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18 July 2019
Grand Island Man Indicted by A Grand Jury for Robbing Two BanksRead 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 a federal grand jury has returned a six-count indictment charging Timothy L. Mulvey, 32, of Grand Island, NY, with aggravated bank robbery, entering a bank with intent to commit a larceny, and bank larceny. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated according to the indictment, on June 27, 2018, the defendant robbed the Northwest Savings Bank on Grand Island Boulevard, on Grand Island. During the robbery, Mulvey displayed a weapon when demanding money from a bank teller.
Subsequently, on July 11, 2018, the defendant robbed the M&T Bank on Military Road in Niagara Falls, NY. Once again, Mulvey displayed a weapon during the robbery.
“I commend the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and the Niagara Falls Police Department for the tremendous work they did in investigating these bank robberies,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Working with the FBI, our dedicated and professional partners in local law enforcement worked diligently for over a year to conduct a thorough and exhaustive investigation which culminated in the charges contained in this indictment. The citizen of both Erie and Niagara County are well served by the many dedicated men and women of state, county, and local law enforcement who truly stand on the front line of our defense against violent criminals.”
The defendant was arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and was detained.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Thomas Licata.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Georgia man who hacked professional athletes and musicians sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Kwamaine Jerell Ford has been sentenced to federal prison for hacking into more than 100 Apple accounts belonging to high-profile professional athletes and rappers and spending nearly $325,000 using stolen financial information from several of these victims.
“Ford targeted celebrities and professional athletes in his identity theft scheme and used credit card information stolen from these victims to fund his personal lifestyle,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Citizens should remember that anyone can fall prey to identity theft, and they should be vigilant in protecting their personal information.”
“In today’s high tech world, citizens entrust their personal information to a number of service providers and expect that information to be protected,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Unfortunately, identity thieves are becoming more creative and more devious. But the FBI’s dedicated agents are determined to keep up with that devious creativity to protect our citizens and bring suspects like Ford to justice.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: Beginning in at least March 2015, Ford targeted college and professional athletes, including NBA and NFL players, and rappers in a “phishing” scheme. Phishing is a scheme in which the perpetrator sends a message that purports to be from a legitimate source in the hopes of securing personal information of a potential victim. Ford sent thousands of phishing emails to victims from email accounts he set up to spoof legitimate Apple customer service accounts.
Ford, posing as an Apple customer support representative, requested that the victims send him their username and password or answers to security challenge questions, which Ford claimed was needed either to reset their Apple accounts or to access videos that individuals were purportedly trying to send the victims. More than 100 victims provided their login credentials for Apple accounts based on the phishing scheme.
After obtaining the victims’ passwords, Ford gained complete control over the victim accounts by resetting the account passwords and changing the victims’ credentials and contact information. As a result, the victims could not log into their own accounts unless they contacted Apple by phone and proved their identity. Apple records showed hundreds of unauthorized logins to victim Apple accounts.
After gaining control of the victims’ Apple accounts, Ford found credit card information belonging to several victims. Ford then used the stolen credit card numbers to spend $322,567 over a three-year period, including thousands of dollars in flights, car travel, hotels, retail purchases, restaurants, and cash transfers to his online financial accounts.
Kwamaine Jerell Ford, 27, of Dacula, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr., to three years and one month in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $697,270. Ford was convicted of computer fraud and aggravated identity theft charges on March 28, 2019, after he pleaded guilty.
This case was investigated by the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan P. Kitchens, Deputy Chief of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, prosecuted the case. Apple Inc. provided valuable assistance in the investigation and prosecution.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty in RI to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An Atlanta, GA, man admitted in U.S. District in Providence today to exchanging child pornography with individuals across the country, including sending images of child pornography to an undercover member of the Rhode Island States Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Appearing before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Joseph Grossman, 40, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography, 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.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, on January 19, 2019, a member of the ICAC Task Force, a Rhode Island State Police detective, working in an undercover capacity, set up a profile on a social networking site targeting the “fetish and kinky” community. Grossman reached out to the detective and suggested they shared a sexual interest in young children. Grossman directed the detective to a website where they could chat privately. During a series of communications, Grossman sent the detective approximately 40 images of child pornography.
Investigators were able to determine an IP address and subscriber information associated with Grossman. On February 27, 2019, the Rhode Island State Police detective and an agent from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Providence, assisted by HSI agents in Atlanta, executed a court-authorized search of Grossman’s Atlanta residence and seized several electronic devices and arrested Grossman. Grossman’s email and online accounts were reviewed. Investigators identified numerous people across the country with whom Grossman exchanged child pornography.
Grossman is scheduled to be sentenced on October 15, 2019.
Distributing child pornography is punishable by statutory penalties of 5-20 years in federal prison followed by 5 years to lifetime supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert.
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G7 Announces Common Understanding of G7 Competition Authorities on Competition and the Digital EconomyRead the Press Release
The G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors met on July 17-18, 2019 in Chantilly, France. The United States was represented by Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin. One of the items on the agenda was Competition and the Digital Economy. In preparation for this meeting, Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim met on June 5 with his G7 counterparts in Paris, and drafted a Common Understanding of G7 Competition Authorities on Competition and the Digital Economy to inform the discussion in Chantilly. The Common Understanding was publicly released today.
The Common Understanding acknowledges that competitive markets are key to well-functioning economies and can help unlock the benefits of digital transformation for innovation and growth while safeguarding consumer welfare. The paper notes that competition law is flexible and can adapt to the challenges the digital economy presents to competition enforcers. It also states that “[f]or effective enforcement and policy engagement, it is important that competition authorities have the tools and means to deepen their knowledge of new business models and their impact on competition, for example, through market studies or sector inquiries and by adding in-house capabilities to keep current with issues raised by the digital economy.” The paper recognizes that “…G7 competition authorities will pursue their efforts in this area by continuing their cooperation in existing international fora and group exchanges to deepen their common understanding” and “where considered useful and relevant, the G7 competition authorities will continue to assist G7 on these issues.”
“Digital technologies improve our lives in a myriad of ways, but also present challenges for competition authorities,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim. “I welcome the opportunity to work closely with our G7 counterparts and other competition agencies to address the important issues arising from the digital economy.”
Former Tallassee Police Investigator Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Handcuffed ArresteeRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama - Former Tallassee Police investigator Brandan Smirnoff, 27, was sentenced to 22 months in prison for assaulting a handcuffed, 24-year-old man, announced U.S Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr., Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI Special Agent in Charge James Jewell. There is no parole in the federal system.
Smirnoff encountered the victim, J.M., after a vehicle pursuit. After officers pursued J.M. for several minutes on a four-wheeler, J.M. stepped off the four-wheeler, laid face down on the ground, and allowed several Tallassee police officers to handcuff him. While J.M. was handcuffed and compliant, Smirnoff lifted him into the air and slammed him to the ground. Smirnoff then lifted the victim into the air and slammed him to the ground a second time. Moments later, before Smirnoff placed the victim into a patrol car, Smirnoff slammed the victim’s head into the side of the vehicle. Throughout the assault, the victim was handcuffed, compliant, and did not pose a threat.
“Mr. Smirnoff not only violated the victim’s constitutional rights by assaulting him repeatedly, he committed a crime that dishonored the whole law enforcement community,” said U.S. Attorney Franklin. “A significant sentence of imprisonment was therefore appropriate in this case, not only to punish Mr. Smirnoff for his actions, but also to deter others from committing acts that lead to distrust between law enforcement and the public.”
“The overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers today are honest hardworking individuals,” said Special Agent in Charge Jewell. “However, the FBI will not tolerate the abuse of the public trust in this manner. Law enforcement is held to a higher standard, and in this unfortunate incident, that standard was not met.”
“This defendant abused his power as a police investigator by assaulting a restrained person in his custody. Officers who willfully use excessive force not only violate the Constitution, they erode the public trust in law enforcement,” said Assistant Attorney General Dreiband. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to protecting victims of these abuses and upholding the Constitution and laws that protect us all.”
On April 19, Smirnoff pleaded guilty to one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 242 by assaulting J.M. while acting under color of law.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Montgomery Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Simpson of the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division.
Former Police Sergeant Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas ‐ A former sergeant with the Progreso Police Department (PPD) has been ordered to serve 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick and Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) along with Special Agent in Charge Will R. Glaspy of the Drug Enforcement (DEA) and Acting Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui of IRS-Criminal Investigation (CI).
“This sentence serves as a sobering reminder about the serious consequences for those who violate the public’s trust,” said Folden. “HSI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to target and investigate those who exploit their positions for financial gain.”
A jury convicted Geovani Hernandez, 45, of Weslaco, March 7, 2019, on two counts of attempting to aid and abet the trafficking of five kilograms of cocaine following a four-day trial and approximately three hours of deliberation.
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Hernandez to serve 240 months in prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court noted the evidence against Hernandez was overwhelming. In imposing the sentence, the court ruled Hernandez abused his position of trust to facilitate the drug trafficking offense and obstructed justice when he attempted to intimidate both the case agent and confidential informant to prevent them from testifying at trial.
Hernandez had been employed as a PPD sergeant from March through August 2017, when a confidential source met with him seeking assistance for a drug trafficking organization. The meetings culminated in Hernandez agreeing to scout for law enforcement to enable a vehicle he believed contained a controlled substance to pass through the Progreso area undetected.
At trial, the jury heard recordings between the informant and Hernandez discussing scouting for the drug load. The government presented evidence that once the drug load made it successfully through Progreso on July 15, 2017, Hernandez gave the informant his Progreso police badge.
