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10 June 2019
“Drfrosty” Indicted for Distribution of Methamphetamine from Modesto Using the DarknetRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On June 6, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Modesto resident Omar Isho, 37, charging him with distributing methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Isho allegedly sold methamphetamine on darknet marketplaces such as the Dream Market, Empire Market, and Silk Road 3.1 using the vendor name “DrFrosty.” Federal agents conducted undercover purchases of methamphetamine from his accounts. Surveillance and postal records linked Isho to the parcels, which contained methamphetamine hidden inside jigsaw puzzle boxes.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Northern California Illicit Digital Economy (NCIDE) Task Force, a multiagency taskforce composed of law enforcement agents from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Quinn Hochhalter is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Isho faces a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Young Undocumented Alien Admits to Transporting Chinese and Brazilian NationalsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – An 18-year-old Mexican national has pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport undocumented aliens from China and Brazil within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On April 1, 2019, Samuel Vazquez-Morales was apprehended after guiding six undocumented aliens through the brush near Laredo. Five were from the People’s Republic of China, while one was a Brazilian national. Vazquez-Morales was determined to be a Mexican citizen illegally present in the United States as well.
Today, he admitted he guided the group from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, into the United States. He stated he was working for Cartel Del Noreste and that he expected to be paid $400 for the job.
One of the Chinese nationals told agents he planned to pay $30,000 to be smuggled into the United States from Mexico.
Sentencing has been set for Oct. 16, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo. At that time, Vazquez-Morales faces up to 10 years in federal prison. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.
Umatilla Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Scissor AttackRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Christina Sue Barkley, 30, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and resident of Pilot Rock, Oregon, was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for assault with a dangerous weapon.
According to court documents, during a psychotic episode on March 31, 2018, Barkley came into a room where another adult member of the tribe was making necklaces and stabbed the victim with a pair of scissors. The victim tried to get away, but she fell while backing away from Barkley. Barkley jumped on top of the victim and continued stabbing her. The assault continued until the victim’s spouse walked into the room and pulled Barkley off the victim.
The victim sustained multiple serious injuries, was taken to St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton, Oregon and later transported via Life Flight to Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland for additional treatment.
During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Michael W. Mosman ordered Barkley to continue mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and to participate in anger management and family counseling as part of her supervised release.
On February 20, 2019, Barkley pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Umatilla Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Jennifer Martin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Two Smugglers Sentenced in Death of Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Two Mexican Citizens have been ordered to federal prison following their conviction of human smuggling which resulted in the death of one of the aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Imer Ares-Chagolla, 36, and Ismael Rivera-Lopez, 19, pleaded guilty April 1, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa ordered Ares-Chagolla to 87 months in prison. The court found Rivera-Lopez was a minor participant in the event and sentenced him to a 46-month term of imprisonment.
Ares-Chagolla and Rivera-Lopez served as brush guides for a group of aliens who had illegally crossed the Rio Grande River from Mexico into the United States.
On the afternoon of July 17, 2018, authorities located the group, learned one of its members was missing and possibly in distress and began emergency search operations in the area.
A female citizen of El Salvador was soon found unresponsive in the South Texas brush country near Sullivan City. Authorities provided emergency medical treatment and transported her to a local hospital. However, she ultimately died from multiple organ failures due to shock related to heat stroke.
That day, the temperature was determined to effectively be 110 degrees in the brush.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations spearheaded the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and Sullivan City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Guerra Jr. prosecuted the case.
Tulsa Man Sent to Prison for Evading Taxes on $5 Million IncomeRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man, who attempted to prevent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from collecting more than $200,000 in taxes, penalties and interest he owed for 2005, and didn’t file tax returns for the years 2006 through 2012, despite earning commissions totaling nearly $5 million during these years, was sentenced in federal court in Tulsa, Oklahoma, today by U.S. District Court Judge Gregory Frizzell to 24 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
John D. Petrig, 49, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty on February 5, 2019, to one count of tax evasion. From 2000 to 2012, Petrig worked for a company as an independent contractor installing ATM machines inside casinos. The company paid him commissions based on the number of transactions that were executed at the ATMs. In 2012, Petrig filed his 2005 tax return with the IRS, reporting a tax due of just over $110,000. In fact, Petrig owed taxes, penalties and interest of more than $217,000 and took steps to evade payment of those funds. When the IRS sent a levy to his employer, Choice ATM Enterprises, directing his commission payments be sent to the IRS to pay his 2005 tax debt, Petrig instructed Choice to pay his future commission payments to a nominee entity, and thereby prevent those funds from being used to satisfy his tax debt. According to court documents, Petrig earned commissions totaling nearly $5 million for the years 2006 through 2012, but did not file tax returns for any of those years.
“Petrig tried to beat the system and lost. Over a seven year period, he earned a commission income of almost $5 million and failed to pay the nearly $1 million owed in income taxes. When the United States attempted to collect those back taxes, he directed his commission payments to be sent to fictitious corporations,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “This egregious behavior warrants the sentence Judge Frizzell handed down today in federal court. Tax evaders beware, your criminal conduct will be brought to light, investigated, and prosecuted by the Department of Justice.”
“Evading the payment of taxes constitutes serious criminal activity,” stated Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman. “In partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Tax Division is committed to holding tax evaders accountable for such criminal activity and seeking prison sentences for such crimes.”
U.S. Attorney Shores also commended the efforts of the justice team, “I appreciate the detailed examination of evidence by special agents from IRS-Criminal Investigation and the prosecutorial work of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Assistant Chief Andrew Kameros of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Victor Régal and Charles McLoughlin.”
In addition to prison, Petrig was ordered to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $974,350.48 and to serve three years of supervised release after completion of his sentence.
The Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney/ Assistant Chief Andrew J. Kameros of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. McLoughlin and Victor A.S. Régal prosecuted the case.
The Weapon was a BB Gun but the Robberies were RealRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man pleaded guilty Monday and admitted he robbed three stores, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Willie Smith, 38, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea, he admitted that in 2018 he robbed the QuikTrip store at 1532 S. Seneca. He showed the clerk what appeared to be a revolver before demanding money. Later, when investigators searched his apartment, they found a black BB gun they believe Smith used in three robberies.
At sentencing, the court also will take into account as relevant conduct two other robberies Smith committed in 2018. Smith robbed the Express Mart at 565 S. Market. During the robbery, he showed the clerk what appeared to be a revolver. Smith also robbed Pete’s Liquor at 332 W. Harry. During the robbery, he pulled out what appeared to be a revolver.
Sentencing is set for Aug. 26. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.
Tampa Man on Federal Supervised Release Pleads Guilty to Laundering Proceeds of Synthetic Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida –Arafat Aljubeh (54, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder the proceeds of a conspiracy involving the distribution of a synthetic marijuana referred to as “AB-FUBINACA.” At the time of the offense, Aljubeh was on federal supervised release stemming from a 2014 federal conviction for conspiring to traffic in counterfeit Nike shoes. Aljubeh faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on the current offense, and a maximum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment for violating his supervised release.
According to the plea agreement, in April 2017, in Baker County, a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Thair Zatar. Zatar was issued a warning and gave the trooper consent to search his vehicle. When the trooper looked in the back of Zatar’s vehicle, he discovered nine large black garbage bags, weighing approximately 415 pounds, which were stuffed with 27,000 individual packets labeled as “potpourri.” The packets were branded with names including “Outer Space” and “Geeked Up.” The trooper suspected the packets contained synthetic marijuana, and the Drug Enforcement Administration later confirmed that fact. Zatar was arrested and informed the DEA that his supplier was Aljubeh.
Zatar pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute AB-FUBINACA and was sentenced in 2018 to four years and three months in federal prison.
A review of Zatar’s phone revealed text messages that had been sent to Zatar instructing him where to deposit the proceeds from the drug sales. An investigation into the account, and others, by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) revealed that the accounts were being used to receive the proceeds of AB-FUBINACA from Zatar and others. After deposits were made into the account, Aljubeh and his co-conspirators would transfer the money back and forth between the accounts in a complex series of transactions designed to obscure the source, ownership, and control of the funds. Ultimately, the drug proceeds were used to make five purchases of real estate in the Tampa area.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and Jay Taylor.
Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Sophisticated Investment Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Donald M. Geiss, Jr., age 43, of Syracuse, pled guilty today to four counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft in relation to various schemes to defraud victims in New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois, and California, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In pleading guilty, Geiss admitted that between approximately August 2016 through August 2017 he defrauded an individual (“Victim 1”) out of a total of $141,000 after fraudulently convincing Victim 1 that he (Geiss) was a private equity investor seeking to make investments in Central New York. In doing so, Geiss used the alias, “Dom.” In June 2017, Geiss defrauded another individual (“Victim 2”) out of approximately $6,500 after fraudulently convincing Victim 2 to enter into a sales contract for heavy equipment belonging to Victim 1’s company that Geiss purported to have the authority to sell (without Victim 1’s knowledge). In August and September 2017, Geiss defrauded a third individual (Victim 3) out of $3,000 by convincing Victim 3 that he (Geiss) was in the final stages of negotiating the sale of a computer algorithm to a well-known multinational finance and insurance corporation in New York (the “Insurance Company”). As part of this fraud on Victim 3, Geiss forged e-mail messages and text messages from individuals (Victims 4 and 5) who actually worked for the Insurance Company but who had no knowledge of Geiss or his actions. These forged electronic communications formed the basis of the aggravated identity theft charges. Based on Geiss’s assurances, including the forged electronic communications purportedly from Victims 4 and 5, Victim 3 sent $3,000 by wire to Victim 2 and $5,000 by wire to Victim 1, believing that paying them would facilitate the supposed transaction with the Insurance Company. In reality, Geiss had no pending deal with the Insurance Company and had Victim 3 make the payments in an attempt to keep Victim 1 and Victim 2 from realizing they had been defrauded.
Separate and apart from the schemes described above, Geiss also pled guilty today to defrauding people he met through the internet. As part of this guilty plea, Geiss admitted that he used the online alias, “Dominic LaRossa,” to convince people that he was an airline pilot. Geiss, acting as the supposed “LaRossa,” collected more than $5,000 from victims he met online in exchange for fake and fraudulent “discount” airline tickets, which did not exist. Geiss also defrauded several victims out of money in relation to an online video game platform, including convincing one individual (Victim 6) to purchase several online video game profiles from other people. Relying on Geiss’s fraudulent assertions, Victim 6 paid a total of approximately $13,300 to purchase online video game profiles created by others, and Geiss never reimbursed, and never intended to reimburse, Victim 6.
Geiss will be sentenced on October 11, 2019, by Senior United States District Judge Norman A. Mordue. The aggravated identity theft charges to which Geiss pled guilty carry a mandatory sentence of 2 years in prison consecutive to any other prison sentence, and the wire fraud charges filed against Geiss carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each count of conviction. At sentencing, Geiss also faces a fine of up to $1.5 million, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. In his plea agreement, the defendant agreed to submit to money judgments totaling over $153,000, and to pay restitution to his victims.
Geiss was on federal probation related to a prior conviction when he committed the crimes for which he pled guilty today, and a separate petition charging Geiss with violating the terms of his probation has been filed by United States Probation and Pretrial Services. With respect to the probation violation petition, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If the defendant is found to have violated the terms of his probation, he faces up to two additional years in prison. The probation violation petition is also pending before Senior Judge Mordue.
This case was investigated by the FBI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
Stone County Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Eddie James Rhodes, 62, of Stone County, Mississippi, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 84 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent-in-Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Rhodes pled guilty before Judge Guirola on March 4, 2019.
In February 2013, the Stone County/City of Wiggins Narcotics Task Force received information that Eddie Rhodes and his co-defendant, Stacey Bond, made multiple purchases of pseudoephedrine, in timeframes and quantities indicative of procuring pseudoephedrine as a precursor for manufacturing methamphetamine. Pursuant to a state search warrant, Rhodes’s home was searched, revealing precursor chemicals, equipment and material consistent with manufacture of methamphetamine.
While no methamphetamine was found during the search, pseudoephedrine was found together with other materials and equipment consistent with a methamphetamine lab. The majority of the items were together with firearms and ammunition, located inside a hidden compartment under a trapdoor in the floor. Further investigation revealed that Rhodes and Bond conspired together to make pseudoephedrine purchases later used by Rhodes to manufacture meth, some of which Rhodes would distribute to Bond.
The ATF determined that one of the firearms recovered from Rhodes’s home was a 20-gauge, double barrel shotgun with both barrels sawed off, creating a short-barrel shotgun. The other firearm was a .22 caliber rifle with the stock cut off or removed, creating a ‘pistol grip’ handle. The ATF also verified that Rhodes had multiple felony convictions, making it unlawful for him to possess any firearm or ammunition.
On January 30, 2019, Bond pled guilty to use of a communications facility for the commission of a felony under the Controlled Substances Act (Aiding and Abetting). Bond is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Guirola on July 30, 2019, and faces a maximum penalty of four years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Stone County Sheriff’s Office, Wiggins Police Department, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stan Harris and Annette Williams.
Stockton Men Sentenced on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Somnang Chea, 34, of Stockton, was sentenced today to five years and three months in prison for unlawful possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
In a related case, on March 7, 2019, Phirum Phin, 31, of Stockton, was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Chea and Phin ran from a car after Stockton police officers attempted a traffic stop. They fled in opposite directions, each holding a firearm. Chea possessed a fully automatic handgun without a serial number. The gun was equipped with a laser sight and had a high-capacity magazine loaded with 22 rounds of ammunition. Chea also possessed 5.88 grams of methamphetamine. Phin possessed a stolen Glock handgun with a laser sight and a high-capacity magazine. Chea and Phin both have previous felony convictions and are prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Both cases were the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Stockton Police Department, and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron L. Desmond prosecuted the cases.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
St. Thomas Man Arrested for Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Amijah Charles, 36, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller for a preliminary and detention hearing after his arrest on Friday by federal agents for Assaulting and threatening Federal officers, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. The Magistrate Judge released Charles on bond following a preliminary and detention hearing.
According to court records, the federal agents were in the area of Mariendahl conducting official business when Charles approached their vehicle and began pounding on the window. Agents exited the vehicle attempting to place Charles under arrest when he resisted, striking and fighting with the agents.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Springdale Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Michael Reed, age 38, of Springdale, Arkansas, was sentenced today to 100 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release, and a $2,400.00 fine for one count of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute More Than 50 Grams. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, during the course of an investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in the Western District of Arkansas, the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force identified that Reed was trafficking methamphetamine in Northwest Arkansas. In September of 2018, investigators arranged and conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Reed. As a result of the controlled purchase from Reed, investigators obtained a search warrant for Reed’s property including his vehicles. During the search of Reed’s property, investigators seized a digital scale, drug paraphernalia, and a short-barreled shotgun. A search of the Reed’s vehicle yielded a vacuum sealed bag with a smaller baggie containing suspected methamphetamine, a digital scale, and currency from the controlled purchase of methamphetamine. The substance was tested by the DEA crime lab and was confirmed to contain more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Reed was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2018, and entered a guilty plea in January 2019.
This case was investigated by the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Sydney Butler prosecuted the case for the United States.
Sales Executive of American Furniture Company Pleads Guilty to Procurement FraudRead the Press Release
The vice president of sales for an American furniture manufacturer pleaded guilty today for obtaining his competitors’ confidential bid proposals in an effort to win a State Department contract to provide furniture to a U.S. embassy abroad.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon of the District of South Carolina and Department of State Inspector General Steve A. Linick made the announcement.
Steven Anstine, 52, of Overland Park, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of illegally obtaining contractor bid and proposal information before U.S. District Judge Richard M. Gergel of the District of South Carolina. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
According to admissions made in connection with Anstine’s plea, in or around December 2016, the State Department was constructing a new embassy in a foreign nation. Two State Department employees participated in the process of soliciting bid proposals from contractors for the procurement of furniture for the new embassy’s offices.
