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14 May 2019
Four Plead Guilty to Federal Charges of Selling Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Jeremy D. Stidham, Dario Adrian Mauriz-Cruz, Wayne Russell Fugate, and Larry Joe Burton have all entered guilty pleas to federal charges related to stolen firearms. Stidham and Mauriz-Cruz pleaded guilty to stealing firearms and selling them. Fugate pleaded guilty to buying stolen firearms and illegally possessing more than 25 firearms, as a convicted felon. Burton pleaded guilty to possessing two stolen firearms, including a M-16 semi-automatic rifle stolen from law enforement.
In September and October 2017, several locations in Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee experienced a number of vehicle break-ins, where firearms, credit cards and other items were stolen. A multi-jurisdictional task force investigation identified Stidham and Mauriz-Cruzas the primary suspects. The investigation also established that more than 50 firearms had been stolen, along with other personal property. These firearms were sold to at least two others, including Fugate and Burton.
In executing a search warrant at Fugate’s residence, law enforcement located 22 stolen firearms and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition. Subsequent investigation recovered six additional firearms purchased by Fugate. Law enforcement also searched Burton’s residence and, through further investigation, recovered the M-16 semi-automatic rifle that had been stolen from law enforcement.
Stidham, 25, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the possession of stolen firearms. Mauriz-Cruz, 27, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the possession of stolen firearms and to being a felon in possession of firearms. Fugate, 49, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of more than 25 stolen firearms and Burton, 59, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen firearms.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Stuart Lowery, Special Agent in Charge, ATF; Richard Sanders, Commissioner, KSP; Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department; Michael Helmig, Boone County Sheriff; Matt Sparks, Rowan County Sheriff; Ernie Kelty, Mercer County Sheriff; and Mike Coyle, Madison County Sheriff jointly announce the guilty pleas. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger W. West.
Stidham, Cruz, and Burton are scheduled to be sentenced on August 26, 2019; Fugate is scheduled to be sentenced on September 3, 2019. Each faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statutes.
Former University Soccer Coach Pleads Guilty in College Admissions CaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former assistant coach of women’s soccer at the University of Southern California (USC) pleaded guilty today in connection with her involvement in a scheme to use bribery and other forms of fraud to facilitate the admission of applicants to selective colleges and universities.
Laura Janke, 36, of North Hollywood, Calif., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit racketeering. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Oct. 17, 2019 at 2:30 pm. Janke is cooperating with the government’s investigation.
As set forth in the charging documents, Janke conspired with Rick Singer and others to fabricate athletic “profiles” and other documents to bolster students’ college applications by making them appear to be highly successful high school athletes when in fact they were not. In exchange, Singer made direct payments to a private soccer club controlled by Janke and another defendant.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
The charge of racketeering conspiracy provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and restitution. Pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence at the low end of the Guidelines range, one year of supervised release, a fine, restitution, and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen, Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright, and Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the cases.
The details contained in the court documents are allegations and the remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Postal Worker Sentenced to Fourteen Months in Prison for Stealing Electronics from Priority Mail Processing FacilityRead the Press Release
A former U.S. Postal Service employee was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to fourteen months in prison for stealing electronic devices from mail shipments and directing others to sell the stolen devices at pawn shops and on online marketplaces. JAMIE GUHLKE, 56, of Federal Way, Washington was indicted for theft of mail in April 2018 and pleaded guilty in November 2018. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge James L. Robart said that GUHLKE’s crimes were a violation of her “position of trust” as a government employee.
According to records filed in the case, in 2015, while still employed as a mail handler at the United States Postal Service Priority Mail Annex in Kent, Washington, GUHLKE stole as many as 44 packages mailed by Quick Ship Electronics, Inc., a Woodinville-based electronics distributor, to customers across the country. The packages contained digital devices, including Apple iPads and Samsung Galaxy tablets. The thefts interfered with operations at the Priority Mail Annex, which is responsible for processing the vast majority of Priority Mail that originates in Washington State. Law enforcement traced the stolen devices to GUHLKE through records obtained from online marketplaces, like ‘OfferUp,’ ‘Craigslist,’ and ‘eBay,” as well as pawnshops. Those records showed that GUHLKE used a network of other people to re-sell the devices that she had stolen.
