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Friday 5 April 2019
Justice Department observes national crime victims’ rights week with events throughout the countryRead the Press Release
WHEELING – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 7-13, 2019, the Northern District of West Virginia’s United States Attorney’s Office will speak to several schools about social media, online safety and drug prevention, as well as hold a human trafficking training in Shepherdstown, all to help prevent and support victims in the district.
“Victims of crime deserve justice. This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute, and convict those who have done them harm,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways. This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them, and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured."
“We act on behalf of crime victims and do what they cannot. We investigate, prosecute, and advocate for proper punishment, including payment of appropriate restitution. We work every day to try and assuage their fear, anxiety or loss. Victims of crime deserve no less, and we will continue to work diligently on their behalf,” said Powell.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorneys’ offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys’ offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 7-13, with the theme: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.
The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 12, 2019, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Northern District of West Virginia Victim Witness Program at 304-234-0100.
Justice Department Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with Events Throughout the CountryRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 7-13, 2019, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa is participating in multiple events throughout the state, including honoring an Algona, Iowa, police officer with the highest federal honor in Iowa for victim services by a law enforcement officer.
“Victims of crime deserve justice. This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute, and convict those who have done them harm,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways. This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them, and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured."
“It is a crucial to our criminal justice system that we hear the voices of crime victims,” said United States Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. “The events of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week give law enforcement and the public the chance to show victims of crime that others stand with them, hear their voices, and recognize their courage.”
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorneys’ offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys’ offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 7-13, with the theme: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.
The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 12, 2019, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa will participate in and encourages the public to attend the following events:
- On April 7, there will be an opening ceremony as the kick-off event for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2019. The ceremony will be held at Horizons, 819 5th St. SE, Cedar Rapids at 1:00 P.M. This event will include a proclamation from Mayor Brad Hart declaring the week to honor victims of crime. The ceremony will feature the presentation of the Jennifer Clinton Domestic Violence Service Award. There will also be a keynote address given by a domestic violence survivor;
- On April 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 P.M. at Horizons, 819 5th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, there will be a Memorial Craft Night, where memorial boxes will be crafted to process trauma experience, honor loved ones lost, and share a safe space with others. Light refreshments and crafting materials will be provided;
- On April 11, there will be a candle-lighting ceremony and speakers as part of the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2019 Commemoration. The commemoration will occur at the Iowa Department of Corrections, 510 East 12th Street, in Des Moines, from 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.;
- On April 12, there will be a Candle Light Vigil at Horizons, 819 5th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. The annual Survivor's candlelight vigil offers families of victims of crime, survivors of violent crime, and loved ones to join together in memorial. The event will share a slideshow of the victims, offer a chance to light memorial candles, and celebrate the lives of those lost. The candlelight vigil will have light refreshments, music, and spoken poetry;
- On April 13, the Go the Distance for Crime Victims 5K run/walk will be held at Thomas Park in Marion. Registration begins at 7:00 A.M. More information is available at http://GotheDistance5k.com.
Also, on April 12, United States Attorney Deegan will present the Law Enforcement Victim Services Award to Officer Marcus Bacha of the Algona Police Department in a ceremony beginning at 1:00 P.M. at the Algona Police Department, 121 W State St., Algona. This award is presented to law enforcement officers in Iowa who go beyond the call of duty to help crime victims. It is the highest federal honor in Iowa for victim services by a law enforcement officer.
“When a teen girl with special needs disclosed she was being abused by a family member, Algona Police Officer Marc Bacha investigated the victim’s complaint, and after a great deal of hard work and determination, secured the evidence, that led to a conviction,” said United States Attorney Deegan. “The perpetrator received a 15 year prison sentence and the victim is moving on with her life. Officer Bacha’s willingness to hear and act on the victim’s cries for help is what makes him an outstanding choice for a Victims’ Rights Award.”
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victims’ Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Victim Witness Program at (319)363-6333.
Jury Convicts Former Kansas City Business Owner of Tax CrimeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An owner of a former Kansas City business, Barrett Prelogar, 48, was convicted by a federal trial jury today of corruptly endeavoring to impede the due administration of the internal revenue laws.
Prelogar was a founding partner of the now-defunct Winntech Digital Systems, Inc. The company primarily produced electronic displays used in stores or at trade shows.
Prelogar failed to pay over to the government the payroll taxes withheld from Winntech employees’ paychecks in 2002 and 2003. He then obstructed the TRS’s collection process of the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty, which had been assessed against him personally for the unpaid trust fund taxes of Winntech. He also obstructed the IRS’s collection of the income taxes he owed for 2008.
On Oct. 28, 2009, Prelogar filed his 2008 tax return. The return reported over $500,000 in gross income and a tax due and owing of $120,103. Prelogar did not submit any payments with the 2008 tax return. Yet, from November 2009 through April 2011, he paid a total of more than $362,000 towards a house at the Lake of the Ozarks, a house near the Plaza in Kansas City, Mo., a house in Leawood, Kan., a Porsche, a Jeep, and a boat. During that time, he made no payments on his 2008 tax debt.
Subsequently, Prelogar engaged in several strategies from May 2011 to March 28, 2016, to obstruct the collection of taxes and penalties he owed to the government. Prelogar used corporate funds to pay his personal expenses, structured cash withdrawals from Winntech’s bank account to avoid federal bank reporting requirements, and cashed his payroll checks from his wife’s company, Bare Skull Innovation, LLC, rather than placing the money into a personal bank account, all to avoid IRS collections.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for approximately 3 1/2 hours before returning the guilty verdict to U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough, ending a trial that began Monday, April 1, 2019.
Under federal statutes, Prelogar is subject to a sentence of up to three years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker and Trial Attorney David Zisserson of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Tax Division. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Sex Abuse Photos over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Marc Lionel Lewis (51, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to a federal charge that he distributed images depicting the sexual abuse of children over the internet. Lewis faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervised release. He must also register as a sex offender. A sentencing date has not been set.
According to court documents, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began an investigation to identify individuals who were using a particular file-sharing network to access and distribute child pornography over the internet. Agents confirmed that a host computer located in Jacksonville, Florida was offering files depicting child pornography for sharing over the internet, and were able to download images of young children being sexually abused from this host computer. Further investigation revealed that these files were being shared over the internet, by Lewis, at his Jacksonville residence.
On July 17, 2017, HSI agents executed a federal search warrant at Lewis’s residence and seized several computer devices. Forensic analysis of the computer media revealed approximately 37 images of child pornography and 142 images of child erotica. Lewis had attempted to delete these files using anti-forensic software, but the contraband images, as well as evidence of the file sharing program, remained and were recovered. By accessing and downloading child pornography through the file-sharing program, Lewis knowingly made it available for sharing and distribution to other users over the internet.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Statutory Maximum 10 Years in Federal Prison Under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Christopher Younger, 38, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday, by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate, to 120 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana K. Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Younger was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including house burglary, embezzlement, and auto burglary. On January 31, 2018, Younger was found in possession of a firearm when members of the U.S. Marshals’ Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force went to arrest him for violating his parole from the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
Judge Wingate highlighted Younger’s extensive criminal history as part of the explanation for his decision to sentence the defendant to the statutory maximum, citing the fact that Younger had been convicted of multiple offenses across multiple states. Additionally, the court ruled that the sentence will run consecutive to any outstanding state sentence that Younger is currently serving.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lynn Murray and Andrew W. Eichner.
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.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty Under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Donte Porter, 33, of Jackson, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On March 20, 2018, the Clinton Police Department received a call regarding a black male brandishing a firearm and acting suspicious at the Auto Zone in Clinton. The man left the scene in a black Nissan Maxima before officers arrived. The officers found a vehicle matching the description and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver, later identified as Donte Porter, drove off headed towards Jackson. The officers chased Porter into Jackson, where the vehicle finally came to a stop. A search of the vehicle revealed a handgun in the center console. Porter has a 2008 conviction for house burglary in Hinds County.
Porter will be sentenced by Judge Wingate on July 2, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, followed by a three year term of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Clinton Police Department, and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
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.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty Under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Adrian Charleston, 24, of Jackson, entered a guilty plea on Friday, April 5, 2019 before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana K. Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Charleston was previously convicted of manslaughter in Hinds County in 2013 and was sentenced to serve twenty years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections with fifteen of those years suspended. On June 30, 2018, Charleston possessed a firearm and tried to hide the evidence by discarding the firearm in a dumpster before being caught by law enforcement.
Charleston will be sentenced by Chief Judge Jordan on July 19, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jackson Police Department investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Inmate at Federal Correctional Institute at Allenwood Pleads Guilty to Assault of Correctional OfficerRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Demetrius Catching, age 28, formerly of Lexington, Kentucky, and currently inmate at FCI Allenwood, pleaded guilty on April 2, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani to assault on a correctional officer.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Catching admitted to punching a correctional officer during an altercation on March 7, 2016.
Judge Mariani ordered a presentence investigation report to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is up to eight years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints. The charging documents are merely accusations and defendants are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on April 5 was:
MONWELL DWIGHT BOOTH, 38, of Billings, on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the most serious crime, Booth faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He was detained. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Pacer case reference. 19-27.
KATRINA MARIE BOLEJACK, 24, of Billings, and DAVID ANDREW MEYERS, 24, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Bolejack and Meyers face a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and five years of supervised release. Bolejack and Meyers were detained. The case was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, the FBI and Billings Police Department. Pacer case reference. 19-26.
Appearing in Great Falls before U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston and pleading not guilty on April 2 was:
TANIA LONGTIN, 35, and JAMIE ALAN CORDELL, 45, both of Wyoming, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute meth and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious crime, Longtin and Cordell face a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $4 million fine and five years of supervised release. Longtin and Cordell were detained. The case was investigated by Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Pacer case reference. 07-69.
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Illegal Alien Sex Offender Sentenced for Returning to the United States after DeportationRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 33-year old Guatemalan citizen has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for illegally re-entering the United States after deportation, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Edward Estuardo Jacinto-Garcia pleaded guilty Nov. 27, 2018.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Hilda Tagle sentenced Jacinto-Garcia to 72 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court considered that prior to Jacinto-Garcia’s first deportation from the United States, he had been convicted of sexual assault and had previously been convicted of illegally re-entering the country and failing to register as a sex offender. In handing down the sentence, Judge Tagle noted that it was appropriate given the seriousness of the offense and to protect the public. Jacinto-Garcia was on supervised release at the time of the new offense. Judge Tagle revoked that term and ordered he serve an additional two months to be served consecutively.
On Oct. 14, 2018, Border Patrol (BP) agents encountered a group of seven undocumented aliens in the brush near U.S. Highway 281 who had attempted to circumvent the immigration checkpoint near Falfurrias. At the time of the arrests, agents determined Jacinto-Garcia was a citizen and national of Guatemala who had previously been deported from the United States and had re-entered without permission.
In custody since his arrest, Jacinto-Garcia will remain in federal custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility
BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.
Holyoke Man Sentenced for Selling CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Holyoke man was sentenced on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, in federal court in Springfield for selling cocaine.
Carlos Maldonado, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 30 months in prison and six years of supervised release. In October 2018, Maldonado pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Maldonado was arrested in September 2016 and has been in federal custody since.
