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Wednesday 24 April 2019
Three Sioux Falls Residents Sentenced for Counterfeiting U.S. Currency, Passing U.S. Currency, and Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two men and one woman from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, convicted of Counterfeiting United States Currency and Possession of Stolen Firearms, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Shalene Paige Ball, age 29, was sentenced to 7 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $3,000, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Michael Scott Norton, a/k/a Michael Scott Carey, age 59, was sentenced to 59 days in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $1,500, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Chester Lee Kempf, age 62, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $3,000, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Ball, Kempf, and Norton were indicted by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2018. Ball pled guilty on December 27, 2018, to Passing Counterfeit U.S. Currency; Kempf pled guilty on January 17, 2019, to Passing Counterfeit U.S. Currency and Possession of a Stolen Firearm; and Norton pled guilty on November 14, 2018, to Making Counterfeit U.S. Currency.
The conviction stemmed from incidents in August and November of 2017, when Ball and Kempf passed counterfeit $100 bills to several businesses in and around Sioux Falls. The investigation revealed that Norton created the counterfeit bills for Kempf and Ball. Ball and Kempf then used the fake bills at local businesses to make small purchases and receive genuine currency as change. The real money was used to purchase illegal drugs.
Kempf was also indicted in another matter by a federal grand jury on May 8, 2018. He pled guilty on January 17, 2019. That conviction stemmed from an incident on or about December 9, 2017. On that day, Ball called 911 to report that Kempf was unresponsive and struggling to breathe. When police and paramedics arrived, they learned that Kempf had overdosed on heroin and also had a stolen handgun in his possession.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper prosecuted the cases.
Ball had already served her time in custody prior to sentencing, while Kempf and Norton were turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Thomaston Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin and CrackRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ALEXANDER CALDERON, 23, of Thomaston, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2017, the FBI, ATF and Waterbury Police Department began an investigation into drug trafficking by suspected members of “Addicted to Money,” also known as “ATM,” a violent street gang operating in Waterbury. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of heroin and crack cocaine, resulted in federal charges against Calderon and 10 other individuals.
The investigation revealed that Calderon regularly sold heroin and crack cocaine to customers.
Calderon has been detained since his arrest on July 17, 2018. On January 15, 2019, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin and cocaine base (“crack”).
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Waterbury Police Department’s Gang Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and Natasha M. Freismuth, with assistance from Cynthia Serafini and Don Therkildsen of the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office.
Tennessee Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Stolen Mail and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Ernest Eugene Leffew, 47, a former resident of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to serve a total of 49 months in federal prison for possession of stolen mail and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Leffew was also ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and $2,514 in restitution to multiple victims.
From August 2016, to January 2017, Leffew, who was living as a transient in Mississippi, was found to be in possession of stolen mail when encountered by law enforcement in Hancock and Harrison Counties. An investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service revealed that Leffew possessed multiple pieces of mail as well as checks, debit cards and credit cards not belonging to him. He also had a notebook containing handwritten personal information of other people, including names, social security numbers, dates of birth, addresses and associated account numbers.
As part of Leffew’s scheme to defraud, Leffew altered checks in his possession which he had stolen from the United States mail, and added the name of a victim to the payable section and the victim’s alleged signature to the back of a stolen check. Leffew also committed aggravated identify theft by obtaining a Walmart credit card in the name of one of the victims, and upon his receipt of the card in the victim’s name at an address Leffew used, he used it to make purchases without the victim’s knowledge or permission.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Stamford Men Charged with Trafficking Counterfeit Oxycodone Pills Containing Fentanyl AnaloguesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Stamford Police Chief Jonathan Fontneau today announced the unsealing of three-count indictment charging VINCENT DECARO, 29, ARBER ISAKU, 29 and DAVID REICHARD, 30, all of Stamford, with offenses related to the trafficking of fentanyl analogues.
The indictment was returned on August 7, 2018. Decaro and Isaku, who were extradited from Albania, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel in Bridgeport and entered pleas of not guilty to the charges. They are detained pending trial.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Decaro and Isaku purchased fentanyl analogues from suppliers in China and, working out of Decaro’s residence at 77 West Hill Circle in Stamford, pressed the drug into counterfeit oxycodone pills, which they sold to customers on dark web markets. Reichard, who lived for a short time at Decaro’s residence, helped Decaro and Isaku press pills and mail the pills to customers.
On April 3, 2018, a court-authorized search of Decaro’s Stamford residence revealed numerous pills containing approximately 330 grams of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl, approximately 40 grams of fentanyl analogues in powder form, three pill presses, instructions on how to prepare the fentanyl analogue Carfentanil, a hazardous material suit, a gas/respirator-type mask, and numerous U.S. Postal mail envelopes.
Prior to that date, on August 23, 2017, Isaku was arrested by the Connecticut State Police after he accepted delivery of a package containing approximately 160 grams of fentanyl at his Mitchell Street residence in Stamford.
At the time of the search of Decaro’s home in April 2018, Decaro and Isaku were in Europe. They have been detained since September 21, 2018, when they were arrested by Albanian State Police as they were attempting to cross the border from Albania into Kosovo. A search of an apartment in Tirana where they had been staying revealed alprazolam, fentanyl and other controlled substances; tools and dies for pressing pills, and instructions for synthesizing fentanyl.
The indictment charges Decaro, Isaku and Reichard with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogues, and Decaro and Reichard with one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogues. Both offenses carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. Isaku is also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl analogues, and offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Reichard was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 13, 2018. He previously entered a plea of not guilty to the charges in the indictment.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Connecticut State Police and Stamford Police Department, with the assistance of the Albanian State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of International Affairs and Rome Attaché Cristina Posa for coordinating the extradition proceedings in this matter.
decaro_vincent_et_al_indictment.pdfStamford Man Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Drug Dealing, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ALBERT LEE ROBINSON, 58, of Stamford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 42 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing narcotics and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 16, 2004, Judge Underhill sentenced Robinson to 188 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing crack cocaine. Robinson was sentenced as a career offender based on prior convictions for burglary, narcotics and robbery offenses. Robinson was released from prison in August 2017 and began serving his five-year term of supervised release.
On August 14, 2018, Stamford Police arrested Robinson on state charges after he was found in possession more than 300 bags of heroin and more than 200 bags of crack cocaine, as well as baggies of powder cocaine and a jar containing marijuana. Officers also seized a digital scale and $2,052 in cash.
On September 5, 2018, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Robinson with one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The next day, members of the DEA’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Stamford Police Department executed a federal arrest warrant for Robinson. At this time of his arrest, Robinson possessed a bag of powder cocaine on his person.
Robinson has been detained since his federal arrest on September 6. On December 18, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and admitted violating the conditions of his supervised release.
Judge Underhill sentenced Robinson to 42 months of imprisonment for distributing narcotics, and a concurrent 12-month sentence for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Elena L. Coronado.
Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead 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 Donald L. White, 24, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to bank robbery. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Assistant U.S. Charles E. Moynihan, who is handling the prosecution of the case, stated that on November 16, 2016, the defendant entered the Chase Bank at 36 Genesee Street in Rochester at about 9:47 a.m. and passed the bank teller a note stating that he was serious, directing the teller not to get the attention of others, and to provide him with money. In the note, White also said he did not want a dye pack and told the teller that she had 20 seconds to comply. The teller provided the defendant with an amount of United States currency, which he took before leaving the bank.
White also admitted to robbing the same Chase Bank a month earlier on October 11, 2016, during which the defendant displayed a similar note demanding money.
White was subsequently in Georgia where he committed additional crimes for which he is now imprisoned.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, as well as officers from the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La'Ron D. Singletary.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 17, 2019, at 4:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.# # # #
Ringleader Sentenced to 22 Years for Nine Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jonathan L. Thompson, 31, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison today by U.S. District Court Judge William M. Conley on nine counts of aiding and abetting bank robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm. Thompson was convicted on January 30, 2019, after a three-day jury trial.
This case involved a series of nine bank robberies that were planned by Thompson, who was also the getaway driver. The robberies took place at banks in Madison, Middleton, Sun Prairie, and Fitchburg and occurred between January 8 and February 22, 2018. Robert Minette, Kiefah Marbra, and Thompson were indicted by a federal grand jury for these bank robberies on May 30, 2018. Minette was involved in the first two robberies and Marbra was involved in the latter eight of them.
Thompson chose the banks he wanted to rob and dropped off Marbra and Minette, who would enter the bank, brandish a gun, and demand money. After the robberies, Thompson would drive them back to his apartment where he would divide the proceeds.