Law enforcement agents stopped GUHLKE’s car as she left work on August 26, 2015, and saw a Priority Mail package containing a stolen device on the passenger side of her car. In response, GUHLKE tried to flee, ignored commands and stomped on a police officer’s foot. After her employment at USPS was suspended, GUHLKE filed an unsuccessful claim for unemployment benefits, in which she denied the thefts and claimed that she had been set up by other USPS employees. As part of GUHLKE’s sentence, Judge Robart ordered her to pay $15,458 in restitution to Quick Ship Electronics.
“The majority of postal employees are hard-working public servants dedicated to moving mail to its proper destination,” U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Western Area Field Office Special Agent-in-Charge John D. Masters said. “Unfortunately, Ms. Gulhke decided to betray the public’s trust and steal mail from postal customers. Today’s sentence demonstrates that USPS OIG Special Agents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to safeguarding U.S. Mail and to hold accountable any Postal Service employee who steals mail.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Siddharth Velamoor.
Former Pittsburgh Resident Pleads Guilty in GBK Cocaine Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of North Carolina pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute a quantity of cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Joelle Hollis, 31, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the Greenway Boy Killas (GBK) street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Joelle Hollis conspired with others to distribute cocaine. Hollis’s involvement in the conspiracy included sharing, with members of the conspiracy, sensitive law enforcement information which Hollis obtained from her friend, Erica Romanowski, who by virtue of her employment with the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, had access to such information, including information related to ongoing federal investigations.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for October 29, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s bond.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Yvonne Saadi are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly led the multi-agency investigation, which also included the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Robinson Township Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department, that led to the prosecution of Joelle Hollis.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Former Mercyhurst Employee Sentenced for Visa Fraud and Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 2 years probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine on his conviction of visa fraud and false statements, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Daniel Cabanillas, 49.
According to information presented to the court, Cabanillas was the Designated School Official (DSO) for the Student Exchange Visitor Program at Mercyhurst University until he was terminated on February 19, 2015. According to information provided to the court, while Cabanillas was employed as the DSO, he knowingly made materially false statements on various Form I-20, Certificates of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status, subscribing to as true, the false certification of a person’s acceptance status at the university. A false Form I-20 was then used by an individual to obtain a student visa, which allowed entry into the United States. The court was advised that Cabinallas falsified acceptance documents for dozens of other students in connection with his work as the DSO.
U.S. Attorney Scott Brady stated, "The Student Exchange and Visitor Program relies on the honesty and integrity of Designated School Officials to truthfully certify to the information contained in Visa application documents, and when DSO’s provide or certify false information, our system of lawful immigration into the United States for educational purposes is frustrated."
"This investigation is an example of how those that abuse the immigration process will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Mr. Cabanillas, while serving in his capacity as a designated school official at Mercyhurst University, abused his authority and undermined the integrity of the international student visa process." said Marlon V. Miller, special agent in charge of HSI Philadelphia. "I would like to thank U.S. Attorney Scott Brady for his collaboration in the investigation and prosecution of Mr. Cabanillas and for his ongoing commitment to aggressively pursue those individuals that exploit the immigration process."
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Border Patrol for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Cabanillas.
Former IRS Employee Convicted of Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday convicted Craig P. Orrock, a former attorney and former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee, of tax evasion and obstructing the internal revenue laws, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, and Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan of IRS-Criminal Investigation.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, starting in the early 1990s, Orrock, currently of Sandy, Utah, evaded the payment of his federal income taxes and obstructed IRS efforts to collect those taxes. Orrock filed federal individual income tax returns for the years 1993 through 2015, but failed to pay the income taxes reported as due. He attempted to prevent the IRS from collecting the reported income taxes through the use of nominee entities, bank accounts and trusts to hide his income and assets from IRS collection officers. Orrock attempted to evade the assessment of a large part of the income tax he owed for 2007, by concealing from the IRS both the ownership of real estate he held through a nominee known as Arville Properties LLC as well as the proceeds from the sale of the property.
From 1993 through 2015, Orrock evaded the payment of over $500,000 in federal income taxes.
Orrock faces up to five years in prison on each of the first two counts and up to three years in prison on the third count, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 26.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Trutanich commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns and Tax Division Trial Attorney Erin S. Mellen, who are prosecuting the case.
Former IRS Employee Convicted of Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal jury in Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday convicted Craig P. Orrock, a former attorney and former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee, of tax evasion and obstructing the internal revenue laws, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada, and Special Agent in Charge Tara Sullivan of IRS-Criminal Investigation.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, starting in the early 1990s, Orrock, currently of Sandy, Utah, evaded the payment of his federal income taxes and obstructed IRS efforts to collect those taxes. Orrock filed federal individual income tax returns for the years 1993 through 2015, but failed to pay the income taxes reported as due. He attempted to prevent the IRS from collecting the reported income taxes through the use of nominee entities, bank accounts and trusts to hide his income and assets from IRS collection officers. Orrock attempted to evade the assessment of a large part of the income tax he owed for 2007, by concealing from the IRS both the ownership of real estate he held through a nominee known as Arville Properties LLC as well as the proceeds from the sale of the property.
