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19 July 2019
Wood County man sentenced to more than nine years in prison for throwing bottles of chemicals at law enforcement officersRead the Press Release
A Wood County man was sentenced to more than nine years in prison for a chase in which he lit and threw bottles of chemicals at law enforcement officers.
William B. Milliron, 47, of Bloomdale, was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison. He previously pleaded guilty to charges including assault of a federal officer, being a felon in possession of firearms and drug charges.
"There will be serious consequences for anyone who assaults our police officers or federal agents," U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman said.
U.S. Marshals were searching for Milliron near Bowling Green on Feb. 24, 2017, because of a probation violation in Florida. They spotted Milliron and attempted to pull over Milliron, who fled. Marshals pursued and officers from the North Baltimore Police Department joined the chase, according to court documents.
Milliron began throwing bottles containing unknown substances at the pursuing cars, and one of the bottles exploded on the front end and windshield of the police vehicle, according to court documents.
The pursuit continued into Fostoria and then Findlay, when Milliron’s vehicle went off the road and crashed. Milliron was arrested and had 13 rounds of ammunition in his pants pocket, according to court documents.
The substance in the bottles was found to be a combination of chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine. The chemicals are highly volatile, toxic and combustible. The bottles had paper wicks which were charred from being lit on fire, according to court documents.
Milliron has multiple felony convictions in Florida for crimes including grand theft of firearms, resisting an officer with violence, battery on an officer, manufacture of methamphetamine and other crimes, according to court documents.
The investigating agency in this case is the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Weldon
Williamson County Man Charged with Federal Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
Adam R. Walker, 34, of Herrin, Illinois, has been charged by indictment with unlawfully possessing over 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Steven
D. Weinhoeft, announced today. The indictment alleges that the offense occurred on May 1, 2019, in
Williamson County.An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Earlier today, Walker made his initial appearance in federal district court and pleaded not guilty.
He was ordered held without bond pending a September 16, 2019 jury trial. If convicted of the offense, Walker faces a maximum possible penalty of 5-40 years imprisonment, 4 years supervised release, and a $5 million fine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Marion Police Department.
Williams County Man Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Prison for Federal Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
Timothy S. (“Timmy”) Smith, 41, of Johnston City, Illinois, has been sentenced to a term of 235 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Steven D.
Weinhoeft announced today. Smith pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment earlier this year.Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that from January to September, 2018, Smith was involved with numerous others in the distribution of methamphetamine in Williamson and
Franklin Counties. At sentencing, the judge found Smith responsible for distributing 2 kilograms of ice (methamphetamine with a purity level of at least 80%). Because of Smith’s extensive criminal history, he was classified as a career offender.Smith’s sentence includes four years of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. The Herrin Police
Department, Johnston City Police Department, and Williamson County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.
William D. Hyslop Assumes Office as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of WashingtonRead the Press Release
Today, William D. Hyslop was sworn-in as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. William Hyslop was nominated by President Donald Trump in May 2019 and confirmed by the United States Senate on June 27, 2019.
Bill Hyslop joined Lukins & Annis, P.S. in 1980, and became a Principal in the firm in 1984. He served as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington from 1991-1993. He rejoined Lukins & Annis, P.S. in 1993, and has been serving as Principal in the firm in its Litigation Department. He has also served as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. Bill Hyslop graduated from Washington State University in 1973, received a Master’s Degree from the University of Washington in 1977, and earned his Law Degree from the Gonzaga University School of Law in 1980.
He is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, for the Western District of Washington, and for the District of Idaho; in the Ninth Circuit for the U.S. Court of Appeals; and before the U.S. Supreme Court. He is also admitted to practice in the state courts in Washington and Idaho. In addition, he has been active in a number of professional and civic roles, and has received honors including:
President, Washington State Bar Association, 2015 – 2016
Washington State Bar Association President’s Award, 2006
Member, Board of Governors of the Washington State Bar Association Lawyer Representative, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference
President, Federal Bar Association of the Eastern District of Washington
Trustee, Legal Foundation of Washington
President, Spokane County Bar Association
Spokane County Bar Association Smithmoore P. Myers Professionalism Award, 2008
Co-Chair, Washington State Bar Association Committee on Public Defense
Washington Supreme Court Task Force on Equal Justice Funding
Vice Chair, City of Spokane Use of Force Commission
Associated Builders & Contractors Chair of Inland Pacific Chapter
Associated General Contractors, Inland Northwest Chapter, Director
President, Washington State University Alumni Association
Washington State University Alumni Achievement Award, 2002
Washington State University President’s Award for Leadership and Service, 2001
Co-Chair of Citizens for Spokane’s Schools and successful Bond Issue
Campaigns to Construct New Schools
Co-Chair of Community Campaign for Construction of Spokane’s New Veteran’s
Memorial Arena
Assistant Scoutmaster and Trooper Committee Chair, Boy Scouts of America
Board Member, Morning Star Boys’ Ranch
President, Morning Star Boys’ Ranch Foundation
Member, Rotary Club of Spokane
United States Attorney, William D. Hyslop said, “It is with great honor and humility that I assume this office for a second term. I look forward to supporting our justice system, working with law enforcement at all levels, and to maintaining and preserving the fine reputation this office has for upholding the law and administering equal justice for all.”
White River Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm by a FelonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a White River, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
Andrea Ruth Barrera, age 32, was indicted on July 16, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 19, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 40 years in federal prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that at some time before September 1, 2018, and continuing until July 16, 2019, Barrera, knowingly and intentionally, combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Further, a traffic stop was conducted on March 5, 2019, wherein over $12,000 in U.S. currency, forty-one rounds of .380 AUTO caliber ammunition, and a .380 AUTO caliber, semi-automatic pistol were located in a vehicle with Barrera. The Indictment alleges that Barrera knowingly possessed the pistol while being a convicted felon.
The charges are merely accusations and Barrera is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
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 investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Barrera was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Virginia Businessman Pleads Guilty to $5 Million Employment Tax Fraud and Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
A Dulles, Virginia, equipment rental business owner pleaded guilty today to employment tax fraud and illegally possessing a firearm, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and United States Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger for the Eastern District of Virginia.
According to court documents, from 2013 through 2018, Lawrence Robert Gazdick Jr. operated his business under multiple names, including National Technology Rentals, NTL Technology Leasing Services, and AV Rental Solutions. During this time, Gazdick withheld payroll taxes from his employees’ paychecks, but did not file payroll tax returns and did not pay the withheld funds to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In total, Gazdick caused a loss to the IRS of approximately $5.35 million. Additionally, Gazdick admitted to possessing a firearm recovered from his business office, despite the fact he was previously convicted of a felony.
United States District Court Judge Anthony J. Trenga scheduled Gazdick’s sentencing for Oct. 18, 2019. At sentencing, Gazdick faces a maximum of five years in prison for failing to pay over payroll taxes and a maximum of ten years in prison for the firearm offense. He also faces monetary penalties and a term of supervised release. As part of his plea agreement, Gazdick has agreed to pay the IRS full restitution.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and United States Attorney Terwilliger thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, who investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Jamar K. Walker and Tax Division Trial Attorney Kimberly M. Shartar, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Vincent Esposito Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court to 24 Months in Prison and Forfeiture of $3.8 Million for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that VINCENT ESPOSITO was sentenced today to 24 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero for conspiring to commit racketeering offenses with members and associates of the Genovese Crime Family of La Cosa Nostra. Judge Marrero also imposed financial penalties, including approximately $3.8 million in forfeiture, a $20,000 fine, and restitution to be determined. ESPOSITO previously pled guilty on April 10, 2019, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “By his own admission, for more than a decade Vincent Esposito made millions with members of the Genovese Crime Family by extorting payments, demanding kickbacks, committing fraud, and instilling fear. Today Esposito has been sentenced to prison for racketeering conspiracy.”
According to the Indictment and statements made during public court proceedings:
La Cosa Nostra, also known as the “Mob” or the “Mafia,” operates through entities known as “Families.” One of the Families operating in the New York City area is the Genovese Crime Family. For years, continuing until 2017, ESPOSITO conspired with other members and associates of the Genovese Crime Family to commit a wide range of crimes to enrich themselves, including multiple acts of extortion, honest services fraud, and bribery. Among other things, ESPOSITO directed the long-running extortion of a union official (“Official-1”) for annual tribute payments of more than over $10,000, and had a number of lower-ranking members of the enterprise collect money and convey threats to Official-1 on Esposito’s behalf. In another extortion scheme, ESPOSITO’s co-conspirators extorted a different union official (“Official-2”) and a financial adviser (the “Adviser”) for a cut of commissions made from union investments.
At the time of ESPOSITO’s arrest, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) executed a search warrant on his home and seized more than $3.8 million in U.S. currency hidden throughout the residence, along with an unregistered handgun, ammunition, brass knuckles, and lists of made members of the Genovese Crime Family. Under the terms of his guilty plea, ESPOSITO agreed to forfeit the more than $3.8 million seized by the FBI as criminal proceeds resulting from the offense.
