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22 May 2019
Two Human Traffickers Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
Two human traffickers who advertised victims on Backpage.com have pleaded guilty in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Joshua Glaze, 30, pleaded guilty this morning to conspiracy to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking through force fraud or coercion. His codefendant, Faizal Sabar, 34, pleaded guilty to the same charge on May 13.
In court documents, the defendants admitted they conspired to advertise victims on the now-defunct Backpage.com.
Mr. Sabar admitted that in 2017, he traveled with one victim from Pennsylvania to Texas, where he forced the victim to engage in commercial sex at various local hotels, including inside a room rented by Mr. Glaze at the Home2Suites hotel in Northlake.
Mr. Sabar instructed the victim how much to charge for each sexual encounter, and pocketed the profits, he admitted.
“Trafficking – people selling other people – is a particularly vile crime,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “Even though the website in this case has been shut down, others continue to proliferate, and we remain vigilant for signs of trafficking, online and off.”
Mr. Sabar and Mr. Glaze now face up to life in federal prison. Mr. Sabar will be sentenced on August 26 before Judge Reed C. O’Connor in Fort Worth.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Allen prosecuted the case.
If you know someone who may be a victim of trafficking or otherwise believe you have information pertaining to human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline, live 24/7, at
1-888-373-7888.Two Congo Citizens Arrested at the Lewiston Queenston BridgeRead 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 Serge Maombi, a/k/a Patrick Mwiseneza, a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to use an unlawfully obtained alien registration card for entry into the United States and making a false statement to a Customs and Border Protection Officer. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. In addition, Jean Pierre Imani, also a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with smuggling and making a false statement to a Customs and Border Protection Officer, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on May 20, 2019, at approximately 3:45 p.m., the defendants attempted to enter the U.S. at the Lewiston Bridge Port of Entry. During primary inspection, Imani, who was driving, and Maombi, who was in the back seat, presented identity documents, including a United States Permanent Resident Alien Card. Maombi’s card listed his identity as Patrick Sirikare. After examining the facial discrepancies of Maombi with the picture listed on the card, the vehicle was referred for secondary inspection.
During secondary inspection, Maombi stated that he was Patrick Sirikare. A fingerprint scan revealed that Maombi’s fingerprints were a mismatch.
Also during secondary inspection, Imani told officers that he and a third vehicle occupant had traveled to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada from Michigan alone for sightseeing. Imani later admitted that he, the third passenger, and the real Patrick Sirikare traveled from Michigan to Niagara Falls to pick-up Sirikare’s older brother, Maombi, and bring him to the U.S. with Sirikare’s green card.
The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and are being held pending a detention hearing on May 24, 2019.The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
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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Truck Driver Indicted for Taking Children Across State Lines to Engage in Sex with ThemRead the Press Release
GRAND JUNCTION – A federal grand jury in Grand Junction has returned a five count indictment charging a 47 year old truck driver from Grand Junction, now residing in Colorado Springs, with traveling across state lines to engage in sexual acts with children, announced U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn and FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips. Authorities arrested McFadden at approximately 8:00 a.m. early Tuesday morning. He was taken to the federal courthouse in Grand Junction where he made his initial appearance this morning before United States Magistrate Judge Gordon P. Gallagher.
According to the indictment returned by the grand jury on May 17, 2019:
- Between December 25, 2012 and January 3, 2013, McFadden allegedly crossed state lines with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a person who had not yet attained the age of 12 years old.
- Between December 25, 2012 and January 3, 2013, McFadden allegedly transported the minor across state lines with intent to engage in sexual activity.
- Between December 1, 2010 and January 1, 2011, McFadden allegedly crossed state lines with the intent to engage in a different sexual act with another person, who had not attained the age of 12.
- Between December 1, 2010 and January 1, 2011, McFadden allegedly transported the minor across state lines with intent to engage in sexual activity.
- Between January 1, 2007, and January 3, 2013, McFadden again allegedly transported a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity.
McFadden was originally charged with sexual assault of children in state court, where he was convicted by a Mesa County jury. His prison sentence was 324 years to life. He appealed his convictions and ultimately prevailed due to a speedy trial violation, which meant he could not be re-tried in state court. He now has been indicted by a federal grand jury.
This matter was investigated by the FBI and the Grand Junction Police Department, with the support of the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office. The defendant is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Chaffin.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
CASE NUMBER: 19-cr-00243
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Three People Charged with Robbery Affecting Interstate Commerce and Brandishing and Discharging a Firearm Causing the Death of AnotherRead the Press Release
Matthew Barrett Robbins, age 46, William Leo Yancey, age 43, and Danielle Lynn Busch, age 29, have been charged with one count of robbery affecting interstate commerce, one count of conspiracy to commit robbery affecting interstate commerce, and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence resulting in murder. The charges are contained in an Indictment unsealed today in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, on or about May 31, 2014, Robbins, Yancey, and Busch conspired to and robbed another individual of methamphetamine and the proceeds of controlled substance transactions. The indictment further alleges that the three used and possessed a firearm in furtherance of the robbery, which they brandished and discharged, causing the death of another individual.
If convicted on all charges, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $750,000 fine, and eleven years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Busch appeared today in federal court in Cedar Rapids and was held without bond. Busch’s next appearance for a detention hearing is set for June 3, 2019.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa Williams and Richard Murphy and was investigated by the Marion Police Department, the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Davenport Police Department, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 19-CR-53.
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Three Parents in College Admissions Case Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Three parents charged in the college admissions case pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston.
Gregory Abbott, 68, and Marcia Abbott, 59, of New York, N.Y., and Aspen, Colo., and Peter Jan Sartorio, 53, of Menlo Park, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled the Abbotts’ sentencing for Oct. 8, 2019, and Sartorio’s sentencing for Oct. 11, 2019.
At today’s hearing, Gregory and Marcia Abbott acknowledged paying Rick Singer $125,000 to participate in the college entrance exam cheating scheme for their daughter. According to the terms of the plea agreements, the government will recommend a sentence of one year and one day in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of $55,000, restitution and forfeiture for each defendant.
Sartorio pleaded guilty to conspiring to pay Singer $15,000 to participate in the college entrance exam cheating scheme for his daughter. According to the terms of the plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence within the Guidelines sentencing range, one year of supervised release, a fine of $9,500, restitution and forfeiture.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
The charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen, Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright, and Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the court documents are allegations and the remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio presented awards to honor exceptional advocacy, support and legal work in 2018Read the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio presented awards to honor exceptional advocacy, support and legal work on behalf of the district’s six million residents in 2018.
“These awards recognize the best efforts put forth by our office on behalf of the citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Whether it’s combating violent crime, protecting taxpayers, trying to curb the tide of the opioid epidemic, just to name a few, these employees embody the best of public service.”
Details of the award winners are below:
Assistant United States Attorney of the Year: Patricia Fitzgerald was recognized for exceptional overall performance, taking into account all the required responsibilities in the performance of the person’s duties, which demonstrates a superior commitment to the interests of justice, and the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office.
Support of the Year: Janeth Herman was recognized for exceptional overall performance, taking into account all the required responsibilities in the performance of the person’s duties, which demonstrates a superior commitment to the interests of justice, and the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office.
Administrative Support of the Year: Judy Spar was recognized for exceptional overall performance, which demonstrates a superior commitment in the execution of the person’s duties.
Bill Edwards Career Award: Lisa Hammond Johnson and Robert Kern were recognized as an AUSA with more than 15 years of experience who has demonstrated superior professionalism in the execution of the AUSA’s duties, and excellence in leadership and mentorship throughout the person’s career.
Roberta Sladick Career Award: Marilyn McKean was recognized as a support staff person with more than 15 years of experience who has demonstrated superior professionalism in the execution of the support staff’s duties, and excellence in leadership and mentorship throughout the person’s career.
Excellence in Criminal Advocacy: Megan Miller was recognized for exceptional advocacy. Nominees were considered for their professionalism, the difficulty of the legal arguments briefed or argued, and any other challenging case-related circumstances, regardless of verdict or court opinion.
Excellence in Civil Advocacy: Angelita Cruz Bridges was recognized for exceptional advocacy. Nominees were considered for their professionalism, the difficulty of the legal arguments briefed or argued, and any other challenging case-related circumstances, regardless of verdict or court opinion.
Excellence in Criminal Support: Sarah VanDromme was recognized for exceptional overall performance.
Excellence in Civil Support: Linda Bartolozzi was recognized for exceptional overall performance.
Excellence in Paralegal Support: Sarah Perkins was recognized for exceptional overall performance.
Excellence in Administrative Support: Heidi Lyons was recognized for exceptional overall performance.
New AUSA Award: Ranya Elzein was recognized for exceptional overall performance for a person with less than five years of experience who demonstrates a superior commitment and significant growth in the execution of the person’s duties.
New Support Award: Albion Manellari was recognized for exceptional overall performance for a person with less than five years of experience who demonstrates a superior commitment and significant growth in the execution of the person’s duties.
Jane Corrigan Award: Torrey Steele is recognizes as the supportive staff member who is always professional, ready to help other in the performance of their duties, who expresses a “can-do” attitude, and whose demeanor is always engaging.
Synagogue attacker gets three years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS - United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced that Nolan Brewer, 21, of Eminence, Indiana, was sentenced in federal court yesterday evening to three years in prison for conspiring to violate the civil rights of Congregation Shaarey Tefilla, a Jewish synagogue in Carmel, Indiana. Brewer pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime before U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt, who imposed the prison sentence.
“Our nation was founded on the right of all people to practice their faith free of threats and violence,” said Minkler. “Sadly, over the past couple of years, our country has seen an increase in hate crimes targeting houses of worship, particularly against those of the Jewish faith. This case was one of them. The sentence handed down yesterday sends a clear message that society cannot, and will not, tolerate those who terrorize others for their religious beliefs.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Carmel Police Department.
“Crimes such as this – fueled by hatred towards individuals based simply on their faith – will not be tolerated by the FBI and our law enforcement partners,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “This sentence demonstrates our continued commitment to the FBI’s core mission - to protect our communities and to protect the rights of all Americans.”
Over the course of a five-hour court hearing, the judge heard testimony and evidence about Brewer’s beliefs in Nazism and how he acted on those beliefs to plan and carry out the July 28, 2018 attack on the Carmel synagogue. The evidence showed that the attack was not a spur-of-the-moment childhood prank. As Brewer had told the FBI, he and his wife, a minor, with whom he conspired to carry out the attack, targeted the synagogue because it was “full of ethnic Jews.” The synagogue was located over 50 miles from Brewer’s home.