From 1993 through 2015, Orrock evaded the payment of over $500,000 in federal income taxes.
Orrock faces up to five years in prison on each of the first two counts and up to three years in prison on the third count, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 26.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Trutanich commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burns and Tax Division Trial Attorney Erin S. Mellen, who are prosecuting the case.
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Former Erie Resident Pleads Guilty in Project Safe Childhood ProsecutionRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Mark Joseph Bretz, 28, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Bretz received computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct and used interstate communications to extort several victims into providing Bretz sexually explicit or suggestive material.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for October 7, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 24 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Erie County Detectives Bureau and the Aurora, Colorado Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bretz.
Flagler Beach Man Sentenced to Nearly Eleven Years in Federal Prison for Selling Benzoyl Fentanyl and Other Drugs OnlineRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Robert Richard Jodoin (50, Flagler Beach) to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison for importing GHB into the United States, distributing benzoyl fentanyl, possessing with the intent to distribute N-Ethylhexedrone, maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing controlled substances, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The court also ordered Jodoin to forfeit the web domain PRIMALVISIONS.NET, which Jodoin had used to sell drugs. Jodoin had pleaded guilty on February 6, 2019.
According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began investigating Jodoin. The investigating agencies discovered that multiple drug overdose victims around the country had purchased their drugs from Jodoin via his website. The investigation revealed that Jodoin was selling a wide array of controlled substances on his website, including fentanyl analogues. He routinely imported controlled substances from outside the United States, including, on one occasion, more than a kilogram of GHB. Information received from local law enforcement agencies revealed multiple overdose victims around the country had identified PRIMALVISIONS.NET as their drug source. One of the overdose victims told law enforcement that he had purchased fentanyl, methamphetamine, and ketamine from the website.
In May 2018, an undercover special agent with HSI purchased drugs from Jodoin.
Also in May 2018, during the time the undercover buy was being conducted, Jodoin posted an advertisement on PRIMALVISIONS.NET offering $1,300 to anyone who would beat up his girlfriend, and stated that she was “wanted dead or alive.” Jodoin also solicited the undercover agent via text message to “take out” his girlfriend.
Federal agents also learned that Jodoin was using the Flagler Beach Post Office to receive international drug shipments and to mail drug packages to his customers across the country. On May 26, 2018, a postal inspector was alerted that a package addressed to PRIMAL VISIONS had arrived from China. A border search of the parcel revealed that it contained more than 100 grams of N-Ethylhexedrone, a controlled substance analogue. On June 6, 2018, the package was scanned as available for pickup, and law enforcement observed as Jodoin traveled from his residence to the Flagler Beach Post Office. Upon arriving, Jodoin took possession of the package and was arrested as he exited the building.
Also on June 6, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Jodoin’s residence and located a drug packaging table with a mortar and pestle for grinding drugs, a drug scale, large quantities of USPS packaging materials, and drug dosing spoons and pipes. Next to the drug packaging table was a .380 caliber pistol, which was loaded.
“This case highlights the wide range of criminal statutes our HSI special agents enforce,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “Our communities are safer with this criminal and his drugs off our streets.”
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Florida National Guard Counterdrug Program, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Flagler Beach Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
Felon Sentenced to over Two Years in Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to two years and nine months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
William Edward Jones, 37, previously pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon presided over the sentencing hearing.
According to admissions made in Jones’ plea agreement, on July 7, 2018, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a fatal car accident. Following the accident, Jones underwent a medical check. When he stood up, a semi-automatic handgun fell from his waist area. Jones was a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Allison Reese prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program by the Department of Justice that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN. For more information about PSN, visit www.justice.gov/usao-nv.
