Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Tuesday 11 June 2019
Federal Judge Hands Down 7.5 Year Sentence to Valdese, N.C. Man on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger sentenced today Christopher Eric Alexander, 42, of Valdese, N.C. to 90 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for receiving child pornography, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Judge Reidinger also ordered Alexander to register as a sex offender following his release from prison.
U.S. Attorney Murray is joined in making today’s announcement by John Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division.
According to court documents and information introduced at the sentencing hearing, law enforcement became aware that an individual in Burke County, later identified as Alexander, was using a file sharing website to receive child pornography. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement determined that between May 24, 2017, and April 15, 2018, Alexander received and possessed a total of 34 videos and 419 images of child pornography, some of which depicted prepubescent minors engaging in sadistic and masochistic conduct with adults. Alexander also admitted distributing child pornography through the file sharing service.
On October 5, 2018, Alexander pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography. He is currently in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a facility. Federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
The investigation was handled by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Father and Son Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Violent CarjackingsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore today sentenced Anthony Phillips III (18, Tampa) to 20 years in federal prison for two counts of carjacking and two counts of brandishing firearms in furtherance of carjacking, which he committed with his father, Anthony Phillips, Jr., in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Phillips III had pleaded guilty on March 14, 2019.
According to court documents, in each of the carjackings, the defendants held firearms against the heads or chests of their victims. In the first carjacking, committed on New Year’s Day in 2018, in Tampa, the defendants stripped and pistol whipped the victim, and threatened to harm his family if he reported the incident to law enforcement. In the second carjacking, committed two days later, in St. Petersburg, the defendants and two others took a vehicle from a pediatrician’s parking lot in broad daylight. During the incident, the assailants pressed firearms against the chests of two parents, who successfully begged for the return of their one-year-old infant that was still in the vehicle. Later that day, as United States Marshals deputies arrested the defendants, they attempted a forceful escape.
Anthony Phillips, Jr. (39, Tampa) pleaded guilty on July 16, 2018, to two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a carjacking. He was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment on March 12, 2019.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Natalie Hirt Adams.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Escape from Federal Custody Results in ConvictionRead the Press Release
A man who escaped from custody while serving a federal sentence in the Gerald R. Hinzman Center pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Ramius Hardiman, age 26, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of escape from federal custody.
In a plea agreement, Hardiman admitted that he was in federal custody at the Gerald R. Hinzman Center pursuant to a federal court order issued in a 2013 federal firearm case beginning on October 23, 2018. On November 15, 2018, Hardiman escaped from custody by signing out of the facility and failing to return. Hardiman was ultimately arrested by the North Liberty Police Department on January 9, 2019.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Hardiman remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Hardiman faces a possible maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Reinert and was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, the Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force, with the assistance of the North Liberty, Iowa, Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-00050.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Erie Felon Charged with Violating Federal Fireams LawsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count indictment named Charles L. McIntosh, 25, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, in and around April 2019, McIntosh possessed two firearms while being a convicted felon.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
This case is being 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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
El Departamento de Justicia Resuelve una Denuncia Contra una Empresa Agrícola Que Cultiva Fresas por Discriminar a Trabajadores en Este PaísRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy que ha llegado a un acuerdo con Sam Williamson Farms, Inc. («SWF»), una empresa agrícola que cultiva fresas en Dover, Florida. Este acuerdo resuelve la investigación del Departamento para determinar si SWF vulneró la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad («INA», por sus siglas en inglés) al preferir contratar a individuos con visas H-2A para cosechar su cosecha de fresas en vez de a trabajadores en este país. Este es el séptimo acuerdo bajo la Iniciativa para la Protección de los Trabajadores en los EE. UU., de la División de Derechos Civiles, cuya meta es enfocarse en investigar y tomar medidas de ejecución contra empresas que discriminan a trabajadores en este país a favor de trabajadores con visas temporales.
La investigación independiente del Departamento concluyó que a finales de la temporada de recogida de fresas del 2016-2017, SWF informó a sus trabajadores existentes en este país que la próxima temporada usarían a trabajadores con visa H-2A de un contratista de trabajos agrícolas para cosechar sus fresas, y empleó a un contratista de trabajo agrícolas con el fin expreso de obtener a trabajadores con visa H-2A. Al final, aquellos puestos como recogedor de fresas fueron ocupados por 300 trabajadores con visa H-2A y no por trabajadores en este país. El negarse a reclutar o a contratar a trabajadores disponibles y cualificados en este país por motivos de su estatus de ciudadanía vulnera la INA.
«Mientras que los trabajadores con visa H-2A pueden proporcionar a los empleadores la mano de obra necesaria cuando no hay suficientes trabajadores interesados en este país, los empleadores no pueden disuadir o pasar por alto a trabajadores cualificados y disponibles en este país por motivos de su estatus de ciudadanía. Este acuerdo refleja el compromiso continuo de la División de Derechos Civiles a proteger a los trabajadores en este país de la discriminación», afirmó el Fiscal General Auxiliar, Eric Dreiband, de la División de Derechos Civiles.
Conforme el acuerdo, SWF pagará $60.000 en sanciones civiles a los Estados Unidos, pagará hasta $85.000 en pagos retroactivos a trabajadores elegibles en este país y mejorará sus esfuerzos de publicidad y reclutamiento por atraer a trabajadores en este país para futuros puestos. Asimismo, el acuerdo requiere que SWF capacite a sus empleados en cuanto a los requisitos de la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA y que se someta a los requisitos del Departamento de supervisión.
En virtud de la Iniciativa para la Protección de los Trabajadores en los EE. UU., la División de Derechos Civiles ha iniciado decenas de investigaciones, presentado un pleito y llegado a acuerdos con siete empleadores. Desde la incepción de la Iniciativa, los empleadores han acordado pagar o han distribuido más de $1,1 millones en pagos retroactivos a trabajadores afectados en este país y sanciones civiles a los Estados Unidos. La División también ha aumentado su nivel de colaboración con otras agencias federales para combatir la discriminación y abusos por parte de empleadores que usan a trabajadores temporales con visa.
La Sección de Derechos de Inmigrantes y Empleados (IER, por sus siglas en inglés) de la División es responsable de aplicar la disposición antidiscriminatoria de la INA. Entre otras cosas, esta ley prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de estatus de ciudadanía o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión; prácticas documentales injustas; y represalias y la intimidación.
Para más información sobre protecciones contra la discriminación en el empleo en virtud de las leyes migratorias, llame a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores al 1‑800‑255-7688 (1‑800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); llame a la línea directa de la IER para empleadores al 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY para personas con discapacidades auditivas); inscríbase a un seminario en línea gratuito; mande un correo electrónico a [email protected] o visite la página web de la IER en inglés o español. Para recibir las últimas noticias de la IER, inscríbase a GovDelivery.
Aquellos postulantes o empleados que creen haber sido víctimas de discriminación por motivos de su ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen en los procesos de contratación, despido o reclutamiento o recomendación por comisión en el proceso de la verificación de la elegibilidad para trabajar (Formulario I-9 e E-Verify) con base en su ciudadanía, estatus migratorio o nacionalidad de origen; o represalias pueden presentar una denuncia o llamar a la línea directa de la IER para trabajadores para pedir ayuda.
Dominican and Puerto Rican Men Arrested for Immigration Offenses, Following Apprehension in USVI Territorial WatersRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Eduardo Javier Reyes of the Dominican Republic and Arturo Serrano Arizmendi of Puerto Rico appeared Monday, June 10th before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for an initial appearance after their arrest on Saturday for immigration related offenses, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to court records, Customs and Border Protection interdicted a vessel traveling from St. Thomas towards Savannah Islands on Friday evening without navigational lights. On board the vessel were the captain, Arturo Serrano Arizmendi, and the five illegal aliens, identified as Eduardo J. Reyes, Elaine de Moura, Viener Dos Santos, Cairo G. Ferreira, and Ronaldo Alves. Arizmendi was charged with transporting illegal aliens; Reyes and de Moura with entering the United States without inspection; and Santos, Ferreira and Alves with reentering the United States after prior deportations.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney Remind the Public to Be Aware of Fraud When Disaster Strikes and Report it to the National Center for Disaster FraudRead the Press Release
As severe weather continues across the United States and this year’s hurricane season begins, the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney Trent Shores remind the public to be on the lookout for fraud against natural disaster victims and to report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF).
“Committing fraud against natural disaster victims is an inexcusable crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen. “It is important for people to be on the lookout for fraudsters who seek to profit from natural disasters through identity theft schemes and solicitations for fake charities. The Department of Justice is committed to detecting this type of fraud, and we will aggressively prosecute the offenders. Through our National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to keep Americans from becoming victims of these schemes.”
“In Oklahoma, ten counties were recently approved to receive federal disaster assistance due to the severe weather and flooding that began in May,” said U.S. Attorney Shores. “As Oklahomans recover and rebuild, they should be wary of fraudsters and con artists who would seek to exploit victims of this extreme weather season. I strongly encourage the public to contact the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721 to report any instances of fraud.”
The Department of Justice established the NCDF in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region, which opened opportunities for criminals to exploit people during vulnerable times. The NCDF, a national coordinating agency within the Department’s Criminal Division, operates a call center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and information relating to both natural and man-made disasters. The NCDF seeks to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of such fraud. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows them to forward on complaints to the appropriate agency for investigation.
Numerous U.S. Attorneys’ offices in districts impacted by hurricanes have established task forces comprised of local, state and federal agencies in their respective areas to combat disaster fraud.
"The Department of Justice and the NCDF is committed to ensuring each report of disaster fraud reaches the appropriate investigative agency. Do not let disaster strike twice. Report suspected disaster fraud to the NCDF, which has an excellent staff of investigators, analysts, call center operators, and managers who are well prepared to handle the anticipated volume of complaints during hurricane season,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin for the Middle District of Louisiana, who is also the NCDF’s Executive Director.
