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Friday 26 April 2019
Springfield Man Charged with Threatening to Murder Federal Law Enforcement OfficerRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Springfield man was charged yesterday in federal court in Worcester with threatening to murder a federal law enforcement officer.
Carlos Maldonado, 30, was charged with threatening to murder a federal law enforcement officer in retaliation for the federal officer’s performance of his official duties. Maldonado is presently serving a 42-month federal sentence, a compilation of a 30-month sentence as a result of his conviction for cocaine distribution in 2016, and a consecutive 12-month sentence for his violation of supervised release conditions related to a prior conviction for distributing heroin in 2014.
If convicted on the charge of threatening a federal law enforcement officer, Maldonado faces a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg A. Friedholm of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Somerville Man Sentenced for Assaulting Two Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Somerville man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for assaulting two federal officers.
Jessi Tombari, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to time served, one year of supervised release, and 150 hours of community service. In November 2018, Tombari pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with assaulting two federal officers.
On the afternoon of April 23, 2018, Tombari approached a uniformed member of the Federal Protective Service, who was on routine patrol outside of the Moakley Federal Courthouse in Boston. Tombari asked the officer if he had a weapon, and then attempted to take the weapon from the officer. An altercation ensued, and a Deputy United States Marshal, who was also on routine patrol, interceded and eventually the two officers were able to place Tombari into custody.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Timothy Bane, Regional Director, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service; and John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine prosecuted the case.
San Francisco Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO –Roland Aujero was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Susan Illston, Senior U.S. District Judge.
Aujero, 49, formerly of San Francisco, pleaded guilty to the charge on November 30, 2018. According to his plea agreement, for the past several years, Aujero worked as a substitute teacher in San Francisco, South San Francisco, Mill Valley, San Rafael, and San Diego. As of April 26, 2017, he possessed approximately 20 videos and more than 300 photographic images depicting child pornography. Further, Aujero used messenger services to engage in chats with juveniles as young as 8 years old; Aujero admitted he has requested to meet juveniles during the chats.
On June 5, 2018, a federal grand jury indicted Aujero charging him with one count of possession of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(4)(B). Aujero pleaded guilty to the charge.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Illston sentenced Aujero to a 5-year term of supervised release. He has been remanded into custody since entering his guilty plea and will begin serving his sentence immediately.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan U. Lee is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kimberly Richardson and Hector Lopez. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the San Francisco Police Department’s Special Victims Unit.
The guardians of all known victims in this case have been contacted. If you have additional information about this case or other suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children, please report the information to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.
San Francisco Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Launder Money for Illegal Gambling Business Operating in Sacramento and ElsewhereRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Bar Shani, 27, of San Francisco, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to launder money, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, between October 2016 and November 2017, Shani conspired to launder the cash proceeds of an illegal gambling business run by Orel Gohar, 28, of San Francisco, and Yaniv Gohar, 35, of Berkeley, that placed and maintained video slot machines at businesses in Northern California, including Sacramento and other locations in the Eastern District of California.
According to court documents, Shani conspired with Atir Dadon, 34, of Sherman Oaks, and Orel Gohar to launder the proceeds of the gambling business. They agreed that Shani and Dadon would take the cash from the gambling business and use it to pay the workers in their cosmetics business. In exchange, Shani and Dadon would arrange for Orel Gohar to receive checks from the cosmetics business. Dadon indicated in the memo lines on the checks that Orel Gohar had provided consulting and training services when in fact, he had not. They used code words in their conversations about the transactions, referring to the money as bottles of alcohol or other non-cash items. Between October 2016 and November 2017, Shani and Dadon laundered over $150,000 from the Gohars’ gambling business. Dadon pleaded guilty on April 5.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice – Bureau of Gambling Control. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew M. Yelovich and Miriam R. Hinman are prosecuting the case.
Yaniv Gohar and Orel Gohar fled the United States after their arrest in December 2017 and remain at large. Anyone with information about their whereabouts should call the FBI at (916) 746-7000.
Charges are pending against co‑defendants Adam Atari, 35, of Sherman Oaks; Raz Razla, 48, of Sherman Oaks; and Eran Buhbut, 33, of Oakland. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Shani and Dadon are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. on July 12. They face a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, whichever is greater. 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.
Saco Woman Pleads Guilty to Social Security Fraud and Theft of Public MoneyRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Kelly L. McCabe, 36, of Saco, Maine, pled guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to social security fraud and theft of public money.
According to court records, McCabe applied for Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) on behalf of her two daughters, who were found eligible to receive such benefits in 2006 and 2008, respectively. SSI benefits are paid to people with limited income who are blind, disabled, or elderly. Beneficiaries who are unable to care for themselves may seek the appointment of a representative payee who is responsible for spending the beneficiary’s benefits on their day-to-day needs. McCabe was appointed representative payee for her two daughters. In 2012, McCabe lost custody of her daughters and they were placed into the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. After losing custody, McCabe continued to collect her daughters’ SSI benefits until July 2017 by concealing from the Social Security Administration (“SSA”), her daughters’ absence from her home and her personal use of their benefits. McCabe was also a recipient of SSI benefits and her use of her daughters’ benefits reduced her eligibility to receive SSI benefits, resulting in an additional loss to the benefit program.
McCabe faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for social security fraud and up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine for theft of public money charge. She also faces up to three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by SSA’s Office of the Inspector General and the Maine Department of Health & Human Services’ Fraud Investigation and Recovery Unit.
Russian National Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Act as an Agent of the Russian Federation Within the United StatesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Mariia Butina, a Russian national, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison after earlier pleading guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government.
The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jessie K. Liu, and Assistant Director in Charge Nancy McNamara of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
Butina, 30, a Russian citizen who had been residing in Washington D.C., pled guilty on Dec. 13, 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. She was sentenced by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. Following her incarceration, she is to be deported to Russia.
According to the government’s evidence, from approximately 2015 to 2017, Butina acted as an agent of a Russian government official. Under his direction, she provided key information about Americans who were in a position to influence United States politics and took steps to establish an unofficial line of communication between Russia and these Americans. As described in the plea documents, Butina sought to do so for the benefit of the Russian Federation. She took these actions without providing the required notifications to the Attorney General that she was in fact acting as an agent of the Russian Federation.
Butina was arrested on July 15, 2018, in Washington, D.C., and has been in custody ever since. Butina will get credit for the time she already has served. The court also granted a government motion that led to a reduced sentence in the case.
The investigation into this matter was conducted by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erik M. Kenerson, Thomas N. Saunders, and Jolie Zimmerman of the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney William A. Mackie of the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Russian National Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Act as an Agent of the Russian Federation within the United StatesRead the Press Release
Mariia Butina, a Russian national, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison after earlier pleading guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government.
The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jessie K. Liu, and Assistant Director in Charge Nancy McNamara of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
Butina, 30, a Russian citizen who had been residing in Washington D.C., pled guilty on Dec. 13, 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. She was sentenced by Judge Tanya S. Chutkan. Following her incarceration, she is to be deported to Russia.
According to the government’s evidence, from approximately 2015 to 2017, Butina acted as an agent of a Russian government official. Under his direction, she provided key information about Americans who were in a position to influence United States politics and took steps to establish an unofficial line of communication between Russia and these Americans. As described in the plea documents, Butina sought to do so for the benefit of the Russian Federation. She took these actions without providing the required notifications to the Attorney General that she was in fact acting as an agent of the Russian Federation.
Butina was arrested on July 15, 2018, in Washington, D.C., and has been in custody ever since. Butina will get credit for the time she already has served. The court also granted a government motion that led to a reduced sentence in the case.
The investigation into this matter was conducted by the FBI’s Washington Field Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erik M. Kenerson, Thomas N. Saunders, and Jolie Zimmerman of the National Security Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney William A. Mackie of the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Roff Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Methamphetamine Distribution, Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Stephen-Dean Dollard Schmidt, age 27, of Roff, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release for Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841 (b)(1)(B); and for Possession Of Firearm In Furtherance Of Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). The charges arose as a result from an investigation by the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office, the Ada Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Indictment alleged that on or about April 15, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The Indictment further alleged that on or about April 15, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, knowingly possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime for which he may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, that is, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, as alleged in the Indictment.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said. “When drugs and guns are in the hands of a drug dealer, community safety is put in jeopardy. The Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office, the Ada Police Department, the ATF, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office worked together to make a community safer. This is a great example of interagency teamwork having a positive impact for the people we serve.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.
Rochester Man Sentenced on Drug and Gun Charges, Forfeits over $230,000 of Drug ProceedsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Ramon Perdomo, 38, of Greece, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, was sentenced to serve 135 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katelyn M. Hartford and Sean C. Eldridge, who handled the case, stated that law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence at 164 Sheraton Drive in the Town of Greece on April 20, 2018. During the search, officers found approximately 80 grams of crack cocaine, 42 grams of powder cocaine, and $238,237 United States currency, which consisted of proceeds from the defendant’s cocaine drug sales. Officers also found a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and bullets in a closet located off the kitchen, as well as evidence of drug dealing and packaging throughout the house. At the time of his arrest, Perdomo was on probation for a prior felony conviction and was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The defendant forfeited $238,237 in drug proceeds.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Ray Donovan, Special Agent-in-Charge; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Monroe County Heroin Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La'Ron D. Singletary; the Gates Police Department, under the direction of Chief James VanBrederode; and the Monroe County DA’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley.
