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24 May 2019
Charleston Man Sentenced on Federal Firearms Charge and Violating Terms of His Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced on federal firearms charge, said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Michael D. Williams, 50, was sentenced to 72 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and violating the terms of his supervised release. The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Williams previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On October 13, 2018, Williams got in an altercation at the Transit Mall in downtown Charleston and pulled a firearm on an individual. An officer from the Charleston Police Department witnessed the altercation and arrested Williams. Williams was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction for conspiracy to commit arson.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Steve Loew handled the prosecution.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pled guilty to a federal drug and firearm charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Randall Lee Patton, 26, pled guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a felon before Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), Nitro Police Department, Charleston Police Department, South Charleston Police Department, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
“These cases just keep coming – felons with guns dealing drugs,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “And we just keep prosecuting them to keep our communities safe.”
At public court hearings, it was established that on August 2, 2018, Christian Ryan Bowles brought over a pound of pure methamphetamine to Patton’s house on Garrison Avenue in Charleston. Bowles supplied Patton with 34 grams of Bowles’ methamphetamine. Patton then had his neighbor, George Ray Breckenridge, transport the 34 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential police informant in Dunbar, West Virginia.
Further, on January 12, 2019, police investigators executed a search warrant at an apartment where Patton was staying on South Pinch Road in Pinch, West Virginia. The investigators found Patton exiting his room where a Kel-Tech pistol was lying on the nightstand. Patton was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his prior felony conviction for unlawful wounding. Patton was arrested and searched incident to arrest, and investigators found he was carrying over 4 grams of methamphetamine for resale.
Patton faces up to 50 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 21, 2019. Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is handling the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Carriere Man Sentenced to over 7 Years in Prison for Accessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi. – Darryl Wayne Griffin, Sr., 55, of Carriere, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 87 months in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for accessing with intent to view visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Griffin was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, $3,000 in restitution, and a $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015.
In January 2018, an electronic service provider identified internet protocol uploads by an account user of child sexual abuse imagery. After the images were received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the FBI conducted an investigation into the email and user name associated with the account. Thereafter, a federal search warrant was executed at the residence of Darryl Wayne Griffin, Sr. A subsequent forensic examination of Griffin’s cell phone revealed the defendant had accessed with intent to view numerous images of minors, to include those under 12 years of age, engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
On December 12, 2018, Griffin was charged in a federal criminal indictment. He pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on February 26, 2019.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones. It was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Camden Man Convicted of Robbing Two Banks, Attempting to Rob A ThirdRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Camden man was convicted today of robbing two banks, and attempting to rob a third bank over a 10-day period in July 2018, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Anthony L. Livingston, 48, was convicted of two counts of bank robbery, and one count of attempted bank robbery following a one-week trial before U.S. District Judge Renee Marie Bumb in Camden federal court. The jury deliberated less than three hours before returning the guilty verdicts.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
On July 14, 2018, Livingston entered the Gloucester Township PNC Bank wearing sunglasses and a hat. He presented a demand note to the teller and then left the bank with the stolen cash.
On July 24, 2018, Livingston attempted to recruit a homeless man to rob the Stratford PNC Bank on his behalf. Livingston instructed the man on how to rob the bank, gave him a demand note to show to the teller, and drove the man to the bank. The man walked into the bank and told the employee that he had been sent there to rob the bank and that he did not want to do it, and that the bank should call the police because the person who had sent him was waiting for him outside.
Four hours later, Livingston recruited co-defendant Laque Hunter to rob the Collingswood Ocean First bank on his behalf, and drove Hunter to the bank. Hunter robbed the bank with a demand note. Livingston served as the getaway driver, and the two split the proceeds. Hunter pleaded guilty on April 2, 29019, and is awaiting sentencing.
At the time of these crimes, Livingston was on federal supervised release. On July 13, 2018, one day before the first bank robbery, Livingston completed a 220-month term of imprisonment for having robbed eight banks in southern New Jersey in 2000 and 2001.
Each count on which Livingston was convicted carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 5, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI-Cherry Hill, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster in Philadelphia; the Camden County Police Department, under the direction of Chief J. Scott Thomson; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Mary Eva Colalillo; the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Gilbert “Whip” Wilson; the Collingswood Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kevin J. Carey; the Gloucester Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief W. Harry Earle; and the Stratford Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ronald M. Morello, with the investigation leading to today’s conviction.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen M. Harberg and Patrick C. Askin of the Camden Office.
Defense counsel: John B. Brennan Esq., Marlton, New Jersey
CEO of Payment-Processing Company Convicted in Overbilling Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the conviction in Manhattan federal court of MICHAEL MENDLOWITZ, the former CEO and part owner of a payment-processing company that operated under various names, including Commerce Payment Systems (“CPS”), for defrauding its merchant customers. The jury convicted MENDLOWITZ yesterday for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud following a four-week trial before U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick. Richard Hart, a CPS sales manager, previously pled guilty before Judge Broderick to one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Michael Mendlowitz preyed on small business owners, defrauding thousands of them. Small businesses are entitled to be dealt with fairly and billed at the rates that are actually promised. Mendlowitz’s victims got sold a bill of goods and were duped into overpaying.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and Superseding Indictment, and the evidence presented in Court during the trial:
MENDLOWITZ and Hart operated a fraud scheme through a payment-processing company that operated under various names, including CPS. MENDLOWITZ and Hart lured in customers with false claims of “no hidden fees” and false promises that specified rates and fees were “guaranteed for life.” In truth, however, CPS customers, including thousands of small businesses located throughout the country, were charged all manner of hidden and increased rates and fees. In furtherance of the fraud, MENDLOWITZ directed senior employees of CPS to significantly increase rates on customer accounts with no disclosure to customers that they would in fact be charged those increased rates. In addition, MENDLOWITZ deleted three pages from the customers’ contracts that contained terms and conditions that directly contradicted representations made to customers during the sales process. As part of the fraud scheme, MENDLOWITZ falsely told representatives of CPS’s parent company that those terms and conditions had been provided to customers.
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MENDLOWITZ, 44, of Woodmere, New York, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison. Hart, 39, of East Meadow, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, which carries a maximum term of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys David Abramowicz, Jilan Kamal, Dina McLeod, and David Raymond Lewis are in charge of the prosecution.
Buffalo Man Indicted for Lying to A Grand Jury About A Murder InvestigationRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Demetrius Lowry, a/k/a Little D, 24, of Buffalo, NY, with false declarations before the grand jury, and obstruction of justice. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul C. Parisi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, Jaquan Sullivan was shot and killed on December 5, 2015, in the vicinity of Parkdale Avenue in Buffalo. On December 8, 2015, Lowry was interviewed by Buffalo Police Homicide detectives. In two written statements, the defendant provided details of the shooting, including the identity of the person who shot Sullivan.
On December 17, 2015, Lowry sent a text message to the Buffalo Police Confidential Tip Line stating that the information he had previously provided was “totally wrong,” and he did not know who was involved in the shooting. On February 18, 2016, detectives interviewed the defendant about the tip-line message and Lowry signed a written statement admitting that the tip-line message was not true.
On July 12, 2018, law enforcement officers assigned to the FBI interviewed the defendant once again about the shooting death of Jaquan Sullivan. Lowry gave information about the identity of the shooter which was different from the information he gave to Buffalo Police detectives on December 8, 2015.
On July 31, 2018, the defendant, while under oath and testifying in a proceeding before a Federal Grand Jury, denied writing and signing the two statements when interviewed by Buffalo Police Homicide detectives on December 8, 2015, about the death of Jaquan Sullivan. Lowry also denied writing and signing a statement on February 18, 2016, in which he admitted that the message he sent to the tip line was not true. In addition, the defendant stated that he was never interviewed by a detective on February 18. Lowry testified that he did speak with the FBI in July 2018 but stated he was not asked about the murder of Jaquan Sullivan.
The defendant was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Assault and Murder a United States SenatorRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Michael Brogan pleaded guilty to threatening to assault and murder a United States Senator. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy. When sentenced, Brogan faces up to 10 years in prison.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Matthew R. Verderosa, Chief, United States Capitol Police, announced the guilty plea.
“Brogan threatened to assault and murder a sitting United States Senator to silence the Senator and interfere with the performance of the Senator’s official duties,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “The Department of Justice stands ready to vigorously prosecute those who seek to subvert our constitutional system and intimidate elected officials through threats of violence.”
“I greatly appreciate the hard work of our investigators for addressing these threats so quickly, and that of the U.S. Attorney’s staff for prosecuting this case,” stated Chief Verderosa.
On December 4, 2018, Brogan telephoned and left a threatening voice-message at the Washington, D.C. office of a United States Senator. The threats were made to discourage the Senator from criticizing the President, as well as in retaliation for the Senator’s position regarding reproductive rights. In the voice-message Brogan stated, “you watch your [expletive] cause . . . . I’m going to put a bullet in ya.” Brogan said when he traveled to Washington, “. . . I got your [expletive] mark you stupid [expletive]. You and your constant lambasting of President Trump. Oh, reproductive rights, reproductive rights.” Brogan concluded with, “you watch your [expletive]. If I see you on the streets, I’m gonna [expletive] light you up with [expletive] bullets.”
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Phil Selden.
The Defendant:
MICHAEL BROGAN
Age: 51
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-207 (NGG)
Boston Man Charged with Being A Felon in Possession of A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man was arrested yesterday and charged in federal court in Boston with illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition.
Rahshjeem Benson, 36, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Benson appeared in federal court in Boston today, and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for May 31, 2019.
According to court documents, on April 5, 2019, Benson possessed a Charter Arms Bulldog Pug .44 SPL caliber revolver, and five Smith & Wesson .44 caliber SPL cartridges. Due to a prior felony conviction, Benson is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna Nuzum of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that James Jerome Reed, 36, of Eight Mile, Alabama was sentenced in federal court to a term of 160 months imprisonment for his involvement in drug distribution and firearms violations. Reed, having been previously convicted of drug felonies in Mobile County Circuit Court, pled guilty to the charges of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during or in relation to a drug trafficking felony in September of 2018. United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed the sentence following a hearing conducted on May 21, 2019.
The judge ordered that Reed serve 100 months imprisonment on the drug charge and the felon in possession charge, with the sentences running concurrently. As for the remaining gun charge, the judge ordered that Reed serve 60 months imprisonment consecutively as required by the statute, for a total term of 160 months behind bars. When he is released from custody, Reed will serve a total of 5 years on supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $300 in special mandatory assessments, but no fine was imposed.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Mobile Police Department. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
Alabama Husband and Wife Business Owners Plead Guilty to Payroll Tax FraudRead the Press Release
A Crane Hill couple pleaded guilty yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama to failing to pay over employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town for the Northern District of Alabama.
According to court documents, Walter Michael Williams and Amy Butler Williams operated Dixie Steel Erectors (DSE), a commercial construction business in Hanceville, Alabama. Mr. Williams, president and owner of DSE, and Ms. Williams, bookkeeper and office manager of DSE, were responsible for withholding and paying over DSE’s payroll taxes. During 2012 and 2013, the couple withheld payroll taxes from the pay of DSE’s employees, but willfully failed to pay over the withheld amounts to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). During the same period, the couple caused DSE to make thousands of dollars of expenditures for their personal benefit. The couple’s employment tax fraud caused a loss of approximately $503,000 to the IRS.
In addition, Mr. Williams has not filed personal income tax returns with the IRS since 2009.
Ms. Williams has not filed such returns since 2013.
Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 23, 2019. Mr. and Ms. Williams each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Town commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorney Allison Garnett and Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Atwood, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
3 Charged in Million-Dollar Elder Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Gregory W. Ehrie, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Newark Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a criminal Complaint in Manhattan federal court charging GUNJIT MALHOTRA, GURJEET SINGH, and JAS PAL with participating in a conspiracy that for several years exploited elderly victims by remotely accessing their computers and convincing victims to pay for computer support services they did not need, and which were never actually provided. The conspiracy netted at least $1.3 million for the conspirators. MALHOTRA and PAL were arrested yesterday and were presented before Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman. SINGH was arrested yesterday in St. Louis, Missouri, and will be presented before a magistrate judge today.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, these defendants devised a sophisticated scheme that involved accessing victims’ computers to charge them for unnecessary repairs or repair services they never performed. By targeting the elderly, the defendants took advantage of some of our society’s must vulnerable members, and they now face criminal consequences for their alleged predatory conduct.”
