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12 June 2019
Webster City Man to Federal Prison for Meth ConvictionRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced June 10, 2019, to more than eleven years in federal prison.
Ty Wildt, 30, from Webster City, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 8, 2019, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In 2016, Wildt was previously convicted of two felony drug offenses in Iowa.
Evidence at the plea hearing and sentencing showed Wildt was involved in a conspiracy from April 2018 through September 2018 that distributed more than 150 grams of pure methamphetamine. On three occasions in August 2018, Wildt distributed more than 24 grams of pure methamphetamine to individuals cooperating with law enforcement.
Wildt was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Wildt was sentenced to 141 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Wildt is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Wright County Sheriff’s Office, Webster City Police Department, and Iowa Division of Criminalistics Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-3038. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Waynesboro Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Sadie Bradley, 66, of Waynesboro, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to one count of theft of government funds by fraudulently obtaining Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit payments, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Resident Agent in Charge Marvin Mauldin of the Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration.
From October 2008 through October 2017, Bradley received a total of $197,216.11 in funds belonging to the United States, by receiving Social Security benefits to which she knew she was not entitled. In 1966, Bradley was issued a social security number under the name Sadie McCornell, and began receiving SSI benefit payments in 1974. In 1976, Bradley fraudulently applied for and was issue a second social security number under the name Sadie McConn, later changing her name to Sadie Bradley. In 2008, Bradley applied for and began receiving SSI benefit payments under her second social security number, while still receiving SSI benefit payments under her first social security number. In doing so, Bradley knowingly concealed and misrepresented her identity, income, resources, marital status, and living arrangements to the Social Security Administration in order to receive SSI benefit payments under both social security numbers.
Bradley will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on October 2, 2019, at 9:30 a.m., and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Paul Fortenberry.
Wagner Man Sentenced for Aggravated Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wagner, South Dakota, man convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse was sentenced on June 6, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Xavier Zephier, age 26, was found guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on March 5, 2019. Zephier was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $5,100.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 29, 2017, when Zephier forcibly raped a woman while she was sleeping.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer D. Mammenga and Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
Zephier was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Woman Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Stealing More Than $800,000 from Her Employer in Otis. N.m.Read the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Lori V. Whitaker, 56, formerly of Carlsbad, N.M., was sentenced in federal court yesterday to 18 months in prison for wire fraud. She was also ordered to pay restitution for the loss to her employer in Otis, N.M., of approximately $816,000.
Whitaker previously pleaded guilty to this offense on May 2, 2018. In her plea agreement, she admitted to committing this crime while employed as office manager for the Otis Mutual Domestic Water Consumers and Sewage Works Association in Otis, N.M. Whitaker misused a credit card intended to pay business expenses by making personal charges and taking cash advances at various casinos in New Mexico and elsewhere. Whitaker would pay the bills for these fraudulent charges by transferring money from her employer’s checking account.
The Las Cruces resident agency of the FBI investigated this case with the Internal Revenue Service and Eddy County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard C. Williams and former Assistant U.S. Attorney John Balla prosecuted the case.
Woman Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Stealing More Than $800,000 from Her Employer in Otis. N.m.Read the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Lori V. Whitaker, 56, formerly of Carlsbad, N.M., was sentenced in federal court yesterday to 18 months in prison for wire fraud. She was also ordered to pay restitution for the loss to her employer in Otis, N.M., of approximately $816,000.
Whitaker previously pleaded guilty to this offense on May 2, 2018. In her plea agreement, she admitted to committing this crime while employed as office manager for the Otis Mutual Domestic Water Consumers and Sewage Works Association in Otis, N.M. Whitaker misused a credit card intended to pay business expenses by making personal charges and taking cash advances at various casinos in New Mexico and elsewhere. Whitaker would pay the bills for these fraudulent charges by transferring money from her employer’s checking account.
The Las Cruces resident agency of the FBI investigated this case with the Internal Revenue Service and Eddy County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard C. Williams and former Assistant U.S. Attorney John Balla prosecuted the case.
Veronica Lewis Charged with Unlawfully Possessing Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Veronica Lewis was charged yesterday by Criminal Complaint in U.S. District Court with unlawfully possessing a firearm after having been adjudicated as mentally defective, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(4), and possessing a stolen firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(j). Lewis was arrested this morning, and will appear today in federal court in Burlington.
According to court records, Lewis had been adjudicated as mentally defective on October 16, 2013, in the Queens County Criminal Court, due to a judicial finding of mental incapacity. This prior judicial finding precluded Lewis from thereafter lawfully possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law. On June 29, 2015, Lewis allegedly used a Smith & Wesson Model K-22 .22 caliber revolver to shoot firearms instructor Darryl Montague in Westford, Vermont. After the shooting, Lewis fled, taking Montague’s firearm and ammunition with her. Later that day, Lewis was arrested and Montague’s firearm was seized from Lewis’s backpack. She was also observed attempting to hide .22 caliber ammunition in a toilet paper roll in her holding cell.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum of ten years of imprisonment on each count. The actual sentence however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges in the complaint are merely accusations, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until she is proven guilty.
United States Attorney Christina E. Nolan commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Vermont State Police (VSP).
The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ophardt. Defendant Lewis is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
Union County, New Jersey, Man Sentenced to 25 Months in Prison in Scheme to Manipulate Microcap Stock by Touting A ‘Wellness Social Community for People and Their Pets’Read the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – The owner of a purported business consulting firm was sentenced today to 25 months in prison for operating a $1.1 million scheme that artificially inflated the stock price of a publicly traded company he controlled, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
James Farinella, 52, of Springfield, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud. Judge Thompson imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From June 2012 through December 2012, Farinella and others allegedly operated a scheme to profit by fraudulently inflate the prices of Pazoo Inc. (PZOO). Pazoo had little or no real business operations, and when it started trading in June 2012, Farinella controlled 98 percent of the free-trading shares in Pazoo.
Farinella and other conspirators allegedly inflated the price of those shares by orchestrating a series of trades between accounts they controlled to create the appearance that Pazoo stock was rising in price and heavily traded. In order to further inflate the prices, Farinella and his conspirators also disseminated misleading promotional materials to lure investors to purchase the stocks, including touting Pazoo as a leading provider of nutritional supplements for people and their pets.
After inflating the price of the stock, Farinella and his conspirators sold large volumes of the stock to over 1,000 investors at the artificially inflated prices. The company’s stock price then dropped, causing victims of the scheme to suffer losses. The alleged stock manipulation scheme generated approximately $1.1 million in gross trading proceeds.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Thompson sentenced Farinella to 3 years of supervised release.The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has a civil complaint pending against Farinella.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s New York Regional Office, under the direction of Marc P. Berger, for its assistance in this matter.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin S. Herring, Chief of the Cybercrimes Unit in Newark.
Defense counsel: Bruce I. Goldstein Esq., Florham Park, New Jersey
Un hombre de Luisiana es acusado de delitos de odio federales por prender fuego a iglesias de la Parroquia de St. LandryRead the Press Release
Holden James Matthews, de 21 años, vecino de Opelousas, Luisiana, fue acusado hoy por un gran jurado federal, en una acusación formal sellada abierta hoy, por prender fuego y destrozar tres iglesias de la Parroquia de St. Landry, anunciaron Eric Dreiband, el Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia, y David C. Joseph, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Occidental de Luisiana.
Según la declaración formal de seis cargos, durante un período de diez días, Matthews prendió fuego intencionalmente a la Iglesia Bautista St. Mary en Port Barre, Luisiana, el 26 de marzo, a la Iglesia Bautista Greater Union en Opelousas, Luisiana, el 2 de abril, y a la Iglesia Bautista Mount Pleasant en Opelousas, Luisiana, el 4 de abril. La acusación formal alega que fue motivado a prender los fuegos por el carácter religioso de las propiedades. A Matthews se le acusa de tres cargos de daño intencional a propiedades religiosas, los cuales son cargos por delitos de odio bajo la ley de Prevención de Incendios Provocados en Iglesias, y de tres cargos de uso de incendio para la comisión de un delito grave.