In sentencing Thompson, Judge Conley found that Thompson was the leader and organizer in all of these robberies. Judge Conley was troubled by the fact that Thompson brought his teenage nephew, Marbra, into this scheme and put Marbra out front to be the fall guy. Judge Conley said that Thompson’s actions were “cynically calculated,” and that he lacked remorse for involving his nephew. Further, Judge Conley noted the severity of these violent crimes and the impact on the victims.
On January 15, 2019, both Marbra and Minette pleaded guilty to one count of brandishing a firearm. Marbra also pled to the eight bank robberies that he was involved in, while Minette pled to the two bank robberies in which he was involved. Marbra was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison on April 16. Minette was sentenced on March 28 to nine years in federal prison.
The charges in this case are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Madison Police Department, Middleton Police Department, Sun Prairie Police Department, Fitchburg Police Department, and Dane County Sheriff’s Office. The Dane County District Attorney’s Office also assisted in this case. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Corey Stephan and Daniel Graber.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Rhode Island Man Arrested for Threatening Massachusetts ProfessorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Rhode Island man was arrested today and charged with sending a series of violent and threatening emails to a college professor in Massachusetts and to a professional school at the university where the professor teaches.
Matthew Haviland, 30, of North Kingstown, R.I., was charged by complaint with cyberstalking and with transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. Haviland will appear today at 3:00 p.m. in federal court in Boston.
“As I have said before, this office will take a hard line on threats of violence motivated by politicized issues, regardless of whether those issues arise on the right or the left,” said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Americans are responsible for what they say, and if they put others in fear for their lives, we will prosecute.”
“Simply put, words matter, and today’s arrest of Matthew Haviland should serve as a warning to others who think they can use the internet to terrorize people. Don’t do it,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Everyone has the right to express their opinion, but when you threaten, harass, intimidate, and put others in fear for their lives, it’s a federal crime.”
Over the span of several hours on March 10, 2019, Haviland allegedly sent a Massachusetts professor a string of approximately 28 e-mails containing messages that included such threats as, “I will rip every limb from your body and eat it, piece by piece,” and “I will bite through your eyeballs while you’re still alive, and I will laugh while you scream.” According to the complaint, the professor to whom Haviland sent the threats—referred to as Victim 1 in the complaint—has published and spoken in favor of abortion rights, and several of Haviland’s emails made reference to abortion. In two successive e-mails, for example, Haviland wrote, “You will be held accountable for every [expletive] baby you murdered through your horrible deception of they are not humans,” and “You will have your face ripped off and eaten by me, personally. I will enjoy raping your body after you’re dead. And that will only be the start.”
The complaint includes a description of additional, abortion-related messages Haviland is alleged to have sent or posted on the internet. Those messages included approximately 114 voice messages that Haviland left overnight at a women’s medical center beginning April 4, 2019, and text messages Haviland sent to an acquaintance that included the following: “It never was a Woman’s rights issue. It’s literally killing babies. That’s All it is, and We want you to stop it. Or we will kill you to do it. It’s that Serious. It’s not a Joke.” In an internet posting allegedly written on March 29, 2019, Haviland wrote, “You guys are so evil and so brainwashed, I would kill every one of you with my bare hands—or AT LEAST kill every abortion doctor.”
It is alleged that between the evening of March 15, 2019, and the early morning of March 16, 2019, Haviland sent approximately 12 e-mails to a professional school at Victim 1’s university. These e-mails touched on the subjects of race, gender, and physical disability, and included the messages: “[Expletive], my existence is not a blight on society. Yours is, for pushing the idea that if you are able-bodied or white or okay WITH THE [EXPLETIVE] GENDER YOU WERE BORN WITH, you are a bad person. You people are Evil, putrid, and somebody shoudl [sic] BOMB your school for spreading the idea that it’s okay to HATE people because of their race.” A later e-mail to the professional school said only, “You should be Murdered in cold blood.”
The charges of cyberstalking and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce provide for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greater, and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Lelling and FBI SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement today. Boston FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is conducting the investigations with the assistance of Warwick and North Kingstown (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Pérez Daple of Lelling’s National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Reliance Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Reliance, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding plead guilty and was sentenced on April 22, 2019, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno.
Roger Bishop, age 27, was sentenced to 3 years of probation, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Bishop was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 11, 2018.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on April 14, 2018, when Bishop got into a heated argument with the victim, and threw her to the ground causing her to sprain her wrist.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Randolph County residents admit to methamphetamine chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Patsy Meredith DeMary, of Beverly, West Virginia, and Scott Jackson Hamrick, of Elkins, West Virginia, have admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
DeMary, age 41, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.”
Hamrick, also known as “Basic,” age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possess a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.”
DeMary and Hamrick admitted to working with one another to distribute methamphetamine in Randolph County in 2017.Hamrick also admitted to having a firearm during a drug trafficking crime in June 2017.
DeMary and Hamrick each face at least five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for the distribution charge. Hamrick also faces at least five years incarceration and fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the cases 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.
Randolph County man admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jonathan Allen Mowery, of Harman, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Mowery, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Mowery admitted to distributing methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” in March 2017 in Randolph County.
Mowery faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives and the Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force 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.
Project Safe Neighborhoods Federal Grant Monies Available for Violent-Crime Reduction ProgramsRead the Press Release
Indianapolis – Josh J. Minkler, the United States Attorney, is pleased to announce that Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) federal grant dollars are available for State and local government agencies to partner with federal law enforcement on targeted and prioritized violent-crime reduction programs, which include community engagement, prevention and reentry efforts. PSN grants monies may be used for criminal justice-related initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contracted support, information systems, research and evaluation.
Applicants are encouraged to propose evidence-based, effective, promising or best practices cited in an academic, journal, a recognized list of evaluated programs or causal evidence from an outcome evaluation. Applications must enhance or expand, not replace, existing funds.
“The Justice Department is pleased to offer opportunities for community members to partner with state and local government agencies in an effort to reduce the gun-related violence that currently plagues our communities,” said United States Attorney Josh Minkler. “We would like to recognize and thank our PSN Task Force partners, ICJI, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, the Indiana Department of Education, the Indianapolis Marion County Forensic Services Agency, and community volunteer Gloria Riggs, for their persistence tackling these challenges over time and their innovative efforts to drive down the violence.”
Project Safe Neighborhoods is the Justice Department’s flagship Violence Reduction initiative and was reinvigorated in 2018. In the Southern District of Indiana, United States Attorney Minkler appointed Kendra Klump, Assistant U.S. Attorney, to lead the PSN Task Force efforts in coordination with Marshall Depew of IMPD.
This funding opportunity runs from October 2019 through September 2020. Applications may be submitted through May 24, 2019 using the IntellGrants system at http://intelligrants.IN.gov. For assistance with submitting an application, contact [email protected], Terrie Grantham at [email protected] or Leann Jaggers at [email protected]
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Porum Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Anthony Michael Grant, age 35, of Porum, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleges that on or about October 28, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Porum Police Department, the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Clay Compton represented the United States.
Philadelphia Police Officer Charged with Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA - James Strohm, 47, a Philadelphia police officer and resident of Philadelphia, was charged today by Complaint and Warrant with distribution and attempted distribution of child pornography, announced United States Attorney William M. McSwain. If convicted of this offense the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ incarceration.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meaghan A. Flannery.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Passaic County, New Jersey, Man Admits Role in Business Email SchemeRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey, man today admitted opening bank accounts and recruiting others to open bank accounts as a conduit for stolen funds in connection with a wide-ranging business email compromise scheme, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Craig Carpenito announced.
Lawrence Espaillat, 41, of Clifton, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to documents filed in this and other cases and statements made in court:
From March 2017 to June 2018, Espaillat, conspirators Corry Pringley and Amanda Suazo, and others participated in the scheme to steal more than $1 million dollars from individual and corporate victims. The scheme involved recruiting “mules” – including Espaillat, before he rose to the level of recruiter – Suazo and Pringley, to provide their personal identifying information. This information was used to incorporate sham businesses with the N.J. Department of the Treasury under the mules’ names. The mules eventually opened bank accounts in the names of the sham corporations.
A related cyberattack aspect of the scheme involved creating email addresses mimicking – but differing slightly from – legitimate email addresses of supervisory employees at various companies, vendors that did business with those victim companies, mortgage lenders that dealt with individuals in connection with real estate purchases, and brokerage firms and accountants who provided financial services. The conspirators used these deceptive email addresses to send emails that appeared to be requests for payment of legitimate invoices or debts owed by the victims. The victims were deceived into transferring funds by wire into the bogus bank accounts opened by the money mules and controlled by the conspirators. After the victims complied with the fraudulent wiring instructions, Espaillat, Suazo and Pringley, under the direction of other conspirators, quickly debited thousands of dollars from the accounts through in-person and ATM withdrawals and debit card purchases. They also transferred the funds to foreign bank accounts they controlled. Espaillat, Suazo and Pringley kept a fraction of the proceeds as payment.