From in or around December 2016 to in or around March 2017, Anstine knowingly obtained bid prices and design plans of at least three of his and his company’s competitors from the two State Department employees. Anstine knowingly obtained this information in order to achieve a competitive advantage for himself and his company. The information Anstine obtained enabled him and his company to win the contract to provide the furniture for the new embassy with a bid of approximately $1,569,000.
According to Anstine’s admissions, Anstine made intentionally false statements to agents investigating his conduct. He falsely told State Department Office of Inspector General special agents that he did not knowingly receive competitor bid and proposal information from the two State Department employees. He also falsely told agents that, whenever he accompanied one of the State Department employees to events, restaurants or bars, the employee paid her share of the expenses. In fact, Anstine paid for at least a portion of the State Department employee’s expenses when they attended dinners, sporting events and concerts, including, but not limited to, a September 2016 concert in Washington, D.C.; a December 2015 ballet performance in Washington, D.C.; and a summer 2015 golf tournament in Gainsville, Virginia.
The State Department’s Office of Inspector General is investigating the case. Deputy Chief Robert J. Heberle and Trial Attorney John P. Taddei of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Marshall “Matt” Austin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina are prosecuting the case.
Rocklin Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for the Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller sentenced Aaron Reed, 30, of Rocklin, to 20 years in prison today for sexual exploitation of children, receiving child pornography, and transferring obscene material to minors, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, between January 5, 2015, and June 28, 2015, Reed persuaded two minors in Canada to take photographs and videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct and then send them to him through Kik, a social messaging application. At the time, one minor was 14 years old and the other was nine years old. He also sent obscene material to a minor whom he knew was under 16 years of age.
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is committed to public safety, which includes protecting the children and youth of our communities who are most vulnerable to online predators,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (San Francisco and Northern California). “We are witnessing an epidemic of the sexual exploitation of children across all sectors of our society. It’s imperative that parents and their children understand the dangers of online predators, take every step possible to safely navigate internet activity and participation in social media activities, and to contact law enforcement for help.”
This case was the product of an investigation by HSI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Segal prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet safety education.
Richland Husband and Wife and Their Trucking Companies Plead Guilty to Renewable Energy FraudRead the Press Release
Spokane – Joseph H. Harrington, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Hector M. Garza, Jr., age 48, his wife, Tammy L. Garza, age 37, of Richland Washington, and their companies, HTG Trucking, LLC, and Freedom Fuel, Inc., pled guilty to fraud and false statement charges in connection with a renewable energy fraud scheme.
According to information disclosed during the court proceedings, Hector Garza, HTG Trucking, and Freedom Fuel were participants in a conspiracy involving Gen-X Energy Group, Inc. (Gen-X), a renewable energy company formerly located in Pasco and Moses Lake, Washington. Between January 2013 and April 2013, Hector Garza and his co-conspirators falsely claimed the production of hundreds of thousands of marketable renewable energy credits, which they then sold for more than $296,000, and filed false claims with the IRS for $284,546 in excise credit refunds. Throughout this period, much of the renewable fuel claimed to be produced at the Gen-X facilities was either not produced or re-processed multiple times. Hector Garza, HTG Trucking, and Freedom Fuel pled guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States with respect to the false claims made upon the IRS, through the use of the trucking companies, which were used to “round” supposed renewable fuel by driving the same material back and forth between Gen-X’s Moses Lake facility and the Garzas’ businesses in Othello, Washington, and generating fraudulent renewable energy credits and tax credits each time the material was “rounded.” Tammy Garza pled guilty to aiding and abetting the use of false statements in connection with the renewable energy credits that were claimed and sold as part of the scheme, a separate offense.
Joseph H. Harrington said, “Defrauding the public by scamming renewable energy incentive programs will not be tolerated. I commend the tenacious and thorough efforts of investigators from IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute fraud and other white collar crimes in the Eastern District of Washington."
A number of other conspirators have previously pled guilty and been sentenced in connection with their role in the fraud. In June 2017, Scott Johnson, the former CEO of Gen-X, was sentenced to a 97-month term of imprisonment in connection with his role in the fraud scheme. Most recently, in June 2018, Jin Chul “Jacob” Cha of Tustin, California, was sentenced to 51 months of imprisonment in connection with his role in the fraud.
“The United States tax system is designed to provide vital government services to American citizens. It is not a slush fund for fraudsters,” said Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke of IRS Criminal Investigation. “The IRS will continue to work with federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute scammers like Hector and Tammy Garza who illegally claim thousands in tax credits for personal financial gain.”
The guilty pleas were accepted by United States District Judge Salvador Mendoza, Jr. The conspiracy offense to which Hector Garza pled guilty carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, while the false statement charge to which Tammy Garza pled guilty has a maximum imprisonment term of 2 years. Each corporation faces a maximum fine of $500,000, or of double the loss to the victim or the gain to the defendant, whichever is greater. All four defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on October 17, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. in Richland, Washington.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division.
The case was prosecuted by Dan Fruchter, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington; Karla G. Perrin, EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel and Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington; and Jennifer Leigh Blackwell, Senior Trial Attorney, Environmental Crimes Section, United States Department of Justice.
Richland Center Man Sentenced for Threatening CommunicationsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Travis Martin, 34, Richland Center, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James Peterson to 14 days in jail, in addition to the nearly 27 months Martin has already served, for making threatening communications. This term of imprisonment will be followed by three years of supervised release. Martin pleaded guilty to this charge on April 3, 2019.
On November 16, 2017, Martin left a voice mail threatening to shoot a member of the Alabama National Guard. He made eight additional calls threatening violence to others.
Judge Peterson found that the seriousness of the crime warranted a significant sentence. He also wanted to send a strong message to the defendant that it is OK to have political views, but that it is not OK to threaten to harm those with whom he disagrees.
The charge against Martin was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Richland Center Police Department, and the Pawnee County (Kansas) Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.
Restaurant Owner Admits to Failing to File A Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A restaurant owner pleaded guilty in federal court in Springfield today in connection with failing to file a tax return. And, on behalf of his corporation, the restaurant owner admitted that Scuderi’s Inc. filed false tax returns.
Giuseppe Scuderi, 62, of West Suffield, Conn., pleaded guilty to one count of failing to file a tax return for the year 2015, and Scuderi’s Inc. pleaded guilty to five counts of filing false tax returns for the years 2010 through 2014. Scuderi and Scuderi’s Inc. were charged on May 3, 2019. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Sept. 19, 2019.
According to court documents, Scuderi was the owner of a Southwick restaurant that generated a substantial amount of cash sales. From 2010 to 2014, Scuderi took cash from the business and did not declare it as income, and he kept two sets of books, which depicted both the actual sales of the business and the sales disclosed on his tax returns. As a result of his scheme, Scuderi failed to pay $170,769 in taxes to the government.
Scuderi faces a sentence of no greater than one year in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a $25,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty in Large-Scale Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Thomas Poole, 53, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before Senior District Judge Arthur J. Schwab to the one-count Indictment charging Poole with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting cocaine trafficking in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The investigation revealed that from in and around August 2016, to on or about November 30, 2017, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Poole conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 15 kilograms but less than 50 kilograms of cocaine. The court was further advised that on November 30, 2017, investigators seized $144,785 in U.S. currency, jewelry, a Honda Odyssey and approximately six kilograms of cocaine from residences associated with the defendant.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing October 24, 2019 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jerome A. Moschetta and Rebecca L. Silinski are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the plea in this case.
Otis, Oregon Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Pornography Using DropboxRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—William Borges, 21, of Otis, Oregon, was sentenced today to 96 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for distributing child pornography.
According to court documents, investigators identified Borges in September 2016 as part of an ongoing investigation by the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office into the use of Dropbox, a cloud-based file sharing application, to distribute media depicting the sexual exploitation of children. A federal search warrant issued to Dropbox produced the email address Borges used to create a Dropbox account identified by investigators as containing child pornography. Investigators later matched three video uploads to Dropbox depicting the sexual abuse of young children to the IP address of Borges’ home in Otis. During a search of Borges’ home, he admitted to possessing child pornography and trading images and videos using Kik Messenger and Dropbox.