The defense attempted to attack the credibility of the witnesses and denied any of Hernandez’s knowledge of the drug trafficking scheme or his attempt to participate in it. The jury was not convinced and convicted him on all counts as charged.
“The public’s trust of our law enforcement officials is very fragile; thus, DEA will always vigorously pursue allegations of drug trafficking within the ranks of the law enforcement community,” said Glaspy. “The sentence handed down today is a reminder to those who may consider betraying their badge and the public’s confidence that you will be held accountable for your actions.”
“Today’s sentencing of this former police officer should serve as a warning that anyone involved in the drug trafficker trade, especially those within a public trust position, will be held accountable for their actions,” added Tsui.
Hernandez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
HSI and Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) led the investigation into Hernandez. The case arose as a result of the larger Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Investigation dubbed Operation Blue Shame which HSI, DHS-OIG, DEA and IRS – CI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSA) James H. Sturgis and Kristen J. Rees prosecuted this case. AUSAs Anibal Alaniz and Casey Macdonald are prosecuting the related drug trafficking case.
Former Oakley Police Chief Sentenced to a Year and a Day in Prison for Wire and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
The former police chief of the Village of Oakley, located in Saginaw County, Michigan, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison based on his convictions for wire fraud and filing a false income tax return for 2012, stated United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. Reznick was also ordered to pay $124,078.88 as criminal restitution for unpaid back taxes and $4,553.77 for the costs of prosecution. A civil tax assessment, including penalties and interest, will be made later by the IRS.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge James Dier, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Special Agent in Charge Manny Muriel, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI).
Robert J. Reznick, of Swartz Creek, Michigan, was sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas L. Ludington in Bay City, Michigan.
“The vast number of police officers in Michigan are outstanding, dedicated public servants, but unfortunately this case is an exception to that rule,” stated United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “Former Police Chief Reznick’s prison sentence shows that no one is above the law in Michigan — and that includes those who enforce the law.”
According to court records, Reznick fraudulently used his position as a police chief to obtain reduced prices on firearms, ammunition, and other police equipment from suppliers located both in and outside of Michigan. He then sold the merchandise to his “reserve officers” for his personal profit. Though the population of the Village of Oakley,
located in Saginaw County, was under 300 people, Reznick recruited and maintained a roster of approximately 120 reserve officers for the Oakley Police Department, most of whom were affluent professionals or otherwise prominent individuals who lived outside of, and distant from, the Village of Oakley. Reznick also used his position as police chief to facilitate the sale of assault shotguns, with the capacity to hold 16 rounds, from an out-of-state vendor for some of his customers and thereby enabled the purchasers of those shotguns to evade the federal and state taxes on the transactions.
In addition to the wire fraud charge, Reznick was sentenced for his conviction of willfully filing a false 2012 federal income tax return. Additionally, Reznick acknowledged under-reporting his income on tax returns for additional years and receiving more than $10,000 in criminally-derived income. The criminal tax loss that resulted from Reznick failing to truthfully report all of his personal income totals was approximately $87,702. He had additional unreported income for his business, Due Process of Michigan.
“Instead of protecting and serving his community, Robert Reznick made the decision to break the law for personal gain, and in doing so violated the public’s trust. ATF will never waver in our commitment to protecting the community and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold all citizens accountable.” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir.
Manny Muriel, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit’s IRS Criminal Investigation, stated, “Mr. Reznick dishonored his position as police chief and victimized the American taxpayers in the process. IRS‐CI will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to investigate fraudulent tax allegations; no matter who is trying to destroy the integrity of our tax system.”
This case was investigated by special agents from both ATF and IRS-CI and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Flint and Bay City branch offices.
Former Nevada Senate Majority Leader Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Prison for Misusing $250,000 of Donor Money for Personal ExpensesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Former Nevada State Senate Majority Leader Kelvin Atkinson was sentenced today to more than two years in federal prison for misusing at least $249,900 of campaign donor money on personal expenses including opening a Las Vegas nightclub, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI Las Vegas Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez Jr. for the IRS Criminal Investigation.
“In the Silver State, virtually all public officials serve with integrity, honesty, and humility. But when a public servant violates the public’s trust, federal prosecutors in my office stand ready to pursue justice,” said United States Attorney Trutanich. “The defendant admitted using campaign donations to fund a lavish lifestyle, and the Court determined a 27-month term of federal imprisonment was just and appropriate.”
“The FBI is proud to work with our exceptional partners, like IRS Criminal Investigations, in ensuring those in public office do not betray their oaths or their responsibility to the people they serve,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Rouse. “Nevada citizens should be reassured we will continue to persistently investigate elected officials who choose to exploit the public’s trust for their personal gain.”
“Atkinson wrongfully used campaign funds for his own personal gain,” said IRS Acting Special Agent in Charge Nevarez Jr. “Today’s sentence is a clear message to public officials that they will be held accountable if they violate the public’s trust.”
According to court documents, from at least January 2010 to about December 2017, Atkinson, 49, admitted that he devised a scheme to mislead donors contributing to his campaign by falsely representing to them that he would use donations for lawful campaign purposes. In reality, he misused contributions in his campaign account for personal expenses. Atkinson admitted that he used nearly $250,000 from his campaign bank account for personal expenses instead of legitimate campaign purposes. His personal spending of campaign funds included approximately $100,000 in payments to his personal credit cards, $75,000 towards opening and operating a Las Vegas nightclub, and $20,000 on leasing a Jaguar Sports Utility Vehicle, among many other personal expenditures.
The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Schiess prosecuted the case.
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Former Alabama Police Investigator Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Handcuffed ArresteeRead the Press Release
Former Tallassee Police investigator Brandan Smirnoff, 27, was sentenced to 22 months in prison for assaulting a handcuffed, 24-year-old man. Smirnoff encountered the victim, J.M., after a vehicle pursuit. After officers pursued J.M. for several minutes on a four-wheeler, J.M. stepped off the four-wheeler, laid face down on the ground, and allowed several Tallassee police officers to handcuff him. While J.M. was handcuffed and compliant, Smirnoff lifted him into the air and slammed him to the ground. Smirnoff then lifted the victim into the air and slammed him to the ground a second time. Moments later, before Smirnoff placed the victim into a patrol car, Smirnoff slammed the victim’s head into the side of the vehicle. Throughout the assault, the victim was handcuffed, compliant, and did not pose a threat.
“This defendant abused his power as a police investigator by assaulting a restrained person in his custody. Officers who willfully use excessive force not only violate the Constitution, they erode the public trust in law enforcement,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to protecting victims of these abuses and upholding the Constitution and laws that protect us all.”
“Mr. Smirnoff not only violated the victim’s constitutional rights by assaulting him repeatedly, he committed a crime that dishonored the whole law enforcement community,” said U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr. “A significant sentence of imprisonment was therefore appropriate in this case, not only to punish Mr. Smirnoff for his actions, but also to deter others from committing acts that lead to distrust between law enforcement and the public.”
On April 19, Smirnoff pleaded guilty to one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 242 by assaulting J.M. while acting under color of law.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Montgomery Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Simpson of the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division.
Five people named in 17-count indictment related to the seizure of eight kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin and $1.1 million in cashRead the Press Release
Five people were named in a 17-count federal indictment related to the seizure of approximately eight kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin and $1.1 million in cash.
Kenneth Blackshaw, 53, of Cleveland; Jorge Alberto Barrera, 43, of Mexico; Miguel Angel Marquez, 44, of Fresno, California; Donald Earl Knighten 43, of Bedford, and Kimberly Yvette Green, 49, of Cleveland Heights, were each charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Additional charges include distribution of cocaine and heroin, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and other charges.
Blackshaw, Barrera, Marquez and Knighten were arrested on June 15 at 1538 Addison Road in Cleveland. DEA agents searched the house and found nine individually wrapped bundles of drugs, as well as 32 bundles of cash, according to court documents.
“These arrests and the seizure of such a large quantity of drugs before it hit the streets of Cleveland undoubtedly saved lives,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The DEA and their partners are to be thanked for working around the clock this weekend to make the arrests and seize the drugs, as well as approximately $1.1 million in drug proceeds.”
DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith W. Martin said: “The DEA’s mission is to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs, and this case is a great example of that work. This seizure and arrests will help make Cleveland safer.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould following an investigation by the DEA.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Multiple Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man who pleaded guilty to multiple drug charges, including possession of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Randall Ervin Venerable, 53, pleaded guilty in April 2019, to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware presided over the sentencing hearing.
According to court documents, in March 2018, Venerable met a person four times at a pre-arranged location and sold the person more than one-half pound of methamphetamine, in total. After the fourth drug sale, law enforcement arrested Venerable and seized almost $3,000 in cash. Venerable admitted to detectives that he had recently gotten back into drug trafficking. During the execution of a search warrant at Venerable’s residence, detectives found over one pound of methamphetamine packaged for sale; approximately one-half pound of marijuana; over a quarter-pound of heroin packaged for sale; 89 grams of cocaine; and two digital scales. In addition, detectives found more than $6,000 in cash; an “owe sheet”; and two semi-automatic handguns and ammunition.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Elham Roohani and Peter S. Levitt prosecuted the case.
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Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A felon who was serving a term of supervised release when he committed the offense was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for unlawful possession of firearms, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Julian Ricardo Chacon, 39, pleaded guilty to two counts of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chacon has prior convictions including robbery, drug charges, identity theft, and felon in possession of a firearm, all in Nevada.