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In addition to the prison term, ESPOSITO, 51, of New York, NY, was sentenced to three years of supervised release, and was ordered to forfeit $3,816,685.59 and to pay a fine of $20,000.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and Office of Labor-Management Standards, the New York City Police Department, and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly J. Ravener, Jared Lenow, and Jason M. Swergold are in charge of the prosecution.
United States Sues Business and Former Owner for Contaminating Groundwater at East Fishkill Superfund SiteRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Peter D. Lopez, Regional Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), announced today that the United States has filed and simultaneously entered into two consent decrees settling a civil lawsuit against HOPEWELL PRECISION, INC. (“HOPEWELL”) and JOHN B. BUDD (collectively, the “Defendants”). The lawsuit, brought pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) – commonly known as the Superfund statute – seeks to collect costs that EPA has incurred since March 2003 in connection with its cleanup of trichloroethene and other hazardous substances at the HOPEWELL Precision Superfund Site (the “Site”) in the Town of East Fishkill, Dutchess County, New York. The two consent decrees (one against each Defendant) provide for a combined payment of $1,247,700 by the Defendants.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Polluters must pay for the costs they have imposed on the community. Together, these defendants released toxic chemicals into the environment, which then contaminated the nearby groundwater and adversely affected the surrounding neighborhoods. Today’s lawsuit and consent decrees demonstrate that we will hold polluters responsible for their conduct.”
Regional Administrator Peter D. Lopez said: “The Superfund program operates on the principle that polluters pay for cleanups, and this settlement allows EPA to recover some of the taxpayer money that was spent at this site to address the contamination. Defendants’ actions led directly to contamination of groundwater, which migrated to people’s wells and caused hazardous vapors to seep into their homes. EPA stepped in and took the necessary actions to protect residents in the area, initially by installing treatment systems at homes, and now we are working toward a permanent remedy through the creation and extension of a new public water supply system in the community. This settlement, however, reimburses only a portion of the money EPA is spending at the site because of the limitations of the Defendants’ financial resources.”
As alleged in the complaint filed today in federal court, since 1972, HOPEWELL has been engaged in the business of custom sheet metal and machining fabrication at two properties that, together with the surrounding area into which contamination has migrated, make up the Site. BUDD owns one of the two properties and was the president and sole shareholder of HOPEWELL from 1972 until 1985, as well as the 80 percent owner from 1985 until 1991. In connection with its operations, until approximately 1998, HOPEWELL used chemical solvents, including trichloroethene (“TCE”) and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (“1,1,1-TCA”), to clean and degrease machine parts, generating a hazardous solvent waste that was at times disposed into the ground behind the facility. Additionally, during certain years, HOPEWELL employees poured paints and other chemicals into the ground behind the facility. As a result of these operations, solvents including TCE and 1,1,1-TCA were released into the environment, including the structures and soils at the HOPEWELL properties, and they leached into the groundwater and migrated beyond the properties, affecting drinking wells and homes in an area extending approximately one-and-a-half miles from the properties. EPA has incurred millions of dollars of costs in connection with cleaning up the Site. Work continues at the Site, including restoration of the contaminated groundwater aquifer and construction of an alternative water supply to serve properties with private drinking water wells that have been or may be affected by the groundwater contamination.
In the consent decrees filed today, the Defendants admit and accept responsibility for the following:
- In connection with its operations, until 1998, HOPEWELL used a vapor degreasing machine to clean and degrease parts, and, until at least 1991, used TCE and 1,1,1-TCA in that machine.
- As a result of HOPEWELL’s operations while BUDD was its owner and president, solvents including TCE and 1,1,1 TCA were released into the environment, including the structures and soils at the HOPEWELL properties.
- Contamination from the HOPEWELL properties has migrated beyond the properties into the area’s groundwater, contaminating approximately 66 private drinking water wells in the neighborhood as well as ponds in the path of the contaminated groundwater.
Pursuant to the consent decrees, the Defendants will pay a total of $1,247,700 in costs incurred by EPA, consisting of $963,750 to be paid by BUDD and $283,950 to be paid by HOPEWELL. These settlement amounts were based on a financial analysis of what the Defendants were capable of paying.
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The consent decrees will be lodged with the District Court for a period of at least 30 days before they are submitted for the Court’s approval, to provide public notice and to afford members of the public the opportunity to comment on the consent decrees.
This case is being handled by the Environmental Protection Unit of the Office’s Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominika Tarczynska and Rachael Doud are in charge of the case.
Two Springfield Men Plead Guilty to Roles in Large-Scale Heroin Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Springfield men pleaded guilty in federal court in Springfield to their roles in a large-scale heroin trafficking organization.
William Brantley, 48, pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Oct. 10, 2019.
Mirelvy Vasquez, 29, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin. Judge Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Nov. 21, 2019. Brantley, Vasquez and 16 co-defendants were indicted on heroin conspiracy charges in August 2017.
Vasquez and Brantley purchased large amounts of heroin, which they then distributed to various retail-level dealers in the Springfield area, from Alberto Marte, the leader of the Springfield-based drug trafficking organization, which consisted of at least 17 members. Marte had direct contact with heroin supply sources in the Dominican Republic. On a monthly basis, members of the organization transported between eight and 20 kilograms of heroin to the Springfield area.
Brantley admitted to purchasing 300 packs - or 30,000 doses - of heroin from Marte on a number of occasions from July 2016 to September 2016. Vasquez admitted to purchasing 300 grams of heroin from Marte on various occasions beginning in January 2016 and continuing through September 2016. Vasquez then repackaged his purchases into dosage units for further distribution.
Marte and five other co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. The remaining defendants have pleaded not guilty.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least 10 years of supervised release and a fine of $20 million. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division; Jason Molina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Acting Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood; Chicopee Police Chief William Jebb; Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo; and West Springfield Police Chief Ronald Campurciani made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Desroches of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the cases.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Trial Date Set for Decatur Man Charged with Child Sexual Exploitation and Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – An initial trial date in September has been scheduled for a Decatur, Ill., man, Emmett J. Rogers, 47, who has been arrested and indicted on federal child sexual exploitation and child pornography charges. Rogers, of the 400 block of South 22nd Street, appeared in federal court on July 18, in Urbana for arraignment.
The indictment alleges that in October 2018, Rogers exploited a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce images of the conduct. The indictment further alleges that on four occasions in October and November 2018, Rogers transported child pornography via computer and possessed child pornography in June 2019.
Rogers was arrested on June 11, 2019, and charged by criminal complaint. According to the affidavit filed in support of the complaint, Rogers was identified through cybertips sent by Google to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
If convicted of the offense of child sexual exploitation, Rogers faces up to 50 years in prison; for each count of transportation of child pornography (four counts) the maximum penalty is 40 years on prison; and, for possession of child pornography, the maximum penalty is 20 years in prison. Each of the six counts includes a fine of up to $250,000.
During Rogers’ initial court appearance on June 11, U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric I. Long ordered that Rogers remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson. The charges are the result of an investigation by the Decatur Police Department; the Illinois Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The 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.
Trial Date Scheduled for Former WIU Student Indicted for Alleged Amtrak Ticket SchemeRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A September trial date has been scheduled for a former student of Western Illinois University indicted on charges that he engaged in a two-year scheme to defraud Amtrak. The indictment charges Ryan Taylor Minter, 23, of Calumet City, Ill., with using stolen credit card information to purchase Amtrak tickets online. Minter then allegedly sold the tickets to students at a discount and pocketed the money.
Central District of Illinois U.S. Attorney John Milhiser and Kevin Winters, Amtrak Inspector General, announced the indictment which was returned by a federal grand jury in Peoria. The indictment had remained sealed since it was returned by the grand jury on June 19, 2019, pending Minter’s arrest and arraignment. Minter was arrested on July 1 in Chicago; he appeared in federal court in Davenport, Iowa, on July 16, for arraignment before Chief U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow. He remains on bond with conditions. Judge Darrow scheduled trial for Minter on Sept. 23.
The indictment alleges that from September 2016 to November 2018, Minter acquired stolen credit card account information which he used to purchase Amtrak tickets for travel between Macomb, Ill., and Chicago. Minter allegedly used Amtrak’s mobile application and website to purchase the tickets and then advertised them at a discount on social media sites frequented by students. Students paid Minter for the discounted ticket using an online account. Minter then forwarded the image of the purchased ticket to the student to present to conductors upon boarding for travel between Macomb and Chicago. In the indictment, the government is seeking $15,492 in proceeds of the scheme, including $6,550 in cash previously seized from Minter.
The charges are the result of investigation by Amtrak’s Office of Inspector General, Amtrak Police, and the Western Illinois University Police Departments. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Allegro, Rock Island Division, in the prosecution.
If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty for each of the five counts of wire fraud charged is up to 20 years in prison.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Three More Charged with Internet Cafe Robberies Including One that Resulted in Deaths of OwnersRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Three more Columbus men have been charged in a case involving the murder of a husband and wife in an internet café.
