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15 May 2019
Convicted Felon Sentenced to over 13 Years in Prison After Bend Police Sieze Large Quantity of Methamphetamine and FirearmRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—Christopher Michael Soares, 35, of Southern Oregon, was sentenced today to 160 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in Bend, Oregon.
According to court documents, on June 28, 2016, police officers in Bend stopped Soares while he was driving a vehicle with two other occupants. When officers searched Soares’ person, they found 99 grams of methamphetamine, 56 grams of heroin and a 9mm firearm. Soares was later arrested on three separate occasions in Jackson County for additional drug and firearms offenses.
In September 2016, Soares was charged by federal criminal complaint for the June 2018 incident in Bend. He later pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Facing state and federal charges, the parties, including state prosecutors in Jackson County, agreed to a global resolution to resolve all of Soares’ pending criminal cases.
This case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Bend Police Department, Medford Police Department and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
Columbia County Man Sentenced to Year in Prison for Selling Firearms Without LicenseRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Eugene Ripp, 66, Arlington, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William Conley to one year and one day in federal prison for dealing in firearms without a license. This term of imprisonment will be followed by two years of supervised release. Ripp pleaded guilty to this charge on February 20, 2019.
In July 2015, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) presented Ripp with a Cease and Desist Letter, informing him that he could be prosecuted if he continued to engage in the business of selling firearms without a Federal Firearms License (FFL). At the time, the ATF had citizen complaints that Ripp was dealing in firearms, including at gun shows. Before issuing the Cease and Desist Letter, undercover contacts were made at gun shows to confirm that Ripp was selling firearms without a license. After confirming this, the ATF warned Ripp to stop dealing in firearms without a license. In a July 14, 2015 interview with ATF agents, Ripp was warned verbally and in writing of the potential for prosecution if he continued to engage in the business of selling firearms without a license.
Shortly after receiving the Cease and Desist Letter, Ripp continued to deal in firearms at gun shows. An undercover agent engaged Ripp in communications about purchasing firearms, even indicating that some of the firearms that the undercover agent was purchasing were intended for other unnamed individuals. Because Ripp did not have an FFL, he did not go through the background check process on prospective customers.
Ripp was heard on recorded undercover sales of firearms expressing concern that the firearms could get traced back to him if the firearms fell into the wrong hands. Ripp can be heard expressing concern that the ATF might be watching him, and instructing the undercover agent to not tell anyone that the firearms came from him. Several firearms were sold to the undercover agent in transactions occurring inside
Ripp’s vehicle in the parking lots of businesses in DeForest and Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, all without background checks. These sales occurred after Ripp had received the Cease and Desist Letter, and after Ripp had been made aware that some of his previously sold firearms had been used in crimes.
In rejecting the defense request that Ripp merely receive probation, Judge Conley explained that he had difficulty reconciling the good life that Ripp had led for most of his 66 years and the “callous” conduct of selling firearms that Ripp believed were going to unknown people, even after knowing that previously sold firearms were used in crimes. Judge Conley indicated that a prison term was necessary to deter other people who might consider engaging in the business of selling firearms without a license.
The charge against Ripp was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Burke.
Clinton Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison Under Project EJECT for Carjacking and Discharging a Firearm During the CrimeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Darrell D. Moore, 22, of Clinton, was sentenced Monday by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 153 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for carjacking and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Moore was also ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution to the victim.
"This is great example of our office and law enforcement partners taking another violent criminal off the streets of Jackson. Our partnerships under Project EJECT continue to make a positive difference and are making our communities, neighborhoods and families safer. I commend our Jackson police officers, FBI special agents, and prosecutors for bringing this individual to justice and for bringing justice to the victim in this case," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
On November 7, 2017, while Moore was on bond for murder in Hinds County, Moore, Alexus Guster, and Cedric Winfield agreed to rob and carjack a victim at gunpoint. At the instruction of Moore and Winfield, Guster lured the victim to a location where Winfield and Moore were waiting to carjack and rob him. Guster and Winfield spoke to the victim while standing at the passenger side of the vehicle. While the victim was distracted, Moore approached the driver’s side of the vehicle, pulled the victim out of the car at gunpoint, and forced him to give up his money and the vehicle. The victim then fled the scene on foot and Moore fired his gun twice in the direction of the victim. Winfield drove the car to his residence where Moore and Guster met him to search the car for valuables.
Moore pled guilty before Judge Barbour on November 13, 2018. Winfield pled guilty on October 16, 2018, and is awaiting sentencing. He faces a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Guster pled guilty on January 23, 2019, and was sentenced to time served and a $1,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Helen Wall and Kimberly Taft Purdie.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities 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 our 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.
Clarence Investment Advisor Sentenced for Bilking Clients Out of Hundreds of Thousands of DollarsRead 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 Michael Giokas, 59, of Clarence, NY, who was convicted of wire fraud for defrauding numerous clients of his investment advisory firm out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, was sentenced to serve 52 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $916,396.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who handled the case, stated that the defendant was a financial advisor and president of Giokas Wealth Advisors, located in Clarence. In that role, Giokas provided financial advisory services to more than 40 individual clients.
Between May 2017 and October 2017, the defendant persuaded certain clients to withdraw money from their investment accounts at Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and invest the money in a company called Trinity Council, LLC. Giokas claimed that Trinity Council was a fund that invested in private corporations; that investments were guaranteed to earn interest between eight and nine percent per year; and that investment principal was guaranteed. The defendant also provided a fraudulent promissory note to one of his clients to convince the client that his investment in Trinity Council was legitimate.
Trinity Council was actually a shell company that engaged in no investment or business activity. Giokas was the sole member and only owner of Trinity Council, and the only person with signature authority on its bank accounts, which the defendant opened for the purpose of executing this scheme to defraud.
In a separate scheme, between 2015 and October 2017, Giokas prompted Nationwide to transfer money from his clients’ Nationwide accounts to the defendant under the guise of “fee requests.” Giokas claimed that he was entitled to the requested money as investment advisory fees, despite the fact that the requested amounts greatly exceeded what the defendant was entitled to pursuant to his fee agreements with his clients.
As a result of the two schemes, Giokas defrauded clients out of $1,473,396.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.
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Choctaw Man Sentenced to 7 Months for Burglarizing Procurement OfficeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Shelton Shane Chapman, Jr., 20, of Leake County, and a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves to 7 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for burglary within the Pearl River Community of the Choctaw Indian reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze. Chapman was ordered to pay $4,334.43 in restitution to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
On November 7, 2017, Chapman entered the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians’ Procurement Office and stole a Dell bag and several iPhones and iPads. Chapman sold some of the items to two individuals who then pawned the items at a local pawn shop.
Chapman pled guilty on February 13, 2019, before Judge Reeves, after being indicted by a federal grand jury on November 27, 2018. Prior to being taken into federal custody, Chapman was serving a 7 year sentence in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections burglarizing a business in Neshoba County.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Purdie.
Checotah Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Joshua Dewayne Funburg, age 34, of Checotah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Felon In Possession Of Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleges that on or about February 10, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, to wit, one (1) Kel-Tec CNC Industries Inc., Model P-32, .32 ACP caliber semi-automatic pistol, serial number 57366, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Checotah Police Department, the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Ben Gifford represented the United States.
Charleston Man and Business Indicted in Federal Court in over $9M FraudRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Amir Golestan, 36, of Charleston, South Carolina, and Micfo, LLC, were charged in federal court in a twenty-count indictment. The indictment charges twenty counts of wire fraud, with each count punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment.
The indictment alleges that since February 2014, Golestan and Micfo created and utilized “Channel Partners,” which purported to consist of several individual businesses, all of whom acquired the right to IP addresses from the American Registry of Internet Numbers (ARIN). The indictment alleges that Golestan and Micfo fabricated the true nature of the Channel Partners, including creating false officers and deceptive websites for the businesses, which were in turn used to deceive ARIN and to fraudulently obtain IP address rights from ARIN. The indictment charges that, through this scheme, Golestan and Micfo obtained the rights to approximately 757,760 IP addresses, with a market value between $9,850,880.00 and $14,397,440.00.
The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Williams of the Charleston office is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Carnegie Man Sentenced to Prison for Conspiring to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months’ imprisonment and two years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on James Yeates, 53.