«Las leyes federales protegen nuestra libertad de culto en un entorno seguro sin amenazas de discriminación o violencia», dijo el Fiscal General Auxiliar Eric Dreiband. «El Departamento de Justicia toma muy en serio toda presunta vulneración de derechos civiles federales y la enjuiciará».
«Los ataques contra un individuo o un grupo por motivos de sus creencias religiosas no se tolerarán en el Distrito Occidental de Luisiana», afirmó el Fiscal Federal David C. Joseph. «Las iglesias son un lugar esencial de culto y confraternización para nuestros ciudadanos y nos unen como comunidad. Hay que proteger celosamente nuestra libertad para reunirnos en estas iglesias de manera segura y practicar nuestras creencias religiosas. Hoy hemos tomado un paso más hacia la justicia para los feligreses de estas iglesias y las comunidades de la Parroquia de St. Landry que se vieron afectados por estos actos. Mi oficina seguiría trabajando diligentemente con nuestras agencias asociadas del orden público para investigar y enjuiciar cualquier tipo de delito de odio».
De ser condenado, Matthews se enfrenta a una encarcelación máxima de 20 años por cada cargo de daño intencional a una propiedad religiosa. Asimismo, Matthews se enfrenta a una pena mínima adicional de 10 años por el primer cargo de uso de fuego para cometer un delito grave y de 20 años por los demás cargos; estas penas se servirían consecutivamente. También se enfrenta a libertad supervisada de hasta tres años, una sanción de $250.000 e indemnizaciones por cada uno de los cargos.
La Agencia de Control de Bebidas Alcohólicas, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos (ATF, por sus siglas en inglés), el FBI, el Jefe de Bomberos del Estado de Luisiana, la Oficina del Sheriff de la Parroquia de St. Landry, la Fiscalía de Distrito para la Parroquia de St. Landry, la Policía Estatal de Luisiana, la Unidad de Delitos Cibernéticos del Fiscal General de Luisiana Jeff Landry y la Oficina del Jefe de Bomberos del Estado de Florida llevaron a cabo la investigación.
Los Fiscales Federales Auxiliares Dominic Rossetti y John Luke Walker, juntos con la Abogada de Litigios Risa Berkower, de la Sección Penal del Departamento de Justicia, División de Derechos Civiles, son responsables del enjuiciamiento del caso.
Para más información sobre el trabajo del Departamento de Justicia para combatir y prevenir los delitos de odio, vaya a www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: es un portal único con enlaces a recursos del Departamento de Justicia relacionados con delitos de odio para la policía, los medios de comunicación, investigadores, víctimas, grupos de apoyo, y otras organizaciones y personas.
Una acusación formal es sencillamente una acusación y al acusado se lo considera inocente mientras no se pruebe su culpabilidad más allá de cualquier duda razonable.
Download matthews_indictment_6_12_19.pdf
U.S. Attorney's Office Concludes 28th Annual Seminar Series on School SafetyRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina has wrapped up its 28th Annual Safe Schools Seminars Series. The Safe Schools Seminars bring together law enforcement and school personnel charged with protecting children—such as superintendents, administrators, counselors, school resource officers, nurses, and social workers—to discuss some of the safety issues today’s students face.
Topic sessions during the Safe Schools Seminars include De-Escalation in the Education Environment; Behavior Threat Assessment; and Vaping: How It’s Affecting Our Youth.
The Safe Schools Seminars are hosted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, the South Carolina Department of Education, the Francis Marion University Police Department, the West Columbia Police Department, the Lexington Police Department, the Greer Police Department, and the North Charleston Police Department.
The seminars took place in Greer, West Columbia, Florence, Lexington and concluded today in North Charleston, South Carolina.
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Two Men Indicted in South Florida and Arrested in connection with Torture and Kidnapping PlotRead the Press Release
Two men accused of kidnapping a victim at gunpoint and torturing him with a blowtorch were indicted. One man is currently being detained in South Florida, and the second was arrested and is currently being detained in Spain.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Sonia Quiñones, Chief, Hallandale Beach Police Department, made the announcement.
Sergei Nkorina, 53, of Tenerife, Spain, and Justin Boccio, 33, of Deerfield Beach, were charged by indictment (Case No. 19-20261-CR-CMA) with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, 1201(c); kidnapping, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1201(a); and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). Nkorina and Boccio were previously charged by criminal complaint (Case No. 19-mj-2496; 19-mj-2491).
According to court records and allegations, Nkorina and Boccio plotted to kidnap and torture a victim in an attempt to obtain tens of thousands of dollars from him. To facilitate the kidnapping, on or about December 30, 2018, Nkorina and Boccio purchased supplies at a Home Depot in Broward County, Florida. On or about January 5, 2019, the defendants rented a van from Budget with Florida tag number GHPT19. Then, on January 14, 2019, Boccio entered the victim’s office and made false representations on paperwork inside of the victim’s office. Later that same day, Nkorina and Boccio intercepted the victim in a Walmart parking lot in Broward County. It is further alleged in court records, that Nkorina and Boccio blindfolded the victim and forced the victim into the rental van. The defendants transported their victim to a storage facility in Margate, Florida, in which they burned the victim’s hands with a blowtorch while threatening to kill him with a firearm and other weapons. Nkorina and Boccio demanded information about the victim’s home address, including access codes to the victim’s residence. The next day, Nkorina visited the premises of the victim’s home while carrying a firearm. Nkorina and Boccio left the victim, with his hands and feet bound, in his vehicle in the parking lot of Cheetah Gentlemen’s Club in Broward County, Florida.
Each defendant faces a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison if convicted on either one count of kidnapping or one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping. In addition, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of seven years and a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted on the firearm charge.
An indictment and a criminal complaint are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, Hallandale Beach Police Department, and South Florida Violent Crimes Task Force in this matter. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa H. Miller.
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.
Trucking Company Vice President Pleads Guilty to Orchestrating United States Postal Service Contract FraudRead the Press Release
Ariana Farjado Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Steven Stuller, Deputy Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) announced that Alexei Rivero, 46, of Miami, Florida, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles, to a two-count wire fraud indictment, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 (Case No. 18-CR-20452). Sentencing has been scheduled for August 23, 2019. At sentencing Rivero faces a maximum possible statutory sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
According to documents filed with the court and statements made during the plea, Rivero was the vice president of Florida Carrier & Brokerage Service Inc. (“Florida Carriers”), a licensed and bonded freight trucking company in Miami, Florida. Between March 2011 and September 2013, Florida Carrier was the supplier on twenty-two Highway Contract Route agreements with the U.S. Postal Service. A Highway Contract Route is a route of travel serviced by a postal contractor to move bulk mail over highways between designated postal facilities. Rivero dealt with the U.S. Postal Service to facilitate these contracts. The bids included costs to be paid to drivers hired to service the contracts. These costs include fringe benefits, as well as estimated payroll taxes for social security, workers compensation, federal unemployment compensation and state unemployment compensation.
The terms and conditions of the highway contract route contracts also incorporated the McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act (“SCA”). The SCA covers contracts and bid specifications in excess of $2,500, entered into by federal agencies, the principal purpose of which is to furnish services through the use of service employees. The SCA provides covered service workers the right to receive from federal contractors no less than the wage rates and fringe benefits found prevailing in the locality, as provided in wage determinations issued by the Department of Labor.
According to the court record, to facilitate the contract fraud Florida Carrier did not pay, on behalf of its drivers, the contracted costs for payroll taxes. In addition, they did not provide fringe benefits to drivers, as represented to the U.S. Postal Service. In addition, contrary to the U.S. Postal Service requirements, Florida Carriers had not hired some of these drivers as employees, but instead as independent contractors. Florida Carrier provided it drivers with Forms 1099 rather than Forms W-2.
“Yesterday’s guilty plea reflects the importance and impact of our continuing efforts to protect the rights of workers hired to perform services under government contracts,” said U.S. Attorney Arian Fajardo Orshan. “Companies that profit from doing business with federal agencies have a duty to provide workers with fringe benefits and pay the requisite tax obligations. Those who engage in deceptive and fraudulent behavior fueled by greed will continue to be investigated and prosecuted in a federal court of law.”