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Richmond Woman Convicted by Federal Jury for Trafficking OxycodoneRead the Press Release
Lexington — A federal jury has found Patsy Wardle, a 65 year old woman from Richmond, Kentucky, guilty of conspiring to distribute oxycodone. The jury also found Wardle guilty of two additional counts of distributing oxycodone on February 16, 2018 and March 7, 2018. The jury convicted Wardle on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, following a 3-day trial in U.S. District Court.
According to trial testimony, Wardle and her co-conspirators, Shannon Allen, Bianca Pennington, Malik Chapman, and others, worked together to distribute oxycodone throughout Richmond, Kentucky and surrounding areas. Chapman and others were responsible for transporting oxycodone pills from Detroit, Michigan to Richmond, Kentucky, where Allen and Pennington would further distribute the pills to local drug dealers, like Wardle. Wardle primarily distributed the pills from her home in Richmond.
Wardle’s co-defendants, Shannon Allen, Bianca Pennington, Malik Chapman, Robert May, Doug Mayfield, Ryan Jones, Alyssa Parrish, and Victoria Grimes all pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute oxycodone prior to trial.
Wardle is scheduled to be sentenced on August 29, 2019, at the federal courthouse in Lexington. Wardle and her co-defendants face sentences of imprisonment of not more than 20 years. The Court will impose a sentence after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal statutes.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Christopher Evans, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Commissioner Richard Sanders, Kentucky State Police; Chief James Ebert, Richmond Police Department; Sheriff Mike Coyle, Madison County Sheriff’s Department; and Chief David Gregory, Berea Police Department jointly announced the jury’s verdict.
Rhode Island Foreclosed Property Preservationist Charged in $10 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
An East Greenwich, Rhode Island, woman whose business specialized in preserving the current condition of foreclosed homes for resale has been charged in U.S. District Court in Providence, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Kristina O'Connell, and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta. The defendant allegedly operated a scheme whereby she raised and pocketed millions of dollars from investors, often times family members, friends, and business associates, by misrepresenting to them that she needed to raise tens of thousands of dollars for various repair projects. In return for their investment, investors were promised a return of 50 percent of the profit.
According to Court documents, it is alleged that Monique N. Brady, 44, misrepresented projects and solicited multiple bids for significantly more money than an individual project required. Brady performed relatively menial tasks such as grass mowing, snow removal, boiler service, etc., for as little as $20, but represented the bids to investors as full-fledged rehabilitation projects costing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
It is alleged that Brady, owner and operator of MNB LLC, often convinced investors to invest substantial amounts of money claiming she had been awarded Freddie Mac rehabilitation projects, when in fact the projects were associated with real estate entities other than Freddie Mac. Brady allegedly used the Freddie Mac name to provide more credibility to her fraudulent solicitations.
A review of bank and other financial records revealed that Brady allegedly received approximately $10,076,291 in investments from 32 individuals based on numerous false and fraudulent representations. Many of these investors had close and personal relationships with Brady, including close friends, her step-brother and the former nanny for her children. The complaint charges that numerous investors suffered substantial harm as a result Brady’s fraudulent conduct, including an elderly woman who lost nearly all of her life savings and another elderly man with Alzheimer’s disease who lost his life savings to Brady.
As part of the alleged scheme, Brady often paid back some of the money she received from one investor with monies received from another. By the time the scheme ended after its discovery in the summer of 2018, 23 individuals had allegedly lost approximately $4,495,237 to Brady.
Monique Brady appeared today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond on a Criminal Complaint charging her with wire fraud.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee H. Vilker and Tax Division Trial Attorney Christopher P. O’Donnell.
A Criminal Complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Randolph County woman admits to methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Gina Carol McCauley, of Beverly, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
McCauley, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “False Statement in Connection with the Acquisition of a Firearm.” McCauley admitted to conspiring with another to distribute methamphetamine in Randolph County from March to November of 2018. McCauley also admitted to lying to a firearms dealer when purchasing a .380 caliber pistol and 49 rounds of .380 caliber ammunition.
McCauley faces at least five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for the drug count and up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge. 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, the Greater Harrison Drug &Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the West Virginia State Police, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Buckhannon Police Department, and the Weston Police Department investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Prison Spells the end of the Road for Cahokia Man who led Police on High-Speed ChaseRead the Press Release
A man who once bragged about outrunning the cops won’t be going anywhere for a while. Lee E. Nichols, 35, of Cahokia, Illinois, has been sentenced to 71 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing methamphetamine and a gun, United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft announced. United States District Judge Staci M. Yandle handed down the sentence, which the parties agreed to in advance as part of a negotiated plea agreement. Nichols was also ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release and must forfeit the gun.
Court proceedings revealed that sometime around midnight on June 21, 2017, a Dupo police officer attempted a traffic stop on a Corvette that Nichols was driving. Nichols fled and led police on a high-speed chase. The pursuit was eventually terminated for safety reasons on the Jefferson Barracks Bridge headed into Missouri, but recognizing Nichols from past encounters, officers obtained warrants for his arrest and immediately began looking for him. Meanwhile, just two hours after speeding away from police, Nichols posted about his reckless getaway on Facebook, boasting that he had been going over 120 mph. A week later, Nichols uploaded a braggadocios video to his Facebook page about his run from the law, claiming he would do it again and threatening to hurt any police officer who got in his way.
On July 16, 2017, Nichols was caught when an off-duty Dupo police officer recognized him at a bar in Columbia, Illinois. On-duty officers arrived and immediately arrested Nichols on the outstanding warrants. During the arrest, officers discovered .8 grams of methamphetamine in Nichols’ front pants pocket and a loaded Colt .22 pistol in his back pocket. Nichols is legally barred from possessing a firearm as a result of his criminal history, which includes a 2003 conviction for aggravated assault.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Dupo Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hoell.
Prescription Drug “Take Back Day” in the Eastern District of WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane – Joseph H. Harrington, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Saturday, April 27, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., is National Prescription Drug “Take Back Day.” This event will give the public its 17th opportunity in nine years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington will be partnering this Saturday with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Spokane Police Department, and other community partners at C.O.P.S. North Central/Knox Presbyterian Church, 806 W. Knox Avenue, Spokane.
U.S. Attorney Harrington said, “Participating in drug take-back events is one step that individuals can do to help positively impact the opioid crisis and protect their loved ones. Opioid overdoses have skyrocketed since the late 1990’s, becoming the worst drug epidemic in modern American history. Over 42,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses in recent years – more than deaths from automobile accidents or firearm-related homicides.”
Last fall, Americans turned in nearly 460 tons (more than 900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and almost 4,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Of those numbers, Washington State collected 15,604 pounds of prescription drugs at approximately 96 collections sites operated by the DEA and 85 of its state and local law enforcement partners. In its 16 previous “take back” events, Washington State along has collected 224,037 pounds of prescription drugs. Overall, in its 16 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in almost 11 million pounds – nearly 5,500 tons – of pills.
The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Liquids, needles, or sharps cannot be accepted at the sites, only pills or patches.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows year after year that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—pose potential safety and health hazards.
In the City of Spokane, year-round disposal sites are located at Spokane Police Department’s North Precinct, 5124 N. Market, Monday through Friday, 9:00 – 4:00; the Public Safety Building, 1100 W. Mallon Avenue, Monday through Friday 8:00 – 5:00; and Spokane Police Department’s Downtown Precinct in the Intermodal, 221 W. First, 24 hr/7 days a week. In Spokane County a year-round disposal site is located in the Spokane Valley Police Department lobby, 12710 E. Sprague Avenue, Monday through Friday, 8:00 – 5:00.
For more information about additional collection sites in Eastern Washington and the disposal of prescription drugs for the April 27, 2019, Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com
Prescription Drug Take Back Day Set for Saturday, April 27, 2019Read the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office is proud to partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, and coalitions to collect expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for safe destruction on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Collections will take place at 18 area locations in the Roanoke Valley, and many more locations throughout the Western District. The public is invited to bring unused, unwanted, and expired medications to this free and anonymous event that is part of the DEA’s nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” program that seeks to prevent prescription pill abuse, theft, and environmental concerns.
“In 2017, more than 72,000 Americans died from fatal drug overdoses—more than the total number of troops killed during the Vietnam War,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “We are committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to reduce the supply of dangerous drugs, including unwanted prescription medications, but the public must also do its part by participating in National Drug Take-Back Day.”
“Addiction causes a tremendous amount of pain and suffering, not just for those addicted to drugs, but also for their families and friends,” said Acting DEA Administrator Uttam Dhillon. “Helping people keep their loved ones safe by disposing of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications is just one of many ways that DEA is working to break the cycle of addiction and overdose deaths plaguing this country.”