According to information presented to the court, from in and around January, 2016, and continuing thereafter to on or about November 30, 2017, Yeates conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The Court was further advised that, on or about December 28, 2017, Yeates attempted to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Jeremy A. Moschetta prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of James Yeates. The task force is headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is comprised of members drawn from the Borough of Baldwin Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police. The Stowe Township Police Department also provided assistance in this investigation. The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Making Violent Threats Against Boston Globe EmployeesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A California man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with making violent threats against Boston Globe employees in retaliation for the newspaper’s editorial response to political attacks on the media.
Robert D. Chain, 68, of Encino, Calif., pleaded guilty to seven counts of making threatening communications in interstate commerce. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Sept. 23, 2019.
On Aug. 10, 2018, the Boston Globe announced that it was requesting other newspaper publications around the country to publish a coordinated editorial response to political attacks on the media. The coordinated editorial response was to be published on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018.
Immediately following the announcement, Chain began making threatening calls to the Boston Globe’s newsroom. In the calls, Chain referred to the Globe as “the enemy of the people” and threatened to kill newspaper employees. In total, Chain made approximately 14 phone calls to the Globe between Aug. 10 and 22, 2018.
On Aug. 16, 2018, the day the coordinated editorial response was published in the Boston Globe, Chain called the Globe newsroom and threatened to shoot Globe employees in the head “later today, at 4 o’clock.” As a result of that call, local law enforcement responded to the Globe’s offices and maintained a presence outside the building to ensure the safety of the employees.
The charge of making threatening communications in interstate commerce provides for a sentence of no greater than five years, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Los Angeles Field Division; the Drug Enforcement Administration, Los Angeles Division; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Los Angeles Division; the California Highway Patrol; the Los Angeles Police Department; and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney George P. Varghese of Lelling’s National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.
Broken Bow Resident Sentenced to 180 Months for Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Broken Bow resident Thomas Christopher Joseph, age 51, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for Felon in Possession of Firearm. The charges arose from an investigation by the Broken Bow Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Indictment alleged that on or about January 8, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, knowingly possessed an SCCY, Model CPX-1, 9mm semi-automatic pistol, serial number 247149, a firearm which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce. Joseph’s prior convictions included Second Degree Robbery and Second Degree Burglary.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Project Safe Neighborhoods is a Department of Justice priority which emphasizes collaborative efforts between federal and local law enforcement agencies to reduce violent crime. This investigation and prosecution was the result of those efforts.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.
Bribe Payer in DCS Scheme Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison, Ordered to Pay $125M in RestitutionRead the Press Release
Force Multiplier Solutions CEO Robert C. Leonard was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison and ordered to pay $125 million in restitution for his role in a bribery scheme that took down multiple public officials and precipitated the collapse of Dallas County Schools, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.
Mr. Leonard, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on August 9 to conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.
“In peddling bribes and kickbacks, Mr. Leonard undermined Dallas’ trust in its public officials. And in bringing him to justice, we hope to restore citizens’ faith in the system,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “As I’ve said repeatedly over the past year and a half, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be relentless in its pursuit of anyone involved in bribing public officials – from bribe recipients to bribe facilitators to bribe payers. The citizens of Dallas deserve integrity from City Hall.”
In plea papers, Mr. Leonard, now 71, admits he paid local officials – including then Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway and former DCS Superintendent Ricky Sorrells – more than $3.5 million in order to secure DCS contracts for his company’s stop-arm camera technology.
In an attempt to conceal the illicit payments, the majority of the bribe money was funneled through ELF Investments, a sham consulting firm run by Mr. Leonard’s business associate, Slater Swartwood. The remainder was funneled through law firms or doled out in the form of credit card debt repayments, student loan payments, custom-made suits, fully funded trips, casino chips, fake loans, funeral expenses, and cash payments.
A criminal indictment against former DCS Board President Larry Duncan revealed Mr. Leonard also gave Mr. Duncan a quarter of a million dollars in campaign contributions – money the DCS Board President diverted from his re-election bid and instead used to cover personal expenses.
Councilmembers Duncan and Caraway, as well as Mr. Sorrells and Mr. Swartwood, have pleaded guilty to criminal wrongdoing in the case.
Chief U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn sentenced Mr. Caraway to 56 months in federal prison and Mr. Duncan to six months’ home confinement. Mr. Sorrells and Mr. Swartwood are set to be sentenced in August 2019.
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.
Boyce Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a RevolverRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jeffrey Dale Clark Jr., 36, of Boyce, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for possessing a revolver.
During a parolee visit with Clark at his home on May 29, 2018, Louisiana State Probation and Parole officers found that Clark was in possession of a ROHM, Model RG10, .22-caliber revolver. Upon their arrival, Clark was in the yard and he began walking in the opposite direction. When the officers asked him to turn around, they observed him patting his pockets and asked if he had a weapon, at which time he produced a knife. The officers then searched Clark and found the ROHM, Model RG10, .22-caliber revolver in the waistband of his pants.
Clark is convicted felon of various crimes including simple burglary in 2002, theft in 2002, forgery in 2003, and possession of methamphetamine in 2013, all in Beauregard Parish. Under federal law, a felon is not allowed to possess firearms and ammunition.
Clark faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for August 20, 2019.
The ATF and Louisiana State Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for reductions in crime.
Attorney General William P. Barr to Travel to El Salvador to Advance Key Department of Justice PrioritiesRead the Press Release
Today, the Attorney General will travel to El Salvador to meet with deployed Department of Justice employees, diplomats, and law enforcement officials from the Northern Triangle countries to advance key Department priorities, including interdicting illegal narcotics, dismantling MS-13, the 18th Street Gang and other transnational criminal organizations, and combatting illegal migration and human trafficking. While in El Salvador, the Attorney General will also tour the International Law Enforcement Academy and participate in the Third Ministerial of the Northern Triangle Attorneys General in order to further strengthen our international law enforcement partnerships, which are critical to stopping the flow of drugs, illegal guns, and human trafficking before they can reach our Southern Border.
“International cooperation is the key to countering the scourge of MS-13 and other vicious transnational criminal organizations,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “We have to eradicate these gangs wherever we find them before they threaten the safety of all of our communities. In order to incapacitate MS-13 and similar groups, we will use all lawful tools within and outside our borders to make sure these criminals face justice. This trip is an important step in furthering this Administration priority.”
Armed Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Virginia man pleaded guilty yesterday to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to court documents, Leo Vaughn, 37, of Newport News, was found in possession of distribution quantities of marijuana and a large sum of cash during a routine traffic stop. When a search warrant was executed at his residence, law enforcement discovered several pounds of marijuana, more than $70,000 in cash and multiple firearms.
Vaughn pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of life in prison when sentenced on October 2. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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 Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Henry Coke Morgan, Jr., accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-cr-21.
Anchorage Man Charged with Illegal Possession of Machinegun and SilencersRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Michael Lee Graves, 20, of Anchorage, has been charged by criminal complaint with illegal possession of a machinegun and possession of an unregistered firearm (silencer). Graves was arrested on the charges on May 7, 2019, and was ordered detained pending trial.
According to the complaint, on April 28, 2019, the FBI received an online tip that Graves was posting racially motivated extremist views on his social media accounts, that he had weapons, and that the tipster was concerned about his potential for violence. That same day, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted a package from China addressed to “Mike G” at an Anchorage address. The complaint alleges the package contained a full auto selector switch for a Glock handgun. A full auto selector switch, which is not an authentic Glock part, is designed and intended to convert a semi-automatic pistol into a machinegun.
On May 7, 2019, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) conducted a controlled delivery of the package to Graves. The complaint alleges that Graves admitted to ordering the selector switch online, and that he also manufactured silencers from parts purchased online. A search of Graves’ apartment revealed two unregistered silencers, one of which had a swastika and “1488” painted on it.
If convicted, Graves faces a maximum of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the U.S. Customs and Border Control (CBP), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation leading to the charges in this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Sayers-Fay.
The FBI notes that this investigation began with a tip from a concerned citizen. The FBI encourages Alaskans who may have concerns or information about similar crimes to contact the FBI at 907-276-4441 or through its online anonymous tip portal.
