoos in the photos, according to court documents.
A federal search warrant was executed at 3326 Beaumont Drive in Toledo on July 10. Collins was present and his cell phone was examined. Investigators found approximately six images of child pornography believed to be produced by Collins. The images are depictions of Collins sexually assaulting a two-year-old and include his hand with the district tattoos, according to court documents.
Collins also sexually assaulted an unidentified female child on November 12, 2018 and created visual depictions of the conduct, according to the indictment.
The investigation is ongoing.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Ballard Tangeman.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Three Charged in Del Rio with Trafficking a Boy Recovered in San AntonioRead the Press Release
In Del Rio this morning, federal authorities filed two criminal complaints charging three individuals for their roles in a human trafficking scheme involving a male child, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden.
Elida Kassandra Moreno, a 26-year-old American citizen residing in Piedras Negras, Mexico, is charge by complaint with bringing an illegal alien into the U.S. for profit and false statement to a federal agent. Moreno, Victor Manuel Monsivais, age 65 of San Antonio, and Nery Uriostegui Dominguez, a 26-year-old resident of Mexico, are charged in a separate complaint with conspiracy to transport an illegal alien.
According to the complaints, Zavala County Sheriff’s deputies, acting on law enforcement information they received and a request for assistance, executed a traffic stop yesterday in Batesville, TX, on a vehicle occupied by Moreno. Moreno was taken to the HSI office in Eagle Pass for questioning. While being questioned, Moreno told investigators she was approached by a friend’s neighbor in Piedras Negras to transport a boy to his family in San Antonio while using her own son’s birth certificate in exchange for $1,700. Moreno and the child crossed into the U.S. through Eagle Pass, rented a hotel room in Eagle Pass, then took a shuttle van the next day to San Antonio.
While in San Antonio, Moreno claims the friend’s neighbor told her to meet Uriostegui at Santa Rosa Park, collect $2,500 from him and deliver the child. Subsequently, Moreno said her friend’s neighbor told her not to hand over the child and a struggle between Moreno and Uriostegui ensued. SAPD officers arrived at the scene and took Uriostegui into custody. Moreno subsequently, at her friend’s neighbor’s bidding, met her father, Monsivais, at a truck stop on I-35 South in San Antonio and delivered the child to him.
Last night, HSI agents received information that Monsivais and the child would soon be at a location near Military Dr. and Goliad in San Antonio. When Monsivais arrived, HSI agents arrested him and took custody of the child.
Upon conviction, the defendants face up to ten years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine on the conspiracy charge. Moreno also faces up to ten years in federal prison for bringing an illegal alien into the U.S. for profit and up to five years in federal prison for making a false statement to a federal official upon conviction.
This continuing investigation is being conducted by HSI together with the San Antonio Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Banister is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
It is important to note that a complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Third Member of Cocaine Conspiracy SentencedRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Timothy Hotchkiss, 30, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 10 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Hotchkiss pleaded guilty to this charge on May 14, 2019.
Hotchkiss was charged along with 11 other individuals for participating in a cocaine distribution scheme. The investigation revealed that Gregory Smith mailed packages containing cocaine from Houston, Texas, to Joseph Harper in Madison. Postal records from November 2017 to November 2018 showed 32 packages mailed from Smith to addresses in Wisconsin or Iowa associated with Harper. Based on witness statements and multiple cocaine seizures in the case, agents learned that each of the packages contained between a half kilogram and one kilogram of cocaine.
Intercepted communications during the wiretap investigation revealed that Hotchkiss was a highly trusted confidant of Harper and also a frequent cocaine customer. Surveillance showed that Hotchkiss regularly visited Harper at his cocaine stash house in Madison after the arrival of a suspected cocaine package. In addition, Hotchkiss would pool money with Harper in order receive larger shipments of cocaine from Smith. Hotchkiss also assisted Harper with travel arrangements to visit Smith in Houston.
In addition to Smith, Harper, and Hotchkiss, seven other defendants have pleaded guilty in the case. Earlier this month, Judge Conley sentenced Harper to 12 years in prison and Smith to 11 years in prison for their respective roles in the conspiracy.