“The government asked for a sentence of 216 months for this career offender,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “Maldonado has previously served seven years in prison for assault with intent to murder and has a prior federal conviction for drug dealing – the crime he was sentenced for Wednesday. We respectfully disagree with the Court’s sentence of 30 months.”
On July 15, 2016, Maldonado distributed cocaine to a government witness in Holyoke. This was Maldonado’s second federal narcotics-related conviction, as he was convicted in 2015 in federal court in Springfield for possessing heroin with the intent to distribute and was sentenced to 16 months in prison. Maldonado had been released from a residential re-entry center in May 2016, only two months prior to the time of committing the offense for which he was sentenced on Wednesday.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Acting Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood; and Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Guatemalan National Sentenced to Prison for Assault on Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On April 5, 2019, Walfre Lopez-Giron, 25, of Guatemala, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Judge Raner C. Collins to six months’ imprisonment to be followed by a term of two years supervised release. Lopez-Giron had previously pleaded guilty to assault on federal officers.
On Nov. 27, 2018, U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended a group of individuals who had entered the country illegally in an area near Three Points, Ariz. Lopez-Giron fled from the agents, but was later arrested. During his arrest, Lopez-Giron threw sand in one agent’s eye and spat in another agent’s face.
The investigation in this case was conducted by United States Customs and Border Protection. The prosecution was handled by Raquel Arellano, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-02664-TUC-RCC
RELEASE NUMBER: 2019-045_Lopez-Giron
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Fort Thompson Man Sentenced for AssaultRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on April 1, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Rain Blaine, age 19, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Blaine was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 14, 2018. He pled guilty on January 8, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on June 24, 2018, when Blaine became upset with an individual during a conversation and stabbed the victim in the abdomen. Blaine then dropped the knife and began to physically assault the victim with his hands and feet. The victim had to be airlifted to Sioux Falls, where he was treated for his injuries.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Blaine was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
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Former Navy Federal Credit Union Employee Pleads Guilty to Producing and Possessing Child Pornography in PensacolaRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Michael Lee DePine, 62, of Pensacola, pleaded guilty today to the production and possession of child pornography. Based upon his guilty plea, he will be required to register as a sex offender. Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the guilty plea.
In December 2018, law enforcement officers received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that DePine and a local minor female were engaged in illicit sexual communications and activity via Facebook Messenger. After Homeland Security Investigations and the Pensacola Police Department geo-located DePine’s criminal activity to his Pensacola residence, law enforcement obtained a federal search warrant for the residence.
In January 2019, law enforcement searched DePine’s residence. While searching the residence, DePine was located at his place of employment, Navy Federal Credit Union. A forensic review of DePine’s seized digital media confirmed that he was in possession of multiple child pornographic images and videos of the minor victim. DePine produced these images and videos of the minor female in his bedroom at the residence. The investigation revealed that DePine had been picking the minor female up at her residence in the middle of the night to bring her back to his residence and engage in sexual acts. DePine also provided the minor female with intimate apparel and electronic funds for her expenses.
U.S. Attorney Keefe said: “Tragically, the Internet and social media can allow child predators a gateway to victimize children, the most innocent and vulnerable members of our communities. Together with our investigative partners, we will vigilantly pursue and prosecute those who hurt minors.”
“The harm this predator has caused to a young child is unimaginable to most of society,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “Thanks to the diligence of our special agents and the Pensacola Police Department, he will be held accountable for that harm, and we hope today’s guilty plea is a small step on the road to recovery for the young survivor of his crimes.”
DePine faces the following penalties:
- Production of Child Pornography – A mandatory minimum of 15 years up to a maximum of 30 years in prison;
- Possession of Child Pornography – A maximum of up to 10 years in prison;
- Registration as a Sex Offender; and
- Forfeiture of his Pensacola residence, his 2016 Lexus, and all the electronics used to commit the offenses.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 14, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.
The case was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Pensacola Police Department, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel David L. Goldberg.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former Leader of Honduran Cocaine Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 37 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
The former leader of a large-scale Honduran drug trafficking organization was sentenced today to 37 years in prison for trafficking thousands of kilograms of cocaine bound for the United States.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger for the Eastern District of Virginia and Special Agent in Charge Jesse R. Fong of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, made the announcement.
Noe Montes-Bobadilla, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady for the Eastern District of Virginia. According to court documents, Montes-Bobadilla, was the leader of the Montes-Bobadilla drug-trafficking organization, or “Los Montes,” one of the largest drug cartels in Honduras. Los Montes dominated the drug-trafficking activity in the area of Francia, Honduras, in the Department of Colón. At that location and in the neighboring La Mosquitia region, Montes-Bobadilla’s organization and associates received shipments of cocaine sent via boats, clandestine aircraft, and even submarines by Colombian suppliers. Each shipment generally carried hundreds of, if not more than a thousand, kilograms of cocaine. Montes-Bobadilla worked closely with other drug-trafficking organizations, such as Los Valles and Los Cachiros, to import the cocaine in Honduras and transport it north through Central America and Mexico to its ultimate destination, the United States. To protect his cocaine-trafficking operations, Montes-Bobadilla bribed law enforcement officers and officials, and engaged in numerous acts of violence, including murder. Through these efforts, Montes-Bobadilla and his organization distributed thousands of kilograms of cocaine destined for the United States.
“Montes-Bobadilla was a violent leader of one of the largest drug-trafficking organizations in Honduras,” said U.S. Attorney Terwilliger. “The resources and collaborative efforts used to investigate this massive drug trafficking organization is a prime example of the extraordinary investigative capabilities of federal law enforcement and prosecutors here in the Eastern District. My sincere thanks to the DEA and the prosecution team for their outstanding work on this high-impact, international drug trafficking organization - also known as a DTO.”
“This is a prime example of how federal and state agencies can work together to make a major impact on a local, state, national and inter-national scale, said Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent In Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division. “DEA would like to give special thanks to the Virginia State Police for their tireless contribution in bringing Noe Montes-Bobadilla and his organization to justice.”
The case was investigated by the DEA as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Operation Harpoon through DEA’s HIDTA Task Force in Annandale, Virginia. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Assistance in the investigation and prosecution was provided by the Virginia State Police, FBI’s Washington Field Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of New York, the Middle District of Florida, and the Southern District of Florida. Assistance was also provided by the Honduran National Police.
Trial Attorney Anthony T. Aminoff of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas W. Traxler and James L. Trump of the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case.
Former Leader of Honduran Cocaine Trafficking Organization SentencedRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The former leader of a large-scale Honduran drug trafficking organization was sentenced today to 37 years in prison for trafficking thousands of kilograms of cocaine bound for the United States.
“Montes-Bobadilla was a violent leader of one of the largest drug trafficking organizations in Honduras,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The resources and collaborative efforts used to investigate this massive drug trafficking organization is a prime example of the extraordinary investigative capabilities of federal law enforcement and prosecutors here in the Eastern District. My sincere thanks to the DEA and the prosecution team for their outstanding work on this high-impact, international drug trafficking organization—also known as a DTO.”
According to court documents, Noe Montes-Bobadilla, 35, was the leader of the Montes-Bobadilla drug trafficking organization, or “Los Montes,” one of the largest drug cartels in Honduras. Los Montes dominated the drug trafficking activity in the area of Francia, Honduras, in the Department of Colón. At that location and in the neighboring La Mosquitia region, Montes-Bobadilla’s organization and associates received shipments of cocaine sent via boats, clandestine aircraft, and even submarines by Colombian suppliers. Each shipment generally carried hundreds of, if not more than a thousand, kilograms of cocaine. Montes-Bobadilla worked closely with other drug trafficking organizations, such as Los Valles and Los Cachiros, to import the cocaine in Honduras and transport it north through Central America and Mexico to its ultimate destination, the United States. To protect his cocaine trafficking operations, Montes-Bobadilla bribed law enforcement officers and officials, and engaged in numerous acts of violence, including murder. Through these efforts, Montes-Bobadilla and his organization distributed thousands of kilograms of cocaine destined for the United States.
“This is a prime example of how federal and state agencies can work together to make a major impact on a local, state, national and inter-national scale, said Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent In Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division. “DEA would like to give special thanks to the Virginia State Police for their tireless contribution in bringing Noe Montes-Bobadilla and his organization to justice.”
The case was investigated by the DEA as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation Harpoon through DEA’s HIDTA Task Force in Annandale, Virginia. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady.
Assistance in the investigation and prosecution was provided by the Virginia State Police, FBI’s Washington Field Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of New York, the Middle District of Florida, and the Southern District of Florida. Assistance was also provided by the Honduran National Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas W. Traxler and James L. Trump, and Trial Attorney Anthony T. Aminoff of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:15-cr-290.
Former Employee of D.C. School Admits to Transporting Child Pornography Across State Lines and Accessing it over the Dark WebRead the Press Release
A West Virginia man pleaded guilty today to transportation of child pornography, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger for the Eastern District of Virginia and Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division.
According to court documents, in 2013, Paul Joseph Wilson, 49, lived and worked at a school in Washington, D.C. While living in a dormitory at the school, Wilson downloaded child pornography from the internet and subscribed to child-pornography-specific newsgroup services. Wilson later transported child pornography from D.C. to Virginia. Wilson also admitted to being a member of a child pornography website that operated over the dark web and to using the dark web to access and download images of children being sexually abused. Sentencing has been set for July 12, 2019 before Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Trial Attorney Kyle P. Reynolds of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel Smith III of the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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.
Former Attorney Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A former Indiana attorney, who also prepared tax returns for Indianapolis-area clients, pleaded guilty yesterday to tax evasion, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman and Josh J. Minkler, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
Scott C. Cole, 54, of Brownsburg, Indiana, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion for his multi-year effort to evade the payment of taxes and penalties on income he failed to report on his 2002 tax return.
According to the Superseding Indictment and court filings, Cole was an attorney and preparer of tax returns. As the result of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audits of Cole’s 2001 and 2002 tax returns, the Tax Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit determined that Cole owed over $1,000,000 in taxes and penalties, stemming from Cole’s fraudulent omission of over $1.5 million of income from his individual tax returns for those years. From 2011 through 2017, when the IRS sought to collect those taxes, Cole took various steps to evade payment of his tax debt. His efforts included opening bank accounts in the names of nominees, such as family members, directing payment for legal and tax preparation services performed by him be made payable to nominee companies he controlled, paying personal bills from bank accounts maintained in the names of nominees, and dealing extensively in cash and money orders. Cole also prepared tax returns for clients that omitted his name as the paid preparer of those tax returns, a violation of the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations. Because of Cole’s acts of evasion, the IRS collected less than $3,000 of the total tax debt Cole owed for the 2001 and 2002 tax years.
Cole resigned from the Indiana bar following the filing of a complaint by the Supreme Court of Indiana Disciplinary Commission in 2014, which charged Cole with the filing of fraudulent tax returns with the IRS and the State of Indiana for the 2001 and 2002 tax years.