The charges in the criminal complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
14 May 2019
“Broadway Bandit” Arrested 15 Days After Release from Federal Prison for Prior Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced that JAMIE FRIERSON was arrested for robbing a bank in the Bronx on May 8, 2019, 15 days after he was released from federal prison in connection with convictions for five previous bank robberies in Manhattan. FRIERSON was arrested this morning.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, nine days after being released from a stint in prison for bank robbery, ‘Broadway Bandit’ Jamie Frierson was back for a repeat performance, this time brazenly robbing a bank in the Bronx. His alleged threats of violence have again endangered the safety of New Yorkers. Thankfully, due to the hard work and rapid response of the FBI/NYPD Violent Crime Task Force, Frierson is now in custody.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “After being released from federal prison for robbing banks, Jamie Frierson allegedly went right back to the very crime that put him in jail in the first place. He clearly did not learn a lesson. Our FBI/NYPD Violent Crimes Task Force worked hard to track Mr. Frierson down before he was able to hit yet another bank.”
Commissioner James P. O’Neill said: “The rapid apprehension of this individual wouldn’t be possible without the active cooperation between the banking community and our local, state and federal law enforcement partners. By precisely targeting the relatively small percentage of people responsible for committing much of the violence in New York, we are making the safest large city in America even safer. We remain relentless in our efforts to identify, arrest, and prosecute anyone who involves themselves in such behavior whether it is on our streets or in our jails.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint[1] unsealed today and public court records:
On May 8, 2019, at approximately 2:54 p.m., FRIERSON entered a bank (“Bank-1”) at 120 East Fordham Road between Creston Avenue and East 190th Street in the Bronx, New York. Upon approaching a teller window at Bank-1, FRIERSON passed a note to a bank teller (“Teller-1”), which read: “I AM ARMED GIVE ME ALL OF IT! 100’S, 50’S, 20, 10 IMMEDIATELY NO DIE PACKS.” After providing Teller-1 with the note, FRIERSON told Teller-1, in substance and in part: “Give me all hundreds. Give me all your money. I’m armed.” Teller-1 gave FRIERSON approximately $200 of Bank-1’s money and FRIERSON fled.
FRIERSON was previously charged and convicted in the Southern District of New York after a jury trial for committing five bank robberies in Manhattan between August 16, 2017, and August 29, 2017. Evidence at trial established that the defendant committed these robberies by passing notes to tellers threatening that FRIERSON had a gun. FRIERSON was released from prison on April 29, 2019.
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FRIERSON, 49, of New York, New York, has been charged with one count of bank robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI/NYPD Violent Crime Task Force and the NYPD Warrants – BRONX/JAWS Team.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Aline R. Flodr, Sheb Swett, and Sagar K. Ravi are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Wichita Man Pleads Guilty to Liquor Store RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Wichita man pleaded guilty Monday to committing a liquor store robbery during which a clerk shot him in the leg, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Rayquan Hill, 19, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. In his plea, he admitted he and a co-defendant robbed F & K Liquor at 902 S. Woodlawn in Wichita. A store clerk shot Hill in the leg during the robbery. Hill was arrested at the scene. The co-defendant was arrested later that day at work.
Co-defendant Jamaryus Moore, 20, Wichita, Kan. is awaiting sentencing.
Hill is set for sentencing Aug. 5. He faces a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.
McAllister commended the Wichita Police Department, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith for their work on the case.
Westminster Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Westminster woman pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Worcester to stealing Social Security benefits.
Theresa Kenda Benedict, 55, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public funds and four counts of making false statements. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for Aug. 14, 2019. Benedict was arrested and charged in June 2018.
Benedict served as the representative payee for an individual who was receiving Social Security benefits. In 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, Benedict informed the Social Security Administration that she used all of the money she received as a representative payee for the beneficiary. However, Benedict had used some of the money for her own expenses. Between December 2007 and March 2016, the government alleges Benedict stole approximately $46,310 in Social Security benefits.
The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charges of making false statements each provide for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Waterloo Sex Offender Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Sawed Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
A Waterloo sex offender who possessed a sawed-off shotgun during a high-speed car chase in May 2018 was sentenced May 13, 2019, to eight years in federal prison.
Nicholas Allen Gilstrap, age 27, from Waterloo, received the prison term after an October 18, 2018, guilty plea to one count of possession of an unregistered national firearms act device.
Evidence at sentencing showed that, in the early morning hours of May 4, 2018, Gilstrap was driving a SUV in Waterloo, Iowa. Gilstrap was a fugitive, and his driver’s license was suspended. When officers spotted him, Gilstrap led the officers on a high-speed chase through the streets of Waterloo. The chase ended when Gilstrap crashed the SUV into a garage, severely damaging the garage, a car in the garage, and the SUV. Gilstrap ran from the scene. In the SUV, officers found a sawed-off shotgun, trazodone hydrochloride pills, and multiple debit cards belonging to other people. The sawed-off shotgun was loaded and had a slug in the chamber.
On May 10, 2018, officers arrested Gilstrap at a house in Waterloo. When officers knocked at the front door, Gilstrap tried to elude them by running out the back door. However, as Gilstrap tried to flee, he ran into a clothesline, splitting the bridge of his nose, and hastening his capture. Gilstrap is a sex offender with an extensive criminal history, including convictions for OWI, burglary, public intoxication, and failure to comply with sex offender registry requirements.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
Gilstrap was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Gilstrap was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to pay $32,540.44 in restitution to the owner of the garage, the owner of the SUV, and an insurance company that covered some of damages. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Gilstrap is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the Waterloo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-2051.
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Waco Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Bank Robberies in Temple and HewittRead the Press Release
In Waco today, 25-year-old Dallas Scott Bohanan pleaded guilty to committing two armed bank robberies, one of which resulted in Bohanan firing his weapon at a police officer, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
Appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Manske, Bohanan pleaded guilty to three counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and two counts of bank robbery. By pleading guilty, Bohanan admitted to robbing the Temple Santa Fe Community Credit Union located on West Avenue A in Temple on November 23, 2016, and stealing approximately $4,550 cash. He also admitted to robbing the Pointwest Bank located on North Hewitt Drive in Hewitt on February 5, 2019, and stealing approximately $3,500 cash. Bohanan further admitted to discharging firearms during those two bank robberies as well as during a third bank robbery on November 15, 2016, at the Chase Bank on North New Road in Waco.
According to court records, as he exited the Pointwest Bank on February 5, 2019, the defendant fired at least two rounds in the direction of a responding law enforcement officer. Bohanan left the scene in what authorities believe was the same vehicle used in the previous armed bank robberies. A vehicle chase ensued from Hewitt to Waco. During the pursuit, Bohanan allegedly fired two shotgun rounds at a chasing police vehicle. One of those rounds struck an officer in the arm. Bohanan ultimately lost control of his vehicle and crashed. He managed to leave the crash site on foot, but was later apprehended by Waco Police officers.
Bohanan faces a mandatory minimum of 30 years in federal prison and up to 80 years in federal prison. He remains in federal custody pending sentencing scheduled for September.
The FBI together with the Hewitt, Temple and Waco Police Departments investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Gloff is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Government.
United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Arriva Medical, LLC, Alere, Inc., and ConsultantRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – May 14, 2019 - The United States has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Arriva Medical, LLC (“Arriva”), its parent Alere, Inc. (“Alere”), and Ted Albin, of Stuart, Florida, a reimbursement consultant for Arriva and Alere, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee. The complaint alleges that the defendants submitted or caused false claims to be submitted to the Medicare program for medically unnecessary glucometers and paid kickbacks to Medicare beneficiaries in the form of free glucometers and waivers of their copayments. The complaint also alleges that Arriva submitted false claims to the Medicare program for diabetic testing services shipped to deceased beneficiaries.
On February 19, 2019, the United States filed a notice of intervention in an action against Arriva and Alere that was commenced under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. The notice informed the court that the United States intended to file a complaint against Arriva, Alere, and Albin.
Subsequently, on April 24, 2019, David Wallace and Timothy Stocksdale, the founders of Arriva who also worked as executives for Arriva for two years after its purchase by Alere, agreed to pay $500,000 each to settle False Claims Act allegations for their role in the alleged conduct.