The day before, Brewer and his wife went to Walmart to purchase supplies for the attack. Video surveillance showed them buying red and black spray paint, Gatorade bottles, aluminum foil, Drano cleaner, rubber gloves, Styrofoam plates, and bandanas. With the spray paint, they intended to, and did, paint large Nazi symbols on synagogue property. Brewer and his wife painted two red and black Nazi flags, each measuring several feet, which were flanked by two iron crosses, which were other symbols of Hitler’s Nazi regime.
With the Gatorade bottles, aluminum foil, and Drano, they planned to create and detonate “Drano bombs,” which were overpressure explosive devices. A mixture of Drano and aluminum foil can cause the release of gas, which in a sealed container such as a Gatorade bottle, can build until the point of an overpressure explosion.
In addition to the items at Walmart, the evidence, including text messages, showed that Brewer and his wife filled a can of gasoline in preparation for the attack. They then combined it with the Styrofoam plates to concoct what Brewer referred to as homemade “napalm.” The Styrofoam melted in the gasoline to create a viscous, flammable mixture.
They brought all of these supplies with them in the early morning hours of July 28, 2018. They parked over one mile away from the synagogue to avoid detection. They then walked the rest of the way, carrying in a backpack and by hand the spray paint, Drano bombs, and homemade napalm. They also brought with them pieces of spark plug casing, which they believed could shatter windows.
They originally intended to break into the synagogue and set fire to it. Brewer said as much during an interview with the FBI when he was interviewed, explaining that their original plan was to break in, place the burning napalm on top of the Drano bombs, and let the explosion spread the fire throughout the synagogue. Additionally, at the sentencing hearing, multiple witnesses testified that Brewer talked to them about having planned to break in. One witness testified that Brewer told him they had planned to burn a symbol that Brewer had drawn, which contained two swastikas, into the floor of the synagogue.
Ultimately, Brewer and his wife did not break into the synagogue. A witness testified that Brewer told her they got spooked by the synagogue’s security cameras and lights after they arrived. So instead they sent their message on the walls of an external enclosure on the property by spray painting Nazi symbols and burning the ground with the homemade napalm.
The FBI arrested Brewer just over two weeks after the attack. Brewer still had the supplies for the attack in the trunk of his car. The judge saw photos of the supplies in the trunk and heard testimony that Brewer’s co-conspirator wife had told a friend, with Brewer present, that they wanted to burn down the rabbi’s house and were looking for other targets.
Throughout the sentencing hearing, the judge heard evidence of the motivation behind Brewer’s hate crime. In an interview with the FBI, Brewer stated that his motivation was to generate “news headlines” and “spark more radicalism,” by showing other extremist groups that “people are actually doing things” so “maybe we can have a voice.”
Multiple co-workers from Brewer’s two jobs testified that, in the months leading up to the attack, he openly identified with Nazism and white supremacy at work. He wore a swastika necklace, spoke of his admiration for Adolf Hitler, and made racist and anti-Semitic remarks. One witness said that Brewer once told him that the Nazis were justified in doing what they did to the Jewish people during the Holocaust. Another witness, who was Brewer’s supervisor at one job, testified that Brewer attempted to recruit other workers to his “movement.” The witness testified that he heard complaints from over a dozen other workers who felt uncomfortable about Brewer espousing Nazism on the jobsite.
After the synagogue attack, Brewer bragged to co-workers and a friend about what he had done. Multiple witnesses testified that Brewer was proud when he showed them photos on his cell phone that he took of the Nazi flags and napalm fire on the night of the attack. The judge also heard Brewer himself expressing satisfaction in the news coverage of the attack from text messages on Brewer’s cell phone, as well as in a covertly recorded conversation with an FBI cooperating witness.
In addition to the prison sentence, the judge also imposed a $1,000 fine and ordered Brewer to repay the synagogue $700 for the physical damage he caused.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s firm commitment to prosecuting criminal violations of civil rights laws and partnering with state and local law enforcement to do so. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan 7.1-7.2
Statement by Attorney General William P. Barr on the Swearing-in of Jeffrey A. Rosen as Deputy Attorney General of the United StatesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General William P. Barr issued the following statement:
"Jeffrey Rosen is a distinguished lawyer who has served at the highest levels of government and the private sector," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "As an attorney, he has more than 35 years’ experience litigating complex matters in state and federal courts across the country, including as a partner at Kirkland & Ellis. He supervised more than 400 attorneys while serving as General Counsel at the Department of Transportation and also served as General Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor at the White House Office of Management and Budget. In his most recent position, he served as Deputy Secretary of Transportation, where he successfully led 50,000 employees. His years of outstanding legal and management experience will make him an excellent Deputy Attorney General.”
Stamford Refuse Company Owner Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Failing to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WAYNE MARGARUM, SR., 72, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for failing to file tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, for more than 40 years, Margarum has owned and operated Margarum Refuse, providing garbage removal services for customers in the Stamford area and parts of Westchester County, New York. The business services approximately 600 to 700 clients with fees ranging from $25 to $60 per month. Neither Margarum nor his business has filed tax returns for the tax years 2004 until the present.
Prior to sentencing, Margarum paid $25,000 in taxes owed. He still owes approximately $330,000 in back taxes, plus interest and penalties.
On May 24, 2018, Margarum pleaded guilty to two counts of willful failure to file an income tax return.
Margarum, who was released on bond, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of today’s court proceeding.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
St. Croix Man Apprehended at the Cyril E. King Airport Charged with Trafficking Approximately 19 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Mikhail Munoz, 31, originally of St. Croix, was charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Munoz made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller on Tuesday and, after a detention hearing on Wednesday, Judge Miller ordered Munoz detained pending trial.
The federal complaint alleges that on May 20, 2019, Munoz checked himself and a suitcase in for a flight bound from St. Thomas to Miami. When Munoz’s checked luggage passed through inspection with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), it set off an alarm, leading to the discovery of 18 "brick like" items, each of which was wrapped in aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and vacuum-sealed. Each of the brick-like bundles contained a white powdery substance that field-tested positive for cocaine. Collectively, the bricks weighed approximately 19 kilograms.
If convicted, Munoz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, with a maximum of life.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with assistance from the Transportation Security Administration, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith J. Edwards.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that a complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
South Charleston Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston man has been sentenced on federal drug and gun charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. James Michael Hill, 50, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison on three counts of distribution of marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Hill was previously convicted in federal court in April of 2001 for distribution of a cocaine base. Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).
“Another felon. More drugs, more guns,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Hill is a repeat offender. Eighteen years later and he’s selling drugs again -- and he’s going back to federal prison.”
Hill admitted that on April 30, 2018, he sold marijuana to a confidential informant. He also admitted to having an associate of his sell marijuana to a confidential informant on May 7 and May 9, 2018. Based on those sales and a subsequent search warrant, MDENT detectives were able to seize over 10 kilograms of marijuana, over 600 grams of methamphetamine, $34,904 in U.S. currency, two luxury vehicles, and five firearms belonging to Hill. Hill agreed that the money, vehicles, and firearms were tied to his drug operation and proceeds.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner handled the prosecution.
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South Carolina Man Admits Illegally Trafficking FirearmsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A South Carolina man who participated in the sale of 17 firearms, including five assault rifles, today admitted his role in a scheme to illegally sell weapons in New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Richard Lowman, 30, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to engage in the unlicensed business of dealing in firearms.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On six different dates between May 2017 and September 2017, Lowman – sometimes accompanied by his uncle, Reginald Moultrie – met with an individual in Newark for the purpose of selling firearms. Lowman personally participated in the sale of an assault rifle on a Newark street in May 2017. During a later transaction in August 2017, Lowman travelled from South Carolina to New Jersey and transported multiple firearms across state lines. Ultimately, six firearms were sold inside a residence in Newark on that occasion.
Seventeen firearms, including five assault rifles, were illegally sold by Lowman and Moultrie over five months. Neither Lowman nor Moultrie had a license to sell firearms. Moultrie previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a felony and is currently awaiting sentencing.
The charge of conspiracy to engage in unlicensed dealing of firearms carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 5, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, and officers of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Department of Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit in Newark.
South Bay Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Alejandro Ramirez-Suarez was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and related charges announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Chris Nielsen. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Lucy H. Koh, U.S. District Judge.
A federal jury convicted Suarez, 38, of the charges on August 17, 2018. According to the evidence submitted at the trial, Suarez was a distributor in a methamphetamine trafficking network operating in the San Jose area in 2013 and 2014. Specifically, co-defendant Juan Cervantes Aguilar provided crystal methamphetamine to Suarez who distributed the product to his own customers, as well as Cervantes’s customers. For example, in a series of calls and text messages on March 22, 2014, Suarez ordered “a hand” (i.e., five kilograms) from Cervantes and then Cervantes met Suarez to deliver the drugs. A few days later, Cervantes and Suarez arranged for Suarez to pay for the methamphetamine. After selling the product, Suarez repaid Cervantes in cash proceeds from the drug trafficking.
The evidence further demonstrated that, on occasion, Suarez assisted Cervantes in other ways. For example, Suarez procured acetone for use in the crystal methamphetamine manufacturing process, and wired money to other co-conspirators in Mexico.
A federal grand jury indicted Suarez on April 14, 2016, charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A)(viii). On August 17, 2018, after a five-day jury trial, a federal jury convicted Suarez of this charge.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Koh ordered Suarez to serve a five-year period of supervised release. Suarez has been in custody since the August 17, 2018, conviction, and will begin serving his sentence immediately.
Cervantes pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme on September 20, 2017. On April 4, 2018, Judge Koh sentenced Cervantes to serve 156 months in prison to be followed by a 5-year period of supervised release.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Wawrzyniak and Shailika Kotiya are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Laurie Worthen, Linda Love, and Kolin Singh. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA. This case was investigated and prosecuted by member agencies of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a focused multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force investigating and prosecuting the most significant drug trafficking organizations throughout the United States by leveraging the combined expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Somerset County Man Charged with Attempts to Provide Material Support to Hamas, Making False Statements, and Making Threat Against Pro-Israel SupportersRead the Press Release
Also Discussed Bombing Trump Tower and Israeli Embassy in New York
NEWARK, N.J. – A Somerset County, New Jersey, man was arrested today for attempting to provide material support to Hamas, lying on his application to enlist in the U.S. Army, and making a threat against pro-Israel supporters, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito, Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division, FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie and FBI Assistant Director for Counterterrorism Michael McGarrity announced.