Chris A. King, 24, Justice B. Stringer, 24, and Brisco Dawkins, 50, were indicted by a federal grand jury on July 18.
Dezhan Townsend, 20, and Desjuan Harris, 24, were previously charged by federal criminal complaint and are included in the indictment as well.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Todd A. Wickerham, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Interim Columbus Police Chief Thomas Quinlan and Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Ron O’Brien announced the charges unsealed today after the defendants appeared in federal court.
According to court documents, on January 20, three defendants robbed Players Paradise on East Broad Street at gunpoint. Townsend, Stringer and King allegedly murdered security guard Joseph Arrington and then his wife, employee Karen Arrington.
An affidavit details that defendants entered the café around 4am on January 20 and positioned themselves near the office door. One person sat at a game as if he was playing it. When Karen Arrington attempted to enter the office, the defendants, armed with handguns, immediately confronted armed security guard Joseph Arrington.
All five men face charges of robbery.
Townsend, Stringer and King are charged with two counts of murder. King is also charged with committing murder with the intent to prevent a witness from providing information to law enforcement.
Townsend, Harris, Stinger and Dawkins are also charged with brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Columbus SWAT officers arrested Townsend and Harris on Wednesday, July 3. They arrested Dawkins and Stringer today. The new charges were unsealed today after Dawkins and Stringer appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Chelsey M. Vascura, who ordered them held without bond.
King remains at large. If you have any information about his whereabouts, please contact the Columbus Division of Police at 614-645-4545.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI and Columbus Police, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys David M. DeVillers and Kevin Kelley, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Lowe with the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, who are representing the United States.
Criminal complaints and indictments merely contain allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Three Members of California-Based White Supremacist Group Sentenced on Riots Charges Related to August 2017 “Unite the Right” Rally in CharlottesvilleRead the Press Release
Charlottesville, VIRGINIA – Benjamin Daley, Michael Miselis, and Thomas Gillen, members of the white-supremacist organization formerly known as the Rise Above Movement (RAM), were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Charlottesville for violence they committed as part of their conspiracy to riot, including at the August 2017 Unite the Riot Rally in Charlottesville, and other alleged political rallies in California. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen, Special Agent in Charge David W. Archey of the FBI’s Richmond Division, and Colonel Gary T. Settle of the Virginia State Police.
Daley, 26, of Torrance, Calif., was sentenced today to 37 months in prison. Gillen, 25, of Redondo Beach, was sentenced to 33 months in prison. Miselis, 30, of Lawndale, Calif., was sentenced to 27 months in prison. A fourth defendant, Cole Evan White, will be sentenced at a future date. All four defendants previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to riot.
“These defendants, motivated by hateful ideology, incited and committed acts of violence in Charlottesville, as well at other purported political rallies in California,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “They were not interested in peaceful protest or lawful First Amendment expression; instead, they intended to provoke and engage in street battles with those that they perceived as their enemies. I am grateful for the diligence and hard work of the FBI and Virginia State Police in bringing these violent white supremacists to justice.”
“The sentences imposed today demonstrate the U.S. Government’s intolerance of the use of violence, by anyone, to infringe upon the right of others to assemble peacefully,” Special Agent in Charge Archey of the FBI said today. “The FBI applauds today’s sentences and will continue to aggressively investigate allegations of such activity with its law enforcement partners. We are grateful for the efforts and partnership of the Office of the U.S. Attorney and the Virginia State Police in this investigation.”
“Thanks to the concerted and dedicated efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Western District of Virginia, justice has been served this week for multiple individuals who perpetrated the violence and extreme hate witnessed during the events of August 12, 2017 in Charlottesville,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “Every one of their sentences should stand as evidence that Virginia has zero tolerance for such criminal activity.”
According to court documents, Daley, Gillen, and Miselis, were members of RAM, a now-defunct, California-based, combat-ready, militant group that represented itself as part of the new nationalist and white supremacy movement. RAM openly identified as “alt-right” and “nationalist” and its members and associates frequently posted photographs and videos online of themselves engaging in physical training and mixed martial arts street-fighting techniques, along with messages and propaganda related to their alt-right, anti-Semitic, and white-supremacist views. RAM members and associates espoused and committed acts of violence against those who they believed held opposing political views.
From March 2017 to August 2017, RAM and its members, including Daley, Gillen, and Miselis, traveled to multiple political rallies and organized demonstrations in Virginia and California where they prepared to, and engaged in, acts of violence. RAM regularly held hand-to-hand and other combat training for members and associates to prepare to engage in violent confrontations with protestors and other individuals at purported political rallies. They attended these rallies with the intention of provoking physical conflict with counter-protestors, which they believed would justify their use of force against the counter-protestors and shield them from prosecution for their acts of violence. Daley, Gillen, and Miselis attended several such training events and rallies.
On March 25, 2017, Daley, Gillen, and Miselis attended a political rally in Huntington Beach, Calif., with several RAM members. At that event, several RAM members pursued and assaulted groups of protestors and other individuals. Following the rally, photographs depicting RAM members assaulting protestors and other individuals were covered on local news stations and on the “front page” of various Neo-Nazi and white-supremacist websites. RAM members celebrated this coverage and used the internet to post statements, photographs, and videos of the assaults committed by RAM members at this rally to recruit members to engage in violent confrontations at future events.
On April 15, 2017, Daley, Gillen, Miselis, and other RAM members attended a rally in Berkeley, Calif. The defendants and other RAM members were dressed in gray clothing, goggles, and black scarfs or masks to cover the lower half of their faces. Throughout the day, there were violent clashes between some rally attendees and individuals protesting the rally. At one point, RAM members, including Daley and Miselis, crossed a barrier separating the attendees and the protestors, and assaulted protestors and other individuals.
In August 2017, Daley, Gillen, and Miselis planned to travel to Charlottesville to attend the Unite the Right Rally. At the time of their travel, the defendants expected the event would become a riot and that their experience in riots at Huntington Beach and Berkeley would be valuable.
On August 11, 2017, the evening prior to the scheduled Unite the Right Rally, Daley, Gillen, and Miselis, and other members of RAM, joined hundreds of individuals in a torch-lit march on the grounds of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Throughout the march, participants chanted, “Blood and Soil!” and “Jews will not replace us!” The march culminated near a statue of Thomas Jefferson where a small group of students gathered to protest white supremacy. Violence erupted among the crowd, with some punching, kicking, spraying chemical irritants and swinging torches. During and in furtherance of this riot, Daley punched multiple individuals. As part of their pleas, the defendants admitted these actions were not in self-defense.
On the morning of August 12, 2017, Daley, Gillen, and Miselis, and other members of RAM, with their hands wrapped in white athletic tape, were part of a large group of over 40 individuals seeking entry into Emancipation Park by way of Second Street when they were told by law enforcement to enter at a different location. The group, including Daley, Gillen, Miselis, and other RAM members, turned, lined up, and began to make their way through a group of over 20 individuals who had come to the rally to protest against discrimination. As they made their way through the group of protestors, the RAM members collectively pushed, punched, kicked, chocked, head-butted, and otherwise assaulted several individuals, resulting in a riot. As part of their pleas, the defendants admitted these actions were not in self-defense.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virginia State Police. United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen, Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh, and Assistant United States Attorney Justin Lugar are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Texas Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison in False Tax Return SchemeRead the Press Release
A Dallas, Texas, area tax return preparer was sentenced to 63 months in prison today for conspiring to defraud the United States and for aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox for the Northern District of Texas.
According to documents and information provided to the court, Francisco Ventura owned and operated tax preparation businesses located in the Northern District of Texas from 2012 through 2015. During 2014, Ventura was the de factoowner and manager of a business named AJJ Tax and More. In 2014, Ventura was also the de facto co-owner of a second preparation business, named Uptown Multi Services, which he co-owned with Mario Melendez.
From November 2013 through May 2014, Ventura conspired with Melendez and others to file fraudulent federal income tax returns for clients with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that included false education credits, Schedule C expenses and other deductions. In addition to preparing such returns, Ventura taught training classes for new return preparers during which he instructed employees how to prepare fraudulent tax returns in order to maximize client refunds. Ventura is responsible for attempting to cause over $8.3 million of tax loss to the United States.
In addition to the term of imprisonment imposed, Ventura was ordered to serve two years of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $8,310,261 to the IRS.
Melendez previously pleaded guilty in November 2018 to conspiring to defraud the United States and to aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. In April 2019, he was sentenced to 51 months in prison.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Trial Attorney Alexander Effendi of the Tax Division and Assistant United States Attorney Melanie Smith, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Sterling, Alaska Drug Dealer Sentenced to Eight Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Mark Norman Hanes, 52, of Sterling, Alaska, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason, to eight years in prison, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release, for his role in a drug and money laundering conspiracy that distributed methamphetamine and heroin throughout Southcentral Alaska.
According to documents filed in the case, between mid-2014 and Jan. 14, 2015, Hanes was part of a conspiracy that distributed methamphetamine and heroin throughout Southcentral Alaska. Individuals in Anchorage supplied Hanes with the drugs, driving to meet him near his home in Sterling on at least two occasions to deliver product. Payment for those drugs would then be made through deposits into bank accounts controlled by the conspiracy.