This case is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee and the Justice Department’s Civil Division, with assistance from the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Bowden McIntyre and Trial Attorney Jake M. Shields of the Civil Division represent the United States.
The claims in which the United States has intervened are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. The lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Goodman v. Arriva Medical LLC; Alere, Inc., Case No. 3:13-cv-00760 (M.D. Tenn.).
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United States Attorney Comments on Law Enforcement Funding for SelmaRead the Press Release
The United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) today awarded $1 million to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to help law enforcement agencies respond to the increased homicides and gang crime in the city of Selma and the surrounding area. BJA invited ADECA, an established state agency with a recognized ability to oversee emergency law enforcement situations, to apply for funding under the Emergency Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Program (EFLEA). The EFLEA Program allows BJA to make funds available to a state government to respond effectively to an “uncommon situation,” one that is, or threatens to become, serious or epidemic in scope, and in which state and local resources are inadequate to protect the lives and property of citizens. The funding through this award will provide much needed equipment for law enforcement officers and overtime expenses to perform saturation patrols in high crime areas. This program supports the Department of Justice’s mission of reducing crime and supporting public safety personnel in the context of an emergency situation.
A separate Department of Justice initiative, known as Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN), targets and aims to lower violent crime across America. This effort has been largely successful and violent crime rates have fallen in most major cities in the United States over the past two years. The model to reduce violent crime is very simple: identify the “trigger pullers” who are the worst of the worst, and who are inflicting the most damage in our communities, and then prosecute them for the federal crimes that they commit. In the Southern District of Alabama, that means primarily prosecuting convicted felons who illegally possess firearms.
The PSN effort in Selma, Alabama is called “Weed and Seed” and is led by United States Attorney Richard W. Moore, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, with a Steering Committee of local civic leaders, city officials, law enforcement, educators, and business leaders.
The “Weed and Seed” concept was used previously to successfully reduce violent crime in Selma and it is a recognized brand in the community. “Weed and Seed” integrates law enforcement, community policing, prevention, intervention, treatment, and neighborhood restoration efforts. It is a comprehensive approach intended to empower citizens to take back their city from criminals.The Director of Selma’s Weed and Seed Steering Committee is retired Judge Maggie Drake-Peterson. “Judge Drake” was selected as the Director because of her commitment to Selma, her accomplishments as a state court judge in Michigan, and because she is a respected leader in Selma. Judge Drake was born in Orville, Alabama, and graduated from Keith High School as Valedictorian. Before graduating from law school, Judge Drake was a police officer in Detroit, Michigan. She was later elected to the Circuit Court bench in Wayne County, Michigan, where she served until she retired and returned to her home in Orville, Alabama. Since returning home, Judge Drake has been involved with a number of local community activities, including the Library Board of Selma/Dallas County, and the West Dallas Water Authority where she serves as the Chairperson. She is married to the Rev. Dr. Joe J. Peterson, a retired minister. Judge Drake is a trusted advisor to United States Attorney Richard Moore, and a strong leader for the Weed and Seed Steering Committee.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has steadily prosecuted federal criminal offenses in Selma with the help and collaboration of the FBI, ATF, DEA, the U.S. Marshal’s Office, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, the Selma Police Department, and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. Since early-2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has prosecuted 62 defendants who were located in Selma. These defendants have received an average sentence of approximately 47 months. Nineteen defendants who have been charged in a criminal drug conspiracy are set for trial in October 2019.
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore said, “This award from our federal partners in the Department of Justice will enable law enforcement to ramp up the arrest and prosecution of a violent element in Selma that has, for too long, made the city unsafe. We will not rest until Selma is safe again and order is restored. Selma is known as the ‘Queen of the Black Belt’ and is now poised to once again become a vibrant community on the Alabama River. The citizens of Selma have demonstrated that they have the will to take back their city. Our local, state and federal law enforcement partners are working tirelessly with us to eradicate violent crime in Selma, and to ‘seed’ in preventive measures that will make our progress sustainable. Selma has a bright future, due in part to the emergency funding to law enforcement.”The $1 million dollar award will be administered locally by the Dallas County Commission, which is chaired by Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn. Moore said, “The citizens of Dallas County and the City of Selma should be grateful that Judge Nunn and the Dallas County Commission are assuming this important function that will result in safer streets for both the County and Selma.”
U.S. Executive Sentenced to Prison for Role in Conspiracy to Violate Foreign Corrupt Practices ActRead the Press Release
The owner of a Hawaii-based engineering and consulting company was sentenced to 30 months in prison yesterday for his involvement in an international bribery conspiracy, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Sean Kaul of the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office.
Frank James Lyon, 53, a U.S. citizen residing in Hawaii, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan O. Mollway of the District of Hawaii. Lyon pleaded guilty on Jan. 22 to a one-count information filed in the District of Hawaii charging him with conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and to commit federal program fraud.
According to admissions made as part of his plea agreement, between 2006 and 2016, Lyon and his co-conspirators paid bribes to foreign officials in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and to Hawaii state officials in exchange for those officials’ assisting Lyon’s company in obtaining and retaining contracts valued at more than $10 million. The bribes included, among other things, cash to FSM officials and Hawaii officials, and vehicles, gifts and entertainment for FSM officials.
In a related matter, Master Halbert, 44, a Micronesian citizen and government official, pleaded guilty on April 2, before Judge Mollway to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2019.
Trial Attorney Katherine Raut of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General provided significant assistance.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters. Additional information about the department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
U.S. Attorney's Office Hosts Town Hall Panel Discussion to Highlight the Issue of Childhood TraumaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Community Prosecution Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia will host a Town Hall Panel Discussion, “Clergy Can Combat Childhood Trauma,” at the Hughes Memorial United Methodist Church in Northeast, Washington, D.C. on May 16, 2019, at 6:30 p.m.
The faith-based community plays an essential role in educating, motivating and mobilizing the community. Over the past year, there has been a sharp increase in homicides throughout the District of Columbia. This town hall discussion seeks to provide faith-based organizations and the community at large with a deeper understanding of the impact of childhood trauma, particularly violent trauma, and provide them with resources and tools to combat childhood trauma through programming, counseling services, and changing the way they interact with traumatized youth and adults. “These discussions help us understand how children and adolescents cope with trauma and the psychological stress associated with extended periods of feeling at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu. “If we can stop young people’s exposure to violence early, we can stop its impact from spreading through the community.”
The panel will consist of grassroots practitioners, educators and mental health professionals who have experience addressing or combatting the effects of childhood trauma and/or working with clergy members to address mental health issues in the community.
Organizers encourage both the faith-based organization, city leaders, and the community as a whole to participate in the discussion. For more information or to RSVP for the program, please contact Monica Veney, 5th District Community Outreach Specialist, [email protected], (202)-698-0145.
U.S. Attorney recognizes the service of police officers during National Police Week, particularly Officers Mathew J. Mazany and Vu X. NguyenRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2019.
In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, which the President signed,
declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
“During Police Week, our nation celebrates the hard work, dedication and commitment of police officers from around the country. Here in Northern Ohio, we particularly recognize the sacrifice of Cleveland Police Officer Vu Nguyen and Mentor Police Officer Mathew Mazany, both of whom we lost during 2018 while they were on-duty and keeping our community safe,” Herdman said.
According to statistics reported to the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2018, including two officers here in the Northern District of Ohio -- Mentor Officer Mathew J. Mazany and Cleveland Officer Vu X. Nguyen.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2018 https://ucr.fbi.gov/leoka/2018/ released this week by the FBI.
The names of all 106 fallen officers were formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2019. The Candlelight Vigil was one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2019.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
U.S. Attorney Weisman Recognizes National Police WeekRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Weisman recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers in Rhode Island and from across the country on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed through Saturday.
In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, which the President signed, declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
Earlier today, U.S. Attorney Weisman joined fellow members of law enforcement, current and retired, their families and friends, and community leaders in Cranston to honor and remember members of law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“Each and every day members of every community in Rhode Island leave their families and their homes to serve and to protect us, not knowing what the day or night will bring. They do so without question and without expectation of thanks,” commented United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman.