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Federal Jury Convicts Two Colombian Nationals and One Belizean National for International Cocaine Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – A federal jury has found Rudolph Randolph Meighan (28, Belize), Jorge Ramon Newball-May (48, Colombia), and Calbot Reid-Dilbert (59, Colombia) each guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine while onboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, as well as one count of possession with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine on that vessel. Each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Their sentencing hearings are scheduled for August 7, 2019. A fourth defendant, Emiro Hinestroza-Newbbooll, is awaiting trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, the defendants were part of an international maritime drug smuggling operation involving at least 600 kilograms of cocaine, worth approximately $18 million, that was bound for the United States. Randolph Meighan was the Belizean load guard for a Cartagena, Colombia-based cocaine smuggling crew, which included Newball-May and Reid-Dilbert as crewmembers. Prior to their interdiction by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the individuals were transporting approximately 30-to-40 bales of cocaine onboard a go-fast vessel from Colombia to Belize, following a known cocaine smuggling route known as the “Honduras Rise.”
On December 1, 2018, a USCG HC-130 aircraft deployed from Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina spotted and recorded the defendants onboard a go-fast vessel traveling north at a high rate of speed, approximately 110 nautical miles southwest of Jamaica. In an attempt to destroy evidence and evade capture, the defendants jettisoned all of the cocaine bales onboard the vessel and sank them to the ocean bottom, by tying the bales to their outboard engines and throwing the engines (their only means of propulsion) overboard. The USCG aircrew thwarted that attempt and was able to observe and record most of the jettison.
Later that day, the men and their now engine-less vessel were interdicted and boarded by USCG law enforcement officers from Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET) Pacific. That boarding yielded crucial evidence consistent with cocaine trafficking, including trace amounts of cocaine present on the smuggling vessel and the defendants.
This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of agents and analysts from the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas DeRenzo and Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
Fall River Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The ex-wife of an MCI-Cedar Junction inmate pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with smuggling drugs into the facility.
Lisa Guillemette, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute Suboxone and Alprazolam. In September 2018, she was charged along with her former husband, William Guillemette, 39, and Chad Connors, 42, both inmates at Massachusetts Correctional Institute – Cedar Junction (MCI-CJ) in South Walpole, and her former mother-in-law, Margaret Guillemette, 58, also of Fall River. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled Lisa Guillemette’s sentencing for Aug. 22, 2019.
According to the charging documents, Chad Connors and William Guillemette were inmates housed at MCI-CJ’s Departmental Disciplinary Unit (DDU). It is alleged that Connors was involved in a romantic relationship with Christine Ramos, a nurse assigned to the DDU. At Connors’ request, Ramos agreed to smuggle contraband, including controlled substances, into MCI-CJ. In order to do this, Ramos opened two P.O. Boxes through a third party. Connors sent letters and money to Ramos at these P.O. Boxes and, at William Guillemette’s direction, Lisa and Margaret Guillemette, obtained and sent Suboxone and Alprazolam to the P.O. Boxes. Ramos subsequently smuggled the drugs into the DDU and delivered them to Connors. It is alleged that Connors and William Guillemette distributed the drugs to other inmates, who sent checks to Lisa and Margaret Guillemette as payment. Suboxone and Alprazolam are Schedule III and Schedule IV controlled substances, respectively.
William Guillemette and Margaret Guillemette previously pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Ramos was sentenced in April 2019 to two years of probation after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute Suboxone and Alprazolam.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute Suboxone and Alprazolam provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $500,000 and forfeiture. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division, made the announcement today. Eugenia M. Carris of Lelling’s Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Federal Jury Finds Career Offender from Albuquerque Guilty of Distributing Heroin That Resulted in Teen’s Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Raymond Moya Convicted of Selling Heroin Resulting in Death of
18-Year-Old Cameron Weiss, a Former La Cueva High School Student who
Became Addicted to Opioids Following Treatment for a Sports-Related Injuries
ALBUQUERQUE – A federal jury sitting in Albuquerque, N.M., returned a guilty verdict early this afternoon finding Raymond Moya, 34, of Albuquerque, on two heroin trafficking offenses, including a distribution of heroin on Aug. 12, 2011, that resulted in the death of an Albuquerque teenager on Aug. 13, 2011. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson and Special Agent in Charge Kyle W. Williamson of the DEA’s El Paso Division.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Anderson said, “Hundreds of people die each year in New Mexico from heroin and opioid overdoses. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with the DEA and its other partners across federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement to combat the abuse of heroin and prescription opioids, which has had, and continues to have, devastating effects on victims, their families, and our communities.”
“New Mexico has been hit hard by the heroin and opioid epidemic that is plaguing our country,” said Kyle W. Williamson, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s El Paso Division. “Drug dealers who fuel this epidemic must be held accountable for their actions, which – all too often – have lethal consequences. DEA will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who prey on our communities and to do our part to reduce overdose deaths.”