“We are gratified to have contributed to this investigation and applaud the exceptional work by the United States Attorney’s Office for both protecting the contracting process and overall program costs,” said Steven Stuller, Deputy Special Agent in Charge, USPS OIG. “Along with our law enforcement partners, the USPS OIG will continue to aggressively investigate those who would engage in fraudulent activities designed to defraud the Postal Service.”
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of USPS OIG. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lois Foster-Steers.
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 at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Three Time Drug Dealer with History of Violence Sentenced to 15 Years’ Federal ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
A man with a history of criminal convictions who possessed methamphetamine for distribution was sentenced June 11, 2019, to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Clyde Allen Lincoln, age 37 from Sioux City, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 26, 2018, guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine within a protected location.
Evidence at the change of plea and sentencing revealed Lincoln attempted to flee from the scene of a traffic stop in Sioux City, Iowa on May 22, 2018. During the foot pursuit, Lincoln discarded a package later determined to contain over 82 grams of pure methamphetamine. The police caught and subdued Lincoln (who resisted arrest) near the protected areas of Rose Hill Park and Heelan High School in Sioux City, Iowa.
Lincoln’s criminal history included two operating while intoxicated offenses, four assault convictions, a burglary conviction, and two previous convictions for possession with intent to distribute drugs. He was also on probation when he committed the instant federal offense.
Lincoln was sentenced in Sioux City by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Lincoln was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve an 8-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Lincoln is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigation by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-4075.
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Three Charged in Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - Two residents of Allegheny County and a Somerset County man have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating the federal narcotics and/or firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Indictment named Harvey G. Hicks, 49, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Breanna M. Bane, 27, of Monroeville, Pennsylvania; and Matthew L. Pearson, 44, of Somerset, Pennsylvania; as the defendants.
According to the Indictment, in and around March 2019, and continuing to on or about May 1, 2019, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. Additionally, the Indictment charges Hicks, a felon, with unlawfully possessing four firearms and ammunition on or about May 1, 2019. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
As to Hicks, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years up to life in prison, a fine of up to $20,250,000, or both. As to Bane and Pearson, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Spring Creek Man Indicted on Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Spring Creek, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation.
Jason Corey Poorman, Sr., age 43, was indicted on May 14, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 6, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on December 20, 2018, Poorman unlawfully assaulted an individual with shod feet with the intent to do bodily harm, and that the assault resulted in bodily injury. The Indictment further alleges that on February 9, 2019, Poorman unlawfully assaulted an intimate partner by strangling and suffocating her, and that he further assaulted her with shod feet and a log with the intent to do bodily harm.
The charges are merely accusations and Poorman is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Poorman was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
South African Mother and Daughter Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding California Employment Disability DepartmentRead the Press Release
BOISE – Gloudina Robbertse, 50, of Meridian, Idaho, was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison for filing false claims for disability benefits with the California Employment Disability Department (CEDD), U.S. Attorney Bart Davis announced today. Her daughter, Chantelle Robbertse, 24, a co-defendant in the case, was sentenced to 24 months for her role in the fraud scheme. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Gloudina and Chantelle Robbertse to pay $475,350.28 in restitution to the CEDD.
According to court records, while living in California, Gloudina and Chantelle Robbertse devised and executed a scheme to defraud the CEDD. They continued the scheme when they moved to Idaho in April 2017. Gloudina and Chantelle Robbertse filed false disability claims using the identity of real persons without their knowledge. Once the claims were approved by the CEDD, a debit card was issued in the name of the claimants being impersonated. Gloudina and Chantelle Robbertse used commercial mailboxes set up in California and Idaho to receive the debit cards. Thereafter, Gloudina and Chantelle withdrew money from the debit cards at banks in Idaho and California for their own personal financial gain.
“Identity theft disrupts lives, creates financial havoc and causes undue emotional stress for victims,” said Davis. “Those who callously defraud individuals will be prosecuted and punished. I commend the diligent efforts of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for stopping these identity thieves in their tracks. The Court’s restitution order ensures any assets will go toward repairing the financial harm caused to the victims in this case.”
“It is widely believed that fraud cases are victimless crimes, but that could not be farther from the truth,” said Brad Bench, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Seattle. “These individuals stole money that was intended for people in need, some of which solely rely on government programs for life’s necessities. When someone’s identity is stolen it can take several years to correct the issue. Often times this leaves victims without the ability to obtain funds they desperately need, from programs meant to assist them, all while struggling to prove their own financial responsibility. Ultimately, victims and taxpayers bare the largest burden when crimes like this occur. HSI’s mission to bring these criminals to justice is instrumental to protecting the public and keeping these government programs intact.”
Gloudina Robbertse pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft on December 6, 2018. On that same day, Chantelle Robbertse pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations.
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Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance was sentenced on June 11, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Reymundo Sauceda, age 43, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
According to court documents, beginning on or about October 1, 2013, and continuing until on or about July 26, 2016, Sauceda did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together, with others, to knowingly and intentionally distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine.
One of Sauceda’s co-conspirators, Martin Rios, was sentenced on April 22, 2019, for the same offense by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier. Rios was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Rios was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Service and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.
Sauceda was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux City Woman Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty June 11, 2019, in federal court in Sioux City.
Winona Freemont, 35, from Sioux City, Iowa, was convicted of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine within a protected location.
At the plea hearing, Freemont admitted that from about July 2017 through April 2018 she participated in the distribution of more than 500 grams of pure methamphetamine in Sioux City. Freemont distributed methamphetamine at a residence that was within 1000 feet of Cook Park. Freemont admitted that she and others involved in the conspiracy would travel to Omaha, NE to obtain up to pounds of methamphetamine to bring back to Sioux City to distribute to others.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Freemont remains in custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Freemont faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and at least ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-4018. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Sham Investment Advisor Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BOISE - Rick Guyon, a/k/a, Richard Guyon, a/k/a Rick Garrison, a/k/a Mark Thomas, 59, of Pocatello, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday in United States District Court, to 120 months in prison, for wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered the defendant to pay $1,956,400 in restitution to the victims and to serve three years of supervised release after he is released from prison. Guyon pleaded guilty to the wire fraud offense on June 28, 2018.
According to court records, from 2015 through 2017, Guyon devised a scheme to defraud individual investors. The scheme involved soliciting $1,956,400 from investors based on false and fraudulent representations about Guyon’s education, employment history, and financial condition, false and fraudulent representations that the money would be invested in financial markets, and that he would not collect any commissions on the investments. Once Guyon obtained the money, he spent it on personal expenses. To cover up what he had done, Guyon provided investors with false and fraudulent monthly account statements showing positive returns on investments.
According to court records, Guyon’s scheme to defraud investors (i) resulted in an actual loss of between $1,500,000 and $3,500,000; (ii) resulted in a substantial financial hardship to investor-victim R.F., who personally lost approximately $1,281,783 and (iii) involved the defendant acting as an organizer and leader of at least three other participants in the scheme.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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Seven Individuals Indicted in June 2019 Federal Grand JuryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today the results of the June 2019 Federal Grand Jury.
The following named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes by the return of an indictment by the Grand Jury. A Grand Jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt. A Grand Jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. United States Sentencing Guidelines may be considered, upon conviction, by the sentencing court. Federal prison sentences are non-parolable.
RANCE DEWAYNE CHILDS, age 36, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma
Felon In Possession Of FirearmThe Indictment alleges that on or about May 5, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the Defendant, RANCE DEWAYNE CHILDS, having been convicted of crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce a firearm, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Jordan.
CHARLENE CLOUD, age 48, of Seminole, Oklahoma
LUCINDA LINDSEY, age 44, of Earlsboro, Oklahoma
ALETHA WISE, age 36, of Earlsboro, Oklahoma
Conspiracy
Embezzlement And Theft From Indian Tribal OrganizationThe Indictment alleges that beginning on or about January 2, 2013, and continuing thereafter until on or about February 16, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendants, CHARLENE CLOUD, LUCINDA LINDSEY and ALETHA WISE, knowingly and willfully conspired and agreed together and with each other and others known to the grand jury, to commit an offense against the United States, that is, Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1163, punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment further alleges that from on or about June 11, 2014, to on or about February 16, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendants, CHARLENE CLOUD, LUCINDA LINDSEY and ALETHA WISE, being employees of an Indian tribal organization, that is, the Seminole Nation Business, Commerce, and Regulatory Commission, did steal, embezzle and willfully and knowingly convert to their own use moneys, funds and credits with a value of more than $1,000.00 belonging to the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1163 and 2, punishable by not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
First Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson.
