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Tuesday 30 April 2019
Felon Who Shot a Gun He Illegally Possessed Sentenced to over Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A convicted felon who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced on April 29, 2019, to more than five years in federal prison.
Dondre Minor, age 23, from Chicago, Illinois, received the prison term after a November 20, 2019 guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence during the case established that Minor illegally possessed an AR556 .223 caliber semi-automatic firearm on February 21, 2018. Minor and two other individuals took various guns outside of Dubuque and fired multiple rounds from the guns while filming a video. Minor possessed the firearm after being convicted of criminal gang participation, a felony offense.
Minor was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Minor was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Minor 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 Lisa C. Williams and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Dubuque Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-1042.
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Federal & State Officials to Announce Charges Against Current Dayton City Official, Former City CommissionerRead the Press Release
Dayton – Today the government is unsealing indictments charging current and former city officials, as well as local businessmen, with crimes related to corruption and fraud. Today’s announcement involves four Dayton men.
The briefing will be held:
TODAY: TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019
WHEN: 1 P.M.
WHERE: Walter H. Rice Federal Building
First Floor
200 W. 2nd St.
Dayton, Ohio 45402
WHO: U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joe Deters, FBI
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost
Auditor of State Office
Room available beginning at 12:45 P.M. No TV lighting or multbox will be available. ID will be required for entrance at Security.
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Fake Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Members of Immigrant Communities in Northern VirginiaRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A California man pleaded guilty today to posing as a lawyer in order to defraud numerous car accident victims who were members of immigrant communities in Northern Virginia.
According to court documents, Tuan Duc Nguyen, 55, of Garden Grove, falsely held himself out to car accident victims and insurance companies alike as a lawyer for over four years. In the course of his scheme, Nguyen told victims he would represent their interests and they would receive settlement proceeds from insurance companies. But instead of disbursing funds to the victims, Nguyen kept the money for himself. Nguyen carried out the scheme by providing false address information to settling insurance companies so that the victims would not learn of the settlement and by signing documents with false signatures. When victims contacted Nguyen to inquire about the status of their claims, Nguyen often deceived them by stating that negotiations were ongoing when, in fact, the claims had already been settled and Nguyen had stolen the money.
Nguyen pleaded guilty to mail fraud and wire fraud and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on September 6. 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.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Dober and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kellen S. Dwyer are prosecuting the case.
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 are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-329.
Drug User Who Illegally Possessed Gun Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced on April 29, 2019, to more than three years in federal prison.
Tondrell Darnez Gary, Jr., age 23, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 5, 2018, guilty plea to being a drug user in possession of a firearm.
At the guilty plea, Gary admitted he possessed a Ruger 9mm handgun on June 11, 2018. Gary admitted that when police attempted to stop a car he was traveling in, he tossed the gun out of the car window into a residential area. Police eventually stopped the car and Gary admitted to being a regular marijuana user.
Gary was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Gary was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Gary 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 Lisa C. Williams and was investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-2047.
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Dominican National Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JUAN TORRES RODRIGUEZ, 39, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment for identity theft.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 27, 2018, Torres Rodriguez posed as another individual (“the victim”) in an attempt to exchange a Puerto Rican driver’s license for a Connecticut driver’s license at the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) office in Wethersfield. The Puerto Rican driver’s license was in the name of the victim, and Rodriguez also presented a birth certificate and a social security card bearing the name of the victim. The victim had not given Torres Rodriguez permission to use his means of identification.
A DMV employee recognized the submitted documents to be fraudulent and confirmed that victim’s birth certificate has been reported stolen. Torres was arrested by the Connecticut State Police shortly thereafter.
The investigation revealed that Torres Rodriguez had been removed from the U.S. in 2001, 2013 and 2014.
Rodriguez has been detained since his arrest. On January 22, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft.
This matter was investigated by the Connecticut State Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
Dominican National Convicted by Federal Jury of Laundering Nearly $1 Million in Fraudulently-Obtained IRS Refund ChecksRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was convicted yesterday by a federal jury in Boston of laundering close to $1 million in fraudulently-obtained IRS refund checks using 11 different bank accounts at five different banks.
Francisco Oscar “Frank” Grullon, 52, was convicted following a six-day jury trial of one count of conspiracy, 15 counts of theft or conversion of United States property, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for July 24, 2019. Grullon was arrested in the Dominican Republic and extradited to the United States in 2018.
Grullon conspired with an attorney R. David Cohen, who, in 2016, was convicted for his role in the scheme, to deposit and launder over 100 fraudulently-obtained tax refund checks. The checks were based on fraudulent tax returns with false W-2 information, usually using the name and Social Security number of a resident of Puerto Rico, where residents are not required to file federal income tax returns. Once the fraudulent returns were accepted by the IRS, refund checks were sent to addresses in Lawrence, East Boston and New York.
From October 2011 until November 2013, Grullon and his co-conspirators obtained and negotiated close to $1 million in fraudulent checks into bank accounts in the name of a front company, AD Professional Association Inc., and in co-conspirator R. David Cohen’s attorney client trust accounts. When questioned by bank officials about the suspicious quantity of U.S. Treasury checks, Grullon falsely claimed that he was depositing them as a favor for friends and that he had a check-cashing license. Later, after their bank accounts were closed by several banks, Grullon and Cohen recruited a third co-conspirator and directed him to open accounts for AD Professional Association Inc., deposit more than $500,000 in treasury checks, and make hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash withdrawals.
The charge of conspiracy provides a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the loss or gain from the offense. The charge of theft or conversion of U.S. property provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the loss or gain from the offense. The charge of money laundering provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston, made the announcement today. The case was also investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Theodore Merritt and Elysa Q. Wan of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Dominican Man Sentenced to 240 Months in Prison for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD –United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Santos Guerrero Morillo, 39, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for his leadership role in a heroin trafficking conspiracy.
Documents filed with the court established that between May 2013 and October 2016, Guerrero Morillo was the leader of the New England cell of an international drug trafficking organization responsible for the distribution of heroin and other drugs in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Guerrero Morillo’s cell operated out of Lawrence, Massachusetts, where its members received multi-kilogram shipments of heroin and other drugs, broke the shipments down into smaller units, and distributed them to regional sub-distributors. Guerrero Morillo managed at least ten co-conspirators with various roles related to the receipt, storage, and sale of drugs and laundering of drug proceeds.
Court documents further established that in August of 2015, Guerrero Morillo fled Massachusetts for his native Dominican Republic to avoid arrest by United States law enforcement, but continued to direct his subordinates in Lawrence from afar. Federal authorities sought Guerrero Morillo’s extradition. Dominican officials arrested him in February of 2018 and extradited him in June of 2018 to face charges in the District of New Hampshire.
Guerrero Morillo previously pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with heroin trafficking conspiracy on January 22, 2019.
“International narcotics traffickers seek to profit from the suffering of those who are addicted to heroin and other dangerous drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This case demonstrates the resolve of the law enforcement community in New Hampshire to hold drug traffickers accountable for the damage that they are causing in our state. We will not hesitate to reach into foreign countries, extradite drug traffickers, and bring them back to face justice.”
“New Hampshire is in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “The DEA will continue to use every resource available to identify those, like Mr. Morillo, who are contributing to the crisis. Today’s sentence not only holds Mr.Morillo accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are fueling the opioid epidemic.”
This matter was investigated by the DEA; Homeland Security Investigations; the Massachusetts State Police; the Haverhill Police Department; the United States Marshals Service; the New Hampshire State Police; the Manchester Police Department; the Lawrence Police Department; the Lowell Police Department, the Methuen Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Jarad Hodes. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Feith previously participated in this prosecution.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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District Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Bank Robbery Hold-Up at Branch in Downtown WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Paul Bernard Jones, 59, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 70 months’ imprisonment on a federal bank robbery charge for a hold-up last summer in downtown Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Jones pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on January 28, 2019. The plea, which the Court approved, called for an agreed-upon prison sentence of 70 to 87 months, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The Honorable Amy Berman Jackson sentenced Jones to 70 months’ incarceration, followed by three years of supervised release. As part of Jones’s sentence, he was ordered to forfeit $1,433 of U.S. Currency found on his person after the bank robbery, and pay back the bank $17 in restitution. Finally, Judge Berman Jackson ordered Jones to undergo anger management treatment, substance abuse treatment, and a variety of other conditions upon his release.
According to plea documents, on June 11, 2018, at approximately 9:10 a.m., Jones entered a TD Bank branch in the 1700 block of Connecticut Avenue NW. He walked up to a teller, took a wadded-up piece of paper, and tossed it at her. He then stated “give me everything, give me hundreds, fifties, and twenties only and don’t push anything. I have something on me.” The wadded-up piece of paper also demanded money and contained a threat. The teller provided Jones with $1,450 in cash and he fled the bank.
Within minutes, the Metropolitan Police Department and FBI responded to the bank. An MPD officer observed Jones at the intersection of 14th and R Streets NW, a few blocks from the bank. He tried to run, but was immediately apprehended. Law enforcement located $1,433 in cash in a search of the defendant. Jones has been in custody since his arrest.
The prosecution grew out of the efforts of the FBI Bank Robbery Task Force.
In announcing the plea, U.S. Attorney Liu, Assistant Director in Charge McNamara, and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the work of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Catherine O’Neal and Legal Assistant Emma Atlas of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Rosen of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section, who prosecuted the matter.