During a search of Hanes’ property, law enforcement located approximately one pound of methamphetamine and a half-pound of heroin in a safe in his bedroom. Also located in the safe was more than $5,000 in cash, a loaded Glock handgun, and an envelope that contained a U-Haul magnetic security card, and two keys. Written on the outside of the envelope was “Casey, Emergency Only!” Located in the storage locker was methamphetamine and heroin, as well as $148,000 in cash.
Hanes was not present at the residence at the time of the search, having traveled to Mexico approximately one week prior. Following the search, Hanes stayed in Mexico and remained there until his arrest on or about Sept. 11, 2017.
In January 2015, Hanes possessed more than 400 doses of methamphetamine and more than 2,000 doses of heroin. At sentencing, Judge Gleason noted the large quantity of drugs distributed in this case, and the harm those drugs did in the defendant’s rural community. “Drugs destroy so many lives,” said Judge Gleason. Judge Gleason also noted that while Hanes was a drug user, the large volume of cash seized in this case made it clear that his dealing was not driven by his addiction, but rather, was driven by a profit motive.
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Reardon.
Southampton Man Sentenced for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Southampton man was sentenced in federal court in Springfield today for child pornography offenses.
Bruce Singer, 72, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to eight years in prison and 15 years of supervised release. In April 2019, Singer pleaded guilty to five counts of distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Singer was indicted in March 2017 and was released on conditions.
On various occasions between April 30, 2013, and June 25, 2015, Singer sent and received child pornography by text and email. When police searched his home in 2015, Singer possessed hundreds of images of child pornography on various electronic devices, including images of several known child victims. Singer exchanged child pornography with others, including James J. Smith, who was convicted in federal court in Springfield of distributing, transporting, receiving, and possessing child pornography. In September 2017, Smith was sentenced to 138 months in federal prison.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper; and Easthampton Police Chief Robert Alberti made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Leslie Williams Fisher of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case.
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 DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Siemens Contract Employee Intentionally Damaged Computers by Planting Logic Bombs into Programs He DesignedRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Harrison City, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charge of intentional damage to a protected computer, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
David Tinley, 62, pleaded guilty to one count beforeSenior or Chief United States District Judge Peter J. Phipps.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around 2014 and continuing until on or about May 13, 2016, Tinley, a contract employee for Siemens Corporation at the Monroeville, PA location, intentionally inserted logic bombs into computer programs that he designed for Siemens Corporation. The logic bombs ensured that the programs would malfunction after the expiration of a certain date. As a result, Siemens was unaware of the cause of the malfunction and required Tinley to fix these malfunctions.
Judge Phipps scheduled sentencing for Nov. 8, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Tinley.
Schuylkill County Man Sentenced to 47 Months’ Imprisonment for Role in Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Thomas Nestor, age 41, of Ringtown, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to 47 months’ imprisonment and to serve four years on supervised release for his role in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Nestor previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. Nestor admitted to distributing heroin and transporting other drug traffickers to Hazleton and other locations to obtain large quantities of heroin on multiple occasions. Nestor was involved in transporting and distributing between 400 grams and 700 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to 16,000 and 28,000 retail bags of heroin.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Schuylkill County. Nestor was one of 11 people charged in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Schenectady Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – William Reid, age 38, of Schenectady, New York, pled guilty today to two counts of distributing crack cocaine, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his guilty plea, Reid admitted that he sold 33.4 grams of crack cocaine on April 26, 2018 and 8.9 grams of crack cocaine on June 22, 2018, each time in Schenectady.
As a result of his conviction, Reid faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, and a term of post-release supervision of at least 4 years and up to life. 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. Sentencing is scheduled for November 14, 2019 before Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal.
Rockland County Man Sentenced for His Role in Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead 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 Daniel Badu, 56, of New City, NY, who was convicted of conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud affecting a financial institution, was sentenced to time served and 10 months home detention by U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth R. Moellering, who handled the case, stated that between 2008 and 2009, the defendant conspired with others to defraud The Funding Source (“TFS”), a mortgage bank, and other financial institutions by submitting fraudulent applications for home loans. After being originated by TFS, the loans were sold to other financial institutions, including M&T Bank and JPMorgan Chase.
The co-conspirators in this case submitted fraudulent applications for loans on eight properties in Bronx, NY. They fraudulently obtained mortgages that were insured by FHA on behalf of unqualified borrowers, such as the defendant. Badu was the purchaser on two of the properties and he aided in the submission of false documentation as part of the loan application, including documents purporting to show income from a fake job. The defendant also backstopped false employment for another loan, pretending that the borrower worked for his ophthalmology company, Eagle Eyes, which in reality was a shell company that performed no business.
The total loan amount for these eight transactions was $4,800,007.In total, six defendants have pleaded guilty for their roles in this fraud. Attorney Laurence Savedoff, Esq. pleaded guilty to a misprision of a felony and was sentenced to four months in prison. Realtor and appraiser Julio Rodriguez pleaded guilty to mail and wire fraud affecting a financial institution, and a conspiracy to do the same, and was sentenced to six months in prison. Sentencing hearings are pending for mortgage broker Gregory Gibbons, and realtors Tina Brown and Alagi Samba.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service under the direction of Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector-in-Charge, Boston Division; the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Brad Geary; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert. Additionally, the New York State Department of Financial Services assisted with the investigation.
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Rochester Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Eric Birkedahl, 32, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Rossi, who handled the case, stated that Birkedahl was located by undercover FBI Agents while trading child pornography online. During the execution of a search warrant at his residence, the defendant was found to be in possession of approximately 3,613 images and 3,726 videos of child pornography on his desktop computer.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.
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Paducah Man Hit with Williamson County Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Ronald R. Springfield, 35, of Paducah, Kentucky, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft announced today. According to the indictment, the offense occurred on April 30, 2019, in Williamson County.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Springfield made his initial appearance in federal court yesterday and pleaded not guilty. He was ordered held without bond pending a July 19 detention hearing. The charged offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group.
The Energy Police Department assisted in the investigation.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to over Six Years in Prison for National Counterfeit Check SchemeRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that Ahmad Jamaal Becoate, 32, of Greensboro, North Carolina, was sentenced to 75 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Joseph Leeson, sitting in Allentown. The court also ordered the defendant to pay $443,542 in restitution and entered a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $132,542.61. The defendant pleaded guilty in February 2019 to charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and pass counterfeited securities, three counts of wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
Becoate and eight others were charged in December 2018 by superseding indictment for involvement in an extensive scheme to defraud Walmart stores across the United States using counterfeit checks and stolen social security numbers. The conspiracy operated from at least June 2016 to July 2018. In January 2017, the defendant was charged and convicted in Michigan state court while perpetrating this scheme; he was sentenced to serve 12 months in prison on the state charge. But within days of being released from prison, the defendant went right back to the same illegal, fraudulent behavior. Becoate and his co-conspirators presented in total more than $1,000,000 in fraudulent checks between June 2016 and July 2018.
“Becoate has spent much of his adult life in prison and has shown time and again that he has no regard for the law,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “For years, the defendant victimized multiple businesses and individuals and his actions show he refuses to be deterred from fraud. For these reasons, he will now spend additional significant time in prison – which is exactly where he belongs.”
“Today’s sentencing should serve as a strong deterrent to organized criminal groups considering taking part in similar fraud schemes,” said Special Agent in Charge James Henry of the Secret Service Philadelphia Field Office. “This case highlights our outstanding relationship with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Social Security Administration. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt criminal groups in the state of Pennsylvania who attempt to defraud our community and its citizens.”
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Investigative Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Crawley.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to Three Years’ Imprisonment for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nicolai Varga, age 30, of Leland, North Carolina, who resided in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, at the time of his arrest, was sentenced on July 18, 2019, by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to three years’ imprisonment and to serve two years on supervised release for his role in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Varga previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. Varga admitted to distributing heroin and transporting other drug traffickers to New York and New Jersey to obtain large quantities of heroin on several occasions. Varga was involved in transporting and distributing between 400 grams and 700 grams of heroin, which is equivalent to approximately 16,000 and 28,000 retail bags of heroin.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Schuylkill County. Varga was one of 11 people charged in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Mt. Vernon Man Sentenced for Williamson County Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
Leonard M. (“Lenny”) Falcone, 51, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, has been sentenced to 140 months in prison on a federal methamphetamine violation, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft announced today.
Earlier this year, Falcone pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Falcone was involved with numerous others in the distribution of methamphetamine in Williamson, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties. At sentencing, the judge found that Falcone was responsible for the distribution of approximately 125 grams of ice (methamphetamine with a purity level of at least 80%). Falcone received an enhanced sentence because he possessed a dangerous weapon during the offense, which occurred between
September 2017 and May 31, 2018.Falcone’s sentence includes three years of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. The Jefferson County
Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Vernon Police Department, Illinois State Police, and
Williamson County States Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
Morgan City resident sentenced for possessing rifleRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Travis Trumaine Singleton, 35, of Morgan City, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 50 months in prison and two years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays for possessing an assault rifle after being convicted of a felony, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced. Singleton previously pleaded guilty to the federal charge on April 16, 2019.