According to court documents, Chacon was serving a term of supervised release related to a 2008 federal conviction for felon in possession of a firearm. He served the seven year prison term and then began his three years of supervision in 2016. In January 2018, the U.S. Probation Office filed a petition alleging Chacon had violated conditions of his supervised release.
Later, in July 2018, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department learned that Chacon was selling methamphetamine in Las Vegas. He sold approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine to an individual and had an estimated quarter-pound of methamphetamine in his vehicle. During the investigation, officers learned Chacon was on federal supervised release.
On July 9, 2018, law enforcement conducted a search of Chacon’s residence where they found more than 314 grams of methamphetamine, over 26 grams of marijuana, more than $920 in cash, a digital scale, a supply of small baggies, as well as a 9mm semiautomatic pistol loaded with hollow-point ammunition, a loaded magazine, and ammunition. Officers later learned that the 9mm pistol was stolen, and Chacon also illegally purchased a .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol.
The case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Probation Office. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
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Federal Jury Convicts St. Croix Man of Murder for HireRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – After a six-day trial, a federal jury on Thursday found Delroy Thomas, Jr., 28, of St. Croix, guilty of murder for hire, attempted murder and attempted retaliation against a witness, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to the evidence presented at trial, between March 9, 2015 to March 11, 2015, Thomas made a series of telephone calls, while in Golden Grove Correctional Facility, to another inmate. He solicited the inmate’s assistance to eliminate two witnesses in his pending Superior Court case. Thomas describe the location of the witnesses’ residence to the inmate and texted their photographs to him. He told the inmate he wanted them "off", he was dead serious, he would get the gun, this was eight months of thinking and that there were no ifs, ands, buts or changing of mind. Thomas discussed the price for the planned "hit" and directed a female to place $500.00 into a particular vehicle, intending for it would serve as a down payment. He also admitted that if the inmate did not carry out the hit he would get someone else.
Unbeknownst to Thomas, the inmate was a confidential informant who was working for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA informant proceeded to record Thomas’ phone calls, which were played for the jury during the trial. One of the witnesses at trial identified Thomas’s voice on the recorded phone calls.
Following his arrest, Thomas told agents that he may have discussed eliminating witnesses in his case with other inmates when he was angry, but he denied that he had participated in any murder for hire plot. At his trial, Thomas testified that he did make the recorded statements but that he was merely "going along" with a scheme concocted by the inmate/informant who had threatened him into participating in the calls. Thomas testified that the calls were rehearsed and he simply followed the plan.
The Government, however, presented evidence of text messages Thomas sent to other individuals, before the phone calls, stating that he was planning a massacre, and that if the authorities did not let him out of prison, he would put a "hit" on a female victim and her mother.
On March 12, 2015, Bureau of Corrections officers searched Thomas’ prison cell and seized three cellular telephones and a knife from a case that was accessible from his cell.
Thomas faces up to 10 years in prison for the murder for hire conviction plus a maximum fine of $250,000; up to twenty-five years of incarceration for the attempted murder conviction; and up to five years for the attempted retaliation against a witness conviction plus a maximum fine of $1,000.00.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Gang Intelligence Search Team of the V.I. Bureau of Corrections. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr. and Rhonda Williams-Henry.
Federal Judge Hands Down 15-Year Sentence to Boone, N.C. Man on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
STATESVILLE, N.C. – U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell sentenced today Timothy Scott Hardin, 44, of Boone, N.C. to 180 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for receiving child pornography, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Judge Bell also ordered Alexander to register as a sex offender following his release from prison.
According to filed court documents and today’s sentencing hearing, on October 6, 2016, the Boone Police Department became aware that an individual, later identified as Hardin, was receiving child pornography over the internet. Hardin’s child pornography collection included multiple images and videos depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including images and videos depicting the rape of prepubescent girls. According to court records, when law enforcement attempted to arrest Hardin at his residence, Hardin pulled a handgun from the waistband of his pants. After a brief struggle with law enforcement over the firearm, Hardin was incapacitated. Court records show that Hardin later told law enforcement that his plan had been to point his gun at the arresting officer and to force law enforcement to kill him.
In January 2019, Hardin pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Boone Police Department for their investigation of this case.
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Yesterday, Judge Bell sentenced Joshua Dane Keener, 33, of Hickory, N.C. to 14 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for receiving visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
According to court records, following a complaint from a concerned citizen, law enforcement initiated an investigation into Keener, and discovered that Keener was receiving child pornography from an individual located in South Africa. While Keener was being investigated for this case, law enforcement discovered that he was also communicating via messaging applications with a 14-year-old minor female in Indiana. During these conversations, Keener requested and received videos of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Law enforcement arrested Keener at a hotel in Hickory. Law enforcement found in Keener’s home sexually explicit videos and images of child pornography, including videos and images of toddlers.
In February 2019, Keenan pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Charlotte, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for their work on this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cortney Randall, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, handled both prosecutions.
Both cases were 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 mars060hals 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.
Fayette County Man Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Today, a Federal Grand Jury, sitting in Lexington, returned an indictment against Marcellis Means, 23, of Lexington, charging him with one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment alleges that on or about July 10, 2019, Means, a convicted felon, committed the offense when he was found unlawfully in possession of a firearm in Lexington. The investigation into this firearm-related offense was conducted by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), in conjunction with the Lexington Police Department and the Kentucky State Police.
Means is scheduled to appear in federal court for a detention hearing on July 19, 2019. Means faces a maximum sentence of 10 years and a $250,000 fine. However, any sentence following a conviction would be imposed by the Court after its consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and applicable federal statutes.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Stuart L. Lowery, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division, Richard Sanders, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police, and Lawrence Weathers, Chief of Police for the Lexington Police Department, jointly made the announcement.
Any indictment is an accusation only. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Father and Son Plead Guilty to Charges Related to Cocaine DistributionRead 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 Carlos Torres Perez, 48, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to possessing with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $2,000,000 fine. In addition, the defendant’s son, Carlos Yamiel Torres, 20, also of Rochester, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony which carries a maximum penalty of three years and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that on February 7, 2018, the defendants picked up approximately two kilograms of heroin from a location in Rochester for the purpose of transporting the heroin to the Albany, NY area for distribution to another individual for approximately $97,500 in cash. On that date, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a car traveling eastbound on Interstate 490 in the vicinity of Victor, NY. Carlos Yamiel Torres was the driver and Carlos Torres Perez was in the front passenger seat. During a subsequent search, officers recovered approximately two kilograms of heroin from a bag in the backseat of the car.
The pleas are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton.
Carlos Torres Perez’s sentencing is scheduled for October 10, 2019, at 8:30 a.m. before Judge Siragusa. Carlos Yamiel Torres is scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Siragusa on October 21, 2019, also at 8:30 a.m.
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Elkton Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake today sentenced Frank Ray Leary, Jr., age 24, of Elkton, Maryland, to 30 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for production of child pornography. Judge Blake also ordered that, upon his release from prison, Leary must register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer C. Boone of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.
“Frank Ray Leary, Jr. preyed on vulnerable young victims, including a five-year-old boy,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Law enforcement agencies will continue to work to identify and prosecute those who harm our children.”
According to his plea agreement, in 2012 Leary distributed images of child pornography using a file-sharing network. In 2014 and 2015, Leary sent e-mails containing images and videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including prepubescent minors. In September 2015, Leary used a messaging application to participate in group chats during which the members of the group discussed the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, shared files of child pornography, and commented on the files.
As detailed in his plea agreement, on August 1, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant for Leary’s person and his residence, seizing his mobile phone, among other things. A forensic examination of the phone, as well as the execution of various provider search warrants revealed that Leary used a messaging application on his phone to induce at least six minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct and send Leary images of that conduct. For example, on July 7, 2018, Leary engaged in chat with a victim who was between 14 and 16 years old, and enticed that victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct with his sleeping nine-year-old brother and take photographs of the sexual acts. Leary admitted that he engaged in sexually explicit chats with five other victims from around the world, including Germany, Bulgaria, California, and Kentucky. Leary requested and received images of the victims engaged in sexually explicit conduct, often directed by Leary. In addition, Leary shared images of child pornography with the victims and other minors, sending them links to accounts he maintained.
Finally, according to the plea agreement, a five-year-old victim disclosed that he had been abused by Leary between 2017 and 2018.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, who prosecuted the federal case.
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Eagle Butte Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Possession of Child Pornography.
Dustin Red Legs, age 40, was indicted on May 14, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 16, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 30 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on September 24, 2018, Red Legs enticed a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for purposes of producing visual depiction of the conduct, and further possessed and attempted to possess material that contained an image of child pornography.
The charges are merely accusations and Red Legs is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Red Legs was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Detroit Drug Dealer Sentenced to Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A drug dealer from Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (“MDENT”), the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the St. Albans Police Department, the Nitro Police Department, and the South Charleston Police Department.
“Detroit poison peddlers aren’t welcome here,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “When they come here to sell their deadly drugs and we find them, we will lock them up.”
Tyrece Ramone Phillips, also known as “Ty,” age 32, previously pled guilty to distributing acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl. As established by public court filings and hearings, on July 2, 2018, Phillips sold purported heroin to a confidential police informant near the 1000 block of 2nd Avenue in Charleston, West Virginia. Laboratory testing revealed that Phillips actually sold a drug mixture containing acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman.