The charge against Hotchkiss is the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation was conducted and funded by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a multi-agency task force that coordinates long-term narcotics trafficking investigations. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Texas Deputy Sheriff Arrested for Cyberstalking MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A law enforcement officer from Texas has been charged in federal court in Worcester for cyberstalking a minor female residing in Worcester County.
Pasquale T. Salas, 25, a/k/a Gino, a deputy sheriff with the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office, was arrested in Bay City, Texas, this morning. He will appear in federal court in the Southern District of Texas tomorrow and will appear in federal court in Worcester at a later date.
According to the charging document, Salas met the victim through an online video game website in 2014, when the minor was 12 years old. Salas and the girl communicated on a private chat room and then moved those communications to various other platforms, including text messaging, Skype and Snapchat. Salas repeatedly solicited the minor to transmit sexually explicit images and videos of herself.
Beginning as early as 2016, it is alleged that Salas intimidated the victim into maintaining contact with him and sending additional sexually explicit material by threatening that he would publish the minor’s sexually explicit images and videos to her family and her friends. As recently as May 2019, when the victim attempted to terminate contact with Salas, he repeatedly sent threatening communications to the victim, using web-based applications to disguise the source of the communications.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns, or information about this case should contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 617-748-3274.
The charge of cyberstalking carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Douglas Police Chief Nick Miglionico made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Houston Field Office, the Matagorda (Texas) County Sheriff’s Office, and the Worcester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto from Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Sumner County Man Sentenced for Impersonating an FBI AgentRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Sumner County man was sentenced today to serve a year on probation and pay a $1,000 fine for trying to get out of a traffic ticket by pretending to be an FBI agent, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jarrod M. Andra, 36, Milan, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of impersonating an agent. In his plea, he admitted that on Nov. 30, 2018, he was stopped for speeding in Sumner County by a Sumner County Sheriff’s Deputy. Andra claimed he was a special agent for the FBI and presented what appeared to be an FBI identification card with his photo.
McAllister commended the FBI, the Sumner County Sheriff’s Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.
Sulphur Springs Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Gregory Jobe, age 31, was sentenced today to 180 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of Distribution of Heroin. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, on September 4, 2018, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a medical emergency at a residence in Garfield, Arkansas. Deputies and the Fire Department arrived and found an unresponsive individual who later died at a local hospital. A family member of the deceased advised investigators that “black tar” heroin and methamphetamine was present in the residence and identified Jobe as the source of the drugs. Additionally, the family member stated that Jobe had distributed heroin to the deceased on September 4, 2018. On September 5, 2018, officers arrested Jobe at his residence and seized heroin and methamphetamine from the bedroom he shared with his son.
Jobe was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2018 and entered a guilty plea in March 2019.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
St. Francis Man Sentenced for Assault with a Dangerous WeaponRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on July 30, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Sylvan White Hat, Jr., a/k/a Bud White Hat, age 38, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
White Hat was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 13, 2018. He pled guilty on July 25, 2018.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on October 16, 2017. On that date, White Hat was intoxicated and went to the victim’s home in St. Francis, demanding to talk to the victim’s niece. When told the niece was not present, White Hat became aggravated and repeatedly punched the victim and kicked him in the face with shod feet. White Hat was previously employed as a police officer with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services from 2009 to 2015.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
White Hat was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Springfield man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for narcotics offenses related to his involvement in a drug trafficking organization that trafficked heroin and crack cocaine from Massachusetts to Vermont.
Oscar Rosario, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to four years in prison and four years of supervised release. In May 2019, Rosario pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine, and two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine.
Rosario and seven others were charged in a superseding indictment on Dec. 21, 2018. Co-defendants Dinelson Dinzey, 35, Joshua Foster, 41, Tracy Parsons, 46, Jamieson Gallas, 37, and Amanda Atkins, 35, all of Barre, VT., have pleaded guilty to related narcotics and money laundering charges. Co-defendants Nia Moore-Bush, a/k/a Nia Dinzey, 28, and Daphne Moore, 55, of Springfield, have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial. Luis Niko Santos, 24, also of Springfield, remains a fugitive.