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Gregory W. Ehrie said: “The scheme charged is the latest scam to victimize unsuspecting people who are just looking for assistance. The FBI is constantly on the lookout for criminals posing as legitimate businesses but we want the public to be more aware, as well. Make sure you are calling a reputable company at the number listed on their website, not through a random pop-up on the computer or from a robo-call left on your voicemail. And, above all, report anything suspicious to law enforcement.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:
MALHOTRA, SINGH, PAL, and others engaged in a scheme in which they and their co-conspirators purported to provide computer repair services to victims located throughout the United States, many of whom are elderly. The defendants and their co-conspirators provided their victims’ false and misleading information to extract payment for computer repair services. For example, the defendants and their co-conspirators: (i) claimed to be associated with major technology software companies when, in fact, they were not; (ii) promised to provide computer services when none were provided; and (iii) represented that computer repair services were needed when they knew that was false. As part of their scheme, the defendants and their co-conspirators accessed their victims’ computers and caused them to freeze or, in other instances, installed software on their victims’ computers and caused their victims’ email accounts to send emails that thanked the perpetrators for providing computer services. In connection with the scheme, the defendants and others established several companies. The victims typically sent payments to those companies via private and commercial interstate mail carrier, among other methods. In total, the defendants and their co-conspirators have obtained from their victims more than $1.3 million.
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MALHOTRA, 30, of Ghaziabad, India, SINGH, 22 of Queens, New York, and PAL, 54, of Queens, New York, have each been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to access a protected computer in furtherance of fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. SINGH was also charged with aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI in this investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan B. Finkel is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
23 May 2019
Wilmington Area Drug Dealer Receives More Than 13 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announces that United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced DETRICK DAYE, 23, of Wilmington to 162 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release. On November 5, 2018, DAYE pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl, six (6) counts of distribution of a quantity of heroin, and possession with intent to distribution of a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl.
According to the investigation, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force began investigating a drug trafficking organization, in which DAYE was a member, due to a series of opioid overdoses in the New Hanover County area.
Between September 2017 and December 2017, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office made six controlled purchases of either heroin or a heroin/fentanyl mixture from DAYE at various location in Wilmington. On December 7, 2017, after the final controlled purchase, DAYE was arrested. Law enforcement conducted a search of his residence and found a quantity of a heroin/fentanyl mixture. According to law enforcement, DAYE was a validated gang member.
This case is part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violent crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the New Hanover County Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Severo handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Wilbur Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Cyberstalking and Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Spokane – Joseph H. Harrington, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Thomas Martin Roberts, age 52, of Wilbur, Washington, was sentenced today after having pleaded guilty on June 12, 2018, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possessing an unregistered firearm and cyberstalking. United States District Judge Rosanna Malouf Peterson sentenced Roberts to a 137-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, on April 19, 2015, the Wilbur Police Department (WPD) was notified that a woman discovered two GPS tracking devices on her two vehicles and that Roberts always seemed to know where she was. The female had multiple domestic violence no contact orders against Roberts and was scheduled to appear in court on April 20, 2015, to testify that Roberts had violated one of the no contact orders. On April 20, 2015, WPD removed one of the GPS devices from the female’s vehicle and placed the device in the WPD station. Later that evening or in the early morning hours the next day, the police station was burglarized and the GPS device and a Taser were stolen. WPD also received information that in the early morning hours of April 21, 2015, an individual wearing a hoodie sweatshirt removed the GPS tracking device from the second vehicle parked outside the female’s residence. After obtaining a state warrant to search Roberts’ residence, investigators found and seized a Winchester, model 70, .270 caliber rifle, .223 caliber AR magazines, and multiple rounds of ammunition. Roberts had prior convictions for second degree assault, harassment-threat to kill, residential burglary, and first degree burglary and was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition. After learning that Roberts also had a room at another residence, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) obtained a warrant to search that location, finding and seizing a sawed-off shotgun and nine other firearms, 5,500 rounds of ammunition, and evidence that Roberts had purchased two portable GPS tracking devices in 2014. Further investigation revealed that Roberts had been tracking the female’s vehicles and had sent her text messages indicating he knew where she was.
Joseph H. Harrington said, “This case sends a clear message that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners are firmly committed to protecting the public and aggressively pursuing individuals who engage in cyberstalking and the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. I commend the law enforcement officers of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office and Wilbur Police Department who investigated this case.”
This case was prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to specifically identify the criminals responsible for violent crime in the Eastern District of Washington and pursue criminal prosecution.
This case was investigated by the Spokane Resident Offices of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office and Wilbur Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Earl A. Hicks, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange Charged in 18-Count Superseding IndictmentRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned an 18-count superseding indictment today charging Julian P. Assange, 47, the founder of WikiLeaks, with offenses that relate to Assange’s alleged role in one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of the United States. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger for the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Director John Brown of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division and Acting Assistant Director in Charge Timothy Dunham of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement.
The superseding indictment alleges that Assange was complicit with Chelsea Manning, a former intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army, in unlawfully obtaining and disclosing classified documents related to the national defense. Specifically, the superseding indictment alleges that Assange conspired with Manning; obtained from Manning and aided and abetted her in obtaining classified information with reason to believe that the information was to be used to the injury of the United States or the advantage of a foreign nation; received and attempted to receive classified information having reason to believe that such materials would be obtained, taken, made, and disposed of by a person contrary to law; and aided and abetted Manning in communicating classified documents to Assange.
After agreeing to receive classified documents from Manning and aiding, abetting, and causing Manning to provide classified documents, the superseding indictment charges that Assange then published on WikiLeaks classified documents that contained the unredacted names of human sources who provided information to United States forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to U.S. State Department diplomats around the world. These human sources included local Afghans and Iraqis, journalists, religious leaders, human rights advocates, and political dissidents from repressive regimes. According to the superseding indictment, Assange’s actions risked serious harm to United States national security to the benefit of our adversaries and put the unredacted named human sources at a grave and imminent risk of serious physical harm and/or arbitrary detention.
The superseding indictment alleges that beginning in late 2009, Assange and WikiLeaks actively solicited United States classified information, including by publishing a list of “Most Wanted Leaks” that sought, among other things, classified documents. Manning responded to Assange’s solicitations by using access granted to her as an intelligence analyst to search for United States classified documents, and provided to Assange and WikiLeaks databases containing approximately 90,000 Afghanistan war-related significant activity reports, 400,000 Iraq war-related significant activities reports, 800 Guantanamo Bay detainee assessment briefs, and 250,000 U.S. Department of State cables.
Many of these documents were classified at the Secret level, meaning that their unauthorized disclosure could cause serious damage to United States national security. Manning also provided rules of engagement files for the Iraq war, most of which were also classified at the Secret level and which delineated the circumstances and limitations under which United States forces would initiate or conduct combat engagement with other forces.
The superseding indictment alleges that Manning and Assange engaged in real-time discussions regarding Manning’s transmission of classified records to Assange. The discussions also reflect that Assange actively encouraged Manning to provide more information and agreed to crack a password hash stored on U.S. Department of Defense computers connected to the Secret Internet Protocol Network (SIPRNet), a United States government network used for classified documents and communications. Assange is also charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusion for agreeing to crack that password hash.
Assange is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each count except for conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, for which he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kellen S. Dwyer, Thomas W. Traxler and Gordon D. Kromberg, and Trial Attorneys Matthew R. Walczewski and Nicholas O. Hunter of the Justice Department’s National Security Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
WikiLeaks Founder Charged in 18-Count Superseding IndictmentRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal grand jury returned an 18-count superseding indictment today charging Julian P. Assange, 47, the founder of WikiLeaks, with offenses that relate to Assange’s alleged role in one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of the United States.
The superseding indictment alleges that Assange was complicit with Chelsea Manning, a former intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army, in unlawfully obtaining and disclosing classified documents related to the national defense. Specifically, the superseding indictment alleges that Assange conspired with Manning; obtained from Manning and aided and abetted her in obtaining classified information with reason to believe that the information was to be used to the injury of the United States or the advantage of a foreign nation; received and attempted to receive classified information having reason to believe that such materials would be obtained, taken, made, and disposed of by a person contrary to law; and aided and abetted Manning in communicating classified documents to Assange.
After agreeing to receive classified documents from Manning and aiding, abetting, and causing Manning to provide classified documents, the superseding indictment charges that Assange then published on WikiLeaks classified documents that contained the unredacted names of human sources who provided information to United States forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to U.S. State Department diplomats around the world. These human sources included local Afghans and Iraqis, journalists, religious leaders, human rights advocates, and political dissidents from repressive regimes. According to the superseding indictment, Assange’s actions risked serious harm to United States national security to the benefit of our adversaries and put the unredacted named human sources at a grave and imminent risk of serious physical harm and/or arbitrary detention.
The superseding indictment alleges that beginning in late 2009, Assange and WikiLeaks actively solicited United States classified information, including by publishing a list of “Most Wanted Leaks” that sought, among other things, classified documents. Manning responded to Assange’s solicitations by using access granted to her as an intelligence analyst to search for United States classified documents, and provided to Assange and WikiLeaks databases containing approximately 90,000 Afghanistan war-related significant activity reports, 400,000 Iraq war-related significant activities reports, 800 Guantanamo Bay detainee assessment briefs, and 250,000 U.S. Department of State cables.
Many of these documents were classified at the Secret level, meaning that their unauthorized disclosure could cause serious damage to United States national security. Manning also provided rules of engagement files for the Iraq war, most of which were also classified at the Secret level and which delineated the circumstances and limitations under which United States forces would initiate or conduct combat engagement with other forces.
The superseding indictment alleges that Manning and Assange engaged in real-time discussions regarding Manning’s transmission of classified records to Assange. The discussions also reflect that Assange actively encouraged Manning to provide more information and agreed to crack a password hash stored on U.S. Department of Defense computers connected to the Secret Internet Protocol Network (SIPRNet), a United States government network used for classified documents and communications. Assange is also charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusion for agreeing to crack that password hash.
Assange is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each count except for conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, for which he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, and Timothy Dunham, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kellen S. Dwyer, Thomas W. Traxler and Gordon D. Kromberg, and Trial Attorneys Matthew R. Walczewski and Nicholas O. Hunter of the Justice Department’s National Security Division are prosecuting the case.
Assange is currently serving a sentence in the United Kingdom for failure to surrender to U.K. authorities in 2012. Assange’s extradition to the United States is being handled by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-111.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
West Seneca Man Previously Convicted of Sexually Abusing A Child Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Justin Wheeler, 27, of West Seneca, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor by a person having a prior conviction for aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, or abusive sexual conduct involving a minor. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Murray, who is handling the case, stated that on October 31, 2017, New York State Parole conducted a search of the defendant’s bedroom pursuant to Wheeler’s New York State court ordered search conditions. The defendant was on parole for a 2013 conviction for attempted rape in the first degree, a conviction which stemmed from his sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl. During the search, parole officers seized a Samsung cellular telephone from the defendant’s bedroom. A search warrant was executed on the phone, which was found to contain 90 images and 269 videos of child pornography. Some of the images and videos included prepubescent minors and depictions of violence.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 1, 2019, before Judge Vilardo.
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United States Files Complaint against Long Island Company to Stop Distribution of Adulterated Dietary SupplementsRead the Press Release
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. – The United States filed a civil complaint against defendants Confidence USA Inc., of Port Washington, New York, the company’s president Helen Chian, and manager Jim Chao to prevent the distribution of adulterated dietary supplements in violation of federal law, the Department of Justice announced today. The defendants make and distribute more than 50 dietary supplements under brand names that include Confidence USA, American Best, USA Natural and The Herbal Store.
The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, seeks a permanent injunction to prevent the defendants from marketing dietary supplements without following current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs). The complaint alleges that multiple inspections by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) repeatedly showed that the defendants failed to verify the identity of each dietary ingredient used in the manufacture of their supplements, and also failed to verify that their products met specifications for purity, strength, composition and contamination limits.
Dietary supplements not prepared, packed and held in conformance with cGMP regulations are adulterated in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. According to the Department of Justice’s complaint, FDA issued a warning letter to Confidence USA in 2011 regarding deficiencies at the company. United States Marshals previously seized certain Confidence USA products in connection with a 2012 complaint alleging that the products were adulterated.
“Millions of Americans take dietary supplements and trust that these products are safe,” stated United States Attorney Richard P. Donoghue of the Eastern District of New York. “This Office is committed to protecting those consumers and holding dietary supplement manufacturers and distributors to current safety standards. Today’s filing demonstrates that we will take action to enforce those standards and keep the public safe.”