Morgan City Police executed a search warrant on January 19, 2019 at his mother’s home and found an Eagle Arms, Model Eagle 15, multi-caliber, semi-automatic rifle and 29 rounds of .223-caliber ammunition. He later admitted that he was in possession of the rifle, and that he also took a photo of the firearm on January 17, 2019, which further documented his possession of the weapon.
Singleton is a felon with a previous drug felony in state court. Under federal law, convicted felons are not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition.
The ATF, Chitimacha Tribal Police and Morgan City Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods 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.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RIGOBERTO FRANQUIS-HERNANDEZ, age 35, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a one-count bill of information with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ' 1326(a) on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 in the court of U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.
According to the bill of information, RIGOBERTO FRANQUIS-HERNANDEZ reentered the United States on or about May 16, 2019, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about January 25, 2014.
RIGOBERTO FRANQUIS-HERNANDEZ faced a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. RIGOBERTO FRANQUIS-HERNANDEZ was sentenced to be imprisoned for a total term of time served, pay a $100.00 special assessment fee and was transferred to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation.
The United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
Mexican Man Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Manuel Salinas-Hernandez, age 47, of Mexico, was indicted on July 17, 2019, by a federal grand jury with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Salinas-Hernandez was previously deported from the United States to Mexico in March 2010. He is alleged to have illegally reentered the United States sometime after March 2010, and was found in the United States in Adams County, Pennsylvania after eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Joanne M. Sanderson is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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.
Salinas-Hernandez faces a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a 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.
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Massachusetts Man Sentenced to Prison After Pleading Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
A Massachusetts man was sentenced today to eight years in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release for child pornography charges, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling of the District of Massachusetts.
Bruce Singer, 72, of Southampton, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts in Springfield to five counts of distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea agreement, on various occasions between April 30, 2013, and June 25, 2015, Singer sent and received child pornography by text and email. Singer engaged in the exchange of child pornography with two other people, including James Smith, a man who was convicted in 2017 in District Court in Springfield, Massachusetts, for distributing, transporting, receiving and possessing child pornography. At the time police searched his home in 2015, Singer possessed hundreds of images of child pornography on various electronic devices, including images of several known child victims.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Northampton Police Department, the Easthampton Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police. Trial Attorney Leslie Williams Fisher of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of the District of Massachusetts prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Mashpee Couple Indicted for Straw Purchase of Glock FirearmsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Mashpee couple was indicted yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with making false statements in order to purchase two firearms which can only be purchased by law enforcement officers.
Justin F. Watson, 33, and Angel Ecker, 23, were each indicted on one count of making false statements during the purchase of firearms. Watson was also charged with one count of making false statements in a record. In April 2019, Watson was charged by criminal complaint and arrested.
According to charging documents, from March 2018 to February 2019, Watson was an Institutional Security Officer/Campus Police Dispatcher with the Cape Cod Community College Police. As such, Watson neither carried a weapon nor had the power to make arrests on campus.
It is alleged that Watson ordered a Glock pistol to be delivered to a firearms dealer on Cape Cod. On Aug. 26, 2018, Watson went to the firearms dealer to pick up the Glock, Model 22, GEN4, .40 caliber pistol. Before receiving the firearm, Watson provided his Cape Cod Community College identification card, which listed him as “Campus Police” and “Faculty/Staff,” to the manager and completed a Public Safety Purchase Form identifying himself as an Institutional Security Officer.
As alleged in court documents, Watson called another firearms dealer and spoke with the store’s operator, who informed him that only law enforcement officers with the power to conduct arrests could purchase Glock Model 26 firearms. Watson said he was a police officer with authority to make arrests.
On Nov. 17, 2018, Watson went to the second firearms dealer with Ecker and spoke with a sales manager. Ecker allegedly told the sales manager that she was Watson’s boss and that Watson had authority to make arrests. Watson identified himself as a police officer to the sales manager and then purchased a Glock, Model 26, GEN4, 9mm pistol for $425. Watson completed a required ATF Form and affirmed that he was the actual buyer of the firearm. The form warned that, “If you are not the actual buyer, the dealer cannot transfer the firearm(s) to you.”
During the sale, Watson provided his Cape Cod Community College identification card and completed a certification letter indicating that he was purchasing the firearm for “on or off duty use” and not “for resale.” Watson also completed another certification form and listed himself as “Campus Police.”
It is further alleged that Watson then transferred the Glock Model 26 to Ecker on Dec. 19, 2018.
During an interview with law enforcement, Watson acknowledged that he used his Cape Cod Community College identification card when he purchased both Glock firearms. He stated he used that ID because he did not think he could purchase the firearms without it. He also acknowledged that if the firearms dealers had understood that he was not a police officer with arrest powers, they would not have sold him the firearms. Watson further stated that he knew that Ecker, a civilian, could not purchase a Glock Model 26 herself and that he purchased the firearm for her.
Straw purchases interfere with firearm regulation and recordkeeping, and federal law makes it a crime to knowingly make false statements to a firearms dealer in connection with the lawfulness of the sale.
The charging statues each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 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 Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Cape Cod Community College Campus Police, Barnstable Police Department and Mashpee Police Department provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris of Lelling’s Public Corruption Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Marshall County Woman Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
Marshall County Woman Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of a Child
BIRMINGHAM – A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced a Marshall County woman for sexually exploitation of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge James G. Hernandez.
U.S. District Judge Abdul K. Kallon sentenced ANNA MARIE GOMEZ, 31, to 18 years in prison. Gomez plead guilty in April to one-count of sexually exploitation of a child. Gomez persuaded a six-year old girl to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce images of that conduct and transport them across state lines.
“A long prison sentence is well-deserved for the defendant in this case,” Town said. “Gomez gave no sanctuary to this young victim and now has been given bed space in a federal prison with no sanctuary of parole.”
“HSI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the members of our population that are the most vulnerable,” Hernandez said. “I hope that the sentence in this case allows the victim time to heal.”
U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the cases, which the Assistant United States Attorney Robert Becher, Sr. prosecuted.
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Man Charged with Mail Theft for Stealing Dozens of Letters Containing $200,000 in Checks from Residence in LantanaRead the Press Release
A grand jury in West Palm Beach today returned an indictment charging a man with mail theft in Lantana, Florida.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Sean Scheller, Chief of Police for the Town of Lantana, Florida, and Lesley Allison, Acting Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division, made the announcement.
Marchello Wilbon, 34, of West Palm Beach, was charged in a one-count indictment with mail theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708. (Case No. 19-80119-CR-Ruiz). The defendant faces up to 5 years imprisonment, and up to $250,000 in fines on the charge if convicted.
According to court documents, including the indictment and criminal complaint, on July 15, 2019, at approximately 8:30 a.m., a Lantana resident who lives on S.E. Atlantic Drive placed multiple letters containing approximately thirty-nine checks with face value of approximately $200,000 in the mailbox located outside the resident’s home for pick up by the U.S. Postal Service. Wilson is charged with stealing the mail, containing the checks, from the resident’s mailbox.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of the Lantana Police Department and the USPIS. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Jorgensen.
An indictment and criminal complaint contain accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Media AdvisoryRead the Press Release
WHEN: Monday, July 22, 2019 at 10:00 AM
WHERE: Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office
4710 Corporation Drive
Fayetteville, NC
Re: Operation “Southern Lights” Press Conference
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney’s Office announces a press conference to discuss the indictment and arrests of multiple defendants in an ongoing investigation into a multi-state organization on the east coast engaged in cigarette trafficking and money laundering. The organization was based in Cumberland County, North Carolina. The following agencies took part in Operation Southern Lights: Homeland Security Investigations, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition to United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr., it is anticipated members of Homeland Security Investigations, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service to be present at this event.
Credentialed members of the media are invited to attend. For additional information please e-mail Don Connelly at [email protected]. Please RSVP your intentions to attend the event.
Local Pharmacy Owner Indicted for Multimillion-Dollar Health Care Fraud Conspiracy and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Andrew E. Fisher, 33, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, was arraigned yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The indictment was announced by Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that between October 2014 and December 2015, Fisher, the president and part-owner of Physician Specialty Pharmacy, conspired with others to defraud TRICARE and other insurance companies through more than $4.8 million in fraudulent claims for prescriptions for compounded pain cream, scar cream, and wellness capsules. According to the indictment, Fisher agreed to fill prescriptions at his pharmacy knowing they were not based on legitimate doctor-patient relationships. In exchange, Fisher allegedly paid commissions to the marketing representatives who recruited individuals to receive the compounded drug prescriptions. Fisher, who is not a licensed pharmacist, also allegedly directed his employees to use ingredient formulations for the drugs that would maximize the amount his pharmacy could bill to TRICARE and other companies, without regard to what was medically necessary.