According to court documents, Moore-Bush and Dinzey obtained narcotics in the Springfield area, transported the drugs to Vermont themselves or via couriers, and distributed the drugs in the Barre area, where drug prices are much higher than in Springfield. Rosario pleaded guilty to supplying Moore-Bush and Dinzey with heroin, including on two specific dates: Nov. 17, 2017, and Dec. 8, 2017.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New England Field Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Internal Revenue Services, Criminal Investigations, Boston Field Office, the ATF’s Burlington (VT) Field Office, the Massachusetts State Police, the Vermont State Police, and the Montpelier and Barre (VT) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katharine A. Wagner of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Harman Burkart of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota woman convicted of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine was sentenced on July 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Dixie Leigh Murphy, age 42, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Murphy was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on November 6, 2018. She pled guilty on April 30, 2019.
Murphy received several pounds of methamphetamine from co-conspirators that she distributed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Murphy was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Schuylkill County Man Sentenced to 20 Years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anibal Luis Rodriguez, age 28, who resided in Pottsville, Reading, and Allentown during the time of the offense, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to 20 years’ imprisonment for participating in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the defendant previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine between July 2016 and May 2017.
Judge Mariani explained that he imposed the sentence because of the nature and extent of the drug trafficking operation headed by Rodriguez, including the torture of a woman who was held captive by members of the conspiracy for three days in a shed located on a co-conspirator’s property.
Judge Mariani also ordered Rodriguez to serve five years on supervised release following his prison sentence.
Rodriguez was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2017, as a result of an investigation by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators from the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Schuylkill County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
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Saint Francis Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Saint Francis, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting a Federal Officer was sentenced on July 30, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Myron Night Shield, age 34, was sentenced to 22 months and 15 days in custody, 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Night Shield was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 17, 2017. He pled guilty on May 3, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on September 9, 2017, when law enforcement was called to Night Shield’s residence due to Night Shield heavily drinking and not taking his medication. Night Shield was ultimately placed under arrest and began shouting death threats at the officer. When the officer and Night Shield got to the patrol car, Night Shield turned toward the officer, and spit in his face.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Night Shield was released upon sentencing.
SCDC Prisoner Sentenced to Consecutive Federal Prison Term for Role in Sextortion SchemeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Jimmy Dunbar, Jr., age 37, of Bishopville, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and extortion.
Evidence presented to the court showed that Dunbar was involved in a scheme to extort and defraud Department of Defense service members. During the course of the scheme, Dunbar posed as females on a dating app and began communicating with service members. Posing as the females, Dunbar sent nude photographs of young females to the service members and solicited nude photographs in exchange. Dunbar then posed as the females’ father, claiming that the service member was in possession of child pornography and threatening to have him arrested if he did not pay money. The service member then transferred funds electronically to Dunbar’s associates. Dunbar utilized money mules, including a codefendant, who would receive the extorted funds via wire transfer directly from the service members, then transfer the money to Dunbar and other inmates. From September 2016 to January 2017, Dunbar received approximately $29,598.00 in extorted funds, which investigators traced to at least 17 victims. At the time of the scheme, Dunbar was serving a 30-year sentence for murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and arson at the Lee Correctional Facility.
United States District Judge David C. Norton of Charleston sentenced Dunbar to a total of 46 months in federal prison, to be served consecutive to the 30-year state sentence he is currently serving. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Services, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Services, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command, United States Marshals Service, South Carolina Department of Corrections, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Limehouse of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Rosebud Man Indicted on Sexual Abuse and Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
John Larvie, age 29, was indicted on June 11, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 30, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on November 20, 2018, Larvie knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a victim by use of force and assaulted the victim with shod feet, with the intent to do bodily harm.
The charges are merely accusations and Larvie is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Larvie was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Raytown Man Sentenced to 19 Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Raytown, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for drug trafficking.
Dusty A. McSparran, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 19 years and six months in federal prison without parole.