“Dietary supplement makers put consumers’ health at risk by distributing products without first verifying that those products actually are what they claim to be,” stated Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to work with the FDA to make sure that dietary supplement manufacturers meet the legal standards necessary to ensure the quality of such products.”
“Ensuring product integrity is a priority for the FDA,” stated Melinda Plaisier, Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs at the Food and Drug Administration. “Consumers should be able to expect that the dietary supplements they purchase meet quality standards and contain only what they are supposed to, in the correct amounts. The FDA will continue to take swift action against companies that sell adulterated dietary supplements.”
A complaint is a set of allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government would need to prove by a preponderance of the evidence.
The case is being handled by Trial Attorney Douglas Ross of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Schumacher and John Vagelatos from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, and Associate Chief Counsel for Enforcement Jennifer Argabright of the FDA’s Office of General Counsel.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny.
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CV-3073 (JMA)
Un hombre de Oregón condenado a 15 meses de cárcel federal por un delito de odio con una iglesia en Eugene como objetivoRead the Press Release
Benjamín Jaramillo Hernández, de 70 años, de Eugene, Oregón, fue condenado ayer a 15 meses de cárcel federal y tres años de libertad vigilada por el delito de odio que cometió contra la iglesia católica St. Mary Catholic Church en Eugene en septiembre del 2018 y por la posesión ilícita de municiones. Eric Dreiband, el Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles, y Billy J. Williams, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Oregón lo anunciaron.
«El Departamento de Justicia no tolerará amenazas de violencia e intimidación odiosa», declaró el Fiscal General Auxiliar Eric Dreiband. «Tal y como se ha demostrado en este caso, la División de Derechos Civiles enjuiciará activamente a cualquier persona que vulnere el derecho de individuos o comunidades enteras al libre ejercicio de sus creencias religiosas».
«El Sr. Hernández empleó intimidación y amenazas de violencia para aterrorizar una congregación, pero el daño provocado por delitos de odio como este se extiende más allá de individuos específicos o los grupos que son el objetivo del mismo. Estos delitos amenazan la seguridad, la libertad y el bienestar de comunidades enteras», dijo Billy J. Williams, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito de Oregón. «Ninguna condena puede revertir el daño causado por el Sr. Hernández, pero esperamos que ofrezca cierto sentido de justicia a los feligreses de St. Mary y a la comunidad entera de Eugene».
«Nuestro derecho a rezar de manera libre y sin miedo es fundamental en la vida en los Estados Unidos», comentó Renn Cannon, el Agente Especial Encargado del FBI en Oregón. «Sea cual sea su religión, el FBI y nuestros socios trabajaremos para proteger su derecho a expresar sus creencias y a vivir en paz».
Según los documentos judiciales, el 9 de septiembre del 2018, Hernández fue escoltado fuera de la propiedad de St. Mary tras un ataque de ira durante el sacramento de la comunión. Cinco días más tarde, el 14 de septiembre, un empleado de la iglesia informó a la Policía de Eugene que alguien había dispensado aerosol de pimienta en los mangos de las puertas exteriores y en la ranura para el correo de la puerta principal de la oficina de St. Mary. Los empleados declararon sentir una sensación de ardor en sus dedos y dificultades para respirar. Un policía de Eugene y un agente del FBI identificaron a Hernández en unas videosecuencias de vigilancia de la iglesia como la persona responsable de los dos incidentes.
El 16 de septiembre del 2018, a Hernández lo vieron nuevamente cerca de St. Mary. Un testigo vio a Hernández al otro lado de la calle de la iglesia cuando paró cerca de la Biblioteca Municipal de Eugene y gritó al testigo, «Aquí tengo algo para tí», mientras señalaba a una bolsa que llevaba consigo.
Varios días más tarde, el 20 de septiembre, los empleados de St. Mary avisaron que habían encontrado una nota amenazante y siete balas explosivas de una Sig de 10mm en la oficina. La nota amenazaba a la iglesia con «2 MP5 con 50 cartuchos cada uno», un tipo de metralleta. La nota concluyó así: «A Eugene lo van a poner en el [palabrota] mapa».
Un policía de Eugene revisó nuevamente las videosecuencias de vigilancia de la iglesia e identificó a Hernández como el individuo que había dejado la nota y las balas. El 21 de septiembre del 2018, Hernández fue detenido por la Policía de Eugene en la Biblioteca Municipal de Eugene. Durante un registro de Hernández, los agentes hallaron una lata parcialmente vacía de aerosol de pimienta, tres cartuchos de una escopeta .410 y 13 balas explosivas de una Sig de 10mm. Las balas de 10mm eran de la misma marca y el mismo calibre que las balas que se encontraron en St. Mary junto con la nota amenazante.
El 12 de febrero del 2019, Hernández se declaró culpable ante la lectura formal de dos cargos de obstrucción o intento a obstrucción al libre ejercicio de creencias religiosas y la posesión ilícita de municiones.
El personal y los feligreses de St. Mary Catholic Church han declarado que las amenazas de Hernández los han dañado físicamente y los ha dejado asustados y preocupados por su propia seguridad y sin la posibilidad de participar libremente en el ejercicio de sus creencias religiosas. El acoso ha afectado no solo a feligreses individuales sino a la parroquia completa. Varios miembros de la comunidad de St. Mary han declarado que la iglesia ha sufrido una baja en asistencia y en los donativos semanales tras la conducta de Hernández.
Este caso fue investigado por la Policía de Eugene y el FBI y enjuiciado por Gavin W. Bruce, un Fiscal Federal Auxiliar de la Fiscalía Federal de Oregón, Cameron Bell, un Abogado de Litigios de la División de Derechos Civiles.
Para más información sobre el trabajo del Departamento de Justicia por combatir y prevenir los delitos de odio, vaya a www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: es un único portal con enlaces a recursos del Departamento de Justicia relacionados con delitos de odio para la policía, los medios de comunicación, investigadores, víctimas, grupos de apoyo y otras organizaciones y personas.
U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Continued Efforts to Make Communities Safer Through Targeted Strategies to Combat Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — With the summer months approaching, John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today announced continued progress in combating violent crime through a series of targeted strategies as part of the revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative.
The Department of Justice recently strengthened and enhanced PSN, an evidence-based program that serves as the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, U.S. Attorney Lausch has deployed the enhanced PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district. Northern District of Illinois prosecutors target criminal organizations, leading to prosecutions of complex racketeering and drug trafficking enterprises, while also removing the most violent offenders from the community through prosecution of individual violent crime, drug, and firearm possession cases. PSN resources are also invested in local prevention and reentry programs that seek to implement lasting reductions in crime through community engagement.
“Anyone thinking of engaging in gun violence or trafficking dangerous narcotics in Chicago this summer needs to know that a federal prosecution could await them,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “A primary goal of our office is to reduce violent crime, and we will continue to use every available federal law enforcement tool to keep people safe this summer and beyond.”
The PSN program has enabled the U.S. Attorney’s Office to sustain and expand upon significant increases in the prosecution of violent crime and gun offenders. For example, in the first seven months of the 2019 Fiscal Year (FY),[1] the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged more federal firearm offenses than were charged in each of the entire fiscal years of 2004 through 2016. The number of charged firearm defendants in 2019 will likely substantially exceed the numbers charged in 2018 and 2017, which saw the most and second-most firearm defendants, respectively, in more than a decade.
Crime statistics from the Chicago Police Department (CPD) reveal significant reductions in violent crime in Chicago this year. In the first four months of 2019, violent crime in Chicago was down 10%, according to CPD statistics. CPD reported double-digit reductions in murders, robberies, burglaries, and carjackings, compared to the same four-month period in 2018. Shooting incidents were down 8% in that period, which also marked a 41% reduction compared to 2016.
“We are working closer than ever with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to increase prosecutions of trigger-pullers and carjackers, and those who illegally use and possess firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “While we are making progress, we realize that a great deal of work remains to be done, especially in the summer months ahead.”
Enforcement Actions
The U.S. Attorney’s Office works closely with U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to investigate and prosecute violent offenders. State and local partners in this effort include CPD, Illinois State Police (ISP), Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and numerous county and local departments throughout the district.
As part of these efforts, law enforcement in the Northern District frequently use an important tool for investigating violent crime and firearms cases: ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles.
Thus far in Fiscal Year 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has prosecuted hundreds of defendants for firearms offenses, drug trafficking, and other violent crimes.
- Racketeering Prosecutions
- “Combating violent street gangs is a top priority in our office,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch.
- This month, racketeering and murder charges were unsealed against four alleged members of a Chicago street gang known as the Milwaukee Kings. The charges allege that each of the defendants committed murder, while one of them also committed two attempted murders. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The U.S. Attorney’s Office worked closely in the investigation with FBI and CPD.
- Racketeering charges were also brought this month against LUIS CONTRERAS, of Chicago, for allegedly committing murder to maintain and increase his position in the Latin Saints street gang. The indictment alleges that members of the Latin Saints boasted about the gang on social media and intimidated rival gang members through acts of violence. Arraignment is set for May 23, 2019. ATF, HSI and CPD led the probe.
- Last month, two alleged members of the Evans Mob street gang were charged with committing murder in aid of racketeering. The indictment describes the Evans Mob as a criminal organization whose members and associates engaged in numerous acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder and assault, to acquire and preserve the gang’s territory on Chicago’s South Side. The defendants have pleaded not guilty. The case was investigated by ATF and CPD.
- In October 2018, a joint federal and state investigation resulted in racketeering and murder charges against five alleged members of a Chicago street gang faction known as the Goonie Boss. The federal indictment alleges that Goonie members and their associates terrorized the Englewood neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side and were responsible for eleven murders. The defendants have pleaded not guilty. The case was investigated by FBI and CPD.
- Firearm Trafficking and Firearm Theft Prosecutions
- “Straw purchasers and firearms traffickers enable unlawful possession of guns and the violence that may follow,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who engage in illicit firearm transactions.”
- Earlier this month, a federal jury in Chicago convicted OMRAN ISMAIL, of Burbank, of conspiring to straw purchase several handguns on behalf of someone else. Ismail faces up to ten years in prison when he is sentenced later this year. HSI, CPD, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection participated in the probe.
- In February 2019, four defendants were charged as part of an investigation that disrupted a Missouri-to-Chicago firearms pipeline. The probe, led by ATF and CPD, revealed that two Missouri residents brought numerous handguns to Chicago and supplied them to a convicted felon for eventual sale on the streets. The defendants have pleaded not guilty. One of the defendants who allegedly purchased some of the guns in Chicago, DERRICK CLAIBORNE, was also charged in a separate federal indictment with possessing multiple firearms and fentanyl-laced heroin in his residence in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago. Claiborne has pleaded not guilty in that case.
- In December 2018, JYMIL CAMPBELL, a convicted felon from Chicago, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for illegally selling more than a dozen firearms in the city’s North Lawndale neighborhood. Campbell sold ten handguns, three rifles, and four large-capacity magazines for $8,700. Unbeknownst to Campbell, the two buyers were confidential informants working on behalf of law enforcement. ATF led the probe.
- In October 2018, MONICA NAVEJAR, of Chicago, was indicted on firearm charges for conspiring to “straw purchase” handguns in Indiana on behalf of a convicted felon in Chicago. The charges accuse Navejar of purchasing the guns from licensed dealers in Indiana and falsely certifying on federal forms that she was the actual buyer. Navejar pleaded not guilty. ATF, FBI, and CPD conducted the probe.
- Carjacking Prosecutions
- “Our message to would-be carjackers this summer is simple: Committing a senseless act of violence like carjacking could earn you a stay in federal prison for a long time,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch.
- Earlier this month, four teenagers were indicted on carjacking or weapons offenses in connection with a vehicle theft at gunpoint in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. Three of the defendants were charged with using, carrying and brandishing a firearm in connection with a violent crime - an offense punishable by a maximum sentence of life in prison. Arraignments are set for May 29, 2019. The probe was led by FBI and CPD, with assistance from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
- In February 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced federal carjacking charges against five individuals in connection with violent carjackings in Chicago or the suburbs. The defendants have pleaded not guilty. The investigations were conducted by CPD, ATF and FBI, with assistance from ISP and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
- Illegal Possession of Firearm Prosecutions
“If you are a felon and you are thinking about picking up a gun this summer, you should expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and face the possibility of going to federal prison for a long time,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has brought numerous firearm cases as part of PSN and the recent addition of its Gun Crimes Prosecution Team strategy, which was created to enhance the prosecution of illegal firearm cases in certain police districts in Chicago. Working collaboratively with federal and local law enforcement, and state prosecutors, the team focuses on charging Chicago’s most dangerous criminals quickly after arrest, endeavoring to disrupt the cycle of violence in the neighborhoods most in need. As noted above, over the past two years and during the current fiscal year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has increased its prosecution of illegal possession and illegal use of firearms cases – charging more gun defendants in each of the past two years than in any single year in more than a decade. More than 175 individuals have been charged with federal gun crimes thus far in FY 2019, according to preliminary data – an increase of over 80% from the number of firearm defendants charged federally during the same period in 2018.