Five co-conspirators named in the indictment have previously pleaded guilty in two related cases. Bradley D. Pounds was sentenced to 21 months in prison, and Marie Ann Smith and Heather E. Pounds were sentenced to probation. Michael Scott Burton and Brad T. Hodgson are awaiting sentencing.
The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud is 20 years imprisonment, and the maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit money laundering is 10 years imprisonment. Fisher’s trial is scheduled for September 3, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.
Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Department of Financial Services-Division of Insurance Fraud, Florida Department of Health, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and Army Criminal Investigative Command.
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 at trial.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Florida website. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of
Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.Little League Coach Sentenced for Interstate Travel to Engage in Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Plainfield, Conn., little league coach arrested by Rhode Island State Police in January 2019 at a Warwick, R.I., hotel where he arranged to meet with a 14-year-old boy to engage in illicit sexual activity was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison.
At the time of his arrest, Christopher L. Merchant, 34, of Woodstock, Conn., was also found to be in possession of images of child pornography that he stored on his cell phone.
In pleading guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence on March 20, 2019, to travel in interstate commerce with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and transporting child pornography, Merchant admitted that on numerous occasions, beginning in early January 2019, he engaged in a series of online sexually graphic exchanges with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old boy. Merchant admitted that he arranged to meet with the boy at a Warwick, R.I., hotel to engage in illicit sexual activity. The defendant also admitted to sending obscene photographs to the person with whom he was communicating.
Merchant was actually communicating with a member of law enforcement assigned to the ICAC Task Force, who was conducting an investigation into online child exploitation via a dating and social networking application for smart phones.
At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith ordered Merchant to serve a term of incarceration of 60 months to be followed by 15 years supervised release, and to pay a mandatory assessment of $5,000 as provided for in the Justice for Victims Trafficking Act, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel James M. Manni, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. McAdams with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
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Litchfield Man to Remain in Custody; Charged with Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Litchfield, Ill., man who has volunteered at local community and church youth programs, Cory C. Robinson, 24, has been ordered to remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on charges of child sexual exploitation.
During today’s detention hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Tom Schanzle-Haskins found that Robinson presents a danger to the community if released from law enforcement custody. In court documents filed in support of Robinson’s detention, the government noted Robinson’s activities have included volunteering at a local church youth program, trips to Six Flags, Colorado, and camping with minors, and online conversations with minors using multiple social media platforms.
Robinson was arrested on July 15, following indictment by a grand jury on charges of production of child pornography and attempted enticement of a minor. The indictment alleges that Robinson produced child pornography of a minor and attempted to entice a minor to engage in sexual conduct in August and September 2017. The grand jury returned the two-count indictment on July 9; however it had remained sealed pending Robinson’s arrest and court appearance.
If convicted of the offense of production of child pornography, Robinson faces a statutory prison sentence of 15 to 30 years; the statutory penalty for attempted enticement of a minor is 10 years to life in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Crystal C. Correa. The charges are the result of an ongoing investigation by the FBI and Illinois State Police.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The 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.
Lexington Man Sentenced to 115 Months for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — D’Vonta Middlebrooks, 24, of Lexington, was sentenced today, to 115 months in federal prison, by United States District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
In August 2018, officers with the Lexington Police Department, while assisting State Probation and Parole officers, located Middlebrooks in a Lexington residence. During the search of the residence, officers located a 9 mm handgun. Middlebrooks admitted to the possession of the firearm and was arrested. At the time of his arrest, Middlebrooks was on bond for other charges.
Under federal law, Middlebrooks must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for three years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Stuart Lowrey, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Louisville Field Division; and Lawrence Weathers, Chief of the Lexington Police Department, jointly made the announcement.
The ATF and the Lexington Police Department conducted the investigation. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Cynthia T. Rieker.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The PSN program was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Leader of Violent Drug Trafficking Group in North Philadelphia Sentenced to 18 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that Damon Edwards, 33, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 18 years in prison by the Honorable Judge Paul S. Diamond.
Edwards was a leader of a violent drug trafficking group that had operated out of the Norman Blumberg Apartment Complex, a public housing facility in Philadelphia. Edwards pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and distribution of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of public housing (a drug-free zone).
Edwards and others controlled drug sales in various areas of the public housing facility from 2012 to 2014. These leaders obtained bulk crack and cocaine; cooked and packaged crack cocaine into bundles; hired, fired, and supervised shift sellers and lookouts; levied taxes on members and customers; and provided protection from other drug trafficking groups. The shift sellers were the daily workers employed by the leaders to sell crack cocaine in the locations controlled by the groups, while the lookouts assisted other members of the groups by alerting them to the presence of law enforcement and directing customers to the shift sellers.
“This violent drug trafficking group, led by Edwards, sold crack cocaine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in and around the Norman Blumberg Apartment Complex in North Philadelphia,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “This group used and carried firearms, robbed rival drug dealers, and used intimidation, threats, and violence to further its drug trade. Philadelphia residents can rest assured that my Office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute cases like this to keep citizens safe and to dismantle the crack cocaine trade.”
“The investigation, arrest, and successful prosecution of Damon Edwards are evidence of the merits of consistent inter-agency collaborations,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard J. Ross, Jr. “We believe strongly in the value of these multi-tiered collaborative efforts. Mr. Edwards is a member of a violent drug trafficking organization. With his conviction and attendant sentencing, a prolific narcotics offender will be removed from the communities in which he distributed illegal and dangerous substances. We anticipate that arrests, convictions, and sentences such as this, will continue to have an appreciable impact on the safety and quality of life of our city's residents and visitors.”
This case was investigated by the United States Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration in collaboration with the Philadelphia Police Department and Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome Maiatico and Yvonne Osirim.
Leader of Baton Rouge-based “FreeBandz” Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced that SHANARD ZELRON BANKS, a.k.a. “Nardie,” age 30, pled guilty before Judge Brian A. Jackson to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, thirteen counts of unlawful use of a communication facility, and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. As a result of his guilty plea, BANKS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life, significant fines, and forfeiture of the property involved or used in, or derived from, his illegal activity.
BANKS was charged along with twenty other individuals in connection with an extensive federal, state, and local investigation by the Middle District Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) aimed at a drug trafficking organization – FreeBandz – based and operating in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
During the guilty plea hearing, BANKS admitted that he controlled the organization’s illegal pill-pressing operation whereby BANKS and his co-conspirators used pill press machines, punches, dies, and pill pressing chemicals to illegally manufacture tens of thousands of counterfeit controlled substance pills. The counterfeit pills were tainted with undisclosed amounts of heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl analogues, clonazolam, and other controlled substances that BANKS’ co-conspirator obtained from sources located in Houston, Texas, and Los Angeles, California. These pills were then imprinted with various imprints, including several for controlled substance pharmaceuticals. Thereafter, BANKS and his co-conspirators distributed the counterfeit pills to others for further distribution in Baton Rouge, Mississippi, the New Orleans metropolitan area, and elsewhere. The drug trafficking operation formed in or before 2016 and continued until it was disrupted by law enforcement intervention in 2018.
During their investigation, law enforcement agents recovered a .380 caliber Taurus revolver, a .556 caliber Smith & Wesson semi-automatic rifle, and five semi-automatic pistols of varying calibers from a number of residences and commercial premises that were used to store drugs and drug proceeds, and to conduct drug transactions. These firearms were possessed by BANKS and a co-conspirator with the purpose of advancing BANKS’ drug trafficking operation. As a part of his plea agreement, BANKS agreed to forfeit to the United States the firearms, $20,000, and a 2011 Porshe Panamera that he purchased using drug trafficking proceeds.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This conviction holds accountable one of the key leaders of a drug trafficking organization responsible for trafficking large amounts of counterfeit pills laced with heroin and other illegal drugs throughout our district. Our community deserves peace, security, and freedom from the tyranny of armed drug traffickers. This conviction has significantly advanced that effort. The combined federal, state, and local efforts that culminated in this conviction once again reflect our unified front against crime in this district. I appreciate the tremendous dedication and hard work by the agents and prosecutors who worked tirelessly on this important matter.”
Michael Sader, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baton Rouge District Office stated, “This guilty plea is the result of a two year DEA Baton Rouge Task Force investigation of a violent drug trafficking organization responsible for supplying large amounts of narcotics throughout Baton Rouge. The investigation was successful due to the combined efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The DEA will continue to conduct these investigations in an effort to stem the flow of illegal narcotics onto the streets of our community.”
This investigation is another effort by the OCDETF Program, which was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers. Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, money laundering organizations, and related criminal enterprises. The OCDETF Program operates nationwide and combines the resources and unique expertise of numerous federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.
This OCDETF operation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana; the Baton Rouge District Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Baton Rouge Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Kleinpeter, who also serves as a deputy criminal chief, and Demetrius D. Sumner.
Keshena Man, Shawano Woman Indicted for Obstruction of Justice and Firearm Offense on Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 16, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against a man and woman allegedly involved in a firearms offense on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The indictment charged Aaron C. Smith (age: 27), formerly of Keshena, which is located on the Menominee Indian Reservation, and Keanna R. King (age: 26), of Shawano.