This is the Roanoke Valley’s 17th drug take back event. This Saturday there will be 18 collection locations in the valley: Blacksburg Recreation Center parking lot, the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital entrance at Building 143 in Salem, CVS Pharmacy parking lots at 9th Street SE and Towers Shopping Center, , , Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Kroger parking lots on Lake Drive Plaza in Vinton, Tanglewood Mall, Valley Gateway, in Daleville, in Westlake in Franklin County, and Rocky Mount, Ransone’s Drug Store parking lot in Botetourt County, Roanoke City Police Department Solutions Center, Market Street Pharmacy parking lot in Craig County, the Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Station #1 on Hershberger Road, the Super Shoes parking lot on West Main in Salem, Walgreens parking lot at the corner of Electric Road and Brambleton Avenue, and Virginia State Police Division VI Headquarters on Main Street in Salem.
The public is encouraged to visit https://takebackday.dea.gov/ to find other collection sites sponsored by law enforcement throughout the region. The site also includes a locator feature to find year-round disposal collection sites hosted at local law enforcement agencies.
This initiative addresses vital public safety and public health issues. Medications that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S., in the valley, and throughout the district continue at alarming rates, as are the numbers of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that 90% of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In fact, the majority of commonly-abused drugs by teenagers are prescription medications.
In addition, flushing medications down the drain can result in trace amounts of pharmaceuticals showing up in our nation’s waterways. This initiative offers a safe and convenient disposal option for district residents.
This initiative is sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in partnership with state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, local businesses, and community coalitions.
By working together to provide a free, secure place to dispose of unwanted medications, these partner agencies are helping prevent drug abuse, protecting our valley’s waterways, and making our communities safer.
Political Consultant Sentenced to Five Years for Bribery of Allentown and Reading, PA OfficialsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Deputy U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen announced that the political consultant to then-Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski, Michael Fleck, 40, formerly of Allentown, PA was sentenced today to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Juan R. Sanchez. Fleck must also pay $134,487 in restitution. The defendant was immediately remanded to federal custody to begin serving his sentence. Fleck previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit extortion and bribery offenses and one count of tax evasion.
Fleck was a principal and co-owner of an Allentown-based consulting company that conducted fundraising and other campaign-related services for certain elected officials in Pennsylvania (“the political clients”), and lobbied these same political clients on behalf of individuals and companies who sought contracts and other favorable treatment from local governments (“the business clients”).
Mayor Vaughn Spencer of Reading, Mayor Edwin Pawlowski and Controller Mary Ellen Koval of Allentown were each elected officials in their respective cities as well as Fleck’s political clients. Spencer and Koval sought re-election to the offices they held, while Pawlowski aspired to win higher office through statewide election. Each of these three elected officials attempted to leverage their respective public offices – which gave them actual and perceived authority over the awarding of municipal contracts – for items of value, including campaign contributions.
As part of the “consulting” services that Fleck provided, he helped facilitate quid pro quo solicitations, offers and agreements, and obtained tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from businesses and donors seeking to do business with the City of Allentown and the City of Reading for his political clients.
Fleck also filed fraudulent income tax returns for tax years 2011, 2012 and 2013, in which he concealed income from his consulting company of approximately $130,897.41, overstated certain deductions, and failed to remit approximately $43,467 in payroll taxes, causing a tax loss of approximately $77,738.
“Fleck manipulated our democratic systems of government to enrich himself and his associates at the expense of the citizens of Reading and Allentown,” said Deputy U.S. Attorney Lappen. “In doing so, Fleck and the corrupt mayors with whom he conspired did tremendous damage to the confidence that our citizens have in their local governments. Our Office remains committed to uncovering and prosecuting public corruption at all levels. Public officials and their cronies should start getting the message that they must serve the public rather than satisfy themselves and their venal desires.”
“Compliance with the tax laws in the United States relies heavily on self-assessments of taxes owed,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Guy Ficco. “Michael Fleck took steps to prevent the assessment of his true tax liability; and the sentence he received shows how seriously the courts take federal tax crimes like this.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Morgan and Anthony Wzorek.
Pelahatchie Man Sentenced to over 21 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Kevin Douglas Jenkins, 35, of Pelahatchie, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 262 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for producing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze, and Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood. Jenkins was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,000.
"Those who prey upon our most vulnerable will experience the full force and weight of the law upon them. Such wicked and evil acts committed against children are some of the worst crimes we investigate and prosecute. We will continue to marshal all levels of law enforcement and resources together to swiftly bring these individuals to justice, as well as deliver a measure of solace to victims," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
"Producing child pornography is a serious crime that preys on our most vulnerable citizens," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Freeze. "If you are viewing, sharing or producing this kind of material, I encourage you to seek professional help, otherwise you could end up in prison like Mr. Jenkins. The cooperation of law enforcement at the local, state and federal level results in successful prosecutions and protects future victims from abuse by predators like this."
"We appreciate Judge Jordan and the agencies that worked together to put this pedophile behind bars where he deserves to be for producing child pornography videos of him molesting an innocent child," said Attorney General Hood. "This case is another example of how partnerships between agencies on a federal and state level is critical to help keep our children in Mississippi safe from these types of predators."
"This case is another example of cooperation between federal, state and local agencies all working together to make our community safer," said Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey. "The Rankin County Sheriff’s Office is thankful for the quick response and great relationship we have with our state and federal agencies.
Jenkins was charged after the minor child came forward to disclose Jenkins’s actions. A forensic examination of electronic devices and email revealed videos of Jenkins engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the minor child.
Jenkins was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2018. On January 25, 2019, Jenkins pled guilty to two counts of producing child pornography.
The case was investigated by the FBI Jackson Division's Child Exploitation Task Force, which is made up of agents from the FBI and the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, and officers from the Prentiss County Sheriff's Office. The Rankin County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Purdie.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Paterson, New Jersey, Man Found Guilty of Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A federal jury today found a Paterson, New Jersey, man guilty of two counts of drug trafficking offenses, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Reinaldo Rodriguez, 30, a/k/a “Memo,” and “Killa,” was convicted of conspiracy to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin and possession with the intent to distribute heroin following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence presented at trial:
From June 2015 through April 20, 2016, Rodriguez participated in a conspiracy to distribute heroin to street-level drug dealers in the Paterson area. The conspirators obtained their heroin from a supplier in Bronx, New York, where it was packaged and stamped “Goosebumps,” “Transformers,” “Wendy’s” and “New Jack City,” designating the source. Law enforcement officials conducted surveillance while Rodriguez delivered stamped “bricks” of heroin to a confidential source. Rodriguez was heard discussing drug trafficking on court-authorized wiretaps.
Rodriguez faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison for the conspiracy count.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents and task force officers of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, and the Paterson Police Department, with the investigation leading to today’s conviction.
This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies dedicated to identifying and dismantling the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations.
The government is represented by Senior Trial Counsel Jamie L. Hoxie of the OCDETF/Narcotics Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Suchorsky of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
Okemah Man Sentenced to 8 Months for Abusive Sexual Contact with A Child in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tyler Leevan Hill, age 28, of Okemah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 8 months’ imprisonment, 6 months of home confinement upon his release from imprisonment, and 5 years of supervised release for Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child In Indian Country, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1153, 2244(a)(3) and 2246. As conditions of his supervised release, Hill will be required to register as a sex offender, he will not be allowed any unsupervised contact with minors, he will attend and successfully complete sex offender treatment, and he will submit to any polygraphs and DNA testing that are requested. The charges arose from an investigation by the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Indictment alleged that beginning on or about October 30, 2015 and continuing until on or about July 22, 2016, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did knowingly engage in sexual contact as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2246(3), with a person who had attained the age of 12 years, but had not attained the age of 16 years, and was at least four years younger than the defendant, with an intent to arouse and gratify the sexual desire of any person.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said. “The courage required of a victim to come forward and talk to investigators and prosecutors should never be underestimated. Law enforcement professionals, despite our best efforts, cannot completely eliminate the stress and anxiety of having to relive the criminal actions of a defendant when remembering and talking about it. I applaud the victim in this case for being courageous.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States.
North Pittsburgh Man Charged with Attempted Coercion of a Minor for SexRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Ross Township, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on April 24, 2019, named Thomas Perry Stultz, 36, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment, from February 6, 2019 until on or about April 5, 2019, Stultz used a facility or means of interstate commerce, specifically the Internet and over a cellular phone network, to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice and coerce a minor to engage in sexual activity.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $250,000, 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 Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The FBI conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
New York Man Charged with Assault Aboard Cruise ShipRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York man was arrested today and charged in federal court in Boston for assaulting a woman aboard a cruise ship.
Adam Damian Panetta, 45, of Farmingville, N.Y., was charged with one count of assault and one count of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. He will appear in federal court in Boston today at 5:00 p.m.