“Our goal as prosecutors is not simply to bring more cases against more defendants, but to reduce the number of homicides and shootings in the Northern District. We work with our law enforcement partners to identify cases that will have the greatest impact on the communities most plagued by violence, and where prosecutions and federal prison time are most likely to disrupt cycles of shootings and retaliation,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “We recognize there are presently far too many gun crimes in the Chicago area, and we have increased our enforcement efforts in order to charge as many impactful cases as possible.”
Examples of felon-in-possession sentencings in federal court during FY19 include:
- GLENN WATKINS, of Chicago, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for illegally possessing a .380-caliber semiautomatic handgun in the city’s Hermosa neighborhood. Watkins was arrested in May 2017 for a traffic violation. After being taken into custody, CPD officers discovered that Watkins had hidden the gun inside a cloth holster that was tied to his testicles with a white shoelace.
- KEESHON SAMSON, of Chicago, was sentenced to nearly six years in prison for illegally possessing a loaded semiautomatic handgun in the city’s South Chicago neighborhood. The gun had been reported stolen in a burglary of a licensed firearms dealer a month earlier. At the time he possessed the gun, Samson was on probation for a kidnapping offense. CPD and ATF led the probe.
- IESHA STANCIEL, of Willowbrook, was sentenced to six years in prison for illegally possessing two firearms in DuPage County. Stanciel also threatened an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement in the case. In a message on the cooperating individual’s Facebook page, Stanciel posted emojis of a handgun and referred to the individual as a “snitch.” FBI and ATF led the probe, with assistance from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and Bolingbrook Police Department.
- LUIS REYNOSO, of Chicago, was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for illegally possessing two loaded semi-automatic handguns in a park in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. Reynoso had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including attempted murder. The probe was conducted by FBI and CPD.
- MICHAEL SMITH, of Chicago, was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for illegally possessing a semiautomatic handgun with an obliterated serial number on the city’s Near West Side. CPD officers observed Smith retrieve the gun from a parked vehicle and place it in his waistband. When officers approached, Smith ran but was apprehended on the second-floor porch of a nearby residence. At the time of the offense, Smith was on probation for a felony narcotics conviction.
- DIANTE DAVIS, of Chicago, was sentenced to ten years in prison for brandishing a loaded handgun while dealing drugs in Chicago’s Homan Square neighborhood. During a deal with an undercover law enforcement officer, Davis pointed the gun at the officer and accused him of working for law enforcement, saying, “You’re probably recording me right now.” As it turned out, the drug deal was indeed surreptitiously recorded by law enforcement. Davis was arrested, and the undercover officer was not harmed. DEA and CPD led the investigation, with assistance from ISP.
- Two days after being released from custody for a felony conviction, DAVID HOLLY, of Chicago, was arrested for illegally possessing a loaded handgun on a street on Chicago’s Far South Side. He was convicted after a bench trial and sentenced to five years in federal prison. CPD led the probe.
- Narcotics Trafficking Prosecutions
The U.S. Attorney’s Office targets traffickers who bring illegal drugs into Illinois from other states or countries, with a particular focus on traffickers who use guns, violence and threats of violence to protect and promote their illegal businesses. The office also investigates and prosecutes dealers who distribute powerful opioids like fentanyl and heroin.
“Fentanyl is a dangerously potent drug,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “Anyone who sells fentanyl on the streets of Chicago this summer will endure the full weight of law enforcement, and that includes a possible federal prosecution.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office often works directly with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office to ensure that individuals trafficking drugs are charged with appropriate offenses in either federal or state court. Examples of recent federal prosecutions include:
- This month, eleven individuals, including a woman and two of her sons, were charged as part of a federal drug and gun investigation in Chicago. During the multi-year probe, law enforcement seized 29 firearms and associated ammunition, a machete and sheath, approximately a kilogram of cocaine, and 78 pounds of marijuana. Law enforcement also seized from one of the defendants a Rolex watch and two necklaces. Attached to the necklaces were 14-carat gold pendants with the initials “LAFA” written in diamonds. The initials are an apparent reference to the defendant’s suspected affiliation with LAFA, a Chicago street gang. Arraignments have not yet been scheduled. FBI and CPD led the investigation, with assistance by IRS, Cook County Sheriff’s Department, Evergreen Park Police Department, Joliet Police Department, Orland Park Police Department, and Bolingbrook Police Department.
- Ten defendants were charged in March 2019 as part of a multi-year federal probe into drug trafficking in the East Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago. Law enforcement seized approximately 13 pounds of suspected methamphetamines, a half-kilogram of suspected heroin, approximately 13,000 pills of suspected ecstasy, and 18 firearms. The defendants have pleaded not guilty. The investigation was led by ATF and CPD, with assistance from ISP.
- In March 2019, 35 individuals were charged as part of a joint federal and state investigation into heroin and fentanyl trafficking on the West Side of Chicago. Many of the defendants allegedly distributed heroin and fentanyl-laced heroin to customers in the Chicago area, with drivers dispatched to make drug deliveries after customers placed orders on a telephone hotline. The defendants have pleaded not guilty. The investigation was jointly conducted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the Chicago High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force (HIDTA). The task forces, which are comprised of agents and officers from the above-mentioned federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations.
- In December 2018, a father and son from Chicago were among 18 individuals charged as part of an investigation into cocaine trafficking. The defendants allegedly distributed cocaine to hundreds of customers in the Chicago area, with drivers dispatched to make door-to-door deliveries. The defendants have pleaded not guilty. The OCDETF investigation was led by FBI and DEA, with the assistance of police departments from Evanston, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Palatine, and Des Plaines.
- In “Operation Dirty Ice,” 12 individuals were charged with trafficking heroin on the West Side of Chicago. During the probe, authorities seized one and a half kilograms of heroin, a half-kilogram of crack cocaine, more than $892,000 in illicit cash proceeds, and a stolen handgun. The defendants have pleaded not guilty. The OCDETF investigation was led by FBI and CPD, with assistance from IRS and ISP.
- Sales of fentanyl and fentanyl-laced heroin were the target of a joint federal and state investigation that resulted in charges against more than 25 individuals. The federal charges described drug sales in the Tri-Taylor, Humboldt Park and West Garfield Park neighborhoods on Chicago’s West Side, as well as deals in the Chatham neighborhood on the city’s South Side. The defendants have pleaded not guilty. The probe was led by CPD, with assistance from numerous federal agents assigned to a HIDTA task force.
Community Partnerships
The revitalized PSN program continues to invest resources in many violence-prevention initiatives. Members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office have participated in parolee forums and youth outreach forums, and these efforts will continue this summer.
The monthly parolee forums, also known as offender notification meetings, rotate among various Chicago neighborhoods. Recent parolees who have moved back into the neighborhoods are offered the chance to make an informed choice not to engage in further criminal activity. Researchers at Yale University found that ex-offenders who attend a forum are 30% less likely to commit a new offense than those who did not attend a forum.
The quarterly youth forums assist children aged 13-17 to identify a path other than gang membership. The youth forums are conducted in partnership with CPD, the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, and the University of Chicago Crime Lab, which tracks the progress of the children to assess results.
Two Mexican Nationals Indicted for Transporting Approximately 14,800 Counterfeit Oxycodone Pills Containing FentanylRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment Thursday against Ivan Lopez, 34, of Mexico, and Erick Olivas Lopez, 39, of Mexico, charging them with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute at least 400 grams of a substance containing fentanyl, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on April 25, 2019, the defendants were found in possession of approximately 14,799 fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills, weighing approximately 1.6 kilograms, during a traffic stop in Sacramento.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney David W. Spencer is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Lopez and Olivas Lopez each face a minimum statutory penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Twin Falls Man Sentenced to Nearly 30 Years in Federal Prison for Gun and Drug Charges and Shooting at Shoshone Police OfficerRead the Press Release
BOISE – Jesus Javier Malagon, 32, of Twin Falls, has been sentenced to 355 months in prison on federal drug and gun charges, as well as shooting at a Shoshone City police officer, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. In February of this year, a Boise jury found Malagon guilty of the charges after a weeklong trial. He was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the Federal Courthouse in Boise. In addition to nearly thirty years in prison, Malagon was sentenced to 4 years of supervised release.
The case stemmed from a January 30, 2018, traffic stop of Malagon by a Shoshone City police officer. At the time of the stop, Malagon possessed a large quantity of marijuana, a digital scale, drug packaging items and two loaded handguns. Malagon fled from the officer at a high-speed. The officer pursued. Malagon eventually crashed his vehicle, resulting in significant injuries to himself. When the officer approached Malagon after the crash, Malagon shot a 9-millimeter handgun at the officer. The officer, who was not injured, immediately returned fire, striking Malagon multiple times. Malagon suffered non-life threatening injuries from the shooting. During a subsequent search of Malagon’s vehicle, investigators found the 9-millimeter handgun, a .38-caliber revolver, multiple pounds of marijuana, and other items showing that Malagon was distributing marijuana. Malagon had previously been convicted of manufacturing marijuana, a felony, and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Shoshone City Police Department, Gooding County Sheriff’s Office, and the Critical Incident Task Force, which includes the Idaho State Police, Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, and Twin Falls City Police Department.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Tulare County Man Indicted on Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Alejandro Cabrera-Gallegos, 37, of Porterville, charging him with distribution of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on May 2, 2019, Cabrera distributed one pound of methamphetamine to an individual in Tulare County. On May 14, 2019, Cabrera was arrested in Tulare County attempting to distribute five pounds of methamphetamine. An additional one pound of methamphetamine was seized during a search warrant executed at Cabrera’s residence in Porterville on May 14, 2019.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Porterville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathleen Servatius and Katherine Schuh are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Cabrera faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Three defendants sentenced for conspiring to send nearly 14 kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine from California to GeorgiaRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Yadira Gomez-Gonzalez has been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Gomez-Gonzalez is the last of three defendants whose drug ring was infiltrated by undercover DEA agents when they attempted to send nearly 14 kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine from California to Georgia.
“This drug trafficking ring affected countless people with the methamphetamine they were sending across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Thankfully our law enforcement partners penetrated this tight-knit group and have removed this poison from our streets.”
Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta DEA office stated, “These individuals established a very lucrative methamphetamine smuggling operation in Atlanta that was crushed by the men and women of DEA. DEA along with its partners will continue to fight those predators who distribute poison in our community.
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: DEA agents identified Gomez-Gonzalez and her husband, Fernando Herrera-Rojas, as drug smugglers looking for tractor-trailer drivers to haul drugs between Los Angeles, California and Atlanta, Georgia. An undercover agent, acting as a long-haul trucker, volunteered for the job and negotiated the terms of the transportation and payment with Gomez-Gonzalez and Herrera-Rojas.
After coordinating by phone with Gomez-Gonzalez and Herrera-Rojas, the undercover agent collected nearly 14 kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine from Reynaldo Gonzalez-Arreola in Commerce, California. All three defendants were arrested after the undercover agent delivered the drugs to Gomez-Gonzalez and Herrera-Rojas in the Atlanta area. Agents also seized $23,890 and a firearm from Gonzalez-Arreola’s home in Los Angeles. Gomez-Gonzalez’s arrest thwarted a separate shipment of drugs she was attempting to coordinate from McAllen, Texas to the Atlanta area.
Members of the conspiracy who have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May are:
- Yadira Gomez-Gonzalez, 34, of Kennesaw, Georgia was sentenced to 14 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Gomez-Gonzalez was convicted on these charges on September 14, 2018, after she pleaded guilty.
- Fernando Herrera-Rojas, 35, of Kennesaw, Georgia, was sentenced to eight years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Herrera-Rojas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine on September 14, 2018, and was sentenced on March 29, 2019.