On November 13, 2018, Borges pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography.
The FBI Sacramento Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) and FBI Salem Resident Agency investigated this case. It was prosecuted by Amy Potter, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The FBI’s CETF conducts sexual exploitation investigations—many of them undercover—in coordination with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering underage victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at www.fbi.gov/tips.
Oregon man sentenced to 15 years in prison for cyberstalking and making threats to his former co-workers and law enforcement officialsRead the Press Release
An Oregon man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for cyberstalking and making threats to his former co-workers and law enforcement officials.
A jury found Michael A. Hagar guilty earlier this year of one count of cyberstalking and two counts of interstate threatening communication after a weeklong trial.
Hagar, 48, was employed at a Goodyear store in Salem, Oregon, from 2011 through 2013. He was employed by Eaton in Portland, Oregon, from 2014 through 2015. He was involuntarily terminated from both positions, according to court documents and trial testimony.
Hager sent numerous threatening e-mails to at least seven former co-workers at Eaton and Goodyear in 2015 and 2016, as well as threatening emails to law enforcement officials in Oregon. The e-mails he sent traveled through Eaton and Goodyear data centers in Northeast Ohio, according to court documents and trial testimony.
In 2016, Hagar was personally served with a temporary stalking protective order ordering him to stop any contact with an Eaton employee identified as R.G. He was also arrested for trespassing on Goodyear property in Oregon, according to court documents and trial testimony.
On May 30, 2016, he sent an email to R.G. and Oregon law enforcement officials with the subject line: “I AM GOING TO RUIN EVERYONE OF YOU(R) LIVES,” according to court documents and trial testimony.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Riedl and Om Kakani following an investigation by the FBI.
Operator of Long Island Business Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Investors in Distribution of Wine Product Featured on “Shark Tank” TV ShowRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Joseph Falcone, who formerly operated a wine and liquor distribution business known as 3G’S VINO LLC (3G’S), pleaded guilty to wire fraud for his scheme to solicit investors. When sentenced, Falcone faces up to 20 years in prison, as well as restitution, criminal forfeiture and a fine. The guilty plea was entered before United States Magistrate Judge Steven I. Locke.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea.
“Falcone lured investors into believing that they were funding an up-and-coming business and then used their money to purchase his Florida home and to finance his online securities trading,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This Office will continue to protect the investing public by prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law those who use deceptive practices to enrich themselves.”
“Mr. Falcone didn’t use the money his investors gave him on the actual investment he sold to them,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “Investing in other people’s ideas can be a risky venture because most backers can’t see the details that would show the fraud. That’s where the FBI and our law enforcement partners come in. We can see the numbers that don’t add up and we can hold the fraudsters accountable.”
According to court filings and facts presented at the guilty plea proceeding, in December 2012, Falcone established 3G’S, based in Bethpage and Farmingdale, New York, which among other products, distributed a single-serving, wine in a sealed glass that was featured on the television program “Shark Tank.” Between September 2014 and November 2015, Falcone solicited investments and promised potential investors that he would use their money to fund 3G’S, such as by purchasing the single-serving wine product. Relying on those promises, investors wired funds from bank accounts in New York to bank accounts in Florida controlled by Falcone. Rather than invest the money as promised, Falcone used about $527,064 of the investors’ money to purchase a residence in Florida and to support his online securities trading.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley T. King and Madeline M. O’Connor are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
JOSEPH FALCONE
Age: 59
Melbourne, FloridaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-257 (SJF)
Omaha Man Convicted of Counterfeiting and Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Frank Sadecki, age 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced today in federal court for Possession of Analog, Digital, and Electronic Images for Counterfeiting Obligations and Securities and Possession with Intent to Distribute at Least 50 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine. Senior United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Sadecki to 100 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Sadecki will begin a 4-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison.
Following the execution of a search warrant, law enforcement determined that Sadecki was in possession of approximately 56 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine. During this search warrant, law enforcement located numerous items consistent with the manufacture of counterfeit United States currency to include multiple printers and scanners, paper cutters, cutting board, aerosol sprays, assorted ink cartridges, numerous sheets of specialized printing paper, and a computer containing digital images of United States currency. Law enforcement also found $1,180 in counterfeit United States currency and 56 sheets of printed uncut counterfeit United States currency.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Metro Area Fraud Task Force and, specifically, the United States Secret Service and the Omaha Police Department.
Ohio and West Virginia residents indicted for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eleven people were indicted by a federal grand sitting in Clarksburg on May 7, 2019 on drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The indictment alleges a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, sometimes near Glenville State College, in Gilmer County and elsewhere from the July 2018 to November 2018. Those charged are:
- Cory Davonta Smith, Jr., age 26, of Barberton, Ohio
- Michael Anthony Hill, Jr., age 24, of Columbus, Ohio
- Waitman Larry Frederick, age 41, of Glenville, West Virginia
- Tressie Lenee Payne, age 23, of Normantown, West Virginia
- Jeremiah Lee Carr, age 31, of Glenville, West Virginia
- Brandi Dawn Singleton, age 41, of Burnsville, West Virginia
- Chet Atkins Massey, age 50, of Sand Fork, West Virginia
- Jerry Lee Boyers, age 41, of Glenville, West Virginia
- Joseph Lee Frederick, age 35, of Duck, West Virginia
- Kisha Starr Riggs, age 31, of Glenville, West Virginia
- Duncan Currie Canter, age 24, of Burnsville, West Virginia
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ohio County man admits to methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Chad Markle, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Markle, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Markle admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Marshall and Ohio Counties from July 2018 to February 2019. The government is also seeking the forfeiture of the Markles’ residence at 36 Fernwood Avenue in Wheeling.
Markle faces 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 Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Niagara Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead 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 Randy Colucci, 34, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Lamarque, who is handling the case, stated that in April 2017, a Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent, working undercover, discovered multiple files containing videos and images of child pornography being shared on a peer to peer website. Some of the videos and images depicted prepubescent children in sexual situations. Investigators determined that the IP address connected to the files related to one utilized by the defendant, which led to the execution of a search warrant at his residence. Digital media recovered from Colucci in June 2017 contained child pornography, including children under the age of 10, and images of children involved in violent sexual assaults.
The defendant is on New York State parole for a 2011 manslaughter conviction, involving the death of his two-year-old daughter.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 16, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.# # # #
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Shipping Heroin to PlattsburghRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Keith M. Moses, age 31, of Paterson, New Jersey, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; Joseph Cronin, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Boston Division; and Plattsburgh City Police Chief Levi J. Ritter.
Moses admitted that between December 1, 2017 and September 5, 2018, he supplied approximately 455 grams of heroin for distribution in Plattsburgh. On approximately 65 occasions, Moses sent heroin through the U.S. Mail from New Jersey to a co-conspirator in Plattsburgh. Each of these packages contained, on average, 4.6 grams of heroin. Additionally, Moses transported larger supplies of heroin on at least three occasions from New Jersey to the co-conspirator in Ulster County, New York. Each of these packages contained, on average, 23 grams of heroin. On approximately 20 occasions, the co-conspirator travelled to New Jersey to meet with Moses and receive heroin. Each of these packages contained, on average, 4.6 grams of heroin. The co-conspirator distributed the heroin in the Plattsburgh area and returned a portion of the drug proceeds to Moses.
Moses faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, and a fine of up to $5 million, when he is sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. on October 15, 2019. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by the DEA, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Plattsburgh City Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
Monongalia County woman sentenced to 30 years for child pornographyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tara Ponceroff, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 years incarceration for child pornography, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ponceroff, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Production of Child Pornography” in February 2019. Ponceroff admitted to producing and distributing child pornography involving a minor in December 2017 in Monongalia County.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Monongalia County men indicted for firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – DeRon Parrish and Andre Parrish, both of Morgantown, West Virginia, were arraigned today after being indicted by a federal grand sitting in Clarksburg on May 7, 2019 on firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
DeRon, age 31, and Andre, age 24, were each indicted on one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” DeRon was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm as Convicted Felon.” Andre was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm as Drug User.” DeRon and Andre, both prohibited from having a firearm, are accused of having three 12-guage shotguns, suspected to be stolen, in Monongalia County in November 2018.