On Nov. 6, 2017, McSparran pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Independence, Mo., police officers saw McSparran driving a stolen GMC Acadia at a high rate of speed on Sept. 28, 2016. The officers activated their emergency lights and pursued the vehicle, which did not pull over but continued at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour throughout the city. Officers pursued the vehicle to a parking lot near U.S. 24 Highway and Bennington Avenue in Independence. McSparran jumped out of the driver’s seat and began running. Officers pursued McSparran on foot, deploying their Taser in order to stop McSparran and place him under arrest.
After arresting McSparran, officers found a small black bag in his front pocket that contained 2.5 grams of methamphetamine. Officers found a digital scale and a piece of paper that contained 2.5 grams of methamphetamine inside the vehicle. Officers also found a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol between the driver’s seat and the center console of the vehicle.
On June 26, 2017, a confidential law enforcement source made a controlled purchase of approximately seven grams of methamphetamine from McSparran, who was under court supervision, at his residence. Officers executed a search warrant at McSparran’s residence and found a loaded Jimenez Arms 9mm handgun with a defaced and obliterated serial number, a Hi-Point 9mm rifle, and various rounds of ammunition. According to court documents, the firearms were stolen during a home invasion.
Following McSparran’s detention and preliminary hearings at the Charles Evans Whittaker Courthouse on July 5, 2017, he was taken back to one of the holding cells. He immediately approached another detainee, and began physically assaulting him by striking and beating him. McSparran was removed from the cell and relocated to another cell. While in custody on this case, McSparran was found in possession of a metal shank, engaged in multiple fights, and assaulted a corrections officer.
McSparran has 45 prior convictions, including 11 felony convictions involving property damage, conspiracy to defraud the United States, driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest, domestic assault, and possessing controlled substances.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
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.Rapid City Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender was sentenced on July 30, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Kameron Lamont Jackson, age 26, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Jackson was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 14, 2018. He pled guilty on May 9, 2019.
Jackson was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in October 2013. As a result of this conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and to update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment. Between October 3, 2018, and November 14, 2018, Jackson failed to register and update his registration.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore prosecuted the case.
Jackson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Randolph County woman sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Christine Kay Woods, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Woods, age 58, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute More than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine” in January 2019. Woods admitted to distributing more than five grams of methamphetamine in Randolph County from the fall of 2016 to July 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Elkins Police Department investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Plainville Electrical Contractor Admits Stealing More Than $3.3 Million from EmployeesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LEE FERGUSON, 62, of Farmington, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of money laundering stemming from a scheme in which he stole more than $3.3 million from his employees.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Ferguson owns and operates Ferguson Electric and Ferguson Mechanical, both headquartered in Plainville. Between approximately 2013 and 2017, Ferguson caused to be deducted approximately $1.60 to $3.15 per hour from each of his employee’s fringe benefits package as a “third party administrator fee” for the employees’ pension plans. Ferguson knew that the funds were not used to cover any administrative fees for the employees’ pension plans. Instead, this “third party administrator fee” was paid over to TPA of Connecticut, a company that Ferguson established and controlled. TPA of Connecticut, in turn, sent the monies to DJS Associates, a Florida company that Ferguson formed for the purported purpose of performing business-consulting services for him and his companies. However, no such services were performed and Ferguson used the funds for personal expenses.
Through this scheme, Ferguson stole a total of $3,357,516 from more than 300 employees.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for October 24, 2019, at which time Ferguson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Ferguson is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Pine Ridge Woman Sentenced to 10 Years for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Dawn Rose Dowty, age 29, was sentenced on July 29, 2019, to 10 years in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Dowty was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2018. The charge related to Dowty and at least one other person distributing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota and elsewhere between 2012 and 2018.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Task Force, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Nelson prosecuted the case. Additional co-conspirators are pending trial.
Dowty was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Prison for Escape from CustodyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Robert Little, age 35, was sentenced on July 29, 2019, to 5 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Little was found guilty of the charge following a federal jury trial in Rapid City on April 17, 2019. Evidence at trial established that Little failed to arrive at the Community Education Center facility in Rapid City on February 6, 2019, which was the time and place designated by the United States Bureau of Prisons upon his release from their facility.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama prosecuted the case.