ROGER CHRISTOPHER SIMPSON, age 44, of Lawton Correctional Facility, Oklahoma
Use Of Telephone To Make A Bomb ThreatThe Indictment alleges that on or about January 22, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, ROGER CHRISTOPHER SIMPSON, did, through use of a telephone, willfully make a threat to kill, injure, and intimidate any individual and to damage and destroy a building, vehicle, or other real or personal property, by means of fire and explosive, in and affecting interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(e), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Seminole Police Department, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant United States Attorney Clay Compton.
RICARDO MARTINEZ, age 46, of Eagletown, Oklahoma
CARLOS MEDINA-TAMAYO, age 39, of Eagletown, Oklahoma
Drug Conspiracy
Distribution Of Methamphetamine (3 Counts)
Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine
Illegal Alien In Possession Of FirearmThe Indictment alleges that beginning on a date in February 2019, the exact date being unknown to the Grand Jury, and continuing until on or about May 17, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, RICARDO MARTINEZ and CARLOS MEDINA-TAMAYO, defendants herein, did willfully and knowingly combine, conspire, confederate, and agree together, and with others known and unknown to the Grand Jury to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment further alleges that on or about March 22, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, defendant, RICARDO MARTINEZ, did knowingly and intentionally distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment further alleges that on or about April 10, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, defendant, RICARDO MARTINEZ, did knowingly and intentionally distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment further alleges that on or about May 9, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, defendant, RICARDO MARTINEZ, did knowingly and intentionally distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment further alleges that on or about May 17, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, defendants, RICARDO MARTINEZ and CARLOS MEDINA-TAMAYO, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2, punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment further alleges that on or about May 17, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, CARLOS MEDINA-TAMAYO, then being an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The charges arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace.
Salvadoran Citizen Sentenced to 21 Months for Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Efrain Diaz Alachan, age 46, and a citizen of El Salvador, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison, for illegal re-entry into the United States.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Thomas E. Feeley, Director of the Buffalo Field Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
As part of his guilty plea entered on February 12, 2019, Diaz Alachan admitted that he was removed from the United States to El Salvador five times, the most recent removal date being March 15, 2016. Diaz Alachan admitted that he returned to the United States following the removals without the necessary government permission.
On December 18, 2018, ICE Officers arrested Diaz Alachan at his residence in Schenectady, New York.
Diaz Alachan was previously convicted of this same offense, re-entry of a removed alien, in the Northern District of New York in 2011 and 2013, and in the Southern District of Texas in 2015.
This case was investigated by ICE-ERO and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Salinas Resident Sentenced to Prison for Role in Tax Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Ana Bajo, a/k/a Ana Covarrubias, was sentenced to 14 months in prison for her role in a conspiracy to file fraudulent claims for income tax refunds, announced U.S. Attorney David L. Anderson, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter. The sentence was handed down today by the Honorable Lucy H. Koh, U.S. District Judge.
According to documents and information provided to the court, during 2012, Bajo, 43, of Salinas, conspired with Jacqueline Ramos and Norma Morfin to obtain the personal identifying information of others and use it to file more than 2,300 fraudulent income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These returns reported fake wages and fraudulently claimed dependents, education expenses, and tax credits. In total, the returns sought approximately $9.7 million in refunds, of which the IRS paid more than $7.5 million. Bajo and her co-conspirators directed the fraudulently obtained refund checks into bank accounts that they controlled.
On July 13, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted Bajo charging her with conspiracy to submit false claims, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 286. Bajo pleaded guilty to the charge.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Koh ordered Bajo to pay $1,641,610 in restitution and to serve three years of supervised release, following the completion of her term in prison.
Bajo was the fourth defendant to be sentenced by Judge Koh for having a role in the tax fraud scheme: Ramos was ordered to serve 60 months in prison, Morfin was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison, and Antonio Ahumada Rivas was ordered to serve 21 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Pitman and Trial Attorney Christopher Magnani of the Tax Division are prosecuting this case. This prosecution is a result of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation.
Saint Louis Man Indicted for Using Online Marketplaces to Rob Victims of iPhones and Co-defendant Charged with Possession of Counterfeit CurrencyRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging St. Louis resident Clyde Jefferson, 26, with multiple counts of interference with commerce by robbery; felon in possession of a firearm; brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and passing counterfeit currency. Jefferson appeared in federal court this morning for his initial appearance.
Co-defendant Ebony Cannamore, 31, of St. Louis, is charged with one count of possession of counterfeit currency with the intent to defraud. She appeared in federal court last week for her initial appearance.
According to the Indictment, Jefferson used online marketplaces including Facebook, OfferUp, Letgo, and Craigslist to arrange for victims to sell him their iPhones at locations in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County. When meeting the victims, Jefferson would offer them counterfeit currency in exchange for their iPhones. Jefferson brandished a firearm during several of the transactions and shot a victim during one transaction. The Indictment charges Cannamore with possessing counterfeit currency during the same time period Jefferson was committing his crimes.
As is always the case, charges set forth in the Indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted, the interference with commerce by threats carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both; felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both; uttering counterfeit obligations carries a penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both; and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a penalty of not less than 7 years, nor more than life, consecutive to all other counts. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the Richmond Heights Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Rockford Man Convicted of Robbing Chase Bank in RockfordRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Rockford man was convicted today of aggravated bank robbery after a 3-day jury trial in federal court.
EDWARD EVERETT JOHNSON III, also known as “Edward Everett,” 34, was found guilty of robbing Chase Bank, 4425 Harrison Ave. in Rockford, on April 20, 2016.
Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and full restitution. The Court must impose a reasonable sentence guided by the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines. Sentencing for Johnson is set for Sept. 9, 2019, at 11:30 a.m.
The conviction 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 Daniel O’Shea, Rockford Police Chief. The Rockville City, Md., Police Department, Montgomery County, Md., Police Department, and Amtrak Police Department assisted in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica V. Mallory and Scott R. Paccagnini.
According to the indictment and evidence at trial, Johnson arrived in the parking lot at Chase Bank mid-afternoon on April 20, 2019, driving a taxi mini-van. At approximately 3:00 p.m., Johnson entered the bank and approached a bank teller, pulled out a handgun and a backpack and told the teller he wanted all the money in her money drawer. After the teller emptied her drawer and placed the money in the backpack, Johnson left the bank, jumped through the sunroof of the taxi mini-van, and drove it out of the parking lot. The mini-van was found abandoned in Rockford a few hours later. Later the same day Johnson left the Rockford area and was driven to Chicago by taxi.
Evidence at trial indicated that Johnson was identified as the suspect, and an arrest warrant was issued. Johnson then travelled by Amtrak train for Washington, D.C. When the train stopped in Rockville, Md., Johnson exited the train. Amtrak Police Department Officers tracked Johnson’s movements and identified him when he left the train station. The officers attempted to stop Johnson when he fled on foot. Johnson was apprehended shortly thereafter and placed into the custody of the Rockville City Police Dept. The Rockville City Police Dept., assisted by a canine unit from the Montgomery County Police Dept., recovered evidence of the bank robbery at the scene of Johnson’s arrest.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography was sentenced on June 7, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Matthew King Adkins, age 48, was sentenced to 5 months in custody, which he had already served, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Adkins was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 8, 2018. He pled guilty and was detained on January 4, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident between April 6, 2017, and April 21, 2017, when it was discovered that Adkins, who was residing in Rapid City at the time, knowingly possessed images of child pornography on his computer. Some of the images included prepubescent minors. The digital files were transported in interstate commerce over the internet by computer, and therefore, affected interstate or foreign commerce. Law enforcement also found on his computer stories written by Adkins referencing sexual activity between adults and children.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the case.
Rapid City Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on June 7, 2019, by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Jeremy Douglas Vance, age 37, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Vance also forfeited a 12-gauge shotgun, a Glock, and ammunition, which he acquired in connection with his drug-dealing activities.