Dallas, Texas Women Sentenced for Email Compromise SchemeRead the Press Release
HAMMOND - Rita Alielnour, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced, on April 29, 2019, by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen to 12 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Email compromise and account takeover schemes cost victims hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Those schemes cannot be accomplished without people who open bank accounts and move the money. People engaged in such acts will be aggressively prosecuted.”
According to documents in the case, Alielnour participated in an email compromise and account takeover scheme that obtained over $335,000 during a two-day period in April 2017. As part of the scheme, Alielnour opened a bank account in the name of a non-existent business to receive fraudulent wire transfers. A victim in the Northern District of Indiana was tricked into wiring $282,000 for a down payment on a home into Alielnour’s bank account after members of the scheme spoofed the escrow officer’s email address and provided false wire instructions. A victim in Texas was tricked into wiring nearly $25,000 into Alielnour’s account believing it was payment of a business invoice. A second victim in Texas had his bank account compromised, and an unknown person wired money into Alielnour’s account.
All funds were recovered and returned to the victims.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexandra McTague.
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Current City Official, Former Dayton City Commissioner Among Those Charged with FraudRead the Press Release
DAYTON – A federal grand jury here has returned indictments against a former Dayton city commissioner, a current city official and two Dayton businessmen, charging them with fraud and public corruption.
The indictments charge:
- Joey Williams, former Dayton City Commissioner, with bribery as a government official,
- Roshawn Winburn, current Director of Dayton’s Minority Business Assistance Center, with wire fraud and public corruption,
- Clayton Luckie, businessman, with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud,
- Brian Higgins, businessman, with wire fraud.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Todd Wickerham, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber announced the indictments.
“The grand jury alleges that Winburn devised a scheme that deprived the people of Dayton of their right to the honest and faithful services of its public officials through bribery and the concealment of material facts and information regarding minority-owned, woman-owned and small disadvantaged businesses,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. He noted that the investigation is continuing.
Williams is charged with soliciting bribes worth more than $5,000 as a government employee.
Williams served as an elected commissioner of the City of Dayton from 2001 until 2018. In 2015, Williams allegedly accepted a construction project at his personal home by an individual for a greatly reduced price in exchange for influencing the awarding of city contracts to that same individual.
The individual’s business was subsequently awarded at least $150,000 in contracts with both the City of Dayton and CityWide Development Corporation, a non-profit organization that functioned as a development and financing arm of the City of Dayton. CityWide routinely awarded thousands of dollars in contracts to private companies for the demolition of homes in Dayton.
It is alleged that Williams accepted more than $50,000 in free benefits from the individual, including cash payments and the construction of a patio at his home.
In an attempt to conceal the fraud, Williams allegedly demanded the individual create a fake invoice, falsely reflecting that Williams had personally paid the individual more than $50,000 for the home improvement project.
The grand jury charged Luckie with devising a fraudulent scheme to take advantage of programs offered by the federal and state governments to help disadvantaged businesses.
Luckie allegedly purported himself as affiliated with and authorized to speak on behalf of a disadvantaged business that provided administrative support services. He allegedly approached the owner of a demolition company in 2016 or early 2017 and offered Luckie’s company’s certification to help secure a demolition project from the City of Dayton.
He allegedly ordered magnetic signs with his company’s name on it to put on the side of trucks belonging to the actual demolition company. He is accused of sending false invoices for thousands of dollars to the City of Dayton.
Higgins is charged with filing a fraudulent insurance claim in connection with water damage to the Meeker Residence, an 8,000 square-foot house in Dayton. It is alleged that Higgins received more than $100,000 in insurance claims that he used for his personal benefit rather than to repair water damage that occurred from a 600-gallon fish tank.
Higgins allegedly submitted invoices and repair cost estimates from a construction vendor to the insurance company in order to obtain money. According to the indictment, the vendor documents were false and misrepresented the status of repair work at the Meeker Residence.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the FBI, Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office, as well as assistant United States Attorneys Brent Tabacchi, SaMee Harden and Dominick Gerace, who are representing the United States in this case.
Indictments merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
If you have any information related to the schemes alleged above, please contact the FBI’s Dayton Public Corruption Tip Line at 937-291-5222.
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Criminal Division Announces Publication of Guidance on Evaluating Corporate Compliance ProgramsRead the Press Release
The Criminal Division announced today the release of a guidance document for white-collar prosecutors on the evaluation of corporate compliance programs. The document, entitled “The Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs,” updates a prior version issued by the Division’s Fraud Section in February 2017. It seeks to better harmonize the guidance with other Department guidance and standards while providing additional context to the multifactor analysis of a company’s compliance program.
“Effective compliance programs play a critical role in preventing misconduct, facilitating investigations, and informing fair resolutions,” Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski said. “Today’s guidance document is part of our broader efforts in training, hiring, and enforcement to help promote corporate behaviors that benefit the American public and ensure that prosecutors evaluate the effectiveness of compliance in a rigorous and transparent manner.”
The guidance document sets forth topics that the Criminal Division has frequently found relevant in evaluating a corporate compliance program, organizing them around three overarching questions that prosecutors ask in evaluating compliance programs: First, is the program well-designed? Second, is the program effectively implemented? And, third, does the compliance program actually work in practice?
To that end, Part I of the document discusses various hallmarks of a well-designed compliance program relating to risk assessment, company policies and procedures, training and communications, confidential reporting structure and investigation process, third-party management, and mergers and acquisitions. Part II details features of effective implementation of a compliance program, including commitment by senior and middle management, autonomy and resources, and incentives and disciplinary measures. Finally, Part III discusses metrics of whether a compliance program is in fact operating effectively, exploring a program’s capacity for continuous improvement, periodic testing, and review, investigation of misconduct, and analysis and remediation of underlying misconduct.
The document was compiled with the input of components across the Division, including attorneys from the Office of the Assistant Attorney General, Fraud Section, and the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. For the full guidance document, click here.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 80 Months in Prison for Possessing an Assault Rifle and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
OAKLAND –Cardelle Divon Peter was sentenced to 80 months in prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition after having been previously convicted of a felony, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The sentence was handed down today by the Honorable Jeffrey S. White, United States District Judge.
Peter, 23, of Pittsburg, Calif., pleaded guilty to the charge on January 8, 2019. According to his plea agreement, on January 6, 2018, Peter, a convicted felon, possessed a Smith and Wesson .223 caliber AR-15 style semi-automatic assault rifle with a 30-round high capacity magazine. The rifle was loaded with approximately seven rounds of ammunition. Peter also possessed a box containing an additional 62 rounds of ammunition for a separate firearm. According to court documents, law enforcement officers arrested Peter after someone placed a call to 911 and told the dispatcher that a person was threatening the occupants of a house with a rifle.
On September 13, 2018, a federal grand jury indicted Peter charging him with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). Peter pleaded guilty to the charge.
In addition to the prison term, Judge White ordered Peter to serve a three-year term of supervised release to begin at the conclusion of his prison term. Peter has been in custody since his arrest and will begin serving his prison term immediately.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Schott is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Jessica Rodriguez Gonzalez. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Richmond Police Department.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Am-15 Rifle and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Holyoke man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to illegally possessing an AM-15 rifle and ammunition.
Akeem Castro, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Aug. 8, 2019. Castro was arrested and charged in January 2018 and has been in custody since.
On March 7, 2017, Castro possessed an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 assault-style rifle and 34 rounds of ammunition. Castro is prohibited from owning a firearm due to a prior felony conviction. Castro admitted that, on that date, he sold the firearm for $1,800 to a government witness in a parking lot in Chicopee.
The charge provides for sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a maximum of three years of supervised release and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Acting Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood; and Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Ceremony Honors Western Pennsylvania Victims Rights’ AdvocatesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania honored seven individuals and a task force for their exceptional service to victims of crime during the annual Victim Advocate Recognition Ceremony in the Joseph F. Weis Jr. United States Courthouse on Friday, April 26.
"Whether a victim of sexual assault, stalking, hate crimes, domestic violence, elder abuse or financial fraud, all crime victims need and deserve to be protected and comforted as much as possible, and to be assured that those who caused their suffering will be brought to justice," said U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady. "The people we are recognizing have made an impact in the lives of crime victims, and they continue to work to ensure that every victim is empowered to recover and become a survivor."
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime. Each April, the office joins U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country to observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by honoring victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the offices participate in events to bring awareness to the services available to victims. This theme of this year’s observance is "Honoring Our Past: Creating Hope for Our Future."
The U.S. Attorney’s Award for Dedication and Extraordinary Contributions in the Service of Victims was presented to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Smolar and Assistant U.S. Attorney Soo C. Song.
AUSA Smolar has prosecuted multiple child exploitation cases and more than 15 human trafficking cases in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Allegheny County Police and Pennsylvania State Police, among other law enforcement agencies. Ms. Smolar served as the Project Safe Child (PSC) Coordinator and Human Trafficking point of contact for approximately eight years. Through her work, she has brought help, hope and healing to crime victims and their families.
AUSA Song’s work with victims is long and varied. Over her 15 years with the office, she helped to establish the Veterans Treatment Court, one of the first federal courts of its kind. As the district’s Gang Coordinator, she charged more than 60 defendants in a series of cases that helped to clear unsolved homicides and reduce violence in Mon Valley communities. During the timeframe that she led the Crimes Against Children Task Force for Western Pennsylvania, the district’s child exploitation prosecutions constituted nearly one in 10 of criminal cases filed. She served for a time as the office’s Violence Against Women Act coordinator and organized a Victim/Witness Roundtable for Western Pennsylvania local, state and federal victim/witness advocates. She strengthened protocols for crime victim notification, advocacy and restitution in federal court, including corporate victims of cyber intrusions.