“During Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers across the state and across the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment in keeping our communities safe. We especially remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. As United States Attorney for Rhode Island, I want to acknowledge all members of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement who often face uncertain and dangerous situations. We want them to know they have our unwavering support and appreciation.”
According to statistics reported to the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2018.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2018 https://ucr.fbi.gov/leoka/2018/ released this week by the FBI.
The names of all 106 fallen officers nationwide was formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil on Monday evening. The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2019.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org
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U.S. Attorney Thanks and Honors Law Enforcement During Police WeekRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland - U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur sent the following message to law enforcement officers serving in Maryland:
“Working with the exceptional men and women of Maryland law enforcement is one of the true highlights of my work as U.S. Attorney. To witness daily the courage and honor with which they serve is inspirational, and a source of pride to be part of such a dedicated profession that risks all in service to others. Thank you for your courage and your devotion to justice.”
In 2019, National Peace Officers Memorial Day falls on Wednesday, May 15. The official dates for National Police Week are May 12 through May 18, although many events are taking place before or after those dates. During National Police Week, we pay tribute to police officers who have died in the line of duty and give thanks to officers who faithfully protect and serve.
This year, according to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, the names of 158 officers killed in the line of duty in 2018 will be engraved on the wall of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. Sadly, two Maryland officers will be added to the Memorial this year:
Sergeant Mujahid Abdul Mumin Ramzziddin
Prince George's County Police Department, MD
Police Officer Amy Sorrells Caprio
Baltimore County Police Department, MD
Every day agents, officers, deputies, and troopers risk their lives to protect our communities. For example, in April of 2019, a convicted felon was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison after his conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Court records show that two Baltimore police officers responding to a call for a man with a gun approached a suspect who produced a firearm. In the ensuing struggle, the suspect shot and wounded one officer, but was quickly taken into custody without further violence. That violent repeat offender will spend over a decade in federal prison, and the community is safer for the valiant efforts of those two police officers.
The successful collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement are a testament to the diligence, courage, and dedication of its members. Due to the extraordinary efforts of these professionals, violent individuals are removed from our neighborhoods. For example, on October 31, 2018, Terrell Sivells of Baltimore was convicted for his role in a racketeering conspiracy that included eight murders and drug trafficking. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison. Members of the Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County Police Departments, the FBI, ATF, and DEA, along with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office investigated and prosecuted Sivells, his brother Montana Barronette, and their fellow gang members for murder, drug distribution, armed robbery and witness intimidation. They were part of a gang known as Trained To Go (TTG) that operated in the Sandtown neighborhood of West Baltimore, and was one of the most violent gangs in the City.
These cases are but two examples of the extraordinary work done by law enforcement officers and agents in Maryland. During this week of national recognition, it is appropriate that we thank and honor these dedicated professionals. It is even more important that we never forget their service, bravery, and sacrifice.
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U.S. Attorney Recognizes Law Enforcement Service During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Maria Chapa Lopez recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2019, and remembers those law enforcement officers killed and assaulted in 2018. During this month, communities throughout the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) will hold public memorial services honoring fallen officers and showing support for their families. In addition, multiple agencies will embark upon various media campaigns to strengthen connections between officers and citizens and to show appreciation for the officers’ continued service. The MDFL is home to more than 160 law enforcement agencies.
In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, which the President signed, declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
“The Middle District of Florida joins the entire nation in saluting police officers throughout the country for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice in keeping our communities safe,” stated U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez. “We appreciate the tenacity and commitment of our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners who often place themselves in harm’s way to protect us, daily. They have our unwavering support.”
According to statistics reported to the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2018, including 1officer, Adam Edward Jobbers-Miller, here in the Middle District of Florida.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2018 https://ucr.fbi.gov/leoka/2018/ released this week by the FBI.
The names of all 106 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2019. No tickets are required and everyone is welcome. For additional information please call 202-737-3400.
Five Middle District of Florida officers were added to the Memorial this year: Deputy Sheriff Kevin James Stanton from the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Officer Lance Christian Whitaker from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Officer Thomas Coulter from the Daytona Beach Police Department, Officer Adam Edward Jobbers-Miller from the Fort Myers Police Department, and Deputy Sheriff Benjamin LeMont Zirbel from the Clay County Sheriff's Office.
The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2019.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
U.S. Attorney Letter to Portland City Council on Police Bureau Gun Violence Reduction TeamRead the Press Release
Dear Mayor Wheeler and Commissioners,
I am writing in support of the Portland Police Bureau’s Gun Violence Reduction Team. I want to make sure you are aware this unit of PPB’s Tactical Operations Division is part of a multi-agency metro region collaboration to reduce gun violence in Multnomah County. This unit is made up of officers with significant regional expertise and a deep knowledge of the community.
As part of the Justice Department’s National Project Safe Neighborhood program, the Portland Area Crime Gun Initiative was formed in August 2017 with partners from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Portland Police Bureau, Gresham Police Department, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, Oregon State Police, Oregon State Crime Lab, FBI and ATF. Using national research in reducing gun violence, partners committed to improving policies, practices and collaboration when responding to shootings in the metro area including outreach and prevention efforts. Part of the improvements undertaken by PPB included revised policies on investigating gun crimes and creating the Gun Violence Reduction Team to examine and triage investigations on every shooting in the city. Some of the data and successes of this effort were contained in a recent PPB press release on gun violence in Portland.
Using objective ballistics technology and shared investigative resources, we are connecting the dots more rapidly on shootings and increasing the opportunity to prevent the next tragedy.
The Gun Violence Reduction Team has been a critical partner in the Portland Area Crime Gun Initiative and officers have been active in training other investigators in Oregon and Washington. Local and federal partners have committed resources to this effort for the benefit of the community including providing needed training and federally funded equipment for investigators.
Thank you for your continued support for this critical public safety effort.
Sincerely,
BILLY J. WILLIAMS
United States Attorney
U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM — U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2019.
In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, which the President signed, declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
“During Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, and especially in the Northern District of Alabama, by recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe. As the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, I want to acknowledge the work performed by our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the decision made to protect and serve knowing that at any moment they could find themselves facing dangerous situations. We must never forget the families of these brave men and women, you have our respect and support. This week let us all take time to recognize the sacrifices of every member of law enforcement, especially those fallen officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.”
According to statistics reported to the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2018.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2018 https://ucr.fbi.gov/leoka/2018/ released this week by the FBI.
The names of all 106 fallen officers nationwide were formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2019.
The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2019.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
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Two New Jersey Residents Indicted in Johnstown on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Two New Jersey residents were indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on May 7, 2019, on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count indictment named Jamel T. Brown, 37, and Beatrice Ortiz, 31, both of Camden, New Jersey.
According to the indictment presented to the court, on October 25, 2018, Brown and Ortiz distributed more than 28 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack," and possessed with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison and a fine of $5,000,000 or both for each Brown and Ortiz. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Brown and Ortiz.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Executives Indicted for Theft from an Oklahoma Tribe’s BusinessesRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Oklahoma returned a twelve-count indictment last Wednesday afternoon charging two individuals in connection with the theft and embezzlement of funds from business entities wholly owned by the Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town (AQTT) of Wetumka, Oklahoma.
The AQTT is a tribal town located in Oklahoma with an enrollment of around 280 members. As a component of the original Creek Confederacy, AQTT’s members have dual citizenship with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The AQTT-owned business entities focus primarily on federal contract procurement in Huntsville, Alabama.
Charged in the indictment are AARON DEWAYNE TERRY, age 66, of Wichita Falls, Texas, and CHRISTINA ROCHELLE ANGLIN, age 44, of Burnsville, North Carolina.
The defendants are charged with the following counts in the indictment: Counts One through Eight – THEFT BY AN AGENT OF AN INDIAN TRIBAL GOVERNMENT RECEIVING FEDERAL FUNDS, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A); Count Nine – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT THEFT OR BRIBERY OF PROGRAMS RECEIVING FEDERAL FUNDS, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371; Count Ten – WIRE FRAUD, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343; Count Eleven – CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT WIRE FRAUD, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349; and Count Twelve - BRIBERY CONCERNING PROGRAMS RECEIVING FEDERAL FUNDS, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(B).