U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson, who presided over Cole’s guilty plea yesterday, is expected to schedule Cole’s sentencing for late summer 2019.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Minkler commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, the IRS Revenue Agents, who conducted the underlying audits, and the prosecutors on the case, Assistant United States Attorney James M. Warden from the Southern District of Indiana, and Assistant Chief Stanley J. Okula, Jr. of the Tax Division.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website at www.justice.gov/tax.
Fmr. Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway Sentenced to 56 Months in Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
Former Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway was sentenced this afternoon to 4 years and 8 months in federal prison for public corruption, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Councilmember Caraway pleaded guilty on August 9 to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and one count of tax evasion. He resigned his seat on the Dallas City Council later that same day.
“Over the past year and a half, the Northern District of Texas has been relentless in rooting out public corruption, and we will continue to prioritize corruption cases,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “This case should serve as a warning to public officials across North Texas: If you betray the trust of your constituents, we will prosecute you. We’ll prosecute the bribe payers. And we’ll prosecute those who attempt to conceal bribe payments. Anyone who fosters a kickback culture, prioritizing financial interest ahead of constituent rights, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to plea papers, Councilmember Caraway, now 66, admits he accepted roughly $450,000 in bribes from Force Multiplier Solutions CEO Robert Leonard, an entrepreneur who sold faulty stop-arm cameras for use on Dallas County school busses.
In return for these kickbacks, Councilmember Caraway voted to promote and continue Dallas County Schools’ stop-arm camera program, which relied on equipment sold by Force Multiplier. He also promoted Mr. Leonard’s planned real estate development in South Dallas.
The majority of bribes from Mr. Leonard to Councilmember Caraway – which the former Mayor Pro Tem admits he omitted from his tax returns – were funneled through a sham consulting firm run by Mr. Leonard’s business associate, Slater Swartwood. The remainder was doled out in the form of custom-made suits, fully funded trips, casino chips, fake loans, funeral expenses, and cash payments.
Both Mr. Leonard and Mr. Swartwood have pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme.
Dallas County Schools, which collected property taxes to purchase stop-arm cameras for its fleet of about 2,000 busses, was shuttered in November 2017, saddled with approximately $103 million in debt.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Wirmani, NDTX’s Public Corruption Coordinator, Marcus Busch, NDTX’s Fraud Section Chief, Chad Meacham, and Joseph Magliolo prosecuted the case.
Florida Man Sentenced for $2 Million Insider Trading Scheme Based on Confidential Information Misappropriated from an Investment BankRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that RODOLFO SABLON, a/k/a “Rudy,” was sentenced to six months in prison for his role in an insider trading scheme based on material nonpublic information misappropriated from an investment bank by Daniel Rivas, a former employee at the bank. In July 2018, SABLON pled guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman. U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan imposed today’s sentence.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Today’s sentencing of Rodolfo Sablon closes the book on this multimillion-dollar, multi-pronged insider trading scheme. Sablon and his co-defendants acted as though the securities laws that are designed to keep our nation’s marketplace fair did not apply to them. However, as they all have learned, our office is committed to identifying and prosecuting these types of insider trading networks.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment filed against SABLON and his co-conspirators, and statements made in related court filings and proceedings:
The Investment Bank and Rivas
From August 2013 through May 2017, Rivas was employed as a technology consultant in the Research and Capital Markets Technology Group of an investment bank (the “Investment Bank”). In this role, Rivas had access to an internal, proprietary system maintained by the Investment Bank (the “Deal Tracking System”) containing material nonpublic information (“Inside Information”) about potential and unannounced merger and acquisition transactions, including tender offers, involving the Investment Bank. The Investment Bank’s written policies prohibited the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, which included Inside Information. Rivas had a duty, among other obligations, to maintain the confidentiality of all of the Investment Bank’s confidential information, including the Inside Information.
Overview of Insider Trading Schemes
From August 2014 through April 2017, Rivas violated the duties of confidentiality he owed to the Investment Bank by serially misappropriating material nonpublic information from the Investment Bank’s Deal Tracking System and passing that information along to friends so that they could utilize it to make profitable trades. On more than 50 occasions between August 2014 and April 2017, Rivas provided Inside Information about contemplated but unannounced merger and acquisition (“M&A”) transactions and tender offer transactions involving clients and prospective clients of the Investment Bank to friends who used that information to purchase and sell securities. In total, the insider trading based on Inside Information misappropriated by Rivas resulted in illicit profits of more than $5 million through trading in more than two dozen securities. The Inside Information was passed through three tipping chains.
The Sablon Tipping Chain
SABLON was a member of the second of three tipping chains outlined in the Indictment. In this tipping chain, Rivas passed inside information to SABLON and co-defendant Roberto Rodriguez, a childhood friend of Rivas with whom Rodriguez had maintained a close relationship as adults.
Since 2014, Rodriguez lived and worked in Miami, Florida, with SABLON, with whom he was also friends. In 2015, Rodriguez introduced Rivas to SABLON. Rivas and SABLON then communicated with each other directly and developed an independent relationship.
In the fall of 2015, Rivas disclosed to Rodriguez that Rivas had access to Inside Information by virtue of his position as a corporate insider at an Investment Bank. At Rodriguez’s request, Rivas also agreed to share Inside Information with SABLON. While Rivas had originally agreed to divulge Inside Information to Rodriguez because of their history of friendship, Rivas also learned that Rodriguez and SABLON intended to start an investment fund with the proceeds of the insider trading scheme. Rivas understood that in exchange for the Inside Information Rivas was providing to Rodriguez and SABLON, Rivas would be invited to join the investment fund as a partner once it was successfully launched.
At first, Rivas communicated with Rodriguez and SABLON primarily via phone and text message. As the scheme progressed, however, Rodriguez and SABLON increased their efforts to hide their illegal activity. On several occasions, Rivas met personally with Rodriguez and/or SABLON in Miami in order to provide them with Inside Information. Rivas also provided Rodriguez and SABLON with Inside Information using an encrypted mobile messaging application (the “Messaging App”), which allows users to set a timer to messages to irretrievably “self-destruct.”
In order to maximize the illicit profits that could be earned using Rivas’s Inside Information, Rodriguez and SABLON, in consultation with Rivas, initiated an aggressive strategy of purchasing short-term, out-of-the money call options. In total, from 2015 through April 2017, Rodriguez and SABLON earned more than $2 million in illicit profits through insider trading in more than two dozen securities based on Inside Information divulged by Rivas.
* * *
In addition to the prison term, SABLON, 39, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced to two years of supervised release, including six months in a community confinement center. SABLON was also ordered to pay $923,566 in forfeiture and a $5,000 fine.
Co-defendant Siva pled guilty on October 18, 2018, to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and fraud and was sentenced to 18 months in prison on February 22, 2019. Co-defendant Rodriguez pled guilty on September 7, 2018, to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and fraud and was sentenced to one year and one day in prison. Co-defendant Jhonatan Zoquier pled guilty on August 6, 2018, to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and was sentenced to three months in prison. Co-defendant Jeffrey Rogiers pled guilty on August 13, 2018, to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and was sentenced to three months in prison.
Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission for their assistance.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea M. Griswold and Samson Enzer are in charge of the prosecution.
Five Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Black Market Marijuana Grow Operation in Park County NeighborhoodRead the Press Release
DENVER – Five men who had been living in Park County, Colorado, were sentenced to federal prison terms after being caught growing and harvesting large amounts of marijuana. The sentencing hearings, which happened in Grand Junction, were announced by U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn and DEA Denver Special Agent in Charge Tim McDermott.
According to facts contained in filed court documents, as well as arguments made during sentencing hearings, from approximately September 2013, Tan Duy Tran led a conspiracy to cultivate, harvest, and distribute marijuana grown in houses in the Fairplay, Colorado area. As part of this conspiracy, Tran contacted defendant Blake Outhavong and requested that he purchase a house in the Fairplay area for the sole purpose of cultivating marijuana. Tran then directed defendant Souk Outhavong to purchase yet another house in the Fairplay area, also for the sole purpose of growing and cultivating marijuana.
During this time period and continuing to March 2018, the Tran organization utilized these houses, and others in the area, to cultivate over 1000 marijuana plants, which resulted in the distribution of at least 677 pounds (over 300 kilograms) of marijuana. Tran organized the criminal activity involving 5 or more participants; and the codefendants and several others worked at Tran’s direction to cultivate, harvest and distribute marijuana. In March 2018, DEA agents executed search warrants on the houses involved in the marijuana grows. Agents discovered 460 mature marijuana plants as well as 1,656 clone marijuana plants. In another house agents found approximately 66 one-pound packages of processed marijuana being prepared for distribution. They also discovered an AR-15 style rifle, a handgun, and a gun safe with nine other firearms of various calibers. Defendants Venarong Vongsitthy and Billy Dukes were present at one of the raided homes. Both pled guilty to marijuana cultivation.
Those prosecuted in this case include:
- Tan Duy Tran, aka Ricky, age 41, who was ordered to serve 96 months in federal prison followed by 5 years on supervised release
- Venarong Vongsitthy, age 47, who was ordered to serve 60 months in federal prison followed by 4 years on supervised release
- Billy Dukes, age 35, who was ordered to serve 60 months in federal prison followed by 4 years on supervised release
- Blake Outhavong, age 48, who was ordered to serve 12 months and 14 days in prison followed by 5 years on supervised release
- Souk Outhavong, age 45, who was ordered to time served as well as a $50,000 fine followed by 5 years supervised release.
“This is not a victimless crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “These are communities where families live and kids play. It was a team effort with a positive outcome. We thank our law enforcement partners who came together to stop this illegal conduct.”
“This black-market cultivation investigation is another example of criminal elements coming to Colorado to take advantage of this state’s marijuana laws,” said DEA Denver Special Agent in Charge Tim McDermott.
The first defendants were charged by criminal complaint on March 14, 2018. On March 27, 2019 the defendants were charged by a federal grand jury. They then were held in custody pending a resolution of their case. The defendants pled guilty on dates in September, October, and November. They were then sentenced in March and April of 2019.
This case was investigated by the DEA along with the Park County Sheriff’s Office, the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, and the Vail Police Department. The defendants were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Chaffin.
Federal Jury Finds Parkersburg Man Guilty of Child Pornography Crimes and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Daniel Roy Mace, of Parkersburg, was convicted by a federal jury on 15 felony charges: 12 counts of receipt of child pornography on dates between June 24 and August 3, 2016; one count of distribution of child pornography; one count possession of child pornography depicting prepubescent minors; and one count of witness tampering. When he is sentenced on July 8, 2019, he will face up to 20 years on each count, along with at least five years for each of the 12 receipt counts and the distribution count. He will also be placed on supervised release for a term of at least five years and up to life following his release from prison, and will be required to register as a sex offender.
“Guilty on all 15 counts,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “These are emotional and difficult cases, especially considering the graphic nature of the evidence and that the conduct involves children. These cases are critically important – for the victims, for the community and our society. The timing of this case couldn’t be more apt. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and just yesterday, we rolled out the remarkable results over the last six months of multiple investigations regarding child exploitation. I applaud the efforts of Assistant United States Attorneys Jenny Herrald and Alex Hamner, and the entire team that worked on this case. We are in the business of protecting children.”