- Reynaldo Gonzalez-Arreola, 32, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced to 14 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Gonzalez-Arreola pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine on January 3, 2019, and was sentenced on March 19, 2019.
All three defendants will be deported to Mexico following their sentence of imprisonment.
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Hartigan prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Texas Man Sentenced as Drug Mule in Large-Scale Cocaine Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 35-year-old resident of Conroe has been sentenced to federal prison following his conviction for large-scale cocaine trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Perry Clark pleaded guilty Feb. 21, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered Clark to serve a total of 40 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court mentioned Clark’s complete lack of criminal history, but noted the significant quantity of cocaine in this case.
On Jan. 9, 2019, Clark entered the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint located near Sarita, at which time a canine officer alerted to Clark’s vehicle. Border Patrol (BP) agents searched the vehicle and discovered 14 bundles containing approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine.
Clark admitted to agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that he knew he was transporting narcotics, that he had done so on numerous other occasions and that he was to be paid $5,000 for delivering the cocaine to Houston.
Clark will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The DEA conducted the investigation in conjunction with BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Dunn is prosecuting the case.
Ten Defendants Convicted and Sentenced for Their Roles in Multi-State Identity Theft, Credit Card Fraud, and Money Laundering Ring Netting more than $1.5 million in ProfitsRead the Press Release
The last two of 10 defendants were sentenced for their participation in a multi-state identity theft, credit card fraud, and money laundering scheme.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Anthony Salisbury, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigation (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
According to stipulated facts filed in court and statements made in court, Noe Reina De La Cruz, 28, of Doral, Raul Gil-Rodriguez, 36, formerly of Paramus, New Jersey, Ney Antonio Lopez De La Cruz, 25, of Doral, Domingo Reyes, 41, formerly of Doral and New York, New York, Yousef Michi, 35, of New York, New York, Esteban Ochoa, 35, of New York, New York, Vantroy Sanchez, 40, of New York, New York, Jeffrey Batista, 28, of New York, New York, Carlos David Franco, 32, of Miami, and Pedro De La Cruz, 49, of New York, New York, used the personal identifying information of other individuals to open credit card accounts without the victims’ knowledge or consent. The conspirators used the fraudulently obtained credit cards to purchase electronics, purchase home goods, purchase designer shoes, purchase Rolex watches, travel across the country and abroad, pay for spa services, and pay for medical procedures – such as Lasik surgery – for themselves and others.
For example, according to court documents, on or about March 30, 2017, Noe Reina De La Cruz used a Citibank credit card account number ending in 4669, issued to victim “E.R.,” without the permission and authority of “E.R.,” to purchase items including a Rolex watch, totaling approximately $14,065. On another occasion, on or about May 11, 2017, Noe Reina De La Cruz used a credit card bearing the name “S.D.,” encoded with Citibank account number ending in 3349, issued to identity theft victim “D.A.,” to purchase items and spa services at the Acqualina Resort and Spa in Sunny Isles Beach, which totaled approximately $1,299. The indictment further alleges that, on or about Mary 12, 2017, Raul Gil-Rodriguez used a Citibank credit card account number ending in 2766, issued to identity theft victim “P.L.,” to purchase eye surgery totaling approximately $5,000. Noe Reina De La Cruz also used fraud proceeds and laundered funds to purchase property in Davie that was valued at more than $600,000.
Some conspirators also resold fraudulently obtained electronics, such as Apple products and Nest thermostats, for a percentage of their face value, to Yousef Michi and Carlos David Franco, in order to obtain cash, checks, or wire transfers to Royal Elite Investments Corp., a shell company that Noe Reina De La Cruz controlled, and to companies operated by Raul Gil-Rodriguez.
Gil-Rodriguez and Reyes were the final two defendants sentenced in this case. U.S. District Judge Marcia G. Cooke previously imposed sentences ranging from probation for one defendant to 97 months in prison for the two leaders of the ring, Noe Reina De La Cruz and Raul Gil-Rodriguez. In addition to their terms of incarceration, the defendants were sentenced to pay restitution, special assessments, and forfeiture money judgments that totaled more than $1.5 million.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the special agents of ICE-HSI Miami Field Office and ICE-HSI New York Field Office who conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa H. Miller prosecuted the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nalina Sombuntham and Nicole Grosnoff are handling the asset forfeiture component of the case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Syracuse Man Sentenced for Distributing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Damion Anderson, age 48, of Syracuse, was sentenced today in federal court in Syracuse to serve 12 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute and distributing crack cocaine, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief of Police Kenton T. Buckner, Syracuse Police Department.
In previously pleading guilty, Anderson admitted that on November 8, 2018, he conspired with one or more other people to sell crack cocaine in Syracuse and that he engaged in a sale of less than 2.8 net grams of crack cocaine on that day. This case was part of a targeted drug suppression and enforcement operation conducted jointly by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Syracuse Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Syracuse Police Department and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
Southern Oregon Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Interstate Trafficking of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Daniel Stewart Gregg, 67, of Ashland, Oregon, was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison and two years’ supervised release for engaging in a conspiracy to traffic Oregon-grown marijuana across state lines.
According to court documents, in 2015, Illinois law enforcement seized a 354-pound load of marijuana originating in Southern Oregon, valued at approximately $885,000. Following the seizure, investigators seized more than $153,000 from the courier’s residence in North Carolina. Further investigation revealed that Gregg had coordinated this shipment and other later out-of-state shipments of marijuana.
On June 8, 2018, Gregg waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiring to distribute a controlled substance.
Gregg has a long history with controlled substances. He was convicted of marijuana possession in 1970 and 1975, of distributing a hallucinogen in 2004 for which he served 15 months in federal prison and of selling marijuana in 2012.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service, Medford Police Department and prosecuted by Julia E. Jarrett and Steven T. Mygrant, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
This case was brought as part of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the department’s strategy for reducing the availability of drugs in the U.S. OCDETF was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack on drug trafficking by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in coordination with state and local law enforcement.
Sex Offender Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake today sentenced Michael Gene Reed, age 40, of Dundalk, Maryland, to 12 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for possession of child pornography and for violating his supervised release on a previous federal sex offense conviction. Upon his release from prison, Reed must again register as a sex offender in the places where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Acting Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jennifer L. Moore of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger.
According to his plea agreement, on February 24, 2009, Reed was convicted of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and possession of child pornography in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia. Reed was sentenced to 90 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, and was required to register as a sex offender upon his release. Reed was released from prison on December 24, 2014, and began his supervised release.
Reed admitted that on June 25, 2017 and December 27, 2017, Reed reported to Maryland’s Sex Offender Registry that he resided in an apartment in Dundalk. However, as of November 2017, Reed resided at a rowhome three miles away from his reported residence, with his girlfriend and her minor daughter. Reed did not report to his probation officer that he had moved or that he was living with a minor, as required by the terms of his supervised release.
As detailed in his plea agreement, Reed also participated in an online anonymous chatroom service that does not require user registration. Users can access chatrooms by entering the name of the room and creating a nickname for themselves. Once in the room, users can chat and share images with one another. Reed admitted that on February 14 and November 17, 2017, Reed joined chatrooms using the names “kinkfan” and “pedoperv,” respectively. On each occasion, Reed shared an image with the other users in the chatroom, specifically, an image of two minor girls engaged in sexually suggestive behavior, and an image of an adult male sexually abusing a prepubescent girl.
On January 11, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Reed’s girlfriend’s rowhome. Reed admitted to law enforcement that he used his work cellphone to chat on the anonymous site, and that he did not report his new address because he did not want his girlfriend’s daughter and her father to learn about his prior conviction. Reed also possessed images documenting the sexual abuse of prepubescent minors.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, HSI-Baltimore, the Baltimore County Police Department, and the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation, and thanked the Baltimore City Police Department for its assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers, who prosecuted the federal case.
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Serial Fraudster Convicted of Participating in Lottery ScamRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A woman with a criminal history that includes previously participating in a fake lottery scam, pleaded guilty today to fraud charges related to her role in a recent Jamaican lottery scam.
“Kochuga and her co-conspirators lied, cheated, and stole from their victims out of greed,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney of the Eastern District of Virginia. “The financial and emotional harm these scams cause elderly victims and their family members can be utterly devastating. This prosecution should stand as a warning to others considering scamming vulnerable victims: We will not tolerate this criminal activity and will continue to prosecute these cases federally.”
According to court documents, Nena Kerny Kochuga, 44, of Virginia Beach, received tens of thousands of dollars from victims around the United States. These victims had been contacted over the phone and told by conspirators that they had won a multi-million dollar lottery. The conspirators would then tell the victims that, in order to receive their winnings, they had to mail or wire money for taxes to Kochuga in Virginia Beach. Kochuga would keep a portion of the money for herself, and wire the rest of the money to conspirators in Jamaica and other countries. Prior to this criminal conduct, Kochuga had been convicted for the same exact scheme in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the Postal Service is not used to perpetuate predatory schemes that target vulnerable victims,” said Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Washington Division. “We are committed to protecting our customers from being defrauded of everything they’ve worked so hard to attain.”
Kochuga pleaded guilty to mail fraud and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on September 30. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Yusi is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-22.
Second Nashville Man Indicted for 2016 Robbery/MurderRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – May 23, 2019 – A superseding indictment returned yesterday charged Christopher Brazelton, 24, of Nashville, Tennessee, with conspiring to commit and committing Hobbs Act Robbery; using, carrying, brandishing and discharging a firearm resulting in death; conspiring to tamper with a witness; and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee. Brandon Hunt-Clark, 22, also of Nashville, was previously indicted last month in connection with this case.
According to the indictment, these charges resulted from the robbery and murder of Justin Lawton, who was found shot to death in Nashville on December 14, 2016. The indictment also charges that Hunt-Clark and Brazelton conspired with unnamed others to tamper with a witness who had knowledge of that robbery and murder.
Both defendants are in custody and if convicted, face up to life in prison.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sunny A.M. Koshy is prosecuting the case.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Sacramento Area Attorney Indicted for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment today against Scott Norris Johnson, 57, of Carmichael, charging him with three counts of making and subscribing a false tax return, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division announced.
According to the indictment, Johnson owned and operated Disabled Access Prevents Injury Inc. (DAPI), a legal services corporation. First using DAPI, and later using a law firm, Johnson filed thousands of lawsuits in the Eastern District of California and elsewhere. Johnson named himself as the plaintiff in the lawsuits and made claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the California Disabled Persons Act, and the California Unruh Civil Rights Act.
Under the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, payments related to lawsuit settlements or awards are taxable unless they were paid on account of personal physical injury or physical sickness. Johnson, however, allegedly materially underreported the taxable income he received from lawsuit settlements and awards on his income tax returns for tax years 2012, 2013, and 2014. By understating his income on his tax returns, Johnson and DAPI paid little to no income tax for tax years 2012, 2013 and 2014.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine T. Lydon and Trial Attorney Tim Russo of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum statutory penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Rochester Woman Going to Jail for Beating A Woman Who Testified Against Her Brother in Sex Trafficking TrialRead 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 Shykeila Russell, 30, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of witness intimidation, was sentenced to serve 12 months and a day in prison by U.S. District Judge David G. Larimer.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that in September 2017, an individual identified as L.T., testified in a federal jury trial against the defendant’s brother Stephen Jones. Jones was subsequently convicted of sex trafficking and sentenced to serve 25 years in prison.
On July 27, 2018, Russell physically assaulted L.T. as retaliation for L.T.’s testimony during the federal jury trial. The defendant observed L.T. walking down the street with a small child. Russell approached and stated, “my brother is doing 25 years and you think you can just walk around like nothing happened.” The defendant then punched L.T. repeatedly in the head, causing bruising and pain.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.
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Rhode Island Man Arrested for Somerville Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Rhode Island man was arrested and charged today in federal court in Boston in connection with an armed bank robbery in Somerville on May 1, 2019, that resulted in shots fired.
Daniel Rosado, 32, of Providence, R.I., was charged with one count of armed bank robbery, one count of brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Rosado will appear in federal court in Boston later today.
“Today’s arrest and charges put an end to a three week search for a dangerous and reckless individual,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “No one should feel afraid to do the everyday, basic American errands we all need to do. But on May 1, it’s alleged that one man callously threatened the lives of dozens of innocent people who were doing just that. By not just brandishing, but actually discharging his weapon – twice – the alleged defendant instilled fear and endangered the lives of members of our community for his own greed and selfishness. My office is committed to prosecuting violent individuals to the fullest extent of the law.”