Eighteen major disaster declarations have already been declared in 2019 for events including recent storms, tornadoes, and flooding across the Midwest; Typhoon Wutip in Guam; and severe winter storms and mudslides in Oregon, California. Unfortunately, and inevitably, natural and man-made disasters will continue to occur across our great nation. These terrible and often tragic events leave many people without food, water, or shelter, and often cause devastating damage to life and property. Nevertheless, there are criminals ready to take advantage of victims before, during, and especially after a natural disaster. They are looking to strike those at their most vulnerable time.
While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need. Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include:
- Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials;
- Identity theft;
- Fraudulent submission of claims to insurance companies and the federal government;
- Fraudulent activity related to solicitations for donations and charitable giving;
- Fraudulent activity related to individuals and organizations promising high investment returns via profits from recovery and cleanup efforts;
- Price gouging;
- Contractor Fraud;
- Debris removal fraud;
- Theft, looting, and other violent crime
Members of the public are reminded to be extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster. They are also reminded to report suspected waste, fraud, abuse, or allegations of criminal conduct. If members of the public believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, they are strongly encouraged to contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free by phone at (866) 720-5721, email at [email protected], or fax at (225) 334-4707. The telephone line is staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To learn more about the NCDF please visit the website at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement.
Department of Justice Reminds the Public to be Aware of Fraud When Disaster Strikes and Report it to the National Center for Disaster FraudRead the Press Release
As the 2019 hurricane season begins, the Department of Justice reminds the public to be on the lookout for fraud against natural disaster victims, and report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF). The Atlantic Hurricane Season opened June 1 and runs through November 30.
“Committing fraud against natural disaster victims is an inexcusable crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen. “It is important for people to be on the lookout for fraudsters who seek to profit from natural disasters through identity theft schemes and solicitations for fake charities. The Department of Justice is committed to detecting this type of fraud, and we will aggressively prosecute the offenders. Through our National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to keep Americans from becoming victims of these schemes.”
The Department of Justice established the NCDF in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region, which opened opportunities for criminals to exploit people during vulnerable times. The NCDF, a national coordinating agency within the Department’s Criminal Division, operates a call center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and information relating to both natural and man-made disasters. The NCDF seeks to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of such fraud. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows them to forward on complaints to the appropriate agency for investigation.
Numerous U.S. Attorneys’ offices in districts impacted by recent hurricanes have established task forces comprised of local, state and federal agencies in their respective areas to combat disaster fraud.
"The Department of Justice and the NCDF is committed to ensuring each report of disaster fraud reaches the appropriate investigative agency. Do not let disaster strike twice. Report suspected disaster fraud to the NCDF, which has an excellent staff of investigators, analysts, call center operators, and managers who are well prepared to handle the anticipated volume of complaints during hurricane season,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin for the Middle District of Louisiana, who is also the NCDF’s Executive Director.
Eighteen major disaster declarations have already been declared in 2019 for events including recent storms, tornadoes, and flooding across the Midwest; Typhoon Wutip in Guam; and severe winter storms and mudslides in Oregon, California. Unfortunately, and inevitably, natural and man-made disasters will continue to occur across our great nation. These terrible and often tragic events leave many people without food, water, or shelter, and often cause devastating damage to life and property. Nevertheless, there are criminals ready to take advantage of victims before, during, and especially after a natural disaster. They are looking to strike those at their most vulnerable time.
While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need. Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include:
- Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials;
- Identity theft;
- Fraudulent submission of claims to insurance companies and the federal government;
- Fraudulent activity related to solicitations for donations and charitable giving;
- Fraudulent activity related to individuals and organizations promising high investment returns via profits from recovery and cleanup efforts;
- Price gouging;
- Contractor Fraud;
- Debris removal fraud;
- Theft, looting, and other violent crime
Members of the public are reminded to be extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster. They are also reminded to report suspected waste, fraud, abuse, or allegations of criminal conduct. If members of the public believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, they are strongly encouraged to contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free by phone at (866) 720-5721, email at [email protected], or fax at (225) 334-4707. The telephone line is staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To learn more about the NCDF please visit the website at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement.
Department of Justice Reminds the Public to be Aware of Fraud When Disaster Strikes and Report it to the National Center for Disaster FraudRead the Press Release
As the 2019 hurricane season begins, the Department of Justice reminds the public to be on the lookout for fraud against natural disaster victims, and report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF). The Atlantic Hurricane Season opened June 1 and runs through November 30.
“Committing fraud against natural disaster victims is an inexcusable crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen. “It is important for people to be on the lookout for fraudsters who seek to profit from natural disasters through identity theft schemes and solicitations for fake charities. The Department of Justice is committed to detecting this type of fraud, and we will aggressively prosecute the offenders. Through our National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to keep Americans from becoming victims of these schemes.”
The Department of Justice established the NCDF in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region, which opened opportunities for criminals to exploit people during vulnerable times. The NCDF, a national coordinating agency within the Department’s Criminal Division, operates a call center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and information relating to both natural and man-made disasters. The NCDF seeks to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of such fraud. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows them to forward on complaints to the appropriate agency for investigation.
Numerous U.S. Attorneys’ offices in districts impacted by recent hurricanes have established task forces comprised of local, state and federal agencies in their respective areas to combat disaster fraud.
"The Department of Justice and the NCDF is committed to ensuring each report of disaster fraud reaches the appropriate investigative agency. Do not let disaster strike twice. Report suspected disaster fraud to the NCDF, which has an excellent staff of investigators, analysts, call center operators, and managers who are well prepared to handle the anticipated volume of complaints during hurricane season,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin for the Middle District of Louisiana, who is also the NCDF’s Executive Director.
Eighteen major disaster declarations have already been declared in 2019 for events including recent storms, tornadoes, and flooding across the Midwest; Typhoon Wutip in Guam; and severe winter storms and mudslides in Oregon, California. Unfortunately, and inevitably, natural and man-made disasters will continue to occur across our great nation. These terrible and often tragic events leave many people without food, water, or shelter, and often cause devastating damage to life and property. Nevertheless, there are criminals ready to take advantage of victims before, during, and especially after a natural disaster. They are looking to strike those at their most vulnerable time.
While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need. Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include:
- Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials;
- Identity theft;
- Fraudulent submission of claims to insurance companies and the federal government;
- Fraudulent activity related to solicitations for donations and charitable giving;
- Fraudulent activity related to individuals and organizations promising high investment returns via profits from recovery and cleanup efforts;
- Price gouging;
- Contractor Fraud;
- Debris removal fraud;
- Theft, looting, and other violent crime
Members of the public are reminded to be extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster. They are also reminded to report suspected waste, fraud, abuse, or allegations of criminal conduct. If members of the public believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, they are strongly encouraged to contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free by phone at (866) 720-5721, email at [email protected], or fax at (225) 334-4707. The telephone line is staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To learn more about the NCDF please visit the website at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement.
Department of Justice Reminds the Public to be Aware of Fraud When Disaster Strikes and Report It to the National Center for Disaster FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – As the 2019 hurricane season begins, the Department of Justice reminds the public to be on the lookout for fraud against natural disaster victims, and report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF). The Atlantic Hurricane Season opened June 1 and runs through November 30.
“Committing fraud against natural disaster victims is an inexcusable crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen. “It is important for people to be on the lookout for fraudsters who seek to profit from natural disasters through identity theft schemes and solicitations for fake charities. The Department of Justice is committed to detecting this type of fraud, and we will aggressively prosecute the offenders. Through our National Center for Disaster Fraud, and in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we are working to keep Americans from becoming victims of these schemes.”
The Department of Justice established the NCDF in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region, which opened opportunities for criminals to exploit people during vulnerable times. The NCDF, a national coordinating agency within the Department’s Criminal Division, operates a call center at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and serves as a centralized clearinghouse for disaster fraud complaints and information relating to both natural and man-made disasters. The NCDF seeks to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for victims of such fraud. More than 20 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows them to forward on complaints to the appropriate agency for investigation.
Numerous U.S. Attorneys’ offices in districts impacted by recent hurricanes have established task forces comprised of local, state and federal agencies in their respective areas to combat disaster fraud.
"The Department of Justice and the NCDF is committed to ensuring each report of disaster fraud reaches the appropriate investigative agency. Do not let disaster strike twice. Report suspected disaster fraud to the NCDF, which has an excellent staff of investigators, analysts, call center operators, and managers who are well prepared to handle the anticipated volume of complaints during hurricane season,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin for the Middle District of Louisiana, who is also the NCDF’s Executive Director.
Eighteen major disaster declarations have already been declared in 2019 for events including recent storms, tornadoes, and flooding across the Midwest; Typhoon Wutip in Guam; and severe winter storms and mudslides in Oregon, California. Unfortunately, and inevitably, natural and man-made disasters will continue to occur across our great nation. These terrible and often tragic events leave many people without food, water, or shelter, and often cause devastating damage to life and property. Nevertheless, there are criminals ready to take advantage of victims before, during, and especially after a natural disaster. They are looking to strike those at their most vulnerable time.
While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need. Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include:
- Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials;
- Identity theft;
- Fraudulent submission of claims to insurance companies and the federal government;
- Fraudulent activity related to solicitations for donations and charitable giving;
- Fraudulent activity related to individuals and organizations promising high investment returns via profits from recovery and cleanup efforts;
- Price gouging;
- Contractor Fraud;
- Debris removal fraud;
- Theft, looting, and other violent crime
Members of the public are reminded to be extremely cautious before providing personal identifying or financial information to anyone, especially those who may contact you after a natural disaster. They are also reminded to report suspected waste, fraud, abuse, or allegations of criminal conduct. If members of the public believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, they are strongly encouraged to contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free by phone at (866) 720-5721, email at [email protected], or fax at (225) 334-4707. The telephone line is staffed by live operators 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To learn more about the NCDF please visit the website at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud and watch a public service announcement.
# # #
Dauphin County Man Guilty of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Santino Rey Texidor, age 29, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pled guilty yesterday to drug trafficking charges before Magistrate Judge Susan Schwab. Sentencing was deferred pending the preparation of a presentence report.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Texidor pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute over 50 grams of cocaine in Harrisburg in 2015.