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Defendant to Serve Life in Prison in Kidnapping and Murder of Visiting Chinese StudentRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney John C. Milhiser announced today that U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid sentenced Brendt Christensen, 30, to serve the rest of his life in prison with no possibility for release for the June 9, 2017, kidnapping and murder of Chinese student Yingying Zhang. Judge Shadid imposed the mandatory life sentence this afternoon after the jury in the case was unable to reach a decision regarding the sentence.
On June 24, 2019, the same jury deliberated approximately 90 minutes before returning guilty verdicts against Christensen for the charge of kidnapping resulting in death and two counts of making false statements to FBI agents. Jurors began hearing evidence in the case on June 12. The sentencing phase of the trial began on July 8, 2019. After deliberating approximately nine hours yesterday and today, the jury advised the court that they were unable to reach a decision regarding sentencing.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Sean M. Cox of the FBI’s Springfield Division; and, University of Illinois Chief of Police Craig A. Stone join U.S. Attorney Milhiser in making today’s announcement.
“Tragically, a young woman’s life was cut short by the evil crimes perpetrated in this case,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “The Department of Justice insisted on holding the defendant accountable to the fullest extent of the law, and hopes that today’s outcome delivers some measure of justice for Yingying Zhang and her family.”
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of Yingying Zhang who have suffered a tragic loss under unimaginable circumstances,” said U.S. Attorney Milhiser. “I would like to recognize the coordinated work of law enforcement and the incredible strength and resolve shown by Yingying’s family throughout the investigation and in their continued presence at trial to bring this brutal killer to justice.”
“Today justice has been served and the defendant in this case will be held responsible for his actions and this horrific crime; a crime which he planned and then carried out without regard for the victim. I would like to thank our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts and dedication,” said Sean M. Cox, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Springfield Division. “Although the verdict and sentencing of the defendant will not lessen the pain of Yingying Zhang’s family, it is my sincere hope that it provides some closure to her loved ones.”
“We hope that the conclusion of this trial and sentencing can help to begin the healing process for Ms. Zhang’s family and loved ones, as well as the many others who have been affected by this tragedy,” said University of Illinois Police Chief Craig Stone. “The strength of our campus community has been evident since the beginning, and I am grateful to all those who worked together in this investigation and were determined to bring closure to this case.”
Evidence was presented during the trial that the victim, Yingying Zhang, 26, had come to the U.S. as a visiting scholar in April 2017, to begin post-graduate research work at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana campus. Zhang disappeared on June 9, 2017, as she was on her way to an appointment to sign an apartment lease. She was reported missing later that day when her colleagues tried to reach her and she did not respond.
Security camera footage of a bus stop taken on June 9, shows Zhang entered a car, which investigators determined belonged to Christensen, after Zhang had texted the apartment manager that she was running late for her afternoon appointment. A witness also testified that on the morning of June 9, she was approached by a man she later identified as Christensen, who posed as a police officer and asked her to get into his car to answer questions. The woman did not enter the car and contacted law enforcement to report the incident.
Investigators contacted area owners of the type of car, a black Saturn Astra, captured by the security camera at the bus stop. As investigators studied the video, they discovered a noticeable irregularity on the hubcap of the front passenger tire that matched the vehicle owned by Christensen.
When Christensen was questioned about his activity on June 9, 2017, he made false statements to FBI agents on two occasions, on June 12 and again on June 15. During a vigil walk held on June 29, to raise awareness in the search for Zhang, Christensen attended the walk and described how he had killed Zhang to his then-girlfriend, who recorded the conversation. Christensen’s account included details of the crime which were corroborated by evidence including that recovered by law enforcement who executed a search warrant of his apartment on June 30, 2017, the same day Christensen was arrested and charged.
In making today’s announcement, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski and U.S. Attorney Milhiser thanked the FBI and the University of Illinois Police Department for their dedicated work throughout the case investigation and prosecution. Milhiser also thanked the Illinois State Police; the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office; and, the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District for their valuable assistance in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eugene L. Miller and Bryan D. Freres of the Central District of Illinois and Trial Attorney James B. Nelson of the Justice Department’s Capital Case Section represented the government in the case prosecution.
Defendant to Serve Life in Prison for Kidnapping, Murder of Visiting Chinese ScholarRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid today sentenced Brendt Christensen, 30, to serve the rest of his life in prison with no possibility for release for the June 9, 2017, kidnapping and murder of Chinese student Yingying Zhang. Judge Shadid imposed the mandatory life sentence this afternoon after the jury in the case was unable to reach a decision regarding the sentence.
On June 24, 2019, the same jury deliberated approximately 90 minutes before returning guilty verdicts against Christensen for the charge of kidnapping resulting in death and two counts of making false statements to FBI agents. Jurors began hearing evidence in the case on June 12. The sentencing phase of the trial began on July 8, 2019. After deliberating approximately nine hours yesterday and today, the jury advised the court that they were unable to reach a decision regarding sentencing.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean M. Cox, Springfield Division; and, University of Illinois Chief of Police Craig A. Stone join U.S. Attorney Milhiser in making today’s announcement.
“Tragically, a young woman’s life was cut short by the evil crimes perpetrated in this case,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “The Department of Justice insisted on holding the defendant accountable to the fullest extent of the law, and hopes that today’s outcome delivers some measure of justice for Yingying Zhang and her family.”
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of Yingying Zhang who have suffered a tragic loss under unimaginable circumstances,” said U.S. Attorney Milhiser. “I would like to recognize the coordinated work of law enforcement and the incredible strength and resolve shown by Yingying’s family throughout the investigation and in their continued presence at trial to bring this brutal killer to justice.”
“Today justice has been served and the defendant in this case will be held responsible for his actions and this horrific crime; a crime which he planned and then carried out without regard for the victim. I would like to thank our law enforcement partners for their tireless efforts and dedication,” said Sean M. Cox, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Springfield Division. “Although the verdict and sentencing of the defendant will not lessen the pain of Yingying Zhang’s family, it is my sincere hope that it provides some closure to her loved ones.”
“We hope that the conclusion of this trial and sentencing can help to begin the healing process for Ms. Zhang’s family and loved ones, as well as the many others who have been affected by this tragedy,” said University of Illinois Police Chief Craig Stone. “The strength of our campus community has been evident since the beginning, and I am grateful to all those who worked together in this investigation and were determined to bring closure to this case.”
Evidence was presented during the trial that the victim, Yingying Zhang, 26, had come to the U.S. as a visiting scholar in April 2017, to begin post-graduate research work at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana campus. Zhang disappeared on June 9, 2017, as she was on her way to an appointment to sign an apartment lease. She was reported missing later that day when her colleagues tried to reach her and she did not respond.
Security camera footage of a bus stop taken on June 9, shows Zhang entered a car, which investigators determined belonged to Christensen, after Zhang had texted the apartment manager that she was running late for her afternoon appointment. A witness also testified that on the morning of June 9, she was approached by a man she later identified as Christensen, who posed as a police officer and asked her to get into his car to answer questions. The woman did not enter the car and contacted law enforcement to report the incident.
Investigators contacted area owners of the type of car, a black Saturn Astra, captured by the security camera at the bus stop. As investigators studied the video, they discovered a noticeable irregularity on the hubcap of the front passenger tire that matched the vehicle owned by Christensen.
When Christensen was questioned about his activity on June 9, 2017, he made false statements to FBI agents on two occasions, on June 12 and again on June 15. During a vigil walk held on June 29, to raise awareness in the search for Zhang, Christensen attended the walk and described how he had killed Zhang to his then-girlfriend, who recorded the conversation. Christensen’s account included details of the crime which were corroborated by evidence including that recovered by law enforcement who executed a search warrant of his apartment on June 30, 2017, the same day Christensen was arrested and charged.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Milhiser thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the University of Illinois Police Department for their dedicated work throughout the case investigation and prosecution. Milhiser also thanked the Illinois State Police; the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office; and, the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District for their valuable assistance in the case.
Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene L. Miller and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan D. Freres of the Central District of Illinois and Trial Attorney James B. Nelson of the Justice Department’s Capital Case Section represented the government in the case prosecution.
DOJ Grant Will Fund New Gang Deterrent Program for Southwest Georgia's YouthRead the Press Release
ALBANY – The City of Albany has been awarded a substantial federal grant to pay for public safety and educational programs geared toward young people, announced Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia and Michael Persley, the Chief of Police for the Albany Police Department. The Department of Justice approved a $60,378 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) grant for the City of Albany for the period of July 1, 2019 - June 20, 2020. The money will be used to fund three programs administered by APD, which include a new Juvenile Intervention Gang Deterrent counseling program, a new Youth Leadership Development program, and funding for the popular Teen Police Academy.
“This grant is one component of our collaboration with Albany’s law enforcement community to support purposeful actions that contribute to the overall safety and well-being of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler. “Project Safe Neighborhoods is the Justice Department’s initiative to reduce violent crime. One part of its approach is administering grants directly to local communities who know just where they can make the biggest impact. I am confident that these PSN funded programs will positively influence at-risk youth and, therefore, the entire community.”
“We are excited to be recipients of this Project Safe Neighborhoods grant and will use the funds to address some social service challenges that our juvenile population is facing. We will continue to partner with the Federal Government in the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of the more dangerous persons within our community, however this opportunity gives us a chance to reach a segment of our juvenile population by doing intervention and prevention methods. We are thankful for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for partnering with us to help provide additional resources in our efforts to combat crime and the perception of crime in Albany,” said Michael Persley, Chief of Police.