“As alleged, Mr. Rosado terrorized bank employees, shot at a Somerville police officer, and put the lives of innocent bystanders at risk,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office. “The FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force is extremely grateful that we were able to apprehend him before anyone got hurt. Thanks to the extraordinary courage of a concerned citizen, who attempted to tackle Rosado, causing him to drop his backpack, we were able to determine his identity. This case demonstrates our commitment to bringing to justice those who commit violent acts against our fellow law enforcement officers and hard-working citizens.”
“I commend all the partner agencies involved in this investigation, and would like to recognize the MSP Troopers, our K9 teams and the Air Wing crew who took part in the initial search for the suspect, our Troopers who serve on the FBI’s Violent Crimes task force who assisted in the subsequent investigation, and our State Police Crime Lab personnel who helped develop forensic evidence vital to the identification of the suspect,” said Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “Their diligence and that of our federal and local law enforcement partners, and the partnership among our agencies, are why this case was solved.”
“I would like to thank our federal and state partners for their collaboration in this investigation,” said Somerville Police Chief David Fallon. “Violent acts, such as the one which took place on the morning of May 1, 2019, here in Somerville, recklessly endanger the lives of the public and the police. This investigation is a great example of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in our combined efforts to protect our communities.”
According to the charging document, on May 1, 2019, a man, later identified as Rosado, entered the Middlesex Federal Savings Bank in Somerville, brandished a handgun, fired a shot into the ceiling, and pointed the firearm at customers and bank employees. It is alleged that Rosado yelled: “Get down!”, “Everybody on the ground!”, “Second Drawer, Hurry Up!”, “Give me money or I’ll shoot!” Customers and bank employees laid on the floor, while the robber approached a teller window, threw a backpack at the teller, and demanded money.
While the teller filled the backpack with money, a customer exited the bank and flagged down a marked police cruiser occupied by a uniformed Somerville Police officer. The officer entered the bank, pointed his gun at the robber, and ordered him to freeze. In response, it is alleged that Rosado faced the officer, pointed his gun in the officer’s direction, and fired one shot. The officer shot back. During the exchange of gunfire, Rosado exited the bank and fled on foot, and the officer chased after him on foot.
According to the charging document, as Rosado fled down College Avenue, a bystander, noticing that Rosado was being pursued by a police officer, attempted to tackle Rosado, which caused Rosado to drop his backpack. Rosado kept running, and witnesses eventually lost sight of him.
Upon review of the backpack, law enforcement found a Webley revolver, loaded with four unfired rounds of ammunition, and two cartridge casings, as well as more than $500.
Further investigation, including forensic analysis of the backpack, linked the DNA profile found on the backpack to Rosado. A subsequent review of Rosado’s driver’s license photo matched the images of the robber captured on video surveillance at Middlesex Bank.
According to court records, Rosado has prior felony convictions, such as negligent operation of a motor vehicle, larceny from a person and witness intimidation, and assault by means of a dangerous weapon. Due to these prior convictions, Rosado is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of no greater than 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000; the charge of brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence provides for a mandatory minimum seven year sentence for brandishing and a mandatory minimum 10 year sentence for discharging and up to life in prison, to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Lelling; FBI SAC Bonavolonta; Colonel Gilpin; and Somerville Police Chief Fallon made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island and the Providence (R.I.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Red Terror Human Rights Abuser Sentenced for Naturalization FraudRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A naturalized U.S. citizen residing in Alexandria was sentenced today to 3 years in prison for having fraudulently obtained United States citizenship.
“Negussie hid his past atrocities as a human rights abuser and lied his way into the United States,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “United States citizenship and the protections and privileges that accompany it is not intended for those who persecute their fellow man. My thanks to the prosecutors and law enforcement agents and officers for their outstanding work on this case.”
According to court documents, Mergia Negussie Habteyes, 58, participated in the persecution of detainees at a makeshift prison from 1977 to 1978 during the “Red Terror,” a campaign of brutal violence during which Ethiopia’s ruling military council, the Derg, and its affiliates arrested, extra-judicially imprisoned, interrogated, and tortured tens of thousands of members, perceived members, and supporters of political opposition groups. Negussie tortured detainees on account of their political opinion by beating them with belts, rods, and other objects, causing in many instances permanent scarring and injury. During these beatings, Negussie questioned the detainees about their affiliation with the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP) and opposition activities of the EPRP, which was the Derg’s primary political opponent at the time.
Negussie came to the United States in 1999 after telling a series of lies to United States immigration officials in the course of obtaining authority to enter the United States as a refugee. He ultimately became a naturalized United States citizen in 2008. During his sworn naturalization interview, he falsely stated that he had never persecuted persons because of their political opinion, and he failed to disclose that he had committed a crime or offense for which he was not arrested. Additionally, Negussie falsely stated that he had never given false or misleading information to any United States government official while applying for any immigration benefit and that he had never lied to United States immigration officials to gain entry or admission into the United States.
Negussie’s materially false representations in sworn statements to U.S. immigration officials resulted in his procurement of naturalization contrary to law. In addition to sentencing Negussie to a period of incarceration, Negussie’s U.S. citizenship was also revoked.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C. with the support of the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC). Established in 2009, the HRVWCC furthers the government’s efforts to identify, locate, and prosecute human rights abusers in the United States, including those who are known or suspected to have participated in persecution, war crimes, genocide, torture, extrajudicial killings, female genital mutilation, or the use or recruitment of child soldiers. The HRVWCC leverages the expertise of a select group of agents, lawyers, intelligence and research specialists, historians, and analysts who direct the government’s broader enforcement efforts against these offenders. The HRVWCC comprises ICE HSI’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Unit, ICE’s Human Rights Law Section, the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit, and the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP).
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Brian A. Benczkowski, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Patrick J. Lechleitner, Special Agent in Charge of ICE HSI Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing from Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis, III. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Blanchard and HRSP Trial Attorney Jamie B. Perry prosecuted the case.
Members of the public who have information about former human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact U.S. law enforcement through the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section at [email protected] or toll-free at 1-800-813-5863, or through the HSI tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or its online tip form at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-305.
Queens Attorney Convicted of Scheme to Bribe A Witness in Double Homicide Trial on Long IslandRead the Press Release
John Scarpa, Jr., an attorney admitted to practice law in the State of New York since 1982, was convicted today by a federal jury in Brooklyn of both counts of use of interstate facilities in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to do the same, stemming from his scheme to bribe a witness in a double homicide trial in State Supreme Court in Suffolk County. The verdict followed a four-day trial before United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon. When sentenced, Scarpa faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the verdict.
“The jury saw through Scarpa’s corrupt scheme to help his client avoid responsibility for murder by bribing a witness to give false testimony,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “With today’s verdict, the defendant will now face prison and disbarment for attempting to undermine the criminal justice system and violating the law he was sworn to uphold as an attorney.” Mr. Donoghue thanked the Queens County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance during the investigation.
The evidence at trial established that in early 2015, Scarpa plotted with co-conspirator Charles Gallman to bribe a convicted murderer to testify in support of Scarpa’s client, Reginald Ross, who was charged with the execution-style killings of two men. Court-authorized intercepted communications, obtained during an investigation conducted by the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, revealed that Scarpa and Gallman planned to bribe Luis Cherry to testify falsely at trial that he alone had committed the second of the two murders, and that Ross was innocent. Gallman promised to help Cherry with the appeal of his own murder conviction, and to spread word in the prison system that Cherry had not informed against Ross. After meeting with Cherry at Downstate Correctional Facility, Gallman reported to Scarpa, “Anything we need, he’s willing.” Scarpa asked, “So this guy is willing to do whatever?” Gallman replied, “Whatever you need, John. Whatever you need…. I got a bunch of stuff I wrote down that he wants.” Scarpa called Cherry as a witness at Ross’s trial, and Cherry testified falsely. Notwithstanding that false testimony, the judge returned guilty verdicts on both murders.
Gallman pleaded guilty in November 2018 to conspiring to violate the Travel Act by bribing a witness to testify falsely, and conspiring to make false statements to the Bureau of Prisons in a separate scheme. He was sentenced on March 7, 2019 to three years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsay K. Gerdes, Andrey Spektor and Keith D. Edelman are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
JOHN SCARPA, JR.
Age: 66
Hauppauge, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-123 S1 (CBA)
Private Charter Aviation Broker Arrested for Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the arrest of TOMER OSOVITZKI, a/k/a “Tom Osovitzki,” for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. OSOVITZKI was arrested earlier today in Aventura, Florida, and was presented in the Southern District of Florida.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, Tomer Osovitzki manipulated the approval system for credit cards to push charges through that he knew were unauthorized and would have been declined. Additionally, Osovitzki allegedly used his clients’ credit card account information to make unapproved charges. Now, Osovitzki and his company are grounded and he must answer for his crimes.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “The FBI works each day trying to thwart these types of complex financial crimes. There were victims harmed by Osovitzki’s alleged scheme, since he used his clients’ credit cards to pay for flights they didn’t purchase. Fraudsters seem to forget there is a paper trail when it comes to financial transactions and they will eventually get caught.”
NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said: “These charges reflect how eager criminals are to exploit a victim’s personal information and profit through fraud. I commend the NYPD detectives, FBI agents, and prosecutors of the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District for their efforts and cooperation in this investigation into wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Together, we will continue to be relentless in fighting crime that impacts the people we serve wherever, and however, it occurs.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today[1]:
OSOVITZKI was the founder and president of a company that was in the business of brokering airline and private charter flights (“Osovitzki’s Company”). OSOVITZKI perpetrated a scheme to defraud aircraft charter companies and other merchants, a credit card company (the “Credit Card Company”), and credit card payment processors of more than $2.1 million by, among other things, inducing or causing aircraft charter companies, other merchants, the Credit Card Company and credit card payment processors to process credit card transactions under the false pretense that they had been approved by the Credit Card Company.
From March 2017 through March 2018, OSOVITZKI and agents of Osovitzki’s Company repeatedly used credit cards issued by the Credit Card Company to OSOVITZKI, his wife, and his mother, as payment for aircraft charter flights and other goods and services. These transactions were or would have been declined by the Credit Card Company had they been processed normally through a credit card point-of-sale device, because the cards had been cancelled by the Credit Card Company, or because the accounts did not have sufficient available credit. OSOVITZKI and agents of Osovitzki’s Company provided fraudulent authorization codes to the merchants in order to dupe them into processing “force-post” transactions. OSOVITZKI told the merchants that he had obtained these authorization codes from the Credit Card Company. This was not true. However, based on these false representations, merchants conducted “force-post” transactions. Because the authorization codes had not in fact been provided by the Credit Card Company, the transactions were later declined.
Osovitzki’s Company also used credit card account numbers belonging to its customers to pay for more than $1.3 million of charter flights those customers had not requested, authorized, or utilized, including at least one flight for which OSOVITZKI was a listed passenger.
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OSOVITZKI, 42, of Aventura, Florida, has been charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of two years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of OSOVITZKI will be determined by a judge.
If you believe you were a victim of this crime, including a victim entitled to restitution, and you wish to provide information to law enforcement and/or receive notice of future developments in the case or additional information, please contact the Victim/Witness Unit at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York at (866) 874-8900. For additional information, go to: http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/nys/victimwitness.html
Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the FBI and the NYPD.
This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s General Crimes Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Coffman is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges in the Complaint are merely accusations, and OSOVITZKI is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man who is a previously convicted felon was sentenced today to 7 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Antonio Patterson, 28, was observed by Richmond Police speeding in a car. After the officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Patterson led the officers on a high-speed chase before he drove his car into a median and ran from the vehicle on foot before he was apprehended a short distance away. A search of the car revealed a 9mm handgun equipped with an extended 30-round magazine. The officers also recovered a large amount of marijuana in the trunk of the car. Patterson admitted to possessing the firearm after being convicted of a felony.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Duffey prosecuted the case.
The Richmond Police Department provide significant assistance with this prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-146.
President and CEO of Las Vegas Investment Company Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Running $1.5 Billion Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
The former president and CEO of MRI International Inc. (MRI), a purported investment company and medical collections business located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Tokyo, Japan, was sentenced to 50 years in prison today for his role in a $1.5 billion Ponzi scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division made the announcement.
Edwin Fujinaga, 72, of Las Vegas, was sentenced by Chief Judge Gloria Navarro of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, who also sentenced Fujinaga to three years of supervised release, ordered restitution in the amount of $1,129,409,449 and forfeiture in the amount of $813,297,912.65. In November 2018, after a five-week trial, Fujinaga, was found guilty of eight counts of mail fraud, nine counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering in connection with his Ponzi scheme.