From June 2015 through February 2017, Vance sold and distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Rapid City area.
This case was investigated by South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Vance was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Charged with Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Jaime Walking Bull, age 38, was charged on May 21, 2019. Walking Bull appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 6, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to Walking Bull, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, unlawfully being in possession of a semi-automatic pistol in April 2019 at Rapid City. The charge is merely an accusation and Walking Bull is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Walking Bull was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Participants in Hospital Development Project Resolve Alleged Liability for Improperly Obtaining Government-Insured LoanRead the Press Release
Pacific Medical Buildings LLC (PMB), PMB Lakeway LLC, RD Development Partners LLC, Lakeway Management LLC, J&L Rush Family Partnership LP, Jeff Rush, and Brad Daniel have agreed to pay the United States $1.1 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by improperly helping to obtain a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and receiving impermissible distributions of project funds for the development of Lakeway Regional Medical Center in Lakeway, Texas, the Department of Justice today announced.
“Individuals and entities that benefit from FHA insurance must follow the requirements intended to safeguard this important program,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will continue to hold responsible those who knowingly violate these requirements and waste critical program funds.”
“This settlement reflects our commitment to safeguard the integrity of the FHA loan program,” stated U.S. Attorney John F. Bash, Western District of Texas.
The FHA, part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), insures loans used to build hospitals in underserved areas. The settling parties, along with several other individuals and entities, were involved in efforts to develop a hospital using an FHA-insured loan. The settlement today resolves allegations that the settling parties participated in a scheme to improperly obtain the FHA-insured loan by delaying refunds to investors who had cancelled their investments to make it appear as if the project satisfied mortgage covenants regarding the cash on hand required to close the loan. The settlement also resolves allegations that the settling parties received impermissible distributions of project funds.
“It is deeply disconcerting when industry professionals, who have fiduciary responsibilities and are expected to act as honest brokers, exploit federal programs created to aid legitimate medical facilities,” said Robert Kwalwasser, Acting Assistant Inspector General for Investigation, HUD Office of Inspector General. “This settlement demonstrates our continuing resolve, and should serve as a warning, that we will pursue those engaged in behavior that undermines federal insurance programs.”
The settlement was the result of a joint investigation conducted by HUD, the HUD Office of Inspector General, the Civil Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas. The claims asserted against the settling parties are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Owner of Moving Companies Pleads Guilty to Million Dollar Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Clifton, New Jersey, man admitted today to owning and operating a variety of household goods moving companies in New Jersey that systematically extorted hundreds of customers, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Rami Zubidat, 31, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Zubidat and his co-conspirators jointly operated numerous moving companies by quoting customers “low-ball” price estimates for household goods moves and then raising prices on the date of the move after the goods were loaded and the customers in vulnerable positions. Through this scheme, Zubidat and his co-conspirators consistently, over a number of years and hundreds of moves, raised final prices for moves above the allowed increase from initial estimates as provided by federal regulations, including increases as high as 400 percent on the day of the move. The collective difference between the many estimates and the final balances for the customers’ moves was over a million dollars. Zubidat personally owned a number of the moving companies involved.
The conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Zubidat has been in custody on this charge since August 2018. Sentencing is scheduled for September 19, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents of the Department of Transportation-Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Douglas Shoemaker, Northeast Region; postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James Buthorn, Newark Division; and special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Angel Melendez, New York Field Office, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Macurdy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Defense counsel: Stephen Turano, Esq., Newark, New Jersey
Opelousas man charged with federal hate crimes for setting fire to three St. Landry Parish churchesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Holden James Matthews, 21, of Opelousas, Louisiana, was charged by a federal grand jury in an indictment unsealed today for setting fire to and destroying three churches in St. Landry Parish, announced U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph for the Western District of Louisiana and Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
According to the six-count indictment, in a span of 10 days, Matthews intentionally set fire to St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre, Louisiana, on March 26, Greater Union Baptist Church in Opelousas, Louisian, on April 2, and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Opelousas on April 4. The indictment alleges that he was motivated to set the fires because of the religious character of these properties. Matthews is charged with three counts of intentional damage to religious property, hate crime charges that fall under the Church Arson Prevention Act, and with three counts of using fire to commit a felony.
“Attacks against an individual or group because of their religious beliefs will not be tolerated in the Western District of Louisiana,” U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph stated. “Churches are vital places of worship and fellowship for our citizens and bind us together as a community. Our freedom to safely congregate in these churches and exercise our religious beliefs must be jealously guarded. Today we are one step closer to justice for the parishioners of these churches and the St. Landry Parish communities affected by these acts. My office will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute any type of hate crime.”
“Federal law protects our freedom to practice religion in a safe environment without the threat of discrimination or violence,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “Any alleged violation of federal civil rights laws are taken extremely seriously by the Justice Department and will be prosecuted.”
If convicted, Matthews faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years per count of intentional damage to religious property. Matthews faces an additional mandatory minimum of 10 years for the first count of using fire to commit a felony and 20 years for the subsequent counts, all to run consecutively. He also faces up to three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution for each of the counts.
The ATF, FBI, Louisiana State Fire Marshal, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Cybercrime Unit, and the Florida State Fire Marshal conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic Rossetti and John Luke Walker, along with Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Justice Department’s Criminal Section, Civil Rights Division, are prosecuting the case.
For more information about the Department of Justice’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to Department of Justice hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ohio Men Indicted for String of Armed Pharmacy Robberies in Western PA and OhioRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - Three Ohio residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to commit armed pharmacy robbery, armed pharmacy robbery, and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute Schedule II controlled substances, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The seven-count Indictment named Abdulrahman Abdelaziz Jamea, age 21, Arthur Lee Worthy, II, age 21, and Mohammed Jibril, age 19, formerly of Reynoldsburg, Ohio as the defendants.
According to the Indictment, on or about September 27, 2018, and continuing thereafter to on or about May 10, 2019, the defendants conspired to rob numerous different pharmacies while brandishing what appeared to be a firearm, and conspired to possess with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled substances.
The following pharmacies were affected:
• On or about September 27, 2018, the CVS Pharmacy, located at 124 Erie Street, Edinboro, Pennsylvania 16412;
• On or about November 17, 2018, the Rite Aid Pharmacy, located at 1799 Third Street, Beaver, Pennsylvania 15009;
• On or about November 22, 2018, the CVS Pharmacy, located at 4610 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213;
• On or about December 2, 2018, the Rite Aid Pharmacy, located at 301 Greene Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750;
• On or about December 7, 2018, the CVS Pharmacy, located at 3800 Pine Avenue, Erie, Pennsylvania 16508; and
• On or about May 10, 2019, the Rite Aid Pharmacy, located at 417 Chartiers Street, Bridgeville, Pennsylvania 15017.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Bridgeville Police Department, and the Ohio Highway Patrol conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Nigerian National Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison after Pleading Guilty to Forgery and False Use of a Passport, Misusing a Visa, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake today sentenced Johnson Olatunji Ogunyemi, age 50, a Nigerian national residing in Owings Mills, Maryland, to 30 months in federal prison, after Ogunyemi pleaded guilty to forgery and false use of a passport, fraud and misuse of a visa, and money laundering. Judge Blake also ordered Ogunyemi to forfeit $105,561.
The guilty plea and sentence were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Edwin Guard of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Washington Field Office.
According to his plea agreement, Ogunyemi is a Nigerian national who arrived in the United States on January 31, 2015. Ogunyemi was authorized to remain until July 30, 2015, but did not leave the U.S. On August 16, 2017, the New Carrollton Police Department (“NCPD”) arrested Ogunyemi at a bank in New Carrollton, Maryland, after Ogunyemi presented a fraudulent Nigerian passport and visa in the name of Benjamin Smith to the teller to conduct a financial transaction. During the arrest, NCPD took possession of three Nigerian passports with U.S. visas, all with Ogunyemi’s photo, but in the names of Benjamin Smith, Benjamin Johnson, and John Wale, as well as a Nigerian driver’s license in the name of Benjamin Smith and an Ohio driver’s license in the name of David Durston recovered from Ogunyemi or from the vehicle that he drove to the bank.