For example, over a three-day period in April 2018, a corporate victim in Texas deposited $3.8 million dollars in a bank account opened by Pringley and controlled by Espaillat, Pringley and Suazo, who withdrew or transferred more than $1 million from the account.
The conspiracy charge to which Espaillat pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross pecuniary gain/loss. Sentencing is scheduled for July 30, 2019.
Suazo and Pringley pleaded guilty on Jan. 17, 2019, and Feb. 14, 2019, respectively, to separate informations charging each with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. They are awaiting sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, and special agents of the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Mark McKevitt, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric A. Boden of the U.S. Attorney’s Trenton office.
Parker Doctor Sentenced for Illegally Distributing Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
DENVER – Dr. John Alan Littleford, DO, age 73, of Manhattan, Kansas and formerly of Parker, Colorado, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Blackburn to serve 87 months in federal prison followed by 3 years on supervised release for charges related to the illegal distribution of controlled substances and money laundering, U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn, DEA Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Tim McDermott and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Steven Osborne announced. Littleford was ordered to report to a facility once designated by the Bureau of Prisons.
According to the stipulated facts contained in the defendant’s plea agreement as well as court filings, Dr. Littleford owned and operated the Pain & Injury Clinic in Parker, Colorado. Dr. Littleford held himself out as a practitioner in the field of “pain management,” although he did not have any certification in that field and had not completed a medical residency which would have been directly applicable to the field of pain management.
The DEA opened a criminal investigation into Dr. Littleford in late February 2012 because doctors and pharmacists throughout the Denver metropolitan area expressed concerns about the prescribing practices they were seeing and local law enforcement had repeated encounters with Dr. Littleford’s patients. On October 31, 2012, the Colorado Medical Board issued an Order of Summary Suspension which suspended Dr. Littleford’s license to practice medicine in Colorado, effective on November 5, 2012, until final resolution of additional proceedings for suspension or revocation. On November 9, 2012, the defendant voluntarily surrendered his DEA registration. On November 14, 2012, the defendant entered into a Stipulation and Final Agency Order with the Colorado Medical Board which voluntarily and permanently relinquished his license to practice medicine in Colorado, effective November 16, 2012.
Evidence offered in support of Littleford’s sentencing showed he routinely prescribed large quantities of opioids, often in conjunction with benzodiazepines, without any diagnosis and with very little documentation in the patient files. On one occasion, Littleford’s notes which accompanied prescriptions for 840 oxycodone 30mg tablets; 360 Percocet tablets; 120 Oxycontin 80mg tablets; 240 MSContin 100mg tablets; 240 Klonopin 2mg tablets noted that Littleford’s diagnosis for the patient was simply, “?”. Littleford’s file for that same patient also included strong warnings from other physicians who had seen the patient, including one which said, “these doses of medication from my perspective were incompatible with his long-term survival.” That patient died just over a month later from oxycodone toxicity as a result of taking controlled substances Littleford prescribed. Littleford pled guilty to distributing controlled substances to that patient and, through his plea agreement, agreed the Court could consider his distribution of controlled substances to that patient on several occasions in adjudging an appropriate sentence.
Littleford regularly provided controlled substances prescriptions to patients well before their prior prescriptions should have run out. The evidence presented at Littleford’s sentencing showed those patients occasionally presented with withdrawal symptoms and clear drug-seeking behavior. One such patient, whom Littleford’s plea agreement agreed the Court could consider as relevant at sentencing, died of complications from acute oxycodone toxicity after taking oxycodone Littleford prescribed. The progress note associated with the final prescriptions Littleford wrote that patient said the patient’s chief complaint was that he was “begging to feel things.” In response to that complaint, Littleford provided the patient with prescriptions for 300 oxycodone 30mg tablets and 10 Fentora (fentanyl) 200mcg tablets.
Littleford did not taper or reduce the amounts of controlled substances he was prescribing to patients who were physically deteriorating. Instead, he repeatedly justified his prescriptions of controlled substances to outside insurance companies and courts before whom his patients had pending criminal cases. For several patients, his files were characterized by a remarkable lack of documentation related to the prescriptions he wrote for controlled substances.
Littleford also pled guilty to and was sentenced for money laundering in order to promote his illegal distribution of controlled substances at the Pain & Injury Clinic.
In accordance with Littleford’s plea agreement, the Court considered his distribution of controlled substances to seven different individuals he saw at the Pain & Injury Clinic—involving more than 14,000 pills of various opioids, amphetamines, benzodiazepines and muscle relaxants as well as fentanyl patches and hundreds of vials of injectable meperidine.
“Doctors who prescribe narcotics outside the scope of accepted medical practice are adding to the opioid epidemic,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Dr. Littleford’s prosecution is part of our increased effort to stop the harm of prescription drugs and protect those vulnerable to addiction.”
“The continued successful prosecution of doctors who prescribe outside the scope of medical necessity shows the opioid epidemic is far from over,” said DEA Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Tim McDermott. “DEA has and will continue to use all resources to combat this epidemic.”
“Doctors who illegally distribute prescription drugs are a major contributor to the current opioid crisis and a scourge on society. Without the ill-gotten gains from their illegal distribution, many of these doctors could not finance their criminal activity. IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to investigating the financial aspect of those crimes and putting those individuals in jail,” said Steven Osborne, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.
This case was investigated by the DEA Denver Division and IRS Criminal Investigation.
The defendant is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter McNeilly and Jaime Peña.
Operator of Online Retailer Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court for Running Fraudulent Eyewear BusinessRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that VITALY BORKER was sentenced today in Manhattan federal court to two years in prison for one count of mail fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with his operation of the eyewear retail and repair website Opticsfast.com.
BORKER pled guilty on March 20, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe, who imposed today’s sentence.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman stated: “Vitaly Borker twice perpetrated criminal schemes involving the online sale and repair of eyewear, and today he was rightfully sentenced to prison for a second time. Perhaps his second stint in federal prison will impress upon this shady businessman that seeking to make money by fraud and intimidation is a path to prison and not success.”
According to allegations made in the Complaint and Indictment to which BORKER pled guilty, as well as statements made in court proceedings:
BORKER founded Opticsfast.com in 2011 as an e-commerce eyeglass retail and repair business. From at least 2011 through 2017, the defendant conducted a scheme to defraud individuals by inducing them to send their glasses to Opticsfast.com for repairs, then demanded exorbitant fees for repairs or return shipping, intimidated and harassed customers who requested refunds by subjecting them to a campaign of abusive emails and text messages, and threatened to discard glasses when customers disputed the fees. In furtherance of the scheme, the defendant posted material false statements on Opticsfast.com’s website, falsely claiming the company used in-house laboratories staffed by trained technicians to perform repair work. BORKER launched and operated Opticsfast.com after he was charged in a federal criminal case for his fraudulent operation of another eyewear retail and repair website, Decormyeyes.com, for which he was ultimately convicted and sentenced in a separate case. BORKER continued his involvement in Opticsfast.com from prison even after he was incarcerated, and following his release from prison.
* * *
BORKER, 42, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, a $50,000 fine, and a $300 special assessment.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Mortazavi, Jeffrey Coffman, Danielle Sasoon, and Nicholas Roos are in charge of the prosecution.
Onondaga County Man Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Charles H. Riel, age 60, of Clay, New York, pled guilty today to mail fraud and money laundering charges for his role in a fraudulent investment scheme involving hundreds of thousands of dollars, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, James Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Jonathan D. Larsen, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), New York Field Division.
In his plea agreement, Riel admitted that he was the founder, principal member, and officer of REinvest, LLC, a New York limited liability company based in Clay. From June 2010, through May 2014, Riel provided false, fraudulent, and misleading information about REinvest, LLC, including historical rates of return on supposed REinvest LLC investments and fictitious testimonials touting the financial successes of non-existent REinvest, LLC investors. As part of his guilty plea, Riel further admitted that he collected approximately $285,000 from a total of five investors, all of whom had received false and fraudulent information regarding the nature of Riel’s business and how their funds would be utilized. Riel used a substantial portion of the funds received from investors to pay for his own personal living expenses rather than investing the funds in ways that could result in a legitimate return on the investments. He also used money from subsequent investors to pay back a portion of the investment of an earlier investor.