According to evidence presented during trial, from 2000 until approximately 2013, Fujinaga fraudulently solicited over $1 billion in investments in MRI from over 10,000 Japanese victims who resided in Japan. The victims would wire their funds from Japan to bank accounts in Las Vegas under Fujinaga’s control. Fujinaga approved and disseminated marketing materials that promised investors that their funds would only be used for purchasing medical claims and that an escrow agent would ensure that MRI used investor funds for only that purpose. In truth, Fujinaga spent less than two percent of investor funds to purchase medical claims. Instead, Fujinaga used the vast majority of new investors’ funds to pay off old investors. He used the balance of investors’ funds for impermissible business and lavish personal expenses, such as a private jet; a mansion on a Las Vegas golf course; real estate in Beverly Hills, California wine country and Hawaii; and Bentley, McLaren and Bugatti luxury cars. When the Japanese government revoked MRI’s license to market securities in April 2013, MRI owed its investors more than $1.5 billion. Victims traveled from Japan and other locations to testify about the funds they gave to Fujinaga. Some victims lost their life savings to the scheme.
Co-defendants Junzo Suzuki, 70, and Paul Suzuki, 40, were extradited from Japan in April 2019, and are currently awaiting trial.
The case was investigated by the FBI. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Services Agency of Japan, the Japanese Ministry of Justice and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided assistance in this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys William Johnston and Danny Nguyen of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Lopez of the District of Nevada. Forfeiture is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Hollingsworth of the District of Nevada.
President and CEO of Las Vegas Investment Company Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Running $1.5 Billion Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The former president and CEO of MRI International Inc. (MRI), a purported investment company and medical collections business located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Tokyo, Japan, was sentenced to 50 years in prison today for his role in a $1.5 billion Ponzi scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division made the announcement.
Edwin Fujinaga, 72, of Las Vegas, was sentenced by Chief Judge Gloria Navarro of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, who also sentenced Fujinaga to three years of supervised release, ordered restitution in the amount of $1,129,409,449 and forfeiture in the amount of $813,297,912.65. In November 2018, after a five-week trial, Fujinaga, was found guilty of eight counts of mail fraud, nine counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering in connection with his Ponzi scheme.
According to evidence presented during trial, from 2000 until approximately 2013, Fujinaga fraudulently solicited over $1 billion in investments in MRI from over 10,000 Japanese victims who resided in Japan. The victims would wire their funds from Japan to bank accounts in Las Vegas under Fujinaga’s control. Fujinaga approved and disseminated marketing materials that promised investors that their funds would only be used for purchasing medical claims and that an escrow agent would ensure that MRI used investor funds for only that purpose. In truth, Fujinaga spent less than two percent of investor funds to purchase medical claims. Instead, Fujinaga used the vast majority of new investors’ funds to pay off old investors. He used the balance of investors’ funds for impermissible business and lavish personal expenses, such as a private jet; a mansion on a Las Vegas golf course; real estate in Beverly Hills, California wine country and Hawaii; and Bentley, McLaren and Bugatti luxury cars. When the Japanese government revoked MRI’s license to market securities in April 2013, MRI owed its investors more than $1.5 billion. Victims traveled from Japan and other locations to testify about the funds they gave to Fujinaga. Some victims lost their life savings to the scheme.
Co-defendants Junzo Suzuki, 70, and Paul Suzuki, 40, were extradited from Japan in April 2019, and are currently awaiting trial.
The case was investigated by the FBI. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Services Agency of Japan, the Japanese Ministry of Justice and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided assistance in this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys William Johnston and Danny Nguyen of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Lopez of the District of Nevada. Forfeiture is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Hollingsworth of the District of Nevada.
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Paisley Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Attempting to Entice A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Jason Cole Shreve (27, Paisley) to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for attempted enticement and coercion of a minor to engage in sexual activity. The court also ordered $168,915 in restitution to victims of child pornography.
Shreve had pleaded guilty on February 12, 2019.
According to court documents, between May 26 and 27, 2015, Shreve engaged in email and text communications with an undercover agent whom he believed to be the mother of a 14-year-old girl. Shreve was advised and acknowledged the child was a minor, yet provided explicit details regarding the sexual activities he wanted to engage in, and discussed traveling to the mother’s home to engage in sex with the minor.
On May 27, 2015, Shreve traveled to Jacksonville to meet the child and was arrested by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. After his arrest, Shreve admitted to engaging in the email and text conversations.
“This predator shared child pornography on social media applications and traveled to a meeting where he thought he was going to sexually abuse a young child,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “Instead he was stopped by law enforcement and will now be held accountable for those crimes.”
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Orlando Resident Arrested for Distributing Drugs That Resulted in Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of a criminal complaint and arrest warrant charging Jonathan Bohn a/k/a “Jonah” (35, Orlando) with distribution of a controlled substance that resulted in death. If convicted, Bohn faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
According to the criminal complaint, on December 16, 2017, Bohn sold a victim a controlled substance that contained fentanyl. After the victim ingested the narcotic, the victim’s daughter found the victim unresponsive in their residence. The Orange County Medical Examiner’s office subsequently determined that the victim’s cause of death was fentanyl and cocaine intoxication.
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is a part of the Middle District of Florida’s anti-opioid strategy to combat opioid trafficking and abuse. It was investigated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean P. Shecter.
Oregon Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for Hate Crime Targeting Eugene ChurchRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—Benjamin Jaramillo Hernandez, 69, of Eugene, Oregon, was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for committing a hate crime targeting St. Mary Catholic Church in Eugene in September 2018 and illegally possessing ammunition. The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams of the District of Oregon.
“Threats of violence and hateful intimidation will not be tolerated by the Department of Justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Dreiband. “As demonstrated by this case, the Civil Rights Division will vigorously prosecute those who violate the right of individuals or entire communities to freely exercise their religious beliefs.”
“Mr. Hernandez used intimidation and threats of violence to terrorize a single congregation, but the harm from hate crimes like this extends beyond the specific individuals or group targeted. These crimes threaten the security, freedom and well-being of entire communities,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “No conviction can reverse the harm caused by Mr. Hernandez, but we hope it provides some measure of justice to St. Mary parishioners and the entire Eugene community.”
“Our right to worship freely and without fear is fundamental to life in America,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “Whatever your faith, the FBI and our partners will work to protect your right to express your beliefs and live in peace.”
According to court documents, on Sept. 9, 2018, Hernandez was escorted from St. Mary property following an angry outburst during the sacrament of communion. Five days later, on September 14, a church employee reported to the Eugene Police Department that someone had dispensed pepper spray on the exterior door handles and through the mail slot of the St. Mary office front door. Employees reported burning sensations in their fingers and respiratory distress. A Eugene police officer and FBI agent identified Hernandez in church surveillance footage as the person responsible for both incidents.
On Sept. 16, 2018, Hernandez was again spotted near St. Mary. A witness saw Hernandez across the street from the church when he stopped near the Eugene Public Library and shouted at the witness, “I’ve got something for you right here,” while pointing to a bag he was carrying.
A few days later, on Sept. 20, St. Mary employees reported finding a threatening note and seven 10mm Sig hollow point bullets left in the office. The note threatened the church with “2 MP5s w/ 50 rounds each,” a type of submachine gun. The note concluded: “Eugene is going on the [expletive] map.”
A Eugene police officer again reviewed church surveillance footage and identified Hernandez as the individual who dropped off the note and bullets. On September 21, 2018, Eugene Police arrested Hernandez at the Eugene Public Library. During a search of Hernandez’s person, officers located a partially empty can of pepper spray, three .410 shotgun shells, and thirteen 10mm Sig hollow point bullets. The 10mm bullets were the same brand and caliber as the bullets left at St. Mary with the threatening note.
On Feb. 12, 2019, Hernandez pleaded guilty to a two-count information charging him with obstruction or attempted obstruction of persons in the free exercise of their religious beliefs and unlawful possession of ammunition.
St. Mary Catholic Church staff and parishioners have reported that Hernandez’s threats have left staff and churchgoers physically injured, frightened, concerned about their own safety and unable to participate freely in the exercise of their religious beliefs. The harassment has not only affected individual parishioners, but the parish as a whole. Multiple members of the St. Mary community have reported that the church has experienced a drop in attendance and in weekly collections after Hernandez’s conduct.
This case was investigated by the Eugene Police Department and the FBI and prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Cameron Bell, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division.
For more information about the Department of Justice’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to department hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals.
Oregon Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for Hate Crime Targeting Eugene ChurchRead the Press Release
Benjamin Jaramillo Hernandez, 70, of Eugene, Oregon, was sentenced yesterday to 15 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for committing a hate crime targeting St. Mary Catholic Church in Eugene in September 2018 and illegally possessing ammunition. The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams of the District of Oregon.
“Threats of violence and hateful intimidation will not be tolerated by the Department of Justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “As demonstrated by this case, the Civil Rights Division will vigorously prosecute those who violate the right of individuals or entire communities to freely exercise their religious beliefs.”
“Mr. Hernandez used intimidation and threats of violence to terrorize a single congregation, but the harm from hate crimes like this extends beyond the specific individuals or group targeted. These crimes threaten the security, freedom and well-being of entire communities,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “No conviction can reverse the harm caused by Mr. Hernandez, but we hope it provides some measure of justice to St. Mary parishioners and the entire Eugene community.”
“Our right to worship freely and without fear is fundamental to life in America,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “Whatever your faith, the FBI and our partners will work to protect your right to express your beliefs and live in peace.”
According to court documents, on Sept. 9, 2018, Hernandez was escorted from St. Mary property following an angry outburst during the sacrament of communion. Five days later, on September 14, a church employee reported to the Eugene Police Department that someone had dispensed pepper spray on the exterior door handles and through the mail slot of the St. Mary office front door. Employees reported burning sensations in their fingers and respiratory distress. A Eugene police officer and FBI agent identified Hernandez in church surveillance footage as the person responsible for both incidents.
On Sept. 16, 2018, Hernandez was again spotted near St. Mary. A witness saw Hernandez across the street from the church when he stopped near the Eugene Public Library and shouted at the witness, “I’ve got something for you right here,” while pointing to a bag he was carrying.
A few days later, on September 20, St. Mary employees reported finding a threatening note and seven 10mm Sig hollow point bullets left in the office. The note threatened the church with “2 MP5s w/ 50 rounds each,” a type of submachine gun. The note concluded: “Eugene is going on the [expletive] map.”
A Eugene police officer again reviewed church surveillance footage and identified Hernandez as the individual who dropped off the note and bullets. On Sept. 21, 2018, Eugene Police arrested Hernandez at the Eugene Public Library. During a search of Hernandez’s person, officers located a partially empty can of pepper spray, three .410 shotgun shells, and thirteen 10mm Sig hollow point bullets. The 10mm bullets were the same brand and caliber as the bullets left at St. Mary with the threatening note.
On Feb. 12, 2019, Hernandez pleaded guilty to a two-count Information charging him with obstruction or attempted obstruction of persons in the free exercise of their religious beliefs and unlawful possession of ammunition.
St. Mary Catholic Church staff and parishioners have reported that Hernandez’s threats have left staff and churchgoers physically injured, frightened, concerned about their own safety and unable to participate freely in the exercise of their religious beliefs. The harassment has not only affected individual parishioners, but the parish as a whole. Multiple members of the St. Mary community have reported that the church has experienced a drop in attendance and in weekly collections after Hernandez’s conduct.
This case was investigated by the Eugene Police Department and the FBI and prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, and Cameron Bell, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division.
For more information about Department of Justice’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to Department of Justice hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals.
Ontario Woman Charged with Smuggling Two Aliens into the United States in LewistonRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Mary Ann Langridge, 63, of Toronto, Ontario, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with aiding and abetting alien smuggling. The charge carries a minimum penalty of three years in prison, a maximum of 10 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan P. Cantil, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on May 21, 2019, a U.S. Border Patrol agent, after receiving a report of a suspicious vehicle operating in the area of Lewiston Landing in Lewiston, NY, located the vehicle, which was unoccupied, and began surveillance of the area. The agent spotted the defendant standing on the upper terrace area of Lewiston Landing waving toward a vessel which was on the Niagara River near the Lewiston Landing docks. There were occupants on board the vessel. As the vessel began to approach the woman on the dock, the agent began to approach the dock area along with other Border Patrol Agents. As the vessel reached the dock, it appeared that the occupants saw the agents approaching them, and pushed back onto the river and began to travel south away from Lewiston Landing.