As detailed in his plea agreement, on November 10, 2017, Diplomatic Security Service (“DSS”) agents arrested Ogunyemi at his residence in Owings Mills. When DSS arrived at the residence to execute the arrest warrant, Ogunyemi absconded through a third-floor balcony and attempted to flee. DSS also executed a search warrant on Ogunyemi’s vehicle and found an additional Nigerian passport and Nigerian Driver’s License containing Ogunyemi’s photo in the name of Ola Badru, as well as mail addressed to Ogunyemi’s other known aliases. The Department of Homeland Security Forensic Laboratory determined that all of the identity documents recovered from Ogunyemi or his vehicles were counterfeit. Ogunyemi admitted that he assumed at least five identities in the United States, including four for which he possessed altered Nigerian passports, each containing a forged United States visa.
Ogunyemi further admitted that he participated in a fraud scheme. Specifically, Ogunyemi opened bank accounts in the names of his various aliases, using the false passports and visas, as well as the name of a purported business. Ogunyemi received wire transfers, check and cash deposits of hundreds of thousands of dollars into the bank accounts that he exercised control over. Ogunyemi knew that the funds that he received and deposited into his accounts were the proceeds of unlawful activity, including scams against vulnerable individuals and the defrauding of businesses by email hacking and/or by counterfeit checks. Ogunyemi, using his various aliases, used the proceeds received and deposited into his accounts to conduct financial transactions in an effort to conceal the unlawful source of the funds.
The amount of money laundered by Ogunyemi as part of the conspiracy was at least $307,300.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended DSS for their work in the investigation and thanked the New Carrollton Police Department for its assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joan C. Mathias and Tamera L. Fine, who prosecuted the case.
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New York Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Edwin Martinez-Guzman, 37, of New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, after law enforcement officers learned that Martinez-Guzman was preparing to conduct a drug transaction, they approached him in a parking lot in Manchester on November 28, 2018. Martinez-Guzman was arrested with over 150 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Martinez-Guzman is scheduled to be sentenced on September 16, 2019.
“Methamphetamine presents a growing danger to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Indications are that traffickers are bringing this substance into our state with increasingly greater frequency. In order to protect the safety of our citizens, we will be aggressive in our efforts to identify and prosecute those who choose to bring this deadly drug into New Hampshire.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that QUINTON RISIN, a/k/a “Quentin Risin,” age 36, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. RISIN is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release upon his release from prison.
According to court records, RISIN conspired with codefendant Arthur Johnson and others to distribute heroin throughout the New Orleans area. RISIN had been a customer of Johnson’s. The evidence against RISIN includes numerous intercepted communications, physical surveillance, and witness statements.
U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan will sentence RISIN on September 17, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the FBI’s New Orleans Gang Task Force in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
New London Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Trafficking Guns from Georgia to ConnecticutRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that QUADELL DANIELS, 32, of New London, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking guns from Georgia to Connecticut.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 20, 2017, members of the Connecticut Statewide Narcotics Task Force East and New London Police Department conducted a court-authorized search of a New London residence and seized a Beretta, Model BU9 Nano, 9mm pistol, and a Jimenez Arms, Model J.A. Nine, 9mm pistol. Subsequent investigation revealed that, in April 2017, Daniels and his former girlfriend entered a pawn shop in Hinesville, Georgia. Daniels, who had provided cash to his girlfriend before entering the shop, selected two firearms for his girlfriend to purchase on his behalf. After his girlfriend completed the purchase, she provided the firearms to Daniels. Daniels transported the firearms to Connecticut and sold them for profit.
In July 2017, Daniels and his former girlfriend similarly purchased another five firearms at the same pawn shop and transported the guns to Connecticut, where Daniels sold them for profit.
Two of the seven firearms purchased by Daniels were seized during the search of the New London residence on July 20, 2017. On February 28, 2019, New London Police recovered a Taurus, Model PT 111, 9mm handgun, which was one of the firearms Daniels had purchased in Georgia in April 2017. The investigation into the recovered Taurus handgun, and the whereabouts of the four other firearms Daniels purchased, is ongoing.
In 2012, Daniels was convicted in Connecticut state court of attempted assault in the second degree, and possession of a firearm without a permit. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Daniels was arrested on December 1, 2017. On March 11, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East and New London Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alina P. Reynolds.
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 neighborhoods safer for everyone.
New Leadership Announced in Gulfport Branch of United States Attorney’s Office for Southern District of MississippiRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – United States Attorney Mike Hurst announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie will serve as the new Branch Supervisor of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Gulfport, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams will serve as the Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Section for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The changes come in the wake of the retirement of long-time AUSA and Branch Supervisor Jay Golden, who retired last month after nearly thirty years in the U.S. Attorney’s Gulfport office.
"Our office is incredibly blessed with talented attorneys who are not only leaders in their profession but also in their communities. I am thankful to John and Annette for accepting these new, challenging roles as leaders in our office. They will do an outstanding job leading our Gulfport office and drug prosecution efforts, respectively, and the State of Mississippi will be better for their service," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
AUSA Meynardie has been with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for 24 years. He began working in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Jackson and later transferred to the Criminal Division in Gulfport, where he has prosecuted a multitude of complex cases over the years. He has been the lead prosecutor for drug cases in the Gulfport office for many years and most recently served as the Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Section. Meynardie also created a school education program entitled "Pills, Needles & Designer Drugs" which includes a frank discussion and presentation about the greatest drug threats in our community: opiates and designer drugs. The program has been presented to schools and health care professionals across the state. Meynardie will bring a vast amount of knowledge and experience to his new role as Branch Supervisor. He will be transitioning into other types of cases, including complex white collar crime and public corruption prosecutions.
AUSA Annette Williams will be leading the office’s drug fighting efforts in her new position as Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Section. Williams has been a prosecutor in the Criminal Division for over 12 years and has a wealth of experience in many areas. She has successfully prosecuted numerous types of cases including violent crime, gangs, public corruption, identity theft/document fraud, and racketeering cases. She prosecuted a drug conspiracy case involving violent drug dealers in Jefferson Davis County which resulted in life sentences for three defendants. She has also prosecuted gun runners for violation of export laws, including working with the State Department on Defense Trade Controls violations, and she managed a large international scam/fraud investigation involving 360 email accounts and massive amounts of bank and credit card data. Twenty-one defendants in four countries were indicted in that case. While working at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Williams has conducted multiple trainings for law enforcement on guns, violent crime, immigration, human trafficking, search and seizure, grand jury and immunity. She has also spoken to high school classes, community organizations and educational conferences on relevant federal criminal issues such as guns, identity theft and human trafficking.
The United States Attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer of the United States within his or her particular jurisdiction. There are 93 United States Attorneys stationed throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. United States Attorneys are appointed by, and serve at the discretion of, the President of the United States, with advice and consent of the United States Senate. United States Attorneys have three statutory responsibilities: (1) the prosecution of criminal cases brought by the Federal government; (2) the prosecution and defense of civil cases in which the United States is a party; and (3) the collection of debts owed the Federal government which are administratively uncollectible. The Southern District of Mississippi encompasses the lower 45 counties of the State of Mississippi and covers approximately 2 million Mississippians.
New Bedford Police Officer Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Bedford police officer was arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston with child pornography offenses.
Paul Hodson, 42, of Acushnet, was charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. He will appear in federal court in Boston later today.
Following an investigation into the use of peer-to-peer file sharing networks for the trade of child pornography, a federal search warrant was executed at Hodson’s Acushnet home. Hodson was interviewed on-scene and admitted to using peer-to-peer file sharing software to trade child pornography. In the course of a preliminary on-scene forensic preview of Hodson’s computer, hundreds of child pornography files were recovered, including at least one file that was distributed to undercover law enforcement in the course of the investigation that led to the search warrant.
The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police Cyber Crime Unit and Acushnet Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Lelling’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Moss Point Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun Possession and Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Kristopher Michael Williams, 33, of Moss Point, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 120 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and 151 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The sentences will run concurrently. Williams was further ordered to pay a $7,500 fine and serve 5 years of supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence.
Williams has a prior 2009 conviction for armed robbery in Jackson County. On November 17, 2017, Moss Point Police officers stopped Williams’s car, where they found marijuana and a .44 caliber pistol. In 2018, the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team and the ATF purchased marijuana, methamphetamine, and a gun from Williams during an undercover investigation. Williams sold a total of 54.91 grams of Ice or actual methamphetamine.