During the time of the conspiracy, from 2012 to 2019, CHRISTINA ROCHELLE ANGLIN was the Controller, and later the Chief Financial Officer, for all the AQTT-owned business entities. AARON DEWAYNE TERRY, likewise, held various executive management and control positions within the AQTT-owned business entities during this period.
Counts One through Eight, and Count Twelve, each carry a statutory range of punishment of not more than ten years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.00. The statutory range of punishment for Count Nine is not more than 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.00. Counts Ten and Eleven each carry a statutory range of punishment of not more than 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.00.
Agencies responsible for the multi-year investigation, which led to the indictment, include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Office of Inspector General – General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General – Small Business Administration, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and Army Criminal Investigation Command.
Indictments are not findings of guilt. Individuals charged in indictments are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.
Twenty-Nine Indicted for Large Scale Heroin Trafficking Operations Originating from MexicoRead the Press Release
Twenty-nine members and coconspirators of a drug trafficking organization with ties to Mexico’s New Generation Cartel have been indicted for their alleged roles in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiring to possess and distribute heroin, money laundering and other related charges.
The charges were announced Tuesday at a press conference in Tulsa by U.S. Attorney Trent Shores for the Northern District of Oklahoma; Resident Agent in Charge David King of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tulsa Office; Resident Agent in Charge Robert Melton of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations’ Tulsa Office; Senior Deputy Oklahoma Attorney General Joy Thorpe; and Deputy Chief Dennis Larsen of the Tulsa Police Department.
“Operation Smack Dragon targeted a transnational heroin distribution organization based out of Mexico and operating in Tulsa. With this Indictment, we hope to disrupt and dismantle this organization’s operations in Tulsa and elsewhere,” said U.S. Attorney Shores. “The 29 defendants charged today are only a start to our multi-state and multi-agency takedown. The investigation continues thanks to the tireless and dedicated efforts of the men and women of law enforcement.”
The indictment alleges that the Giovanni Drug Trafficking Organization began a heroin distribution network run out of Mexico, with operations led from Tulsa, as early as November 2017. The alleged organization imported, processed, and distributed approximately two kilograms of heroin per week throughout the Northern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, using multiple levels of distribution to get the drug into the hands of users. The United States Attorney’s Office notes that an indictment is merely an accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This criminal indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on May 9, 2019, and was unsealed on May 14.
According to the Indictment, the alleged transnational criminal organization’s hierarchy had clearly defined roles, as leaders from Mexico supplied heroin to the Tulsa “cell heads.” These “cell heads” were originally from Mexico but lived in Tulsa. Stille Giovanni Gutierrez Vivanco, allegedly directed, from Mexico, the overall drug trafficking operations in Tulsa by delegating responsibilities for the import and distribution of the heroin and for the movement of the proceeds from heroin sales. According to the Indictment, the criminal organization smuggled heroin into the United States and transported the drug to storage locations in Tulsa where they prepared it for distribution throughout the United States. After preparing the heroin, the coconspirators would repackage it for distribution to mid-level distributers, who would then redistribute it to street-level dealers until it eventually found its way into the hands of customers.
The indictment alleges that a select group of redistributors were the only group that would contact the “cell heads” in Tulsa directly. The “cell heads” in Tulsa included a person responsible for driving drugs up from Mexico, a person responsible for distributing drugs to the top level of distributors, and a person in charge of getting the organization’s money funneled back to Mexico. The conspirators allegedly laundered the proceeds from heroin sales using money remitter businesses in Tulsa. As part of the money laundering operations, the defendants utilized nominee names to transmit funds through wire transfers from Oklahoma and elsewhere to Mexico. A “nominee name” is used to hide the true recipient of the money.
According to the Indictment, Stille Giovanni Guiterrez Vivanco, 34, is alleged to have led this international drug trafficking organization. “Cell heads” included Jose Garcia, 36, of Tulsa, and Edson Garcia-Velasquez, 25, of Tulsa. Norman Fabian Huerta Avalos, 36, served in various capacities, including coordinating assignments for other organization members and serving as dispatch.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation in partnership with the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigation; the Oklahoma State Attorney General’s Office; and Tulsa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel-lyn McCormick is prosecuting this case. AUSA McCormick is the Lead Attorney for the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Unit for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Turtle Creek Man Charged with Attempted Possession of FentanylRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a charge of Attempt to Possess with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Thomas E. Washington, Jr., age 56, of Turtle Creek, PA, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about December 18, 2017, Washington attempted to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
The law provides for a minimum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Yvonne M. Saadi is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Teen from Pittsburgh’s Crafton Heights Neighborhood Indicted on Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Jamar Perminter, age 19, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on or about May 10, 2019, Perminter possessed with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of heroin.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $5,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Czarnecki is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
St. Louis Man Sentenced to Prison for Large Scale Fentanyl Distribution SchemeRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Walter D. Justiniano, 42, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possessing with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. He appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Court Judge John Ross.
According to court documents, in 2016 the Drug Enforcement Administration, St. Louis, Missouri office initiated an investigation into a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) that was distributing large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in the Eastern District of Missouri. Through investigative means, investigators learned that Gerald Hunter was the out of state supplier of these illegal drugs. On April 27, 2017, investigators learned that Hunter was arriving in St. Louis from Los Angeles, California. Investigators conducted surveillance and observed Kashita Webb, Gerald Hunter, and Walter Justiniano as they traveled to a storage unit located in Florissant, Missouri. Investigators watched as Hunter and Justiniano exited the storage unit carrying two large bags to a waiting vehicle. Investigators suspected the bags contained illegal drugs and attempted to stop Hunter, Justiniano, and Webb. Hunter dropped the bags and fled on foot, and Webb was detained at the vehicle. Justiniano attempted to flee the area on foot but was located and arrested. Investigators determined the bags carried by Hunter contained approximately twenty-seven (27) heat-sealed packages containing 26.5 kilograms of fentanyl. Investigators processed one of the packages of fentanyl and identified Hunter’s and Justiniano’s fingerprints on the package.
“Every day across the state of Missouri and beyond, the men and women of the DEA are fighting to get dangerous drugs off our streets,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan of the Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Division. “Today’s sentencing is just another reminder that no matter where a trafficker lives or a shipment originates, we will find the drug trafficking organization, we will dismantle it and we will bring those responsible for bringing poison into our communities back to St. Louis to seek justice.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Erin Granger is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Second Defendant Pleads Guilty in Multimillion Dollar Prize Promotion Scam Affecting Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
A second defendant charged with operating a multimillion mass-mailing fraud scheme pleaded guilty on Tuesday, May 14, in federal court on Long Island, the Department of Justice announced.
Shaun Sullivan, 37, of Merrick, New York, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud for sending prize-promotion mailings that led recipients, many of whom were elderly and vulnerable, to believe that they could claim a large cash prize in exchange for a modest fee. This was false; victims who submitted fees, which in total exceeded $30 million, did not receive large sums of money.
Sullivan worked with others, including Tully Lovisa of Huntington Station, New York, who operated the prize-promotion mailing scheme in violation of court orders that resulted from a lawsuit against him by the Federal Trade Commission. Lovisa pleaded guilty in October 2018.
“The Department of Justice will bring to justice those who exploit elderly consumers in violation of federal law,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We are actively working with our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to stop and punish schemes that harm consumers."
“Sullivan preyed on consumers, many of them vulnerable and elderly, by sending fraudulent mailings designed to trick them into believing they had won a cash prize; he then lined his own pockets with the fees he extracted from the victims,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “Protecting the community from mass mailing fraud schemes remains a priority of this Office and the Department of Justice.”
“Today’s plea is an example of the coordinated efforts of law enforcement to protect the vulnerable and older Americans, who were specifically targeted to receive bogus solicitations to lure the unsuspecting ‘prize winner’ to send money that was subsequently used for Mr. Sullivan and his co-conspirators own enrichment;” said Inspector in Charge Philip R. Bartlett of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Tuesday’s plea took place before United States District Judge Joanna Seybert. When sentenced, Sullivan faces up to 20 years in prison, forfeiture, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or gross loss from the offense.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Daniel Zytnick and Timothy Finley of the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles P. Kelly of the Eastern District of New York. Assistant United States Attorney Tanisha R. Payne is in charge of issues related to forfeiture.
Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. In particular, this past February the Department announced the largest elder fraud enforcement action in American history, charging more than 200 defendants in a nationwide elder fraud sweep. The Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny.
Schuylkill County Man Sentenced to over Eight Years’ Imprisonment for Allowing Drug Traffickers to Store Heroin in His HomeRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Paul Jadus, age 53, of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 13, 2019, by Senior U.S. District Court Judge James M. Munley to 100 months’ imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release for his role in a large-scale heroin trafficking conspiracy that operated in the Schuylkill County area from 2012 to late 2015.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Jadus previously admitted to allowing drug traffickers to store between 700 grams and one kilogram of heroin in his Shenandoah home. That drug quantity is equivalent to between 28,000 and 40,000 retail bags of heroin.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Shenandoah Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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Purvis Man Sentenced to 10 Months for Sending ObsceneMaterial to a MinorRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Mark Randy Magee, 61, of Purvis, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for transferring obscene materials to a minor under the age of 16, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood. Magee was also ordered to pay $28,000 in restitution to the victim and register as a sex offender.
On January 15, 2016, a woman reported to the Salem Police Department in Salem, Illinois, that her 14 year-old daughter had received graphic, sexually explicit, videos on the child’s iPad from a man named "Randy M." During the online "chats", the man said he was 48 years old and lived in Mississippi.
Further investigation led FBI agents to Mark Randy Magee in Purvis, Mississippi.A search warrant was executed on Magee’s home and electronic devices were seized that confirmed the online "chats" and sexually explicit videos sent to the child in Illinois.
On September 7, 2018, Magee was charged in a federal indictment with transferring obscene materials to a minor under the age of 16. He pled guilty before Judge Starrett on January 31, 2019. Magee has a prior felony conviction for attempting to meet with a minor in Ohio for unlawful sexual contact.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office jointly investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Glenda R. Haynes.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Perry Housing Project Ringleader Sentenced on Drug, Money Laundering, and Firearms 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 Tyshawn Bradley, 33, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine within 1000 feet of the Perry Housing Projects, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and possession of an unregistered, sawed off rifle, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to serve 30 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Michael J. Adler, who handled the prosecution, stated that the defendant was the head of a narcotics trafficking ring that operated primarily in the Perry Housing Projects in Buffalo. Bradley maintained several apartments on the grounds of those projects, operated by the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, where members of his organization sold crack cocaine on a daily basis.
The defendant was arrested along with nine others on April 3, 2013, following the execution of search warrants several locations in the City of Buffalo and Cheektowaga, including at 124 Fulton Street and 305 Perry Street, which are located at the Perry Housing Projects. During the searches at the Perry Housing Projects, officers recovered over 300 grams of crack cocaine and 700 grams of powered cocaine as well as a sawed-off, 9mm semiautomatic rifle that belong to Bradley.
In addition, between October 2011 and April 3, 2013, the defendant conspired with others to purchase multiple houses in the City of Buffalo using the proceeds of his crack cocaine distribution organization. As part of the money laundering conspiracy, the properties were purchased by co-defendant Nannette Brown to conceal Bradley as the true owner of the properties.
Judge Vilardo concluded that, in addition to being a leader of the organization, defendant also used a minor to commit his drug trafficking offense. Additionally, the Court also found that the defendant possessed an arsenal of firearms and ammunition, and that defendant obstructed justice by threatening multiple witnesses. Most significantly, the Court found that defendant was responsible for the murder of Andre James on January 29, 2011. The evidence presented to the Court established that the defendant first shot another individual in the left jaw of his face, twice in the arm, and once in the hip. The defendant then shot James multiple times, killing him.
The murder was investigated by the Buffalo Police Department’s homicide detectives, who obtained the shell casings and evidence necessary to connect Bradley to the murder. Bradley’s involvement in this murder prompted the initial involvement of the FBI into Bradley’s drug trafficking activities.
To date, all 10 charged defendants have been convicted and Bradley is the final defendant to be sentenced.
Today’s sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gary Loeffert, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
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Pawtucket Man Facing 10 Years to Life in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A suspected drug trafficker who fled members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force in Pawtucket in early April and was arrested the next day in Fall River is facing a minimum of 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty in federal court in Providence today to fentanyl and cocaine trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
In early April members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force suspected that Luis Leon, 24, was expecting a large shipment of fentanyl. Task force members established surveillance of Leon’s Pawtucket residence, and on April 9 watched as an individual entered Leon’s residence carrying a large duffel bag. A short time later, Leon left the residence carrying the duffel bag, which he placed in the back of a dark colored pickup truck, and then drove off in the truck.
As law enforcement moved into position to follow Leon, he repeatedly looked in his rear view mirrors at their vehicle. As they attempted to effect a traffic stop, signaling Leon to stop by illuminating their flashing lights and engaging their siren, he drove off at a high rate of speed. Because of the reckless manner in which Leon was operating the truck, investigators did not pursue the vehicle. They continued to drive the route Leon’s truck appeared to take, coming upon an accident scene a short distance away. Witnesses told police that a pickup truck struck a vehicle causing the vehicle to careen into a building. Witnesses told police the pickup truck fled the accident scene without stopping.
Several minutes later, law enforcement learned that a pickup truck with heavy front end damage was pulled into a nearby parking lot and abandoned. A witness advised law enforcement that he saw the driver get out of the vehicle, toss a duffel bag into bushes nearby, and run off. The description of the driver fit the description of Leon. Agents retrieved the bag, which was found to contain approximately 634.4 grams of suspected fentanyl and approximately 429.5 grams of suspected cocaine.
Later that night members of the task force developed information that Leon was likely staying at a residence in Fall River. They established surveillance of the residence and arrested Leon the following afternoon as he exited the building.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Leon pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2019.
Possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl is punishable by statutory penalties of 10 years to life imprisonment and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to lifetime. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine is punishable by statutory penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to lifetime.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
The FBI’s Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, RI State Police, Providence, Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, and Central Falls Police Departments, R.I. Department of Corrections, and the Rhode Island National Guard.
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Parkersburg Woman Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg woman pled guilty to aggravated identity theft in connection with illegally obtaining a firearm, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Erica Nicole Blake, 36, entered her guilty plea before Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“Blake knows she is prohibited from purchasing or possessing a gun due to her previous felony conviction,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “So she tried to pass off as someone else. We prosecute those who lie to buy firearms.”
On November 10, 2017, Blake used a West Virginia driver’s license belonging to another person as a means of photo identification during the purchase of a KAHR Arms .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol from a licensed firearms dealer in Parkersburg. Blake used the stolen identification in order to fraudulently pass the background check. Blake was prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm as a result of having been convicted of felony forgery and uttering in 2012.
On December 6, 2017, approximately three weeks after Blake purchased the pistol, a Parkersburg Police Officer recovered it from Mark Matthew Smith during a traffic stop on Wood Street. Blake was driving the vehicle, and Smith was a passenger. An officer located the pistol in the floorboard where Smith was sitting. Smith was wearing a concealed carry holster for the pistol. Smith has felony convictions of forgery and uttering as well as grand larceny. He has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and is set for trial on June 25, 2019.
Blake faces a mandatory sentence of 2 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on August 14, 2019. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is responsible for the prosecution.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
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Owner of High-End Wine Storage Facility Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Embezzling from His CustomersRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – William Lamont Holder, age 54, of Hanover, Maryland, pleaded guilty on May 14, 2019 to a federal wire fraud charge for stealing between $550,000 and $1.5 million of wine from his clients, primarily private collectors and commercial establishments.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Acting Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Moore of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare.
According to his plea agreement, William Lamont Holder was the sole owner and operator of Safe Harbour Wine Storage, LLC (“Safe Harbour”). Through Safe Harbour, Holder stored and transported upscale wines for private collectors and commercial establishments. In return for a monthly fee, Holder would arrange for the transportation of a customer’s wine to Safe Harbour’s storage facility in Glen Burnie, Maryland, where it would be inventoried and stored. Holder did not possess a license to sell wine in the State of Maryland.