According to the charging document, on April 25, 2019, while aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Gem, Panetta was observed on surveillance video pulling a woman by her hair down the full length of a hallway. The two were then observed outside of one of the cabins. While Panetta attempted to open the cabin door, the woman was striking Panetta in the face with an open hand. Panetta then allegedly turned toward the woman and punched her twice in the side of her head with a closed fist. The woman fell to the ground and appeared to be unconscious. Panetta entered the cabin and left the woman on the floor in the hallway.
After about one minute, Panetta came out of the cabin and leaned down to the woman, who was unresponsive. Eventually, the woman began to crawl into the room. Panetta did not appear to assist her, and as she began to crawl, Panetta kicked her twice in the buttocks. He then followed her into the room.
The two left the room a short while later and the woman was holding a white towel over her head, which appeared to be stained with blood. The two arrived at the ship’s medical center where the woman was treated for her injuries, which included approximately 8cm of swelling on the right side of her head as well as a 2.5 cm laceration that required five stiches.
At the time of the alleged assault, the ship was approximately 200 miles off the coast of New Jersey. Panetta was taken into custody when the ship arrived into the port of Boston today.
The charge of assault carries a sentence of no greater than one year in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000. The charge of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury provides a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Carjackings, Bank Robberies, and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced DWAYNE WINANS JR., a/k/a “Butter,” to 30 years of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release. WINANS is also required to pay $12,187 in restitution to Gulf Coast Bank. WINANS JR., age 25, of New Orleans, and BRYSON TUESNO, age 24, also of New Orleans, were convicted on April 26, 2018, after a four-day jury trial.
The jury found WINANS guilty of committing two carjackings, on August 12, 2016, in New Orleans, and two counts of using firearms during the commission of those crimes.
The jury also found WINANS and TUESNO guilty of robbing, on August 15, 2016, the Regions Bank located at 3836 Elysian Fields Avenue in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Bank located at 1900 Oak Harbor Boulevard in Slidell. The men were additionally convicted of two counts of using firearms during the commission of those crimes. WINANS and TUESNO used one of the carjacked vehicles to commit the bank robberies.
TUESNO is scheduled for sentencing on May 23 before Chief Judge Brown.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael E. McMahon, Jeffrey Sandman, and David Howard Sinkman prosecuted the case.
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New Orleans Man Charged with Possessing a Firearm at Veterans Affairs Hospital in Violation of Domestic Violence Court Restraining OrderRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MEKAILL HARRIS, age 20, of New Orleans, was charged yesterday in a one count federal indictment with possession of a firearm while under a domestic violence court restraining order. Federal law prohibits individuals who are subject to a domestic violence court restraining order from possessing firearms during the duration of the restraining order.
If convicted, HARRIS faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (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 law enforcement officers at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Caregiver Pleads Guilty to Stealing over $149,500 from Deceased Elderly WomanRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that TRINA ROBAIR, age 44, of New Orleans, Louisiana pleaded guilty Wednesday, April 24, 2019 to a one count Bill of Information charging her with Bank Larceny in relation to stealing at least $149,500 from an elderly deceased woman for whom ROBAIR was a caretaker, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section § 2113(b).
The charging document, filed in court, states that ROBAIR had access to the elderly woman’s accounts because she was incapacitated. ROBAIR did not have permission to steal the money. The Bill of Information further states that ROBAIR stole $149,500.
In a document filed in open court and signed by ROBAIR, she admitted to four schemes she used to steal money. Scheme one involved ROBAIR simply forging the deceased woman’s signature on checks drawn from her account. Scheme two involved withdrawing money from the accounts of the deceased woman using ATM and electronic funds transfers. The third scheme involved ROBAIR impersonating the deceased woman in a telephone conversation with Fidelity Investments and convincing Fidelity that she was the deceased woman. She was able to steal $49,000 in this manner. Finally, ROBAIR and co-defendant Michael Reed, age 62, of New Orleans devised a false repair kickback scheme where Reed would purportedly repair the house of the elderly woman and submit invoices. In reality the repairs were never done and ROBAIR received a $20,000 kickback. Reed’s sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2019.
The statutory penalty for Bank Larceny is ten (10) years imprisonment, $250,000 fine, three (3) years supervised release, restitution and a $100 special assessment. Sentencing is set for August 7, 2019.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney, Carter K. D. Guice, Jr.
New Hampton Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who distributed and possessed child pornography pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
William Rolen, age 56, from New Hampton, Iowa, was convicted of one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. At the plea hearing, Rolen admitted that, in 2018, he knowingly distributed child pornography. He also admitted that he possessed child pornography, including one or more depictions of prepubescent children.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Rolen remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Rolen faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, $10,200 in special assessments, and supervised release for 5 years to life following any imprisonment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Police Department, the New Hampton Police Department, and the Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is CR 19-2014.
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NDTX Roundup -- 4/26/19Read the Press Release
SENTENCING -- Mario Melendez
On April 26, Dallas tax return preparer Mario Melendez was sentenced to 51 months in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States and aiding in the preparation of false tax returns. From November 2013 to April 2014, Mr. Melendez, a manager at Uptown Multi Services, helped prepare fraudulent income tax returns for clients, including false education credits, Schedule C expenses, and other items. He also assisted in trainings instructing new employees how to prepare fraudulent tax returns. The IRS – Criminal Investigations unit conducted the investigation.INDICTMENT* – J. Concepcion Serrano-Alba
On April 24, a federal grand jury indicted J. Concepcion Serrano-Alba, 47, on three counts of straw purchase, or acquiring a firearm from a licensed dealer by false or fictitious statement. Over a 13-month period, Mr. Alba allegedly purchased several pistols from pawn shops across the Northern District of Texas. He told the shops that he was the actual buyer of the firearm, when in fact, the guns were meant for someone else. If convicted, Mr. Serrano-Alba faces 30 years in federal prison. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.INDICTMENT* – Austin Reed
On April 24, a federal grand jury indicted Austin David Reed, 26, of Dallas, Texas, for carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. When Dallas police officers responded to a domestic violence all at his hotel room, Mr. Reed allegedly donned a bullet-proof vest and stated he was “not going down like this.” He then lead officers on a dangerous pursuit through a wooded area and into a neighborhood, firing several rounds at officers as he fled. Once inside the neighborhood, he allegedly brandished his weapon to carjack a vehicle, which he promptly crashed into a light pole. He exited the mangled vehicle and entered a home, where he demanded the keys to another car. When the victims confronted him with a gun, he fled the home through the garage. If convicted, Mr. Reed faces up to 22 years in federal prison. ATF and Dallas Police Department and investigated the case.INDICTMENT* – Lilla Haiddar
On April 24, a federal grand jury indicted Lilla Haiddar, 56 of Arlington, Texas on two counts of making false statements in her passport applications. In October 2011 and again in November 2018, Ms. Haiddar applied for a passport without disclosing a name she had used previously: Marufa Khashim Surgul. If convicted, Ms. Haiddar faces up to 120 months in federal prison on each count. United States Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service conducted the investigation.SENTENCING – Toure couple
On April 22, Mohamed Toure, 58, and Denise Cros-Toure, 58, of Southlake, Texas, were sentenced seven years in prison each and ordered to pay $288,620.24 in restitution following a January forced labor conviction. According evidence preented at trial, the defendants, members of powerful Guinean families, arranged for the victim, then a young child from a rural Guinean community, to travel alone from her home in West Africa to the defendants’ home in Southlake, Texas, in early 2000. Once in the United States, the defendants forced the victim to cook, clean, and take care of their biological children, some of whom were close in age to the victim, without pay for the next 16 years. The U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Houston Field Office, investigated the case. More here.SENTENCING -- Matias Alacala
On April 22, 23-year-old Matias Medina Alcala, of Zacatecas, Mexico, was sentenced to 97 months confinement in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to Court documents, in December 2015, Mr. Alcala delivered approximately 1 kilogram of meth to another individual at the request of Domingo Arreola Avalos (see below). As part of the plea agreement, the defendant, who was in the U.S. illegally at the time of the offense, agreed to forfeit a firearm and $36,900 in U.S. currency. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the IRS – Criminal Investigations Division and prosecuted by AUSA George Leal.SENTENCING -- Pedro Barriga-Avalaos
On April 22, 28- year-old Pedro Barriga-Avalos, of Michoacán, Mexico, was sentenced to 97 months confinement in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Court documents indicate that on New Year’s Day 2016, the defendant delivered approximately 1 kilogram of methamphetamine to another person. During the delivery, the defendant advised he had two kilograms of methamphetamine but one was for another person. Mr. Barriga Avalos, who was in the U.S. illegally at the time of the offense, forfeited $9236.00 in U.S. currency, as well as a firearm. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the IRS – Criminal Investigations Division and prosecuted by AUSA George Leal.* An indictment is merely an accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All criminal defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Mt. Sterling Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Distribution of Fentanyl that Caused a Fatal Overdose in the Montgomery County Regional JailRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kloud Logan Jones, 27, of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, was sentenced today, to 25 years in federal prison, by United States District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for distributing fentanyl that caused a death.