The South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Middle Georgia Compounding Pharmacy Agrees to Pay $365,000 to Resolve Fraud ClaimsRead the Press Release
ATHENS – A civil settlement has been reached with Lake Country Pharmacy and Compounding Center (Lake Country) and its principals Chris and Carey Vaughan, announced Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District. Lake Country agreed to pay to the United States and the State of Georgia $365,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and the Georgia False Medicaid Claims Act by submitting bills for compounded medications dispensed to Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE beneficiaries that were made with non-reimbursable bulk powders, but were billed as if they were made from reimbursable tablets. Additionally, Lake Country has entered into an Integrity Agreement with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
The settlement marks the end of a 36-month investigation into Lake Country’s compounding pharmacy business that began with a lawsuit filed by a former pharmacist employed at Lake Country, under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act and the Georgia False Medicaid Claims Act, which allow private citizens to bring civil actions on behalf of the Government and share in any recovery obtained. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Christopher Coleman and the State of Georgia ex rel Christopher Coleman v. Lake Country Pharmacy & Compounding Center, Chris Vaughan and Carey Vaughan, 3:16-cv-53. As a result of this investigation, on March 11, 2019, the United States and the State of Georgia chose to intervene in the complaint and litigate the case in District Court. Today’s settlement resolves the pending litigation. Lake Country fully cooperated in the investigation, after which the parties agreed to resolve the allegations described herein. The claims covered by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
“Compounding medications are necessary for many Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE patients. Pharmacies who choose to make and sell these medications have to play by the rules or they will face severe consequences,” said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney. “I want to thank the Department of Health & Human Services and the State of Georgia Attorney General’s Office for their hard work exposing this fraud. I also want to thank the Relator for pursuing this fraud as a citizen whistleblower.”
The case was investigated by Special Agent Alexander Hinton of the Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, attorney Christina McGarvey of the Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General, and Investigators Enedelia Bostrup and Shaketia Morgan of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. The United States’ civil settlement was reach by Assistant United States Attorney Todd P. Swanson. The State of Georgia’s civil settlement was reached by Assistant Attorney General Richard Tangum of the Medicaid Fraud Division (MFD).
Questions concerning this case can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Mexican National Charged for Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin After Traffic StopRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Mexican national who illegally crossed the border to enter the United States was charged with possession with intent to distribute nearly 10 pounds of heroin after a traffic stop along US-93, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Mario Alberto Bojorquez-Manrique, 27, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
As alleged, on June 10, 2019, a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper observed a northbound car driving in an unsafe manner on US-93. During a traffic stop, Bojorquez-Manrique was identified as the driver and gave consent to search the vehicle. A narcotics K9 alerted the trooper to the dash area of the car. During a hand search of the car, a socket driver with a socket were found on the passenger side floorboard. The trooper noticed some finger prints and tooling marks on the bolts securing the wiper cover to the car. Six foil wrapped packages of heroin weighing approximately 9.6 pounds were recovered from the vehicle. Law enforcement located Bojorquez-Manrique’s notebook in the car containing entries for over a dozen narcotic runs he has made, as well as the recorded dollar amounts of the transactions.
The maximum penalty is life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years.
The case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration, the Nevada Highway Patrol, and the North Las Vegas Police Department.
A criminal complaint merely contains an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Martin Man Indicted in Theft of FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Martin, South Dakota, man was charged in federal district court with Theft of Firearms, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
Sidney Marshall, age 25, was charged on April 16, 2019. Marshall appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 6, 2019, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Marshall, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, breaking into a business in Martin and stealing multiple firearms in August 2018. The charges are merely accusations and Marshall is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Martin Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Marshall was detained pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Man Convicted for Role in Gas Station RobberiesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Washington, D.C. man today for his participation in a string of armed robberies.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Kenya Preston Williams, 37, participated in the armed robbery of an Exxon gas station in Alexandria and two different armed robberies of the same Shell gas station in Falls Church. Williams’ co-conspirator, Steven Oneil Houston, 26, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to charges of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
“Williams is a violent criminal who engaged in a series of attempted robberies with a firearm,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Removing violent criminals off our streets is critical to ensuring that all have the opportunity to feel safe and secure where they live, go to school, and raise their families. My thanks to our local and federal law enforcement partners who assisted in this investigation and whose outstanding work allowed us to achieve this conviction.”
Williams was convicted of conspiring to obstruct commerce by robbery, obstructing commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He faces up to life in prison and a mandatory minimum of 21 years in prison when sentenced on September 13. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Through our partnerships and WFO’s Safe Streets Violent Crime Task Force, we continue our commitment to investigate violent crime,” said Charles Dayoub, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division. “We will work together to keep our communities safe and bring justice to those who endanger the public.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Charles Dayoub, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander E. Blanchard and Nicholas U. Murphy II are prosecuting the case.
The Alexandria City Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department, and Metropolitan Police Department all provided significant assistance with this investigation.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office Safe Streets Violent Crime Task Force, which is composed of FBI agents and law enforcement partners within the National Capital Region.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-29.
MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced to 55 Years’ Imprisonment for Role in Murders of Four Young Men in a Long Island ParkRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Josue Portillo, a member of the Leeward Locos Salvatruchas clique of La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as the MS-13, was sentenced by United States Circuit Judge Joseph F. Bianco to 55 years’ imprisonment, following his guilty plea to racketeering charges for his participation in the April 11, 2017 murders of Justin Llivicura, Michael Lopez, Jorge Tigre and Jefferson Villalobos. Upon completion of his sentence, Portillo, an illegal alien from El Salvador, faces deportation from the United States.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Geraldine Hart, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), and Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), announced the sentence.
“Portillo and his co-defendants slaughtered four young men on behalf of the MS-13,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “Nothing can bring back the young lives lost, and no sentence imposed by a court can truly bring justice in this situation, but the Eastern District and our partners in the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force will continue to work relentlessly to eliminate the scourge of MS-13 violence.”
“MS-13 and the actions of the gang members in this case defy comprehension. These are teenagers who think human life is some sort of game, viciously murdering other teenagers because they were disrespected,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “The FBI Long Island Gang Task Force is working closely with our law enforcement partners and the community to prevent more attacks and murders from happening. We encourage anyone who may know something about MS-13 members to call us so we can stop the violence before it takes place.”
“The murders of four people during a single incident shows how vicious MS-13 members are,” said SCPD Commissioner Hart. “The department will continue its partnership with the Long Island Gang Task Force to ensure gang violence ceases as we remain steadfast in our commitment to dismantle this transnational gang.”
“The arrest and sentencing of defendant Josue Portillo is a clear example of numerous dedicated law enforcement agencies and their investigators working cohesively to bring the individuals responsible for these vicious and brutal murders to justice,” stated NCPD Commissioner Ryder. “All law enforcement must stand together with a zero tolerance approach to eliminate the threat of illegal gangs, their violence against communities and the people who reside in them.”
On the evening of April 11, 2017, two female associates of the MS-13 lured five young men, including the four victims, to a community park in Central Islip at the direction of Portillo and other MS-13 members. The men were believed to be members of a rival gang who had offended the MS-13. Portillo and numerous other MS-13 members and associates met in the park where they distributed weapons and discussed the plan to kill the victims. When the female MS-13 associates led the men to a wooded area, Portillo and the other MS-13 members and associates killed Llivicura, Lopez, Tigre and Villalobos, using machetes, knives, wooden clubs and an ax. The fifth intended victim escaped. The victims’ bodies were discovered the following evening.
Portillo was under 16 years of age at the time of the murders, and was initially charged by a juvenile information. Thereafter, the government filed a motion to transfer him to adult status for prosecution. Following an evidentiary hearing, the Court granted the government’s transfer motion, and ordered that Portillo be prosecuted as an adult. In August 2018, Portillo waived indictment and pleaded guilty.