Jonathan Xie, 20, of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, was arrested this morning and is charged by complaint with two counts of attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization, two counts of making false statements, and one count of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. He is scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk in Newark federal court.
“Homegrown violent extremists like Xie are a serious threat to national security,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “The actions that he took and planned to take made that threat both clear and present, and we commend our law enforcement partners for working closely with us to stop him before he could carry out his plans to commit violence on American soil. We will continue to do everything in our power to safeguard our country and its citizens from the threat of terrorism, whether that threat comes from abroad or – as here – from within.”
“The FBI remains vigilant in its efforts to protect the public from those who support terrorist groups and ideologies,” Special Agent in Charge Ehrie said. “Thanks to the hard work and determination of our agents and their law enforcement partners on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, this defendant’s further support to terrorism was disrupted and a threat to the safety of our community was averted. This case also illustrates the value of public awareness and participation. When you report suspicious activity, you become a force multiplier in the mission to keep America safe.”
“The FBI is committed to stopping anyone who attempts to assist terrorist organizations or who threatens to commit acts of violence in our communities,” said Assistant Director McGarrity, FBI Assistant Director for Counterterrorism. “The threat from homegrown violent extremists who self-radicalize remains persistent. While more Americans may be familiar with ISIS, we take seriously those who wish to help any designated terrorist organization. I commend the hard work of the Newark Joint Terrorism Task Force on this case.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In April 2019, Xie appeared in an Instagram Live video wearing a black ski mask and stated that he was against Zionism and the neo-liberal establishment. When asked by another participant in the video if he would go to Gaza and join Hamas, Xie stated “yes, If I could find a way.” Later in the video, Xie displayed a Hamas flag and retrieved a handgun. He then stated “I’m gonna go to the [expletive] pro-Israel march and I’m going to shoot everybody.” In subsequent Instagram posts, Xie stated, “I want to shoot the pro-israel demonstrators . . . you can get a gun and shoot your way through or use a vehicle and ram people . . . all you need is a gun or vehicle to go on a rampage . . . I do not care if security forces come after me, they will have to put a bullet in my head to stop me.”
In December 2018, Xie sent $100 via Moneygram to an individual in Gaza who Xie believed to be a member of the Al-Qassam Brigades – a faction of Hamas that has conducted attacks, to include suicide bombings against civilian targets inside Israel. At approximately the same time that Xie sent the money, he posted on his Instagram account “Just donated $100 to Hamas. Pretty sure it was illegal but I don’t give a damn.” In April 2019, Xie sent a link to a website for the Al-Qassam Brigades to an FBI employee who was acting online in an undercover capacity. Xie described the website as a “Hamas” website and stated he had previously sent a donation to the group. Xie then sent screenshots of the website to the undercover employee and demonstrated how to use a new feature on the website that allows donations to be sent via Bitcoin. On or about April 26, 2019, Xie sent a donation of approximately $20 in Bitcoin (including transaction fees) via the website as a test to see whether the Bitcoin feature worked.
In February 2019, Xie stated that he wanted to join the U.S. Army “to learn how to kill… So I can use that knowledge.” He stated “Idk [I don’t know] if I pass the training…If I should do lone wolf.That is why I have to learn military techniques from the Army . . . ” Consistent with his plan to join the U.S. Army, Xie completed Security Clearance Application for National Security Positions in February 2019. He answered “no” to the question “Have you EVER associated with anyone involved in activities to further terrorism?” An error occurred in processing Xie’s application and Xie was required to complete the application a second time approximately ten days later. He again answered “no” to the question.
The investigation revealed additional social media accounts for Xie, including a YouTube account which contained, among other things, a playlist containing videos, many of which advocated or propagandized Soldiers for Allah, the war in Syria, Hezbollah (a foreign terrorist organization), and the Houthi movement in Yemen, as well as support for Bashar al Assad, Saddam Hussein, and North Korea.
Around April 20, 2019, FBI surveillance observed Xie outside of the Trump Tower building in New York City. Shortly thereafter, according to Instagram records, Xie posted two photos to his Instagram account: One with the words “I want to bomb Trump Tower" imposed over the building image and the other with the words “[S]hould I bomb Trump Tower,” a “Yes/No” poll, and an emoji of a bomb imposed over the Trump Tower building image. Xie subsequently posted on Instagram, “Okay, so I went to NYC today and passed by Trump Tower and then I started laughing hysterically . . . shit I forgot to visit the Israeli embassy in NYC . . .i want to bomb this place along with trump tower.”
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI and task force officers of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark; and the U.S. Department of Defense, Army Counterintelligence, 902d Military Intelligence Group, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest. He also thanks the U.S. Secret Service for its assistance with the case.
Each count of attempt to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of making false statements related to international and domestic terrorism carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce carries a penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joyce M. Malliet of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit and Trial Attorney Bridget Behling of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Snow Hill Man Sentenced After Goldsboro RobberyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced Jason gregory Alan Brown, 31, of Snow Hill to 120 months’ imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. On February 6, 2019, Brown pled guilty to a three-count indictment, charging Hobbs Act robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The evidence established that on February 20, 2018, BROWN robbed the HI-5 Sweepstakes Vapor Shop in Goldsboro, North Carolina. After spending a few minutes in the business, BROWN approached the cashier and pulled out a silver handgun, which one of the victims identified as a .22 or .25 caliber firearm. He pointed the gun at the teller and demanded money from a cash register. He then asked to be taken to the store safe. A store manager led him to the safe in a back office as Brown followed with the gun. He fled shortly after emptying the safe, collecting a total of $3,680. Members of the Goldsboro Police Department responded and obtained surveillance from HI-5 and neighboring stores. They issued a press release with the suspect’s photo and soon received tips identifying BROWN as the robber.
BROWN was arrested in a separate incident on February 21, 2019, the day after the HI-5 robbery. Law enforcement were conducting surveillance in an unmarked car at a Dollar General Store in Wilmington, North Carolina, when they spotted a red SUV enter the lot with BROWN in the passenger seat. After the car parked, officers saw BROWN hold up a bag containing white powder and then appear to ingest cocaine. The officers made contact with BROWN and spotted in plain sight a small amount of cocaine. They searched BROWN and found a loaded .25 caliber handgun in his right front pocket. BROWN admitted to possessing the gun, despite having a prior felony convictions.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
That effort has been implemented through 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.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Goldsboro Police Department, the Wilmington Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorneys Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
Shreveport man pleads guilty to possessing pistol, ammunitionRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Mark Anthony Crawford, 27, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to possessing a pistol loaded with 31 bullets.
According to the guilty plea, Shreveport police learned through a Crime Stoppers tip that Crawford was at a residence on Algonquin Trail, armed with several weapons and in possession of narcotics. After arriving at the residence, the officers found a Romarm/Cugir Mini Draco 7.62 caliber pistol under a bed loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition. Crawford admitted to police officers that he had purchased the firearm off the streets, and knew that as a convicted felon, he was restricted from possessing a firearm. Crawford pleaded guilty to aggravated flight from an officer on November 8, 2010. Under federal law, felons are not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition.
Crawford faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Judge Hicks set the sentencing date for August 29, 2019.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Mexican citizen who was convicted in state court of a sex offense against a minor pleaded guilty today to illegally reentering the United States.
“Murcia has been deported at taxpayer expense on multiple occasions,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Additionally, he was convicted of a sex offense against a minor who was in his care. This prosecution and guilty plea demonstrate that the United States will continue to aggressively enforce its immigration laws, especially where, as here, those who disregard our nation’s border and laws also commit egregious crimes against the most vulnerable members of our community.”
According to court documents, Jose Fabian Murcia, 41, was removed from the country at taxpayer expense in 2001 and 2004. In 2018, law enforcement encountered him in Virginia after he was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual battery against a victim under the age of 13 and taking indecent liberties with a child by a person in a custodial or supervisory relationship – both felonies in Virginia. Fabian Murcia was later convicted in Prince William County for indecent liberties with a child.
Fabian Murcia pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a removed alien and faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison when sentenced on August 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 Lyle A. Boelens, Acting Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton accepted the plea. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Olinghouse and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Taylor are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:19-cr-80.
Saint Paul Felon Charged with Heroin Distribution, Illegal Possession of Six FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging PHELIXIS FITZGERALD MAR ROBINSON, a/k/a “Storm,” 44, with possession and distribution of heroin and firearms violations. ROBINSON was arrested and made an initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge Steven E. Rau in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to the allegations in the indictment, in March 2019, ROBINSON distributed heroin and knowingly possessed, with the intent to distribute, more than one kilogram of heroin. ROBINSON was also in possession of six firearms, including a Glock model 22 .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Taurus model Protector .38 caliber revolver, a Beretta model 96 .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Glock model 30 .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Bersa model Thunder .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a SCCY model CPX-2 9mm semi-automatic pistol. The firearms and more than $545,000 in cash were seized by law enforcement from two separate storage lockers belonging to ROBINSON. Because he is a felon, ROBINSON is prohibited under federal law from possessing any type of firearm at any time.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Anoka-Hennepin Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
PHELIXIS FITZGERALD MAR ROBINSON, a/k/a “Storm,” 44
St. Paul, Minn.
Charges:
- Possession with intent to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Distribution of heroin, 1 count
- Felon in possession of firearms, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Robert Morgan, Three Others Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead 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 a 114-count superseding indictment charging Robert Morgan, Frank Giacobbe, Todd Morgan, and Michael Tremiti, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud for their roles in a half billion dollar mortgage fraud scheme. The defendants each face various additional charges such as wire and bank fraud, and money laundering. Todd Morgan and Robert Morgan are also charged with wire fraud conspiracy to defraud insurance companies. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine in the amount of double the loss caused by the crimes, which is currently estimated to exceed $25,000,000.
During the course of the conspiracy:
• Robert Morgan was the managing member and chief executive officer of Morgan Management. In addition to his role with Morgan Management, he controlled and managed owned a substantial portfolio of real estate holdings; • Frank Giacobbe owned and operated Aurora Capital Advisors, identified himself as the Principal, and employed others to assist him in brokering, and attempting to broker real estate loans; • Todd Morgan was employed at Morgan Management, and worked as a Project Manager at the company; and
• Michael Tremiti was employed at Morgan Management, and worked as Director of Finance for the company.Assistant U.S. Attorneys John D. Fabian and Douglas A.C. Penrose, who are handling the case, stated that according to the superseding indictment, between 2007 and June 2017, the defendants conspired with Kevin Morgan, Patrick Ogiony, Scott Cresswell, and others to fraudulently obtain moneys, funds, credits, assets, securities, and other property from financial institutions such as Arbor Commercial Mortgage, LLC and Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, LLC, and government sponsored enterprises, including Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae).