DeRon and Andre each face up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. 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.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mineral County man indicted for child pornographyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Danny David Wilt, of Keyser, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Martinsburg, West Virginia on May 21, 2019 for child pornography, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Wilt, age 44, is charged with one count of “Distribution of Child Pornography” one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Wilt is accused of distributing child pornography through his computer and possessing child pornography depicting a minor under the age of 12. The crimes took place in July and August 2017 in Mineral County.
Wilt faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. 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.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, and the Maryland State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Michigan and Monongalia County residents indicted for cocaine and heroin distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Six people were indicted by a federal grand sitting in Clarksburg on May 7, 2019 on drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The indictment alleges a conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine, sometimes near West Virginia University, in Monongalia County from the fall of 2017 to May 2019. Those charged are:
- Anthony Foy, also known as “Duke,” age 41, of Detroit, Michigan
- Jerel Seahorn, also known as “L,” age 33, of Detroit, Michigan
- Ronald Bowser, age 37, of Morgantown, West Virginia
- Gerald Kyler, also known as “Dave,” age 37, of Eastpointe, Michigan
- Teisha Primm, age 30, of Morgantown, West Virginia
- Andrew Parker, age 29, of Mannington, West Virginia
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, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mexican National Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Marijuana Cultivation in Wilderness Area in the Sequoia National ForestRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Felipe Angeles Valdez-Colima (Valdez), 36, of Michoacán, Mexico was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana in the Kiavah Wilderness area of the Sequoia National Forest, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd ordered Valdez to pay $7,620 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service for the damage he caused to the National Forest.
According to court documents, Valdez and his co-defendants, Mauricio Vaca-Bucio, 31, and Rodolfo Torres-Galvan, 30, both of Mexico, were apprehended after a two-month investigation. Law enforcement officers saw Valdez and Torres emerge from the forest at a drop point historically used by marijuana cultivators to access grow sites in that remote area. The men entered a Camaro driven by Vaca and were later stopped in Weldon. Officers found freshly harvested marijuana in their vehicle and located over 1,800 marijuana plants at the grow sites on the interconnected trails from the drop point. The officers also found highly toxic illegal pesticides, including carbofuran and zinc phosphide, in the Camaro and at the grow sites.
The Kiavah Wilderness is part of the National Cooperative Land and Wildlife Management Area and the Bureau of Land Management Jawbone Butterbredt Area of Critical Environmental Concern, which was designated to protect wildlife and preserve Native American heritage.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Forest Service with assistance from Enforcement and Removal Operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California National Guard, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, and Kern County Probation Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar is prosecuting the case.
On May 13, Torres was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison. Vaca is scheduled for sentencing on Aug. 5. He faces a minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, along with a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Marshall County man indicted for failing to register as a sex offenderRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Zachary Douglas Brown, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand sitting in Clarksburg on May 7, 2019 on a failure to register charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Brown, age 33, was indicted on one count of “Failure to Register.” Brown is accused of traveling across state lines and failing to register as a sex offender, as required. The crime took place between January and March 2019.
Brown faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. 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.This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae Demasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshal Service investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Marina Owner Admits Lying to the SBA to Receive Disaster Loan in Connection with Hurricane SandyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Inspector General, Small Business Administration, announced that SCOTT SUNDHOLM, 39, of Old Saybrook, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to one count of making false statements for the purpose of obtaining a Small Business Administration loan.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Sundholm owns and operates S&S Marine, LLC, a marina located in Old Saybrook. In 2016, Sundholm applied for and received a disaster loan from the Small Business Administration after claiming that Hurricane Sandy, which struck Connecticut in late October 2012, caused a tidal surge at the marina and damaged floating boat docks, a boat ramp, a bath house, a metal shop building and other structures. Sundholm also claimed that the bath house he had replaced after the hurricane was of the same size and quality as to what was in place prior to the storm.
An investigation revealed that certain claims made by Sundholm about damage that Hurricane Sandy caused his marina were not true. Sundholm had demolished the marina’s pre-existing bath house in September 2012, more than a month before Hurricane Sandy, and the bath house was dilapidated and not similar in size and quality to the new bath house that Sundholm subsequently built. In addition, no floating boat docks or boat ramps existed at the marina prior to the hurricane.
Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for September 6, 2019, at which time Sundholm faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and a fine. Sundholm has paid full restitution of $1,653,257.10 to the Small Business Administration.
Sundholm is released pending sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Man Who Used Russian Photo-Sharing Website to Obtain, Share and Advertise Child Pornography Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A former West Covina resident was sentenced today to 300 months in federal prison for uploading images of child pornography to a Russian photo-sharing website and publishing an advertisement that sought to exchange sexually-explicit images of children.
Christopher Clay Roman-Tuttle, 33, now of Spokane, Washington, who also uses the name Christopher Clay Tuttle, was sentenced by United States District Judge Percy Anderson. Once he completes the prison sentence, Tuttle will be required to register as a sex offender and will be on supervised release for the rest of his life.
Roman-Tuttle pleaded guilty in March to one count of advertising child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison.
When he pleaded guilty, Roman-Tuttle admitted that he created an online account in 2015 that he used to publish an advertisement seeking to receive, exchange and distribute child pornography. He further admitted that he posted two photo albums – one containing non-pornographic images of a minor known to him, and one of which contained images of unknown children being sexually exploited. Roman-Tuttle advertised these images and sought to obtain additional images in a statement, which read, in part: “Preteens and tween’s in diapers is cool too…. I’d love to meet up with a parent that wants to share their daughter (of course id make it worth their wile).”
In response to the advertisement, Roman-Tuttle received numerous emails over the course of two days from dozens of individuals seeking to exchange child pornography with him, and many of these individuals sent him digital files of child pornography. Roman-Tuttle admitted sending child pornography to many of these individuals. In emails to some of these other individuals, Roman-Tuttle described his desire to sexually abuse children, including the minor known to him, whom he admitted to having sexually abused in the past, according to his plea agreement.
“Based on defendant’s online activity, it is clear that defendant has a sexual interest in children, and used child pornography to seek out individuals who would allow him sexual access to other children,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo filed with the court. “In aid of this quest, defendant treated images of sexually-exploited children as currency, offering to trade images and videos from his collection to obtain his preferred images of girls between five and eight years old.”
In his plea agreement, Roman-Tuttle also admitted possessing more than 9,000 images and 330 videos of child pornography on his computer and on other devices, including images depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of infants or toddlers. He also admitted to knowingly possessing a sexually explicit image of the minor known to him.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Damaris Diaz of the Violent and Organized Crime Section.
Man Who Stole Nearly $80,000 in Social Security Disability Benefits Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who stole $78,734 in Social Security disability benefits over a nearly four year period was sentenced today to six months in federal prison. Larry Joe Hanson, Sr., age 58, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an October 30, 2018 guilty plea to theft of government property.
According to a plea agreement and information disclosed at sentencing, Hanson received Social Security disability benefits from April 2013 through March 2017 because he told the Social Security Administration he was not able to work. However, Hanson was working at a company in Cedar Rapids during this time. Hanson lied and said all of the money he was making was from renting his tools to the company and not from working. However, Hanson later asked his employer to put the wages he was making in his wife’s name because, according to Hanson, he wanted to work but could not get paid. Between April 2013 and March 2017, Hanson received $78,734 in disability benefits to which he was not entitled.
Hanson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Hanson was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $78,509.40 in restitution to the Social Security Administration. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Hanson was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jacob Schunk and Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 18-cr-73.
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Man Sentenced for Straw-Purchasing Firearms for Gang Members and FelonsRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Franklin man was sentenced today to almost four years in prison for straw-purchasing several guns for fellow Crip gang members, including felons and others planning to engage in gang-related shootouts.