This case was part of a joint investigation with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General – Narcotics Investigations and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Robert Smulktis and Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Bloom.
“In the Middle District of Pennsylvania, we are particularly proud of the strong working partnerships that we enjoy with state and local law enforcement. This combined investigation including prosecution assistance from the PA Office of Attorney General once again shows that there are no boundaries when the goal is to remove illegal drugs from our communities and keep our streets safe,” said United States Attorney David J. Freed.
“As Attorney General, I am committed to keeping Pennsylvanians safe and getting dangerous drugs off their streets,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “The defendant was peddling large quantities of cocaine into our communities, threatening the safety of the people of Dauphin County. I’m proud of the strong collaboration between my Office and our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office which resulted in today’s guilty plea.”
A sentence following a finding of guilt will be imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 40 years of imprisonment, a mandatory four year term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a $5,000,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
# # #
Columbia County Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has announced that a Columbia County man pleaded guilty on June 3, 2019 in United States District Court in Williamsport, before United States District Court Judge Matthew W. Brann, to drug distribution resulting in death.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, James Mark Minichella, age 23 of Catawissa, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, knowingly and intentionally distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a controlled substance, heroin, a Schedule I Controlled Substance, and fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, causing the death of another person.
The deadly distribution occurred on or about August 11, 2017 and resulted in the death of a 20-year old man.
The charges stem from a joint investigation involving the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Scranton, and the Pennsylvania State Police - Troop N, Bloomsburg. Prosecution is assigned to United States Attorney Michelle Olshefski.
This case is 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.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. In this case, the maximum penalty under the federal statute for drug distribution resulting in death is life imprisonment and $1,000,000 fine.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
# # #
Cocaine seizure in Augusta raises Savannah port total to more than $53 millionRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Renewed action to scrutinize shipments into the growing Port of Savannah have led to significant recent drug seizures, including two arrests and more than 20 kilos of cocaine seized in a weekend raid at an Augusta warehouse.
Jimmy Alexander Pujols, 35, and Fausto Mendez Ramos, 40, are charged in a federal complaint with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute 5 Kilograms or More of Cocaine and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Kilograms or More of Cocaine after their arrests Friday, June 7, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division commented, “Drug distribution networks moving their loads by sea, often hide their drugs in cargo containers, as was the case in this investigation. This case is a perfect illustration of the battle DEA and its law enforcement counterparts face when trying to prevent dangerous drugs from entering our country and ultimately hitting the streets of our communities. As a result of DEA’s unwavering commitment to protect communities and through the strength of its law enforcement partnerships, this poison never reached its intended users.”
“Identifying and intercepting transnational drug traffickers is one of Homeland Security Investigations’ highest priorities to protect the public from the serious harm these criminals inflict without any regard for the violence and public health damage they cause,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta Nick S. Annan. ”While transnational criminal organizations continually seek vulnerabilities to U.S. border controls, this case illustrates the excellent interagency coordination that exists between federal, state and local law enforcement partners to identify and stop them at the Port of Savannah.”
“This case exemplifies the commitment of CBP’s partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement and other key stakeholders to protect the American public,” said Donald F. Yando, Director of Field Operations for the Atlanta Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree, who has two investigators assigned to the Augusta DEA Task Force, lauded the DEA/RCSO’s continued partnership. “This operation and associated seizures reinforce our commitment to remove dangerous drugs from the streets of Augusta and elsewhere,” Roundtree said.
A criminal complaint contains only charges. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys E. Greg Gilluly Jr. and Marcela Mateo.
Coborn’s Pharmacy to Pay $225,000 for Violations of the Controlled Substances Act Resulting in Theft of OpioidsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica MacDonald today announced that COBORN’S, INCORPORATED d/b/a COBORN’S PHARMACY has agreed to pay $225,000 in civil penalties for allegedly failing to comply with recordkeeping and other requirements of the Controlled Substances Act, which enabled a Coborn’s Pharmacy employee to engage in a years-long pattern of diverting opioids for personal use.
According to the allegations, between 2011 and 2015, COBORN’S PHARMACY did not adequately monitor its employee’s conduct, and failed to keep complete and accurate records regarding the receipt and dispensing of Schedule II controlled substances, including but not limited to oxycodone and hydrocodone. These alleged violations enabled the pharmacist in charge of one of COBORN’S PHARMACY’s retail stores to fabricate nine patient accounts and create numerous false prescriptions that were recorded on COBORN’S PHARMACY’s computerized prescription management system. At the time, COBORN’S PHARMACY’S system did not consistently identify and process cash prescriptions, failing to prevent the diversion that occurred.
Congress enacted the Controlled Substances Act’s recordkeeping and prescribing requirements to prevent the diversion of controlled substances for illegal purposes. As a result of COBORN’S PHARMACY’s alleged actions, hundreds of doses of controlled substances went unaccounted for and were diverted for illicit purposes, namely personal use by the pharmacist in charge.
Upon learning of its employee’s pattern of theft, COBORN’S PHARMACY reported the misconduct to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), leading to a federal investigation that resulted in the pharmacist in charge pleading guilty to Obtaining Controlled Substances by Fraud in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 843(a)(3) and (d)(1). COBORN’S PHARMACY has since enhanced its recordkeeping and compliance program, including making needed improvements to its computerized prescription management system, in response to concerns raised by DEA in the course of an audit revealing shortages and overages of various controlled substances and problematic recordkeeping procedures. This settlement addresses the independent obligation of COBORN’S PHARMACY to ensure it has systems in place adequate to prevent theft and fraudulent prescriptions from occurring in the future, as required by 21 U.S.C. §§ 827, 829, 942, and associated regulations.
“Prescription drug diversion can lead to devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald. “Pharmacies must uphold their obligation to ensure that these dangerous drugs are tracked and safeguarded in compliance with the Controlled Substances Act’s strict requirements.”
“Pharmacies are responsible for helping ensure that medications are not diverted,” Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division Diversion Program Manager William Stockmann said. “In addition to policing employees and customers, pharmacies are required to inventory their controlled substances, verify the dispensing of controlled substances and monitor daily record-keeping requirements. When one or more of these responsibilities break down, diversion occurs and medication has the potential to fall into the wrong hands. As seen with this pharmacist, opioid addiction and abuse can affect anyone, no matter the profession. Addiction does not discriminate.”
This case was investigated by the Diversion Group of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Minneapolis-St. Paul District Office and handled by the Affirmative Civil Enforcement unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
###
Additional news available on our website.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Claudius English Convicted of Sex Trafficking Minors, Kidnapping, and Use of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and James P. O’Neill, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced that CLAUDIUS ENGLISH was convicted yesterday of multiple counts of sex trafficking minors, attempted sex trafficking of minors as young as 8 years old, kidnapping of a minor, and using a firearm to commit the kidnapping.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As a unanimous jury determined without hesitation, Claudius English engaged in a predatory reign of terror and exploitation of children – girls as young as 8 years old. Thanks to HSI and the NYPD, English now awaits a lengthy prison sentence.”
HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez said: “English chose a business of preying on children as young at 8 and exploiting their innocence, forcing them to have sex with his already established clientele. He carried out his predatory acts and targeted minors on the internet, once again highlighting the importance of internet safety. The heinous acts of this individual robbed his victims of their childhood, and this guilty verdict will ensure that he faces time for his criminal actions.”
NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said: “The NYPD is committed to ensuring child predators are taken off our streets; we will continue working tirelessly to bring them to justice. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that individuals who engage in these reprehensible crimes are held accountable for the misery and anguish they cause.”
According to the evidence presented during the trial:
In 2013, CLAUDIUS ENGLISH sex trafficked multiple minor victims out of his apartment in the Bronx. ENGLISH used the Internet to find, recruit, and lure minor victims to his apartment, where he photographed them in sexually suggestive poses. ENGLISH then sent these photographs to his regular clients, and created advertisements that he posted on Backpage. ENGLISH arranged for his clients to pay for sex with at least four minor victims who testified at trial. Additionally, for one of his clients, ENGLISH took substantial steps to obtain and sex traffic girls as young as 13, 11, and 8.
On November 15, 2013, ENGLISH lured a 14-year-old girl from New Jersey to his apartment for the purpose of selling her for sex. When the victim resisted and said she wanted to leave, ENGLISH pointed a loaded gun at her head and refused. After several hours, the victim convinced ENGLISH to accompany her outside. Even though ENGLISH brought his gun with him, the victim ran away and called 911. NYPD officers responded promptly enough that the victim was able to lead them back to ENGLISH’s apartment, where ENGLISH was caught trying to flee.
* * *
ENGLISH, 45, of Bronx, New York, was convicted of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors (COUNT ONE), four counts of sex trafficking of minors (COUNTS TWO, THREE, FOUR, and EIGHT), three counts of attempted sex trafficking of minors (COUNTS FIVE, SIX, and SEVEN), kidnapping a minor (COUNT NINE), and the use of a firearm in furtherance of the kidnapping (COUNT TEN). ENGLISH faces a statutory maximum sentence of life, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 27 years.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI and NYPD, and expressed gratitude for the efforts of HSI’s New York Trafficking in Persons Unit. Mr. Berman also expressed gratitude to the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael K. Krouse, Ni Qian, and Frank Balsamello are in charge of the prosecution.
Chicago-Area Physical Therapy Center and 4 Nursing Facilities to Pay $9.7 Million to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago today announced that a Chicago-area physical therapy center and four nursing facilities have agreed to pay $9.7 million to resolve civil allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by providing unnecessary services to increase Medicare payments.
The settlements and consent judgments resolve allegations that skilled therapy service provider QUALITY THERAPY & CONSULTATION INC. and its owner, FRANCES PARISE, worked with the four skilled nursing facilities — THE CARLTON AT THE LAKE INC., RIDGEVIEW REHAB AND NURSING CENTER, LAKE SHORE HEALTHCARE AND REHABILITATION CENTRE LLC, and BALMORAL HOME INC. — to increase Medicare reimbursements by “upcoding” their patients’ “Resource Utilization Group” scores. A “RUG” score indicates a patient’s care requirements based on the level of physical-, occupational-, and speech-rehabilitation therapy the patient receives, and the complexity of the skilled nursing care the patient requires. The higher the RUG score, the higher the amount paid by Medicare to the nursing facility. The allegations also contend that the providers rendered skilled therapy to patients who did not need it or could not benefit from it, as part of an effort to bill the highest possible amount to Medicare.