U.S. Attorney Brady also recognized Ana Valero-Silva of the United States Attorney’s Office for her work as a legal assistant in the criminal division and her invaluable support in child exploitation cases. Ms. Valero-Silva performed all of her responsibilities on these difficult cases with a patient manner, a calm demeanor, and excellent organization skills.
Members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Opioid Task Force (WPOTF) were honored for their work to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that have caused western Pennsylvania to have the second highest rate of opioid-related deaths in the United States. The WPOTF is comprised of local, state and federal participants who work in partnership to target all levels of distribution routes, including upper- and mid-level local opioid suppliers, interstate opioid traffickers, postal/mail opioid traffickers and internet-based opioid traffickers. Since its formation in 2016, the WPOTF has netted 43 Federal Indictments, recovered over 9.5 kilos of fentanyl and 3.4 kilos of cocaine, and seized 107 guns.
Retired Pennsylvania State Trooper Mike Warfield was honored for his work as a DEA Task Force Officer, for helping the office build successful cases against violent drug organizations. His efforts led in part to the dismantlement of the Samuel and Wayne McCracken heroin and fentanyl trafficking organizations, the Aaron Taylor cocaine network, the Christian Stevens heroin trafficking organization, a notorious Beaver County heroin distribution ring. Most notable was his work on the Jelani Solomon violent drug trafficking organization, in which Solomon hired Claron Hanner to murder the father of a cooperating witness. Mr. Warfield’s efforts led to the convictions of Solomon and Hanner for murder, and Solomon’s life sentence.
Lorraine M. Bittner, Chief Legal Officer for the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, was recognized for providing direct legal representation for domestic violence survivors for 40 years. Women’s Center and Shelter provides specialized care and support for women who have experienced all types of intimate partner violence from physical to emotional through Emergency Shelter, Legal Advocacy, a 24-Hour Hotline, Support Groups and more.
Two advocates for the Center for Victims - Patrice El-Waaga, Director of Advocacy and Court Services, and Anita White, a Counselor and Advocate, who works primarily with the elderly – were recognized for providing stellar support in myriad federal cases, working side by side with the USAO’s Victim/Witness Coordinator to ensure victims were kept updated on the status of their case, received resources and referrals, and were provided support during court hearings. Center for Victims is the largest, most comprehensive provider of services in Pennsylvania, providing advocacy and education for victims.
Cameron Woman Sentenced to 18 Years for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Cameron, Mo., woman has been sentenced in federal court for her role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Jalie J. Brinlee, 29, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Monday, April 29, to 18 years in federal prison without parole.
On Jan. 4, 2019, Brinlee pleaded guilty to participating in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Brinlee is among five defendants who have pleaded guilty in this case. Co-defendant Robert J. Keegan, 27, of Harrisonville, Mo., was sentenced on Wednesday, April 24, to 18 years in federal prison without parole. Co-defendants Benjamin W. Clark, 27, and Felicia C. Ward, 23, both of Cameron, and Frank E. Hundley, 34, of Kansas City, Mo.; have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
All five of the defendants admitted they participated in a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine from January to May 24, 2017. Clark and Brinlee purchased methamphetamine from various suppliers and distributed it to customers in Cameron, Kansas City and elsewhere.
On May 12, 2017, Keegan was stopped by law enforcement and was found in possession of a Hi-point .40-caliber handgun and a duffel bag containing approximately 3.8 kilograms of methamphetamine.
On May 24, 2017, a trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped Ward, who was carrying a Glock 9mm handgun in her purse. Ward had retrieved the handgun from the vehicle where Clark and Brinlee were located, and Brinlee admitted to possessing the firearm prior to transferring it to Ward. Also found in Ward's purse was approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine, which Brinlee also admitted to possessing at the time of the traffic stop.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Edwards. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Belton, Mo., Police Department, the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the Jackson County Drug Task Force.
California Man Sentenced for $447,000 Identity Theft, Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A California man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a scheme to steal tax refund checks from the mail and cash them at banks by using fake driver’s licenses.
Sharieff A. Sylvester, 27, of Moreno Valley, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to three years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Sylvester to pay $20,416 in restitution.
On Jan. 4, 2019, Sylvester pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. In April of 2016, Sylvester and several others traveled through Colorado and Kansas into Missouri in a scheme to defraud Academy Bank using tax refund checks stolen from the mail and fake driver’s licenses. Using fraudulent identification documents, they presented the stolen checks in order to open bank accounts and withdraw funds at various branches of Academy Bank in Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri.
The conspiracy defrauded Academy Bank and the U.S. Treasury of a total of $447,517.
For example, on April 22, 2016, Sylvester used a counterfeit driver’s license to pass a stolen tax refund check at an Academy Bank branch in Parker, Colo. Sylvester presented the stolen check for $3,838 as a deposit into a newly created bank account. Sylvester then withdrew $3,808, leaving only $30 in the account.
Sylvester cashed six stolen tax refund checks in this manner, totaling $20,416. Each of these transactions was captured on bank security video, including a transaction at an Academy Bank in St. Joseph, Mo.
On April 24, 2016, police officers in Denver, Colo., recovered 19 counterfeit California driver’s licenses, including one bearing a photo of Sylvester and the name of the victim whose stolen check was passed two days earlier in Parker, from a room at the Renaissance Hotel.
Two co-defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. Mistie Smith, 29, of Moreno Valley, Calif., pleaded guilty on Jan. 25, 2019, to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and identity theft. Joseph R. Hooks, 26, of Bloomington, Calif., pleaded guilty on Jan. 25, 2019, to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
California Man Sentenced to 140 Months in Prison for Supplying Methamphetamine to Boston-Based Drug RingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for distributing methamphetamine from California to Massachusetts.
Christopher Halfond, 37, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to 140 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release. In April 2018, Halfond pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.
After a two-year investigation, Halfond and 10 others from Massachusetts and California were indicted in 2016 on methamphetamine distribution and money laundering charges. Beginning in at least 2013, the defendants participated in a conspiracy to transport sizeable quantities of methamphetamine from San Diego, Calif., to Massachusetts, where it was distributed in the greater Boston area. Proceeds from the drug sales were then transported and/or transferred back to California and laundered in various ways.
Halfond, who was previously from Massachusetts, agreed to send packages containing methamphetamine from California back to Massachusetts. In January 2016, agents learned that Halfond had sent a methamphetamine package to Massachusetts. After the package was delivered, agents executed a search warrant and seized the package, which contained approximately 434 grams of 95% pure methamphetamine.
Halfond is the first of the defendants to be sentenced. The remaining defendants have each pleaded guilty to various charges and are awaiting sentencing.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; William Ferrara, Director of Field Operations of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement. The Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; the Reading, Watertown, Quincy, Chelsea, Braintree, Peabody, Waltham, and Woburn Police Departments; and Connecticut State Police assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James E. Arnold and Jared C. Dolan of Lelling’s Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the cases.
Biloxi Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Possess Marijuana with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Kendell Jerome Smith, 35, of Biloxi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to a total of 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent-in-Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Smith was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and forfeit a firearm and ammunition that he had possessed. Smith pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on January 31, 2019.
In 2017, in the Biloxi Police Department received community complaints about alleged drug activity at a house occupied by Smith and his girlfriend. In July 2017, detectives conducted surveillance on the house, and on July 28, 2017, detectives conducted a traffic stop on Smith and found about 30 grams of fresh marijuana. A search warrant was obtained, and a search of the home shared by Smith and his girlfriend revealed several baggies containing marijuana, other items indicating drug trafficking activity, and $2,514 in cash. Two loaded handguns were also found.
Further investigation revealed that Smith’s participation in a conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute lasted from July 2017 to July 2018. Smith was previously convicted of a felony drug offense, and was on state parole at the time of his arrest in July 2017.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the coordinated investigation by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Biloxi Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.
Arizona Man and Israeli Woman Charged in Connection with Providing Shadow Banking Services to Cryptocurrency ExchangesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Jonathan D. Larsen, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division (“IRS-CI”), announced the arrest today of REGINALD FOWLER on charges of bank fraud and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Bank fraud charges were also unsealed against co-conspirator RAVID YOSEF, who remains at large. FOWLER and YOSEF, who worked for several related companies that provided fiat-currency banking services to various cryptocurrency exchanges (the “Crypto Companies”), allegedly participated in a conspiracy in which FOWLER made numerous false and misleading statements to banks to open bank accounts that were used to receive deposits from individuals purchasing cryptocurrency, and in which FOWLER and YOSEF falsified electronic wire payment instructions to conceal the true nature of a voluminous cryptocurrency exchange business. Hundreds of millions of dollars flowed through the Crypto Companies’ accounts from banks located across the globe. FOWLER will be presented today in federal court in Phoenix, Arizona. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter Jr.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Reginald Fowler and Ravid Yosef allegedly ran a shadow bank that processed hundreds of millions of dollars of unregulated transactions on behalf of numerous cryptocurrency exchanges. Their organization allegedly skirted the anti-money laundering safeguards required of licensed institutions that ensure the U.S. financial system is not used for criminal purposes, and did so through lies and deceit. Thanks to the investigative work of the FBI and the IRS-CI, they will be prosecuted for their actions.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “Lying to banks and skirting the regulations put in place by the banking industry is a violation of federal law, a crime both Fowler and Yosef are charged with today. Taking it one step further, as alleged, Fowler himself directed the ebb and flow of significant amounts of money to and from these various bank accounts, despite the fact that he was not licensed to do so. May this be a reminder to all that there are consequences to engaging in fraudulent behavior and risky business practices.”