Earlier this week, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office (Macon, Georgia) made public their PSN grant award for the same time period in the amount of $44,640 to pay for a board-certified National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) firearms examiner, training for the gang unit, ammunition, and general supplies for the in-house NIBIN system. This grant combines with a 2017 PSN grant in the amount of $200,000 that paid for the Bibb County S.O. Crime Lab’s NIBIN machines. This technology is the only interstate automated ballistic imaging network in the United States, making it possible for local law enforcement to search against evidence from across the country, improving the outcomes of criminal investigations. The NIBIN technology is considered a valuable tool by law enforcement in the effort to reduce gun crimes across the Middle District.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Questions regarding the grant awards can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Cranston Man Sentenced for Defrauding Social Security, Trafficking OxycodoneRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Cranston man who admitted to collecting Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) while at the same time depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars in his personal bank account and obtaining a home mortgage for more than a quarter million dollars was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison and ordered to pay back funds he obtained fraudulently from the Social Security Administration.
In addition to pleading guilty on June 25, 2018, to Social Security fraud, Raymond Walker, 48, pleaded guilty to attempt to possess with the intent to distribute Oxycodone, admitting to the court that he was trafficking Oxycodone.
U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith today ordered Walker to serve 18 months in prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release. Walker was ordered to pay $14,301 restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Walker’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI) Jeffrey J. Ebersole, Scott E. Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle.
According to information presented to the Court, Walker began receiving SSI benefits in 1992. SSI is meant to assist aged, blind, and disabled people who have little to no income. To be eligible, one has to be disabled, unable to engage in substantial gainful activity, and have limited income and resources. SSA takes into account a claimant’s resources and allows an individual to hold up to $2,000 worth of resources. “Income” includes money a claimant receives from work and other sources, such as friends and relatives. The claimant must notify SSA of any significant changes in conditions affecting the receipt of benefits, to include work activity, as either an employee or self-employed individual.
At the time of his guilty plea, Walker was receiving monthly SSI payments of $500 dollars.
In September 2017, Walker was interviewed by a SSA claims specialist and informed the claims specialist that since July 2015 his only resources were a 1988 vehicle and a bank account with no more than $200 in it at any time. He told the interviewer that he received approximately $200 per month from family members to assist with personal expenses.
However, an investigation by FDA-OCI, SSA-OIG, and the United States Attorney’s Office determined that between December 2013 and July 2017, Walker deposited $306,435 into his personal bank account; he held a $282,000 mortgage for a Cranston property, with a monthly mortgage payment of approximately $2,100; and he owned a 2016 Audi A8.
When applying for the mortgage, Walker claimed to be employed as a construction project manager earning approximately $7,400 per month.
Information was also developed by law enforcement that Walker was actively engaged in drug trafficking. On October 4, 2017, at the direction of FDA-OCI agents, a cooperating witness met with Walker at Walker’s mother’s house and sold him two bottles containing 168 inert 30 mg Oxycodone pills provided by the DEA for $5,000. When the cooperating witness returned approximately 90 minutes later to receive payment for the pills, Walker informed the individual he had already received complaints regarding the strength of the pills. In that 90 minutes, agents observed Walker’s mother’s home and saw numerous individuals stopping in front of the house and engaging with Walker to purchase the pills.
A court-authorized search of the residence that day resulted in the seizure of a money counter and $775 in cash. $5,000 was seized from inside a wheel compartment of his vehicle.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Loaded Rifle on Chicago Train PlatformRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A convicted felon has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded assault rifle on an elevated train platform in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.
JORDAN WATKINS, 31, of Chicago, illegally possessed the gun on the morning of July 29, 2017, at the Chicago Transit Authority’s Belmont Station, which serves multiple elevated train lines. The rifle was strapped across Watkins’s chest underneath his grey sweatshirt. It was loaded and had one live round in the chamber. Watkins was also carrying a messenger bag that contained two 30-round magazines, one of which was loaded with four rounds. After a 911 call reported a man who “has a gun on him and like a really big clip,” multiple Chicago Police officers responded to the station and arrested Watkins on the southbound platform.
Watkins, who was on parole at the time he possessed the rifle, had previously been convicted of multiple felonies and was not legally allowed to possess a firearm. He pleaded guilty last year in the federal case to one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. U.S. District Judge Andrea R. Wood on Wednesday sentenced Watkins to six years and four months in federal prison.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI; and Eddie Johnson, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The Illinois Department of Corrections provided valuable assistance.
“By carrying a loaded assault rifle into a CTA station, Watkins committed a serious offense that jeopardized public safety,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Grayson S. Walker argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.
Holding convicted felons accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods – the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, including by prosecuting individuals who illegally possess firearms.
Connecticut Pain Management Doctor and His Practice Pay over $425K to Settle Improper Billing AllegationsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney John H. Durham, Special Agent in Charge Phillip Coyne of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong today announced that COMPREHENSIVE PAIN AND HEADACHE TREATMENT CENTERS, LLC (“CPHTC”) and its owner, MARK THIMINEUR, M.D., have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments in which they will pay more than $425,000 to resolve allegations that they improperly billed the Medicare and Connecticut Medicaid programs.
CPHTC is an interventional pain management medical practice with offices in Derby and Meriden, Connecticut. Thimineur is the owner of CPHTC.
The allegations against CPHTC and Thimineur arise out of improper billing for urine drug tests. There are various types of urine drug tests. Drug screening tests (also known as “qualitative” tests) determine the presence or absence of a drug or metabolite in a patient’s urine. “Quantitative” testing (also known as “definitive” or “confirmation” testing), provide a numerical concentration of a drug or metabolite in a patient’s urine.
It is alleged that CPHTC and Thimineur improperly submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid for quantitative testing of patient urine samples, when such quantitative testing was not actually being performed. It is further alleged that CPHTC and Thimineur violated the federal and state False Claims Acts by submitting claims for alcohol tests and amphetamine/methamphetamine tests conducted on patients’ urine samples, when those tests were components of urine drug screening tests for which the CPHTC and Thimineur were already being paid by the Medicare and Connecticut Medicaid programs.
To resolve their liability, CPHTC and Thimineur will pay $427,691.90 to the federal and state governments for conduct occurring between May 15, 2013 and December 31, 2015.
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard M. Molot and by Assistant Attorney General Michael Cole of the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.
People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.
Clarkdale Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Abusive Sexual Contact with a MinorRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On July 15, 2019, Shush Naki Clark Couyancy, 28, of Clarkdale, Arizona, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release. On April 29, 2019, Couyancy pleaded guilty to one count of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor.
On April 7, 2018, Couyancy, an enrolled member of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, knowingly engaged in sexual contact with the minor victim, who is also an enrolled member of the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yavapai-Apache Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christina Covault, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
Clarence Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Entice a MinorRead the Press Release
A man who attempted to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Jason Koontz, age 34, from Clarence, Iowa, was convicted of one count of attempted enticement of a minor. At the plea hearing, Koontz admitted that, in July 2017, he attempted to persuade, induce, or entice a person who he believed to be a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Koontz remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Koontz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, $5,100 in special assessments, and supervised release for 5 years to life following any imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 19-48.
Cincinnati Man Sentenced to 188 Months for Distributing Methamphetamine in CovingtonRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. — Kevin A. Howard, 35, of Cincinnati, was sentenced on Thursday, to 188 months in federal prison, by United States District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for distribution of 50 grams or more of crystal methamphetamine.
Howard previously admitted pursuant to a guilty plea that, on January 16, 2019 and January 22, 2019, he distributed 50 grams or more of crystal methamphetamine to an individual in Covington, for $1,400. Unbeknownst to Howard, this individual was working as undercover law enforcement with the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force. After the two undercover purchases, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Howard’s residence in Cincinnati, where an additional 444 grams of crystal methamphetamine was seized, along with two firearms.
Under federal law, Howard 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 a term of five years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Timothy J. Plancon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration , Christopher P. Conners, Director, Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force, jointly made the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Wade T. Napier.
Cape Coral Fisherman Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Overharvest Gulf Reef FishRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, FL - United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Mark E. Zywotko (47, Cape Coral) has pleaded guilty to four counts of mail fraud. Zywotko faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, from January 2013 through December 2017, Zywotko perpetrated a scheme to overharvest more than 50,000 pounds of Gulf reef fish from the waters off Southwest Florida. These illegally-caught fish were worth more than $286,000. Zywotko knowingly and illegally harvested, landed, and sold federally-regulated Gulf reef fish, including red grouper and red snapper, and submitted false documents, via the U.S. Mail, to state and federal agencies in order to conceal his overfishing.
Regulation of the Gulf reef fish fishery is a lawful function of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (“NMFS”). NMFS is tasked with managing the fishery to ensure its sustainability and economic viability in the Gulf of Mexico across the southeastern United States.
NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources.
“The Individual Fishing Quota program was designed to increase the marketability of our Gulf of Mexico snapper/grouper commercial fishery - an extremely vital fishing resource in the southeast U.S.,” said Manny Antonaras, Deputy Special Agent in Charge for NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement, Southeast Division. “We will not tolerate such violations to our nation’s economy nor our natural resources, and we commend the investigative team who spent hundreds of hours on this case.”
This case was investigated by investigated by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, Southeast Division and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey F. Michelland.
California Man and Arizona Woman Sentenced for Making False Statements to a Financial InstitutionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JARED CASTELLAW, age 34, of Alpine, California, and VALERIE SCHONES, age 54, of Tucson, Arizona, were sentenced on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 for their role in making false statements to a financial institution.