The settlements and consent judgments resolve a civil lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago by a former employee of Quality Therapy and Consultation under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. The Act permits private citizens to bring lawsuits on behalf of the United States for false claims, and to share in any recovery. The United States intervened in the lawsuit prior to the settlements and consent judgments.
The settlements and consent judgments were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General; and Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah J. North.
Per the terms of the settlements and consent judgments, Parise and the companies agreed to pay the following amounts:
- Carlton at the Lake, located in the Buena Park neighborhood of Chicago: $3.63 million.
- Lakeshore Healthcare, located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago: $2.73 million.
- Balmoral Home, located in the Bowmanville neighborhood of Chicago: $1.17 million.
- Quality Therapy and Consultation, formerly located in suburban Orland Park: $1.09 million.
- Ridgeview Rehab, located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago: $1 million.
- Frances Parise: $160,000.
Frances Parise also agreed to be excluded from all participation as a provider in Medicare, Medicaid and all federal health care programs for a period of five years.
The public is reminded that civil allegations are accusations only, and there was no determination of liability as part of the settlements and consent judgments.
Charlestown Man Sentenced for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Charlestown man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for bank robbery.
Robert H. Brady, 42, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to five years in prison and three years of supervised release. On Feb. 7, 2019, Brady pleaded guilty to bank robbery.
On June 28, 2018, a masked individual, later determined to be Brady, entered a branch of the Cambridge Savings Bank in Charlestown and approached two bank tellers demanding the tellers take money from their cash drawers and the bank’s vault and give it to him. Brady took the money and threatened to return to the bank and “blow it up” if the tellers reported the robbery. As Brady fled the area, a GPS tracking device activated within the stolen money, allowing law enforcement to track a location in Charlestown where they eventually located Brady, who was found to be in possession of a large sum of money.
Brady faces a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and restitution in the amount of $912. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Cary Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Cocaine Distribution and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced MARCUS ANTONIO BLANKS, 32, of Saint Pauls, North Carolina, to 168 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
On February 6, 2019, BLANKS pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute a Quantity Cocaine, Cocaine Base (Crack), and Marijuana; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.
In February 2018, a detective with the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD), was contacted by a confidential informant (CI) who advised that BLANKS was selling large quantities of cocaine in the Parkton area of Robeson County. On February 27, 2018, under the direction of law enforcement, the CI purchased 56.7 grams of cocaine from BLANKS.
On March 15, 2018, the CI purchased approximately 3.5 ounces of cocaine from BLANKS. However, prior to completing the transaction, the CI requested that BLANKS cook some of the cocaine into cocaine base (crack). BLANKS cooked a portion of the cocaine and subsequently provided the CI with 63 grams of cocaine base and 42.8 grams of cocaine.
The investigation further revealed that Edward Jones was the supplier of the controlled substances for BLANKS. Jones previously pled guilty to federal drug charges on November 15, 2018 and is awaiting sentencing.
Robeson County Sheriff’s Deputies executed a search warrant on the home of BLANKS. Upon arrival at the residence, BLANKS was observed fleeing the residence on foot. After a brief pursuit, he was captured and detained. A search of the residence uncovered 77.6 grams of cocaine, 187.2 grams of marijuana, a .22 caliber rifle, a 9mm handgun, and $2,424 in U.S. currency.
This case was brought using the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcemen
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Fayetteville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Lemmon.
Buffalo Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Leon R. Williams, 39, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura A. Higgins, Jeremiah E. Lenihan, and Joshua A. Violanti, who are handling the case, stated that between October 17 and November 22, 2017, the defendant sold heroin on five separate dates to an individual working with investigators.
On November 29, 2017, a New York State search warrant was executed at the Williams’ Texas Street residence in Buffalo. Investigators recovered heroin and cocaine, scales, razor blades, cutting agents, and $73,743 in U.S. currency, which was concealed inside of a vacuum cleaner, a backpack, and within a drop ceiling between two bedrooms. In addition, a Glock, .40 caliber firearm was recovered along with a magazine containing 10 rounds of ammunition loaded within the firearm.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division, and the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Niagara County Sheriff James Voutour.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 24, 2019, before Judge Wolford.
# # # #
Bridgeport Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TERRANCE CLARK, also known as “T-Time,” 24, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to firearm offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 3, 2019, officers with the Bridgeport Police Department’s Tactical Narcotics Team arrested Clark after they found him in possession of crack cocaine, which was packaged for street level distribution, as well as a Glock 22 .40 caliber firearm loaded with a high capacity magazine.
Clark’s criminal history includes felony convictions in state court for possession of a firearm without a permit, stealing a firearm, and possession of narcotics.
Clark pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least five years. Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for September 17, 2019.
Clark is detained pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bridgeport Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Baltimore Man Sentenced for Running IRS Tax Refund Scheme in Central New YorkRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Arkmallah Hilliard, age 38, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced today to serve 5 years in prison, to be followed by 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, and ordered to pay $943,597.00 in restitution to the IRS, after previously pleading guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Northeast Field Office.
Hilliard previously pled guilty to conspiring with former Utica resident Anas Wilson and others to defraud the IRS by filing false and fraudulent income tax returns in the names of various individuals and obtaining tax refunds to which they were not entitled. Hilliard used his own bank accounts and others he controlled that were opened by co-conspirators to receive the tax refunds, after which Hilliard and others withdrew, spent, and transferred the money for their own purposes. The conspiracy netted Hilliard, Anas Wilson, and others a total of more than $900,000.00 in tax refunds from the IRS based on their filing of over 400 fraudulent income tax returns. Anas Wilson previously pled guilty to similar charges in federal court in Syracuse and is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence.
Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. presided over the case and sentenced both Hilliard and Wilson.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
Attorney General William P. Barr Appoints U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing to A New Working Group on Gun Crimes Connected to Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General William P. Barr today announced the formation of a Domestic Violence Working Group focused on using the tools of federal prosecution to prevent domestic violence by keeping guns out of the hands of convicted domestic abusers and those subject to a victim protective order. The group will operate under the auspices of the Attorney General's Advisory Committee and be comprised of nine U.S. Attorneys across the country, including Western District of Oklahoma U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing.
"Too often, domestic abusers start with threats and abuse, and end up committing extreme violence and even homicide, with devastating impact on families and the community around them," said Attorney General Barr. "I have directed this working group to examine this issue and determine the best way to use federal gun prosecutions and other appropriate tools to supplement state, local and tribal efforts to address domestic violence."
"Operation 922" is the Western District of Oklahoma's violent crime initiative targeting firearms defendants who have engaged in domestic violence. Since this program began in March 2018, the U.S. Attorney's Office has brought charges in 55 separate domestic-violence-derived cases. To date, 48 defendants have pleaded or been found guilty. Of those, 25 have been sentenced to a collective total of 2,415 months in federal prison. Two more "Operation 922" defendants are scheduled to be sentenced in June.
"'Operation 922' has served as a blueprint for using federal firearms prosecutions to protect victims of domestic violence," said U.S. Attorney Downing. "For the sake of those victimized by violent spouses and intimate partners, I am proud to be able to share our experience with the Attorney General's Advisory Committee."
Federal law has long barred convicted felons, as well as individuals subject to certain domestic violence protective orders or convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors, from possessing firearms. Offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a remarkably high risk of homicide. Research shows that abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners than abusers who don't have that same access to a firearm. According to one recent study, more than half of America's mass shootings are cases of extreme domestic violence. Keeping guns from domestic abusers legally prohibited from possessing them would significantly reduce violence in America, a major priority of the Justice Department.
However, federal gun cases involving domestic violence present unique challenges. In some states, the federal and state definitions of domestic violence differ, requiring complex legal analysis that varies based on the location of conviction. U.S. Attorneys' offices have worked tirelessly over the years to address these legal challenges with tremendous success. The Working Group will share best practices, legal analysis, and guidance on prosecuting abusers who unlawfully possess guns. It will also advise U.S. Attorneys across the country on outreach to local law enforcement, judges, and nonprofit groups.
Working Group members are:
- Scott W. Brady, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania
- Robert M. Duncan, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky
- Nicola T. Hanna, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California
- Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
- Erin Nealy Cox (chair), U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas
- Christina E. Nolan, U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
- Byung J. Pak, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
- R. Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma
- Timothy J. Downing, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
Attorney General William P. Barr Announces the Creation of a Working Group on Prosecuting Gun Crimes to Stop and Reduce Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr today announced the formation of a Domestic Violence Working Group aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of convicted domestic abusers, using the tools of federal prosecution to stop and prevent domestic violence. The group will operate under the auspices of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC) and be comprised of nine U.S. Attorneys across the country, chaired by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
“Too often, domestic abusers start with threats and abuse, and end up committing extreme violence and even homicide, with devastating impact on families and the community around them,” said Attorney General Barr. “I have directed this working group to examine this issue and determine the best way to use federal gun prosecutions and other appropriate tools to supplement state, local and tribal efforts to address domestic violence.”
“With so many domestic disputes escalating from bruises to bullets, we felt we needed to supplement our state and local partners’ efforts to curb domestic violence with federal prosecutions,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “We hope our initial cases send a message to convicted abusers: Not only could the Justice Department theoretically prosecute abusers for firearm possession – they have and they will.”
Federal law has long barred convicted felons, as well as individuals subject to certain domestic violence protective orders or convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors, from possessing firearms.
Offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a remarkably high risk of homicide. Research shows that abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners than abusers who don’t have that same access to a firearm. And according to one recent study, more than half of America’s mass shootings are cases of extreme domestic violence.
Keeping guns from domestic abusers legally prohibited from possessing them would significantly reduce violence in America, a major priority of the Justice Department.