Jones previously pleaded guilty to the charge, admitting that, on November 23, 2017, he distributed the lethal drug to an individual identified as R.A.S., while both were confined as inmates at the Montgomery County Regional Jail. Video surveillance from the jail captured the incident.
Under federal law, Jones must serve 85 percent of his sentence. Upon completion of his imprisonment, he will be under supervision by the United States Probation Office for a term of three years.
“We continue to confront the tragedy of the opioid epidemic,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Those who distribute these dangerous drugs need to understand that we are committed to combatting this problem, to using all the tools available to us, and to prosecuting those who further this loss of life through their criminal conduct. This conduct has serious consequences and we will be vigilant in our efforts to confront this challenge.”
U.S. Attorney Duncan; Darrell Christopher Evans, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville; and David Charles, Montgomery County Sheriff, jointly made the announcement. Assistant United States Attorney Todd Bradbury prosecuted the cases on behalf of the United States.
Memphis, Tennessee Woman Sentenced to 42 Months for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Keaunta Keshawna Robinson, age 28, of Memphis, Tennessee was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Indictment alleged that on or about April 26, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance. The investigation originated with a traffic stop in Okmulgee County on I-40.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Over 50 grams of methamphetamine did not reach the destination intended by the defendant because of the good work of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. That intended destination was into towns and cities and into the hands of dealers and users. Her motive was profit, but instead she lost her freedom. We and our law enforcement partners must continue to be diligent to stop the flow of methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs into our communities.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.
Maryland MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for a Violent Racketeering Conspiracy, Including MurderRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Oscar Ernesto Delgado-Perez, a/k/a “Complicado” and “Indio,” age 26, of Gaithersburg, Maryland today to 35 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise known as La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jesse R. Fong of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Acting Chief Russell E. Hamill, III of the Montgomery County Police Department; Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
“We will not tolerate the violence perpetrated by MS-13 in Maryland,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message to MS-13 gang members that federal, state, and local law enforcement will continue to work together to find and bring to justice MS-13 members who commit these heinous crimes.”
“The most foundational tenets of MS-13 rest on unadulterated evil,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant, HSI Baltimore. “Our investigators will not stand for this or any other transnational criminal organization living and operating here without detection and, ultimately, consequence.”
MS-13 is a gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, with members operating in the State of Maryland, including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Frederick County, and throughout the United States. Branches or “cliques” of MS-13 often work together cooperatively as “Programs,” with the purpose of increasing the gang’s levels of organization, violence, extortion, and other criminal activity, and to assist one another in avoiding detection by law enforcement. In Maryland and the surrounding area, these cliques include Parkview Locos Salvatrucha (“PVLS”), Normandie Locos Salvatrucha (“NLS” or “Normandie”), Sailors Locos Salvatrucha Westside (“SLSW” or “Sailors”), Langley Park Salvatrucha (“LPS”), Weedoms Locos Salvatrucha (“Weedoms”), and Cabanas Locos Salvatruchas (“Cabanas”). A person within the participating cliques is selected as the Program leader.
To protect the gang and to enhance its reputation, MS-13 members and associates are expected to use any means necessary to force respect from those who show disrespect, including acts of intimidation and violence. MS-13’s creed is based on one of its mottos, “Mata, roba, viola, controla,” which translates to, “kill, steal, rape, control.”
According to his plea agreement, beginning before June 2016, Delgado-Perez was a member of the Sailors clique of MS-13. Delgado-Perez admitted that he conspired with other MS-13 members and associates to participate in numerous acts in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy, including extortion and murder.
As detailed in his plea agreement, in 2016 in the area of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Delgado-Perez, distributed illegal drugs for the gang, including marijuana and cocaine.
According to his plea agreement, on June 15 and June 16, 2016, Delgado-Perez, along with other MS-13 members and associates, planned and conspired to murder an individual, whom they believed to be a member of the rival 18th Street gang. On June 16, 2016, as part of the plan to murder the victim, a female MS-13 co-conspirator lured the victim to a wooded area within the Malcolm King Park in Gaithersburg, Maryland. While the victim was with the female co-conspirator in the park, Delgado-Perez and another co-conspirator attacked the victim, stabbing the victim multiple times with knives, with the intention of killing him. Two other MS-13 co-conspirators also took part in the attack, and stabbed the victim, who died as a result of the attack. According to the autopsy report, the injuries to the victim included approximately 153 sharp force injuries consisting of stab wounds, puncture wounds and cutting wounds.
Co-defendants Jose Augustin Salmeron-Larios, a/k/a “Joseph Morales-Martinez,” “Angel Salvador Gutierrez,” “Yankee,” and “Kean,” age 26, of Severn, Maryland; Juan Carlos Espinal-Rapalo, a/k/a “Chiki,” age 21; Daniel Adonai Ramos-Romero, a/k/a “Romero Taylor Binga,” “Taylor Romero,” and “Binga,” age 22; and all of Gaithersburg, Maryland, have pleaded guilty to the racketeering conspiracy and other charges related to their MS-13 gang activity. They remain detained as they await sentencing.
Co-defendants Noe Coreas-Mejia, a/k/a “Tsunami,” age 22, of Hyattsville, Maryland and Kevin Henriquez-Chavez, a/k/a “Loco” and “Crazy,” age 24, of Washington Grove, Maryland, also pleaded guilty to the racketeering conspiracy and were sentenced to 33 years and 30 years in federal prison, respectively.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (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.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA; HSI Baltimore, the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur also recognized the Gaithersburg Police Department, the Montgomery County and Prince George’s County Departments of Corrections, HSI Baltimore’s Operation Community Shield Task Force, and the Maryland Department of Corrections Intelligence Unit for their assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant United States Attorneys William D. Moomau, Ray D. McKenzie, Catherine K. Dick, and Burden H. Walker who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
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Maplewood Dentist to Pay $75,000 for Illegally Prescribing Opioids in Violation of the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica MacDonald today announced that Maplewood dentist DR. JERRY KENT BRUNSOMAN and his clinic INSTITUTE OF FACIAL SURGERY ST. PAUL, PLLC, d/b/a/ IDEALSKIN LASER REJUVENATION CENTER has agreed to pay $75,000 in civil penalties for allegedly issuing illegitimate prescriptions for opioid medications and repeatedly failing to comply with the recordkeeping requirements of the Controlled Substances Act.
According to the allegations in the complaint, BRUNSOMAN unlawfully issued multiple prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances, namely, oxycodone and hydrocodone, without a legitimate medical purpose. The complaint further alleges that BRUNSOMAN failed to keep complete and accurate records regarding the receipt and dispensing of controlled substances used at his clinic. Congress enacted the recordkeeping and prescribing requirements to prevent the diversion of controlled substances for illegal purposes. As a result of BRUNSOMAN’S alleged actions, hundreds of doses of controlled substances went unaccounted for and are presumed to have been diverted for illicit purposes.
“Prescription drug abuse is a very real threat to the health and safety of our community. Doctors and medical professionals have a unique responsibility in preventing these dangerous drugs from falling into the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald. “The United States Attorney’s Office and our partners at the DEA are committed to pursuing those who divert prescription opioids in violation of the Controlled Substances Act.”
Prior to the federal civil suit, the Minnesota Board of Dentistry conducted an independent investigation that resulted in a public discipline order. The Board required BRUNSOMAN to voluntarily surrender his license to practice dentistry and his DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances. BRUNSOMAN is no longer practicing dentistry in Minnesota.
“Communities rely on doctors to help treat and improve their quality of life,” DEA Omaha Division Diversion Program Manager William Stockman said. “Doctors are held to a certain standard and are not expected to disregard controlled substance laws and regulations. When doctors disregard laws, they allow pharmaceutical drugs to be illegally channeled into our community and contribute to increased drug abuse. The DEA continues to fight the opioid crisis by working alongside the USAO and the Minnesota state boards.”
This case was investigated by the Diversion Group of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Minneapolis-St. Paul District Office and handled by the Affirmative Civil Enforcement unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, with cooperation from the Minnesota State Board of Dentistry.
The case is captioned United States of America v. Jerry Kent Brunsoman, Institute of Facial Surgery St. Paul, PLLC, d/b/a/ IdealSkin Laser Rejuvenation Center, Civil No. 18-CV-2172 (JRT/BRT). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Man Sentenced to Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Hamilton man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for producing child pornography.
“The nature and vile actions of McCauley are nothing short of despicable and among the most serious crimes contemplated by the federal criminal code,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The production of child pornography is heinous and causes incalculable and unknowable harm to victims. I want to thank our local, state and federal law enforcement partners for their tremendous work on this case and for protecting our most vulnerable victims from horrendous criminals like McCauley.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in 2016 and 2017, Logan Roy McCauley, 25, repeatedly went online and engaged in sexualized conversations with individuals who identified themselves as minors. Then, in November 2017, after meeting a 13-year-old online, McCauley drove to the minor’s residence in West Virginia, picked up the minor, and drove the minor back to his residence in Hamilton. Within hours of arriving, McCauley engaged in sexual intercourse with the minor for purposes of using a smartphone to record a portion of the sexual abuse. Soon after creating the video, McCauley sent an online message to another person admitting he had made the video that morning. The day after McCauley created the video, law enforcement went to McCauley’s residence in search of the minor. Both McCauley and the minor were present, and McCauley told law enforcement about the video, which was still on McCauley’s smartphone.