According to court documents, beginning in or around October 2008 and continuing to on or about May 2009, JARED CASTELLAW and VALERIE SCHONES, along with co-defendant Patrick Healey, made false statements to the Federal Housing Administration “FHA” in order to assist low-income borrowers in qualifying for FHA insured loans that they would not otherwise have qualified for. Healey and CASTELLAW are former employees of an undisclosed entity, ABC Homes, LLC, located in St. Bernard Parish. SCHONES worked for XYZ Financial as a loan officer. In total, due to the acts of the defendants, the FHA suffered a loss in excess of $852,415.
Both CASTELLAW and SCHONES were sentenced to time served, supervised release of 5 years, a special assessment of $100, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $852,415.16.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharan E. Lieberman and Edward J. Rivera.
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Byram Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Federal Prison for Lying to Obtain a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Christian Matthew Storey, 27, of Byram, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Tom S. Lee to 21 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for attempting to acquire a firearm by making fraudulent statements on a federal background check form, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kirk Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Storey was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On October 18, 2018, Storey attempted to purchase a firearm from a pawn shop in Jackson, Mississippi. Storey had previously been judicially committed for mental treatment in 2016 by the Chancery Court of Hinds County. He was subsequently treated and discharged from a mental hospital in Mississippi.
Storey, in an attempt to purchase a 9mm pistol, completed and signed ATF Form 4473 while at the pawn shop as part of the federally required background check process. One question on that form asks a firearm purchaser whether or not they have ever been committed to a mental institution. Storey fraudulently checked “No” as to that question and then signed the form certifying that his false answer was correct.
The firearm purchase was denied after the National Instant Criminal Background Check System rejected the purchase due to Storey’s previous commitment for mental treatment. Under federal law, it is unlawful for a person who has been involuntarily judicially committed to either possess or purchase a firearm.
Storey was indicted on January 8, 2019 on one count of making a false statement in an attempt to acquire a firearm and one count of giving false information to a federal firearm licensee. He pled guilty before Judge Lee on March 28, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.
Buffalo Woman Indicted for Lying to A Grand Jury About A Murder InvestigationRead 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 a federal grand jury has returned a two-count indictment charging Shanna Smith, 25, of Buffalo, NY, with false declarations before grand jury and obstruction of justice. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Misha A. Coulson and Seth T. Molisani, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, Xavier Wimes, a/ k/ a Zave, was shot and killed the morning of January 1, 2017, in the Towne Garden Apartments in Buffalo. As Buffalo Police investigated the homicide, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies included the Wimes homicide investigation as part of a larger investigation into violations of federal law involving, among other things, drug trafficking, racketeering, and violent crimes committed in furtherance of such activities.
On July 11, 2018, the defendant was interviewed by a Buffalo Police detective and an FBI special agent. During that interview, Smith stated she was at a party in the Towne Garden Apartments the morning of January l, 2017, attended by Wimes and that she was present during an altercation between Wimes and Dalvon Curry that preceded Wimes's murder. However, on July 31, 2018, the defendant, while under oath and testifying in a proceeding before a Federal Grand Jury, falsely stated: that she observed 20 individuals chasing Wimes outside of the Towne Gardens Apartment building just before Wimes was killed; that she observed her cousin Dalvon Curry retrieve a firearm from the grass shortly after the murder and throw it into the bushes; that she helped Dalvon Curry to a parking lot near the murder scene; and that she accompanied Dalvon Curry to the hospital to seek medical treatment following Wimes's homicide.
The defendant was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and was released on conditions.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Broward County Resident Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Information Pertaining to Explosives OnlineRead the Press Release
A Broward County resident was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for distributing information pertaining to explosives, destructive devices and weapons of mass destruction.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
Tayyab Tahir Ismail, 33, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, previously pled guilty to Count 2 of an Indictment that charged him with distributing information pertaining to explosives, destructive devices, and weapons of mass destruction, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 842(p)(2) (Case No. 18-60352-CR-Moore). U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore sentenced Ismail to 240 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
According to the court record, including the agreed upon factual proffer, on or about July 16, 2018, through on or about September 17, 2018, Ismail posted and distributed online documents including, but not limited to, documents containing step-by-step instructions on how to construct a bomb and other explosives, with the intent that the information be used for and in furtherance of an activity that constitutes a federal crime of violence, that is, the use or attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.
On at least four occasions in or around July, August, and September 2018, Ismail posted bomb making instructions on the internet, on a social media platform. During that time, Ismail was a member of various rooms within the platform and each of these rooms contained members who support violent jihad. Ismail posted to these various rooms and his postings could be seen by all members of the room in which the information was posted. In and around the same time of Ismail’s postings, other members made postings in support of violent jihad.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of the FBI’s Miami Field Office and South Florida’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) in this matter. The case was jointly prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen E. Gilbert of the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Troy Edwards of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
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.
Brooklyn Man Arrested for Armed Home Invasion Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A three-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Devone Jefferys, also known as “Moneybags,” with Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and possessing and brandishing a firearm during an attempted home invasion robbery. Jefferys was arrested this morning, and is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow before United States Magistrate Judge Steven M. Gold.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, John B. Devito, Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges.
As alleged in the indictment and other court filings, in the early morning hours of July 31, 2015, Jefferys and his co-conspirators entered an apartment building in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to steal heroin and money from a drug dealer who resided there with family members. Posing as NYPD officers, Jefferys and his co-conspirators entered the victims’ apartment, drew their firearms and bound several victims with duct tape. When the robbers discovered that one of the victims had thrown a bag of heroin out a window, Jefferys forcibly removed one of the women from the apartment, and took her to a back alley to search for the drugs. When he was unable to find the bag of heroin, Jefferys forced the woman to perform oral sex on him at gunpoint, and then raped her before fleeing.
“Posing as NYPD officers and brandishing firearms, Jefferys and his co-conspirators terrorized victims of an attempted home invasion robbery, with Jefferys escalating the violence still further by raping a female victim,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will work unceasingly to protect residents of our communities from this type of senseless violence.”
Jeffery’s and his co- conspirators are alleged to have committed horrific crimes that may also leave deep mental and emotional scars on their victims,” stated ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Devito. “The ATF/NYPD Joint Robbery Task Force will work in lockstep with our partners in the United States Attorney’s Office to identify, pursue and successfully prosecute individuals like this to ensure that justice is brought to the unjust. We will continue to send the message to both the perpetrators and their victims that the law enforcement community will not allow lawless behavior and will use every resource at its disposal to protect the public from violence. I would like to thank all of our partners that put effort into this case and will continue to work until justice is served.
“This case is a reminder of the heinous acts that are too often associated with drugs and drug money,” said NYPD Commissioner O’Neill. “But those who would commit crimes like these – rape, armed robbery – should know that law enforcement professionals like those at the NYPD, the ATF and the US Attorney are driven by a desire to apprehend them and build strong cases against them. I want to thank the investigators who worked on this case. It is our hope that there will now be a successful prosecution and that this process helps the victims as they continue to heal.”
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was brought as 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. Attorneys’ 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 government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Harris is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
DEVONE JEFFERYS (also known as “Moneybags”)
Age: 27
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-359
Brockton Man Sentenced for Receiving Firearm While Under IndictmentRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for receiving a firearm while under indictment for felony offenses.
Alain Lenord, 26, a/k/a “OB,” was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In April 2019, Lenord pleaded guilty to one count of receiving a firearm while under indictment for a felony offense.
On July 30, 2018, Lenord was indicted in Norfolk County with assault by means of a dangerous weapon, armed assault in a dwelling, armed home invasion, and kidnapping. On Sept. 11, 2018, Lenord was arraigned in Norfolk Superior Court and released on personal recognizance.
On Oct. 26, 2018, while the indictments were pending, law enforcement officers observed Lenord exit an apartment complex and walk toward a vehicle. As he walked, officers observed Lenord manipulating the front of his sweatshirt in a manner consistent with a holding a firearm. The officers approached Lenord, and one stated, “Hey OB.” Lenord appeared startled and then turned and ran into a wooded area. While he was running, the officers observed Lenord drop a loaded .45 caliber Glock 30 firearm that contained 10 rounds of ammunition. Lenord was apprehended and arrested by officers who approached from the other direction.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New England Field Division; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Brockton Police Chief John Crowley made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit 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. 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.
Bridgeport Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Destroying Evidence in Heroin CaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that IVAN ROSARIO, also known as “Ghost,” 34, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 210 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in the destruction of evidence.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation revealed that Rosario headed a Bridgeport-based heroin trafficking organization that, between approximately April 2015 and March 2017, received at least 30 kilograms of heroin that had been transported from Mexico to Bridgeport hidden inside motorcycles equipped with secret compartments. The organization then distributed the drug in the Bridgeport area.
During the investigation, investigators seized approximately $100,000 from a hidden compartment in one of Rosario’s cars, and approximately $90,000 in cash that was hidden in the residences of family members.
On March 16, 2017, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Rosario and six other individuals with heroin trafficking and related offenses.
Between March and May 2017, while he was detained in federal custody and awaiting trial, Rosario schemed to destroy potential evidence. As part of the scheme, Rosario used threats to force his child’s mother to destroy her cellphone because it contained “dangerous” information that would be used against him during trial. According to testimony at Rosario’s trial, the cellphone was discarded in the Long Island Sound.
On April 24, 2018, a jury found Rosario guilty of one count of causing or inducing any person to destroy evidence. The jury could not reach a verdict on one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and found Rosario not guilty of one count of witness tampering and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Rosario has been detained since his arrest on March 3, 2017.
This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Bridgeport Police Department and Stratford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Vizcarrondo and Alina Reynolds.