From January 2013 through December 2017, Holder developed a scheme to obtain payments and wine from the customers of Safe Harbour for his own personal financial gain. Unbeknownst to his customers, he offered their wine for sale to wine retailers and brokers around the country, including in Napa, California, all the while continuing to collect the customers’ monthly storage fees and accept additional wine for storage.
Holder represented to potential third-party buyers that he was the lawful owner of the wine that he was offering to sell. By e-mail and facsimile, he sent them lists of bottles of wine stored in his warehouse with detailed descriptions of the winery, vintage, and asking price. After the buyers selected the bottles they wanted to purchase, Holder boxed and shipped the wine, and sent his bank account information. After inspecting the shipment of wine, the buyers would either wire the money directly into Holder’s bank account or send a check. Holder kept the proceeds from the sales and spent it on personal expenses.
Holder and the government have agreed that, if the Court accepts the plea agreement, he will be sentenced to 18 months in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake has scheduled sentencing for July 31, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, and the Anne Arundel County Police Department for their work in this investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Martin Clarke, who prosecuted the federal case.
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Orlando Woman Pleads Guilty to Committing Fraud While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Lavitress Williams (39, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud and five counts of passing counterfeit checks. She faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count, and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each count of passing a counterfeit check. Williams will also be ordered to pay restitution to her victims.
According to court documents, in 2013, Williams was sentenced to five years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a scheme involving counterfeit travelers’ checks that were passed at Target stores located throughout the southeastern United States. After she was released from prison, and while serving on federal supervised release, Williams engaged in another fraud scheme in which she passed counterfeit checks at Walgreens and CVS stores in central Florida.
Over the course of more than five months, Williams passed, or attempted to pass, counterfeit checks at more than 30 drugstores. The total amount of actual and attempted losses associated with the scheme is estimated at over $60,000.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, with assistance from the Eatonville Police Department, the Maitland Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Winter Park Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Olean Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child PornographyRead 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 Jacob Tunison, 30, of Olean, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wei Xiang, who is handling the case, stated that in November of 2018, Tunison used Facebook to communicate with a minor female who was less than 16 years old. The defendant sent numerous lewd images of himself to the minor and solicited the minor to produce and send various images of herself to him.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Cuba Police Department, under the direction of Chief Dustin Burch, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jamestown Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 22, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
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O.C. Man Pleads Guilty to Running Down Federal Officer with His CarRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – An Aliso Viejo man pleaded guilty this morning to federal charges stemming from a vehicular assault that severely injured an employee of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the federal building in Laguna Niguel.
Geoffrey Donald Rickner, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of assault on a federal employee by use of a dangerous and deadly weapon and inflicting bodily injury, a felony offense that carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
Rickner admitted driving his Mercedes-Benz sedan into CBP Security Specialist Jose Gutierrez on March 3, 2016 at the Chet Holifield Federal Building, which is commonly known as the Ziggurat Building. Mr. Gutierrez, who was in a well-marked crosswalk and wearing his federal employee identification card, suffered permanent and life-threatening injuries – including head trauma, broken ribs, internal bleeding and badly damaged legs – that put him in the hospital for nearly three weeks and continue to cause him pain and physical impairment.
When Rickner struck Mr. Gutierrez, the vehicle was travelling at such a high rate of speed that it continued traveling into the Ziggurat, going through a metal garage door, and stopping only when it struck a concrete wall inside the building.
Rickner had been behaving suspiciously in the hours leading up to the assault on Mr. Gutierrez, prompting building security personnel at one point to detain him, during which he made comments about owing money to the Internal Revenue Service, according to documents previously filed in this case.
Rickner pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge James V. Selna, who scheduled a sentencing hearing on October 7.
The investigation in this case is being conducted by the FBI and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Keenan of the Santa Ana Branch Office.
Newly Unsealed Federal Indictment Charges 4 Men with Committing Murders to Increase Positions in Violent Chicago Street GangRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Four men sought to maintain and increase their positions in a violent Chicago street gang when they committed fatal shootings on the city’s Northwest Side, according to a newly unsealed federal indictment.
Charged with committing murder in aid of racketeering are HECTOR ROJAS, 26, JOSE MARTINEZ, 25, SANTO LOZOYA, 21, and PEDRO NAVARRO, 22, all of Chicago. Navarro is also charged with committing two attempted murders in aid of racketeering.
The indictment was returned last month by a federal grand jury in Chicago, and it was ordered unsealed on May 9, 2019. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly set a status hearing for June 20, 2019, at 1:30 p.m., in federal court in Chicago.
The defendants are members of the Milwaukee Kings street gang, according to the indictment. All four defendants are currently in law enforcement custody.
The indictment 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 Eddie Johnson, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeannice Appenteng and Jordan Matthews.
“Combating violent gangs like the Milwaukee Kings is a top priority in our office,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “With this indictment, we’ve taken a major step toward removing violent offenders from the streets of Chicago.”
“When gang members engage in drug trafficking and other violent crimes, fear is generated in our communities,” said SAC Sallet. “This indictment demonstrates our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to keep our streets safe. Together we will remove armed, violent criminals from our neighborhoods and bring them to justice.”
The indictment alleges that the Milwaukee Kings is a criminal organization whose members and associates engaged in narcotics trafficking and committed acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, and assault. Members of the Milwaukee Kings boasted of the gang’s activities on social media, threatened violence against rival gang members, and took steps to prevent law enforcement’s detection of criminal activities, according to the indictment.
Navarro is accused in the indictment of murdering Xavier Soto on April 27, 2017, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing Navarro’s position in the gang. Soto, 15, was fatally shot in the 4900 block of West George Street in Chicago’s Cragin neighborhood. Navarro also attempted to murder two other individuals on the same day as the Soto killing, the indictment states.
Martinez and Lozoya are accused of killing Crispin Coliz on Dec. 16, 2016, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing their positions in the gang, the indictment states. Coliz, 28, was fatally shot in the 7200 block of West Grace Street in Chicago’s Dunning neighborhood.
The indictment accuses Rojas of murdering Daniel Guerra on Sept. 2, 2015, for the purpose of maintaining and increasing Rojas’s position in the gang. Guerra, 19, was fatally shot in the 5900 block of West Diversey Avenue in Chicago’s Belmont Cragin neighborhood.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Murder in aid of racketeering is punishable by a mandatory sentence of life in prison, and the death penalty is also possible. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
New Carlisle Man Convicted Following 2-Day Jury TrialRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Kevin Clinton, age 62, of New Carlisle, Indiana was convicted on 4 counts of mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
U.S. District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr, presided over this two day jury trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, Clinton was employed as the Chief Information Officer at a business in South Bend. From about March 2012 through October 2017, he executed a scheme in which he incorporated a business and used a virtual office to submit fraudulent billings to his employer totaling over $2.2 million. Clinton’s employer sent checks to his virtual office as payment for these “fake” services. His employer did not know Clinton owned the business.
Mr. Clinton’s sentencing is set for August 22, 2019.
The case was investigated by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander and Joel Gabrielse.
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National Police Week Is May 12-18, 2019Read the Press Release
HAMMOND- U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2019.
In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, which the President signed,declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Police Week celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe. As the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, I want to acknowledge the work performed by federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, who often face uncertain and dangerous situations without question and without expectation of thanks. We want them to know they have our unwavering support and appreciation.”
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
Minneapolis Man Sentenced to 90 Months in Prison for Selling Heroin on the White Earth ReservationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of STEVEN MITCHELL GANT, 38, to 90 months in prison for conspiring to distribute heroin on the White Earth Indian Reservation. GANT, who pleaded guilty on January 16, 2019, was sentenced today before Senior Judge Michael J. Davis in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed with the court, from October 2017 through February 20, 2018, GANT conspired with another individual to distribute heroin on the White Earth Indian Reservation and the surrounding communities. The heroin was obtained from a source in Texas and then transported to Minnesota, where GANT acquired it. GANT admitted to traveling to the White Earth Indian Reservation to sell heroin approximately 25 times.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force, the West Central Minnesota Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, the White Earth Police Department, and the Becker County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Deidre Y. Aanstad prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
STEVEN MITCHELL GANT, 38
Minneapolis, Minn.
Convicted:
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 90 months in prison
- Five years of supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600