“This sentence is a result of the hard work of dedicated law enforcement personnel who work to safeguard children against these atrocious acts and people," said Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division. “On behalf of the FBI, I would like to thank our law enforcement partners across multiple states who assisted in the safe recovery of the minor victim.”
This matter was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which is composed of FBI agents, along with detectives from the Fairfax County Police, Arlington County Police, Prince William County Police, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Leesburg Police, Alexandria City Police, Washington Metropolitan Police, Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, George Mason University Police, United States Marshal’s Service, and agents of various Office of Inspector Generals. This matter was brought to the task force as a result of interagency cooperation between West Virginian local authorities and FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office in an attempt to locate the victim who was reported missing.
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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Brian A. Benczkowski, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, and Michael L. Chapman, Loudoun County Sheriff, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Berrang and Jay V. Prabhu, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendelynn E. Bills 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. 1:18-cr-330.
Man Sentenced on Federal Charge of Illegally Possessing a Firearm While Using DrugsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – William Hampton, 21, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 48 months in prison today for illegally possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel. Hampton’s sentence was ordered to run consecutive to any sentence imposed in Hampton’s pending State case, Cause Number1822-CR1904, Circuit Court, City of St. Louis.
According to court documents and information at sentencing, on June 19, 2016, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers located Hampton asleep in the driver’s seat of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was parked in the middle of the street. The engine was running. Hampton had a nine millimeter firearm on his lap. Hampton was also in the possession of controlled substances. Hampton was arrested and later charged federally with one count of being a user of controlled substances in the possession of a firearm.
At the time of his arrest in connection with the federal indictment, Hampton attempted to escape arresting officers by driving his vehicle at a dangerously high rate of speed on City of St. Louis streets and the highway. Hampton violated stop signs and traffic signals. Hampton eventually lost control of his vehicle and ran. Officers chased Hampton on foot and ultimately took him into custody. The officers searched Hampton’s vehicle and recovered a stolen, loaded .40 caliber handgun.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department as part of the United States Attorney’s Office’s sustained effort to combat violent crime within the City of St. Louis. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Roy is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Malden Food Market Settles Allegations of Food Safety Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A retail food market in Malden – warned on four occasions since January 2017 by federal investigators about food safety violations – has entered into a consent decree with the government pursuant to which it shall not violate food safety laws, and faces strict penalties if violations are found in the future.
Kim Long Market, LLC, its owner and manager Chien Hong Pham, and its manager Thomas Pham, have entered into a consent decree that permanently enjoins them from violating the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA). The government filed its complaint after a series of U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspection activities of Kim Long Market showed that the defendants had purchased, offered for sale, and sold meat food products that were not inspected by the FSIS, and were misbranded. In addition, the defendants failed to maintain appropriate business records concerning the purchase and sale of these products.
The proposed consent decree was filed with the court and is awaiting judicial approval. Under the consent decree, USDA investigators will continue to have broad access to the premises of Kim Long Market to inspect and examine the facility, its inventory and records. The defendants will also face significant financial penalties for any further violations of the FMIA.
“Consumers should be able to trust that their food is produced and sold under safe and sanitary conditions,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “This consent decree establishes procedures to prevent this business, and its owners, from further jeopardizing the health of customers.”
“FSIS investigators are on the job protecting public health every day,” said Carmen Rottenberg, FSIS Administrator. “Our work is critical to protect American families and the food supply, and we will not tolerate blatant disregard for food safety laws.”
U.S. Attorney Lelling and FSIS Administrator Rottenberg made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anita Johnson of Lelling’s Civil Division handled the case.
MS-13 Member Indicted for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An alleged member of the transnational criminal gang La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, was indicted on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, on racketeering conspiracy.
Edwin Amaya Mejia Alvarado, 18, a Salvadoran national who had been residing in East Boston, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, commonly referred to as racketeering or RICO conspiracy. Amaya Mejia was detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.
As alleged in the indictment, MS-13 is a violent street gang with members in Massachusetts and across the United States. Among other things, gang members attempt and use violence to enhance the gang’s prestige and expand their criminal operations. MS-13 members have engaged in acts of violence in Massachusetts including murder, attempted murder, robbery, and assault, as well as other criminal activity, including narcotics trafficking, firearms possession, witness tampering, and witness retaliation. It is alleged that Amaya Mejia is a member of the Huntington Locos Salvatrucha clique of MS-13.
The charge of RICO conspiracy provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant also faces deportation proceedings upon completion of any sentence imposed. 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; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins; Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; Boston Police Commissioner William Gross; Chelsea Police Chief Brian A. Kyes; Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary; and Revere Police Chief James Guido made the announcement today.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lancaster Woman Charged with Falsely Claiming She Performed Water Quality Tests at Veterans Affairs’ FacilitiesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Lancaster, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of making false claims against the United States, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on April 24, 2019, named Megan Waldman, formerly Megan Breski, 28, as the sole defendant.
According to Indictment, Waldman falsely claimed to have performed water quality tests at various Department of Veterans Affairs facilities causing her employer to charge the Department of Veterans Affairs for the water quality tests.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, a term of not more than three years supervised release, or a combination thereof. 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 Attorney Michael L. Ivory is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Lake County Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore has sentenced James Adelbert Walker, II (43, Leesburg) to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
Walker had pleaded guilty on February 5, 2019.
According to court documents, in November 2018, agents with Homeland Security Investigations identified Walker as a distributor of large quantities of methamphetamine in and around Lake County, Florida. Working with a confidential source, agents intercepted an inbound parcel containing four kilograms of methamphetamine intended for Walker. The source then placed a series of recorded telephone calls to Walker in which Walker described his role in distributing “5-10 kilograms [of methamphetamine] per week” over the previous year. Subsequently, Walker was arrested when he attempted to purchase four kilograms of methamphetamine directly from undercover agents. Afterwards, a search of Walker’s residence revealed a firearm, ammunition, numerous packages of marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine that was intended for distribution.
“This investigation disrupted a money laundering and drug trafficking organization,” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David J. Pezzutti. “Thanks to HSI and our law enforcement partners, including the DEA, the U.S. Postal Inspectors, the Lake County and Sumter County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Winter Park and Orlando Police Departments we have stopped dangerous drugs from hitting the streets of our communities.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Winter Park Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
LaPorte Man Entered Guilty PleaRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Eric R. Weiler, 46, of LaPorte, Indiana, tendered his plea of guilty to production of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and making a destructive device before US Magistrate Judge Michael G. Gotsch, Sr., announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in this case, on August 23, 2017, a person who lived near Weiler discovered that someone had run wires into the gas tank of that person’s car. On September18, 2017, investigators learned that Weiler had been accessing a vacant house next to the house of the person whose car had been wired to explode. On the same date in September, investigators gained access to the vacant house and discovered writings on interior walls documenting the writer’s attempts to acquire a girl under the age of twelve, ideally a newborn baby, for sexual contact. On September 20, 2017, two incendiary devices were located inside Weiler’s house, one of which is commonly referred to as an improvised explosive device (IED), and the other of which is commonly referred to as a CO2 “cricket” bomb. On September 21, 2017, multiple electronic devices and electronic storage devices were located inside Weiler’s house, some of which contained over 24,000 images and over 80 videos of child pornography. The videos included videos of Weiler engaging in sexual acts with a child under the age of twelve. Weiler’s electronic devices also contained videos of him discussing the explosive devices.
The Magistrate Judge will make a report and recommendation to the assigned District Court Judge whether the tendered plea should be accepted. The parties are afforded 14 days to object to the Magistrate Judge’s recommendation. The District Judge thereafter will decide to accept or reject the tendered plea. The plea is final when the District Court Judge accepts it. A sentencing hearing will then be scheduled by the District Judge.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office, LaPorte Police Department, Michigan City Police Department, and the Porter County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John M. Maciejczyk and Molly E. Donnelly.
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Kansas Man Sentenced for Not Paying Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY – A Jefferson County man was sentenced Thursday to three years on probation, with eight months of home detention, for failing to pay over payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service for a medical staffing company he owned, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said. In addition, the defendant will have to pay more than $68,000 in restitution and a $3,000 fine.
David Monhollon, 62, Ozawkie, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of failing to pay payroll taxes owed by First Call Medical Group, LLC. The company provided medical staffing services to health care providers. In his plea, Monhollon admitted he failed to pay a total of $68,261 for seven quarters of the company’s payroll taxes. He admitted he knew the taxes were due but chose to spend First Call’s money elsewhere.
McAllister commended IRS–Criminal Investigation, Department of Justice Tax Division Trial Attorney John Mulcahy, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon Patton for their work on the case.