The defendants provided false information to financial institutions and government sponsored enterprises overstating the incomes of properties owned by Morgan Management or certain principals of Morgan Management. The false information induced financial institutions to issue loans: (1) for greater values than the financial institutions would have authorized had they been provided with truthful information; and (2) that the financial institutions would not have issued at the time of issuance had they been provided with truthful information. These properties included:
• The Preserve at Autumn Ridge, Watertown, NY; • The Eden Square Apartments, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; • The Rochester Village Apartments at Park Place, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; • The Reserve at Southpointe, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania; • 7100 South Shore Drive Apartments, Chicago, Illinois; • The Avon Commons Apartments, Avon, NY; • The Morgan Bay Apartments, Houston, Texas; • Brookwood on the Green, Syracuse, NY; • The Creek Hill Apartments, Rochester, NY; • Hickory Hollow, Rochester, NY; • The Knollwood Manor Apartments, Rochester, NY; • The Links at Centerpointe, Canandaigua, NY; • The Nineteen North Apartments, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; • The Overlook at Golden Hills, Lexington, South Carolina; • The Penbrooke Meadows Apartments, Rochester, NY; • The Trails of North Hills Apartments, Raleigh, North Carolina; • The Rivers Pointe Apartments, Syracuse, NY; • The Union Square Apartments, Rochester, NY; • The View at MacKenzi, York, Pennsylvania; and
• The Villas of Victor, Rochester, NY.To facilitate the conspiracy:
• Morgan Management provided property management, accounting, and financial reporting services for the properties owned by limited liability companies controlled by defendant Robert Morgan.
• The defendants conspired to manipulate income and expenses for properties to meet debt service coverage ratios (“DSCRs”) required by lending institutions. The manipulation included, among other things, removing expenses from information reported to lenders and keeping two sets of books for at least 70 properties, with one set of books containing true and accurate figures and a second set of books containing manipulated figures to be provided to lenders in connection with servicing and re-financing loans.
• The defendants conspired to present lending institutions with false and fraudulent inflated construction contracts and invoices that falsely reported to the lending institution that the contractor constructing a property was being paid more than the contractor was actually being paid.
• The defendants provided false information to financial institutions and government sponsored enterprises that overstated net incomes of properties and thereby induced financial institutions to: (1) issue loans (a) for greater values than financial institutions would have authorized had they been provided with truthful information; and (b) that the financial institutions would not have issued at the time of issuance had they been provided with truthful information; and (2) forgo contractual rights that would have inured to the financial institutions had the defendants and Morgan Management presented accurate financial information to the financial institutions.
• The defendants employed various mechanisms to mislead inspectors, appraisers, financial institutions and government sponsored enterprises with respect to the occupancy of properties.
• The defendants falsely inflated the amounts owed on properties, by among other things, (1) providing false documentation of obligations purportedly associated with the properties, (2) misrepresenting the actual purchase prices of properties by providing false contracts and contract prices, and (3), as set forth above, presenting false construction contracts and invoices.In the wire fraud conspiracy to defraud insurers, Todd Morgan and Robert Morgan are accused of conspiring with Kevin Morgan and Scott Cresswell to present false and inflated contracts and invoices for repairs to insurers after damages to properties in Robert Morgan’s real estate portfolio. These properties include the Summerwood Apartments in Merrillville, Indiana; the Eden Square Apartments in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; and at thirty-four properties in the Rochester, New York area after a March 2017 windstorm in that area.
The defendants are also charged with money laundering conspiracy for engaging in monetary transactions in excess of $10,000 using the proceeds of wire fraud and bank fraud.
The total loss sustained by financial institutions and government sponsored enterprises throughout the mortgage fraud scheme is currently estimated to exceed $25,000,000. The loss resulting from the insurance fraud scheme is currently estimated at approximately $3,000,000.
The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and were released on conditions.
“The charges announced today reflect this Office’s commitment to ensuring that those who do business with the mortgage, banking, and insurance industries act with honesty and integrity,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “The scope of the dishonesty and deceit alleged here—both in a geographic sense as well as in terms of the dollar value of the mortgages and properties involved—was expansive. This type of fraud strikes at the very heart of those industries, and I commend the FBI and the FHFA-OIG for the significant resources they devoted to this investigation in order to reveal the full scope of the illegal conduct alleged in this superseding indictment.”
“Today's charges allege Robert Morgan-and the men he surrounded himself with in business-worked hard with a desire to creatively subvert the integrity of the financial industry," said FBI Buffalo Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert. “In response, we worked just as hard and creatively to put a stop to it. We hope the indictment returned in this case helps to educate and protect the tens of thousands of investors who own mortgage-backed securities.”
Richard Parker, Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations for the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG), said, “the financing of multifamily loans is a significant segment of Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s portfolio. As these charges demonstrate, FHFA-OIG will work with our partners in law enforcement to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to victimize the entities regulated by FHFA.”
Defendants Kevin Morgan and Patrick Ogiony were previously convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and defendant Scott Cresswell was previously convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their roles in the multi-million dollar fraud scheme. All three defendants are awaiting sentencing.
The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector
General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Robert Manchak, Northeast Region.
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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Raleigh Man’s Roadside Bathroom Break Leads to Four-Year Federal Firearms SentenceRead the Press Release
RALEIGH — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced Clifton Eugene Battle, 35, of Raleigh to 48 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Battle pled guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on February 20, 2019.
The evidence established that on June 26, 2018, a deputy with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office was on patrol when he saw a car stationary in a travel lane of Poole Road in Raleigh. The deputy stopped to find BATTLE standing by the car with the driver’s door open. BATTLE, who had glassy eyes, smelled of alcohol, and was standing over a puddle, explained that he had stopped his car to urinate. The deputy walked around the car, and spotted a Taurus .38 special revolver sitting in plain view on the passenger seat. Deputies searched the car and also recovered a box of ammunition from the trunk.
In 2008, BATTLE was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in a crime he used a revolver to shoot a man. He was on supervised release for that offense when this crime occurred.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
That effort has been implemented through 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.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorneys Jake D. Pugh represented the government.
Providence Kentucky Woman Pleads Guilty to Distributing & Receiving Child PornRead the Press Release
OWENSBORO, Ky. – A Providence, Kentucky, woman has pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Joseph McKinley Jr. for distributing and receiving child pornography, announced United States Attorney Russell M. Coleman.
According to the plea agreement on September 25, 2017, Lucia C. Jenkins, age 50, in Webster County, Kentucky, and elsewhere, knowingly distributed and received child pornography. A federal Grand Jury sitting in Owensboro indicted Jenkins on three charges on July 11, 2018.
Jenkins faces a statutory mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years and supervised release of at least 5 years and up to any number of years, including life. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Hancock, the chief of the Paducah, Kentucky branch office, and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Kentucky State Police.
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This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Juan Carlos Ramon, 33, of Portland, pleaded guilty today to two counts of production of child pornography after sexually exploiting two minor victims, aged six and eight, using musical.ly, a social media application now known as TikTok.
According to court documents, on or about June 28, 2017, Ramon began communicating with two minors using the musical.ly app. He used the screen name “@lexithetiger” and pretended to be a minor female. Ramon encouraged his victims to play a “Simon Says” type game where he would send sexually explicit photos of a minor female and ask his victims to take and send him photos imitating the positions and acts depicted. The minor victims agreed and sent Ramon a series of progressively more explicit self-produced images. A relative of the two victims later discovered the communications and reported it to law enforcement.
Each count of production of child pornography carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison with a 15-year mandatory minimum, a $250,000 fine, a $5,000 special assessment and a life term of supervised release with a five-year mandatory minimum. Ramon will be sentenced on September 5, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Jones.
As part of the plea agreement, Ramon has agreed to pay restitution to his victims identified by the government prior to sentencing and as ordered by the court.
This case was investigated by FBI Portland’s Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) and is being prosecuted by Natalie Wight, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) conducts sexual exploitation investigations – many of them undercover – in coordination with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The Portland FBI’s CETF consists of agents and task force officers from the Beaverton Police Department, Portland Police Bureau, Tigard Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. The FBI’s CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering underage victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at www.fbi.gov/tips.
Pharmacist Headed to Federal Prison and Required to Pay $55,000 in Community Restitution for Illegally Distributing Oxycodone and AmphetamineRead the Press Release
DENVER -- A registered pharmacist, Mary Aronson, owner and operator of St. Vrain Pharmacy in Lyons, Colorado, was sentenced for illegal distribution of narcotics before Chief United States District Court Judge Philip Brimmer, announced United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn and DEA Denver Division Special Agent in Charge William T. McDemott. Aronson was sentenced to 6 months in prison, to be followed by 6 months of home detention and 5 years of supervised release. As part of yesterday’s sentence, Aronson is required to forfeit $20,000 and pay an additional $55,000 in community restitution.
The $55,000 community restitution payment is the first of its kind in the District of Colorado and one of the first in the country. By law, the payment will go to two separate victim funds administered by the Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Justice, including a fund designated to receive federal funds for substance abuse programs in the state.
According to court documents, including the plea agreement, on November 28, 2017, law enforcement agents spoke with a confidential informant who said that Aronson sold her OxyContin pills for over a year-and-a-half, and that she paid $1 per pill. On December 5, 2017, the confidential informant made a controlled purchase that was audio recorded by law enforcement. At that time, the confidential informant provided Aronson $50, who then gave her 20 pills of oxycodone (10 milligram) and 20 pills of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (20 milligram) without a prescription. Law enforcement conducted two more controlled purchases from the defendant on January 19, 2018, and February 13, 2018. During the investigation, Aronson gave the confidential informant four blank prescription pages and showed her how to fill out a forged prescription. The defendant told the informant “don’t worry, the doctor is dead and will never find out.”
“Prescription opioid abuse continues to be an epidemic that is ravaging our state,” said United States Attorney Jason Dunn. “That’s why we not only seek prison terms for those who choose to violate the law, but we will now begin seeking restitution payments where appropriate to address the public harm being caused to communities.”