On August 1, 2016, law enforcement with the WVSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force began a proactive investigation into local distributors of child pornography. After identifying a potential target in the Parkersburg area, a detective downloaded eight videos of child pornography from a user located in Parkersburg over a peer-to-peer file sharing network. On August 4, 2016, a search warrant was executed at the residence from which the child pornography was being shared. Law enforcement discovered Mace’s laptop in his bedroom, actively downloading child pornography from the same file-sharing services where law enforcement had downloaded the eight videos of child pornography. Upon examining Mace’s computer, law enforcement discovered 80 videos of child pornography depicting prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Among the 80 videos were all eight videos of child pornography that law enforcement had downloaded.
After Mace was arrested on a federal indictment charging him with numerous child pornography offenses, Mace began attempting to persuade a witness to provide a false alibi for him during testimony before a federal grand jury in January 2019. The jail calls between Mace and the witness were recorded.
The West Virginia State Police, the Parkersburg Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Violent Crime Against Children (VCAC) Task Force conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the trial. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Alex Hamner handled the prosecution.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
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Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty to EscapeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Roger Stokes, 36, of Walnut Grove, entered a guilty plea today, before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, to escaping from federal custody, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and U.S. Marshal Mark B. Shepherd of the United States Marshals Service.
Stokes was previously convicted in the Southern District of Mississippi of felonious illegal transport of an alien, and was sentenced to two years in custody and three years of supervised release by U.S. District Court Judge Louis Guirola. Following a revocation of his original supervised release and the imposition of an additional two years in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Stokes was transferred to the Bannum Place Residential Reentry Center in Jackson to serve the remainder of his time with an anticipated release date of March 18, 2019. On January 11, 2019, after being confronted by facility personnel with a positive drug test, Stokes left the facility without permission and was caught by law enforcement in Attala County ten days later.
Stokes will be sentenced by Chief Judge Jordan on July 19, 2019 at 9:15 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The United States Marshals Service investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Federal & Local Law Enforcement to Make Press Announcement Regarding Matter Involving Missing Aurora, Illinois BoyRead the Press Release
*********** MEDIA ADVISORY ***********
FEDERAL & LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO MAKE PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING MATTER INVOLVING MISSING AURORA, ILLINOIS BOY
The briefing will be held:
TODAY: FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019
WHEN: 11:30 A.M.
WHERE: U.S. Attorney’s Office
221 E. Fourth Street
Fourth Floor
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Room available beginning at 11:15 A.M. No TV lighting or multbox will be available. ID will be required for entrance at Security on the fourth floor.
# # #
Fallbrook Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Fentanyl Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – April 5, 2019
SAN DIEGO – Corey Bernard Green of Fallbrook was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia to 151 months in prison for distributing the fentanyl that caused the death of 34-year-old Joseth Adam Sellars on November 3, 2017.
On November 2, 2017, Sellars told his wife, Rebecca Sellars, that he had been sober for about 100 days. Two days later, she woke up in the morning and found him lying face down on their living room floor. She called 911 but it was too late. Law enforcement arriving at the scene observed drug paraphernalia and a white powdery substance near his body.
The investigation of Sellars’ death found text messages between Sellars and Green indicating that Green had supplied heroin laced with fentanyl to Sellars on November 3, 2017, and that Sellars had taken an Uber to Green’s residence to pick up the substance. Green was also determined to have conducted a Google search for information related to Sellars’ death, Fallbrook and November 3.
The Government’s sentencing papers noted that this case was a “prime example of the extraordinarily devastating impact that fentanyl, a drug far more potent than heroin, has on lives.” Fentanyl is anywhere from 25 to 50 times more potent than heroin. As Rebecca Sellars explained in a statement filed with the Government’s sentencing papers, “[i]n an instant, the earth stopped spinning, the sun ceased shining, and all I could see was a world that I didn’t want to live in anymore.” During sentencing, Ms. Sellars told the Court that, while her husband was in treatment, she told Mr. Green directly to “leave my husband alone” and argued that this was, therefore not simply “a tragic accident.” Indeed, on the morning she awoke and discovered her husband deceased from the overdose, Ms. Sellars said, “I woke up in a very good mood because I believed my husband was 102 days sober.”
In imposing the 151 month sentence, Judge Battaglia explained that, “There is nothing more serious than the loss of life…” He also noted that, “No matter what we do, it will not bring Mr. Sellars back” and that Ms. Sellars’ statement was “very impactful.”
“As the opioid crisis continues to rage on, my office will zealously pursue cases against people who distribute fentanyl and other illicit drugs that, tragically, have the power to destroy lives,” said U.S. Attorney Robert S. Brewer, Jr. “I commend prosecutors Larry Casper and Tim Coughlin, the Sheriff’s Department, the San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office for their outstanding work in this case.”
In June of 2017, the San Diego Sheriff's Department took proactive measures to identify, investigate and arrest individuals who were distributing dangerous substances, such as fentanyl laced cocaine and dangerous opiates, into our communities. The Sheriff's Department began delegating resources in the initial stages of overdose investigations to develop critical evidence which might have been overlooked before the opioid crisis became a reality for many families. It is the Sheriff's Department goal to remove these dangerous drugs from our streets and hold people like Corey Green accountable for endangering the lives of others with reckless abandon.
DEFENDANT Case Number 18-cr-2249-AJB
Corey Bernard Green Age: 42 Fallbrook, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGE TO WHICH GUILTY PLEA ENTERED
Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 21 U.S.C. Section 841(a)
Maximum Penalty – 20 years in custody and $1 million fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
San Diego Sheriff’s Department
San Diego Sheriff’s Department Regional Crime Lab
San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office
San Diego District Attorney’s Office
United States Attorney’s Office
FBI Makes Additional Narcotics, Weapons Arrest in GreenvilleRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MISS. – Seven additional men from Greenville, Miss., face federal narcotics and weapons charges after being indicted by a federal grand jury, announced William C. Lamar, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi and Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Mississippi.
Law enforcement took the following individuals into custody on Thursday:
- Jimmy Appleton, age 44, of Greenville.
- Lamarcus Martin, age 38, of Greenville.
- James Edward Murray, aka James Edward Lunford, age 41, of Greenville.
- Cadarrius Nelson, age 26, of Greenville.
Three individuals were previously taken into federal custody: - Carl Lawrence, age 37, of Greenville was arrested by the Greenville Police Department on March 29, 2019.
- Jonathan Robinson, age 35, of Greenville was previously indicted and transferred from state custody to federal custody.
- Chaddwick Wilson, age 38, of Atlanta was arrested by the FBI Atlanta Division on Wednesday. Wilson is a former Greenville resident.
Appleton is charged in a three-count indictment with one count of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession with intent to distribute – cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in relation to and in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Martin is charged in a three-count indictment with one count of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession with intent to distribute – marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm in relation to and in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Murray is charged in a four-count indictment with one count of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession with intent to distribute – cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute – marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm in relation to and in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Nelson is charged in a three-count indictment with one count of possession with intent to distribute – cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute – marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm in relation to and in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Lawrence is charged in a one-count indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Robinson is charged in a two-count indictment with one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of felon in possession of ammunition.
Wilson is charged in a three-count indictment with one count of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession with intent to distribute – marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm in relation to and in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Appleton, Martin, Murray and Nelson made initial appearances before United States Magistrate Judge Jane M. Virden, United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi in Greenville on Thursday. Magistrate Judge Virden released Appleton, Murray and Nelson on bond, and ordered that Martin be held pending a detention hearing set for Tuesday, April 9, 2019.
Lawrence initially appeared on Monday and was released on bond on Thursday. Robinson waived his arraignment hearing and was ordered held pending trial by United States Magistrate Judge David A. Sanders. Chaddwick Wilson initially appeared Wednesday in Atlanta and has been held pending an identity and detention hearing in Atlanta scheduled for Monday, April 8, 2019.
Five Greenville men were taken into custody on similar charges on March 19, 2019.
Agencies assisting with the investigation and arrests were the Greenville Police Department, the District Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Circuit Court, the United States Marshals Service and the FBI Atlanta and Memphis Divisions. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Mims.
These charges are merely an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Eight Men Sentenced to Prison in Connection with Telemarketing Fraud Scheme Targeting the ElderlyRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that eight defendants have been sentenced in connection with their participation in a scheme to defraud victims – many of whom were elderly – by soliciting payments over the telephone. ARASH KETABCHI, a/k/a “Zach Peterson,” RAYMOND QUILES, CHRISTOPHER WILSON, a/k/a “Eric Fields,” JACK KAVNER, a/k/a “Bob Wiley,” a/k/a “Phil Powers,” JOSEPH McGOWAN, and ANTHONY MEDEIROS pled guilty in 2018. ANDREW OWIMRIN, a/k/a “Andrew Owens,” a/k/a “Jonathan Stewart,” and SHAHRAM KETABCHI, a/k/a “Steve Ketabchi,” were convicted following a 12-day trial before United States District Judge Sidney H. Stein.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Motivated by greed and the possibility of a quick payday, these defendants aggressively targeted the elderly and other vulnerable victims by convincing them to invest their money in various businesses. In reality, these so-called opportunities were just fraudulent schemes to steal victims’ money. Now, they have all been sentenced to prison.”
According to the allegations in the complaint and indictments filed in connection with this case, other filings in Manhattan federal court, and evidence presented at the trial of OWIMRIN and SHAHRAM KETABCHI:
Beginning in October 2013 through March 2017, ARASH KETABCHI, WILSON, KAVNER, McGOWAN, and others operated a group of telemarketing companies (the “Telemarketing Companies”) that engaged in a fraudulent scheme (the “Telemarketing Scheme”), by which they promised to earn victims (the “Victims”) money in exchange for particular Victims making an initial cash “investment” in business development, website design, grant applications, or tax preparation services. Many Victims, the majority of whom are over 70 years old, “invested” thousands of dollars with the Telemarketing Companies, but did not earn any of the promised returns. When Victims of the Telemarketing Scheme sought refunds, or fought credit card charges, the Telemarketing Companies provided explanations and documentation to the credit card companies falsely representing that the Victims had received the promised services. QUILES operated a company that provided so-called “fulfillment” services for the Telemarketing Companies, whereby QUILES’s company would send nominal items, such as boilerplate pamphlets, to Victims in order to help the Telemarketing Companies falsely demonstrate to credit card companies that they had provided services to the Victims. OWIMRIN and MEDEIROS worked as sales representatives for the Telemarketing Companies. SHAHRAM KETABCHI was responsible for, among other things, the submission of documents to the credit card companies in order to challenge the Victims’ attempts to recover their funds.
Five other individuals have pled guilty in connection with this case, and await sentencing:
Defendant Name
Companies
Count(s) of Conviction
William Sinclair
Olive Branch Marketing,
Paramount Business Solutions
Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
(18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1349)
Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering
(18 U.S.C. § 1956(h))
Michael Finocchiaro
Olive Branch Marketing,
Paramount Business Solutions
Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
(18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1349)
Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering
(18 U.S.C. § 1956(h))
Narcotics Conspiracy
(21 U.S.C. § 846)
Daniel Quirk
Carlyle Management Group,
Vanguard Business Solutions
Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
(18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1349)
Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering
(18 U.S.C. § 1956(h))
Narcotics Conspiracy
(21 U.S.C. § 846)
Peter DiQuarto
Olive Branch Marketing,
Carlyle Management Group,
Vanguard Business Solutions.