Bogalusa Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that AARON JOHNSON, age 42, of Bogalusa, pled guilty on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine and more than five hundred grams of a mixture containing a detectible amount of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, JOHNSON flew to California, where he obtained methamphetamine that he then mailed back to Louisiana. JOHNSON then returned to Louisiana to receive over a kilogram of high-purity methamphetamine, which law enforcement agents found in his house and vehicle. The government filed a bill of information charging JOHNSON with a prior felony drug offense. As a result, JOHNSON faces a term of imprisonment of at least fifteen years and up to life, to be followed by at least ten years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for October 22, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.
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Billings spa operator admits transporting person for sexual activityRead the Press Release
BILILNGS – A Billings spa operator today admitted to bringing a woman from Nevada to Billings to provide commercial sexual activity at the business, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Scot Donald Petrie, 61, of Billings, pleaded guilty to transportation of a person with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and aiding and abetting. Petrie faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided and recommended Petrie’s plea be accepted by Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen, who will sentence Petrie. Sentencing was set for Oct. 31. Petrie was released pending sentencing.
Prosecutors said in court records that beginning in June 2014, Petrie helped operate King Spa and A-Spa, which permitted individuals to live at both locations to provide legitimate message services and illegal commercial sexual services. Petrie was aware of the operations and services being provided. King Spa temporarily closed in December 2018, and Petrie helped re-open the spa to provide the services.
In January, Petrie used his debit card to buy a bus ticket for a woman to travel from Las Vegas to Billings to live and work at A-Spa. Because of a missed connection, Petrie went to Butte to pick up the woman to transport her back to Billings. The woman told law enforcement Petrie had contacted her while she was in Nevada and asked her to come to Montana. The woman said Petrie offered to pay for her bus ticket and provided her with condoms when she arrived in Billings. The woman performed commercial sexual activity, including intercourse, while staying at the spa in Billings.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zeno Baucus and Bryan Dake are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Billings meth trafficker sentenced to 12 years in prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A traffic stop that resulted in heroin being seized from the vehicle ultimately led to a Billings man getting sentenced to prison today for his role in a large methamphetamine conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Joe Roy Michael, 38, of Huntley, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Michael pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The prosecution said in court records that in June 2018, the Montana Highway Patrol made a traffic stop on Michael’s rental vehicle. Michael’s statements conflicted with statements by his passenger and co-defendant, Joshua Clause. The trooper had a K9 dog sniff around the vehicle and the dog alerted to the presence of drugs. A search warrant was executed on the vehicle, and officers found 104 grams of heroin.
Investigators learned from multiple sources that Michael and Clause were selling large amounts of meth in Billings. One source admitted to stealing a pound of meth from Michael. Law enforcement arrested Michael in September 2018 in Townsend, and a search of his vehicle led to the seizure of meth and a pistol.
Clause told law enforcement that he and Michael had imported several hundred pounds of meth from California to Billings for distribution in 2018. A pound of meth is the equivalent of about 3,624 doses. Clause was sentenced in April to 15 years in prison for his conviction in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Billings Police Department.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Beaver Falls Man Sentenced to 5+ Years in Prison for Robbing New Brighton BankRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Beaver County has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of five years and five months (65 months), to be followed by three years of supervised release, on charges of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Court Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Ernest Dewayne Taylor, 50, of Beaver Falls, PA.
According to information presented to the court, on August 17, 2018, Taylor entered the Huntington Bank located at 921 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, Pennsylvania and passed a teller a note indicating that he was armed and demanding cash. As a result of the robbery, Taylor obtained $600.00 in U.S. currency.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Brighton Area Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
Arizona drug dealer sentenced to 10 years in meth trafficking caseRead the Press Release
BILLNGS—An Arizona man convicted in a drug investigation in which law enforcement seized 34 pounds of methamphetamine in a suitcase he brought to Billings was sentenced on Wednesday to 10 years in prison and to five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Aldo Fabrizio Pardini, 30, of Mesa, AZ, pleaded guilty in January to possession with intent to distribute meth.
Thirty four pounds of meth is the equivalent of about 123,216 doses and has an estimated street value of $1.54 million.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
Prosecutors said in court records that a confidential informant for the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force learned in July 2018 from a source of meth named Oscar that a relative was flying to Billings from Salt Lake City to conduct the sale of 35 pounds of meth. The meth was coming from Oscar’s associates, who included Pardini and co-defendant Jorge Luis Mendez-Sanchez, of Mexico.
Agents identified another co-defendant, Jose Jesus Islava-Lopez, of Mexico, as Oscar’s relative and followed him from the Billings airport to a Billings hotel. Islava-Lopez checked into a room and met with Pardini in the parking lot. Pardini and Mendez-Sanchez, who were staying together in another room, had transported the meth for the proposed sale from Arizona in Pardini’s car.
Agents detained Islava-Lopez in the lobby. Islava-Lopez told the agents that Oscar had directed him to fly to Billings for a job, rent a room at the hotel and meet a person in a car in the parking lot. After meeting Pardini in the parking lot, Islava-Lopez went to Pardini’s room and took a suitcase Pardini gave him back to his own room. Investigators served search warrants on both hotel rooms and the vehicle and found about 34 pounds of meth in a suitcase in Islava-Lopez’s room.
Mendez-Sanchez was convicted in the case and sentenced to 57 months in prison, while Islava-Lopez also was convicted and sentenced to 65 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI West Task Force and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Amsterdam Felon Sentenced to 66 Months for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Nelson Rodriguez, age 39, of Amsterdam, New York, was sentenced today to 66 months in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possessing a firearm as a felon.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Amsterdam Police Chief Gregory J. Culick; and Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), New York Field Division.
Rodriguez was convicted of attempted murder in 2009. In pleading guilty, he admitted to selling cocaine base (a/k/a crack cocaine) in Amsterdam and to possessing a .25 caliber handgun to protect his drugs and drug money. The handgun was discovered under Rodriguez’s mattress during the execution of a search warrant on his Amsterdam apartment in August 2017. Along with the handgun, law enforcement seized 6 grams of crack, 40 individually-wrapped packages of crack, and $2,000 in cash.
Senior United States District Judge Gary L. Sharpe also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release, to be served after Rodriguez’s release from prison.
This case was investigated by the Amsterdam Police Department and ATF, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyrus P.W. Rieck.
Alma Grocery Store Ordered to Stop Distributing Products for Insanitary ConditionsRead the Press Release
Fort Smith, AR – Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, and Ned Sharpless, M.D., Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Acting Commissioner, announced today that J and L Grocery, LLC, of Alma, Arkansas, the company’s owner, James T. White, and its manager, Lori A. Layne were ordered Thursday to stop distributing food, drug products, medical devices, and cosmetics until the company complies with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FC&C Act) and other requirements listed in a consent decree. The Honorable P.K. Holmes III entered the Consent Decree of Condemnation and Permanent Injunction in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.
According to court records, J and L Grocery, LLC (J and L Grocery) held FDA-regulated products under the insanitary conditions in which they may have become contaminated with filth, including widespread rodent, insect, and live animal infestation, in violation of federal law.
During the FDA’s inspection of J and L Grocery in September-October 2018, investigators observed multiple live and dead rodents, rodent nesting, live raccoons, live cats, a dead possum, animal feces, and urine-stained products in and around the company’s seven warehouses and sheds used to store food, medical products, and cosmetics. The FDA issued two Administrative Detention Orders at J and L Grocery, dated October 9 and 19, 2018. On November 7 and 8, 2018, the U.S. Marshals Service conducted a mass seizure of the company’s FDA-regulated human and animal food products, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, cosmetic products, and medical devices.
The consent decree of condemnation and permanent injunction entered by the U.S. District Court requires J and L Grocery to cease operations until it completes corrective actions. Under the consent decree, J and L Grocery may not resume operations until it establishes and implements a comprehensive written sanitation control program and receives written authorization from the FDA that it appears to be in compliance with the FD&C Act, among other requirements. As part of the consent decree, the company agreed to destroy the seized products.
“U.S. consumers rely on the oversight and inspection efforts of the FDA to ensure that their foods and medical products are safe. We will not tolerate insanitary conditions at facilities—like J and L Grocery—that serve U.S. consumers. Product safety at all points in the supply chain must be a high priority, and distributors have a critical responsibility to ensure products are kept safe for Americans to consume or use,” said FDA Acting Commissioner Ned Sharpless, M.D. “When adulterated products make their way into the U.S. marketplace, it places consumers at risk. The FDA will continue our vigorous oversight and will take action to prevent the distribution of potentially contaminated products to the American people.”
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency is also responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark W. Webb represented the United States in this case, with General Counsel Robert Charrow, Chief Counsel of the FDA Stacy Cline Amin, Deputy Chief Counsel Annamarie Kempic, and Associate Chief Counsel of the United States Department of Health and Human Services Seth I. Heller.
Ahoskie Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Possession Near SchoolRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced TIO ANTWIONE BISHOP, 43, of Ahoskie, North Carolina to a total of 84 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
BISHOP was named in an eight-count Indictment filed on Occtober 10, 2018, charging him with distribution and possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, and cocaine base (crack), as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. On February 19, 2019, BISHOP pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine and cocaine base (crack), as well as possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to the investigation, BISHOP sold cocaine on five occasions in 2018 from his home, which was located within 1,000 feet from an elementary school. On March 16, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at BISHOP’s home where they located a loaded .410 shotgun, a stolen 12-gauge shotgun, cocaine, crack cocaine, pills, digital scales and over $7,000 in currency. BISHOP received a sentencing enhancement for maintaining a home for the purpose of manufacturing or distributing controlled substances.