Count One of the indictment charged Smith with Prohibited Possession of a Firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). Smith faces a maximum of ten years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release if convicted of this offense. The indictment also charged Smith with Obstruction of Justice in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(1). If convicted of this offense, Smith faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
King is charged in Count Three with False Declarations Before a Grand Jury in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1623(a). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
According to the indictment, on or about April 21, 2019, Smith possessed a .25 caliber handgun despite knowing he was prohibited from possession due to a previous conviction. On or about May 6, 2019, Smith allegedly acted to influence King’s testimony before a federal grand jury. According to the indictment, on or about May 29, 2019, King provided false testimony to a federal grand jury when she denied Smith handed her a firearm he illegally possessed on April 21, 2019.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department, Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Keshena Man Indicted for Aggravated Assault on Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 16, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment against a man allegedly involved in an assault that resulted in a woman sustaining serious bodily injury. The indictment named Brad L. Blackowl (age: 28) of Keshena, which is located in the Menominee Indian Reservation.
The indictment charged Blackowl with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 113(a)(6). If convicted, Blackowl faces a maximum of ten years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
According to the indictment, on or about February 17, 2019, the defendant struck a woman with his fist, causing her to sustain nasal injuries requiring surgical reconstruction.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Justice Department Announces Addendum to Swiss Bank Program Category 2 Non-Prosecution Agreement with Banque Bonhôte & Cie SARead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that it has signed an Addendum to a non-prosecution agreement with Banque Bonhôte & Cie SA, Ltd. (Bonhôte) of Neuchâtel Switzerland. The original non-prosecution agreement was signed on Nov. 3, 2015. At that time, Bonhôte reported that it held and managed 63 U.S. Related Accounts, with assets under management exceeding $88 million, and paid a penalty of $624,000. In reaching today’s agreement, Bonhôte acknowledges it should have disclosed additional U.S.-related accounts to the Department at the time of the signing of the non-prosecution agreement.
The Swiss Bank Program, announced on Aug. 29, 2013, provided a path for Swiss banks to resolve potential criminal liabilities in the United States relating to offshore banking services provided to United States taxpayers. Swiss banks eligible to enter the program were required to advise the Department that they had reason to believe that they had committed tax-related criminal offenses in connection with undeclared U.S.-related accounts. As participants in the program, they were required to make a complete disclosure of their cross-border activities, provide detailed information on an account-by-account basis for accounts in which U.S. taxpayers had a direct or indirect interest, cooperate in treaty requests for account information, and provide detailed information about the transfer of funds into and out of U.S.-related accounts, including undeclared accounts, that identifies the sending and receiving banks involved in the transactions.
The Department executed non-prosecution agreements with 80 banks between March 2015 and January 2016. The Department imposed a total of more than $1.36 billion in Swiss Bank Program penalties. Pursuant to today’s agreement, Bonhôte will pay an additional sum of $1,200,000 and will provide supplemental information regarding its U.S.-related account population, which now includes eight additional accounts with assets under management of approximately $33 million.
Every bank that signed a non-prosecution agreement in the Swiss Bank Program represented that it had disclosed all known U.S.-related accounts that were open at each bank between Aug. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2014. Each bank also represented that during the term of each non-prosecution agreement it would continue to disclose all material information relating to its U.S.-related accounts. Other than the failure to disclose the additional eight U.S.-related accounts, Bonhôte has otherwise fully cooperated with the Department with respect to the bank’s obligations under the non-prosecution agreement and with the additional U.S.-related accounts.
“The Department of Justice continues to examine the information provided by Swiss banks to the Department and will continue to work closely with our partners at the Internal Revenue Service to ensure that American taxpayers are meeting their reporting and tax obligations with respect to foreign bank accounts,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman, head of the Tax Division. “We expect banks to fully cooperate with the Department and continue to provide information about U.S. offshore accounts.”
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman thanked Senior Counsel for International Tax Matters and Coordinator of the Swiss Bank Program Thomas J. Sawyer, Senior Litigation Counsel Nanette L. Davis, and Trial Attorney Kimberle E. Dodd of the Tax Division.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Jury Convicts Batavia Man of Two Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A U.S. District Court jury here convicted Bruce Lee Felix, 52, of Batavia of using a gun to rob the Cheviot Savings Bank and an earlier robbery of the Cincinnatus Savings and Loan.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Todd Wickerham, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Colerain Township Police Chief Mark C. Denney, Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot K. Isaac, Harrison Police Chief Charles Lindsey and Michael S. Masterson, Director of Enforcement, Ohio Casino Control Commission announced the verdict returned today following a trial that began July 1 before U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black.
Court documents and trial testimony said that Felix, wearing a mask and brandishing a gun, surprised a maintenance man at the Cheviot Savings Bank, 1194 Stone Drive, Harrison, Ohio at approximately 8 a.m. on June 17, 2015 when the maintenance man was entering the back door of the bank. Felix placed his gun to the maintenance man’s temple and demanded that he open the vault. Once he realized only bank tellers could open the vault, he ordered the victim down on the floor of the break room, zip-tied his hands behind his back and his feet together, removed the victim’s boots and waited for the tellers to arrive. When the tellers arrived, Felix ordered them to open the vault and remove the money. He then fled the bank.
The jury also convicted Felix of robbing the Cincinnatus Savings and Loan, 3664 Springdale Road, on February 4, 2015 when he jumped out of the bushes as two employees were getting ready to enter the bank around 8 a.m. He forced them to open the vault and remove the money before ordering them to lie on the ground and tying their hands behind their back.
Felix was arrested on February 4, 2017 in Batavia.
The jury found Felix guilty of one count of armed bank robbery, punishable by up to 25 years in prison, and one count of use of a firearm during a crime of violence, punishable by a mandatory minimum of 25 years to life due to a prior firearm conviction in 1996, for the Cheviot Savings Bank robbery. His conviction on one count of bank robbery for the Cincinnatus Savings and Loan is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by law enforcement and Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Springer and Ebunoluwa Taiwo, who tried the case on behalf of the United States.
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Jackson Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison under Project EJECT for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Justin Darby, 37, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 156 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for carjacking and using a firearm to facilitate the carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Darby was also ordered to pay a $1,500.00 fine.
On December 11, 2017, in Hinds County, Justin Darby crashed into the rear of another vehicle at the intersection of Lynch Street and Highway 80, forced the driver of that vehicle out of that car, and fled the scene. Darby was carrying a military style rifle when he carjacked the other vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lynn Murray and Bert Carraway.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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.
Jackson Man Sentenced Under Project EJECT to over Four Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Adrian Charleston, 24, of Jackson, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 50 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kirk Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Charleston was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.
On June 30, 2018, Jackson Police officers attempted to pull over a vehicle occupied by Charleston and others. The occupants fled from the officers before abandoning the vehicle in an alleyway. While leaving the alleyway, Charleston possessed a firearm and tried to hide the evidence by discarding the firearm in a dumpster. Shortly thereafter, Charleston was apprehended and the firearm was recovered. Charleston was previously convicted of manslaughter in Hinds County in 2013.
On December 12, 2018, Charleston was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pled guilty before Judge Jordan on April 5, 2019.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Jackson Police Department investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Iranian Export Company Executive Pleads Guilty to Violating U.S. Sanctions Against IranRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK - Mahin Mojtahedzadeh, age 74, and a citizen of Iran, pled guilty today to conspiring to unlawfully export gas turbine parts from the United States to Iran.
The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers; United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Kevin Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Jonathan Carson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office.
Mojtahedzadeh pled guilty to one count of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations. She admitted that she was the President and Managing Director of ETCO-FZC (“ETCO”), an export company with an office in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. ETCO is a supplier of spare and replacement turbine parts for power generation companies in the Middle East, including Iran.
Mojtahedzadeh admitted that from 2013 through 2017, she worked with companies in Canada and Germany to violate and evade U.S. sanctions against Iran, by having these companies first acquire more than $3 million dollars’ worth of turbine parts from two distributors in Saratoga County, New York.
When the U.S. parts arrived in Canada and Germany, respectively, these companies and Mojtahedzadeh then arranged for the parts to be re-shipped to ETCO’s customers in Iran. At all times, U.S. law prohibited the export and re-export of U.S.-origin turbine parts to Iran without a license from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which neither Mojtahedzadeh nor her co-conspirators possessed.
“By supplying Iran with millions of dollars’ worth of illegally exported turbine machinery, the defendant provided equipment that is critically important for Iran’s infrastructure,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “This sort of sanctions violation allows the Iranian government to withstand the pressure of U.S. sanctions – pressure that is intended to end Iran’s malign behavior. We will continue to hold to account those who aid Iran in evading the United States’ comprehensive embargo.”