Moya was indicted on May 28, 2015, and charged with distributing heroin on Aug. 7, 2011, and distributing heroin on Aug. 12, 2011 resulting in Mr. Weiss’s death. At the time the indictment was filed, Moya was serving a 72-month federal prison sentence for his conviction for committing a heroin trafficking crime in the northeast heights of Albuquerque in Nov. 2011.
Trial on the case began on May 6, 2019, and concluded early this afternoon when the jury returned a verdict of guilty on both counts of the indictment. During the trial, numerous witnesses testified about final week of the life of Cameron Weiss, an 18-year-old who died of a heroin overdose on the morning of Aug. 13, 2011. The jury learned that Mr. Weiss had been addicted to heroin for two years, after getting hooked on opiate painkillers to treat serious sports injuries sustained as a student athlete at La Cueva High School in Albuquerque.
Mr. Weiss had spent time in rehab, but had relapsed and ended up in jail in Aug. 2011. While in jail, Mr. Weiss learned that Moya was a source of heroin supply who could be contacted through go-betweens. After he was released from jail on Aug. 7, 2011, Mr. Weiss contacted a go-between, who purchased heroin from Moya and delivered it to Mr. Weiss. The following day, Mr. Weiss joined his family in California where they were vacationing; the family returned to Albuquerque on Aug. 11, 2011. The next day, Aug. 12, 2011, Mr. Weiss met with another go-between, who purchased more heroin from Moya, including heroin which Mr. Weiss ingested over the course of the evening and into the night. At the end of the night, a friend dropped Mr. Weiss off at home. Mr. Weiss went into his bedroom and went to sleep; he never woke up. A pathologist determined that Mr. Weiss died as the result of a heroin overdose.
Moya remains in custody pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. Because of his status as a career offender, with a criminal history that includes at least four prior felony convictions, Moya faces the following enhanced penalties based on today’s verdict: a maximum thirty years of imprisonment on Count 1 of the indictment, distribution of heroin; and a mandatory term of life imprisonment on Count 2, the distribution of heroin on Aug. 12, 2011 that resulted in the death of Mr. Weiss.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean J. Sullivan, Paul Mysliwiec, and Nicholas Jon Ganjei. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of the Department of Justice’s commitment in partnership with other law enforcement to combat the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin and prescription opioids and to establish new programs to provide services to victims of the opioid crisis.
Exeter Man Sentenced for Managing Prostitution BusinessRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Ken Duc Ma, 60, of Exeter, was sentenced in federal court to four months in prison for promoting and managing an establishment for the purpose of prostitution, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least March 1, 2015, through November 7, 2017, Ma owned and managed businesses including Qi Natural Healing Massage, LLC, in Plaistow, Oriental Bodyworks, in Exeter, and Johnny’s Massage a/k/a Qi Natural, in Salem. These businesses purported to provide massage services to clients, but also offered sexual services in exchange for money. Beginning in March of 2015, investigators conducted surveillance of the businesses and observed that they were frequented exclusively by male customers. On various occasions, after observing customers leave the businesses, investigators approached the customers and inquired about the services they received. Customers of each of the three businesses reported that they had paid cash in exchange for sexual services.
Investigators located advertisements for each of the businesses posted on Backpage.com. Advertisements were posted in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts under the “Massage,” “Body Rubs,” “Adult Entertainment,” “Escorts,” “Dating,” and “Men Seeking Women” subsections of the website. Advertisements included references to sexual activity and had sexually explicit images depicting female workers wearing lingerie and in various states of undress. All of the Backpage.com advertisements were posted and paid for by Ma.
On November 7, 2017, investigators executed search warrants at the three businesses and two residences owned by Ma. One of these residences, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, was used by Ma to receive packages and store supplies for his businesses. Pursuant to a search warrant, officers seized approximately 11 boxes of white sheets used to cover massage tables and plastic bags containing 1,092 condoms. They also seized large amounts of cash, most of which was wrapped in newspaper and concealed behind a wall. They also seized a significant amount of cash hidden in the defendant’s primary residence.
The defendant previously pleaded guilty on January 3, 2019. His sentence of incarceration will be followed by three years of supervised release. As part of his sentence, Ma will forfeit $186,466 and land and buildings located in Plaistow, New Hampshire, to the government.
“The defendant in this case profited from illegal conduct that exploited women,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “His prison sentence and substantial forfeiture of property should serve as a deterrent to others who would seek to exploit women for economic gain. I am grateful for the work of the multi-jurisdictional investigative team whose efforts brought this defendant to justice.”