IRS-CI Acting Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen said: “As this indictment shows, IRS-CI will continue to follow the money, no matter if it's virtual currency, to bring criminals to justice. This should serve as a warning to cyber-criminals who think they can hide behind virtual currency that IRS-CI is fully committed to unraveling these schemes.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today[1]:
In or about 2018, REGINALD FOWLER, RAVID YOSEF, and others operated the Crypto Companies, and FOWLER opened and maintained bank accounts at various banks around the world on behalf of the Crypto Companies. One of the Crypto Companies markets itself as a company that allows clients to deposit and withdraw government-backed, or “fiat,” currency to numerous crypto exchanges, which are platforms where people can buy and sell cryptocurrency or “virtual currency.” Users of one particular crypto exchange (“Exchange-1”) deposited government-backed currency into a bank account of the Crypto Companies (“Account-1”) that was opened and maintained by FOWLER at a specific international bank (“Bank-1”). Although Exchange-1 advertised itself as providing required “know your customer” and anti-money laundering verification services in connection with Exchange-1’s platform, this was false with respect to the shadow banking services provided by FOWLER and YOSEF.
As described in the Indictment, FOWLER and YOSEF conspired to, and did, misrepresent the nature of the Crypto Companies’ business and falsely stated to Bank-1 that Account-1 would be used to process real estate investments. These misrepresentations also appeared on wire transfer instructions sent out from bank accounts opened and maintained by FOWLER and YOSEF, among others, on behalf of the Crypto Companies. Records from Bank-1 reveal that dozens of individuals from various countries wired millions of dollars into Account-1, and, at the same time, Account-1 also wired millions of dollars to other individuals and companies. Even though FOWLER was receiving and directing these monetary transactions, neither he nor any of the Crypto Companies were ever licensed as a money transmitting business, as required by federal law.
* * *
FOWLER, 60, of Chandler, Arizona, and YOSEF, 36, of Tel Aviv, Israel, are each charged with one count of bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. FOWLER is also charged with one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and one count of conspiracy to do the same, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of Special Agents from the FBI New York Money Laundering Investigations Squad and Special Agents from the IRS-CI.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Sheb Swett, David Zhou, and Jessica Fender are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Ada Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Branden Ashley Rowell, age 37, of Ada, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, 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 alleges that on or about June 8, 2016, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, 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.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Ada Police Department, the District 22 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Jarrod Leaman represented the United States.
A Dozen Western Washington Indian Tribes Awarded Grants to Improve Services for Victims of CrimeRead the Press Release
A dozen tribes in the Western District of Washington have been awarded nearly $6 million in Department of Justice grants to improve their services for victims of crime, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. The grants range from $85,000 for the Hoh Tribe to $779,488 for the Squaxin Island Tribe based on applications submitted by the tribes.
“These grant awards cover needs identified by the tribes themselves,” said U.S. Attorney Moran. “Whether it is providing emergency services for families in crisis, providing skilled interviewers for child abuse victims or providing a secure domestic violence shelter, each of these projects reflects the needs and culture of our tribal partners.”
“American Indian and Alaska Native communities face extensive public safety challenges, but through creative approaches that combine traditional methods with innovative solutions, they are demonstrating their determination to meet the needs of victims in their communities,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth. “These grants, part of historic levels of funding awarded by the Department of Justice to American Indian and Alaska Native communities, will provide significant resources to bring critical services to those who suffer the effects of crime and violence.”
The twelve grants to Western Washington tribes include:
- Squaxin Island Tribe - $779,488 – to expand existing services and outreach to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, sex trafficking and dating violence.
- Skokomish Tribe - $446,234 – to expand current programs to better serve elder victims.
- Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe - $420,119 – to establish a satellite Children’s Advocacy Center to increase accessibility to culturally relevant services including trained interviewers.
- Nooksack Tribe - $677,152 – to expand existing services with a needs assessment and strategic plan to implement a responsive Victim Services Program for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and elder abuse and neglect.
- Lummi Nation - $574,361 – to maintain a fully staffed, safe, secure and confidential shelter serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.
- Muckleshoot Tribe - $650,000 – to expand victim services with additional trained staff for crisis counseling and referrals to trauma counseling.
- Quinault Nation - $168,631 – to expand services provided by the Healthy Families Program with a satellite office and services to victims in crisis.
- Chehalis Confederated Tribes – $719,741 – to create a Crime Victims Service Trauma Center where victims can receive services in a centralized and non-threatening facility.
- Hoh Tribe - $85,000 – to conduct a community needs assessment and complete a strategic plan with the goal of developing a Victim Services Program.
- Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe - $556,556 – to serve the needs of all crime victims with particular focus on providing pediatric forensic exams for child victims.
- Puyallup Tribe - $407,408 – to expand existing services by strengthening the continuum of care for homeless crime victims and or victims with alcohol and substance abuse issues.
- Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe - $420,119 – to support victims of crime with a focus on service to victims with disabilities and those who have been victimized multiple times, using services that are trauma-informed and culturally rooted in tradition.
“American Indian and Alaska Native crime victims continue to face challenges in accessing vital services and resources needed to help survivors address their trauma and navigate a complex system,” said OVC Director Darlene Hutchinson. “The Justice Department has made it a priority to partner with tribes to help victims and their families rebuild their lives in the aftermath of violence.”
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth, provides federal leadership, grants and resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
9th Person Arrested in Investigations into ID Theft, Bank Fraud ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – The ninth of ten individuals charged in a series of indictments, informations, and criminal complaints filed in U.S. District Court in Providence for their alleged participation in conspiracies and schemes to steal and use the personal identifying information of others to defraud banks, finance companies, car dealerships and retailers, has been arrested and has been ordered detained in federal custody.
Angel L. Morales, 51, of Bronx, New York, traveled to the Dominican Republic in September 2018, shortly after federal agents executed search warrants at the New Jersey apartment of one of his alleged co-conspirators. Morales returned to the United States on March 30, 2019, and was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after arriving on a flight from the Dominican Republic. Morales was arraigned in U.S. District Court in Providence on Monday and ordered detained by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan.
Morales is among six individuals named in a 32-count superseding indictment returned on February 6, 2019. The indictment charges Morales with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and three counts of bank fraud. Morales is the fifth person named in the indictment to be arrested. An arrest warrant has been issued for the sixth person.
In addition to the individuals named in the superseding indictment, four individuals have been convicted in federal court for their roles in various related conspiracies and fraud schemes.
According to court documents, investigations led by the U.S. Secret Service with the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations; United States Postal Inspection Service; the East Providence, Warwick, and Pawtucket, R.I. Police Departments; Seekonk and Mansfield, MA, Police Departments; and the Rhode Island State Police, have determined that the defendants, most known to one another, allegedly participated in various conspiracies and schemes to steal and use individuals’ personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers, to defraud banks, credit unions, finance companies, and retailers of hundreds of thousands of dollars in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
Also named in the 32-count superseding indictment are:
- Octavio Andres Difo-Castro, 28, of Brooklyn, N.Y., who has been detained since his arrest on August 9, 2018. He was arraigned on the superseding indictment on February 19, 2019, and is awaiting trial;
- Patricia A. Peralta, 28, of Paterson, N.J., who was arrested on August 9, 2018, and released on unsecured bond on August 14, 2018. She was arraigned on the superseding indictment on February 15, 2019, and is awaiting trial;
- Yenesia Pujols, 47, of Providence, R.I., who was arrested on February 8, 2019, and released on unsecured bond, and is awaiting trial;
- Yafira Rodriguez, 26, of New Britain, Conn., who was arrested on February 26, 2019, and released on unsecured bond is awaiting trial; and
- An arrest warrant has been issued for Israel Arana Ruiz Velasco, 45, address unknown.
Other individuals charged as a result of the investigation include:
- Reynaldo Martinez, 25, of Providence, who pleaded guilty on November 8, 2017, to four counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of access fraud, and one count each of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, attempted access fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen goods. Martinez was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on January 25, 2018, to 48 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution totaling $38,126.62 to businesses he defrauded;
- Jason McDonald, 38, of Attleboro, MA, who pleaded guilty on March 29, 2018, to conspiracy, attempted bank fraud, fraudulent use of a Social Security number, and aggravated identity theft. Martinez was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on July 24, 2018, to 39 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution totaling $29,825 to businesses he defrauded;
- Donald Wicklund, 33, of Pawtucket, who pleaded guilty on April 12, 2018, to two counts of wire fraud, five counts of fraudulent use of a Social Security Number, five counts of aggravated identity theft and three counts of bank fraud. Wicklund was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on January 7, 2019, to 24 months and one day in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution totaling $80,799.60 to businesses he defrauded; and
- Jeffry Rodriguez, 37, of Providence, who pleaded guilty on September 20, 2018, to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., on June 11, 2019.
The investigations and charges brought in these cases are announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Stephen Marks, and Scott E. Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Office of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General/Office of Investigations.
Indictments, criminal complaints, and informations are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William J. Ferland.
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Monday 29 April 2019
Welsh man sentenced to 115 months in prison for distributing marijuana, cocaineRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Damien Guidry, 38, of Welsh, Louisiana, was sentenced to nine years and seven months in prison by U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays for distributing marijuana and cocaine. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release.