“Straw purchasing firearms is a very serious crime,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Convicted felons have forfeited their Second Amendment right to bear arms, and those who choose to straw purchase firearms will be investigated, prosecuted, and held accountable for their dangerous conduct. We will continue to aggressively pursue these cases, seek to obtain felony convictions, and work with local federally licensed firearms dealers and our partners at the ATF to stop the flow of illegally purchased firearms from hitting the street.”
According to court documents, Larry Donnell Parrish III, 24, was the hub of a Franklin based straw-purchasing conspiracy involving a subset of the Crips violent street gang, the 00 Gang. Parrish, a 00 Gang member with no criminal record, purchased at least seven guns from federally licensed gun stores for other gang members who could not purchase the firearms themselves because they were felons.
“ATF is committed to keeping firearms out of the hands of gang members and those intent on committing violent crimes,” said Ashan Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Washington Field Division. “Firearms trafficking is a serious offense. This investigation highlights ATF’s commitment to protecting the public and keeping our communities safe. If you lie and buy firearms, ATF will work with our law enforcement partners across the region to ensure that you are held accountable for your crimes.”
Parrish also purchased guns for gang members who could legally buy the guns, but did not want to because they planned to commit violent crimes with the guns. Three of the guns Parrish had straw-purchased were later recovered by law enforcement while investigating other crimes, and one of the guns was recovered in Washington, D.C. only 10 days after Parrish had bought the gun.
“This individual illegally obtained firearms to commit further, potentially violent, criminal activity with fellow Crip gang members,” said Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Norfolk. “There’s a reason straw-purchasing is not permitted, and that’s because weapons end up in the hands of dangerous criminals. Thanks to the quick actions of our federal and local partners, we’ve taken a source for violent crime off the streets.”
As a known drug-user, Parrish is prohibited from possessing a gun. After he straw-purchased the guns, police caught him with yet another gun, an extended magazine, and marijuana.
“Participation with our federal partners through task force endeavors such as Project Safe Neighborhoods has enabled our agency to address numerous concerns,” said Robert Porti, Deputy Chief of Franklin Police. “Joint investigations such as this, involving Mr. Parrish, have been successful in apprehending and prosecuting criminals as well as those that support and enable criminal operations. We appreciate and look forward to continuing joint investigations aimed at further reducing crime within our city and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division; Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk; and Robert Porti, Deputy Chief of Franklin Police Department, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Jackson prosecuted 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. 2:18-cr-150.
Madras Man Sentenced to Probation for Discharging Firearm During Road Rage Incident on Warm Springs Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Dat Quoc Do, 28, of Madras, Oregon, was sentenced today to three years’ probation after being convicted at trial for the unlawful use of a firearm during a road rage altercation on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation in September 2017.
According to court documents and information shared during trial, on September 14, 2017, Do was riding in the front passenger seat of a vehicle driven by his girlfriend. The two were driving at night eastbound on Highway 26 on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation when they came upon another eastbound vehicle being driven by an adult member of the tribe. Also in the second vehicle were the driver’s adult daughter and her 12-year-old niece.
Do’s girlfriend was driving aggressively and tailgating the crime victims’ vehicle for over a mile when the crime victim motioned for her to pass. At some point in the encounter, the driver’s adult teen daughter threw a water bottle at, but did not hit Do’s vehicle. In response, Do fired several shots out the front passenger window of their vehicle, but did not hit the crime victims’ vehicle. After the initial shooting, Do’s girlfriend raised the passenger window and continued to tailgate the other vehicle. When she had a clear lane to pass, Do’s girlfriend moved to change lanes.
As Do’s girlfriend began to overtake the other car, Do extended his hand holding a handgun out of their vehicle’s front passenger window. Believing that Do was pointing the gun in her direction, the victim driver rapidly applied her brakes. Do fired several additional rounds as they drove away.
The victim driver called Warm Springs Tribal Police to report the incident while continuing to follow Do’s vehicle. A patrol officer later stopped their vehicle and ordered Do and his girlfriend out at gunpoint. Both were taken into custody. Officers recovered a Springfield Armory XD .45 caliber handgun in the front-passenger door pocket of the vehicle and a .45 caliber magazine partially loaded with five rounds in the center console.
During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Simon ordered Do to pay $1,158 in restitution to his victims to cover their lost wages during trial preparation and mileage to and from pretrial meetings, trial and sentencing in Portland.
On March 15, 2019, Do was convicted by a federal jury in Portland on two counts of unlawful use of a weapon.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department and prosecuted by Paul T. Maloney and Lewis S. Burkhart, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
On March 3, 1994, the FBI initiated “Operation Safe Trails” with the Navajo Department of Law Enforcement in Flagstaff, Arizona. The operation, which would later evolve into the Safe Trails Task Force (STTF) Program, unites FBI and other federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in a collaborative effort to combat the growth of crime in Indian Country. STTFs allow participating agencies to combine limited resources and increase investigative coordination in Indian Country to target violent crime, drugs, gangs, and gaming violations.
LaVergne Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – June 10, 2019 – Jimmy Johnson, Jr., 45, of LaVergne, Tennessee, was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court to 15 years in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee. Johnson was indicted in March 2018 and pleaded guilty in February.
According to court documents, in February 2018, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies were conducting an investigation and executed a search warrant at Johnson’s home in Antioch, Tennessee. During the search, agents recovered 940 grams of cocaine and also recovered marijuana and crack cocaine. Agents also recovered evidence consistent with powder cocaine recently being cooked into crack cocaine. Two loaded semi-automatic handguns, a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson and a 9mm Sig Sauer, were also found during the search.
Johnson’s criminal history included prior convictions for possession with intent to sell cocaine; being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm; and aggravated assault. U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell, Jr., found that Johnson qualified as an Armed Career Criminal and subject to sentence enhancement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department; and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Montminy prosecuted the case.
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Kelley's Island man indicted for child pornography offensesRead the Press Release
A Kelley's Island man was indicted in federal court on child pornography charges.
James William Campbell, 47, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of promoting and distributing obscene or sexually explicit material of minors.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigating agency in this case is the U.S. Secret Service. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracey Ballard Tangeman and Ashley A. Futrell.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Justice Department Reaches Settlement Agreement with York County, South Carolina, to End Hiring Practices that Discriminate Against Applicants with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced that it reached a settlement agreement with York County, South Carolina, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The agreement resolves the Department’s lawsuit alleging that the county discriminated against an applicant on the basis of his disability, dwarfism, when he sought to apply for a Purchasing Manager position. The complaint alleges that York County required applicants for the Purchasing Manager position to possess a driver’s license even though having a driver’s license is not essential to performing the job functions of the position. By requiring a driver’s license, the county unfairly screened out the applicant, who because of his disability does not possess a driver’s license, but who was otherwise qualified for the position. Additionally, the complaint alleges that York County failed to provide the applicant with a reasonable accommodation, such as waiving the driver’s license requirement, that would have allowed him to participate in the application process.
The settlement agreement requires York County to revise its policies to ensure compliance with the ADA, designate an ADA Coordinator, ensure that its job listings list only essential job functions as mandatory requirements, train relevant employees on the ADA, and report to the Department of Justice on implementation of the agreement. York County will also pay the applicant $20,000 in compensatory damages. This matter was based on a referral from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Charlotte District Office, which conducted a thorough investigation of the facts.
“Unnecessary barriers in the hiring process can lead to discrimination against individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to fighting for equal opportunity in job competition and applauds York County for agreeing to eliminate extraneous job requirements that may limit their pool of potential employees.”
“People with disabilities deserve the opportunity to compete for jobs on a level playing field,” said U.S. Attorney Sherri A. Lydon. “This settlement agreement ensures that people with disabilities will have an equal chance to compete for public sector jobs. We commend York County for its cooperation and efforts to ensure accessibility and fairness in the job application process.”
For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. For more information on the Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section, please call the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit www.ada.gov.
The settlement agreement can be found here.
Jacksonville Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to More Than 18 Years for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard today sentenced Todd Levant Asbey Sr. (48, Jacksonville) for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Asbey, who was on federal supervised release at the time of the offense, received sentences of 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for illegally possessing the firearm and 2 years 6 months’ imprisonment (to be served consecutively) for violating the terms and conditions of his supervised release. Asbey had pleaded guilty on March 5, 2019.