This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement. For more information about this initiative please click https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.
Investigation of this enforcement operation was conducted by the Down East Drug Task Force, Hertford County Sheriff’s Office, Bertie County Sheriff’s Office, Ahoskie Police Department, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government.
Activity in the United States Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced DANIEL DORF, 20, of Bar Nunn, Wyoming on July 17, 2019 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Dorf was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received one hundred twenty months of imprisonment, to be followed by forty-eight months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $400.00. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson sentenced GUADALUPE CORONADO-ENCINAS, 47, of Mexico on July 17, 2019 for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien into the United States. Encinas was arrested in Casper, Wyoming. He received twenty-four months of imprisonment, to be followed by twenty-four months of supervised release. Encinas is subject to deportation proceedings. The US Department of Homeland Security investigated this case.
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced JOSHUA SCOTT RICHARDS, 37, of Jackson, Wyoming on July 17, 2019 for access with intent to view child pornography. Richards was arrested in Jackson, Wyoming. He received twenty-four months of imprisonment, to be followed by sixty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1500.00 and a $100.00 special assessment. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation an abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the 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.
14 Individuals Charged with Firearms Violations and Drug Trafficking in Manatí, Puerto Rico, in Project Safe Neighborhoods Enforcement EffortRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On July 17, 2019, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 14 defendants charged with firearms violations and drug trafficking, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations is in charge of the investigation, with the collaboration of and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), Arecibo Strike Force, and the Puerto Rico Bureau of Special Investigations. This case is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
The indictment alleges that between on or about May and November 2018, the organization distributed cocaine, crack, heroin, and marihuana, all within the real property comprising the Villa Evangelina Public Housing Project located in the Municipality of Manatí, Puerto Rico. The 14 defendants are facing one count of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, aiding and abetting.
The defendants are: Luis Ortega-Lugo, a.k.a. “Chembo”; Jeyro Ayala-Crespo, a.k.a. “Jero”; José Tobar-Otero, a.k.a. “Joe El Visco”; Josué Arroyo-Ayala, a.k.a. “Deiby Arroyo/George”; Jessie Rodríguez-Lugo, a.k.a. “Chiky”; Xavier Rivera-Santiago, a.k.a. “Payco”; José Antonio Flores-Torres, a.k.a. “Chory”; Adalberto Quiles-Negrón, a.k.a. “El Berto”; Luis Esteban Alonso-Rivera, a.k.a. “El Mellao”; Juan Laureano-Miranda, a.k.a. “Juanchy”; Kelvin Rivera-Morales; Jan Paul Quiñonez-Mujica, a.k.a. “Menor”; Xavier Robles, a.k.a. “Vampi”; and Jeremi Torres-Rosario.
The following defendants are each facing one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (felon): Luis Ortega-Lugo, José Tobar-Otero, Josué Arroyo-Ayala, Jessie Rodríguez-Lugo, Xavier Rivera-Santiago, José Antonio Flores-Torres, Adalberto Quiles-Negrón, and Luis Esteban Alonso-Rivera. These individuals, knowing they had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, in several dates, knowingly possessed firearms of various makes and models; said firearms having been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Henek and Richard T. Passanisi are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 5 years, and up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to bring 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 in 2017, as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting each community’s most violent criminals. All U.S. Attorney’s Offices work in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the local civilian community, to develop effective, targeted strategies to reduce violent crime. This case is a product of that collaborative effort.
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17 July 2019
“John Doe” Convicted of Passport FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Roslindale man, identified only as John Doe, was convicted today by a federal jury in Boston in connection with using a U.S. citizen’s identity for more than 11 years. The U.S. citizen died in Puerto Rico in 2018.
Doe, whose true identity is unknown, was convicted by a federal jury of making a false statement on a passport application. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Oct. 22, 2019.
On an unknown date, Doe obtained the birth certificate of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico, and used it to obtain various identification documents, including a Social Security card, a Massachusetts liquor identification card, a Massachusetts driver’s license and a MassHealth card.
On May 14, 2008, Doe walked into a U.S. Postal Office in Roxbury and submitted a passport application with his picture attached, but used the U.S. citizen’s name and identifiers. The passport was ultimately issued. In July 2018, when the passport was about to expire, Doe sent in a passport renewal application in the false identity. In September 2018, when his renewed passport did not arrive, Doe went to the National Passport Center in Portsmouth, N.H., to check on his application. He was subsequently arrested and has remained in custody since that time.
Law enforcement began investigating Doe after he pleaded guilty to a 2010 involuntary manslaughter and assault and battery charge after throwing a glass at a young man’s neck in a Boston bar. Doe was prosecuted and served his jail time under the U.S. citizen’s identity.
The charge of making a false statement on a passport application provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration; and William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Tobin and Mackenzie Queenin of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Yamhill County Photographer Charged with Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that Robert Arnold Koester, 52, a photographer from Yamhill County, Oregon, has been charged with six counts of production of child pornography.
According to the indictment, beginning in January 2015, Koester is alleged to have knowingly coerced six minor victims in Oregon to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.
Koester is a suspected serial sexual predator who took nude photos of models and is alleged to have sexually assaulted many of these models, some of whom are minors. Koester, also known as Bert Kay, Rhake Winter, and Qitooly, has potentially been engaging in these criminal acts since 1994, continuing until his initial arrest in Carlsbad, California, on November 13, 2018.
Koester faces dozens of additional state and federal charges for related criminal conduct in Yamhill County and Carlsbad. On November 15, 2018, Koester was charged in San Diego County Superior Court with six felony counts involving sex crimes against minors. A week later, 35 additional related state charges were added. On February 6, 2019, Koester was charged with 32 related felony charges in Yamhill County Circuit Court. And finally, on March 7, 2019, Koester was charged in a two-count criminal information with production of child pornography by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of California.
Federal law enforcement officials across the country have been working closely with local law enforcement in Carlsbad, Yamhill County and elsewhere to identify potential victims in this case. The FBI has created an online system to collect victim information.
If you have information about this ongoing investigation or believe you or someone you know may have been victimized by Koester, the FBI requests that you complete this secure, confidential online questionnaire. Information and tips from the public may also be submitted confidentially via email to [email protected].
Identified victims may be eligible for certain services and rights under federal and/or state law. More information is available at fbi.gov/modelcase.
This case was investigated by the FBI in Portland and San Diego, the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and the Carlsbad Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Ravi Sinha, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wisconsin Rapids Man Convicted of Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - After a two-day trial, a federal jury in Madison, Wisconsin, found Alexander Kawleski, 42, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, guilty yesterday of 16 counts involving producing, attempting to produce, and possessing child pornography. U.S. Attorney Scott C. Blader for the Western District of Wisconsin announced the verdict.
Evidence at trial established that in 2013, Kawleski recorded himself sexually assaulting a girl who was between 15 and 16 years old. He kept a copy of the assault on a flash drive, where a friend found it and gave it to a Wisconsin Rapids Police Department Detective. In addition to the assault, the evidence established that in 2013 and 2014, Kawleski used a two-way mirror to secretly record two minor females while they were in the bathroom, in various stages of undress, getting in and out of the shower. Those recordings were saved on the same flash drive as the assault. One of the females was between 13 and 14 years old, and the other was 15 or 16 years old. Neither victim was aware that they were being filmed. Kawleski was convicted of producing child pornography related to the sexual assault video, and attempting to produce child pornography related to the secret shower videos. He was also convicted of possessing child pornography.
Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson scheduled Kawleski’s sentencing for November 25 at 10:00 a.m. Kawleski faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on each of the first 15 counts involving production and attempted production of child pornography, and a maximum of 10 years on the last count of possessing child pornography.
The charges against Kawleski are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Altman and Laura Przybylinski Finn.
Wilson Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Second Federal Drug Conspiracy ConvictionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced JEFFREY BERNARD MOORE, also known as “COOKIE MAN,” 49, of Wilson, North Carolina to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 8 years of supervised release.
The prosecution of MOORE was a part of an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation (OCDETF) entitled Operation Bobcat, which resulted in the arrest of several defendants for outstanding federal and state charges in a coordinated warrant enforcement operation. The investigation focused on cocaine base (crack) and cocaine trafficking in Wilson County.
MOORE was named in an eleven-count Indictment filed on August 28, 2018 charging him with a drug conspiracy running from at least 2013 until the date of the indictment on August 28, 2018. Specifically, MOORE was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of cocaine; as well as five counts of distribution of a quantity of cocaine. On November 6, 2018, MOORE pled guilty.
According to the investigation, MOORE was a part of a drug trafficking organization that distributed cocaine throughout Wilson County. As part of the investigation, law enforcement purchased cocaine directly from MOORE at various locations in Wilson, including MOORE’s home. MOORE also maintained premises for the purpose of manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance and utilized other individuals to sell drugs on his behalf.
On June 3, 1997, MOORE was sentenced to 240 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base within the Eastern District of North Carolina. Based upon this prior conviction, the Government sought and received an enhanced penalty for MOORE in the instant case.
On December 6, 2018, KENNETH RAY BARNES, also known as “KENNY,” 49, of Wilson was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release and on February 5, 2019, TONY LYNN WINSTEAD, 61, of Wilson was sentenced to probation for their involvements in the drug conspiracy with MOORE.
This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s Take Back North Carolina Initiative. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement. For more information about this initiative click here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/tbnc.
Investigation of this enforcement operation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Wilson Police Department, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Dena King represented the government.