Guidry shipped 14 pounds of marijuana from an individual in California to an address in Iota, Louisiana. Law enforcement agents observed Guidry leave the residence with the box containing the marijuana on January 26, 2016. They also observed the box in the back of a truck as he left the residence. In a second incident, Guidry asked someone on November 16, 2016 to travel with him to the Houston, Texas, area to obtain 2 kilograms of cocaine. The other individual was returning to Louisiana two days later in Guidry’s truck when law enforcement agents stopped the vehicle. They searched the truck and found nearly 2 kilograms of cocaine. Guidry pleaded guilty to federal charges on November 30, 2018 to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office and Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Team conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker is prosecuting the case.
Virginia Online Gamer Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison After He Pleads Guilty to Sending Threatening Messages to Employees of an Online Gaming Company Based in MarylandRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III sentenced Michael Dunaway, age 59, of Hamilton, Virginia, today to 18 months in federal prison, after Dunaway pleaded guilty to sending messages threatening acts of violence to employees of an online gaming company based in Lutherville, Maryland.
The guilty plea and sentence were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Acting Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Moore of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department.
According to his plea agreement, an online gaming company based in Lutherville, Maryland launched a combat strategy game entitled “DomiNations.” DomiNations is a massive multiplayer online game in which players build a base nation containing different types of buildings and resources and build and train an army to defend the nation and attack other nations to collect resources. Players can enhance their playing experience by purchasing certain resources.
In early April 2018, Dunaway contacted the online gaming company through the DomiNations game’s help and service application to address issues he had experienced while playing the game. Starting on April 17, 2018, however, Dunaway changed his behavior from complaining about the game to threatening acts of violence against employees at the company. Between April 17 and July 26, 2018, Dunaway sent at least 14 messages threatening to kill company employees or kill others. The threatening communications resulted in a substantial disruption of the company’s business functions and services.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Sippel, Jr. and Michael Goldsticker, who prosecuted the case.
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Union County, New Jersey, Man Admits Bribing Mail Carriers to Steal Credit CardsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, New Jersey, man today admitted his role in a scheme to bribe mail carriers to steal credit cards from the mail, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Olagoke Araromi, 22, of Union, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to a three-count information charging him with bribery of U.S. Postal Service mail carriers, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
Araromi and Moussa Dagno, 24, of Harrison, New Jersey, recruited at least a half dozen U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carriers and employees to steal credit cards from the mail in exchange for cash bribes, typically $100 per stolen card. Once Araromi had taken possession of the stolen credit cards and activated them, he and Dagno would use the cards to purchase high-end electronics and clothing at various retail stores throughout New Jersey. In February, 2018 law enforcement seized six laptops and a smartphone from the Harrison residence shared by Araromi and Dagno at that time, all of which had been purchased with the stolen credit cards.
Several of the USPS employees who accepted bribes from Araromi and Dagno have already pleaded guilty to bribery charges, including: former mail carriers Zenobia Gilmer, Ayesha Troztz and Kyanne Costley, who had delivery routes in Mt. Arlington, East Orange and Elizabeth, New Jersey; and Jennel Williams, who formerly worked as a clerk in the Newark Main Post Office. All four admitted to stealing credit cards from the mail and delivering them to Araromi or Dagno in exchange for payments, and all are awaiting sentencing. A fifth mail carrier from Jersey City, Jacquan Miller, has been charged by complaint for his role in the scheme. On April 8, 2019, Dagno pleaded guilty to the same charges to which Araromi pleaded guilty today, and is awaiting sentencing.
The bribery charge to which Araromi pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison; the bank fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison which must be served consecutively to any sentence Araromi receives on the bribery and bank fraud charges. The bank fraud charge carries a maximum potential fine of $1 million; the maximum potential fine for each of the bribery and the aggravated identity theft charge is $250,000. Sentencing is currently scheduled for Sept. 9, 2019.U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents with the USPS Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modaffferi, Northeast Area Field Office, and inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James Buthorn in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark J. McCarren and Jihee G. Suh of the U.S. Attorney’s Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.
The charges and allegations against Jacquan Miller are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense Counsel: Anthony J. Iacullo Esq. & Joshua Reinitz Esq., Nutley, New Jersey
U.S. Officials Participate in Bilateral Meetings with Officials from Japan, South KoreaRead the Press Release
Leaders of the antitrust agencies of the United States this past week participated in bilateral meetings in Tokyo, Japan, and Seoul, Korea. Deputy Assistant Attorneys General Roger Alford and Richard Powers, together with Commissioner Christine S. Wilson of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, participated in high level meetings with Chairman Kazuyuki Sugimoto and other senior officials from the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) on April 25 and senior officials from the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) on April 26. Commissioner Wilson met separately with officials from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry regarding technology and digital platforms.
The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including recent enforcement developments, antitrust policy, digital markets, and international cooperation, including the new Framework on Competition Agency Procedures (CAP) adopted by the International Competition Network (ICN) earlier this month. The purpose of the meetings was to reinforce ties of cooperation in light of the increasing internationalization of antitrust enforcement.
“These bilateral meetings are a testament to the depth and strength of our relationships with our global partners, and our joint interest in sound antitrust said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Roger Alford. “Given the importance of our economic ties with Japan and Korea and our shared interests in consumer welfare and robust competition, we are incredibly fortunate to have such close and productive relationships with both the JFTC and the KFTC.”
“Our meetings with the JFTC and KFTC reflect the continued importance of developing broad and deep relationship with antitrust enforcers around the world,” said Commissioner Christine Wilson. “We welcome the opportunity to have exchanges with our counterpart agencies in Japan and Korea on important issues regarding technology that are the subject of national and international debate.”
Deputy Assistant Attorneys General Alford and Powers and Commissioner Wilson also participated in roundtable briefings at the American Chambers of Commerce in Japan and in Korea. Deputy Assistant Attorneys General Alford and Powers also met separately with officials from Korea’s Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office regarding cartel enforcement.
Two Sioux Falls Men Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Sioux Falls, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Juan Antonio Garcia, Jr., age 32, and Byron Alexander Perez, a/k/a Kelvin Aquino, age 34, were indicted on April 2, 2019. Garcia appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 10, 2019, and Perez appeared before Judge Duffy on April 24, 2019. They both pled not guilty to the Indictment during their arraignments.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in federal prison and/or a $5 million fine, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on beginning at an unknown date and continuing to on or about January 7, 2019, both Garcia and Perez knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed together, and with others, to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charge is merely an accusation and Garcia and Perez are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara P. Nash is prosecuting the case.
Both Garcia and Perez were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for June 18, 2019.
Troy Man Charged with Intending to Distribute Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Melvin Nelson, age 39, of Troy, New York, was arraigned on Friday on an indictment charging him with possessing and intending to distribute crack cocaine.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to the indictment, on June 26, 2018, Nelson possessed and intended to distribute more than 28 grams of crack cocaine. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
On Friday, April 26, Nelson appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Christian F. Hummel, who set conditions for Nelson’s release.
If convicted, Nelson faces a minimum of 5 years in prison, a term of post-release supervision of at least 4 years, and a fine of up to $5 million. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and its Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Troy Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashlyn Miranda and Alicia Suarez.
Three Men Indicted on Armed Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Jalon Moore, 22, of Saint Louis, Larry Rhines, 22, of Collinsville, Illinois, and Garry Johnson, 21, of Saint Louis, were charged last Thursday for their respective roles in a string of armed robberies. The indictment was unsealed this morning. In it, the three men are charged with robbery and firearms conspiracies, as well as the robberies themselves and the use of firearms to commit each of those robberies.
According to the indictment, Moore, Rhines, and/or Johnson were responsible for robbing the following businesses on the following dates:
- Mack Bar and Grill located at 4615 Macklind, St. Louis, Missouri on January 9, 2019;
- Jimmy John’s located at 6459 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, Missouri on February 9, 2019;
- Subway located at 1151 South Kingshighway Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri on February 17, 2019;
- Panda Express located at 4400 Hampton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri on March 18, 2019; and
- Sprint located at 5441 Hampton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri on March 21, 2019.
Defendant Rhines was previously charged on April 16, 2019, by a federal grand jury sitting in the Southern District of Illinois for similar crimes arising from armed robberies of Sprint at 105 Frey Lane, Fairview Heights, Illinois, on March 9, 2019; Marco’s Pizza at 108 St. Louis Road, in Collinsville, Illinois, on March 28, 2019; and the GCS Credit Union, 1502 Vandalia Street, Collinsville, Illinois, on March 30, 2019. He has been ordered detained pending trial in that separate matter.
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.
Following the unsealing of today’s indictment, United States Attorney Jeff Jensen stated, “I am pleased that, through the hard work of the investigative team, this crew’s armed crime spree is over. We now focus on the equally important task of holding each of them accountable for the actions charged in the indictment.”
"Even when criminals cover their faces with masks, they cannot hide from the long arm of the law and a vigilant public," said Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI St. Louis Division. "Tips from everyday good citizens played a significant role in ending this violent armed robbery spree."
If convicted, the robbery conspiracy charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The firearm conspiracy charge carries a 20-year maximum term of imprisonment. Each individual robbery charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Each charge stemming from the defendants’ use of firearms in furtherance of the robberies carries a statutory minimum term of imprisonment of seven years up to life consecutive to any other sentence imposed. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department; and the Saint Louis County Police Department, in coordination with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois; the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Springfield; and the Collinsville and Fairview Heights Police Departments.