According to the plea agreement and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, on March 11, 2018, Asbey entered a Waffle House restaurant in Jacksonville carrying a 9 mm pistol, in search of an individual whom he believed had stolen his cellphone. After accosting a customer and striking him in the head, Asbey went out into the restaurant parking lot and discharged the pistol toward the customer and another individual, missing both. Patrol officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded pursuant to 911 calls and arrested Asbey as he was leaving the scene in a vehicle being driven by a friend. In the vehicle, officers found the pistol Asbey had fired and two other firearms. The officers also located a cartridge case in the Waffle House parking lot that matched the pistol fired by Asbey. At the time, Asbey had multiple prior felony convictions, including a conviction for robbery and three convictions for possession of narcotics with intent to distribute, and was therefore prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Independence Woman Who Purchased Gun Used in Fatal Shooting Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., woman who purchased the firearm used by a 14-year-old in a fatal shooting has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to drug trafficking.
Rebecca McCrorey, 39, pleaded guilty before U.S. chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Friday, June 7, to maintaining a drug-involved premises.
Independence police officers were dispatched to McCrorey’s residence on July 7, 2018, in regard to a shooting. Officers found the deceased adult victim in the living room. A 14-year-old has been charged in Jackson County Circuit Court in relation to the fatal shooting. According to court documents, McCrorey had recently purchased two Taurus 9mm handguns. The 14-year-old suspect allegedly used one of those firearms in the fatal shooting.
Officers searched the residence and found a bag containing 63.85 grams of methamphetamine in McCrorey’s bedroom. By pleading guilty, McCrorey admitted that she unlawfully and knowingly used her residence for the purpose of using and storing methamphetamine from March 1 to July 7, 2018.
Under federal statutes, McCrorey is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years 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 Joseph M. Marquez. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department.
Illegal Radio Station Broadcasting in Worcester Agrees to SettlementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office has reached a settlement with Vasco Oburoni and Christian Praise International Church regarding a radio station in Worcester that has been operating without a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
According to a consent decree filed today and subject to Court approval, Vasco Oburoni and Christian Praise International Church agree not to operate an unlicensed radio station in violation of the Communications Act of 1934. They also agree to surrender all of their broadcasting equipment. In the event the FCC reasonably suspects that they have violated the Act, the FCC may inspect the premises and seize any broadcasting equipment. Finally, if the FCC determines that the defendants have operated an unlicensed broadcasting station in violation of the settlement, the defendants must pay a $75,000 fine.
According to the signed consent decree, Vasco Oburoni and Christian Praise International Church admitted that they operated a radio broadcast station in Worcester, on frequency 97.1 MHz, without a license from the FCC, and previously operated an unlicensed radio station on frequency 102.3 MHz. The FCC issued multiple warnings to the illegal operators and issued a forfeiture order in the amount of $15,000 against Oburoni for repeated violation of the Communications Act of 1934. Oburoni agreed to a payment plan, but later began broadcasting again without a license on a different frequency. The FCC received complaints, including from a licensed broadcaster that the unlicensed station was interfering with radio signals.
The Communications Act of 1934 prohibits the operation of radio broadcasting equipment above certain low-intensity thresholds without a license issued by the FCC. The Act authorizes the Department of Justice, at the request of the FCC, to seek an injunction ordering compliance with the Communications Act against operators broadcasting without an FCC license. The number of available radio frequencies is limited, and unlicensed broadcasting can interfere with the broadcasting of legitimate licensed radio stations, potentially causing chaos in the radio spectrum.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Rosemary Harold, Chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head of Lelling’s Asset Recovery Unit is handling the matter.
Hammond Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Being Felon in Possession of a Firearm Charge and Armed Career CriminalRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, United States District Court Judge, Jane Triche Milazzo, sentenced ALFRED MONTGOMERY, age 29, of Hammond, to 15 years of imprisonment for violating the federal law of being a felon in possession of a firearm. MONTGOMERY received a sentence of 5 years after pleading guilty to distribution of marijuana. The sentences, which will run concurrently, will be served in the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons. MONTGOMERY’s 15 year sentence, imposed for two separate counts of felon in possession of a firearm, are mandatory minimum sentences imposed under the federal Armed Career Criminal Act. The Act enhances the sentence of individuals who have been previously convicted of certain crimes of violence. MONTGOMERY was previously convicted of seven counts of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling in Tangipahoa Parish.
MONTGOMERY’s case has been designated as a Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) case. 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.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hammond Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
Greene County Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Leondus Garrett a/k/a Benjamin Cash, 31, of McLain, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 136 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U. S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Garrett was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
Beginning in June 2017, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics utilized a confidential informant to buy methamphetamine from Garrett on two separate occasions. On March 8, 2019, Garrett pled guilty to a Criminal Information charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Meynardie.
Four Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Four drug dealers were sentenced to prison today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.
“The message is clear – we don’t want drug dealers in our communities,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Cocaine. Fentanyl. Methamphetamine. Heroin. And for peddling their poisons in and around Huntington, these drug dealers received prison sentences ranging from 34 to 87 months in federal prison.”
Elizabeth Powers, 29, of Barboursville, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Powers previously admitted that on June 14, 2018, she was pulled over on I-64 in Wayne County. Officers found a black bag in her vehicle that contained one kilogram of cocaine. She told officers she intended to sell the cocaine for money. The Kenova Police Department conducted the investigation.
Brandon Scott Kidd, 39, of Huntington, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for selling fentanyl and methamphetamine. Kidd previously pled guilty to distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine in federal court in Huntington. On July 16, 2018, an informant working at the direction of the Sheriff’s Department went to Kidd’s residence located at 831 15th Street in Huntington to purchase fentanyl. Insider the residence, Kidd sold the informant fentanyl in exchange for $220. Kidd then offered to sell, and sold, the informant methamphetamine in addition to the fentanyl. Later that day, deputies executed a search warrant at Kidd’s residence. During the search, deputies recovered approximately 12 grams of fentanyl and approximately 48 grams of methamphetamine. As part of his plea agreement, Kidd admitted that he distributed fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine in Huntington between July of 2017 and July of 2018. Kidd further admitted that he allowed others to stay in his residence for the purchase of storing and selling drugs. The FBI Drug Task Force and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation.
Oshae Hamilton, 25, of Huntington was sentenced to 39 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin. Hamilton previously admitted that on June 27, 2018, West Virginia Parole Services and members of the Huntington Police Department located approximately 60 grams of heroin in his residence. He admitted to officers that he intended to sell the heroin.
Curtis Traylor, also known as “Gurt”, 51, of Huntington, was sentenced today to 34 months for distributing heroin in Huntington, West Virginia. Traylor previously admitted that on October 12, 2017, he met a confidential informant and drove to the Family Dollar in Huntington. He gave the informant six grams of heroin in exchange for $400.
The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigations of Hamilton and Traylor.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecutions of Powers, Hamilton and Traylor. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution of Kidd.
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###Former pro baseball player sentenced to federal prison in Operation Vanilla GorillaRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A former professional baseball player has been sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking network dismantled in Operation Vanilla Gorilla.
Darren J. Driggers, also known as “DJ” and “eBay,” 26, of Bloomingdale, Ga., was sentenced to 57 months in prison by U.S. District Judge R. Stan Baker for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substances and for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
At the completion of his incarceration, Driggers will be on supervised release for three years. There is no parole in the federal system. Because he was on probation when he committed his offense, his federal sentence will be served consecutively to his sentence for violating probation.
In November 2018, a federal grand jury indicted Driggers and 42 other defendants as part of Operation Vanilla Gorilla, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation into a drug trafficking organization associated with the Ghost Face Gangsters, a violent criminal street gang. Of the 43 defendants, 41 have been convicted of federal charges in this multi-district case.