As part of his plea agreement, the defendant agreed to pay restitution to his victims, and to forfeit $197,500.00 to the United States.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 5, 2019, before the Senior District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. in Syracuse. For his conviction for mail fraud, Riel faces up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. For his conviction for money laundering, he faces up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by IRS-CI and the FBI, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicolas Commandeur and Michael D. Gadarian.
Ohio man sentenced for drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Oscar Simmons, Jr., of Dayton, Ohio, was sentenced today to 108 months incarceration for drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Simmons, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in January 2019. Simmons admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Monongalia County in July 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Oakland Man Pleads Guilty to Pharmacy Robbery ChargeRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Michael E. Algiere, 32, of Oakland, Maine, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to interfering with commerce by robbery. Algiere was indicted in August 2018.
Court records reveal that on October 31, 2007, the defendant entered the Oakland Pharmacy in Oakland, Maine. He was wearing a black ski mask, a hooded sweatshirt, and camouflage gloves. He went to the pharmacy counter holding a knife and he demanded oxycodone from the pharmacist. The defendant absconded with several bottles of Roxicodone, Oxycontin, and Percocet. Investigators submitted several items of evidence to the Maine State Police Crime Laboratory (MSPCL) recovered at and around the scene of the robbery. Forensic analysts recovered the same male DNA profile from the ski mask and knife. That profile was loaded into the Combined DNA Index System (“CODIS”) in 2007 but did not yield a match. CODIS is a criminal justice database that contains DNA profiles of convicted offenders and arrestees (known profiles). Because participating forensic laboratories regularly add DNA profiles to CODIS, the MSPCL routinely compares unknown profiles from unsolved cases against the known profiles in CODIS. In February 2017, a CODIS comparison revealed that the DNA obtained from the ski mask and knife matched DNA collected from Michael E. Algiere. The DNA match was confirmed after federal investigators obtained a search warrant and collected samples of the defendant’s DNA.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Oakland Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the MSPCL.
North Floridians Can Drop Off Unused Medications During National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – On Saturday, North Florida residents can join citizens across the nation in safely and anonymously disposing of their expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications during the 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, announced United States Attorney Lawrence Keefe.
U.S. Keefe said: “Thanks to the efforts of the DEA and our local sheriff offices and police departments, we have convenient drop off locations throughout our district so that North Floridians can help prevent prescription drug addiction or misuse before it starts. Take Back Day is an excellent opportunity to talk to your children about the importance of never sharing a prescription.”
With robust public participation during 16 prior events, the Take Back Day Initiative continues to remove ever-higher amounts of opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they are vulnerable to misuse, theft, or abuse by family members and visitors, including children and teens. In continuation of this effort, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its national, tribal, and community partners will hold the 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day across the country on Saturday, April 27. The service is free and anonymous.
The following drop-off locations are available in the Northern District of Florida. Please continue to check www.DEATakeBack.com for new locations.
County
Location
Sponsor
Alachua
Hitchcock’s Markets
6005 US-301, Hawthorne, FL 32640Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
Alachua
Senior Recreation Center
5701 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32653Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
Alachua
Newberry Fire Rescue Station 28
310 SW 250 St., Newberry, FL 32669Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
Calhoun
Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office
20830 NE W C Reeder Dr.
Blountstown, FL 32424Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office
Escambia
Walgreens
6314 N 9th Ave., Pensacola, FL 32504Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
Escambia
Walgreens
1841 E Olive Rd., Pensacola, FL 32514Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
Escambia
Walgreens
700 N Pace Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32505Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
Escambia
Walgreens
85 Beverly Pkwy., Pensacola, FL 32505Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
Escambia
Walgreens
4497 Mobile Hwy., Pensacola, FL 32506Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
Escambia
Walgreens
5995 Mobile Hwy., Pensacola, FL 32526Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
Gadsden
Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office
339 E Jefferson St., Quincy, FL 32351Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office
Jackson
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
4012 Lafayette St., Marianna, FL 32446Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
Jefferson
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
171 Industrial Park, Monticello, FL 32344Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Lafayette
North Florida Pharmacy of Mayo
229 W Main St., Mayo, FL 32066Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office
Leon
Costco
4067 Lagniappe Way, Tallahassee, FL 32317Leon County Sheriff’s Office
Leon
Tallahassee Police Department
234 E 7th Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32303Tallahassee Police Department
Levy
Cedar Key Police Department
490 2nd St., Cedar Key, FL 32625Cedar Key Police Department
Okaloosa
Walmart
3351 S Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, FL 32536Crestview Police Department
Okaloosa
Walgreens
2350 S Ferdon Blvd., Crestview, FL 32536Crestview Police Department
Santa Rosa
Gulf Breeze Police Department
311 Fairpoint Dr., Gulf Breeze, FL 32561Gulf Breeze Police Department
Wakulla
Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office
16 Oak St., Crawfordville, FL 32327Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office
Now in its ninth year, DEA has collected a total of nearly 11 million pounds (more than 5,400 tons) of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications through its Take Back Day events. This weekend, approximately 6,000 collection sites manned by nearly 5,000 partner law enforcement agencies will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. The public can find a nearby collection site at www.DEATakeBack.com or by calling 800-882-9539. (DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps.)
“Keeping our homes free of harmful prescription medication, when no longer needed, is a way of keeping everyone safe,” said Adolphus P. Wright, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Miami Field Division. “We strongly encourage the public to do your part by discarding your expired, unused, and unwanted medications at any of the 200+ sites throughout Florida.”
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States continue to be alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. The majority of prescription drug abusers say they get their drugs free from friends and family, including from the home medicine cabinet. Take Back Day is a unique opportunity for Americans to protect their homes and medicine cabinets from theft and abuse.
National Take Back Day has received enthusiastic public support since its inception in 2010. Last October, the public turned in 457 tons (914,236 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and nearly 4,800 of its local and tribal partners.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
New Bedford Man Indicted on Heroin, Fentanyl and Marijuana ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Bedford man was indicted today in federal court in Boston on a federal drug charge.
Davaun Oswald, 22, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana. Oswald has been in state custody since his arrest on Jan. 31, 2019.
According to the charging document, on Jan. 31, 2019, after an investigation into drug distribution in and around New Bedford, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Oswald’s apartment, where Oswald was found in possession of approximately 15 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, as well as over 450 grams of marijuana. Oswald has prior felony convictions for criminal possession of a firearm, and possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.
The charge of distribution of a controlled substance provides for a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $2 million. 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; Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn; and New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Soivilien of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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.
Mortgage Company President Sentenced for Defrauding Ginnie MaeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The president and founder of a Falmouth mortgage company was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with defrauding the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) out of approximately $2.5 million.
Robert Pena, 69, the president and founder of the now-defunct mortgage company, Mortgage Security, Inc. (MSI), was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf to 32 months in prison, two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2.5 million in restitution to Ginnie Mae. In October 2017, Pena pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy and six counts of wire fraud.
The charges arise out of Pena’s scheme to defraud Ginnie Mae, a government-run corporation charged with making housing more affordable by injecting capital into the U.S. housing market. Ginnie Mae, which is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), guarantees the timely payment of principal and interest to investors in bonds backed by government-sponsored mortgage loans, such as those offered by the Federal Housing Administration and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
MSI contracted with Ginnie Mae to pool eligible residential mortgage loans and then sell Ginnie Mae-backed mortgage bonds to investors. MSI was responsible for servicing the loans in the pools it created, including collecting principal and interest payments from borrowers, as well as loan payoffs, and placing those funds into accounts held in trust by Ginnie Mae, which would ultimately pass them along to investors. Among other things, Ginnie Mae required issuers like MSI to provide regular reports to Ginnie Mae concerning the status of the loans in the pools.
Beginning in 2011, Pena began diverting money that borrowers were sending to MSI. Specifically, Pena deposited high-dollar, loan-payoff checks into bank accounts unknown to Ginnie Mae and then used those funds for personal and business expenses. Pena also diverted borrowers’ escrow funds and mortgage-insurance premiums for his own use. In total, Pena took approximately $2.5 million, which Ginnie Mae then had to pay to investors whose investments it had guaranteed. Pena also attempted to cover up his scheme by providing false reports to Ginnie Mae about the status of the loans MSI was servicing. These false reports made it appear that the loans were still in repayment.
Pena’s co-conspirator, Gilda Andrade, who worked for Pena at MSI and helped Pena file false reports with Ginnie Mae, cooperated with the government’s investigation. Andrade pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of making a false statement to HUD in December 2017, and was previously sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith G. Dein to one year probation and ordered to pay $108,240 in restitution to Ginnie Mae.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office; and Joseph Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office wishes to acknowledge the invaluable assistance of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General; and the Falmouth Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. LaMacchia prosecuted the case.