“The DEA will continue to investigate registrants who cause harm to the public and fuel the opioid epidemic,” said DEA Denver Division Special Agent in Charge William T. McDermott. “This case shows the opioid epidemic is being fought at all levels to include professionals in a position of trust.”
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Boulder County Drug Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Suneeta Hazra, Garreth Winstead, and Tonya Andrews.
Case No: 18-cr-475
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Penn Yan Man Charged with Falsifying Inspection Reports for Space PartsRead 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 James Smalley, 41, of Penn Yan, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with falsifying inspection reports for space parts. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the defendant was a Quality Assurance Engineer at PMI Industries, LLC, a Rochester aerospace precision machining service, specializing in high-tolerance machining for flight critical aerospace parts used to build space flight vehicles by SpaceX and other Department of Defense aerospace contractors. Smalley began his employment at PMI on March 6, 2017, working on contracts for SpaceX, which developed the Falcon launch vehicle family and the Dragon spacecraft family. Falcon and Dragon both currently deliver payloads into Earth orbit for NASA, the Air Force, other United States government agencies and private industry. SQA Services, Inc. (SQA) is a subcontractor to SpaceX, and provides multiple quality assurance functions within the aerospace and defense manufacturing industries.The complaint states that in January 2018, an internal audit by SQA Services, Inc. (SQA), at the direction of SpaceX, revealed multiple falsified source inspection reports and non-destructive testing (NDT) certifications from PMI Industries, LLC, for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy flight critical parts. SpaceX notified PMI of the anomalies. Source inspections and NDT are key tools used in the aerospace industry to ensure manufactured parts comply with quality and safety standards. Specifically, the signed source inspection report had a forged signature of the SQA inspector. SpaceX and SQA officials believed the signature of the inspector was photocopied and cut and pasted onto the source inspection report with a computer.
On February 16, 2018, the NASA Launch Services Program alerted the NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG), and Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Resident Agency, regarding the falsified source inspection reports and false NDT certifications created by PMI. Some of the false source inspection reports and false NDT certifications were related to space launch vehicle components that, at the time of discovery, were to be used for the upcoming Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission, which launched from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on April 18, 2018.
The investigation has identified that Smalley, while an employee of PMI, falsified at least 38 source inspection reports for space vehicle parts procured by SpaceX for the construction of the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy series of space vehicles. The investigation has also identified at least 76 individual piece parts that were rejected during source inspection or were never inspected by SQA, then subsequently shipped to SpaceX.
A records request from SpaceX identified seven NASA space flight missions, two United States Air Force space flight missions, and one National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) space flight mission that were affected by parts purchased by SpaceX from PMI.
Subsequently, SpaceX terminated its business relationship with PMI averaged approximately $200,000 per month from the business with SpaceX, as a disqualified supplier. PMI subsequently closed its operation.
“The success of America’s reinvigorated space program depends not just on American ingenuity but on American integrity as well,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “These charges make clear that those who commit fraud against NASA, the Air Force, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, who are among the government agencies leading our space program, and those private companies, such as SpaceX, with whom the government partners and contracts in its effort, will be held accountable when they seek to cut corners. Such fraudulent conduct jeopardizes no only the success of the program but the lives of the brave men and women who rely on the integrity of not just the space vehicles themselves but all those who help to design and build them.”
“The NASA Office of Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate those who undermine NASA operations and jeopardize U.S. space launch missions by their fraudulent actions,” said Special Agent-in-Charge John Corbett, Central Field Office.”
“The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), along with its law enforcement partners, has, and always will, aggressively identify, investigate, and neutralize anyone who attempts to commit aircraft and space vehicle part fraud and put our nation's warfighters at risk,” stated Special Agent-in-Charge Wendell W. Palmer, AFOSI, Office of Procurement Fraud.
“According to the criminal complaint, James Smalley took the act of forgery to a new level,” said FBI Buffalo Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert. “A potentially catastrophic level with the potential to not only cost millions of dollars, but also jeopardize years of irreplicable work.”
The defendant will make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman on May 23, 2019, at 1:00 p.m.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the NASA Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John Corbett, Central Field Office; the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Wendell W. Palmer, Office of Procurement Fraud; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.
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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Okmulgee Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Possession During Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Johnny Scott Sadler, age 48, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma entered a guilty plea to Possession Of A Firearm In Furtherance Of A Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 5 years imprisonment consecutive to any other conviction, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleges that on or about February 23, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly possess a firearm, to wit: One (1) Bushmaster Firearms Inc., Model BACR, Multi caliber semi-automatic rifle (.223 caliber barrel), serial number SRR00194, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime for which he may be prosecuted in a court of the United States.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.
Ohio County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Xavier C. Coyle, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Coyle, age 29, pled guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Coyle, having previously been convicted of a felony, admitted to having 9mm pistol in December 2019 in Marshall County.
Coyle faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Nurse Practitioner Sentenced to over Six Years in Prison for Unlawful Dispensing of Opioids and Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A nurse practitioner was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,749,121.29 for unlawfully dispensing prescription opioids and Medicare and Medicaid fraud, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse for the FBI’s Las Vegas Division, and Special Agent in Charge Christian J. Schrank for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Los Angeles Region.
Alejandro “Alex” Incera, aka Alexander Jiminez-Incera, an Advance Practice Registered Nurse, 48, of Las Vegas, previously pleaded guilty to eight counts of distribution of controlled substance and eight counts of health care fraud. United States District Judge James Mahan presided over the sentencing hearing.
From January 2018 to about May 2018, Incera had an agreement with co-defendants Robert D. Harvey, a surgical technician, and Dr. Horace P. Guerra to distribute Hydrocodone and Oxycodone to patients without a legitimate medical purpose in exchange for cash payments. Incera wrote illegal opioid prescriptions on prescriptions with his name and DEA number for patients without a medical purpose.
Furthermore, between July 2016 to about December 2017, Incera defrauded Medicare and Medicaid by writing Lidocaine, Modafinil, and Diclofenac Sodium prescriptions to patients without a legitimate medical purpose and at times without having examined the patient at all. These prescriptions were filled and processed by Atlas Pharmacy who paid Incera approximately $30,000 in exchange for patient referrals. The Medicare and Medicaid programs were defrauded out of approximately $3.7 million.
Dr. Guerra was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison, Harvey was sentenced to six months in federal prison, and both face three years of supervised release following incarceration. Co-defendant Leslie Kalyn, aka Leslie Feth, a Doctor of Nursing, was also charged for her alleged role in the opioid distribution conspiracy. A jury trial is scheduled on September 23, 2019.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Nadia Ahmed and Assistant Chief Kilby MacFadden from the Department of Justice Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The District of Nevada was selected as one of 12 districts nationally to participate in the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, a program that utilizes data to help combat the devastating opioid crisis. The District of Nevada has assigned prosecutors that focus on investigating and prosecuting health care fraud related to medical professionals who prescribe opioids, that unlawfully divert of dispense prescription opioids for illegitimate purposes.
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North Carolina Man Sentenced for Multiple Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A North Carolina man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for committing two armed bank robberies.
According to court documents, Allen E. Piner, Jr., 46, of Wallace, robbed the Argent Federal Credit Union and the Citizens Bank & Trust, both at gunpoint, on two separate occasions. On Sept. 1, 2017, Piner walked into the Citizens Bank & Trust, located in Chester brandishing a firearm and demanding money from two tellers working at the counter. In fear for their lives, the tellers gave Piner $5,000 before he fled the scene and got away.
On Oct. 11, 2017, Piner walked into the Argent Federal Credit Union, located in Midlothian, and pointed a firearm at the teller, demanding cash from her drawer. Fearing for her life, the teller complied with Piner’s demands, but unknown to Piner, the teller gave him currency with a GPS tracker. Local law enforcement tracked Piner within minutes, setting up a roadblock a short distance from the bank. After a short car chase, Piner fled his vehicle and scaled a fence while armed. When Piner turned toward the pursuing officers with his gun, a Chesterfield Police officer shot Piner one time to disable him, after which officers promptly rendered lifesaving first aid to him. The money, GPS tracker, and a firearm were all recovered at the scene.
This 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.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Richmond’s Central Virginia Violent Crimes Task Force.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and David W. Archey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter S. Duffey and David V. Harbach II are prosecuting the case.
The Chesterfield Police Department provided significant assistance during the investigation.
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-15.
New Jersey Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to Hamas, Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
A Somerset County, New Jersey, man was arrested today for attempting to provide material support to Hamas, lying on his application to enlist in the U.S. Army, and making threats against pro-Israel supporters. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito for the District of New Jersey, FBI Assistant Director for Counterterrorism Michael McGarrity and Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie of the FBI’s Newark Field office made the announcement.
Jonathan Xie, 20, of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, was arrested this morning and is charged by complaint with two counts of attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization, two counts of making false statements, and one count of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. He is scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk in Newark federal court.
“According to the allegations in the complaint, Xie sent money intended for Hamas and tried to join our military hoping to learn skills that would help him commit violence in our country,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “Thanks to the agents, analysts, and prosecutors working on this investigation, Xie is now in custody and will be held accountable for his crimes.”
“Homegrown violent extremists like Xie are a serious threat to national security,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “The actions that he took and planned to take made that threat both clear and present, and we commend our law enforcement partners for working closely with us to stop him before he could carry out his plans to commit violence on American soil. We will continue to do everything in our power to safeguard our country and its citizens from the threat of terrorism, whether that threat comes from abroad or – as here – from within.”
“The FBI is committed to stopping anyone who attempts to assist terrorist organizations or who threatens to commit acts of violence in our communities,” said Assistant Director McGarrity. “The threat from homegrown violent extremists who self-radicalize remains persistent. While more Americans may be familiar with ISIS, we take seriously those who wish to help any designated terrorist organization. I commend the hard work of the Newark Joint Terrorism Task Force on this case.”
“The FBI remains vigilant in its efforts to protect the public from those who support terrorist groups and ideologies,” Special Agent in Charge Ehrie said. “Thanks to the hard work and determination of our agents and their law enforcement partners on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, this defendant’s further support to terrorism was disrupted and a threat to the safety of our community was averted. This case also illustrates the value of public awareness and participation. When you report suspicious activity, you become a force multiplier in the mission to keep America safe.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In April 2019, Xie appeared in an Instagram Live video wearing a black ski mask, and stated that he was against Zionism and the neo-liberal establishment. When asked by another participant in the video if he would go to Gaza and join Hamas, Xie stated “yes, If I could find a way.” Later in the video, Xie displayed a Hamas flag and retrieved a handgun. He then stated “I’m gonna go to the [expletive] pro-Israel march and I’m going to shoot everybody.” In subsequent Instagram posts, Xie stated, “I want to shoot the pro-israel demonstrators . . . you can get a gun and shoot your way through or use a vehicle and ram people . . . all you need is a gun or vehicle to go on a rampage . . . I do not care if security forces come after me, they will have to put a bullet in my head to stop me.”