Tahlequah Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Distribution, Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that William Wayne Anderson, a/k/a "Buffalo", age 40, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), each count punishable by imprisonment for up to 20 years and up to 30 years if the defendant has a prior conviction for a felony drug offense that has become final, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine, or both; and to Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The Indictment alleges that on or about November 9, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, William Wayne Anderson, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The Indictment further alleges that on or about November 9, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.
The Indictment further alleges that on or about February 17, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department, the District 27 Drug Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Jarrod Leaman represented the United States.
Tahlequah Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Possession in Furtherance of Drug Traffic CrimeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Lewis Killin, age 46, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Possession Of Firearm In Furtherance Of Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c), punishable by not less than 5 years imprisonment.
The Superseding Indictment alleges that on or about November 7, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly possess a firearm, to wit: one (1) Strum, Ruger, and Co (Ruger), Model LC9, 9mm Luger caliber semi-automatic pistol, serial number 326-18055, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime for which he may be prosecuted in a court of the United States.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department, the District 25 District Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Jarrod Leaman represented the United States.
Statement from Attorney General William P. Barr on the Office of Personnel Management’s Published Final Rule for Compensatory Time Off for Religious ObservancesRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr today released the following statement on the publication of the Office of Personnel Management's Final Rule for Compensatory Time Off for Religious Observances:
"The federal government has been strengthened and enriched by the service of people of faith from the very beginning," Attorney General William P. Barr said. "American history has shown time and again that religious faith can promote good citizenship and the qualities that make for good government service. By offering more flexibility in employees’ work schedules, today's new rule treats Americans of faith with respect and recognizes that government can make legitimate accommodations while still serving the public. I applaud this effort to make the federal government a more tolerant and welcoming work environment and I am confident that it will yield positive results for years to come."
NOTE: The published Final Rule can be found here.
St. Louis County Executive Indicted for Pay to Play SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Steven V. Stenger, of Clayton, was indicted last Thursday on three counts of honest services bribery/mail fraud.
The Indictment alleges that beginning in October 2014 and continuing through December 31, 2018, Stenger and various individuals and companies schemed to defraud and deprive the citizens of St. Louis County of their right to his honest and faithful services, and the honest and faithful services of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership’s Chief Executive Officer, through bribery and the concealment of material information. The purpose of the scheme was for Stenger to secretly use his official position to enrich himself through soliciting and accepting campaign contributions from individuals and their companies in exchange for favorable official action, and for individuals and their companies to enrich themselves and their companies by secretly obtaining favorable action for themselves and for their companies, through corrupt means.
Specifically, the Indictment alleges that Stenger, in exchange for campaign donations and several fundraising events, took official action to insure that John Rallo and his company, Cardinal Insurance, obtained insurance contracts through St. Louis County during 2015 and 2016. Further, the Indictment alleges that Stenger took official action to insure that John Rallo and his company, Cardinal Creative Consulting, obtained a 2016 consulting contract through the St. Louis County Port Authority. Additionally, Stenger took official action to insure that John Rallo and his company, Wellston Holdings, LLC, obtained options to purchase two properties in Wellston, Missouri which were held by the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of St. Louis County during 2016 and 2017. The Indictment also alleges that Stenger, in exchange for campaign donations and fundraising activities, took official action to insure that “Company One,” as set forth in the Indictment, obtained a 2019 - 2021 state lobbying contract from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. The Indictment alleges that Stenger took steps to hide, conceal and cover up his illegal conduct and actions, including making false public statements.
Stenger is scheduled to appear at 1:00 p.m. for his initial appearance and arraignment on his Indictment before U.S. Magistrate Noelle Collins, Courtroom 15 North, Thomas F. Eagleton Courthouse, 111 S. 10th Street, St. Louis, Missouri.
If convicted, each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Restitution is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Postal Inspection Service with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to distribute as much as 45 kilograms of methamphetamine.
David McKinnie, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and to money laundering.
By pleading guilty today, McKinnie admitted that he distributed as much as 45 kilograms of methamphetamine in Greene and Jasper counties from May 2016 to Feb. 20, 2018. McKinnie also admitted that he transmitted a $3,000 money gram to his supplier in Oklahoma, which involved the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.
According to McKinnie’s plea agreement, he purchased up to three pounds of methamphetamine from his supplier each week for three years, for which he paid approximately $6,000 to $9,000 per pound.
Under federal statutes, McKinnie is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abram McGull II. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Shreveport resident sentenced to 12 months in prison for lying on ATF form to buy a firearmRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Thomas Ray Beaird, 41, of Shreveport, was sentenced Thursday to 12 months and one day in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for attempting to purchase a firearm from a pawn shop. He was also sentenced to one year of supervised release.
Beaird attempted to purchase a handgun from a licensed Shreveport firearms dealer on June 29, 2018. Beaird lied on an ATF form 4473 to purchase a Ruger LCP .380-caliber gun. Beaird marked on the form that he was not subject to a court order restraining him from harassing, stalking or threatening a child or an intimate partner or child of such partner. Beaird was arrested on June 20, 2018 for second degree kidnapping of his wife. A Caddo Parish juvenile court judge also granted a protective order against Beaird on behalf of his juvenile children on June 21, 2018. Personal service of the protective order was made at the Caddo Correctional Center on June 26, 2018. Beaird pleaded guilty to the federal charge on December 18, 2018.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.
Seven Indicted in "Card Cracking" SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – An indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court in Providence on Friday charges seven individuals with allegedly participating in a “card cracking” scheme, with the intent of defrauding banks of approximately a million dollars.
In a “card cracking” scheme, a group of people create counterfeit checks and recruit complicit bank account holders who allow use of their bank accounts to deposit the bogus checks and the use of their ATM cards to withdraw funds prior to the bank determining that the checks are counterfeit.
The indictment charges Stefan C. Gaye aka “Swizzy,” 27, Edmilson A. Rodrigues aka “2Fly,” 20, Nestor Concepcion aka “Nestor J,”23, Luis Rodriguez aka “Clout Lord,” 19, Terrell Witherspoon, 23, and Leslie Susana, 20, all of Providence, with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud. Shaun Dennis, 25, of Providence, is charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
The return of the indictment is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Providence Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Stephen Marks, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Joseph W. Cronin, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.
According to the indictment and information presented to the Court, it is alleged that members of the conspiracy solicited individuals with access to legitimate business and public agency checks to photograph the checks and send them to a counterfeiter. The information was used to create counterfeit checks. It is alleged that members of the conspiracy then solicited others via social media, often times college students, to allow the bogus checks be deposited into their bank accounts. Using ATM cards belonging to the account holders, either members of the conspiracy or, at times the actual account holders, under the supervision of members of the conspiracy, would attempt to withdraw cash from the accounts prior to the bank determining that the deposited checks were counterfeit.
It is alleged that over the past six years, members of the conspiracy created and deposited in banks in Rhode Island and Massachusetts approximately a million dollars worth of bogus checks.
Stefan Gaye and Terrell Witherspoon have been arrested and arraigned in U.S. District Court. Nestor Concepcion, Luis Rodriguez, and Shaun Dennis are currently detained at the ACI on unrelated charges and will be appear in U.S. District Court for arraignment on May 6, 2019. Arrest warrants have been issued for Edmilson Rodrigues and Leslie Susana.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation was initiated by the Providence Police Department’s Detective Bureau, Financial Crimes Unit. They sought the assistance of federal law enforcement and the case was then investigated jointly by U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the FBI.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman thanks the Rhode Island Department of the Attorney General, Rhode Island State Police, and the Warwick and North Providence Police Departments for their assistance in the investigation of this matter.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Ferland.
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Schuylkill County Man Sentenced to Eight Years’ Imprisonment for Heroin and Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marquese Whitted, age 33, of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment followed by four years on supervised release by Senior U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo, for participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed heroin and methamphetamine in the Schuylkill County area in 2016.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Whitted previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. At today’s sentencing hearing, the Court found that Whitted was responsible for 100 grams of heroin (which is equivalent to 4,000 retail bags), and more than 400 grams of methamphetamine. The Court also found that Whitted had created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury when he used his vehicle to ram a police van and attempted to ram another police van while attempting to flee from police in October 2016.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local police in Schuylkill County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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San Fernando Valley Man Arrested in Terror Plot to Detonate Explosive Device Designed to Kill InnocentsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley man was arrested Friday night after he received what he thought was a live bomb, but in fact was an inert explosive device that was delivered by an undercover law enforcement officer as part of an investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Mark Steven Domingo, 26, of Reseda, a former U.S. Army infantryman with combat experience in Afghanistan, faces federal charges in a terrorist plot in which he planned to detonate an improvised explosive device (IED) for the purpose of causing mass casualties.
In a criminal complaint filed Saturday by federal prosecutors and unsealed earlier today, Domingo was charged with providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists. Domingo, who has been in federal custody since his arrest, is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court.
According to a 30-page affidavit in support of the complaint, since early March, Domingo “planned and took steps to manufacture and use a weapon of mass destruction in order to commit mass murder.”
“This investigation successfully disrupted a very real threat posed by a trained combat soldier who repeatedly stated he wanted to cause the maximum number of casualties,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “Protecting Americans from terror attacks is the number one priority of the Justice Department, and anyone who plots to use a weapon of mass destruction will be held to account.”
“I’m extremely glad to be announcing that we interdicted a potential terrorist attack, rather than outlining the FBI’s response to yet another tragedy,” said Paul Delacourt, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “At no time was the public in danger and there is currently no known threat to public safety. I’m very proud of the agents and officers assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force who diligently marshaled the resources of our law enforcement partners in a short period of time and in doing so, ensured the safety of Southern California residents.”