Morgan County man admits to failing to update sex offender registryRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin David Peters, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, has admitted to failing to update his sex offender registry, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Peters, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Register.” Peters, having previously been convicted of possession of child pornography in Berkeley County Circuit Court, admitted to traveling to Florida without updating his sex offender registration as required by law. The crime occurred from June to September 2018.
Peters faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Finucane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshal Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Monongalia County man sentenced for lying to federal agentRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darus Zehrbach, of Westover, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months incarceration for making a false statement, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Zehrbach, age 72, pled guilty to one count of “False Statement to Federal Agent” in January 2019. In February 2015, Zehrbach received a letter from the Office of Foreign Assets Control, denying his application for a license to export electric scooters to Iran. In June 2016, Zehrbach exported eight electric scooters to the United Arab Emirates, knowing that the scooters would be shipped to Iran. The, in July 2016, the eight electric scooters were shipped from the United Arab Emirates to Iran. Zehrbach admitted to sending a letter to an agent of the United States Department of Commerce stating that a shipment he sent to Iran had originated in China when in fact that shipment originated in the United States.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas and the Department of Justice National Security Division prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Monongalia County man sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Howard, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 41 months incarceration for his role in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Howard, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility” in January 2019. Howard admitted to using a phone to distribute and conspire to distribute a controlled substance in April 2018 in Monongalia County.Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
The investigation was funded in part 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. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Minneapolis Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with the State's Largest Methamphetamine SeizureRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the guilty plea of FERNANDO RAMOS-MEZA, 34, for conspiring to distribute approximately 191 pounds of methamphetamine. RAMOS-MEZA and co-conspirators PETER MARTIN, 34, JAVIER LOPEZ-LOPEZ, 47, and JUAN DANIEL VALDEZ-MENDOZA, 24, were indicted on November 7, 2018. RAMOS-MEZA pleaded guilty earlier today before Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20, 2019.
“The quantities of methamphetamine coming into our state continue to rise and the destruction that comes with it cannot be understated,” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald. “I applaud the work of the Cannon River Drug Task Force in taking nearly 200 pounds of methamphetamine off the street and out of our community.”
According to the defendant’s guilty plea, on September 11, 2018, law enforcement officers with the Cannon River Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at RAMOS-MEZA’s residence in north Minneapolis. During the search of the residence, officers located several items of contraband, including a 12-gauge sawed-off pump shotgun, and approximately 191 pounds of methamphetamine (with packaging).
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Cannon River Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Minneapolis Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney David P. Steinkamp is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
FERNANDO RAMOS-MEZA, 34
Minneapolis, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
###
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Mineral County man admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Dwayne Cosner, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, has admitted to drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cosner, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Cosner admitted to distributing methamphetamine in March 2018 in Mineral County.
Cosner faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force 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 Robert W. Trumble presided.
Mexican National Convicted of Southeast Texas KidnappingRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A 21-year-old Mexican national living in Liberty, Texas, has been convicted of federal kidnapping charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Juan Carlos Saucedo-Meza was found guilty of kidnapping following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone today.
According to information presented in court, beginning on Aug. 24, to Aug. 25, 2018, Saucedo-Meza kidnapped a woman from Liberty, Texas and transported her to Lake Charles, LA, against her will. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sep. 5, 2018 and charged with kidnapping.
In connection with this incident, Saucedo-Meza is facing charges of aggravated sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping in Jefferson County, Texas.
Under the federal statute, Saucedo-Meza faces up to Life in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Charles Police Department, and Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher T. Tortorice and K. P. Kennedy Gates.
Metro Detroit Area Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Filing Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Detroit, Michigan, man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison after being found guilty at trial of 25 counts of preparing false federal income tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to evidence presented at trial, Gary Hairston owned and operated Gary Y Hairston & Co PLLC, a tax return preparation business located in Inkster, Michigan. From 2010 through 2014, Hairston prepared and filed false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on behalf of his clients, charging up to $925 per fraudulent return. Hairston falsified the returns in order to inflate his clients’ refunds or to obtain refunds to which they were not entitled. In some cases, he would create false Schedule C businesses for clients to facilitate the scheme. In all, Hairston sought more than $175,000 in fraudulent refunds.
Manny Muriel, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit’s IRS Criminal Investigation, stated, “As a tax preparer, especially a Certified Public Accountant, your clients look to you for expertise and guidance. It is your obligation to faithfully and diligently represent their best interest and today’s sentencing shows IRS-CI, in concert with the Department of Justice, is committed to aggressively pursuing unscrupulous tax professionals that prey on the public.”
U.S. District Court Judge David M. Lawson, who imposed the sentence, also ordered Hairston to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $118,048 in restitution to the IRS.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Trial Attorneys Carl F. Brooker, IV and Thomas F. Koelbl of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.
McAlester Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Duane Allyn Bundy, age 40, of McAlester, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.
The Superseding Indictment alleges that on or about January 30, 2019, in 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 charges arose from an investigation by the McAlester Police Department, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Jordan represented the United States.
Mayes County Couple Arrested in a Joint Law Enforcement Operation for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Trent Shores announced the arrests of a Mayes County man and woman who were wanted in connection to a methamphetamine drug conspiracy. The two were taken into custody during a joint law enforcement operation early this morning at their residence in Chouteau.
Arrest warrants had been issued for Gary Scott Moreland, 54, and Rebecca Jane Nichols, 40, both of Chouteau, after a grand jury indicted the two for drug conspiracy this month.
Also named in the indictment were Wesley Joseph Griffin, 39, of Pryor, and Aaron John Culkins, 42, of Tulsa. The indictment alleged that the co-conspirators possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Northern District of Oklahoma from August 2017 to April 2019.
“Our partnerships extend to all areas of northeastern Oklahoma. I’m proud to work with Mayes County officials to bust this alleged methamphetamine distribution operation,” said U.S. Attorney Shores. “Methamphetamine overdoses are one of the leading causes of drug-related deaths in Oklahoma. And so drug dealers better believe that we are looking to dismantle their operations and hold them accountable.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Mayes County Sheriff’s Office and Pryor Police Department conducted the investigation and arrests. The Broken Arrow Police Department, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and Oklahoma National Guard Counter Drug Task Force also assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar is prosecuting the case.
An Indictment is a formal statement of charges or alleged violations of law. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lower Brule Man Charged for Being Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
Myron Walters, age 59, was indicted on April 9, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 22, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on January 1, 2016, Walters knowingly possessed and received a firearm after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year.
The charge is merely an accusation and Walters is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Walters was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Leakesville Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Antonio Hugger, 30, of Leakesville, Mississippi, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 188 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Between March 9, 2016 and September 22, 2016, Hugger sold methamphetamine to a confidential source on four different occasions. After the final purchase, Hugger was arrested and had the original buy money as well as an additional $2,389 in his possession.
On July 10, 2019, Hugger was charged in a federal criminal indictment. On January 24, 2019, Hugger pled guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Hugger was held responsible for selling over six ounces of pure methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Leaders of Drug Trafficking Organization Plead GuiltyRead 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 Michael Wyatt, 38, of Rochester, New York, and Andre Cunningham, 25, also of Rochester, pleaded guilty, before Chief United States District Court Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and heroin, For Wyatt, the charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and an $8,000,000 fine. For Cunningham, the charge carries a minimum penalty of 5 years imprisonment, a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment and a $5,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, who is handling the case, stated that Wyatt and Cunningham were leaders of a drug trafficking organization that distributed significant quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine base throughout the Rochester, New York area. Wyatt would obtain bulk quantities of those controlled substances from various suppliers. After obtaining bulk quantities of the aforementioned drugs, Wyatt and Cunningham supervised and directed the distribution and sale of those controlled substances to individual drug users, at various drug houses maintained for that purpose in the City of Rochester. The drug houses were operated by members of the conspiracy, including but Wyatt, Cunningham, and others. The locations of the drug houses included 218 Emerson Street, Rochester, New York and 131 Saratoga Avenue, Rochester, New York. At the direction of Wyatt or Cunningham, members of the conspiracy would process, break down, and re-package the controlled substances into smaller quantities to be sold to individual drug users out of 218 Emerson Street and 131 Saratoga Avenue.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd K. Baxter; and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief La’Ron D. Singletary.