In December 2018, Xie sent $100 via Moneygram to an individual in Gaza who Xie believed to be a member of the Al-Qassam Brigades – a faction of Hamas that has conducted attacks, to include suicide bombings against civilian targets inside Israel. At approximately the same time that Xie sent the money, he posted on his Instagram account “Just donated $100 to Hamas. Pretty sure it was illegal but I don’t give a damn.” In April 2019, Xie sent a link to a website for the Al-Qassam Brigades to an FBI employee who was acting online in an undercover capacity. Xie described the website as a “Hamas” website and stated he had previously sent a donation to the group. Xie then sent screenshots of the website to the undercover employee and demonstrated how to use a new feature on the website that allows donations to be sent via Bitcoin. On or about April 26, 2019, Xie sent a donation of approximately $20 in Bitcoin (including transaction fees) via the website as a test to see whether the Bitcoin feature worked.
In February 2019, Xie stated that he wanted to join the U.S. Army “to learn how to kill… So I can use that knowledge.” He stated “Idk [I don’t know] if I pass the training…If I should do lone wolf. That is why I have to learn military techniques from the Army . . .” Consistent with his plan to join the U.S. Army, Xie completed a Security Clearance Application for National Security Positions in February 2019. He answered “no” to the question “Have you EVER associated with anyone involved in activities to further terrorism?” An error occurred in processing Xie’s application and Xie was required to complete the application a second time approximately ten days later. He again answered “no” to the question.
The investigation revealed additional social media accounts for Xie, including a YouTube account which contained, among other things, a playlist containing videos, many of which advocated or propagandized Soldiers for Allah, the war in Syria, Hezbollah (a foreign terrorist organization), and the Houthi movement in Yemen, as well as support for Bashar al Assad, Saddam Hussein, and North Korea. Around April 20, 2019, FBI surveillance observed Xie outside of the Trump Tower building in New York City. Shortly thereafter, according to Instagram records, Xie posted two photos to his Instagram account: One with the words “I want to bomb Trump Tower” imposed over the building image and the other with the words “[S]hould I bomb Trump Tower,” a “Yes/No” poll, and an emoji of a bomb imposed over the Trump Tower building image.
Xie also posted on Instagram his desire to blow up the Israeli Embassy in New York, and the need for “someone … to get a truck filled with explosives and blow up the Coachella event.”
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark; and the U.S. Department of Defense, Army Counterintelligence, 902d Military Intelligence Group, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest.
Each count of attempt to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of making false statements carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The count of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce carries a penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joyce M. Malliet of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit and Trial Attorney Bridget Behling of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mother and Two of Her Sons Among 11 Defendants Charged in Federal Drug and Gun Investigation in ChicagoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Eleven individuals, including a woman and two of her sons, are facing criminal charges as part of a federal drug and gun investigation in Chicago.
During the multi-year investigation, law enforcement seized 29 firearms and associated ammunition, a machete and sheath, approximately a kilogram of cocaine, 78 pounds of marijuana, more than $190,000 in suspected illicit cash proceeds, and diamond jewelry, Rolex watches and designer clothing appraised at more than $300,000. Much of the alleged drug trafficking occurred on the South Side of Chicago.
All eleven defendants were arrested last week. Detention hearings for many of the defendants are being held this week in U.S. District Court in Chicago.
The charges were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Eddie Johnson, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. Substantial assistance was provided by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, Cook County Sheriff’s Department, Evergreen Park Police Department, Joliet Police Department, Orland Park Police Department, and Bolingbrook Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ankur Srivastava and Sheri Wong represent the government.
According to charges filed in federal court, RAKIM ASAD, 26, of Chicago, and his mother, HARRIETTE MCPHERSON, 46, of Chicago, conspired with each other and DERRICK MCNEAL, 46, of Chicago, to possess cocaine and marijuana with the intent to deliver. Asad is also charged with knowingly possessing a loaded handgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized from Asad a Rolex watch and two necklaces, according to the indictment against him. Attached to the necklaces were 14-carat gold pendants with the initials “LAFA” written in diamonds, the indictment states. The initials are an apparent reference to Asad’s suspected affiliation with LAFA, a Chicago street gang.
Four of the defendants are charged with conspiring to rob a drug dealer of marijuana in Chicago and Bridgeview in the summer of 2017. The charges allege that KELVIN EVERETT, 38, of Chicago, GREGORY BLACKWELL, 29, of Chicago, QUINCY WRIGHT, 37, of Chicago, and JERRY PEOPLES, 42, of Chicago, possessed a loaded rifle and handgun during an attempted robbery of the dealer on June 13, 2017, in Bridgeview. Everett, Blackwell, Wright and Peoples are also charged with illegal possession of the rifle and handgun, due to having prior felony convictions that prohibited them from lawfully possessing a firearm.
The charges further allege that RACHAD LUCAS, 38, of Calumet City, stored controlled substances in a storage unit in Calumet City. Lucas is also charged with possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute, knowingly possessing a handgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and illegally possessing the handgun as a previously convicted felon.
Three other defendants face various drug charges: RACHAD UNDERWOOD, 42, of Chicago, CALVIN WOODS, 28, of Chicago, and SINCERE BRANNON, 19, of Chicago. Brannon, who is also McPherson’s son, faces an additional charge of knowingly possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The public is reminded that charges contain only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The charges carry maximum penalties ranging from 20 years to life in prison. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Middletown, New Jersey, Investment Manager and Former Fire Chief Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Running Ponzi Scheme to Steal More Than $10 MillionRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An investment manager with an office in Middletown, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 180 months in prison for running a Ponzi scheme, concealing losses, faking investment returns, and stealing more than $10 million in investor money, U.S Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Vincent P. Falci, 59, of Middletown, was convicted Dec. 13, 2018, of all four counts of a superseding indictment: three counts of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson, who imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to the superseding indictment and evidence at trial:
Falci controlled a number of investment funds under the names “Saber Funds” and “Vicor Tax Receivables LLP.” The Saber Funds were a collection of investment funds that Falci created and operated, starting in the early 2000s. Many of his earliest victims were friends, family, and associates. Falci served as a fire chief in Middletown, and many early victims were policemen, fireman, and retirement funds for first responders. The Saber Funds grew to have more than 200 investors from whom the defendant raised more than $10 million.
Falci falsely told investors that the Saber Funds were conservatively invested in tax liens – which generated high returns with little risk. In reality, Falci diverted investor money to himself, his family, and to other companies he controlled. Some of the diverted funds were used for riskier ventures, such as day trading and real estate. Falci concealed losses and his own theft from investors. Based on these misrepresentations, investors continued to entrust additional funds to Falci and left previous investments under his control.
In early 2012, Falci started the Vicor Fund, targeting wealthier investors with greater sophistication in financial affairs. The investors in the Vicor Fund included financial industry professionals, and Falci ultimately raised $20 million from these victims. He again falsely represented that he had experience and a track record of success investing in tax liens, and promised that he could produce high rates of return with little risk. In reality, the assets of the Vicor Fund were rapidly depleted by Falci’s theft.
In order to support his own lifestyle and repay investors the gains he had promised, Falci stole more than $10 million from the Vicor Fund between 2012 and 2016. At the same time, he reported fake investment gains to his investors on every monthly statement. Falci concealed his theft in several ways, including by diverting funds to a fake company that he created to steal from investors. He also forged emails and reports, and created fake assets for the fund.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Thompson sentenced Falci to three years of supervised release, with restitution and forfeiture to be determined at a later date.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited inspectors of U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James V. Buthorn, with the investigation leading to today’s verdict. He also thanked the N.J. Bureau of Securities in the State Attorney General’s Office, under the direction of Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and Bureau Chief Christopher Gerrold, for its assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Herring, Chief of the Cybercrimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
Middlesex County Man Admits Participation in Conspiracy to Illegally Export Firearms and Other Items to UkraineRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Edison, New Jersey, man today admitted that he conspired to export, without a license, firearms and other items subject to the export control list, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Gene Shilman, 62, a native of the Soviet Union, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and the Export Control Reform Act.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May 2014 through October 2018, Shilman entered into a conspiracy that included a conspirator living in Ukraine. Shilman exported defense articles regulated by the Arms Export Control Act. He exported to Ukraine items that are on the commerce control list as well as items with both defense and civilian uses that are subject to the Export Control Reform Act. Shilman never obtained the required export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Shilman ordered and received firearm components and parts, ammunition, night-vision goggles and bulletproof vests from various vendors and firearms dealers in the United States. He received numerous wire transfers from overseas locations to pay for the purchase of these items. Shilman repackaged and shipped these munitions to overseas locations without the required export licenses.
In September 2018, Shilman completed a Customs Declaration form at a U.S. Post Office in Middlesex County, New Jersey, on which he falsely represented that the contents of the parcel destined for Ukraine contained tools and cartridges. An inspection of the parcel revealed that it actually contained multiple upper receivers, ammunition magazines and threaded barrels for handguns and a set of front and rear sights for a handgun.
The conspiracy count with which Shilman is charged carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark; and the U.S. Department of Commerce, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson, with the investigation leading to the arrests.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Thomas S. Kearney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit in Newark.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Raul Alexis Gamez-Garcia, age 26, of Hermosillo, Senora, Mexico, entered a guilty plea to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2, punishable by not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleges that on or about January 7, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Henson represented the United States.
Massillon man indicted on one count of enticementRead the Press Release
A Massillon man was indicted on one count of enticement.
Nathan Benedum II, 53, knowingly attempted to persuade, induce, entice and coerce an individual who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl to engage in illegal sexual activity with him in April 2019, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Canton Police Department.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Marion, Kentucky Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing & Receiving Child PornRead the Press Release
OWENSBORO, Ky. – A Marion, Kentucky, man has pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Joseph McKinley Jr. for distributing and receiving child pornography, announced United States Attorney Russell M. Coleman.