A1 Business Consultants
Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
(18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1349)
Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering
(18 U.S.C. § 1956(h))
Narcotics Conspiracy
(21 U.S.C. § 846)
Brooke Marcus
First Trend,
Tri-Star,
Elite Business Services
Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
(18 U.S.C. § 1349)
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ARASH KETABCHI, 45, of Wayne, New Jersey, was sentenced by Judge Stein on March 27, 2019, to 87 months in prison and three years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $1,059,803.84 and to pay $563,427.99 in restitution.
RAYMOND QUILES, 41, of Old Bridge, New Jersey, was sentenced by Judge Stein on March 27, 2019, to 366 days in prison and three years of supervised release, ordered to perform 480 hours of community service, and to forfeit $542,673.30.
CHRISTOPHER WILSON, 33, of Teaneck, New Jersey, was sentenced by Judge Stein on April 3, 2019, to 78 months in prison and three years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $485,818.84 and to pay $397,850.80 in restitution.
JACK KAVNER, 32, of West New York, New Jersey, was sentenced by Judge Stein on April 3, 2019, to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $150,000 and to pay $1,705,586.05 in restitution.
JOSEPH McGOWAN, 32, of Port Chester, New York, was sentenced by Judge Stein on April 3, 2019, to 72 months in prison and three years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $1,763,582.05 and to pay $1,705,586.05 in restitution.
ANDREW OWIMRIN, 29, of Montvale, New Jersey, was sentenced by Judge Stein on March 27, 2019, to 52 months in prison and three years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $100,000.
SHAHRAM KETABCHI, 48, of Rancho Mission Viejo, California, was sentenced by Judge Stein on March 28, 2019, to four months in prison, three years of supervised release, including six months of home confinement, and 480 hours of community service. SHAHRAM KETABCHI was also ordered to forfeit $30,825 and to pay $563,427.99 in restitution.
ANTHONY MEDEIROS, 38, of Bloomfield, New Jersey, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nelson S. Román on September 11, 2018, to 66 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Police Department.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Kiersten A. Fletcher, Benet J. Kearney, and Robert B. Sobelman are in charge of the prosecution.
If you believe you have been a victim of these telemarketing companies: A1 Business Consultants, Elevated Business Consultants, Element Business Services, Prestige Worldwide Enterprises, Olive Branch Marketing, CTO Consulting, Carlyle Management Group, or Vanguard Business Solutions, please contact Wendy Olsen-Clancy, the Victim Witness Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, at 866-874-8900 or [email protected]. You may also report it to Detective Christopher Bastos of the New York City Police Department at 917-480-7167 or [email protected].
Douglas Man Sentenced to over 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Child Pornography, False StatementsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On April 4, 2019, Uriel Gonzalez-Perez, 32, of Douglas, Ariz. was sentenced for separate offenses by U.S. District Judge James A. Soto to concurrent terms of 120 months’ imprisonment and 46 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Gonzalez-Perez had previously pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and conspiracy to commit false statements in connection with the purchase of firearms.
On Dec. 8, 2017, Gonzalez-Perez, a former Mexican police officer, was stopped during an outbound inspection at the Douglas Port of Entry. His vehicle contained 500 .50 caliber BMG links, items that are prohibited from being exported without a license. Further investigation revealed that Gonzalez-Perez and his two co-defendants were obtaining firearms and ammunition by falsifying paperwork required to purchase firearms legally. Gonzalez-Perez was illegally exporting the firearms and other items to Mexico.
A search of Gonzalez-Perez’s cell phone revealed numerous photos and videos of child pornography. Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were able to identify the child and adult female depicted in the images; they were living in Puerto Penasco, Mexico and HSI provided that information to Mexican authorities. Mexican authorities arrested the adult female, who was the child’s mother, and she was later sentenced to fifteen years’ imprisonment in Sonora, Mexico.
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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The investigation in this case was conducted by HSI Special Agent Robert Edwards. The prosecution was handled by Erica L. Seger, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-00033-JAS and CR 18-00230-JAS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2019-044_ Gonzalez-Perez
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
District Men Sentenced to Prison Terms for Robbing Two Men at Gunpoint and Pistol WhippingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Shawne Proctor 27, and Calvin Abney 28, both of Washington D.C., were sentenced today to prison terms of 15 years and 12 years, respectively, on charges stemming from an armed robbery and pistol-whipping that took place in Southeast Washington in June 2018, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced.
Proctor and Abney were found guilty by a jury in January 2019 of charges of conspiracy, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The verdict followed a month-long trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The men were sentenced by the Honorable Marisa Demeo. Following their prison terms, both men will be placed on five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, Proctor and Abney conspired to commit the crime as part of a larger scheme to rob local drug dealers. In the early morning of June 9, 2018, Proctor, a former friend of one of the victims, called and requested marijuana. Proctor instructed the victim to drive from Maryland into the District of Columbia for the exchange.
The victim, who did not have a car, brought a friend to drive him. Upon arriving to the location, in the 800 block of Southern Avenue SE, Proctor had the men drive to a more secluded street. When Proctor entered the victim’s car to inspect the marijuana, he signaled Abney by cellphone. Abney, who was armed with a firearm, entered the car, pistol-whipped the driver, and stole money and marijuana from both men. Two unidentified individuals helped with the crime by surrounding the vehicle armed with firearms, and then driving off in the victim’s car.
The victim reported Proctor to the police and later identified Abney in a photo array. A search of both men’s cellphones revealed text messages setting up similar robberies. Proctor was arrested in June 2018, and Abney was arrested in August 2018. Both have been in custody ever since.
At the time of the incident, Proctor was on supervision following his conviction for an armed robbery offense in Prince George’s County, and Abney was on supervision for conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, a federal offense in Maryland. Both now could face additional time in those matters.
In announcing the sentences, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. She also expressed appreciation for the assistance of the District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences. She acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Rickard and John Hill; Paralegal Specialists Richard Cheatham and Wanda Trice, and Victim/Witness Advocate Jennifer Allen.
Finally, she commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gauri Gopal and Alyse Constantinide, who investigated, indicted and prosecuted the matter.
District Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Shooting Construction Worker in the HeadRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Lamont Jones, 51, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to seven years in prison for an attack in which he shot an employee of a construction company multiple times, including the face, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu.
Jones plead guilty in January 2019, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, to a charge of assault with intent to kill. The plea, which was contingent upon the Court’s approval, called for Jones to be sentenced to seven years in prison. The Honorable Danya A. Dayson accepted the plea and sentenced Jones accordingly. Following his prison term, he will be placed on three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, the shooting took place on Oct 26, 2018, at about 4 p.m., with Jones approaching the victim and shooting him multiple times at close range near a construction site in the 5300 block of D Street SE. One shot struck the victim in the head.
The incident stemmed from an earlier dispute at the construction site at which both Jones and the victim were employed. Jones and another employee got into an argument at the construction earlier in the day on Oct. 26, 2018. Jones told the employee that he would kill him. Jones returned to the construction site later that day and, encountering only the victim and not the other employee, shot the victim multiple times.
The victim reported that the delivery driver for the company was the individual who had shot him. Jones was identified as the only driver that visited that construction site on Oct. 26, 2018. One of four witnesses identified the defendant from a photo array, and Jones was arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on Nov. 26, 2018.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. She acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Hill and Victim/Witness Advocate Elsa Maltese.
Finally, she commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina Wolf and Alyse Constantinide, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.
District Man Found Guilty of Charges in 2016 Murder on Southeast Washington SidewalkRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Andre Becton, 28, of Washington, D.C., has been found guilty of second-degree murder while armed and related firearms offenses stemming from a shooting that took place in Southeast Washington in September 2016, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Becton was found guilty by a jury on April 4, 2019, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Juliet McKenna scheduled sentencing for July 19, 2019.
According to the government’s evidence, on the night of Sept. 15, 2016, the victim, Darnell “Kirk” Peoples, Sr., agreed to help a woman buy drugs. They encountered a group of young men who were playing craps in the 600 block of Mellon Street SE, in front of a neighborhood market. Mr. Peoples made a remark that offended the group, leading to a confrontation with Becton. Mr. Peoples tried to quash the trouble, but Becton pulled out a gun and started counting down. Mr. Peoples unsuccessfully tried to get the gun. Becton shot him two times in front of numerous people and fled the scene. Mr. Peoples, 35, stumbled across the street and collapsed, shot in the neck and the left hip.
The Metropolitan Police Department arrived within minutes and Mr. Peoples managed to mumble before he died that he was shot by “Dre from Trenton Park.” Becton was arrested on Oct. 21, 2016, and has been in custody ever since.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Lenerz; Criminal Investigator John Marsh; Paralegal Specialists Lornce Applewhite, Stephanie Siegerist, Meridith McGarrity, Alesha Matthews, and Richard Cheatham; Victim/Witness Security Specialist Lesley Slade; Victim/Witness Services Coordinators La June Thames and Tanya Via; Victim/Witness Advocate Marcia Rinker; Investigative Analyst Zachary McMenamin; Supervisory Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling, and interns Jeremy Kelly and Madison Jansky.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica Trigoso and Lindsey Merikas, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Defense Department Employee Sentenced to Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
An Alexandria, Virginia, man was sentenced today to nine years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for receipt of child pornography.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger of the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Director in Charge Nancy McNamara of the FBI’s Washington Field Office and Chief Michael L. Brown of the Alexandria Police Department made the announcement.
Edward Thomas Parsons, 64, a former physical security specialist with the Department of Defense, pleaded guilty on Sept. 12, 2018 before Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton of the Eastern District of Virginia to receipt of child pornography.
According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, Parsons and his co-defendant, Bradley Robert Segert, administered an online group chat on Kik Messenger, a mobile messaging application, dedicated to soliciting child pornography from other Kik users. Between January 2015 and August 2015, Parsons received and distributed images and videos of child pornography from this Kik group chat. In addition, through the course of its investigation, law enforcement seized Parsons’s personal desktop computer and cell phone and found hundreds of images and videos of child pornography on the devices.
FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is investigating the case. The Task Force is comprised of agents of the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and detectives from the Prince William County Police, Fairfax County Police, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Metropolitan Police, Alexandria City Police, Arlington County Police, Leesburg Police, Virginia State Police and the Offices of Inspector General of several federal agencies. Trial Attorneys James E. Burke IV and William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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.
Criminal Defense Attorney Convicted in Brooklyn Federal Court of Conspiracy and False Statements to the U.S. Bureau of PrisonsRead the Press Release
Scott Brettschneider, an attorney admitted to practice in the state of New York since 1987, was convicted today by a federal jury in Brooklyn of conspiring to make a false statement and making a false statement. Specifically, Brettschneider wrote a false letter to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to assist an inmate in gaining entry to a substance abuse program in order to fraudulently obtain an early release from prison. The verdict followed a five-day trial before United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon. When sentenced, Brettschneider faces up to five years in prison.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the verdict.