United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith stated: “Mahin Mojtahedzadeh worked for years to illegally acquire gas turbine parts for power plants in Iran. Thanks to thorough inter-agency collaboration by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement, the defendant and her co-conspirators are being held accountable for circumventing economic sanctions that protect the national security of the United States.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge James N. Hendricks stated: “The proliferation of sensitive U.S. technologies to Iran remains a clear threat to our national security. The FBI, along with our interagency partners, will continue to identify, investigate, and eliminate proliferation efforts aimed at circumventing our export control laws and economic sanctions to illegally obtain sensitive technologies.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Kevin Kelly stated: “HSI's export enforcement initiatives safeguard national security and protect our interests across the world. The defendant’s admission of willful attempts to thwart these efforts is inexcusable and her guilty plea is an example of the significant repercussions for such actions.”
Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson, of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, stated: “We will fully and aggressively enforce our nation’s restrictions on exports to Iran. Controls on exports to Iran help apply maximum pressure on Iran to end its promotion of instability and terrorism worldwide. The Office of Export Enforcement will continue to leverage our unique authorities to pursue violators wherever they are, worldwide. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to achieve this goal.”
Mojtahedzadeh faces up to 20 years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $1 million, when she is sentenced on November 12, 2019 by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. 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.
Two of Mojtahedzadeh’s co-conspirators have previously pled guilty.
Olaf Tepper, age 52, and a citizen of Germany, pled guilty to conspiring to violate IEEPA. On August 3, 2018, Judge D’Agostino sentenced him to 24 months in prison, and to pay a $5,000 fine. Tepper was the founder and Managing Director of Energy Republic GmbH (“Energy Republic”), based in Cologne, Germany, which re-exported U.S.-origin turbine parts to Iran, including as part of a conspiracy with Mojtahedzadeh.
Mojtaba Biria, age 68, and a citizen of Germany, also pled guilty to conspiring to violate IEEPA, and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14, 2019. Biria was Energy Republic’s Technical Managing Director.
These cases are the result of a joint investigation by the FBI, HSI and the Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement, and are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Belliss and Michael Barnett, with assistance from Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterintelligence & Export Control Section.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on July 16 was:
Seth James Todd, 25, of Laurel, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Todd faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and at least four years of supervised release. Todd was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the FBI task force and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. Pacer case reference. 19-89.
Appearing on July 18 were:
Alejandro Herrera-Garcia, 34, of Watsonville, CA, and Mariano Herrera-Garcia, 45, of Royal Oaks, CA, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, the defendants faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Both defendants were released pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the FBI West Task Force. Pacer case reference. 16-119.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch and pleading not guilty on July 16 was:
Jose Daniel Ramirez, also known as Jose Danny Ramirez, 56, of Missoula, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a drug user. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ramirez faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Ramirez was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service and Montana Probation and Parole. Pacer case reference. 19-26.
Scott Michael Todd, 36, of Missoula, on charges of felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a drug user. If convicted of the most serious crime, Todd faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Todd was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missoula Police Department and Montana Probation and Parole. Pacer case reference. 19-25.
Gregory Scott Tolley, 58, of Superior, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the most serious crime, Tolley faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Tolley was detained pending further proceedings. The case was investigated by the FBI, Montana Violent Crime Task Force, Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Missoula Police Department. Pacer case reference. 19-27.
Appearing for an initial appearance on a criminal complaint on July 17 was:
Tony Gregory Amador Ortiz, hometown unknown, on charges of possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Ortiz faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release. Ortiz was detained pending further proceedings. The case in being investigated by the Missoula High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Pacer case reference. 19-49.
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Individual Arrested for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – United States Magistrate Judge Marcos E. López authorized a criminal complaint against 33 year-old Marcos A. Rivera-Ramos, charging him with production of child pornography, transfer of obscene material to a minor, coercion and enticement, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the arrest.
According to the criminal complaint, on February 2019, the parents of a female minor reported to the FBI that their 15 year-old daughter had received at least one image of an adult male’s penis on her cell phone through the Snapchat application. The female minor told her parents that Marcos A. Rivera-Ramos, an adult who they knew through the church they attend to, and where the defendant serves as an usher, had sent the picture of his penis to her.
According to the investigation, the defendant and the minor were communicating for over one year through Snapchat and WhatsApp. The defendant asked the minor to send him sexually explicit photos and videos and he sent her pictures of his penis.
“Individuals who would take advantage of modern technology to entice and exploit minors deserve special investigative and prosecutorial attention,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Child sexual exploitation is an alarming problem in our society. We are committed to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute these predators to the full extent of the law.”
“Protecting our children from these terrifying and dangerous threats is among the most important work that the FBI does, and we will continue to make every effort to catch anyone involved in this type of conduct,” stated Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Puerto Rico.
FBI encourages the public to call (787) 754-6000 to report any information that may lead to the identification and rescue of additional victims regarding this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ginette Milanes is prosecuting the case. If convicted defendant faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years’ incarceration up to a maximum term of 30 years. A criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Identical Twins Plead Guilty to Child Multiple Sex Exploitation and Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada announced that Justin and Joshua Fisher, identical twin brothers, pleaded guilty today to Sexually Exploiting Children, Conspiring to Sexually Exploit Children, Coercing and Enticing Minors, and Distributing, Receiving, and Possessing Child Pornography. Justin Fisher pleaded guilty to an additional charge of Conspiracy to Tamper with a Victim.
Justin Fisher, 34, admitted to sexually exploiting two minor victims from 2015 to late 2016. Justin Fisher messaged with a 14-year-old girl, identified in the Indictment as Victim 1, over an application called KIK and sent the underage girl cell phone text messages about sexual topics. Justin Fisher lied to Victim 1 about his age and convinced Victim 1 that they were in a legitimate romantic relationship. Justin Fisher directed Victim 1 to take nude photos of herself to send to him. In August 2016, Justin Fisher traveled to see Victim 1, had sex with her, and produced pornographic images of their sexual encounters. Later, Justin Fisher conspired to tamper with Victim 1, attempting to stop her from cooperating with law enforcement. Justin Fisher also admitted to traveling to see another underage girl, identified in the Indictment as Victim 2. He admitted to having sex with the 15-year-old girl, and producing pornographic bondage photos of her. Justin Fisher shared the sexually explicit images of Victim 1 and 2 with his brother, Joshua Fisher, and others over Skype.
Joshua Fisher, 34, pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a 14-year-old girl, identified as Victim 3. The abuse began from the time Victim 3 was 11 years old. Joshua Fisher admitted that he messaged and live chatted with Victim 3 and instructed her to take nude photos of herself to send to him. Additionally, Joshua Fisher instructed Victim 3 on how to pose during the live chats so he could take screenshots of her nude and engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Joshua Fisher shared these images of Victim 3 with his brother, Justin Fisher. When law enforcement arrested Justin Fisher, Joshua Fisher directed Victim 3 to destroy evidence implicating him, and cancelled a trip to visit and have sex with Victim 3.
While Justin and Joshua Fisher were in custody on these charges, they conspired with others to destroy further evidence of their child sexual exploitation crimes. However, a concerned citizen’s phone call to the FBI allowed law enforcement to recover the evidence before the Fishers were able to destroy it.
United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon scheduled a sentencing hearing for October 16, 2019. The maximum penalty is life in prison. The Fishers have agreed to pay full restitution to the victims of their crimes.
The case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children/Child Exploitation Task Force, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorneys Elham Roohani and Christopher Burton are prosecuting the case.
If you have information regarding Justin or Joshua Fisher, please contact the nearest FBI field office or local law enforcement. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com, or contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Cyber Tipline at www.cybertipline.org.
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Holland-Area Pair Sentenced in Connection with Theft of Firearms from Graafschap Hardware StoreRead the Press Release
Matteo Marroquin and Lacy Zimmerman Each Sentenced to Ten Years for Stealing 22 Firearms from Federal Firearms Licensee
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN —On the evening of December 7 or early morning hours of December 8, 2019, two individuals, Matteo Adan Marroquin and Lacy Lynn Zimmerman, stole 22 firearms from Graafschap Hardware Store in Allegan County. Both pled guilty in federal court to the theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee. Law enforcement officers believe that all of the firearms stolen from Graafschap Hardware have been recovered.
On July 18, 2019, Judge Paul Maloney sentenced Marroquin to ten years in prison. Zimmerman, was also sentenced to ten years in prison on May 24, 2019. They were each also ordered to pay $9,013 in restitution. A third individual, Andrew Leenheer, who purchased two of those firearms after the burglary, was convicted of possession of a stolen firearm and sentenced to 44 months in prison on July 19, 2019.
"The theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee is a top priority for ATF," said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir. "Too often these stolen guns are used to commit violent crimes. ATF remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our communities."
"The guns stolen from Graafschap Hardware were recovered through extraordinary police-work by WEMET, the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, and ATF," said Andrew Birge, U.S. Attorney. "Investigating and prosecuting thefts from gun stores and recovering the stolen weapons are priorities because everyone in law enforcement recognizes the danger. Stolen firearms are most valuable to those who are prohibited from lawfully possessing them or who have bad intentions in mind or both."
The case was investigated by the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, WEMET, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Berens prosecuted the case.
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