“Today’s sentencing comes as a result of a well-coordinated federal, state and local law enforcement investigation,” said Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Boston. “HSI would like to thank our partners in the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, the New Hampshire State Police as well as the Exeter, Plaistow, Londonderry, and Salem, New Hampshire Police Departments for their support in investigating this case.”
“The Diplomatic Security Service is committed to making sure that those who exploit and traffic individuals will face consequences for their criminal actions,” said William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Boston Field Office. "We will continue to join with our federal, state, and local partners to combat this serious crime.”
This matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Exeter Police Department, the Plaistow Police Department, the Londonderry Police Department, the Salem Police Department, the New Hampshire State Police, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, with assistance from the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky. Assistant United States Attorney Robert Rabuck also assisted with this matter.
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Essex County Man Admits Role in $2 Million Fraudulent Check Scheme Targeting Home-Improvement StoresRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark man today admitted his role in a phony check scheme that resulted in the theft of over $2 million in merchandise from multiple home-improvement stores throughout the country, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Lessie Dickerson III, 35, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to one count of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From December 2013 and through February 2017, Dickerson and others conspired to obtain merchandise or store credit from home-improvement stores in the eastern United States, including New Jersey, by purchasing items with fraudulent checks. They entered home-improvement and other retail stores and gathered high-value items, like air conditioners or hardwood flooring. Dickerson and others then typically “purchased” the items either by a fraudulent check with a phony name but authentic account and routing numbers, or by pretending to be an authorized signatory on a store credit account that Dickerson and others had previously opened with a phony check.
During some of the transactions, Dickerson and others displayed fake driver’s licenses that had been created by one of the conspirators, which either duplicated the phony name imprinted on the fraudulent check they presented for payment or matched the name of an authorized signatory on a store credit account that they had previously opened.
Dickerson and others allegedly stole over $2 million in merchandise from various retailers in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and South Carolina.
The count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud carries a maximum potential of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 16, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge James Buthorn, and special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked the Union Township Police Department, the Holmdel Police Department, the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, the Totowa Police Department, and the Monroe Township Police Department for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason S. Gould of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Eleven Individuals Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Manufacture and Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Carfentanil, and Other Controlled Substances in Manatee and Pasco Counties, Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that 11 individuals have entered guilty pleas stemming from a conspiracy to distribute, to possess with the intent to distribute, to manufacture, and to possess with the intent to manufacture at least one kilogram of heroin, at least 40 grams of fentanyl, carfentanil, furanyl fentanyl, cyclopropylfentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, the distribution of which resulted in one death from carfentanil intoxication.
Manatee/Pasco Drug Trafficking Organization
Name
Age, Residence
Status
Rafael Sanchez, a/k/a “Chico Jay”
30, Palmetto
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute, possess with the intent to distribute, manufacture, and possess with the intent to manufacture at least one kilogram of heroin.
Faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Jerome Miller, a/k/a “Madball”
30, Bradenton (Deceased)
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute, possess with the intent to distribute, manufacture, and possess with the intent to manufacture at least one kilogram of heroin.
Faced a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
James McClinton
40, Dade City
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute, possess with the intent to distribute, manufacture, and possess with the intent to manufacture at least one kilogram of heroin.
Faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Jose Venegas, a/k/a “Tiny”
24, Dade City
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute, possess with the intent to distribute, manufacture, and possess with the intent to manufacture at least one kilogram of heroin.
Faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Bryan Reshaun Wright
36, Dade City
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.
Faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Robert Lee Nealey
38, Dade City
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Eduardo Sanchez-Lara, a/k/a “Lalo”
42, Atlanta, GA
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin.
Faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Demetrius Cherilus Morancy, a/k/a “Pearl”
26, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, at least 40 grams of fentanyl, and other controlled substances.
Faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Homar Guerrero-Hernandez
25, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, at least 40 grams of fentanyl, and carfentanil resulting in death. Pleaded guilty to 1 count of distribution of carfentanil resulting in death.
Faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, and up to life in federal prison.