“Brettschneider, a longtime attorney, has been found guilty by a jury of brazenly violating the law he was sworn to uphold by scheming to write a phony letter to help his client get into a drug treatment program and become eligible for early release from prison,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This Office is committed to protecting the integrity of federal programs for drug abuse treatment, to ensure that help is available for those truly in need and not those merely looking for a get-out-of-jail card.” Mr. Donoghue thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, and the Queens District Attorney’s Office for their outstanding assistance on the case.
The evidence at trial proved that between October 2014 and January 2015, Brettschneider, Charles Gallman and Reginald Shabazz-Muhammad conspired to make false statements in a letter to a BOP employee regarding inmate Richard Marshall’s treatment for substance and alcohol abuse in an effort to help Marshall fraudulently gain entry to the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) at United States Penitentiary Lewisburg in Pennsylvania. In an October 24, 2014 call on Gallman’s phone that was intercepted by law enforcement, Marshall explained to Brettschneider that he needed a letter from a “drug program” to which Brettschneider responded, “alright, alright, we’ll work on that Monday. Ok, I know who to talk to.” Brettschneider, Marshall and Shabazz-Muhammad, who claimed to be the director of program services at Muhammad Mosque No. 7, falsely stated that Marshall had previously been enrolled in the Mosque’s treatment program between 2003 and 2010 to reduce his purported “active drug dependence.” An inmate who is accepted into the RDAP and successfully completes the treatment program is eligible to receive up to a year off his sentence.
Marshall pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make false statements, and was sentenced on October 6, 2018 to three years’ probation and a fine of $1,500. Shabazz-Muhammad pleaded guilty to making false statements, and was sentenced on January 30, 2019 to two years’ probation and a fine of $1,000. Gallman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make false statements and to violating the Travel Act for bribing a witness, and was sentenced on March 20, 2019 to three years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime & Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrey Spektor, Lindsay K. Gerdes and Margaret Gandy are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
SCOTT BRETTSCHNEIDER (also known as “Mighty Whitey”)
Age: 62
Mint Hill, North Carolina
Defendants Who Previously Pleaded Guilty and Were Sentenced:
CHARLES GALLMAN (also known as “T.A.”)
Age: 57
Queens, New York
RICHARD MARSHALL (also known as “Love”)
Age: 57
Charlotte, North Carolina
REGINALD SHABAZZ-MUHAMMAD
Age: 63
Queens, New York
E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-123 (CBA)Crime Victims’ Rights Week will feature BBQ on Yellowstone County Courthouse LawnRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—To celebrate National Crime Victim’s Rights Week from April 7 to 13, there will be a free barbecue lunch and entertainment at the Yellowstone County Courthouse Lawn on April 12, U.S. Attorney’s Office announced. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Speakers at the event will include U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito, Yellowstone County Sheriff Mike Linder, Billings Police Chief Rich St. John, Billings City Attorney Brent Brooks and Big Horn County Commissioner Sidney Fitzpatrick.
Crime Victims’ Rights Week challenges the nation to confront and remove barriers to full justice for all victims of crime. Each April, the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorneys’ offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by honoring victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights week each year.
The BBQ event will recognize men and women who have gone above and beyond to help the community. The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Honoring our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.” For more information, visit https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2019/overview.html.
The Crime Victim’s Rights Week barbecue is being sponsored by the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office Victim Specialist, the Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Program, the Billings City Attorney’s Office Victim Specialists, FBI Victim Specialists, the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim Specialist and the YWCA of Billings.
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Container-ship stowaway charged with illegal re-entry to the United StatesRead the Press Release
Savannah, Ga – An El Salvador man previously deported after being caught illegally entering the United States is charged with attempting to re-enter by stowing away on a container ship.
Jaime Dagoberto Chavez-Guevara, 35, was taken into custody Wednesday, April 3, aboard the container ship Santa Linea in the Port of Savannah by agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and charged with illegal entry of the United States after prior deportation and stowing away on a vessel, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
The charges carry a possible combined penalty of up to 15 years in federal prison.
According to court proceedings and documents in the case, CBP had been notified Tuesday, April 2, by ZIM Shipping Lines, operator of the Santa Linea, that crew members had detained Chavez-Guevara after discovering him on board the ship without permission. After CBP took Chavez-Guevara into custody, the subsequent investigation determined that he had been deported in May 2017 from San Antonio, Texas, and again in January 2018 from Phoenix, Az, after he was convicted of felony illegal entry after prior removal.
Chavez-Guevara told investigators that his girlfriend in Miami, Fla., had sent $6,000 to his family in El Salvador, and he used the money to arrange for a smuggler to get him on board the Santa Linea while the ship was anchored in Panama. Along with one of the smugglers who took him to the ship via a small boat, Chavez-Guevara climbed the anchor chain to board the vessel through the anchor hatch. The smuggler then showed Chavez-Guevara where he could hide on the ship until it docked in the United States. Santa Linea crew members discovered Chavez-Guevara during the trip to the Port of Savannah.
“Our office will ensure that those who repeatedly enter the United States illegally will be caught and prosecuted,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “There is zero tolerance for those who break the law to get here, and they don’t get extra points for persistence or creativity.”
“Identifying and stopping criminal networks that engage in cross-border human smuggling as well as individuals who seek to illegally enter the U.S. is a priority focus for Homeland Security Investigations,” said HSI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Nick S. Annan. “These criminal organizations have no regard for the well-being of the people they attempt to smuggle, who are often put at great risk during an attempt to illegally enter the U.S., and HSI will continue to work collaboratively with our federal, state and local partners to investigate and prosecute such activity.”
Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty.
This case is beings investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandro V. Pascual IV and Joe McCool on behalf of the United States.
Cape Cod Resident Sentenced for Trafficking MethRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Provincetown, Mass., man found passed out in his vehicle by Warwick police and to be in possession of more than 230 grams of methamphetamine in August 2017 was sentenced today to three years supervised release and fined $20,000, having pleaded guilty in U.S District Court in Providence in November 2018 to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Gregory Lee, 50, was arrested by Warwick Police on August 4, 2017, after officers responded to a 911 call of a person passed out inside a vehicle. After several attempts, officers were able to roust Lee who nervously began looking around his vehicle, under his body and legs, and grabbing at various items within the vehicle. Lee was ordered by police to exit the vehicle.
After exiting the vehicle, Lee, who was observed by police to be sweating profusely, fidgety, shaking uncontrollably, and unable to stand still, allow officers to search the vehicle. From inside a backpack located on the front seat, officers seized two large plastic bags of methamphetamine. The bags of weighed 115.9 grams and 115.6 grams.
Lee’s sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith, is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Warwick Police Chief Colonel Rick Rathbun, and Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gerard B. Sullivan and Ly T. Chin.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman acknowledges and thanks the DEA Drug Task Force for their assistance preparing this case for prosecution.
The Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force is comprised of law enforcement personnel from the DEA, Rhode Island State Police, and East Providence, Central Falls, Coventry, Cranston, Newport, North Kingstown, Pawtucket, Providence, South Kingstown, Warwick, West Warwick and Woonsocket Police Departments.
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California Man Sentenced to 32 Years in Prison for Overseeing Cross-Country Drug Trafficking Organization and the Kidnapping and Murder of One of Its MembersRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that JOSE RAMON ONTIVEROS, a dual citizen of the United States and Mexico, was sentenced to 32 years in prison by United States District Judge Gregory H. Woods for running a drug trafficking organization that shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine across the United States, and arranged for the kidnapping, torture, and murder of Oscar Contreras, a member of the organization, in August 2012.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman stated: “For years, Jose Ramon Ontiveros ran a drug trafficking organization that flooded New York City with large amounts of cocaine. When the organization’s operations were threatened by the apparent theft of drug proceeds by one of its workers, Ontiveros and others responded with brutal violence that resulted in the torture and death of Oscar Contreras. Today’s sentence sends a message that we will aggressively prosecute those who engage in drug trafficking and violence, and we hope the sentence brings a small measure of comfort to Mr. Contreras’s family.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in related court proceedings:
From in or about 2008 through in or about February 2013, ONTIVEROS, 57, oversaw a drug trafficking organization (the “DTO”) based out of California that shipped large amounts of cocaine to New York City and other parts of the East Coast. The DTO was supplied by the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, and transported the cocaine from California to the East Coast using hidden compartments in tractor trailers. ONTIVEROS not only oversaw the DTO’s operations in the United States, but also served as the go-between between members of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico and the DTO. Between 2008 and 2013, the DTO shipped over 450 kilograms of cocaine to the East Coast, and brought back millions of dollars in drug proceeds.
In or about August 2012, the DTO suspected that one of its drivers, Oscar Contreras, had stolen approximately $1 million in drug proceeds from the DTO. ONTIVEROS and other members of the DTO arranged for Contreras to be kidnapped and tortured by a local street gang (the “Street Gang”) in Ontario, California, in order to locate the missing money. Contreras was brutally tortured for several days before being killed by members of the Street Gang.
ONTIVEROS previously pled guilty on September 5, 2018, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms and more of cocaine. As part of his guilty plea, ONTIVEROS admitted that he and other members of the DTO agreed to kidnap and torture Contreras, and that in the course of being tortured, Contreras was murdered.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration. He also thanked the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office and the Ontario Police Department for their participation and support in this investigation and prosecution.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Jason M. Swergold, Benet Kearney, and Michael Longyear are in charge of the prosecution.
CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER-- U.S. Attorney Trent Shores and Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler to Host “A Community Day of HopeRead the Press Release
a_community_day_of_hope_flyer.pdf
a_community_day_of_hope_featured_speakers_and_description.pdfTULSA, Okla. – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 7-13, 2019, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma and the Office of the Tulsa County District Attorney are hosting “A Community Day of Hope”, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free community event will be held at OSU Tulsa- 700 Greenwood Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“Victims of crime deserve justice. This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute, and convict those who have done them harm,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways. This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them, and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured."
“The ‘Community Day of Hope’ is an opportunity to educate our community about crime victim resources. I have always found this event to be inspiring, as crime victims come forward to tell their stories of strength and resiliency. Their courage to publicly share their stories empowers others to come forward,” said U.S. Attorney Shores. “Victims and their families cannot go through these life changing tragedies alone. I am committed to ensuring victims are given a voice in the courtroom and have access to the resources they need to obtain help and healing.”
Speakers at this year’s event in the Northern District of Oklahoma are U.S. Attorney Trent Shores, Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter, Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler, Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado and Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan. The event will held in conjunction with the Tulsa Health Departments’ one mile ENDUI Walk in remembrance of loved ones lost to DUI-related crashes, which starts at 10 a.m. The Oklahoma Blood Institute will also have a mobile unit available on site to collect blood donations which will be used to help fellow Oklahomans.
Community members attending the event will also hear from crime victims and their families; Melissa Blanton, Chief, Victim Services Unit, Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office; One Fire Cherokee Nation Victim Services Director Nikki Baker-Limor; and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Family Violence Prevention Program Director Shawn Partridge.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorneys’ offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys’ offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 7-13, with the theme: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.
The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 12, 2019, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Victim Witness Program at (918) 382-2700.