Jordanian National Who Hid Terrorism Conviction from Immigration Officials Sentenced to Prison and Is Stripped of U.S. CitizenshipRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Jordanian national who was sentenced to prison in Israel after admitting he acted at the direction of a terrorist organization to detonate a roadside bomb in an attempt to blow up a civilian bus in Israel was ordered today to serve a nine-month prison sentence for lying to immigration authorities to obtain U.S. citizenship and, as a result of his conviction, will be deported to Jordan.
Vallmoe Shqaire, 51, of Downey, an admitted member of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, pleaded guilty on January 14 to unlawfully procuring U.S. citizenship. As a consequence of his conviction, Shqaire was denaturalized, and he agreed to be removed to Jordan upon the completion of his prison sentence.
Shqaire was convicted in Israel of numerous violent felonies, including charges related to his role in the failed plot to bomb an Israeli bus and for assaulting persons suspected of cooperating with the Israeli authorities,
When he pleaded guilty earlier this year, Shqaire admitted that he lied to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order to become a citizen. On his citizenship application and during the interview, Shqaire falsely denied under oath that he had never been arrested, convicted or sentenced for any crime, and that he was never a member of any organization or association. Certified Israeli court records show that Shqaire was, in fact, arrested on two occasions in the late 1980s and early 1990s; was convicted of multiple, violent felonies; and served a prison sentence in Israel.
“By repeatedly lying to USCIS Officers, defendant sought to conceal his extensive and violent criminal history in Israel and attacked the immigration safeguards that are in place to protect persons like the defendant from entering our country,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo that noted Shqaire’s criminal conduct continued after he fraudulently obtained U.S. citizenship. After being granted citizenship, Shqaire was prosecuted in a credit card fraud scheme that led to a state prison sentence, and he made additional false statements to law enforcement officers in an attempt to minimize his significant criminal history.
Shqaire was sentenced today by United States District Judge John F. Walter, who issued the order that Shqaire be removed to Jordan once he completes his prison sentence.
The case against Shqaire was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
This matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Annamartine Salick of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section and Robyn K. Bacon of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – Timothy Tijwan Doctor (42, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Due to his extensive criminal history, Doctor qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal and faces an enhanced minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on August 11, 2018, multiple officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at a residence in Jacksonville. As the officers arrived, they observed a crowd of individuals in front of the residence, some yelling, who were engaging in a confrontation. As officers separated individuals in the crowd, Doctor was identified as having a firearm. Officers made contact with Doctor and removed a Ruger 9mm pistol from his waistband. The pistol was loaded with a round in the chamber and 12 rounds in the magazine. At the time, Doctor had numerous prior felony convictions and therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
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.
Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on April 25 was:
JEREMY AARON SCHULER, 31, of Bellevue, WA, on charges of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted of the most serious crime, Schuler faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. Schuler was detained. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Pacer case reference. 19-54.
HERMAN ELISEO MENENDEZ, 24, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Mendenez faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release. Menendez was detained. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Pacer case reference. 19-48.
BLAKE ZELON ISGET, 24, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine. If convicted of the most serious crime, Isget faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Pacer case reference. 19-48.
GUS OLDBEAR, III, 20, of Garryowen, on charges of involuntary manslaughter and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the most serious crime, Oldbear faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Oldbear was released pending trial. The case was investigated by the FBI. Pacer case reference. 19-34.
CHRISTIAN DANIEL TAKESENEMY, AKA CHRISTIAN DANIEL YARLOTT, 22, of unknown residence, on charges of theft within Indian Country. If convicted of the most serious crime, Takesenemy faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Takesenemy was detained. The case was investigated by the FBI. Pacer case reference. 19-57.
FRANK BRENT FLYING, SR., 35, of Lame Deer, on charges of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a spouse, dating or intimate partner. If convicted of the most serious crime, Flying faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Flying was released pending trial. The case was investigated by the FBI. Pacer case reference. 19-30.
SCOT DONALD PETRIE, 61, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy, coercion and enticement and transportation of a person with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. If convicted of the most serious crime, Petrie faces a maximum 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. Petrie was released pending trial. The case was investigated by the FBI. Pacer case reference. 19-33.
Appearing on April 22 was:
SHAUN DANIEL NIMOCKS, 41, of Missoula, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Nimocks faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release. Nimocks was detained. The case was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. Pacer case reference. 19-35.
SEBASTION JOEL GUETTER, 20, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Guetter faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release. Guetter was detained. The case was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Billings Police Department. Pacer case reference. 18-129.
MESKA ANN WHITEMAN, 38, of Lame Deer, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Whiteman faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Whiteman was detained. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Pacer case reference. 19-23.
JAMES ALEXANDER LAFORGE, 23, of Lame Deer, on charges of failure to register as a sex offender. If convicted of the most serious crime, LaForge faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release. LaForge was detained. The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Pacer case reference. 19-49.
Appearing in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch and pleading not guilty on April 23 was:
CHARLES GIBSON BAILEY, 32, of West Yellowstone, on charges of prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of a destructive device and manufacture of a destructive device. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bailey faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Bailey was detained. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Yellowstone Police Department. Pacer case reference. 19-9.
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Indiana Man Sentenced to 10 years and 10 months for Armed Pharmacy RobberiesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that Devin Jefferson (age: 30) of Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced yesterday by the Honorable Judge Pamela Pepper to 130 months’ imprisonment for his involvement in three armed pharmacy robberies of Walgreens stores located in the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
The investigation revealed that Jefferson and his co-actors traveled from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and arrived on May 7, 2017. Over the next three days, Jefferson and his co-actors committed three armed robberies of pharmacies. Jefferson pled guilty to the armed robberies of two Walgreens stores located in Milwaukee, on March 8, 2017 and March 10, 2017, respectively, and the armed robbery of a Walgreens store located in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, on March 10, 2017. Jefferson and his co-actors obtained a substantial number of prescription opioids, primarily Oxycodone and Percocets, during the course of their armed robbery spree. At the sentencing, Judge Pepper emphasized the violent nature of these armed robberies, including the fact that one victim was held at gunpoint for a period of six minutes. Judge Pepper stated that when she reviewed the surveillance video of that robbery, the word that came to mind was “cold blooded.”
“No one who works in or visits a pharmacy should have to face a loaded gun,” said U.S. Attorney Krueger. “These robberies highlight how the demand for prescription opioids in street markets drives violent crime; the defendant aimed to resell the pills he and his co-actors stole at gunpoint for a substantial profit. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with federal, state, and local partners to combat violent crime and the opioid epidemic to keep our communities safe.”
The Hobbs Act, passed by Congress in 1946, provides federal jurisdiction for cases involving violent criminals who commit armed robbery of businesses involved in interstate commerce. The U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with law enforcement partners to ensure that violent offenders are effectively prosecuted. This prosecution resulted from the collaborative efforts of the following agencies: the Milwaukee Area Violent Crime Task Force; the Milwaukee, and Indianapolis Divisions of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Milwaukee Police Department; the Menomonee Falls Police Department; the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office; and the Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura S. Kwaterski and Benjamin Wesson.
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Houston Man Admits to Kidnapping and Killing Postal EmployeeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 31-year-old resident of Houston has pleaded guilty to kidnapping in connection with the death of a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Employee, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick.
Don Gaines entered a plea of guilty today to kidnapping and killing the 28-year-old woman.
“Protecting the employees of the USPS is a top priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” said Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez. “When someone takes the life of one of our employees, we will stop at nothing to identify those responsible and bring them to justice. We extend our appreciation to all our local, state and federal partners that assisted in this investigation.”
That investigation identified Gaines, also a postal employee, as the person who abducted the victim as she left from the U.S. Postal Station - Houston distribution Center on Aline Bender Road, Sept. 11, 2017. The victim’s family reported her missing shortly thereafter. Gaines and the victim had previously been in a relationship and had two children together.
Gaines admitted he choked the victim in her car near his residence in Houston. After he strangled her, Gaines believed the she was dead and transported her to Louisiana. However, during the trip, the victim regained consciousness, after which Gaines drove her to a secluded area off the highway. At that time, he parked the car and walked the victim into the woods where he shot her in the head with a firearm. He abandoned her body and drove back to Houston in her car the same day.
Investigators identified location data on the victim’s car through a GPS device.
Evidence mirrored Gaines’ statements in that the victim’s car was located at his residence the same date he claimed to have choked her. It was also shown that the victim’s car traveled along Interstate 10 through Louisiana, then returned to Houston. A video further showed that Gaines purchased gas on the return drive to Houston after he disposed of the victim’s body.
Ultimately, the investigation led to the remote location in Louisiana where skeletal remains were discovered Oct. 12, 2017. Subsequent DNA analysis confirmed those remains were of the victim.
U.S. District Judge accepted the plea today and has set sentencing for Aug. 22, 2019. At that time, Gaines faces up to life in prison and a $250,000 fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
USPIS conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Davis Parish (Louisiana) Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Calcasieu Parish (Louisiana) Coroner’s Office, Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services Laboratory at Louisiana State University and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Jocher and James McAlister are prosecuting the case.