However, federal gun cases involving domestic violence present unique challenges. In some states, the federal and state definitions of domestic violence differ, requiring complex legal analysis that varies based on the location of conviction.
U.S. Attorneys’ offices have worked tirelessly over the years to address these legal challenges with tremendous success. The Working Group will share best practices, legal analysis and guidance on prosecuting abusers who unlawfully possess guns, and will advise U.S. Attorneys across the country on outreach to local law enforcement, judges, and nonprofit groups.
Working Group members include:
- Scott W. Brady, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania
- Robert M. Duncan, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky
- Nicola T. Hanna, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California
- Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
- Erin Nealy Cox, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas
- Christina E. Nolan, U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
- Byung J. Pak, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
- R. Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma
- Timothy J. Downing, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
Attorney General William Barr and U.S. Attorney Trent Shores Announce the Creation of a Working Group on Prosecuting Gun Crimes to Stop and Reduce Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr and U.S. Attorney Trent Shores today announced the formation of a Domestic Violence Working Group aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of convicted domestic abusers, using the tools of federal prosecution to stop and prevent domestic violence. The group will operate under the auspices of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC) and be comprised of nine U.S. Attorneys across the country, chaired by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
“Too often, domestic abusers start with threats and abuse, and end up committing extreme violence and even homicide, with devastating impact on families and the community around them,” said Attorney General Barr. “I have directed this working group to examine this issue and determine the best way to use federal gun prosecutions and other appropriate tools to supplement state, local and tribal efforts to address domestic violence.”
“Domestic violence abusers often escalate from fists to firearms. They drive-up violent crime numbers across a number of categories, including sexual assault and homicide. I am honored Attorney General Barr asked me to join this domestic violence working group,” said U.S. Attorney Shores. “As a career prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the tragic effects of domestic violence not only on the victim, but also on children in the household. It is not uncommon that those children are also severely impacted for the rest of their lives. Moreover, domestic violence is a particular problem in Indian Country, as Native American women and children are often victimized at higher rates than other demographics in America.”
Federal law has long barred convicted felons, as well as individuals subject to certain domestic violence protective orders or convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors, from possessing firearms.
Offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a remarkably high risk of homicide. Research shows that abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners than abusers who don’t have that same access to a firearm. And according to one recent study, more than half of America’s mass shootings are cases of extreme domestic violence.
Keeping guns from domestic abusers legally prohibited from possessing them would significantly reduce violence in America, a major priority of the Justice Department.
However, federal gun cases involving domestic violence present unique challenges. In some states, the federal and state definitions of domestic violence differ, requiring complex legal analysis that varies based on the location of conviction.
“Our working group will look at how to strategically use federal gun prosecutions involving domestic abusers to protect victims, prevent homicides, and generally lower our violent crime rates in America. We recently instituted a localized federal domestic violence prosecution initiative in partnership with the Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives,” continued U.S. Attorney Shores. “Assistant United States Attorney and Tribal Liaison Shannon Cozzoni is helping to lead that effort for our office. She is an experienced and talented prosecutor who is passionate about this topic and understands the value of community based services to advocate for victims and deter domestic violence.”
U.S. Attorneys’ offices have worked tirelessly over the years to address these legal challenges with tremendous success. The Working Group will share best practices, legal analysis and guidance on prosecuting abusers who unlawfully possess guns, and will advise U.S. Attorneys across the country on outreach to local law enforcement, judges, and nonprofit groups.
Working Group members include:
• Scott W. Brady, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania
• Robert M. Duncan, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky
• Nicola T. Hanna, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California
• Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
• Erin Nealy Cox, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas
• Christina E. Nolan, U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
• Byung J. Pak, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
• R. Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma
• Timothy J. Downing, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
Attorney General William Barr Announces Domestic Violence Working Group Chaired by U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy CoxRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr today announced the formation of a Domestic Violence Working Group aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of convicted abusers, using the tools of federal firearm prosecutions to prevent domestic violence.
The group will operate under the auspices of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC) and be comprised of nine U.S. Attorneys across the country, chaired by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
“Too often, domestic abusers start with threats and abuse, and end up committing extreme violence and even homicide, with devastating impact on families and the community around them,” said Attorney General Barr. “I have directed this working group to examine this issue and determine the best way to use federal gun prosecutions and other appropriate tools to supplement state, local and tribal efforts to address domestic violence.”
“With so many domestic disputes escalating from bruises to bullets, we felt we needed to supplement our state and local partners’ efforts to curb domestic violence with federal prosecutions,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “We hope our initial cases send a message to convicted abusers: Not only could the Justice Department theoretically prosecute abusers for firearm possession – they have and they will.”
Federal law has long barred convicted felons, as well as individuals subject to certain domestic violence protective orders or convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors, from possessing firearms.
Offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a remarkably high risk of homicide. Research shows that abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners than abusers who don’t have that same access to a firearm. And according to one recent study, more than half of America’s mass shootings are cases of extreme domestic violence.
Keeping guns from domestic abusers legally prohibited from possessing them would significantly reduce violence in America, a major priority of the Justice Department.
However, federal gun cases involving domestic violence present unique challenges. In some states, the federal and state definitions of domestic violence differ, requiring complex legal analysis that varies based on the location of conviction.
The Working Group will share best practices, legal analysis and guidance on prosecuting abusers who unlawfully possess guns, and will advise U.S. Attorneys across the country on outreach to local law enforcement, judges, and nonprofit groups.
Working Group members include:
- Scott W. Brady, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania
- Robert M. Duncan, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky
- Nicola T. Hanna, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California
- Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
- Erin Nealy Cox, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas
- Christina E. Nolan, U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
- Byung J. Pak, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
- R. Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma
- Timothy J. Downing, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
Examples of domestic violence firearm prosecutions already underway in the Northern District of Texas can be found here.
Arrested in Granite Bay, Contra Costa County Woman Is Sentenced to 3½ Years in Prison for Mail Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Toni Tinay, 24, of Oakley, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to three and a half years in prison for bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possessing counterfeited U.S. Postal Service keys, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. Tinay was also sentenced to serve three years of supervised release following her prison term and pay $2,936 in restitution to victims.
According to court documents, between February and August 2018, Tinay participated in a scheme to defraud banks in which she and at least one accomplice used counterfeited U.S. Postal Service keys to break into residential mailboxes throughout the Eastern and Northern Districts of California. Tinay and the accomplice stole mail from the mailboxes and collected bankcards, personal and business checks, and government-issued IDs. Tinay then fraudulently activated and used the bankcards to withdraw cash at ATMs and make purchases at retail establishments. On August 29, 2018, when she was arrested in Granite Bay, she and her accomplice were found to be in possession of stolen mail and at least four counterfeited U.S. Postal Service keys, which they intended to use to steal additional mail.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Placer County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz is prosecuting the case.
Armed Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 24 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – ARTIE DUSTIN POPE, 28, of Moore, has been sentenced to 292 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as part of that drug trafficking, announced Timothy J. Downing, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Artie Dustin Pope and SKYLA RAE POPE, 27, also of Moore, on March 7, 2018. Both defendants were charged with conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Artie Dustin Pope was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to an affidavit in support of a search warrant filed in Cleveland County District Court, law enforcement learned in January 2018 that Pope was planning to transport as much as 100 pounds of methamphetamine from Kansas to the Oklahoma City area. According to court records, agents found approximately 45 pounds of methamphetamine, ten pounds of marijuana, and several firearms in his residence after his arrest.
Both defendants pleaded guilty on May 22, 2018. Artie Dustin Pope admitted he conspired to distribute drugs and possessed a firearm to facilitate drug trafficking. Skyla Rae Pope admitted she participated in the conspiracy.
On June 10, 2019, U.S. District Judge Robin J. Cauthron sentenced Artie Dustin Pope to 292 months in prison, which is more than 24 years. After release from prison, he will serve five years on supervised release. On May 23, 2019, the court sentenced Skyla Rae Pope to ten years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The defendants also forfeited a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup, a revolver, and two shotguns.
Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Petermann, this case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma District 21 Drug Task Force, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Norman Police Department. It is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on the most violent offenders and partners with local prevention and re-entry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information, visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Reference is made to public filings for further information.
Arizona Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Defraud the GovernmentRead the Press Release
DENVER – Tramell Thomas, age 40, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced late last week to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for his participation in a financial aid fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn and Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of the Inspector General’s Western Regional Office Adam Shanedling. Thomas was also ordered to pay $563,890.85 in restitution to the Department of Education and various community colleges. The court also issued a final order of forfeiture for a personal money judgment in the amount of $260,226.85.
Thomas was convicted of one count of conspiracy to defraud the government through the submission of 181 false Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSAs). Thomas was also convicted of six counts of aiding and abetting mail fraud resulting from the mailing of debit cards that contained federal student aid to addresses under the conspirators’ control.
In sum, the conspirators visited Department of Corrections websites for the states of Colorado, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio, and they retrieved the names, dates of birth, and release dates of state inmates. Armed with this information, one of the conspirators obtained these inmates’ social security numbers through her employment at a bank. Once the conspirators had this information, they filled out FAFSAs requesting federal student aid to attend community colleges in Colorado and Arizona. The conspirators chose inmates serving long prison sentences, believing that these inmates were less likely to notice that their identities had been stolen. All told, the conspirators filed claims seeking approximately $1.3 million dollars. The Department of Education paid out approximately $563,000, with $419,000 of these funds forwarded to the conspirators in the form of debit cards, which they used for their personal expenses. The remainder of the money was paid to the community colleges. Once the fraud was discovered, those colleges returned the funds to the Department of Education. Thomas’s conspirators, Heather Carr, Mercedes Diaz, and Marcelle Green, all pled guilty and are serving their prison sentences.
“Defrauding the government is a crime against not only the Department of Education, it is a fraud against the taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “This prison sentence is a reflection of that fact.”