The agents left the immediate area but continued to observe the vessel from another area where they couldn’t be seen. As the woman remained standing on the dock, the vessel returned, and without docking or tying-off the vessel, two individuals stepped off the vessel and on to the dock. The vessel then left the area, heading toward Canada.
An agent approached the woman, identified as the defendant, and the two individuals, identified as Rosa Guadelupe Lopez-Gomez and Leonardo Jimenez-De La Rosa. Lopez-Gomez and Jimenez-De La Rosa claimed to be citizens of Mexico and the Dominican Republic respectively, but did not have immigration documents which would allow them to be legally present in the United States. Langridge was placed under arrest for aiding and abetting alien smuggling.
The defendant made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is being held pending a detention hearing on May 24, 2019.
The criminal complaint is the result of plea is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Josh Barrett.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Passport FraudRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Sukha Singh Boyal, 52, of New Jersey, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to making a false statement in a passport application. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who is handling the case, stated that in 1999, the defendant was a citizen of India but an alien in the United States. Boyal wanted to travel to India but did not possess a valid Indian passport. As a result, he purchased a false United Kingdom passport under the name of “Kamal Jeet” and used that false passport to fly from Newark, New Jersey, through Frankfurt, Germany, to New Delhi, India, whereupon he was refused entry into India and returned to the United States.
In May 2007, Boyal filed an N-400 application for naturalization with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services. During his naturalization interview, the defendant acknowledged his prior use of the “Kamal Jeet” name. The defendant naturalized on April 16, 2009.
On July 15, 2009, in Buffalo, Boyal submitted an application for a U.S. passport with the U.S. Department of State. In response to the question, “have you ever used a different name?” the defendant wrote, “none.” Boyal signed the application, declaring under penalty of perjury that the statements he made on the application were true and correct.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, and the Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of State, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kenneth M. Haynes.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 15, 2019, at 3pm before Judge Geraci.
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New Haven Property Owner Pleads Guilty to Illegal Asbestos RemovalRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Tyler C. Amon, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in New England, today announced that ALEKS RAKAJ, 46, of Trumbull, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to one count of illegal asbestos removal in violation of the Clean Air Act.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Aleks Rakaj and his two cousins purchased a commercial property located at 206-220 Wallace Street in New Haven. Prior to purchasing the property, the realtor informed Rakaj and his cousins that the property contained asbestos. Shortly after the purchase was completed, Rakaj and his cousins failed to abide by laws and regulations concerning asbestos removal, resulting in exposure of those who were at the site to the negative health effects of asbestos.
On November 20, 2015, inspectors from the City of New Haven Health Department, conducting an unannounced inspection, discovered the illegal asbestos removal project at 206-220 Wallace Street. The inspection revealed multiple instances of illegal removal of asbestos-containing “air cell” pipe wrap and asbestos-containing “mag block” tank and boiler insulation. The workers failed to abide by legally required safety measures, failed to perform necessary wetting and failed to dispose of the asbestos-containing waste material at appropriate disposal sites. Inspectors also observed and photographed 100-150 standard garbage bags filled with unlabeled, unwetted asbestos-containing material.
Rakaj is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on August 14, 2019, at which time Rakaj faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, as well as various fines.
Rakaj’s cousins, Rezart Rakaj, of Ansonia, and Kliton Rakaj, of Monroe, previously pleaded guilty to the same offense. On April 1, 2019, they were each sentenced to one year of probation, a fine of $9,500, and 50 hours of community service.
“The illegal removal of asbestos insulation and the associated removal of scrap pipe and boilers from old buildings continues to be a problem throughout the Northeast,” said EPA-CID Special Agent in Charge Amon. “Inhalation of asbestos fibers can result in lung cancer and it therefore poses significant health risks to all exposed. EPA will continue to hold accountable those who commit such offenses.”
This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the City of New Haven Health Department and U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and Elena L. Coronado.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm and Drug Offenses, Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that QIYON REED, also known as “Quiyon Reed” and “Gutter,” 35, of New Haven, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to firearm and drug offenses, and also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 29, 2013, Reed was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 70 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for distributing heroin. He was released from federal prison on October 27, 2017.
On September 12, 2018, New Haven police officers executed a state search warrant at Reed’s New Haven residence and seized a loaded Heritage Manufacturing Stealth C-2000 nine-millimeter, semi-automatic handgun; a loaded Smith & Wesson MP9 Shield nine-millimeter, semi-automatic handgun; a box of .45 caliber ammunition; approximately one gram of cocaine packaged for distribution, and items used to process and package narcotics for distribution.
In addition to his prior federal conviction, Reed’s criminal history includes state convictions for possession and sale of narcotics and for carrying a dangerous weapon.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Reed pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He also faces additional penalties for violating the conditions of his supervised release from his 2013 federal conviction.
Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for August 20, 2019.
Reed has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on September 12, 2018.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elena L. Coronado and Marc H. Silverman.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Mississippi Accountant Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
A locally prominent certified public accountant (CPA) was sentenced today to five years in prison in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman and United States Attorney Mike Hurst for the Southern District of Mississippi.
“Today’s prison sentence for CPA Nicholson should serve as a reminder that the Department of Justice will prosecute fraudulent tax return preparers, who violate this nation’s tax laws, and that the penalties for such conduct include significant prison time,” stated Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman.
“Carl Nicholson abused his position of trust as a CPA and defrauded Mississippians and American taxpayers. This case illustrates that no one is above the law, that our tax laws will be vigorously enforced, and that justice will always be done in the Southern District of Mississippi,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
On Feb. 8, 2019, a jury convicted Carl Nicholson of conspiracy to defraud the United States as well as six counts of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns and four counts of filing false tax returns. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from 2012 to 2014, Nicholson conspired with a client to falsely classify $740,000 of personal payments as business expenses and filed false tax returns on the client’s behalf with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Nicholson was also found guilty of filing his own false personal income tax returns for 2012 through 2015. Specifically, he falsely claimed expenses, failed to report embezzlement income, and under-reported the gain on the sale of his accounting firm Nicholson & Company.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Keith Starrett ordered Nicholson to serve three years of supervised release, to pay a $25,000 fine and to pay restitution of $629,432 to the IRS.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and United States Attorney Hurst thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and investigators with the Mississippi Auditor’s Office, who investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Jay Golden and Trial Attorney Kim Shartar of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
May Grand JuryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 29 indictments charging 32 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
* Pedro Aguirre-Ortiz, age 25, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on October 16, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Counts II, III and IV of the Indictment charge the defendant with distribution of cocaine. The maximum possible penalty for each if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Agustin Argueta Saenz, age 46, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about April 22, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Antonio Bertucci, age 28, of Macy, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with felon in possession of ammunition on or about February 2, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession of ammunition after a conviction for domestic violence on or about February 2, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with domestic assault by a habitual offender on or about February 2, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Cristobal Calixto-Angel, age 35, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about August 20, 2018, following an aggravated felony conviction. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jose Ivan Contreras-Gomez, age 30, is charged in a five-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on September 5, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of cocaine on August 16, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with distribution of cocaine on August 30, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute of 500 grams or more of cocaine on April 25, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $15,000,000 fine, 4-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count V of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense on or about April 25, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life consecutive imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a 5-year term of supervised release, and $100 special assessment. There is also an allegation to forfeit United States currency seized on or about April 25, 2019.
* Anthony Jordan Cook, age 28, of Walthill, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with assault of an intimate partner by strangulation or suffocation on or about March 19, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with domestic assault by a habitual offender on or about March 19, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Luis Alberto Dias Solis, age 40, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about March 5, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Trent Duckworth, age 31, is charged with felon in possession of ammunition on or about April 29, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Pedro Gerardo Escobar Oxlaj, age 35, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about April 14, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Billy Fang, age 28, Marvin Moua, age 34, and Meng Her, age 37, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, psilocybin, and marijuana on February 1, 2019 and continuing to on or about May 2, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Santiago Figueroa-Perez, age 46, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with false representation of a social security number on or about September 22, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen for employment on or about September 22, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with illegal reentry after deportation on or about April 25, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Todd Fundermann, age 36, of Loveland, Colorado, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on or about April 1, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with felon in possession of a firearm on or about April 1, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and $100 special assessment.
* Diego Garcia-Bernabe, age 33, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about April 17, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Juan Carlos Guzman, age 28, of Grand Island, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about December 21, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Thomas N. Keller, age 36, of Decatur, Nebraska, is charged with felon in possession of ammunition on or about May 4, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Dennis Chebon Kibowen, age 24, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, is charged with false claim of citizenship on or about March 13, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Alexander M. Kingston, a/k/a Alexander M. Caron, age 27, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with enticement of a minor on or about March 29, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ to Life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment and a $5,000 additional special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct on or about April 19, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment and a $5,000 special assessment.
* Timothy J. Kirsch, age 35, of Omaha, is charged in a four-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with sexual exploitation of children with a prior conviction on or about December 14, 2018 and January 20, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is a minimum of 25 years’ to 50 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment and a $5,000 additional special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with enticement on or about December 14, 2018 and January 20, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ to Life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment and a $5,000 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with receipt of child pornography, with a prior conviction, on or about December 14, 2018 and January 20, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment and a $5,000 special assessment. Count IV of the Indictment charges the defendant with possession of child pornography, with a prior conviction, on or about December 14, 2018 and January 20, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year to Life term of supervised release, $100 special assessment and a $5,000 special assessment.
* Gerardo Lugo-Para, age 31, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about April 28, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Orlando Miranda De La Cruz, age 35, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 13, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Katerina Parker, age 26, is charged with false declarations before a Grand Jury on or about April 17, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Antonio Robinson, age 32, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) on or about March 21, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is Life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Jesus Efrain Ron-Torres, age 27, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation on or about May 10, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Nereus S. Sutko, age 38, of Omaha, is charged in a ten-count Indictment. Counts I-X of the Indictment charge the defendant with Healthcare Fraud on or about October 30, 2014 and continuing through November 29, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment on each count, a $250,000 fine on each count, a 3-year term of supervised release on each count, and a $100 special assessment on each count.
* Rose Marie Tatum Terry, age 57, of David City, Nebraska, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with false statement in application and use of a passport on or about May 14, 2016. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with fraudulent use of social security number on or about March 7, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with fraudulent use of social security number on or about May 2, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Miguel Tercero-Bernabe, age 43, is charged with illegal reentry after deportation following a felony conviction on or about April 19, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Maria Tziquin-Calvo, age 38, is charged in a three-count Indictment. Count I of the Indictment charges the defendant with false representation of a social security number on or about November 8, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II of the Indictment charges the defendant with falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen for employment on or about November 8, 2017. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III of the Indictment charges the defendant with illegal reentry after deportation on or about February 2, 2018. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 1-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Justin Zambrowski, age 42, of Scottsbluff, and Rachael Wasserburgr, age 23, of Box Elder, South Dakota, are charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about March 20, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 40 years’ imprisonment, $5,000,000 fine, 4-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
* Sarah Waugh, age 29, of North Platte, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on or about March 13, 2019. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Man Sentenced for Lying in Bankruptcy ProceedingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Daniel Doyle, 56, Sanford, South Carolina, formerly of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to one year of probation for fraudulently making false statements under oath in a bankruptcy proceeding. Daniel Doyle pleaded guilty to this felony charge on March 6, 2019.
In March 2014, Doyle filed a bankruptcy petition and schedules that omitted the facts that Doyle had a wife, that she was dying of cancer, and that he was the beneficiary of her life insurance policy worth approximately $250,000. At the creditors meeting, Doyle continued the concealment and lied under oath, indicating that he was not going to receive a life insurance payment after his wife’s death.
After Doyle’s debts were discharged, he filed a claim on the life insurance policy and collected over $250,000. A few months later, the U.S. Trustee received an anonymous call indicating that Doyle received $200,000 in insurance proceeds after his wife’s death, and that he waited until the bankruptcy case had concluded to file a claim. The U.S. Trustee filed a motion to reopen the bankruptcy proceedings, and ultimately, Doyle admitted he lied and agreed to a voluntary dismissal.
In sentencing Doyle, Judge Peterson indicated his hope that other debtors would be deterred by knowing that there are criminal consequences if you try and defraud the bankruptcy court.
The charge against Daniel Doyle was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation, with the assistance of the Office of the U.S. Trustee. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Przybylinski Finn.