Little was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pierre Woman Indicted on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Melissa Jean Scull, age 38, was indicted on July 16, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 29, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory 5 years up to 40 years in prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between February 1, 2019 and July 16, 2019, Scull did knowingly and intentionally, combine, conspire, confederate, and agree with persons known and unknown, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more methamphetamine. Further, on June 23, 2019, a traffic stop was conducted wherein 236 grams of methamphetamine were located in the vehicle.
The charge is merely an accusation and Scull is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Scull was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Pierre Man Sentenced on Fentanyl ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pierre, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on July 30, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Darrell Hamann, age 25, was sentenced to 8 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, a fine in the amount of $1,000, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Hamann was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 12, 2019. He pled guilty on May 14, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from a conspiracy that occurred between September 1, 2018 and September 5, 2018, wherein Hamann knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. The fentanyl distribution resulted in the individual using the fentanyl needing emergency medical care, including two doses of Narcan.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Pierre Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Hamann was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Owner of High-End Wine Storage Facility Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzling from His CustomersRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake today sentenced William Lamont Holder, age 54, of Hanover, Maryland, to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for stealing between $550,000 and $1.5 million worth of wine from his clients, primarily private collectors and commercial establishments. Judge Blake also ordered that Holder pay restitution of $1.5 million.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare.
According to his plea agreement, William Lamont Holder was the sole owner and operator of Safe Harbour Wine Storage, LLC (“Safe Harbour”). Through Safe Harbour, Holder stored and transported upscale wines for private collectors and commercial establishments. In return for a monthly fee, Holder would arrange for the transportation of a customer’s wine to Safe Harbour’s storage facility in Glen Burnie, Maryland, where it would be inventoried and stored. Holder did not possess a license to sell wine in the State of Maryland.
From January 2013 through December 2017, Holder developed a scheme to obtain payments and wine from the customers of Safe Harbour for his own personal financial gain. Unbeknownst to his customers, he offered their wine for sale to wine retailers and brokers around the country, including in Napa, California, all the while continuing to collect the customers’ monthly storage fees and accept additional wine for storage.
Holder represented to potential third-party buyers that he was the lawful owner of the wine that he was offering to sell. By e-mail and facsimile, he sent them lists of bottles of wine stored in his warehouse with detailed descriptions of the winery, vintage, and asking price. After the buyers selected the bottles they wanted to purchase, Holder boxed and shipped the wine, and sent his bank account information. After inspecting the shipment of wine, the buyers would either wire the money directly into Holder’s bank account or send a check. Holder kept the proceeds from the sales and spent it on personal expenses.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Anne Arundel County Police Department for their work in this investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Martin Clarke, who prosecuted the federal case.
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Norris Man Sentenced for Assault, Failure to Appear, and Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Norris, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Failure to Appear, and Distribution of a Controlled Substance, was sentenced on July 29, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Brandon Jones, age 25, was sentenced to a total of 36 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, $300 in restitution, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $300.
Jones was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 14, 2017 for the Assault charge, August 13, 2018, for the Failure to Appear Charge, and on January 23, 2019, for the Distribution charge. He pled guilty to all three charges on March 5, 2019.
The Assault conviction stemmed from an incident on May 6, 2017, when Jones was driving under the influence of methamphetamine at speeds of 100 miles per hour or more, and rear-ended another vehicle causing serious bodily injury to three individuals in the vehicle.
The Failure to Appear conviction stemmed from an incident July 16, 2018, when Jones was summoned to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno for a scheduled hearing for his Assault charge and failed to appear for the court as directed.
The Distribution conviction stemmed from an incident on September 10, 2018, when Jones sold 2.1 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Jones was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
New Haven Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDRE JOHNSON, also known as “Cuzz Crip” and “Cuzzy Blue,” 30, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 28, 2019, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of a handgun an extended magazine from Johnson in exchange for $900. After the transaction, investigators seized a Taurus model PT 24/7 Pro DS 9mm, a loaded extended magazine and a loaded standard magazine that Johnson transferred during the purchase.
Johnson’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for illegal possession of an assault weapon and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Johnson has been detained since his arrest on April 11, 2019.
Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for October 23, 2019, at which time Johnson faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Haven Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter D. Markle and Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Montgomery Felon Sentenced to Prison for Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A convicted felon from Montgomery, West Virginia, who was caught in possession of a firearm was sentenced today to 33 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Timothy Gibbs II, 29, previously entered a guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the South Charleston Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
On March 13, 2018, officers responded to a call regarding a man who had been shot in the back. After a thorough investigation, officers were able to determine that the shooter was Timothy Gibbs II. Gibbs had previously been convicted of forgery in Kanawha County, West Virginia, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Assistant United States Attorney Alex Hamner and former Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis handled the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence.
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.
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Mission Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on July 30, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Shelbyjo Two Eagle, a/k/a Shelbyjo Larvie, age 24, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, 4 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Two Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 11, 2018. She pled guilty on May 3, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident beginning on December 1, 2017, and continuing through December 11, 2018, wherein Two Eagle conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
Two Eagle was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Minnesota Man Sentenced for Possession of an Unregistered FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Houston, Minnesota, man convicted of Possession of an Unregistered Firearm was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Jacob Jurisch, age 32, was sentenced on July 26, 2019, to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He was also ordered to forfeit a firearm.
Jurisch was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2019. The charge related to Jurisch being a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by law enforcement in Rapid City on November 17, 2019, while in possession of a shotgun that he knew was stolen.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.
Jurisch was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Consuelo Azeneth Garcia Lopez, 39, a legal permanent resident in the United States from Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 60 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Orleans Field Division.
On September 27, 2016, Garcia Lopez was traveling eastbound on Interstate 10 when she was pulled over for a traffic violation by a Gulfport Police Detective. She informed the officer that she was tired, having driven all day, but could not give a location to where she was traveling. Instead, she said she would be told where to go when she arrived in Alabama. The officer learned that Garcia Lopez had several border crossings into and out of Mexico. The officer asked and obtained consent to search the vehicle and located almost 5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine hidden in the vehicle.
Garcia Lopez was legally in the country but is not a U.S. citizen. She pled guilty on April 30, 2019 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Gulfport Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Almost 6 Years in Federal Prison for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Jose Ramon Romero Deloera, 24, a legal permanent resident in the United States from Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 70 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On December 3, 2018, after negotiating a sale of heroin, Deloera was arrested when he traveled to Gulfport to deliver the drugs. The heroin was located under the rear floor mat of Deloera’s vehicle. There were seven taped bundles each weighing more than a pound. A DEA laboratory confirmed that the packages contained approximately 3.5 kilograms of heroin.
Deloera pled guilty on April 19, 2019 to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Meth Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Gerald Dewayne Griffin, 42, of Mesa, Arizona, was sentenced today in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine ice. Griffin pled guilty to the charge in January of 2019.
United States District Court Judge William H. Steele sentenced Griffin to 105 months imprisonment, to be followed by a supervised release term of five years. During his imprisonment, Griffin will undergo drug abuse counseling and treatment. After he is released under supervision, the judge ordered that Griffin will continue drug abuse counseling and treatment. No fine was imposed, but Griffin was ordered to pay the $100 mandatory special assessment.
The case was investigated by the MCSENT Task Force, the Mobile Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.
Men from Shaker Heights and Cleveland indicted for using a firearm while robbing a bank in Richmond HeightsRead the Press Release
Two men from Northeast Ohio were indicted in federal court for using a firearm while robbing a bank in Richmond Heights last year.
I’ziah Clark, 20, of Shaker Heights, and Joseph Kyle Sanders, 19, of Cleveland, were both indicted on one count of armed bank robbery and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence.
Clark and Sanders used a firearm on June 1, 2018, when they robbed the Citizens Bank at 690 Richmond Road in Richmond Heights, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by FBI and Richmond Heights Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Maryland man sentenced for falsifying firearms dealer recordsRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jarrud Michael Dixon, of New Market, Maryland, was sentenced today to one year probation for falsifying a record during a gun purchase, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dixon, age 29, made a false statement on a firearms transaction record to purchase a .223 caliber pistol and an A-15 assault rifle in March 2014. He pled guilty to one count of “False Statement in Firearms Dealer Records” in February 2016.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.