Sentencing is scheduled before Chief Judge Geraci, Jr., for August 5, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. for Michael Wyatt, and 3 p.m. for Andre Cunningham.
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Leader of Armed Robbery Crew Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal judge has sentenced a Chicago man to 30 years in prison for leading an armed robbery crew that targeted stores on the city’s North and Northwest Sides.
ROBERT L. BERRIOS, 51, committed 24 armed robberies or attempted armed robberies in 2012. His crew mainly struck at cellular telephone stores, often terrorizing store employees by wearing masks and brandishing firearms. In some of the heists, the robbers physically restrained store employees with zip ties. The robberies netted the crew $115,063.60 in cash.
A jury in 2017 convicted Berrios on robbery, firearm, and conspiracy charges. In addition to the 30-year prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly on Tuesday ordered Berrios to pay $115,063.60 in restitution to the victim stores. Judge Kennelly made findings that Berrios was the leader of the robbery crew and that he obstructed justice by committing perjury during his trial.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel M. Krull and Georgia Alexakis.
Three other members of the robbery crew were previously sentenced to prison terms. DAVID REVIS, of Chicago, was sentenced to 15 years; JULIO RODRIGUEZ, of Chicago, was sentenced to nine years; and LUIS DIAZ, of Chicago, was sentenced to three years.
Evidence at Berrios’s trial revealed that the crew worked together to gather intelligence about possible targets, including store hours and the number of employees working at a given time. The crew communicated with one another to plan the robberies and procure the necessary tools, including masks, zip ties, firearms, and getaway vehicles.
The jury convicted Berrios of leading the conspiracy to commit all 24 robberies or attempted robberies, and specifically made findings of guilt for nine robberies:
July 1, 2012: Walgreens store, 5935 W. Addison St., Chicago.
July 28, 2012: Currency Exchange, 2753 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago.
Aug. 15, 2012: Currency Exchange, 2814 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.
Sept. 19, 2012: T-Mobile store, 1552 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago.
Sept. 28, 2012: T-Mobile store, 1958 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago.
Oct. 2, 2012: T-Mobile store, 4000 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago.
Oct. 13, 2012: T-Mobile store, 3951 N. Kimball Ave., Chicago.
Oct. 16, 2012: Cricket store, 3200 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago.
Oct. 22, 2012: AT&T store, 3955 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago.
L.A. County Public Official and Contractor Who Paid Him Bribes Agree to Plead Guilty to Federal Bribery and Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A public official in Los Angeles County’s Internal Services Department and the electrical contractor from whom he accepted nearly $300,000 in bribes have both agreed to plead guilty to bribery and tax charges.
In a plea agreement filed this morning, the county official – Mohammad R. Tirmazi, 50, of Alta Loma – agreed to plead guilty to accepting bribes and subscribing to a false 2016 tax return in which he failed to report $192,800 in income, including approximately $137,400 in bribe payments.
In a second plea agreement filed this morning, the contractor – Enrique Contreras, 38, of Palmdale – agreed to plead guilty to paying bribes and subscribing to a false 2015 tax return in which he failed to report $281,422 in income.
According to court documents, from 2014 to 2016, Tirmazi accepted a total of nearly $300,000 in bribe payments from Contreras, the owner of a low voltage electrical wiring company, Tel-Pro Voice & Data, Inc., that performed work for the County. In exchange for the bribes, Tirmazi approved change orders requested by Contreras for, among other things, work that did not occur and materials that were not used on County projects.
Tirmazi also admits in his plea agreement that he did not report, or force Contreras to correct, violations of the County’s Building and Safety Code or the National Electrical Code that Tirmazi uncovered during inspections of Tel-Pro’s work. Some of those violations related to asbestos removal and Tel-Pro’s failure to properly install cables. In his plea agreement, Tirmazi admits that he generally considered Tel-Pro’s work to be “shoddy,” but he overlooked its poor work because of the bribes he received from Contreras.
“Corrupt public officials and powerful people who pay bribes pose a threat to our institutions and, as we see in this case, also can threaten public safety,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “Bringing these criminals to justice will help restore trust in our civic institutions.”
“Public officials who accept bribes abdicate their responsibilities at the expense of the public they’re paid to serve,” said Paul Delacourt, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI is committed to investigating unscrupulous individuals whose criminal behavior erodes trust in our municipal departments.”
Tirmazi formed a company called TEQ Solutions, LLC as a way to conceal bribe payments from Contreras, court filings state. Contreras, who bribed Tirmazi with cash and gifts, also paid Tirmazi with checks made payable to TEQ Solutions that were disguised to look like payment for legitimate services rendered. Because TEQ Solutions did no work for Contreras or Tel-Pro, the checks were nothing more than bribes.
Tirmazi’s plea agreement further states that, to hide his ownership of TEQ Solutions, Tirmazi used a third party to file the business paperwork and open a bank account. To lower TEQ Solutions’ taxable income, and thus keep more of the bribe money he received, Tirmazi issued sham IRS Form 1099s to make it appear as though other individuals had received income from TEQ Solutions for work legitimately performed.
In his plea agreement, Tirmazi admits that he failed to report on his tax returns for years 2014 to 2016 a total of $355,107 of income he received from bribe payments and a side business selling IT equipment.
Contreras, in his plea agreement, admits that he failed to report a total of $636,454 of income he received from 2013 to 2017 as a result of his improper deduction of bribe payments and other personal expenses.
“Investigating contractor fraud schemes is like peeling back the layers of a rotten onion: Each new layer reveals another public official and/or contractor who is profiting from these illicit schemes,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner for IRS Criminal Investigation in Los Angeles. “We must stop this corrupt conduct, which leads to the unfair awarding of lucrative contracts and a clear violation of the federal tax laws.”
As part of their plea agreements, both Tirmazi and Contreras have agreed to cooperate with an ongoing federal investigation.
In his plea agreement, Contreras admits to bribing two County officials—Tirmazi and Thomas J. Shepos, 69, of Palmdale, a public official formerly employed by the County in the Real Estate Division. Shepos pleaded guilty in November 2018 to accepting bribes and is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner on November 18, 2019.
From approximately 2013 to 2016, Contreras made cash payments to Shepos, totaling approximately $200,000 to $300,000, in exchange for Shepos providing non-public County information to Contreras and helping Contreras secure County contracts.
As part of his plea agreement, Shepos also agreed to cooperate with the ongoing federal investigation.
One of the individuals from whom Shepos admitting receiving bribes was real estate developer Arman Gabaee, 58, of Beverly Hills. Gabaee was arrested and subsequently indicted on federal bribery charges last year. His trial is currently scheduled for September 10 before United States District Judge George H. Wu.
Tirmazi and Contreras will be summonsed to appear for arraignments in United States District Court in the coming weeks.
Once they enter their respective guilty pleas, each man will face a statutory maximum sentence of 13 years in federal prison.
The cases against Tirmazi and Contreras are part of an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ruth C. Pinkel and Lindsey Greer Dotson of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section.
Killeen Husband and Wife Sentenced to 60 Years in Federal Prison on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
In Waco today, 27-year-old Christopher Almaguer and his wife, 27-year-old Sarah Rashelle Almaguer, of Killeen were each sentenced to 60 years in federal prison for sexually assaulting children and producing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge William Noonan, Dallas Field Office, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Killeen Police Chief Charles F. Kimble.
In addition to the prison terms, United States District Judge Alan D Albright ordered each defendant to pay $10,000 to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Fund and be placed on supervised release for the remainder of their lives after completing their respective prison terms.
On October 30, 2018, the defendants pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of production of child pornography. By pleading guilty, the Almaguers admitted that in December 2017 they uploaded sexually explicit videos of themselves sexually assaulting children as young as eight months old. According to court records investigators compiled a list of approximately 25 potential minor child victims, ranging in age from infants to fourteen years of age, from the Central Texas area.
“To me this is the most significant case we’ve prosecuted since I became U.S. Attorney,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash. “The Almaguers were serial child abusers. They abused 25 children that we know about—children from the neighborhood, children from church, children they babysat. The youngest victim was an infant. And the nature of the abuse was unimaginable. They also made videos of the children’s torture and shared them. These are two of the most wicked criminals in Texas history.”
“The sentencing in this child exploitation case emphasizes the commitment of the Secret Service to remove predators from our communities,” said William Noonan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Dallas Field Office. “The Secret Service will continue to work closely with our network of law enforcement partners to bring those who commit crimes against children to justice.”