Buffalo Man Convicted Following Jury Trail Sentenced on Drug and Gun ChargesRead 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 Isiah Pierce, 35, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted following a federal jury trial of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and butryl fentanyl, maintaining a drug involved premises, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activities, and being a felon in possession of firearms and explosives, was sentenced to serve 168 months by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura A. Higgins and Paul E. Bonanno, who handled the case, stated that between November 2016 and December 1, 2016, Pierce and co-defendant Larry Willis utilized two apartments inside 70 Henrietta Avenue in Buffalo to manufacture, package, and store quantities of crack cocaine, heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, and butyryl fentanyl, along with the proceeds for sale of such controlled substances. To protect their product and their proceeds, the defendants maintained multiple firearms and ammunition within each of the apartments.
During the execution of a search warrant in the lower apartment at 70 Henrietta Avenue, officers recovered crack cocaine, three firearms and ammunition, a digital scale with drug residue, packaging material, whisks, spoons, and cutting agents. A subsequent search of the upper apartment uncovered additional amounts of crack cocaine, a mixture of heroin and butyryl fentanyl, three handguns and numerous rounds of ammunition.
Defendant Willis was also convicted at trial and was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.
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Buffalo Couple Arrested, Charged with Selling FentanylRead 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 Billy D. Henderson, 39, and Denise Porter, 31, both of Buffalo, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with: possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; distribution of controlled substances; maintaining a drug involved premises; and manufacturing controlled substances creating a substantial risk of harm to human life. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Laura A. Higgins, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on April 3, 2019, members of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Squad and the Buffalo Police Department Narcotics and Intelligence Squads executed a state search warrant at 50 Newton Street in Buffalo. Officers seized a large quantity of suspected fentanyl; a digital scale with narcotics residue; a drug press; approximately $7,000 in United States currency; ammunition; packaging material for narcotics distribution; and a heat sealer.
The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and are being held pending a detention hearing in April 8, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.
The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
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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Boone County Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County man pled guilty today to drug and gun charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Bruce Lee Boardman pled guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Nitro Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the West Virginia State Police.
“Another gun toting meth dealer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “And another federal conviction. We are working hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners to remove violent drug dealers like Boardman from our communities.”
As established by public court filings and hearings, on June 30, 2017, Nitro police stopped Boardman for driving his truck erratically. Boardman appeared extremely nervous and admitted to driving with a revoked license due to a prior DUI. Officers smelled marijuana coming from the truck, so they searched it and found three bags of methamphetamine weighing approximately 50 grams, a small amount of marijuana, and a digital scale. Officers also found two loaded pistols under the driver’s and passenger’s seats.
On December 12, 2017, police investigators used a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Shaine Ray Dingess at a house in Nellis, West Virginia. The informant’s hidden camera captured Boardman inside the home supplying Dingess with methamphetamine. During the drug transaction, Boardman was holding a pistol in his hand.
Boardman is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to life imprisonment when he is sentenced on June 26, 2019. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is handling the prosecution.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
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Bolingbrook Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Federal Prison for Engaging in Sexual Conduct with Underage BoysRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal judge has sentenced a Bolingbrook man to 19 years in prison for engaging in sex acts with an underage boy and enticing him to produce sexually explicit images of himself.
RONALD GOBENCIONG, 46, posed on social media as three separate individuals – an escort, an escort’s manager, and a client – to entice the 17-year-old boy to produce pornographic images of himself. In February 2017, Gobenciong engaged in sex acts with the boy at a suburban hotel, after which he gave the boy money. Gobenciong later threatened to distribute the pornographic images to the boy’s father unless the boy continued to have sex with him. Gobenciong admitted in a plea agreement that he engaged in similar conduct with two other underage boys during the same approximate time period.
Gobenciong, also known as “David Marco,” “Steve John,” and “Joe,” pleaded guilty last year to one count of production of child pornography, and one count of sex trafficking of a minor. U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah imposed the 19-year sentence on Thursday in federal court in Chicago.
The sentence was 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 Thomas J. Dart, Cook County Sheriff. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bolingbrook Police Department.
As part of online and text communications with the boys, Gobenciong requested and received pornographic photos and videos of them. Gobenciong knew the victims were under 18 years old at the time.
“Defendant cynically played on the fears and insecurities of children, as well as their desire for friendship,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric S. Pruitt argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “The depravity and cruelty of this conduct cannot be overstated.”
If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678, or log on to http://www.missingkids.com. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Chesapeake man was sentenced today to more than five years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
“Youngblood was an armed drug dealer who profited off of the misery of others,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Additionally, this case represents the serious danger that armed drug dealers and armed drug users pose to first responders. In this case, officers found Youngblood unconscious in his bedroom, overdosed on a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl and surrounded by four loaded handguns, $5,000 in cash, ammunition, and other drugs. This situation clearly endangered the safety of those responsible for saving his life. My sincere thanks to the Chesapeake Police, medical first responders and our federal law enforcement partners for their terrific work on this case.”
According to court documents, between December 2016 and November 2017, Marc Louie Youngblood, Jr., 51, received approximately 16 United States Mail parcels containing methamphetamine from California to an auto parts store where he worked in Norfolk. Youngblood sold this methamphetamine in Chesapeake and was also a habitual user of methamphetamine and marijuana during this time.
"Drugs like heroin and methamphetamine destroy lives and communities, and Youngblood not only participated in the furtherance of this destruction, but as a user, nearly lost his own life to these substances,” said Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk. “Let Youngblood’s case serve as a lesson to others that HSI and its law enforcement partners will continue to crack down on narcotics trafficking in the local area to protect the lives of others."
In November 2017, Chesapeake Police responded to an overdose call at a residence in Chesapeake and found Youngblood unconscious on his bedroom floor. The police observed marijuana, drug paraphernalia and firearms in plain view in Youngblood’s bedroom. After Youngblood was transported to the hospital, CPD obtained a search warrant for his room. The search yielded four loaded handguns, $5,000 in cash, ammunition, 40 grams of marijuana, 23 grams of “ice” (methamphetamine) and several memory card storage discs containing multiple videos depicting Youngblood smoking methamphetamine and using heroin. It was later determined that Youngblood overdosed after injecting a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl, commonly referred to as a “speedball.”
“Postal Inspectors work aggressively to eliminate illegal narcotics from the U.S. Mail. Our strong dedication to these efforts helps us to protect both our employees and the public from this criminal activity,” said Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service –Washington Division. “In addition, we maintain excellent relationships with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners and from this, we end up with successful resolutions like we did in this investigation.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Col. K.L. Wright, Chief of Chesapeake Police, and James A. Cervera, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Mark S. Davis. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darryl Mitchell prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-139-1.
Armed Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to five years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“Armed drug traffickers pose serious threats to the safety of law abiding people,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Dowd carried a firearm and dealt drugs from his home in Creighton Court, an area of Richmond long plagued by drug trafficking and one that has the full attention of this office and our law enforcement partners. We are 100 percent committed to doing our part so that all can live in as crime free a neighborhood as possible, and will continue to devote law enforcement resources to similar areas of need around the City of Richmond and across the Eastern District of Virginia.”
According to court documents, Cleveland Dowd, 37, was under surveillance by the Richmond Police Department in the Creighton Court area as part of a narcotics investigation. These observations prompted law enforcement to conduct controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Dowd in his home on April 13 and April 26, 2018. Following those controlled purchases, officers executed a search warrant and found more than 100 grams of powdered cocaine, multiple ounces of marijuana, $40,000 in cash, and a 9mm firearm. Dowd admitted to all of the drugs, cash, and gun, and admitted that he intended to “cook” the powdered cocaine into crack cocaine prior to selling it. Dowd had been previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, a felony, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
“Dowd’s conviction and lengthy prison time should send a strong message to the violent criminals operating in this district and elsewhere in Virginia,” said Ashan Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Washington Field Division. “We will do everything in our power to bring to justice these perpetrators and restore some quality of life to the citizens of the neighborhoods where they operate.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen E. Anthony prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-106.
Appling man indicted for possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: An Appling man has been indicted on federal charges of possession of child pornography.
Ricardo Dale Alva, 64, was indicted on one count of Possession of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury, said Bobby L. Christine, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Possession of Child Pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, followed by no less than five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Alva was arrested March 7 after Richmond County Sheriff’s Office deputies were alerted by an online tip that led to a search of Alva’s Appling home by the FBI. The search discovered images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
“It’s purely a coincidence that this indictment comes during Child Abuse Awareness Month,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “But this month, and every month, our prosecutors will work with law enforcement agencies to track down the sources and purveyors of material that exploits the most vulnerable members of our society.”
“Individuals who possess pornographic images of children for their own self-gratification support the exploitation of the most innocent victims,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “We work every day to protect our children and will continue to use every law enforcement resource available to identify individuals who exploit them in such a manner.”
An indictment contains only charges. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tara Lyons.
Additional Federal Charges Added Against Denver Doctor Justin Neisler for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DENVER – A federal grand jury in Denver has returned an eight-count indictment charging Dr. Justin Neisler with production of child pornography, transportation of child pornography, and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn and FBI Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips. Dr. Neisler is being held without bond. Dr. Neisler was charged previously by criminal complaint on March 13, 2019, with the transportation of child pornography. He was ordered detained by the federal district court in Denver on March 26, 2019. On April 4, 2019, the grand jury returned an indictment, which was unsealed today, and contains additional charges against Dr. Neisler.
Dr. Neisler has been affiliated with the Centura Health and HealthONE networks licensed to practice medicine in Colorado and Georgia since 2016.
The investigation into Dr. Neisler’s alleged illegal conduct is ongoing. Anyone having information relevant to this investigation is encouraged to contact the FBI by sending an email to [email protected] or by calling 303-629-7171 x 1.
The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This matter is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), 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, PSC coordinates 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 PSC, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab "resources."
Thursday 4 April 2019
“Let States Jam Prison Cellphones,” says U.S. Attorney Sherri LydonRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon authored today an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal highlighting the public safety threat posed by contraband cellphones in prisons entitled, “Let States Jam Prison Cellphones.” U.S. Attorney Lydon also announced a series of cases the U.S. Attorney’s Office has prosecuted in federal court to help stop the flow of contraband cellphones into state prisons and punish those who use them to harm the public.
“We do not put criminals behind bars only to have them continue their criminal enterprises from inside prison,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “We will continue to use every tool available to us to stop this threat to public safety. But until our state and local partners are permitted to jam cellphone signals in prisons, inmates with time on their hands and unrestricted access to the Internet will continue to run drug rings, scam innocent Americans, and perpetrate crimes that help them grow their wealth while incarcerated.”
South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) Director Bryan Stirling stated, “Because of contraband cellphones, criminals are physically incarcerated, however, they are virtually out there amongst us, continuing their criminal ways from behind our nation’s prison walls.”
Among the cases the U.S. Attorney’s Office has prosecuted with the assistance of SCDC and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) are:
SCDC Prisoner and Co-Conspirator Sentenced to Federal Prison for Roles in Dark Web Mail Bomb Plot
In April 2018, a federal jury convicted Michael Young, Jr., and Vance Volious, Jr., both of Columbia, of dealing drugs and plotting to kill Young’s ex-wife with a mail bomb they bought with bitcoin from the Dark Web. While incarcerated in SCDC, Young obtained a contraband cellphone, which he used to run a drug business distributing marijuana he obtained from a California supplier and from the Dark Web. Drugs purchased by Young were shipped to a conspirator’s residence before being picked up by Volious for re-distribution.