Today’s sentence is the latest result of a series of federal prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York targeting members of the MS-13, a violent international criminal organization. The MS-13’s leadership is based in El Salvador and Honduras, but the gang has thousands of members across the United States, comprised primarily of immigrants from Central America. With numerous branches, or “cliques,” the MS-13 is the largest and most violent street gang on Long Island. Since 2003, hundreds of MS-13 members, including dozens of clique leaders, have been convicted on federal felony charges in this district. A majority of those MS-13 members have been convicted on federal racketeering charges for participating in murders, attempted murders and assaults. Since 2010, this Office has obtained indictments charging MS-13 members with carrying out more than 45 murders in this district, and has convicted dozens of MS-13 leaders and members in connection with those murders. These prosecutions are the product of investigations led by the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force, comprising agents and officers of the FBI, SCPD, NCPD, Nassau County Sheriff’s Department, Suffolk County Probation, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, Rockville Centre Police Department, New York State Police, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys John J. Durham, Paul G. Scotti, Justina L. Geraci and Michael T. Keilty are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
JOSUE PORTILLO (also known as “Sparky” and “Curioso”)
Age: 18
Central Islip, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-366 (S-1)(JFB)
Louisiana Man Charged with Federal Hate Crimes for Setting Fire to Three St. Landry Parish ChurchesRead the Press Release
Holden James Matthews, 21, of Opelousas, Louisiana, was charged by a federal grand jury in an indictment unsealed today for setting fire to and destroying three churches in St. Landry Parish, announced Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph for the Western District of Louisiana.
According to the six-count indictment, in a span of 10 days, Matthews intentionally set fire to St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre, Louisiana, on March 26, Greater Union Baptist Church in Opelousas, Louisiana on April 2, and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Opelousas, Louisiana on April 4. The indictment alleges that he was motivated to set the fires because of the religious character of these properties. Matthews is charged with three counts of intentional damage to religious property, hate crime charges that fall under the Church Arson Prevention Act, and with three counts of using fire to commit a felony.
“Federal law protects our freedom to practice religion in a safe environment without the threat of discrimination or violence,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “Any alleged violation of federal civil rights laws are taken extremely seriously by the Justice Department and will be prosecuted.”
“Attacks against an individual or group because of their religious beliefs will not be tolerated in the Western District of Louisiana,” U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph stated. “Churches are vital places of worship and fellowship for our citizens and bind us together as a community. Our freedom to safely congregate in these churches and exercise our religious beliefs must be jealously guarded. Today we are one step closer to justice for the parishioners of these churches and the St. Landry Parish communities affected by these acts. My office will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute any type of hate crime.”
If convicted, Matthews faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years per count of intentional damage to religious property. Matthews faces an additional mandatory minimum of 10 years for the first count of using fire to commit a felony and 20 years for the subsequent counts, all to run consecutively. He also faces up to three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and restitution for each of the counts.
The ATF, FBI, Louisiana State Fire Marshal, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Cybercrime Unit, and the Florida State Fire Marshal conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic Rossetti and John Luke Walker, along with Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Justice Department’s Criminal Section, Civil Rights Division, are prosecuting the case.
For more information about the Department of Justice’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to Department of Justice hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Long Island Construction Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Not Paying Employment Taxes to IRSRead the Press Release
A Long Island business person in the construction industry pleaded guilty today to failing to pay over employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
Edward Hansen of Northport, New York, pleaded guilty to one count of willfully failing to collect, truthfully account for, and pay over payroll taxes to the IRS. According to documents filed with the court, Hansen owned and operated steel erection businesses in Suffolk County. From 2008 to 2011, the IRS assessed more than $480,000 in penalties against Hansen for his failure to pay over employment taxes on behalf of several of these businesses. After the last IRS assessment in May 2011, Hansen changed the name of his business to BR-Teck Enterprises Inc., and nominally transferred ownership to another individual. Hansen, however, continued to operate the business and continued to fail to pay over employment taxes. From January 2012 through June 2017, Hansen failed to pay over more than $950,000 in payroll taxes withheld from the wages of BR-Teck’s employees.
Hansen faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for failing to pay over payroll taxes. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorneys, Abigail Burger Chingos and Jeffrey Bender, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Long Island Attorney Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Obstruct Federal ProceedingRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Mark Weissman, an attorney licensed to practice in the State of New York since 1989, pleaded guilty to conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding. Specifically, Weissman engaged in a scheme to impede the enforcement of another individual’s obligation to pay millions of dollars in court-ordered restitution to victims in an unrelated securities fraud case. When sentenced, Weissman faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine in an amount to be determined by the court. The guilty plea was entered before United States District Court Chief Judge Dora L. Irizarry.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the guilty plea.
“With today’s guilty plea, Weissman has been held responsible for attempting to impede the execution of a restitution judgment that was to be paid to victims of a massive fraud,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This Office will vigorously prosecute corrupt attorneys who assist in violations of the law.” Mr. Donoghue thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation for their assistance with the investigation.
According to Court filings, in 2011 and 2012, two individuals (Individual A and Individual B) pleaded guilty in federal court in Brooklyn to securities fraud, conspiracy to commit securities fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. At their sentencing proceedings in 2014, they were ordered to pay approximately $12.7 million in restitution to the victims of their securities fraud scheme. Thereafter, in February 2017, Weissman advised Individual A that incriminating information about him would be provided to law enforcement, unless he paid $6 million to Individual B. At his guilty plea proceeding today, Weissman admitted that he believed this payment would impede the enforcement of the restitution judgment against Individual B.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Reilly is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
MARK WEISSMAN (also known as “Meyer Weissman”)
Age: 55
Lawrence, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-524 (DLI)
Lake City Career Offender Sentenced to More Than Ten Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL. – U.S. District Judge Henry Lee Adams, Jr. has sentenced Lonnie Jack Trowell (31, Lake City) to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.
Trowell had pleaded guilty on March 15, 2019.
According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Columbia County Multi-Jurisdiction Drug Task Force utilized a confidential source to make two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Trowell on March 27 and May 22, 2018. On May 25, 2018, the troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Trowell. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 51.78 grams of actual methamphetamine with 99% purity, a small black scale, and four syringes.
Trowell is responsible for a total of 75.59 grams of actual methamphetamine and is a Career Offender. His prior convictions include possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell or deliver and manufacture of controlled substance.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Columbia County Multi-Jurisdiction Drug Task Force, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beatriz Gonzalez.
Kyle Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance has been sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Derek Tyon, age 25, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Tyon was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 20, 2018, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. He pled guilty to that charge on February 15, 2019.
During the course of the conspiracy, Tyon sold methamphetamine primarily on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Tyon coordinated with several other individuals over several years to obtain and distribute multiple pounds of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Nelson prosecuted the case.
Tyon was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Jury convicts Cleveland man of illegally having ammunitionRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was convicted of illegally having ammunition.
Joshua Walker, 34, is scheduled to be sentenced September 25. A jury convicted him of being a felon in possession of ammunition.
Walker possessed 9 mm Luger shell casings on October 25, 2017, before and during an altercation at a Cleveland bar where Walker shot and killed someone, according to trial testimony.
Walker was prohibited from having the ammunition because of a previous conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, according to the trial testimony.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Hanley following an investigation by the Cleveland Division of Police and the ATF, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Jury Unable to Reach a Verdict in Warren TrialRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On June 11, 2019, a jury was unable to agree upon a verdict in the trial of Scott Warren, 36, of Ajo, Arizona on charges relating to transporting and harboring illegal aliens. The case was tried before Senior U.S. District Judge Raner C. Collins from May 29, 2019 to June 7, 2019, with jury deliberations on June 7, 10, and 11, 2019.
Under the law, when a jury cannot reach a verdict, a mistrial results. The government may elect to retry the case when a jury cannot agree on a verdict.
Judge Collins has set a Status Conference in the case for July 2, 2019 at 9:40 a.m. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will make a decision on retrial prior to that hearing.
Isabel Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Child AbuseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Isabel, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Child Abuse.
Theodore Taylor, age 34, was indicted on May 14, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 6, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years, up to life, of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between January 1, 2013, and August 31, 2016, Taylor knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in a sexual act with a minor who had not yet attained the age of 12 years old. The Indictment further alleges that between November 16, 2014, and November 15, 2015, Taylor assaulted the same minor with a dangerous weapon, that is, a taser.
The charges are merely accusations and Taylor 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.
Taylor was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.