“I am proud of the work of OIG Special Agents and our law enforcement partners for their work in this case and their dedication to protecting the integrity of Federal student aid funds and students that rely on those funds to make their dreams of higher education a reality,” said Adam Shanedling, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Western Regional Office. "We will continue to pursue those who participate in student aid fraud rings and criminally target these funds for their own selfish purpose. America’s students and taxpayers deserve nothing less.”
This case was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Martha Paluch and Bryan Fields.
Anderson Man Indicted for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – An Anderson, Missouri, man was indicted by a grand jury today for possessing more than a kilogram of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
William S. Divine, 42, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Missouri. Today’s indictment replaces a criminal complaint that was filed on June 6, 2019.
The federal indictment alleges that Divine was in possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute on June 5, 2019.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Anderson police officers saw a woman who was known to have outstanding state warrants leaving the Econo Lodge at 491 E. Highway 76 on June 5, 2019, and attempted to stop her vehicle. The woman, who is not identified in court documents, attempted to flee from the officers and struck a law enforcement vehicle. Her vehicle was disabled and she fled on foot with officers in pursuit. The woman eluded officers, who saw her drop a clear plastic bag that contained approximately one-half ounce of methamphetamine.
Surveillance video from the Econo Lodge showed the woman entering a room rented by Divine, the affidavit says. Officers searched the room and found a backpack that contained eight individually wrapped bags with a total of 1,360 grams of methamphetamine. According to the affidavit, the backpack also contained a loaded Taurus .45-caliber handgun, as well as documents with Divine’s name on them. Surveillance video from the Econo Lodge showed that Divine entered the room carrying the backpack found to contain the methamphetamine and the handgun.
The charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge 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. Attorney Byron H. Black. It was investigated by the Anderson, Missouri, Police Department; the McDonald County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Department; the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team; and the FBI.
Akron man sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for leading conspiracy that brought methamphetamine and heroin from California to Akron areaRead the Press Release
An Akron man was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for leading a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and heroin.
Patrick Griffin, 32, was sentenced to 210 months in prison. He previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.
“This defendant orchestrated large shipments of heroin and methamphetamine from California to Ohio and sold these dangerous drugs around Akron,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “These drugs have caused particular pain in Summit County. A sentence of over seventeen years imprisonment is an appropriate punishment, as it reflects the harm the defendant caused to our community.”
Griffin received the methamphetamine and heroin from a source in California. He and others distributed the drugs to customers between 2015 and 2018, according to court documents.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Daly following an investigation by the Summit County Sheriff's Office, Summit County Drug Unit, Summit County Prosecutor's Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, U.S. Marshal Service and police departments from Copley, Barberton, Reminderville, Cuyahoga Falls, Springfield, New Franklin, Stow, the University of Akron and Silver Lake.
Attorney General William P. Barr Announces the Creation of a Working Group on Prosecuting Gun Crimes to Stop and Reduce Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General William P. Barr today announced the formation of a Domestic Violence Working Group aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of convicted domestic abusers, using the tools of federal prosecution to stop and prevent domestic violence. The group will operate under the auspices of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC) and be comprised of nine U.S. Attorneys from across the country, and chaired by U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
"Too often, domestic abusers start with threats and abuse, and end up committing extreme violence and even homicide, with devastating impact on families and the community around them." said Attorney General Barr. "I have directed this working group to examine this issue and determine the best way to use federal gun prosecutions and other appropriate tools to supplement state, local and tribal efforts to address domestic violence."
"Every day, at least three women in the United States are murdered by their husband or boyfriend," said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady. "With domestic violence being the leading cause of injury to women, this working group will bring federal resources to a nationwide problem."
Federal law has long barred convicted felons, as well as individuals subject to certain domestic violence protective orders or convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors, from possessing firearms.
Offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a remarkably high risk of committing a homicide. Research shows that abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners than abusers who don’t have that same access to a firearm. And according to one recent study, more than half of America’s mass shootings are cases of extreme domestic violence.
Keeping guns from domestic abusers legally prohibited from possessing them would significantly reduce violence in America, a major priority of the Justice Department.
However, federal gun cases involving domestic violence present unique challenges. In some states, the federal and state definitions of domestic violence differ, requiring complex legal analysis that varies based on the location of the conviction.
U.S. Attorneys’ offices have worked tirelessly over the years to address these legal challenges with tremendous success. The Working Group will share best practices, legal analysis and guidance on prosecuting abusers who unlawfully possess guns, and will advise U.S. Attorneys across the country on outreach to local law enforcement, judges, and nonprofit groups.
Working Group members include:
• Scott W. Brady, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania
• Robert M. Duncan, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky
• Nicola T. Hanna, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California
• Justin E. Herdman, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
• Erin Nealy Cox, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas
• Christina E. Nolan, U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont
• Byung J. Pak, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
• R. Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma
• Timothy J. Downing, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
8 Gadsden County Residents Charged in 83-Count Indictment for Dogfighting ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment, unsealed today, charging eight defendants with 83 counts of federal dogfighting offenses stemming from an investigation into drug trafficking and a large-scale illegal dogfighting operation involving approximately 100 dogs. The indictment was announced by Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Most of the dogs used by the defendants were recovered by the United States Marshals Service and placed with appropriate foster organizations. In addition to setting out the facts supporting the charges, the indictment alleges that at one of the locations searched where dog fighting events were conducted, investigators discovered the remains of a recently-deceased dog, confirming that dog fights were recently held at that location.
“The United States Attorney’s Office takes allegations of dogfighting very seriously. Our society can be judged, in part, by how we treat our animals,” Keefe said. “This office will work with our partners at the federal, state, and local levels to pursue such cases vigorously."
The defendants named in this indictment are:
● Jermaine Terrell Hadley, 31, Quincy, Florida;
● Devar San Jacus Donaldson, 27, Quincy, Florida;
● Sariem Shanquell McMillian, 23, Quincy, Florida;
● Randell Lavel Colston, 47, Quincy, Florida;
● Bob Streets, 35, Quincy, Florida;
● Zanntayfey Yohoun Bennett, 35, Quincy, Florida;
● Dennis Lamar Howard, 45, Chattahoochee, Florida; and
● Leonard Safford, 37, Gretna, Florida.
The indictment and arrests resulted from an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a joint federal, state, and local cooperative, which targeted a drug trafficking organization that also allegedly organized and conducted a large-scale illegal dogfighting operation throughout the Northern District of Florida between 2014 through
2019. During the operation, search warrants were executed on properties allegedly involved in training, housing, and conducting illegal dogfights.
The charged defendants face penalties of up to five years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000, per count of conviction.
On May 8, 2019, Hadley, Donaldson, McMillian, and Colston were among a dozen individuals indicted on federal drug trafficking offenses for allegedly distributing methamphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA throughout the north-central Florida Panhandle between 2018 and 2019.
The cases were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Chattahoochee Police Department, the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Air National Guard Counterdrug Program. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric Mountin.
The OCDETF approach to combating drug trafficking is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt and dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize its assets.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Monday 10 June 2019
“Drfrosty” Indicted for Distribution of Methamphetamine from Modesto Using the DarknetRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On June 6, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Modesto resident Omar Isho, 37, charging him with distributing methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Isho allegedly sold methamphetamine on darknet marketplaces such as the Dream Market, Empire Market, and Silk Road 3.1 using the vendor name “DrFrosty.” Federal agents conducted undercover purchases of methamphetamine from his accounts. Surveillance and postal records linked Isho to the parcels, which contained methamphetamine hidden inside jigsaw puzzle boxes.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Northern California Illicit Digital Economy (NCIDE) Task Force, a multiagency taskforce composed of law enforcement agents from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Quinn Hochhalter is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Isho faces a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Young Undocumented Alien Admits to Transporting Chinese and Brazilian NationalsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – An 18-year-old Mexican national has pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport undocumented aliens from China and Brazil within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On April 1, 2019, Samuel Vazquez-Morales was apprehended after guiding six undocumented aliens through the brush near Laredo. Five were from the People’s Republic of China, while one was a Brazilian national. Vazquez-Morales was determined to be a Mexican citizen illegally present in the United States as well.
Today, he admitted he guided the group from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, into the United States. He stated he was working for Cartel Del Noreste and that he expected to be paid $400 for the job.
One of the Chinese nationals told agents he planned to pay $30,000 to be smuggled into the United States from Mexico.
Sentencing has been set for Oct. 16, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo. At that time, Vazquez-Morales faces up to 10 years in federal prison. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.
Umatilla Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Scissor AttackRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Christina Sue Barkley, 30, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and resident of Pilot Rock, Oregon, was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for assault with a dangerous weapon.
According to court documents, during a psychotic episode on March 31, 2018, Barkley came into a room where another adult member of the tribe was making necklaces and stabbed the victim with a pair of scissors. The victim tried to get away, but she fell while backing away from Barkley. Barkley jumped on top of the victim and continued stabbing her. The assault continued until the victim’s spouse walked into the room and pulled Barkley off the victim.
The victim sustained multiple serious injuries, was taken to St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton, Oregon and later transported via Life Flight to Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland for additional treatment.
During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman ordered Barkley to continue mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and to participate in anger management and family counseling as part of her supervised release.
On February 20, 2019, Barkley pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Umatilla Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Jennifer Martin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Two Smugglers Sentenced in Death of Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Two Mexican Citizens have been ordered to federal prison following their conviction of human smuggling which resulted in the death of one of the aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Imer Ares-Chagolla, 36, and Ismael Rivera-Lopez, 19, pleaded guilty April 1, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa ordered Ares-Chagolla to 87 months in prison. The court found Rivera-Lopez was a minor participant in the event and sentenced him to a 46-month term of imprisonment.
Ares-Chagolla and Rivera-Lopez served as brush guides for a group of aliens who had illegally crossed the Rio Grande River from Mexico into the United States.
On the afternoon of July 17, 2018, authorities located the group, learned one of its members was missing and possibly in distress and began emergency search operations in the area.
A female citizen of El Salvador was soon found unresponsive in the South Texas brush country near Sullivan City. Authorities provided emergency medical treatment and transported her to a local hospital. However, she ultimately died from multiple organ failures due to shock related to heat stroke.