According to the plea agreement, on September 25, 2017, Edward L. Walton, age 31, in Webster County, Kentucky, and elsewhere, knowingly distributed and received child pornography. A federal Grand Jury sitting in Owensboro indicted Walton on the two charges on June 13, 2018.
Walton faces a statutory mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years and supervised release of at least 5 years and up to any number of years, including life.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Seth Hancock, the chief of the Paducah, Kentucky branch office, and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Kentucky State Police.
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This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Man from Tohatchi, N.m., Sentenced to 240 Months in Prison for Kidnapping and Sexual Assault in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ryan Thompson, 32, of Tohatchi, N.M. was sentenced in federal court yesterday to 240 months in prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting his former girlfriend within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation.
Thompson previously entered a guilty plea to these charges on February 5, 2019. According to court documents, Thompson kidnapped the victim and her child at a gas station in Gallup, N.M. on November 15, 2017. Thompson then drove them to a remote location where he brutally beat and sexually assaulted the victim throughout the night. Thompson confined the victim and her child for a total of two days before she finally escaped and alerted law enforcement.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Spindle prosecuted the case.
Man from Shiprock, N.m., Pleads Guilty to Assault in Indian Country Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ryan Franklin, 30, of Shiprock, N.M., pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to a charge of assaulting a woman in Indian Country resulting in serious bodily injury.
According Franklin’s plea agreement, he committed the offense on August 25, 2018, within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation in San Juan County, N.M. Franklin admitted he hit the victim in the face several times with his fists. The victim suffered extreme pain, a fractured orbital socket, and disfigurement that still requires medical attention. Franklin is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
Franklin is currently in custody awaiting sentencing. He faces up to 10 years in prison.
The FBI investigated the case with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa C. Dimas is prosecuting the case.
Man from Farmington Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Assault in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Twaine M. Willie, 28, of Farmington, N.M. was sentenced in federal court on Monday to 30 months in prison for assault causing serious bodily injury.
Willie previously entered a guilty plea to this offense on May 8, 2018. In his plea agreement, Willie admitted assaulting the victim within the Jicarilla Apache Nation on January 3, 2018. Willie pushed and beat the victim causing serious bodily injury, including a compound fracture to the victim’s leg. The victim suffered extreme pain and needed surgery to repair his broken bones. Willie is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
The Farmington office of the FBI investigated this case with the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson prosecuted the case.
Ludlow Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Ludlow woman pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Springfield to bank fraud.
Beth Zastawny, 53, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and three counts of money laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Oct. 1, 2019.
Zastawny committed bank fraud in connection with a $4.2 million loan package for her Chicopee based company, Diecast Connections Company Inc. In January 2015, Blue Hills Bank, relying upon Zastawny’s false representations, extended the loans. Zastawny submitted fake financial statements to the bank, and she made false representations about Diecast's assets and liabilities to make it appear that Diecast's financial condition was much stronger than it was. After obtaining the loan proceeds, Zastawny paid back creditors who had not been disclosed to the bank, and the funds were used for purposes not called for in the loan agreement between Diecast and Blue Hills Bank. In July 2016, Blue Hills Bank foreclosed on the loan after Zastawny failed to meet the terms of the loan agreement, which resulted in a substantial loss for the bank.
Bank fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million. Each money laundering count provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
Local Man Heads to Prison Following his Conviction on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 22-year-old Harlingen man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Skylar Tarr McElwrath pleaded guilty Feb. 21, 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Jr. ordered him to serve 72 months in federal prison. McElwrath was further ordered to pay $3,600 in restitution to a known victim and will serve 12 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
On or about July 20, 2017, authorities initiated an investigation of child pornography sharing which led them to the McElwrath’ s address in Harlingen. They later executed a search warrant at that location and seized a computer and other digital devices belonging to him.
A forensic analysis later revealed approximately 80 images and 15 videos of child pornography.
McElwrath was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Corley and Ana C. Cano are prosecuting the case.
Leader of Wilmington Area Drug Trafficking Organization Gets 16 Years in 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 RICHARD STINSON, 37, of Wilmington to 192 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release. On July 23, 2018, STINSON pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
According to the investigation, this drug trafficking organization was importing heroin from New York to a “stash house” on Northern Boulevard in Wilmington. STINSON was in charge of this “stash house” where he had people bagging up heroin which was then sold in Wilmington. STINSON was on parole out of New York for Manslaughter and had picked up some of the heroin while on a trip to meet his parole officer.
On April 1, 2016, the Wilmington Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant on the residence on Northern Boulevard. STINSON and a female were found in the bathroom of the main house. STINSON was next to a loaded stolen .45 caliber handgun. In STINSON’S bedroom law enforcement found a key to a safe and 2 handguns. In the kitchen officers discovered approximately 1000 empty bags ready to be filled with heroin. In a safe in an apartment in the rear of the property, law enforcement found more than 30 grams of raw heroin, 867 bindles of packaged heroin and more than $1,500. STINSON was held accountable for more than 280 grams of heroin during the time of the conspiracy.
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.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Wilmington Police Department Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Severo handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Lawrence Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Robert Raniery Arias, 35, a citizen of the Dominican Republic who most recently resided in Lawrence, Massachusetts, was sentenced on Tuesday to serve 120 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl.
Court filings and statements made in court established that Arias sold drugs to an undercover police officer on two occasions. On September 8, 2016, Arias was arrested as he attempted to deliver approximately 500 grams of fentanyl to the undercover officer at the Rockingham Mall in Salem, New Hampshire.
Arias previously pleaded guilty on January 31, 2019. Arias, who was not lawfully in the United States, faces likely deportation to the Dominican Republic after serving his prison sentence. Co-conspirator Carmen Jose was sentenced to 42 months in prison on February 2, 2018.
“The 10 year sentence imposed in this case serves as a warning to fentanyl traffickers,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who choose to bring this deadly drug into the Granite State should be aware that they face very substantial federal prison terms. Law enforcement agencies are working twenty-four hours a day to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who distribute fentanyl and other opioids in New Hampshire.”
“New Hampshire is in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis, as deaths from fentanyl climb,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “The DEA will continue to use every resource available to identify those like Mr. Arias, who are coming from out of state to contribute to this crisis. DEA’s top priority is combatting the opioid epidemic by working with our local, county, state and federal law enforcement partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes this deadly drug.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Salem Police Department, and the Nashua Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky and Seth R. Aframe.
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Justice Department Recognizes California Task Force for Investigating Child Sexual Predator and Child PornographerRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today honored Detective Christie Hirota and five other members of the Sacramento Valley, California, High Tech Crimes Task Force for their investigation that resulted in the timely arrest of a sexual predator who victimized at least five children and who had a foster child in his care at the time of his arrest.
Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Ed O’Callaghan, Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt Dummermuth, and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Administrator Caren Harp presented Hirota and other task force members with the Missing Children’s Child Protection Award during the Justice Department’s National Missing Children’s Day ceremony. The award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of law enforcement officers who make a significant investigative or program contribution to protect children from abuse or victimization.
Other task force members recognized included:
- Detective James Williams, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department
- Detective Melinda Gobron, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department
- Special Agent Scott Schofield, FBI, Sacramento Field Office
- Investigator George Vasiliou, California Highway Patrol
- Detective Avis Beery, Sacramento Police Department
“The vigilance of this task force proves that there is a critical need for dedicated and timely investigative work in the fight to stop child exploitation,” said Administrator Caren Harp. “The Justice Department commends the Sacramento Valley High Tech Crimes Task Force for bringing this sex offender to justice and their commitment to stopping further child victimization.”
Hirota led a task force investigation into the suspect immediately after patrol officers received a Secure Digital (SD) memory card containing imagery of a partially-clothed boy from an acquaintance of the suspect. Through police and social service reports, Detective Hirota discovered that the suspect had a history of troubling behavior with boys, and that he currently had a foster child in his home. Just after midnight, Detective Hirota received a search warrant, which led to the seizure and subsequent review of multiple digital storage devices containing pornographic images of the suspect’s foster children. Within 48 hours of the initial patrol officers’ report, the task force’s investigation led to the suspect’s arrest on the charge of molesting four children.
The Department also recognized 11 other law enforcement officers for their investigations of child predators who sexually assaulted children, or created or viewed child pornography, as well as two firefighters who found a lost six-year-old boy. Harp also recognized Madison Dozier, a fifth grader at Reiley Elementary School in Alexandria, Kentucky, as the 20th winner of the National Missing Children’s Day poster contest.
Additional information about National Missing Children’s Day is available online.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth, provides federal leadership, grants and resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Justice Department Observes National Missing Children’s DayRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today recognized 17 law enforcement officers from California, Florida, and Texas, as well as two firefighters from Tennessee, for their efforts to find missing children and bring child sexual predators and child pornographers to justice.
Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Ed O’Callaghan, Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt Dummermuth, and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) Administrator Caren Harp presented the awards during the Department’s National Missing Children’s Day ceremony.
“Those recognized today epitomize the dedication of law enforcement officers, investigative officials, and private citizens who make a difference in the lives of children every day,” said Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Ed O’Callaghan. “Their vigilant and selfless actions remind us of our responsibility to protect children and bring to justice those who attempt to exploit them. The Department of Justice is proud to honor these champions of justice and public safety.”
The ceremony, hosted by OJJDP, included recognition of Madison Dozier, a fifth grader at Reiley Elementary School in Alexandria, Kentucky, this year’s National Missing Children’s Day poster contest winner.
The following awards were presented:
Attorney General’s Special Commendation: This commendation recognizes the extraordinary efforts and significant investigative or program contributions of an Internet Crimes Against Children task force or affiliate agency, or an individual assigned to either.
Recipient: Detective Lorraine Szczepanik of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, whose timely investigation into a person suspected of viewing and sharing child pornography online led to the discovery of thousands of images and videos of child victims, as well as online conversations that led to the identification of three additional child pornographers.
Missing Children’s Law Enforcement Award: This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of law enforcement officers who made a significant investigative or program contribution to the safety of children.
Recipients: Six members of the Round Rock, Texas, Police Department; three special agents from the San Antonio FBI Field Office (Austin and Laredo Resident Agencies); and a Texas Ranger from Austin collaboratively investigated and tracked down a suspect who kidnapped two missing sisters, ages 7 and 14, from their home in Round Rock. The sisters were found unharmed 700 miles away when the suspect was pulled over following issuance of an AMBER Alert and other alerts in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.
Missing Children’s Child Protection Award: This award honors the extraordinary efforts of law enforcement officers who made a significant investigative or program contribution on behalf of missing, abused, or victimized children.