According to information presented in court filings and testimony, Driggers and other conspirators, including associates of the Ghost Face Gangsters, distributed crystal methamphetamine throughout southern Georgia. Driggers, a convicted felon, also possessed and sold stolen firearms to conspirators to assist the drug trafficking organization by promoting a climate of fear. During the investigation, Driggers bragged to federal agents that he was nicknamed “eBay” because he sold stolen goods via social media platforms.
Prior to his criminal activity, Driggers was selected in June 2012 in the 22nd round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Detroit Tigers. The following year he received a 50-game suspension after failing a drug test, and in January 2014 he was released from the MLB after positive drug screens. Driggers explained to the United States Probation Office that “I decided I liked meth better than baseball.”
“DJ Driggers was a gifted athlete who did what thousands of hard-working athletes can only dream about: He was chosen to play professional sports,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “Instead, he fouled out of his once-promising career by abusing illegal drugs, squandering a truly major-league opportunity and will now spend half a decade in prison for gun and drug charges.”
“This is yet another example of the law enforcement community working together to make our streets and communities a safer place to live, said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Dismantling these violent drug trafficking networks continues to be a priority for ATF and our law enforcement partners.”
“Methamphetamine continues to dominate the country as the most abused illicit drug,” said Jamie Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the Savannah Office of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). “Driggers is just one of many victims whose lives have been destroyed because of meth. However, Driggers made the decision to become a distributor of this poison, which in turn affected countless others. This was his downfall, as distributors become targets of law enforcement and go to prison or in some cases end up dead in the street. Fortunately for Driggers, he goes to prison and not the graveyard.”
Operation Vanilla Gorilla was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), the premier U.S. Department of Justice program to dismantle multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking organizations. The case was investigated by the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the GBI, the Chatham County Narcotics Team (CNT), the Georgia Department of Corrections Intelligence Division, the Savannah Police Department, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, the Richmond Hill Police Department, the Pooler Police Department, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Bloomingdale Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys E. Greg Gilluly Jr. and Frank Pennington.
Former Urbandale Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on June 5, 2019, Kacey Alyn Duall Bruse, age 23, was sentenced by United States District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Possession of Child Pornography. Bruse was sentenced to 70 months in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release of six years. Bruse was ordered to pay $3,000 to each victim seeking restitution.
The investigation began in June 2017, when an undercover Urbandale Police Officer downloaded images of child pornography from an IP address, later identified as being used by Bruse. Bruse was making the files available for download via a peer-to-peer file sharing program. Later in June 2017, police executed a search warrant at Bruse’s Urbandale residence. Police seized computer equipment belonging to Bruse that stored depictions of child pornography. The investigation showed Bruse downloaded child pornography from the internet from about March 13, 2014 to June 21, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Urbandale Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Former Owners of T-Mobile Retail Store Arrested on Federal Charges Alleging $25 Million Scheme to Illicitly Unlock Cell PhonesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Two men who formerly owned a T-Mobile retail store in Eagle Rock were arrested this morning on federal charges that allege a scheme to use stolen T-Mobile employee credentials to illegally infiltrate the mobile phone company’s internal computer systems to “unlock” cell phones so they could be used on any carrier’s network. The defendants were arrested pursuant to a 21-count grand jury indictment outlining the scheme that investigators believe earned the two men more than $25 million.
Argishti Khudaverdyan, 41, of Burbank, and Alen Gharehbagloo, 40, of La Cañada Flintridge, are charged with multiple felonies, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, computer fraud and money laundering. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of more than $2.25 million seized from several bank accounts and residential properties allegedly purchased with ill-gotten gains.
Khudaverdyan and Gharehbagloo are expected to be arraigned on the indictment this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
According to the indictment, for the first six months of 2017, Khudaverdyan and Gharehbagloo were co-owners of Top Tier Solutions, Inc., a T-Mobile premium retail store in the Eagle Rock Plaza in Northeastern Los Angeles. During this time, most cellular phone companies – including T-Mobile – “locked” their customers’ phones so they could be used only on the company’s network until the customers’ phone-purchase and service contracts had been fulfilled. If customers wanted to switch to a different carrier, their phones had to be “unlocked.”
Khudaverdyan and Gharehbagloo allegedly conspired to fraudulently unlock T-Mobile phones, which would allow T-Mobile customers to stop using T-Mobile’s services and thereby deprive T-Mobile of revenue generated from customers’ service contracts and equipment installment plans. The defendants also allegedly conspired to “whitelist” or “clean” phones that had been reported lost or stolen so they could be activated again.
Between August 2014 and January 2019, Khudaverdyan and Gharehbagloo allegedly advertised their unlocking services through brokers, email solicitations and websites such as unlocks247.com. The defendants falsely claimed they provided “official” T-Mobile unlocks.
In order to gain unauthorized access to T-Mobile’s protected internal computers, Khudaverdyan obtained T-Mobile employees’ credentials through various means, including phishing emails that appeared to be legitimate T-Mobile correspondence. The fraudulent emails were used by Khudaverdyan to deceive T-Mobile employees to log in with their employee credentials so that Khudaverdyan could harvest the employees’ information and fraudulently unlock the phones, according to the indictment. Khudaverdyan and Gharehbagloo, assisted by a co-conspirator, allegedly used the Wi-Fi access points inside T-Mobile Stores to log onto the company’s internal network using compromised employee credentials.
Investigators have determined that Khudaverdyan and Gharehbagloo obtained more than $25 million for these illicit activities. They allegedly used these illegal proceeds to pay for, among other things, real properties in Burbank, Northridge and La Cañada Flintridge.
The indictment in this case was returned by a federal grand jury on June 6 and unsealed today.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If Khudaverdyan is convicted of all 17 counts in which he is charged, he would face a statutory maximum of 237 years in federal prison. If convicted of all 15 counts with which he is charged, Gharehbagloo would face a statutory maximum of 235 years in federal prison.
This matter is being investigated by the United States Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force (ECTF) in Los Angeles and IRS Criminal Investigation’s Western Area Cyber Crime Unit. The ECTF includes representatives of the Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennie L. Wang of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section and Special Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Waters of the Asset Forfeiture Section.
Former Investment Bank Employee Sentenced for Insider Trading SchemeRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that WOOJAE JUNG, a/k/a “Steve Jung,” was sentenced in Manhattan federal court by U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan to three months in prison for insider trading.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Woojae Jung used material nonpublic information stolen from his investment bank employer to net nearly $130,000 in illegal gains. His conviction and sentence signal that those who aim to profit by stealing confidential information from their employers and clients will be held accountable. Our Office will continue to fight insider trading to protect the integrity of the marketplace.”
According to the Indictment, the allegations in the Complaint, and statements made during the proceedings in Manhattan federal court:
WOOJAE JUNG, a/k/a “Steve Jung,” worked at an investment bank (the “Investment Bank”) that provided, among other services, financing and consulting to clients in connection with mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructurings. The Investment Bank has offices around the world, including in New York, New York, and San Francisco, California. JUNG was a vice president. In his role as a vice president at the Investment Bank, JUNG had access to, among other materials, electronic files maintained on the Investment Bank’s computer server, including files containing material nonpublic information (“MNPI”) relating to various clients.
JUNG used his position at the Investment Bank to obtain MNPI about a number of the Investment Bank’s clients and then, in multiple instances, JUNG used that MNPI to execute profitable securities trades. In an effort to conceal this illicit trading, JUNG conducted these illegal trades through a brokerage account held in the name of another person (the “Brokerage Account”). In contravention of his employer’s rules about outside investment accounts, including that such accounts be disclosed to the Investment Bank, JUNG secretly accessed, used, and traded in the Brokerage Account repeatedly between in or about 2015 and in or about 2017, including on hundreds of occasions when the account was accessed through IP addresses subscribed in JUNG’s name.
Over the course of the scheme JUNG traded in the securities of at least 10 companies based on MNPI and made more than approximately $130,000.
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In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Kaplan sentenced JUNG, 38, of San Francisco, California, to two years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $30,000 fine and to forfeit $130,000.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He also thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission, which previously filed civil charges against JUNG in a separate action.
The prosecution of this case is being overseen by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Thomas is in charge of the case.