This morning, Judge Albright also sentenced Christopher Almaguer’s brother, 25-year-old Paul Perez, Jr. of Killeen, to 20 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Judge Albright also ordered Perez to pay $10,000 to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Fund. On September 25, 2018, Perez pleaded guilty to two counts of receipt of child pornography. Perez admitted to receiving images and videos from the Almaguers which depicted the sexual abuse of children.
“My office does all it can to protect Texans, and I am proud of the difficult work that my Child Exploitation Unit and the U.S. Department of Justice undertakes in order to keep our children safe from dangerous predators,” Attorney General Paxton said. “The detestable people who perpetuate such horrific crimes against children must be held accountable for their actions.”
The Almaguers and Perez have remained in custody since their arrests by investigators with the Texas Office of Attorney General, Child Exploitation Unit, and special agents with the U.S. Secret Service in February and March 2018, respectively.
This case was investigated by the Texas Office of the Attorney General, Criminal Investigations Division, Child Exploitation Unit; the U.S. Secret Service; Killeen Police Department; and, the Temple Police Department. This investigation was initiated in February 2018 when Facebook.com provided a Cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reporting a user was uploading suspected images and videos depicting child pornography. Without the indispensable assistance of Facebook and NCMEC, this case would not have been brought to the attention of law enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory S. Gloff prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, 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.
Jury Finds Pennsylvania Biofuel Company Owners Guilty of Tax and False Statements ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – Following a 14-day jury trial in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Ben T. Wootton, of Enola, Pennsylvania, and Race A. Miner, of Buena Vista, Colorado, were found guilty of one count of conspiracy to make false statements to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), six counts of making false statements to the EPA, one count of conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of a false claim with the IRS, announced U.S. Attorney David J. Freed for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Justice Department’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, EPA Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Susan Bodine, and IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Kelly Jackson. The jury also found the corporation, Keystone Biofuels Inc. (Keystone), guilty of conspiring to make false statements to the EPA and six counts of making false statements to the EPA.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Wootton and Miner co-owned and operated Keystone, originally in Shiremanstown, Pennsylvania, and later in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Keystone purported to be a producer and seller of biodiesel, a type of renewable fuel. From August 2009 through September 2013, Wootton and Miner participated in a conspiracy to fraudulently generate renewable fuel credits, identified by renewable identification numbers (RINs) on Keystone fuel and, through January 2012, to fraudulently claim tax refunds based on the Biodiesel Mixture Tax Credit, a federal excise tax credit for persons or businesses who mix biodiesel with petroleum and use or sell the mixture as a fuel.
“The defendants in this case participated in a criminal scheme that struck directly at the heart of a government program that was created to benefit both honest business owners and the community at large by encouraging the development and use of clean bio-diesel fuel,” said U.S. Attorney David J. Freed. “Instead, the defendants defrauded their fellow citizens to the tune of more than $4 million. Working with our partners, we will not rest in pursuing cases that target our shared financial resources.”
“These defendants are guilty of premeditated fraud, pure and simple,” said Assistant Attorney General Clark. “They directly stole money from the federal fisc and they masqueraded as benefactors of the environment. We are grateful for the cooperation of our partners in the Tax Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office in putting an end to this scheme.”
“Abuse of biodiesel fuel credits harms law abiding renewable fuel producers and the United States government,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman. “The Tax Division along with its partners at United States Attorney’s Offices, ENRD, IRS-CI, and EPA will vigorously prosecute those who fraudulently claim biodiesel fuel credits and violate the criminal law.”
“Today’s guilty verdict is a victory for the American taxpayer,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Kelly Jackson. “IRS Criminal Investigation will pursue anyone who burns the biodiesel industry by enriching themselves through tax credits they are not entitled to.”
“Today’s guilty verdict demonstrates the severe consequences for anyone who tries to make a profit by defrauding the RINS market,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Susan Bodine. “EPA and its federal partners worked together to protect the integrity of the Renewable Fuels Standard program by uncovering and prosecuting the defendants’ criminal activities.”
As part of the conspiracy, Wootton and Miner caused inflated fuel amounts to be reported to the IRS. The inflated fuel numbers supported their fraudulent claims for tax refunds on fuel Keystone was not producing. To account for the inflated fuel amounts, Wootton and Miner created false books and records and engaged in a series of sham financial transactions intended to mirror the false books and records. In addition, Miner doctored fuel samples and test results to fraudulently claim tax refunds and RINs on fuel that did not meet the requisite quality standards to qualify for the tax refunds and RINs. It is estimated that over $10 million was generated from the fraudulent RIN sales, and the total tax loss to the government resulting from the defendants’ conduct is approximately $4,149,983.41.
Wootton and Miner face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison on each conspiracy count, each false statement to the EPA count, and three years in prison on the count of filing a false tax claim with the IRS, as well as periods of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
U.S. Attorney Freed, Assistant Attorney General Clark, and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman thanked agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and EPA Criminal Investigation Division, who conducted the investigation, and Senior Litigation Counsel Howard P. Stewart of the Justice Department’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division, Trial Attorneys Mark Kotila, Kimberly Ang, and Michael Vasiliadis of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lastra, who prosecuted the case.
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Jamesville Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Attempt to Possess EcstasyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Matthew Lagoe, 34, of Jamesville, New York, was sentenced today to serve 24 months in prison, to be flowed by a three-year term of supervised release for attempting to possess with intent to distribute the drug MDMA, also known by its street name ecstasy, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Kevin M. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
As part of his guilty plea in federal court, Lagoe admitted that in March 2017 he went to a U.S. Post Office in Syracuse, New York, attempting to retrieve a package that contained approximately 1000 MDMA tablets that he previously ordered from Germany, intending to distribute them. Unknown to the defendant, the actual pills had been previously seized by law enforcement and replaced with a sham substance. Lagoe was then arrested and charged in federal court.
This case was investigated by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sahar Amandolare and Michael D. Gadarian.
Jackson County Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a FelonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Ronreco Lashawn Broughton, 38, of Moss Point, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 120 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Broughton was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
From December 2017 through February 2018, Broughton sold small quantities of drugs, including methamphetamine, Xanax bars and marijuana, along with 8 firearms to the Jackson County Metro Enforcement Team and ATF. Broughton has prior convictions for felony possession of a controlled substance in Pearl River County and felony possession of a controlled substance in Jackson County.
On June 13, 2018, Broughton was charged in a federal indictment, and on January 23, 2019, he pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The Jackson County Metro Enforcement Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Jackson County Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Pipe BombsRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Mark Clayton Bosarge, Jr., 29, of D’Iberville, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm not registered in the National Firearms and Transfer Record, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Bosarge was also ordered to pay an $8,000 fine.
On June 13, 2018, Jackson County Deputies responded to a call from a homeowner in a home formerly occupied by Bosarge. The homeowner found explosive powder, pipes and components for pipe bombs. An investigation by the Bureau of ATF confirmed the homemade explosive HMTD, threaded pipe, and end caps for at least 3 pipe bombs, along with improvised detonators and a control box. When assembled, the devices were capable of causing property damage and injury or death to persons nearby. The devices qualify as firearms under federal statute and must be registered to be legitimately possessed. As a felon, Bosarge is not eligible to register or possess any firearm. Bosarge has prior a felony conviction for grand larceny in Harrison County.
The Jackson County MET Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Inland Empire Man Sentenced to More than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Stealing Disaster Relief Funds Intended for Hurricane VictimsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Bernardino County man has been sentenced to 79 months in federal prison for conspiring to defraud the government out of more than $1.3 million in benefits, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief funds intended for victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017.
Ikponmwosa Eugene Idemudia, 40, of Rancho Cucamonga, was sentenced at a Monday hearing by United States District Judge Percy Anderson, who also ordered him to pay $1,328,982 in restitution. Idemudia pleaded guilty in October 2018 to one felony count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Court documents state that from 2016 until May 2018, Idemudia conspired with others to use stolen identities to apply for fraudulent government benefits, including FEMA disaster assistance funds, Social Security Administration benefits, federal tax refunds, federal unemployment benefits, and Health and Human Services benefits. The FEMA disaster relief money was stolen through the conspiracy occurred in relation to Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, which were presidentially declared major disasters. Once the funds were illicitly obtained, Idemudia and his co-conspirators transferred the benefits to prepaid debit cards, including Green Dot cards that had been registered under false names. Idemudia and his co-conspirators then converted the debit cards to cash.
When law enforcement executed a search warrant at Idemudia’s residence in May 2018, agents found $256,904 in cash and more than $130,000 on prepaid debit cards. A preliminary forensic review of Idemudia’s cell phones showed that he exchanged more than 100 images of prepaid debit cards or gift cards with co-conspirators and the prepaid card numbers were registered with the stolen identities from various victims throughout the United States.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, U.S. Secret Service, and Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section.