While this drug conspiracy among Young, Volious, and others was operating, the conspirators also plotted to kill Young’s ex-wife. This was not the first time that Young had tried to kill her; he was serving a 50-year sentence after having been convicted of attempting to kill her and of murdering her father in 2007.
In February 2017, Young accessed the Dark Web from prison on his contraband cellphone and started a dialogue with an undercover FBI agent, whom he believed to be a foreign explosives dealer. Young paid for a mail bomb to be sent to a conspirator’s residence in Irmo and for the re-shipment label addressed to his ex-wife to be sent to Volious’ house in Columbia.
Fears obtained the labels from Volious, armed the mail bomb, and was surveilled by the FBI delivering the inert explosives package to the Post Office in Irmo on June 6, 2017. After a United States Postal Inspector recovered the mail bomb, Young, Volious, and co-defendant Tyrell Fears, of Irmo, were arrested on federal charges.
Young and Volious were convicted of conspiracy, transport of an explosive with the intent to kill, mailing a non-mailable explosive with the intent to kill, and carrying an explosive during the commission of another felony. Fears pleaded guilty to carrying an explosive during the commission of a felony and conspiracy. In February 2019, Young was sentenced to 525 months in federal prison, and Fears was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison. In March 2019, Volious was sentenced to 255 months in federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Joint Terrorism Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, South Carolina Department of Corrections’ Division of Police Services, State Law Enforcement Division, South Carolina Information and Intelligence Center, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Lexington Country Sheriff’s Department, Irmo Police Department, USC Division of Law Enforcement and Safety, and Columbia Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Will Lewis of the Columbia office and former Assistant United States Attorney Jay Richardson, with assistance from Dan Goldberg of the Fifth Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
For more information, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/scdc-prisoner-and-co-conspirator-sentenced-federal-prison-roles-dark-web-mail-bomb-plot.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Initiates Forfeiture Proceedings Seizing $400,000 From Prison Accounts of 15 Inmates
The U.S. Attorney’s Office recently initiated civil forfeiture proceedings in which the federal government has seized over $400,000 from the prison accounts of just 15 inmates. According to the seizure warrants, this money was derived from unlawful activity including extortion and the distribution of narcotics and other contraband.
Five Inmates Among Fifteen Defendants Indicted for Wire Fraud, Extortion, and Money Laundering Scheme at SCDC
In November 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office indicted 15 defendants—five of whom are inmates in SCDC—for their roles in a wire fraud, extortion, and money laundering scheme. According to the indictments, the inmates used contraband cellphones to orchestrate a scheme to defraud members of the United States Military. The inmates, using smartphones, joined Internet dating websites and posed as young women seeking a romantic relationship with young men in the military. They downloaded nude pictures, pretended to be the women in the pictures, and sent them to the servicemen. They then asked the service members to text nude pictures and other personal information in return.
After exchanging nude pictures and other personal information, the inmates called the service members and claimed to be the young woman’s father. The inmates told the service members that the “daughter” was a minor and threatened to notify law enforcement that the service member was exchanging nude pictures with a minor unless the service member paid money. The inmates used various means to extort the service members, often claiming that the money was needed to replace the computer or to pay medical bills for the trauma that the “underage daughter” suffered from the sexually explicit text messages. On occasion, the inmates impersonated law enforcement or lawyers to further the scheme.
The inmates then directed the service members to wire money to individuals in South Carolina. To assist in the scheme, the inmates recruited others outside of the prisons to retrieve the money that was wired by the service members and transfer the money to the inmates, often keeping some of the proceeds. In some instances, these individuals provided the inmates with debit card numbers so they could access the criminal proceeds in prison via contraband cellphones. Other times, the individuals wired the money directly into the inmates’ prison accounts.
In total, the “sextortion” schemes resulted in 442 service members paying a total of more than $560,000. The service members involved were from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. The five inmates who have been indicted federally on wire fraud, money laundering, and extortion charges are Wendell Wilkins, Jimmy Dunbar, Antwine Lamar Matthews, Rakeem Spivey, and David Paul Dempsey.
This case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Services, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Services, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command, United States Marshals Service, South Carolina Department of Corrections, and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Limehouse and Rhett DeHart of the Charleston office are prosecuting the case.
For more information, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/5-inmates-among-15-defendants-indicted-wire-fraud-extortion-and-money-laundering-scheme.
Former SCDC Employees and Corrections Officers Indicted for Accepting Bribes and Smuggling Contraband
In 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began a partnership with SCDC and SLED to investigate the smuggling of contraband into prisons by SCDC staff. The investigation uncovered a number of SCDC employees who accepted bribes to smuggle into prison various contraband, such as cellphones, narcotics, and tobacco.
Since April 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has indicted 19 former SCDC employees—including corrections officers, a nurse, and food service employees—on federal charges related to accepting bribes and bringing contraband into South Carolina prisons. The federal violations alleged include Use of Interstate Facilities to Facilitate Bribery; Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Depriving South Carolina of the Right to Honest Services; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics. To date, Douglas Hawkins, Joshua Cave, Shatara Wilson, and Shakeel Malik Monroe have pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Wire Fraud.
This operation was a combined law enforcement effort by the FBI, SLED, SCDC, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Will Lewis of the Columbia office is prosecuting the cases.
For more information, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/federal-indictments-unsealed-14-former-scdc-employees-and-correction-officers-arrested.
Five Inmates Convicted in Drug Trafficking Ring that Operated from Inside South Carolina Prisons
In September 2016, a federal grand jury charged 15 defendants—5 of whom are current SCDC inmates—with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and related offenses. The defendants used telephones, primarily contraband cellphones, and the U.S. Mail to facilitate the drug offenses charged, and they conspired to launder drug money by conducting money transfers, cash withdrawals, and purchases of and deposits onto pre-paid cash cards.
The five SCDC inmates—Sok Bun, Paul Ray Davis, Jhon Marlon Acosta, James Robert Peterson, and Samuel Travis Wiggins—capitalized on their nearly unfettered access to contraband cellphones to not only continue their criminal activities, but to direct the criminal activities of nine “facilitators” outside of prison, all of whom were willing to accept drug packages for distribution and collect payment on behalf of the inmates. The inmates routinely brokered and managed the delivery and distribution of methamphetamine from California to the upstate of South Carolina and elsewhere in the state. The contraband cellphones were often equipped with touch screens and Internet access, which enabled prisoners to coordinate drug transactions, confirm shipment and delivery, and transfer drug trafficking proceeds.
All but two of the inmate defendants pleaded guilty. In September 2017, after a week-long trial, a federal jury convicted Bun and Peterson on all counts. During the trial, the jury heard numerous recorded calls made by Bun, Peterson, and other inmates from inside South Carolina prisons. In nearly all of the recorded phone calls between inmate defendants, at least one inmate was using a contraband cellphone. The jury also heard directly from inmate witnesses about how accessible cellphones were to inmates and the various means by which phones were smuggled into the facilities.
Bun was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison, which will follow the life sentence he is currently serving in SCDC for a 2006 Spartanburg County murder conviction. Peterson was sentenced to 330 months in federal prison, which will follow the 35-year sentence he is currently serving for murder and assault and battery with intent to kill, both 2005 Cherokee County convictions. Jhon Marlon Acosta was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison. Samuel Travis Wiggins was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison. Inmate Paul Davis awaits sentencing.
The convictions were the result of a multi-year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The OCDETF Program is a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Its principal mission is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug-trafficking organizations primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. The investigation was conducted by the FBI with the assistance and cooperation of the United States Postal Service, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, SLED, SCDC, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Spartanburg City Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, ICE - Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Leesa Washington and former Assistant United States Attorney Jeanne Howard, both of the Greenville office, prosecuted the case.
For more information, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/fifteen-charged-drug-trafficking-ring-operated-inside-south-carolina-prisons; https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/jury-convicts-spartanburg-brothers-federal-court-drug-and-money-laundering-charges.
Woodstock Man Admits Posing as Deceased Sister to Steal VA BenefitsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN DEPPERT, 64, of Woodstock, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of theft of government property related to a scheme to steal benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (the “VA”).
According to court documents and statements made in court, Deppert’s sister received disability compensation benefits from the VA through a direct deposit to her bank account. After Deppert’s sister died in January 2015, Deppert had access to her sister’s bank account, which continued to receive regular deposits of VA benefits.
In September 2017, the VA identified that Deppert’s sister had died and terminated the benefits payments. In October 2017, Deppert called the VA and, posing as his sister, explained that “she” was not deceased. As a result, the VA reinitiated the benefits payments to the bank account, and also issued a back payment of benefits.
In April 2018, after the VA again identified that Deppert’s sister had died, a VA employee contacted the telephone number it had for Deppert’s sister. Deppert, again posing as his sister, answered the call, provided his sister’s date of birth and social security number, and stated that “she” was alive.
In May 2018, Deppert, posing as his sister, left a message on a VA employee’s voicemail system requesting that all future contact be by fax or email. He subsequently sent a fax with a change of address form attached to the VA. The coversheet for the fax stated: “I am alive and living in Woodstock Valley, CT!” Deppert signed his sister’s name on the coversheet.
Through this scheme, Deppert stole $77,292.
Deppert is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on July 24, 2019, at which time Deppert faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Deppert is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah P. Karwan.
Waunakee Man Pleads Guilty to Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Patrick O’Connor, 61, Waunakee, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud and money laundering. The wire fraud and money laundering charges stem from O’Connor’s involvement in a large-scale investment fraud scheme involving a financial loss to multiple victims in excess of $9,000,000.
Beginning in 2011 and continuing until 2018, O’Connor solicited funds from several investors for investment in an entity he created entitled “Madison Financial Services.” As part of his solicitations, O’Connor made various material misrepresentations to investors regarding Madison Financial Services.
O’Connor represented that Madison Financial Services would invest all of the investors’ funds into a TradeStation online brokerage account. O’Connor represented that he would use the TradeStation account to actively trade purchased securities and he projected an average annual return on the investment of 2% a month, or 24% annually.
In fact, O’Connor used a large portion of the investors’ funds for his own personal expenses, including expenses related to his real estate development business and to repay other investors. Of the funds that O’Connor actually deposited into his TradeStation accounts and actively traded, he either lost or withdrew the vast majority of the funds and rarely generated any profit.
To further perpetuate the fraud, O’Connor provided investors with purported account statements from their investments with Madison Financial Services. The account statements were fictitious and showed the investors’ supposed year-to-date profits and their supposed current portfolio balance.
U.S. District Judge William Conley scheduled sentencing for July 30, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. O’Connor faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the wire fraud charge and a maximum penalty of 20 years on the money laundering charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Vicksburg Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Christopher Devone Jones, 25, of Vicksburg, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 44 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Jones was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On April 8, 2018, officers with the Vicksburg Police Department searched Jones’ bedroom as part of an investigation into a drive-by shooting. Jones confessed to being in possession of two pistols after the firearms were found under a dresser drawer in his bedroom. Jones has a prior conviction in Warren County for accessory after the fact to second degree murder in 2014.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.