“I can tell you, unequivocally, that this partnership, coupled with our ability to be nimble, ultimately resulted in dozens of innocent lives being saved in Southern California,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Michel R. Moore.
In online posts and in conversations with an FBI source, Domingo expressed support for violent jihad, a desire to seek retribution for attacks against Muslims, and a willingness to become a martyr, according to the affidavit. After considering various attacks – including targeting Jews, churches, and police officers – Domingo decided to detonate an IED at a rally scheduled to take place in Long Beach this past weekend. As part of the plot, Domingo asked his confederate – who actually was cooperating with the FBI as part of the investigation – to find a bomb-maker, and Domingo last week purchased several hundred nails to be used as shrapnel inside the IED.
“Domingo said he specifically bought three-inch nails because they would be long enough to penetrate the human body and puncture internal organs,” the affidavit states.
After Domingo provided the nails to the undercover operative for use in the construction of the bomb, Domingo sent a message on Thursday indicating that the operation was to proceed, according to the affidavit. On Friday evening, the undercover operative delivered multiple inert devices, which Domingo believed were weapons of mass destruction. After inspecting the devices and travelling to a park in Long Beach to surveil the location of the planned attack, Domingo was taken into custody.
According to the criminal complaint, Domingo posted an online video professing his Muslim faith on March 2, and the next day made another posting in which he said “America needs another vegas event” (referring to the October 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada) that would give “them a taste of the terror they gladly spread all over the world.” Following an attack on a mosque in New Zealand on March 13, Domingo posted, “there mustbe retribution.”
In response to the postings, an FBI “confidential human source” (CHS) began an online conversation that resulted in a series of in-person meetings with Domingo. During the first meeting, on March 18, “Domingo discussed with the CHS different targets for an attack, including Jews, police officers, churches, and a military facility,” according to the affidavit.
During subsequent meetings outlined in the affidavit, Domingo continued to express his desire to commit a terrorist act, at points contemplating a drive-by shooting with a modified AK-47-style rifle he owned, and at other points considering the use of an IED. During an April 3 meeting, Domingo allegedly expressed support for ISIS and said “if ISIS ‘came here,’ he would swear allegiance to ISIS,” according to the complaint.
The plan to target the rally came into shape during an April 19 meeting, when Domingo arrived to a meeting with the CHS armed with an AK-47-style rifle “to show you that I’m serious,” according to the complaint. During that meeting, Domingo referenced the Boston Marathon bombing and asked the CHS to find a person to construct an IED that he said could cause 50 casualties.
During several of the meetings, Domingo urged the CHS to maintain secrecy, stating what they were discussing were “federal charges” and “We broke federal law,” according to the complaint.
“Domingo, a former U.S. Army Infantryman, wanted to use improvised explosive devices against innocent civilians and he selected components that would make the bombs even more deadly to the victims he targeted,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “His arrest today mitigates the threat he posed to others in the Los Angeles community. I want to thank the agents, analysts, and prosecutors who are responsible for this investigation and arrest.”
“The individual charged in this case wanted to carry out a mass casualty attack with explosive devices, and he moved very quickly from talking about violence to mobilizing to commit such an attack,” said Assistant Director Michael McGarrity of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Section. “This case should remind the public of the need to be vigilant and notify law enforcement if you see suspicious behavior.”
“We strongly value the interagency cooperation and information sharing that occurs on a daily basis regarding potential threats to our region,” stated Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna. “I want to thank all of our partner agencies for their dedicated efforts on this extensive investigation and for ensuring that the City of Long Beach was not impacted by a significant act of senseless violence."
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted of the charge of providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists, Domingo would face a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes special agents with the FBI and officers with the Los Angeles Police Department. JTTF members who participated in the investigation include the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Long Beach Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Reema M. El-Amamy and David T. Ryan of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section.
Russian Citizen Indicted for $1.5 Million Cyber Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was returned charging Anton P. Bogdanov, a citizen of Russia, with wire fraud conspiracy, aggravated identity theft and computer intrusion in connection with a scheme in which he and others used stolen personal information to file federal tax returns and fraudulently obtain more than $1.5 million in tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service.
Bogdanov was arrested on Phuket, Thailand, on November 28, 2018 pursuant to a provisional arrest request. He was extradited to the United States in March 2019. Bogdanov will be arraigned at a later date.
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), and Jonathan D. Larsen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the charges.
“As alleged in the indictment, Bogdanov and his co-conspirators combined sophisticated computer hacking and identity theft with old-fashioned fraud to steal more than $1.5 million from the U.S. Treasury,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This Office, together with our law enforcement partners, will use all our available resources to target and bring cybercriminals to justice, wherever they are.”
“In the digital age, many of us either fear having our personal information stolen, or have had it stolen. This investigation revealed a major scheme to defraud the federal government and victimize tax payers. Mr. Bogdanov allegedly thought he could escape justice by hiding outside of our jurisdiction, but working together with our international partners, the FBI has the ability to capture and extradite criminals for their day in court,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.
"IRS-CI special agents remain committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners around the globe in bringing these cybercriminals to justice," stated IRS-CI Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Larsen.
Between June 2014 and November 2016, Bogdanov and his co-conspirators misappropriated personally identifiable information (“PII”), such as Social Security numbers and dates of birth of identity theft victims, by gaining unauthorized access to the computer systems of private tax preparation firms in the United States. They then changed the information on the tax returns so that the refunds were paid to prepaid debit cards that he and his co-conspirators controlled. Bogdanov and his co-conspirators also used misappropriated PII to obtain prior tax filings of victims from an IRS website, and filed new tax returns, purportedly on behalf of the victims, so that refunds were paid to prepaid debit cards under their control. The debit cards were cashed out in the United States, and a percentage of the proceeds was wired to Bogdanov in Russia. Since discovering this scheme, the IRS has added additional layers of security to its website.
If convicted of the charges, Bogdanov faces up to 27 years’ imprisonment.
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael T. Keilty and Jonathan E. Algor are in charge of the prosecution.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI’s Legal Attaché abroad and foreign authorities provided critical assistance in securing and coordinating Bogdanov’s arrest and extradition. The Office extends its appreciation to the Royal Thai Police, particularly the Crime Suppression Division, and the FBI’s Legal Attaché for their assistance in apprehending the defendant.
The Defendant:
ANTON P. BOGDANOV (also known as “Kusok”)
Age: 33
RussiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-197 (MKB)
Romanian Pleads Guilty in Fraud Scheme Targeting ATMs at Washington County BanksRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A citizen of Romania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Elvis E. Roman, 33, of Romania, pleaded guilty to a two-count Indictment and one-count Information before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, in September and October 2018, Roman participated in a conspiracy and scheme to defraud banks in Western Pennsylvania. As part of the scheme, participants installed ATM skimming devices designed to fraudulently obtain the account information associated with cards inserted into the targeted ATM machines. Using that account information, participants created cloned ATM cards and fraudulently withdrew funds from ATM machines maintained by banks in Washington County.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Oct. 3, 2019 at 9 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 32 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, 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 defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s detention.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Secret Service and the Cecil Township, Peters Township, and South Strabane Township Police Departments conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
New York Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A Long Island, New York, business owner pleaded guilty today to tax evasion, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to documents filed with the court, Warren J. Krotz, 62, of Huntington, New York, owned and operated W. Krotz Enterprises Inc. (WKEI), a professional painting business that provided services throughout Long Island. Krotz admitted to evading both his individual and employment tax liabilities. From around 2010 through 2016, Krotz cashed approximately $6 million in checks at various check-cashing facilities. These checks were gross receipts of WKEI, but Krotz did not report the amounts on WKEI’s corporate income tax returns. He admitted to paying approximately $2 million in wages to employees in cash. As a result, Krotz did not withhold and pay over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) approximately $300,000 in employment taxes.
Additionally, Krotz admitted to receiving approximately $3 million in income that he did not report on his personal tax returns. In total, Krotz admitted to causing a tax loss to the IRS of approximately one million dollars.
The Honorable Joseph F. Bianco scheduled sentencing for Sept. 25, 2019. Krotz faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison, as well as restitution and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Trial Attorneys Jessica Moran and Kathryn Sparks of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
New Jersey Man Charged with Transporting AliensRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jose Rodrigo Silva-Oliveira, 43, a Brazilian citizen living in New Jersey, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with transporting aliens for financial gain or commercial advantage. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on April 28, 2019, at approximately 10:05 a.m., U.S. Border Patrol received information from the Erie County Sherriff’s Department that several subjects had possibly entered the United States illegally from Canada.
The information came from a nearby resident who observed a vessel in the upper Niagara River dropping off four or more subjects on the shoreline near West River Road on Grand Island. The subjects were then observed being picked up by a dark colored sedan and headed eastbound on Staley Road. The vehicle was subsequently pulled over by law enforcement officers. The defendant was identified as the driver of the vehicle, and the passengers were identified as Marie Aparecida, Maxwell De Castro, and Andre Luiz Felix Ferreira Cunha. A fourth passenger, later identified as Alexandro Lourenco Da Silva, fled the scene but was quickly apprehended by Border Patrol Agents on Love Road.
It was determined that the four passengers had illegally entered the United States from Canada, and Silva-Oliveira had picked up all four aliens and was transporting them within the United States. All five subjects were placed under arrest.
“As efforts are made to increase security at our southwest border, it is hardly surprising that those who seek to profit by violating the law might explore new frontiers in which to perpetrate their crimes,” noted U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “The well-being of a free society is dependent the allegiance of its members to the rule of law. Hopefully, this arrest will help to send a message to those who demonstrate a willingness to disregard the rule of law in favor of earning a profit. Conduct which is criminal along the southwest border remains criminal when undertaken along the northern border.”