Wilson Peter Revange, a/k/a “Jackboi”
26, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and other controlled substances.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Aljan Blanchard
27, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
According to the plea agreements and other filings in this case, these 11 individuals were part of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that conspired to distribute heroin, fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and other substances. The DTO operated in and around Manatee and Pasco Counties, with ties to other criminal organizations in Georgia and elsewhere. In July 2018, the DTO conspired to receive heroin from a Mexican transnational criminal organization and then convert it into at least a kilogram of heroin for street distribution. Law enforcement seized the heroin from the DTO while it was being prepared for distribution and also seized fentanyl, carfentanil, and other fentanyl analogues, after recording purchases of opioids from various members of the DTO. In all, the investigation resulted in the seizure of more than a kilogram of heroin; various amounts of fentanyl, carfentanil and other fentanyl analogues; firearms; and cash proceeds from the drug trafficking.
In addition, law enforcement officers identified an overdose that occurred in spring 2017 that was linked to the DTO. Homar Guerrero-Hernandez had distributed carfentanil to a person in Manatee County, who later died from ingesting the drug.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
Eldon Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – An Eldon, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for traveling to North Carolina on five occasions to engage in illicit sexual activity with a child victim over a two-year period.
James Anthony Guthrie, III, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
On Nov. 27, 2018, Guthrie pleaded guilty to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Guthrie admitted that he traveled to North Carolina on five occasions for work and, while there, met the then-15-year-old child victim at various hotels for sex. Guthrie admitted that he picked up the child victim from school or at her house; once, the victim’s father brought her to the hotel.
According to court documents, Guthrie met the child victim online when she was 14 years old. Guthrie engaged in sexual communications with her and groomed her by sending gifts, including jewelry, a cellular telephone, food delivery, a life-size teddy bear, shopping trips and nights in a hotel room. Guthrie manipulated the child victim and exploited the fact that others had abused her.
Guthrie also admitted that he communicated about sexual matters with the child victim and received pornographic images and videos from her. Investigators examined Guthrie’s laptop, hard drive and DVD-R disks, which contained images of child pornography. Guthrie admitted to communicating with other individuals he believed to be minors in a sexual manner, and to receiving self-produced pornographic images from 13-to-14-year-old children.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Lebanon, Mo., Police Department and the Lake Area ICAC Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."EDVA Honors Fallen Law Enforcement Heroes at Police Week EventsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Last night U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger attended the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Mall in support of National Police Week.
“During Police Week, our nation appropriately pauses to celebrate the service and bravery of police officers from around the country who selflessly gave their last full measure of devotion,” said Terwilliger. “We will forever be in their debt for keeping our communities safe and allowing us the luxury of pursuing those ideals set forth by our founding fathers of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As first prioritized by former Attorney General Sessions and now reinforced by Attorney General Barr, the Department is committed to supporting our federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and their families. EDVA has their back, and they most certainly have our deepest thanks. Respect. Honor. Remember.”
National Police Week events began last week and will continue through this week, as the official dates being observed are May 12 to May 18.
Last Tuesday, Terwilliger joined law enforcement and faith-based community leaders at the 25th Annual Blue Mass at Saint Patrick’s Church in Washington, D.C. On Thursday, Terwilliger attended the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Police Memorial in Waterfront Park honoring Alexandria Police Officers and Sheriff Deputies who have died in the line of duty. On Friday, Terwilliger attended the Observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day hosted by the Arlington County Police Department and Arlington County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service Annual Memorial Ceremony in Arlington.
Yesterday afternoon, Terwilliger attended the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s 2019 Police Week Ceremony in Washington, D.C., and today he will attend Attorney General Barr’s law enforcement reception in honor of National Police Week, and the ATF’s 23rd Annual Memorial Observance in Washington, D.C.
In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, which the President signed, declaring May 15 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.
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/ recently released by the FBI.
The names of all 106 fallen officers nationwide were formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., during the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil tonight on the National Mall.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Dubuque Felon Who Shot a Pedestrian Multiple Times Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Dubuque man who shot a pedestrian multiple times in August 2017 was sentenced May 13, 2019, to nine years in federal prison.
Jevonne Martell Coleman, age 33, from Dubuque, received the prison term after a November 21, 2018, guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that Coleman had a verbal altercation with a pedestrian on August 9, 2017. Later that evening, Coleman and a friend were sitting on a stoop on Locust Street when the pedestrian walked to their location. Coleman’s friend “cold cocked” the pedestrian and the pedestrian ran away. Coleman ran after the pedestrian, raised a firearm, and shot a number of times. The pedestrian suffered multiple gunshot wounds but survived. Coleman then hid the firearm in a bush and hid himself in a bluff. Officers discovered Coleman in short order. Coleman’s blood alcohol content was .315% according to a preliminary breath test.