Recipients: Detective Christie Hirota and five other members of the Sacramento Valley, California, High Tech Crimes Task Force led an investigation that resulted in the arrest, just 48 hours after receipt of the initial report, of a foster parent who abused his foster children and produced child pornography.
Missing Children’s Citizen Award: This award honors the extraordinary efforts of private citizens for their unselfish acts to recover missing or abducted children safely.
Recipients: Firefighters Aaron Woods and Michael Webb of the Blount County, Tennessee, Fire Department led a seven-hour portion of a 22-hour search across 2,000 acres of rugged, wooded terrain—on foot and by air—to find a six-year-old boy and his dog less than 24 hours after they were reported missing.
Other speakers at the ceremony included John F. Clark, president and chief executive officer of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and Yvonne Ambrose, founder of the Desiree Foundation Against Sex Trafficking.
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25, 1983, the first National Missing Children’s Day in memory of Etan Patz, a six-year-old boy who disappeared from a New York City street corner on May 25, 1979. Missing Children’s Day honors his memory and the memories of children still missing. Although Etan’s killer was convicted in February 2017 for the 1979 murder, Etan’s case remains active with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children because his body was never found.
In 2018, there were 424,066 missing children entries in the FBI’s National Crime Information Center. Additional information about National Missing Children’s Day is available online.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth, provides federal leadership, grants and resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Justice Department Honors Texas Officers with Missing Children’s Law Enforcement AwardRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today honored 10 Texas-based law enforcement officers who rescued two sisters abducted from their home in Round Rock, Texas.
Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Ed O’Callaghan, Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt Dummermuth, and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Administrator Caren Harp presented the officers with the 2019 Missing Children’s Law Enforcement Award during the Justice Department’s National Missing Children’s Day ceremony. This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of law enforcement officers who have made a significant investigative or program contribution to the safety of children.
On New Year’s Eve 2017, officers responded to a homicide scene in Round Rock, Texas. A woman had been murdered, and her 7- and 14-year-old daughters were missing. After an AMBER Alert was issued, credible sightings of the girls were also reported in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, which led officials to issue alerts in all three states.
Through a combination of digital evidence, forensic processing, cell phone analysis, interviews, surveillance images and tips from the public, investigators discovered the suspect’s location. On Jan. 3, 2018, the sisters were found unharmed when the suspect was apprehended during a traffic stop near La Veta, Colorado—700 miles away from their home. The suspect had a long criminal history, including charges of attempted murder, rape, and child pornography. He was arrested and extradited to Texas, where he was subsequently convicted on two federal counts of kidnapping, one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. He was sentenced May 21, in Austin, Texas, to life in federal prison.
Award recipients include officers from Round Rock, Austin, and Laredo, Texas.
Officers from the Round Rock Police Department:
- Sergeant Darin Bayles
- Detective Bernardo Villegas
- Lieutenant Robert Drawbaugh
- Crime Scene Specialist Kerie McKown
- Detective Robert Watts (Retired)
- Detective Kevin Bender
Officers from the FBI San Antonio Field Office, Austin Resident Agency:
- Special Agent Sean M. Mullen
- Special Agent Jacob E. Baillie
Officer from the FBI San Antonio Field Office, Laredo Resident Agency (now with the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office):
- Special Agent Andrew Masters
Officer from the Texas Ranger Division, Texas Department of Public Safety, Austin:
- Ranger Gary Phillips
“This collaborative team of law enforcement officers from multiple cities and states worked around the clock during this four-day manhunt,” said Administrator Caren Harp. “The Department of Justice praises their swift efforts in rescuing these children and bringing this individual to justice.”
The Department also recognized seven other law enforcement officers for their investigations of child sexual predators who sexually assaulted children, or created or viewed child pornography, as well as two firefighters who found a lost six-year-old boy. Harp also recognized Madison Dozier, a fifth grader at Reiley Elementary School in Alexandria, Kentucky, as the 20th winner of the National Missing Children’s Day poster contest.
Additional information about National Missing Children’s Day is available online.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth, provides federal leadership, grants and resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Justice Department Honors Tennessee Firefighters for Rescuing Lost Boy and His DogRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today recognized two Tennessee-based firefighters who led a seven-hour search that led to the discovery of a missing six-year-old boy and his dog.
Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Ed O’Callaghan, Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt Dummermuth, and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Administrator Caren Harp presented the Missing Children’s Citizen Award to Firefighters Aaron Woods and Michael Webb of the Blount County Fire Department in Maryville, Tennessee, during the Department’s National Missing Children’s Day ceremony. This award recognizes private citizens for extraordinary acts that lead to the safe recovery of missing or abducted children.
“The exhaustive search led by Mr. Woods and Mr. Webb as part of a broader effort to find this missing child epitomizes their dedication to duty and ‘others before self’ attitude,” said Administrator Caren Harp. “The Department of Justice applauds these brave firefighters, along with those law enforcement and Tennessee National Guardsmen who quickly mobilized and tirelessly searched to bring this boy and his dog home safely.”
After the Blount County, Tennessee, Fire Department was notified of the missing boy on April 23, 2018, the department organized a search of approximately 100 participants, including first responders from the local sheriff’s department, fire department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the FBI, and Army National Guard. The 22-hour-search spanned 2,000 acres of rugged, wooded terrain—on foot and by air—on and around Chilhowee Mountain and the Top of the World Community Recreation Center, where the child was last seen. Woods and Webb led a team of reinforcements to continue the search. After seven additional hours, the firefighters found the boy and his dog and ensured the boy received immediate medical treatment for exposure.
The Department also recognized 17 law enforcement officers for their investigations of child predators who sexually assaulted children, or created, viewed, and/or distributed child pornography. Harp also recognized Madison Dozier, a fifth grader at Reiley Elementary School in Alexandria, Kentucky, as the 20th winner of the National Missing Children’s Day poster contest.
Additional information about National Missing Children’s Day is available online.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth, provides federal leadership, grants and resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Justice Department Honors Florida Detective for Investigation of Child Pornography CaseRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today recognized Detective Lorraine Szczepanik of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for her investigation and subsequent arrest of three local child pornographers and the identification of a fourth suspect. Three were prosecuted, pleading guilty to possession of child pornography and receiving prison sentences. A case is pending against the fourth suspect.
Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Ed O’Callaghan, Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt Dummermuth, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Administrator Caren Harp presented the Attorney General’s Special Commendation to Szczepanik during the Department’s National Missing Children’s Day ceremony. The special commendation recognizes Internet Crimes Against Children task forces, affiliate agencies, or an individual assigned to either for making significant investigative or program contributions.
“Detective Szczepanik’s thoroughness in her investigation helped bring not one, but at least three perpetrators of internet-based crimes against children to justice,” said Administrator Care Harp. “The Department of Justice applauds her efforts and stands with the South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force as we continue to improve public safety for America’s children.”
Szczepanik’s investigation led her to the first suspect after two separate cyber tips reported child pornography use on Google and Tumblr. The suspect admitted his guilt in downloading and viewing child pornography. A search of his digital devices, along with a partial forensic examination, revealed thousands of pornographic images and videos of infants and toddlers, as well as online conversations that identified the three other pornographers.
The Department also recognized 16 other law enforcement officers for their investigations of child predators who sexually assaulted children, or created or viewed child pornography, as well as two firefighters who found a lost six-year-old boy. Harp also recognized Madison Dozier, a fifth grader at Reiley Elementary School in Alexandria, Kentucky, as the 20th winner of the National Missing Children’s Day poster contest.
Additional information about National Missing Children’s Day is available online.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth, provides federal leadership, grants and resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Judge Orders Mobile Man to Serve 60 Months Prison and to Forfeit $3K in Drug ProceedsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that United States District Court Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock sentenced Cornelius Darrell Curtis, on May 20, 2019, to 60 months for the violation of 18 United States Code Section 924(c), Using, Carrying, or Possessing a Firearm During or in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime.
On May 2, 2018 members of the Prichard Narcotics Unit made an initial traffic stop of Curtis in the area of Rebel Road and Anderson, in Prichard, Alabama, when they observed him make a right turn onto Main Street without using a turn signal. Curtis was the sole occupant of the vehicle. When officers approached, they noticed several baggies on the front seat. Upon closer examination, officers noted the content of the baggies included marijuana. They also recovered an additional baggie from the center console containing crack cocaine, and more cocaine in Curtis’s hand.
Prichard Police later searched the vehicle and recovered a digital scale with remnants of both cocaine and marijuana residue on it, along with two bottles of codeine syrup in the passenger seat. Officers also recovered a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun and $3,346.00 in cash from the floorboard and passenger seat. As officers continued to search his vehicle, Curtis shouted, “Man that’s all of it, you got all I had.” When asked by the officers how much money he had in his possession, Curtis responded, “About three or four bands.”
Curtis had previous felony convictions from the Circuit Court of Mobile, Alabama for Possession of Controlled Substances; Receiving Stolen Property, Assault and Possession of a Pistol by a Forbidden Person.
The Prichard Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, Mobile Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Baugh prosecuted the case for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama at http://www.justice.gov/usao-sdal/
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Jefferson County woman admits to her role in a heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl distribution operation in Berkeley and Jefferson CountiesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Amy Little, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Little, also known as “Amy Jackson,” age 45, pled guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication facility.” Little admitted to using a phone to arrange a purchase of heroin in September 2018 in Berkeley County.Little faces up to four years incarceration and fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case is the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep. This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Assistant U.S Attorney Timothy D. Helman, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Ranson Police Department investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Armed Robbery of a Dollar General StoreRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Darryl De’Monte Thompson, 30, of Jackson, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves to armed robbery of a Dollar General store in Jackson and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
On April 6, 2018, Thompson and Jalen Simmons entered the Dollar General on Briarwood Drive in Jackson. Thompson served as the lookout while Simmons entered the store, brandished a gun, and demanded cash from the register. When the cashier was unable to open the register, Simmons robbed customers at gunpoint. Officers with the Jackson Police Department apprehended both suspects as they fled the scene.
On September 29, 2018, Simmons and Thompson were charged in a federal criminal indictment with one count of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Simmons pled guilty before Judge Reeves on December 17, 2018. He was sentenced on March 22, 2019 to seven years and one day in prison for his role in the crime.
Thompson will be sentenced by Judge Reeves on August 23, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. He faces a sentence of seven years to life for brandishing the weapon and a maximum sentence of 20 years for the robbery.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department. It case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Purdie.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.