Defendant Silva-Oliveira made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, and was released on conditions.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Jeffrey Wilson, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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New Britain Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LUIS CIRINO, also known as “Gordo” and “G,” 42, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 135 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Cirino coordinated the shipment of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Mail from Puerto Rico to various locations in Connecticut. Cirino and his associates then distributed the drug in central Connecticut, and also in northeastern Pennsylvania. Investigators seized approximately 13 kilograms of cocaine during the investigation.
On October 18, 2017, a grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Cirino and seven associates with cocaine trafficking offenses. Cirino has been detained since his arrest on October 25, 2017. On January 22, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
In April 2007, Cirino was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 168 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release, for crack cocaine and firearm offenses. In 2008, his term of incarceration was reduced to 135 months and, in 2015, it was reduced to 120 months. He was released from custody in October 2015 and was on supervised release while he was involved in the cocaine trafficking conspiracy that led to the October 2017 indictment.
Cirino still faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
This matter has been investigated by the DEA New Haven Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Middletown and New Britain Police Departments. The DEA New Haven Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the New Haven, Hamden, West Haven, North Haven, Branford, Ansonia, Meriden, Derby, Middletown, Naugatuck and Waterbury Police Departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.
Natchez Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss. – Kevin Singleton, 41, of Natchez, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette, III, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more heroin, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley, and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN) Director John M. Dowdy, Jr.
"We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our law enforcement partners and prosecutors for taking this significant drug dealer off the streets of Natchez and bringing him to justice. As a result of their hard work, this criminal’s ill-gotten gains have been forfeited and he is no longer peddling his poison on our streets. This case is a prime example of how partnerships across all levels of law enforcement are making our neighborhoods safe again," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
"With this conviction, DEA and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners have taken down a drug trafficker responsible for distributing large quantities of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine in Natchez area and beyond. By removing this criminal from the streets, he can no longer threaten the health and safety of our communities. We will continue to work together to target criminal organizations and their assets to ensure that drug traffickers are held responsible for the harm they cause," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Byerley.
"Working with our federal and local law enforcement partners substantially enhances our efforts to keep illegal drugs off the streets of our communities," said MBN Director Dowdy. "The guilty plea today ensures that this major narcotics trafficker will no longer plague Natchez or southwest Mississippi."
This case is the result of an extensive investigation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in the Natchez area that involved the distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine. During the investigation, on March 2, 2018, federal and state agents executed a search warrant at Singleton’s residence and seized approximately 25.5 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, approximately 114.2 grams of heroin, and approximately 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine with a substance purity of approximately 99%. Agents also seized approximately $1.1 million in cash from Singleton’s residence. Three firearms were seized, including a DPMS A-15 .223 semi-automatic rifle loaded with a high capacity magazine holding 44 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition, with an additional magazine loaded with 30 rounds of .223 ammunition, and 66 additional rounds of .223 caliber ammunition. Also seized was a Glock .40 caliber handgun loaded with 13 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition with an additional Glock magazine loaded with 12 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, and 12 additional rounds of .40 caliber boxed ammunition. A Smith & Wesson .38 Special +P revolver was also seized. Singleton is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Singleton will be sentenced by Judge Bramlette on August 13, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine, followed by at least 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. He faces the same maximum penalty for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He faces a maximum penalty of at least 5 years but not more than 40 years and a $5,000,000 fine for possession with intent to distribute heroin, and a maximum penalty of not less than 5 years and a $250,000 fine for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carla J. Clark.
Munster Doctor SentencedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND - Jay Kaushik Joshi, age 34, of Woodridge, Illinois was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 15 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $7,500 fine, and a $100 special assessment after pleading guilty to the felony offense of dispensing hydrocodone, an opioid, outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
“Prescribing controlled substances that are not medically necessary intensify the opioid problem our Nation faces,” said US Attorney Kirsch. “We, working with our law enforcement partners, are focused on reducing opioid abuse in the Northern District of Indiana. Doctors who abuse their authority are just one of the areas on which our partners are focusing.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message to the medical “professionals” who exploit their power, prey on the delicate members of our community who are struggling among today’s opioid crisis, and their loved ones. The trust that is dissolved does a disservice to the true medical professionals who care for us and our families,” remarked Chicago Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brian M. McKnight.
According to documents in the case, Joshi practiced medicine at Prestige Clinics in Munster, Indiana. Joshi was a medical doctor licensed to practice medicine in the State of Indiana and until November 21, 2017, was registered by the Drug Enforcement Administration to prescribe schedule II, III, IV, and V controlled substances, including opioids. Between September 2017 and December 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Munster Police Department obtained information about Joshi’s history of prescribing controlled substances through Indiana’s prescription monitoring system, INSPECT. INSPECT is a tool to address the problem of prescription drug abuse and diversion of controlled substances. Investigators obtained data from INSPECT, which showed that from April 2017 to November 21, 2017, Joshi issued over 6,000 prescriptions for controlled substances, the most of any medical provider in Lake County and the ninth-most in the entire State of Indiana, including more than 150 hospitals. At sentencing, Joshi was held responsible for his involvement in the distribution of hydrocodone, an opioid, outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Joshi’s medical license has been suspended since February 7, 2018.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Munster, Indiana Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas Mahoney and Diane Berkowitz.
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Monroe County Man Sentenced to Forty-Five Months in Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WILKES-BARRE - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Steven Silva-Lugo, age 32, of Henryville, Monroe County, was sentenced on April 26, 2019, by Senior U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo to forty-five months’ imprisonment and three years on supervised release for his role in a Monroe County-based cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Silva-Lugo previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute between 280 grams and 840 grams of crack cocaine, as well as between 3.5 kilograms and 5 kilograms of powder cocaine, in the Monroe County area between May and July 2015. Silva-Lugo was one of eleven individuals indicted by a grand jury in July 2015 and charged with conspiring to distribute powder cocaine, crack cocaine and/or heroin in the Monroe County area.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
This prosecution is also part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
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Monongalia County residents admit to drug chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Three Monongalia County residents have admitted to their involvement in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Tyler Hammack, of Westover, West Virginia, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of Protected Location.” Hammack, age 22, admitted to working with another to sell cocaine base near Mascoli Park in Monongalia County in July 2018.
Kenneth Buzzo, of Granville, West Virginia, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Buzzo, age 58, admitted to selling cocaine base in Monongalia County in June 2018.
Sandra Riggleman, of Granville, West Virginia, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Riggleman, age 59, admitted to selling cocaine base in Monongalia County in April 2018.
Hammack faces at least one year and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Buzzo and Riggleman each face up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Mississippi County Sheriff Sentenced to 10 months for Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Cory Hutcheson, 35, of East Prairie, MO, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in St. Louis for illegally monitoring the location of other law enforcement officers and civilians without a warrant by entering mobile telephone numbers into a law enforcement database. Hutcheson received a sentence of 10 months—6 months to be served in the Bureau of Prisons and 4 months home confinement. In addition to the sentence imposed, Hutcheson was required to resign as Sheriff of Mississippi County on November 20, 2018.
Numerous victims appeared at Hutcheson’s sentencing including Missouri State Highway Patrol Troopers whose location was tracked by Hutcheson. For a three year period, including after being elected Sheriff of Mississippi County, Hutcheson uploaded false and fraudulent documents to a law enforcement database to obtain the location of over 200 mobile phone users. Hutcheson submitted thousands of requests and obtained the location data of hundreds individual phone subscribers without valid legal authorization, and without the consent or knowledge of the targeted individual. The location information request was submitted using wire communications transmitted in interstate commerce.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Missouri State Highway Patrol and was prosecuted in cooperation with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Gwen Carroll and Lindsay McClure-Hartman handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Mission Man Indicted for Criminal Contempt ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Criminal Contempt.
Frank Iron Heart, age 39, was indicted on February 13, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 24, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 6 months in federal prison and/or a $1,000 fine, and $10 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on December 18, 2018, Iron Heart willfully and unlawfully disobeyed and resisted a subpoena issued by the U.S. District Court requiring him to appear at a federal hearing in Pierre, South Dakota.
The charge is merely an accusation and Iron Heart is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Elmore is prosecuting the case.
Iron Heart was released on his own recognizance pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Mexican Man Who Used a Fraudulent Social Security Card Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A Mexican man who used a false identification document to obtain a job was sentenced today to more than three months in federal prison.
Charly Martinez-Hernandez, age 19, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and living in Cascade, Iowa, received the prison term after an February 20, 2019, guilty plea to one count of unlawful use of an identification document.
At the guilty plea, Martinez-Hernandez admitted he used a fraudulent Social Security card bearing an alias name when he completed an employment form at a business in Dyersville, Iowa, on August 20, 2018. The Social Security number was assigned to someone else. Martinez-Hernandez also used a fraudulent state of California identification card with the same alias name bearing his photo as part of the application process.
Martinez-Hernandez was admitted into the United States in April 2018 on a visitor visa with authorization to remain in the United States until October 14, 2108. Martinez-Hernandez overstayed his visa and failed to leave the United States as required. Martinez-Hernandez was found by immigration agents on December 29, 2018, after he was charged in Dubuque, Iowa, with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). That charge is still pending.
Martinez-Hernandez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Martinez-Hernandez was sentenced to 106 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Martinez-Hernandez is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-1001.
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