Houlton Man Convicted of Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Larry O’Neal, 45, of Houlton, Maine, was convicted of possessing child pornography today, following a four-day jury trial.
Court records and trial evidence revealed that, in January 2018, O’Neal was found with images of child pornography in his computer in January 2018, when law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home. Agents began investigating O’Neal after his computer was observed on a peer-to-peer file sharing network as having files associated with child pornography.
O’Neal faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and between five years and a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of Professional Responsibility, the Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, and the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit. 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Holland Man Sentenced for Marijuana Manufacturing and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Holland man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester in connection with a marijuana manufacturing operation.
Peter Molle Jr., 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to nine months in prison and two years of supervised release. In January 2019, Molle pleaded guilty to two counts of manufacturing marijuana and possessing marijuana with intent to distribute and one count of money laundering. Molle was arrested in December 2017 and released on conditions.
In February 2017, a search warrant was executed at Molle’s residence in Holland where a commercial-style marijuana grow operation with more than 100 marijuana plants were discovered. Even after the execution of the search warrant, Molle continued to engage in substantial black-market marijuana cultivation. In December 2017, agents executed another search warrant at Molle’s house and again located a significant commercial-style marijuana grow operation. The investigation also found that Molle used cash derived from the sale of marijuana to pay for expenses relating to his marijuana business, including to pay down the balance on a credit card that he used to purchase marijuana-related cultivation supplies.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
High Desert Resident Who Claimed to be a Licensed CPA Convicted in Tax Scheme that Collected over $1 Million in Fraudulent RefundsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Bernardino County tax preparer was found guilty late Thursday of filing false and fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service as part of a scheme that illegally generated more than $1 million in refunds.
Scott Douglas Cutting Sr., 69, of Apple Valley, was found guilty by a federal jury at the conclusion of a three-day trial. Following about two hours of deliberations, the jury convicted Cutting of six felony counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false and fraudulent tax returns.
Cutting, who portrayed himself as a CPA despite his license expiring in 1989, prepared and filed tax returns and then had the refunds directly deposited into his own bank accounts. The evidence presented at trial showed that Cutting kept hundreds or thousands of dollars from each fraudulent tax return he filed, often giving clients nothing or only a small portion of the refund.
Cutting filed on behalf of low- or no-income individuals income tax returns that falsely claimed income or credits to fraudulently create a tax refund. Cutting electronically filed the returns, but he did not identify himself as the preparer of the tax returns. Cutting often filed tax returns for people when he had no authority to do so, using their names and Social Security numbers, as well as the names and Social Security numbers of their dependents, without their permission.
The investigation in this case revealed that, from 2008 to 2012, Cutting prepared and filed approximately 314 false or fraudulent tax returns, and the IRS issued approximately $1.09 million in refunds.
In addition the six guilty verdicts returned on Thursday, the jury acquitted Cutting of one count.
Cutting is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge George H. Wu on June 27. As a result of the guilty verdicts, Cutting faces a statutory maximum sentence of 18 years in federal prison.
The investigation of Cutting was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Veronica M.A. Alegría and Bryant Y. Yang of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section.
Hazelwood Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Carjacking SpreeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Jorion Garrett, 21, of Hazelwood, MO, pleaded guilty to three carjacking and two firearms charges. Garrett appeared today before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry, who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for July 31, 2019.
According to the plea agreement, on October 28, 2017, near the 5600 block of Enright Avenue, St. Louis, Garrett approached the victim from behind. Garrett pointed a handgun at the victim, took the victim’s car keys and drove away in the victim’s 2016 Dodge Charger. The Charger was later recovered near Garrett’s residence in Hazelwood, and Garrett’s DNA was located inside the vehicle.
On November 21, 2017, near the 10000 block of Edgefield, St. Louis County, Garrett and another individual pointed a firearm at a victim who had previously parked her vehicle in the driveway of her residence. Garrett told the victim to drop the keys on the seat and go in the house. He and the other individual drove away in the victim’s 2016 Dodge Journey. On December 3, 2017, police found the vehicle parked in the driveway of Garrett’s residence and later located Garrett’s DNA inside the vehicle.
On January 4, 2018, near the 8300 block of Sagewood Lane, Hazelwood, two victims were delivering food to a residence as part of the Meals on Wheels Program. One victim took the meals inside the home while the other remained standing outside near her silver 2014 Jeep. Garrett approached the victim, along with another individual who pointed a handgun at the victim, and told her to “get back.” Garrett entered the driver’s side of the Jeep and drove away with the other assailant. Garrett later fled from police while driving the Jeep, and after he abandoned it, police recovered a fingerprint and DNA belonging to Garrett from inside the vehicle.
Under the firearms charges, Garrett faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 14 years consecutive to any sentence imposed in connection with the carjacking counts, which carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years on each count. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating this case in cooperation with the Hazelwood Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Yemm is handling this case.
Ghanaian National Sentenced for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Ghanaian national was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for illegal possession of identification documents and aggravated identity theft.
Yaw Okyere, a/k/a Stephen Okyere Buda, 38, a citizen of Ghana residing in Worcester, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman to two years in prison. Upon completion of his sentence, Okyere will be subject to deportation proceedings. In January 2018, Okyere pleaded guilty to possession of five or more false identification documents and aggravated identity theft. Okyere was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in March 2018.
On March 7, 2018, federal agents executed a search warrant at Okyere’s apartment in Worcester, where they seized computers and a printer. An initial forensic review of one of the computers revealed files containing more than 180 Massachusetts driver’s licenses with various names and photographs.
During the execution of the search warrant, agents interviewed Okyere, who stated that he was a citizen of Ghana, had arrived in the United States a few years earlier on a visa, that he had overstayed his visa, and was unsure of his immigration status.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Fourth Defendant Sentenced for Role in Oxycodone ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Maryland man was sentenced today to five years in prison for his participation in a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.
According to court documents, Daniel Webster Ray, Jr., 53, of Hughesville, participated in a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone through a scheme whereby one of his co-conspirators, a former medical assistant at doctor’s offices in Arlington and Alexandria, stole blank prescription pads and electronically generated fraudulent prescriptions using a medical recordkeeping system.
Ray both filled prescriptions for his co-conspirator and bought prescriptions and/or already filled-prescriptions from the co-conspirator, in order to sell the oxycodone pills thereafter. Ray paid his co-conspirator $1,000 per pre-filled bottle of oxycodone and $800 for each blank prescription, in order to sell the pills for profit. During the conspiracy, Ray facilitated the distribution of at least 353 oxycodone prescriptions, totaling 42,360 pills of 30 milligram oxycodone.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Geary and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Anzaldi 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. 1:18-cr-177.
Four Indicted for Firearms Offenses in Vallejo, Vacaville, Oroville, and StocktonRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As part the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California’s strategy to reduce violent crime by focusing on firearms prosecutions, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced that a federal grand jury returned indictments in the following cases involving illegal firearms offenses.
Jake Edward Howland, 22, of Vallejo, was charged with one count of possessing a machine gun illegally. According to court documents, on February 24, 2019, sheriff’s deputies responded to a call reporting that someone was shooting a fully automatic weapon on the levee in the unincorporated area of Solano County, near Dixon. The deputies located Howland and found an empty .40-caliber high-capacity ammunition magazine on his person along with a .40-caliber pistol nearby that had been modified to function as a machine gun. Several witnesses had seen Howland firing the pistol before the deputies arrived. This case is the product of an investigation by the Solano County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force and the Solano County District Attorney’s Office.
Kenny Xyrus Losito, 30, of Vacaville, was charged with one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. According to court documents, on March 14, 2019, during a traffic stop, officers noticed a pistol hidden under Losito’s leg on the driver’s seat. A search of the vehicle revealed over 1 pound of marijuana, several dozen Alprazolam (Xanax) pills, and a loaded Ruger 9 mm pistol. Losito was also carrying over $5,000 in cash at the time. Losito cannot lawfully possess firearms or ammunition because he has previously been convicted of a felony offense. This case is the product of an investigation by the Vacaville Police Department with assistance from the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force and the Solano County District Attorney’s Office.
Christopher Ballez, 34, of Oroville, is charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, sheriff’s deputies recovered a Sig Sauer handgun by the side of the road after Ballez had attempted to discard it while being followed by a deputy. Ballez is a previously convicted felon and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm. This case is the product of an investigation by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Conolly is prosecuting the case.
Marquez Jeter, 42, of Stockton, was charged with one count of unlawful trafficking in firearms, three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of illegal possession of a machinegun. According to court documents, on March 13, 2019, Marquez Jeter sold a Glock pistol to a confidential informant in exchange for $1,200. On April 10, 2019, Jeter offered the confidential informant access to a new supply of firearms. The next day, Jeter sold him 15 guns for $16,500. Jeter is a previously convicted felon and cannot lawfully possess firearms. This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael W. Redding is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Howland, Losito, and Ballez face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted, Jeter faces five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for unlawful dealing in firearms, 10 years in prison for illegal possession of a machinegun, and 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 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 defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
These cases were 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.