That day, the temperature was determined to effectively be 110 degrees in the brush.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations spearheaded the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and Sullivan City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Guerra Jr. prosecuted the case.
Tulsa Man Sent to Prison for Evading Taxes on $5 Million IncomeRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man, who attempted to prevent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from collecting more than $200,000 in taxes, penalties and interest he owed for 2005, and didn’t file tax returns for the years 2006 through 2012, despite earning commissions totaling nearly $5 million during these years, was sentenced in federal court in Tulsa, Oklahoma, today by U.S. District Court Judge Gregory Frizzell to 24 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
John D. Petrig, 49, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty on February 5, 2019, to one count of tax evasion. From 2000 to 2012, Petrig worked for a company as an independent contractor installing ATM machines inside casinos. The company paid him commissions based on the number of transactions that were executed at the ATMs. In 2012, Petrig filed his 2005 tax return with the IRS, reporting a tax due of just over $110,000. In fact, Petrig owed taxes, penalties and interest of more than $217,000 and took steps to evade payment of those funds. When the IRS sent a levy to his employer, Choice ATM Enterprises, directing his commission payments be sent to the IRS to pay his 2005 tax debt, Petrig instructed Choice to pay his future commission payments to a nominee entity, and thereby prevent those funds from being used to satisfy his tax debt. According to court documents, Petrig earned commissions totaling nearly $5 million for the years 2006 through 2012, but did not file tax returns for any of those years.
“Petrig tried to beat the system and lost. Over a seven year period, he earned a commission income of almost $5 million and failed to pay the nearly $1 million owed in income taxes. When the United States attempted to collect those back taxes, he directed his commission payments to be sent to fictitious corporations,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “This egregious behavior warrants the sentence Judge Frizzell handed down today in federal court. Tax evaders beware, your criminal conduct will be brought to light, investigated, and prosecuted by the Department of Justice.”
“Evading the payment of taxes constitutes serious criminal activity,” stated Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman. “In partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Tax Division is committed to holding tax evaders accountable for such criminal activity and seeking prison sentences for such crimes.”
U.S. Attorney Shores also commended the efforts of the justice team, “I appreciate the detailed examination of evidence by special agents from IRS-Criminal Investigation and the prosecutorial work of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Assistant Chief Andrew Kameros of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Victor Régal and Charles McLoughlin.”
In addition to prison, Petrig was ordered to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $974,350.48 and to serve three years of supervised release after completion of his sentence.
The Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney/ Assistant Chief Andrew J. Kameros of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. McLoughlin and Victor A.S. Régal prosecuted the case.
The Weapon was a BB Gun but the Robberies were RealRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man pleaded guilty Monday and admitted he robbed three stores, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Willie Smith, 38, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea, he admitted that in 2018 he robbed the QuikTrip store at 1532 S. Seneca. He showed the clerk what appeared to be a revolver before demanding money. Later, when investigators searched his apartment, they found a black BB gun they believe Smith used in three robberies.
At sentencing, the court also will take into account as relevant conduct two other robberies Smith committed in 2018. Smith robbed the Express Mart at 565 S. Market. During the robbery, he showed the clerk what appeared to be a revolver. Smith also robbed Pete’s Liquor at 332 W. Harry. During the robbery, he pulled out what appeared to be a revolver.
Sentencing is set for Aug. 26. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.
Tampa Man on Federal Supervised Release Pleads Guilty to Laundering Proceeds of Synthetic Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida –Arafat Aljubeh (54, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder the proceeds of a conspiracy involving the distribution of a synthetic marijuana referred to as “AB-FUBINACA.” At the time of the offense, Aljubeh was on federal supervised release stemming from a 2014 federal conviction for conspiring to traffic in counterfeit Nike shoes. Aljubeh faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on the current offense, and a maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment for violating his supervised release.
According to the plea agreement, in April 2017, in Baker County, a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Thair Zatar. Zatar was issued a warning and gave the trooper consent to search his vehicle. When the trooper looked in the back of Zatar’s vehicle, he discovered nine large black garbage bags, weighing approximately 415 pounds, which were stuffed with 27,000 individual packets labeled as “potpourri.” The packets were branded with names including “Outer Space” and “Geeked Up.” The trooper suspected the packets contained synthetic marijuana, and the Drug Enforcement Administration later confirmed that fact. Zatar was arrested and informed the DEA that his supplier was Aljubeh.
Zatar pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute AB-FUBINACA and was sentenced in 2018 to four years and three months in federal prison.
A review of Zatar’s phone revealed text messages that had been sent to Zatar instructing him where to deposit the proceeds from the drug sales. An investigation into the account, and others, by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) revealed that the accounts were being used to receive the proceeds of AB-FUBINACA from Zatar and others. After deposits were made into the account, Aljubeh and his co-conspirators would transfer the money back and forth between the accounts in a complex series of transactions designed to obscure the source, ownership, and control of the funds. Ultimately, the drug proceeds were used to make five purchases of real estate in the Tampa area.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and Jay Taylor.
Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Sophisticated Investment Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Donald M. Geiss, Jr., age 43, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to four counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft in relation to various schemes to defraud victims in New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois, and California, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In pleading guilty, Geiss admitted that between approximately August 2016 through August 2017 he defrauded an individual (“Victim 1”) out of a total of $141,000 after fraudulently convincing Victim 1 that he (Geiss) was a private equity investor seeking to make investments in Central New York. In doing so, Geiss used the alias, “Dom.” In June 2017, Geiss defrauded another individual (“Victim 2”) out of approximately $6,500 after fraudulently convincing Victim 2 to enter into a sales contract for heavy equipment belonging to Victim 1’s company that Geiss purported to have the authority to sell (without Victim 1’s knowledge). In August and September 2017, Geiss defrauded a third individual (Victim 3) out of $3,000 by convincing Victim 3 that he (Geiss) was in the final stages of negotiating the sale of a computer algorithm to a well-known multinational finance and insurance corporation in New York (the “Insurance Company”). As part of this fraud on Victim 3, Geiss forged e-mail messages and text messages from individuals (Victims 4 and 5) who actually worked for the Insurance Company but who had no knowledge of Geiss or his actions. These forged electronic communications formed the basis of the aggravated identity theft charges. Based on Geiss’s assurances, including the forged electronic communications purportedly from Victims 4 and 5, Victim 3 sent $3,000 by wire to Victim 2 and $5,000 by wire to Victim 1, believing that paying them would facilitate the supposed transaction with the Insurance Company. In reality, Geiss had no pending deal with the Insurance Company and had Victim 3 make the payments in an attempt to keep Victim 1 and Victim 2 from realizing they had been defrauded.
Separate and apart from the schemes described above, Geiss also pled guilty today to defrauding people he met through the internet. As part of this guilty plea, Geiss admitted that he used the online alias, “Dominic LaRossa,” to convince people that he was an airline pilot. Geiss, acting as the supposed “LaRossa,” collected more than $5,000 from victims he met online in exchange for fake and fraudulent “discount” airline tickets, which did not exist. Geiss also defrauded several victims out of money in relation to an online video game platform, including convincing one individual (Victim 6) to purchase several online video game profiles from other people. Relying on Geiss’s fraudulent assertions, Victim 6 paid a total of approximately $13,300 to purchase online video game profiles created by others, and Geiss never reimbursed, and never intended to reimburse, Victim 6.
Geiss will be sentenced on October 11, 2019, by Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue. The aggravated identity theft charges to which Geiss pled guilty carry a mandatory sentence of 2 years in prison consecutive to any other prison sentence, and the wire fraud charges filed against Geiss carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each count of conviction. At sentencing, Geiss also faces a fine of up to $1.5 million, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. In his plea agreement, the defendant agreed to submit to money judgments totaling over $153,000, and to pay restitution to his victims.
Geiss was on federal probation related to a prior conviction when he committed the crimes for which he pled guilty today, and a separate petition charging Geiss with violating the terms of his probation has been filed by United States Probation and Pretrial Services. With respect to the probation violation petition, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If the defendant is found to have violated the terms of his probation, he faces up to two additional years in prison. The probation violation petition is also pending before Senior Judge Mordue.
This case was investigated by the FBI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
Stone County Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Eddie James Rhodes, 62, of Stone County, Mississippi, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 84 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent-in-Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Rhodes pled guilty before Judge Guirola on March 4, 2019.
In February 2013, the Stone County/City of Wiggins Narcotics Task Force received information that Eddie Rhodes and his co-defendant, Stacey Bond, made multiple purchases of pseudoephedrine, in timeframes and quantities indicative of procuring pseudoephedrine as a precursor for manufacturing methamphetamine. Pursuant to a state search warrant, Rhodes’s home was searched, revealing precursor chemicals, equipment and material consistent with manufacture of methamphetamine.
While no methamphetamine was found during the search, pseudoephedrine was found together with other materials and equipment consistent with a methamphetamine lab. The majority of the items were together with firearms and ammunition, located inside a hidden compartment under a trapdoor in the floor. Further investigation revealed that Rhodes and Bond conspired together to make pseudoephedrine purchases later used by Rhodes to manufacture meth, some of which Rhodes would distribute to Bond.
The ATF determined that one of the firearms recovered from Rhodes’s home was a 20-gauge, double barrel shotgun with both barrels sawed off, creating a short-barrel shotgun. The other firearm was a .22 caliber rifle with the stock cut off or removed, creating a ‘pistol grip’ handle. The ATF also verified that Rhodes had multiple felony convictions, making it unlawful for him to possess any firearm or ammunition.
On January 30, 2019, Bond pled guilty to use of a communications facility for the commission of a felony under the Controlled Substances Act (Aiding and Abetting). Bond is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Guirola on July 30, 2019, and faces a maximum penalty of four years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Stone County Sheriff’s Office, Wiggins Police Department, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stan Harris and Annette Williams.