Information for Victims of USA v. Hansmeier, Et Al. Copyright Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
In the case of United States v. Hansmeier, et al., defendants PAUL R. HANSMEIER and JOHN L. STEELE will be sentenced on June 4, 2019, before Judge Joan N. Ericksen in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. HANSMEIER and STEELE were charged and convicted of orchestrating a multi-million dollar fraud scheme in which they obtained payments from victims to settle sham pornography film copyright infringement lawsuits. At the sentencing hearing, the Court may, but is not required to, order HANSMEIER and STEELE to pay restitution to the victims of their scheme.
If you believe that you are a victim of this scheme, and actually paid money to the entities involved in the case (including, but not limited to, Steele Hansmeier Law, Prenda Law, Alpha Law, Anti-Piracy Group, AF Holdings, Ingenuity 13, Guava LLC, Livewire, LW Systems), please visit https://hansmeier.usaocrimevictims.org/ to obtain information about how to make a claim for restitution in this case. Victim information will not be disclosed to the public.
The case is captioned United States v. Hansmeier, et al., Criminal No. 16-cr-00334 (JNE).
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Indictment: California Woman Had 60+ Pounds of Meth in Her CarRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A California woman was indicted Tuesday on a federal charge of smuggling more than 60 pounds of methamphetamine into Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Maria Alvarez-Buenrostro, 46, Los Angeles, Calif., is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The Kansas Highway Patrol stopped Alvarez-Buenrostro for a traffic violation on I-70 near Hays in Ellis County. Troopers found 33 heat-sealed bags of meth hidden in a rear quarter panel and both rear doors of her Ford Explorer.
If convicted, she faces a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $4 million. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Jassiel Varela-Aniles, 29, Liberal, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by following a felony conviction and one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported. He was found January 15, 2019, in Seward County, Kan, after being a fugitive on the run.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the first two counts and up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the last count. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan McCarty is prosecuting.
Marco Antonio Cardenas-Rodriguez, 41, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found July 27, 2018, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
Sherri Byerly, 58, Great Bend, Kan., is charged with one count of fraudulently receiving Supplemental Security Income. The crime is alleged to have occurred from 2003 to 2016 in Barton County, Kan.
If convicted, she faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Social Security Administration – OIG investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting.
John O. Green, 52, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of threatening a Social Security Administration employee. The crime is alleged to have occurred June 25, 2018, in Wichita, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to a year in federal prison and a fine up to $3,000. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Protective Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting.
David A. Logan, 50, Fort Scott, Kan., a contract driver for the U.S. Postal Service, is charged with stealing mail. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2017 and 2018 in Chanute, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Postal Service – OIG investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
David L. Madden, 37, Alden, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun. The crime is alleged to have occurred Feb. 22, 2017, in Rice County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.
William Bedell, 57, Wichita, Kan., is charged with fraudulently receiving Social Security benefits. The crime is alleged to have occurred during 2014 through 2017 in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Social Security Administration – OIG investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
Jose Luis Rios-Hernandez, 24, of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. The crime is alleged to have occurred Feb. 27, 2019, in Thomas County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of not less than five years and a fine up to $5 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.
Uriel Ramirez-Chairez, 34, a citizen of Mexico who has been living in Wichita, is charged with one count of misusing a Social Security number, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Nov. 13, 2018, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Misuse of a Social Security number: Up to five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory two years (consecutive) and a fine up to $250,000.
Aggravated illegal re-entry: Up to 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
Pablo Constantino-Zavala, 49, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Dec. 24, 2014, in Sedgwick County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to two years and a fine up to $250,000. Homeland Security Investigations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
Richard Todd Heffelman, 44, is charged with escaping from federal custody at Mirror, Inc. Halfway House in Wichita. The crime is alleged to have occurred Feb. 3, 2019.
If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Illegal alien from Mexico sentenced for possessing revolver, shotgunRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Jose Daniel Molina, 36, of Veracruz, Mexico, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for illegally possessing a revolver and a shotgun.
Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call of shots being fired on December 2, 2018, near a residence in Duson, Louisiana, and found Molina’s vehicle parked at the intersection of Dwayne Road and Tunica Lane. Upon further investigation, the officers saw a Mossberg 20-gauge shotgun which was in plain view in the backseat of the car, and a Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver with three live rounds and three empty casings on the ground about 10 feet from the driver’s side window of Molina’s car. Molina was later taken into custody and told Homeland Security agents that he was in possession of the two firearms and had illegally entered the country in 2000. Molina pleaded guilty to the federal charge on January 29, 2019.
Homeland Security Investigations, ATF and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.
Hattiesburg Man Sentenced to 20 years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss – Miguel McCallum, 43, of Hattiesburg, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to serve 240 months in federal prison, followed by ten years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). McCallum was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.
During the course of a narcotics investigation, DEA agents learned that McCallum was responsible for methamphetamine distribution in the Hattiesburg area. On May 9, 2018, DEA agents executed a search warrant at McCallum’s residence in Hattiesburg. During the execution of the search warrant, 3 firearms and approximately 3 pounds of marijuana were found. A second search led to the discovery of 142.8 grams of methamphetamine inside a jacket hanging in the front closet of the home.
McCallum pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on December 13, 2018.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Harrisonville Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Harrisonville, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Robert J. Keegan, 27, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 18 years in federal prison without parole.
On Dec. 28, 2018, Keegan pleaded guilty to participating in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Keegan is among five defendants who have pleaded guilty in this case. Co-defendants Benjamin W. Clark, 27, Jalie J. Brinlee, 29, and Felicia C. Ward, 23, all of Cameron; and Frank E. Hundley, 34, of Kansas City, Mo.; have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
All five of the defendants admitted they participated in a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine from January to May 24, 2017. Clark and Brinlee purchased methamphetamine from various suppliers and distributed it to customers in Cameron, Kansas City and elsewhere.
On May 12, 2017, Keegan was stopped by law enforcement and was found in possession of a Hi-point .40-caliber handgun and a duffel bag containing approximately 3.8 kilograms of methamphetamine.
On May 24, 2017, a trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped Ward, who was carrying a Glock 9mm handgun in her purse. Ward had retrieved the handgun from the vehicle where Clark and Brinlee were located, and Brinlee admitted to possessing the firearm prior to transferring it to Ward. Also found in Ward's purse was approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine, which Brinlee also admitted to possessing at the time of the traffic stop.
Under the terms of their plea agreements, subject to acceptance by the court, Clark and Brinlee each will be sentenced to 18 years in federal prison without parole. Under federal statutes, Ward and Hundley each are subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Edwards. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Belton, Mo., Police Department, the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the Jackson County Drug Task Force.
Gulfport Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Walter Bryant Williams, 29, of Gulfport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 41 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Williams was also ordered to pay a fine of $1500 fine.
On April 18, 2018, Williams, a previously convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm and narcotics during a traffic stop by Gulfport Police. Williams has prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance in Harrison County and felony attempted burglary in Jackson County.
The Gulfport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Guatemalan National Living in Massachusetts Sentenced to 26 Months in Prison for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MAYCOL CAMPOS, 37, a citizen of Guatemala last residing in Attleboro, Massachusetts, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 26 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised, release, for trafficking heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation that began after several heroin overdoses in southeastern Connecticut, including two overdose deaths involving a heroin and fentanyl mix that occurred in January 2016. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that Campos regularly acquired and distributed heroin. On one occasion, Campos provided an associate, Mario Recinos, with approximately 50 grams of heroin that Recinos, in turn, gave to Michael Luciano of New London. Luciano, who also received heroin from other suppliers, distributed the drug through a network of street-level dealers in southeastern Connecticut.
Campos has been detained since his arrest on November 14, 2017. On that date, investigators executed 12 federal search warrants and seized more than three kilograms of heroin from members of the conspiracy.
On December 12, 2017, a grand jury in Hartford returned a 25-count superseding indictment charging Campos, Luciano, Recinos and 18 other individuals with various heroin trafficking offenses.
On November 7, 2018, Campos pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Campos faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.
On June 27, 2018, Luciano pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. On January 29, 2019, he was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment.
On November 9, 2018, Recinos, a citizen of Guatemala last residing in Rhode Island, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. On April 9, 2019, he was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment. He also faces immigration proceedings at the conclusion of his sentence.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force East and the New London, Norwich, Waterford, Attleboro (Mass.) and Freetown (Mass.) Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Dave Vatti and Geoffrey M. Stone.