Stockton Men Sentenced on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Somnang Chea, 34, of Stockton, was sentenced today to five years and three months in prison for unlawful possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
In a related case, on March 7, 2019, Phirum Phin, 31, of Stockton, was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Chea and Phin ran from a car after Stockton police officers attempted a traffic stop. They fled in opposite directions, each holding a firearm. Chea possessed a fully automatic handgun without a serial number. The gun was equipped with a laser sight and had a high-capacity magazine loaded with 22 rounds of ammunition. Chea also possessed 5.88 grams of methamphetamine. Phin possessed a stolen Glock handgun with a laser sight and a high-capacity magazine. Chea and Phin both have previous felony convictions and are prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Both cases were the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Stockton Police Department, and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron L. Desmond prosecuted the cases.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
St. Thomas Man Arrested for Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Amijah Charles, 36, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for a preliminary and detention hearing after his arrest on Friday by federal agents for Assaulting and threatening Federal officers, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. The Magistrate Judge released Charles on bond following a preliminary and detention hearing.
According to court records, the federal agents were in the area of Mariendahl conducting official business when Charles approached their vehicle and began pounding on the window. Agents exited the vehicle attempting to place Charles under arrest when he resisted, striking and fighting with the agents.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Springdale Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Michael Reed, age 38, of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 100 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release, and a $2,400.00 fine for one count of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute More Than 50 Grams. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, during the course of an investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in the Western District of Arkansas, the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force identified that Reed was trafficking methamphetamine in Northwest Arkansas. In September of 2018, investigators arranged and conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Reed. As a result of the controlled purchase from Reed, investigators obtained a search warrant for Reed’s property including his vehicles. During the search of Reed’s property, investigators seized a digital scale, drug paraphernalia, and a short-barreled shotgun. A search of the Reed’s vehicle yielded a vacuum sealed bag with a smaller baggie containing suspected methamphetamine, a digital scale, and currency from the controlled purchase of methamphetamine. The substance was tested by the DEA crime lab and was confirmed to contain more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Reed was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2018, and entered a guilty plea in January 2019.
This case was investigated by the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Sydney Butler prosecuted the case for the United States.
Sales Executive of American Furniture Company Pleads Guilty to Procurement FraudRead the Press Release
The vice president of sales for an American furniture manufacturer pleaded guilty today for obtaining his competitors’ confidential bid proposals in an effort to win a State Department contract to provide furniture to a U.S. embassy abroad.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon of the District of South Carolina and Department of State Inspector General Steve A. Linick made the announcement.
Steven Anstine, 52, of Overland Park, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of illegally obtaining contractor bid and proposal information before U.S. District Judge Richard M. Gergel of the District of South Carolina. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
According to admissions made in connection with Anstine’s plea, in or around December 2016, the State Department was constructing a new embassy in a foreign nation. Two State Department employees participated in the process of soliciting bid proposals from contractors for the procurement of furniture for the new embassy’s offices.
From in or around December 2016 to in or around March 2017, Anstine knowingly obtained bid prices and design plans of at least three of his and his company’s competitors from the two State Department employees. Anstine knowingly obtained this information in order to achieve a competitive advantage for himself and his company. The information Anstine obtained enabled him and his company to win the contract to provide the furniture for the new embassy with a bid of approximately $1,569,000.
According to Anstine’s admissions, Anstine made intentionally false statements to agents investigating his conduct. He falsely told State Department Office of Inspector General special agents that he did not knowingly receive competitor bid and proposal information from the two State Department employees. He also falsely told agents that, whenever he accompanied one of the State Department employees to events, restaurants or bars, the employee paid her share of the expenses. In fact, Anstine paid for at least a portion of the State Department employee’s expenses when they attended dinners, sporting events and concerts, including, but not limited to, a September 2016 concert in Washington, D.C.; a December 2015 ballet performance in Washington, D.C.; and a summer 2015 golf tournament in Gainsville, Virginia.
The State Department’s Office of Inspector General is investigating the case. Deputy Chief Robert J. Heberle and Trial Attorney John P. Taddei of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshall “Matt” Austin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina are prosecuting the case.
Rocklin Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for the Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller sentenced Aaron Reed, 30, of Rocklin, to 20 years in prison today for sexual exploitation of children, receiving child pornography, and transferring obscene material to minors, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, between January 5, 2015, and June 28, 2015, Reed persuaded two minors in Canada to take photographs and videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct and then send them to him through Kik, a social messaging application. At the time, one minor was 14 years old and the other was nine years old. He also sent obscene material to a minor whom he knew was under 16 years of age.
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is committed to public safety, which includes protecting the children and youth of our communities who are most vulnerable to online predators,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (San Francisco and Northern California). “We are witnessing an epidemic of the sexual exploitation of children across all sectors of our society. It’s imperative that parents and their children understand the dangers of online predators, take every step possible to safely navigate internet activity and participation in social media activities, and to contact law enforcement for help.”
This case was the product of an investigation by HSI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Segal prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet safety education.
Richland Husband and Wife and Their Trucking Companies Plead Guilty to Renewable Energy FraudRead the Press Release
Spokane – Joseph H. Harrington, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Hector M. Garza, Jr., age 48, his wife, Tammy L. Garza, age 37, of Richland Washington, and their companies, HTG Trucking, LLC, and Freedom Fuel, Inc., pled guilty to fraud and false statement charges in connection with a renewable energy fraud scheme.
According to information disclosed during the court proceedings, Hector Garza, HTG Trucking, and Freedom Fuel were participants in a conspiracy involving Gen-X Energy Group, Inc. (Gen-X), a renewable energy company formerly located in Pasco and Moses Lake, Washington. Between January 2013 and April 2013, Hector Garza and his co-conspirators falsely claimed the production of hundreds of thousands of marketable renewable energy credits, which they then sold for more than $296,000, and filed false claims with the IRS for $284,546 in excise credit refunds. Throughout this period, much of the renewable fuel claimed to be produced at the Gen-X facilities was either not produced or re-processed multiple times. Hector Garza, HTG Trucking, and Freedom Fuel pled guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States with respect to the false claims made upon the IRS, through the use of the trucking companies, which were used to “round” supposed renewable fuel by driving the same material back and forth between Gen-X’s Moses Lake facility and the Garzas’ businesses in Othello, Washington, and generating fraudulent renewable energy credits and tax credits each time the material was “rounded.” Tammy Garza pled guilty to aiding and abetting the use of false statements in connection with the renewable energy credits that were claimed and sold as part of the scheme, a separate offense.
Joseph H. Harrington said, “Defrauding the public by scamming renewable energy incentive programs will not be tolerated. I commend the tenacious and thorough efforts of investigators from IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute fraud and other white collar crimes in the Eastern District of Washington."
A number of other conspirators have previously pled guilty and been sentenced in connection with their role in the fraud. In June 2017, Scott Johnson, the former CEO of Gen-X, was sentenced to a 97-month term of imprisonment in connection with his role in the fraud scheme. Most recently, in June 2018, Jin Chul “Jacob” Cha of Tustin, California, was sentenced to 51 months of imprisonment in connection with his role in the fraud.
“The United States tax system is designed to provide vital government services to American citizens. It is not a slush fund for fraudsters,” said Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke of IRS Criminal Investigation. “The IRS will continue to work with federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute scammers like Hector and Tammy Garza who illegally claim thousands in tax credits for personal financial gain.”
The guilty pleas were accepted by United States District Judge Salvador Mendoza, Jr. The conspiracy offense to which Hector Garza pled guilty carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, while the false statement charge to which Tammy Garza pled guilty has a maximum imprisonment term of 2 years. Each corporation faces a maximum fine of $500,000, or of double the loss to the victim or the gain to the defendant, whichever is greater. All four defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on October 17, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. in Richland, Washington.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division.
The case was prosecuted by Dan Fruchter, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington; Karla G. Perrin, EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel and Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington; and Jennifer Leigh Blackwell, Senior Trial Attorney, Environmental Crimes Section, United States Department of Justice.
Richland Center Man Sentenced for Threatening CommunicationsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Travis Martin, 34, Richland Center, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James Peterson to 14 days in jail, in addition to the nearly 27 months Martin has already served, for making threatening communications. This term of imprisonment will be followed by three years of supervised release. Martin pleaded guilty to this charge on April 3, 2019.
On November 16, 2017, Martin left a voice mail threatening to shoot a member of the Alabama National Guard. He made eight additional calls threatening violence to others.
Judge Peterson found that the seriousness of the crime warranted a significant sentence. He also wanted to send a strong message to the defendant that it is OK to have political views, but that it is not OK to threaten to harm those with whom he disagrees.
The charge against Martin was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Richland Center Police Department, and the Pawnee County (Kansas) Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.
Restaurant Owner Admits to Failing to File A Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A restaurant owner pleaded guilty in federal court in Springfield today in connection with failing to file a tax return. And, on behalf of his corporation, the restaurant owner admitted that Scuderi’s Inc. filed false tax returns.
Giuseppe Scuderi, 62, of West Suffield, Conn., pleaded guilty to one count of failing to file a tax return for the year 2015, and Scuderi’s Inc. pleaded guilty to five counts of filing false tax returns for the years 2010 through 2014. Scuderi and Scuderi’s Inc. were charged on May 3, 2019. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Sept. 19, 2019.
According to court documents, Scuderi was the owner of a Southwick restaurant that generated a substantial amount of cash sales. From 2010 to 2014, Scuderi took cash from the business and did not declare it as income, and he kept two sets of books, which depicted both the actual sales of the business and the sales disclosed on his tax returns. As a result of his scheme, Scuderi failed to pay $170,769 in taxes to the government.
Scuderi faces a sentence of no greater than one year in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a $25,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty in Large-Scale Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Thomas Poole, 53, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before Senior District Judge Arthur J. Schwab to the one-count Indictment charging Poole with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting cocaine trafficking in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The investigation revealed that from in and around August 2016, to on or about November 30, 2017, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Poole conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 15 kilograms but less than 50 kilograms of cocaine. The court was further advised that on November 30, 2017, investigators seized $144,785 in U.S. currency, jewelry, a Honda Odyssey and approximately six kilograms of cocaine from residences associated with the defendant.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing October 24, 2019 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome A. Moschetta and Rebecca L. Silinski are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the plea in this case.