Coleman was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Coleman was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment and fined $100. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
At sentencing, Judge Williams stressed the seriousness of the offense. Judge Williams found Coleman committed attempted murder, rejecting attempts by Coleman to justify the shooting, including Coleman’s invocation of Iowa’s “Stand Your Ground Law” at sentencing. Coleman has multiple prior convictions relating to controlled substances, including dealing drugs near a school, in Cook County, Illinois.
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.
Coleman 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 Dubuque 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-1017.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Department of Justice Reaches Agreement to Resolve Americans with Disabilities Act Investigation of West Virginia’s Children’s Mental Health SystemRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced that it reached an agreement with the State of West Virginia to resolve its conclusion that there is reasonable cause to believe the State violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by unnecessarily institutionalizing children with serious emotional or behavioral disorders in residential treatment facilities instead of providing them in-home and community-based mental health services. Under the agreement, West Virginia will expand and improve in-home and community-based mental health services throughout the State to better meet children’s needs. The services include mobile crisis services, case management, therapeutic foster care, in-home therapy, and assertive community treatment. In addition, West Virginia will develop a plan to eliminate the unnecessary use of residential mental treatment facilities for children whom the State could serve in the community.
“This settlement will ensure that children are no longer unnecessarily institutionalized in residential treatment facilities far from family and friends,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “We commend the State for its willingness to make changes to better serve children with mental health needs in the community.”
“This is a substantial, landmark agreement. It has been a long time coming and its impact will be felt for generations to come,” said Mike Stuart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. “When I became United States Attorney, this matter had suffered with no agreement for more than four years. A settlement looked unlikely and, at times, near impossible. Today’s agreement reflects a genuine, shared commitment to children and families by the Department of Justice and the State of West Virginia, as well as a spirit of good faith and mutual respect between myself and Secretary Crouch. Let there be no doubt, the real winners here today are West Virginia’s children and families.”
“Children need and deserve stability, and staying at home while receiving treatment offers that and so much more,” said Bill Powell, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia. “This issue is vitally important to the families in our district and our great state. This agreement will keep families closer and we are gratified that the State will be taking significant steps to improve the current situation. Our children are some of our most vulnerable citizens and this agreement is a step in the right direction for them and their families.”
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section. Those interested in finding out more about the ADA may visit www.ada.gov.
Department of Justice reaches agreement to resolve Americans with Disabilities Act investigation of West Virginia’s children’s mental health systemRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced that it reached an agreement with the State of West Virginia to resolve its conclusion that there is reasonable cause to believe the State violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by unnecessarily institutionalizing children with serious emotional or behavioral disorders in residential treatment facilities instead of providing them in-home and community-based mental health services. Under the agreement, West Virginia will expand and improve in-home and community-based mental health services throughout the State to better meet children’s needs. The services include mobile crisis services, case management, therapeutic foster care, in-home therapy, and assertive community treatment. In addition, West Virginia will develop a plan to eliminate the unnecessary use of residential mental treatment facilities for children whom the State could serve in the community.
“This settlement will ensure that children are no longer unnecessarily institutionalized in residential treatment facilities far from family and friends,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “We commend the State for its willingness to make changes to better serve children with mental health needs in the community.”
“This is a substantial, landmark agreement. It has been a long time coming and its impact will be felt for generations to come,” said Mike Stuart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. “When I became United States Attorney, this matter had suffered with no agreement for more than four years. A settlement looked unlikely and, at times, near impossible. Today’s agreement reflects a genuine, shared commitment to children and families by the Department of Justice and the State of West Virginia, as well as a spirit of good faith and mutual respect between myself and Secretary Crouch. Let there be no doubt, the real winners here today are West Virginia’s children and families.”
“Children need and deserve stability, and staying at home while receiving treatment offers that and so much more,” said Bill Powell, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia. “This issue is vitally important to the families in our district and our great state. This agreement will keep families closer and we are gratified that the State will be taking significant steps to improve the current situation. Our children are some of our most vulnerable citizens and this agreement is a step in the right direction for them and their families.”
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section.
View Settlement Agreement here:
Settlement Agreement
Dallas-Based Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to More Than Seventeen Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine in Pasco CountyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Ruben Longoria, Jr. (31, Dallas, Texas), a/k/a “Scooter,” to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from Texas into the Middle District of Florida.
Longoria had pleaded guilty on January 29, 2019.
According to court documents, Longoria was a supplier of methamphetamine in Dallas, Texas, who had planned to distribute at least three kilograms of methamphetamine to the Pasco County area. After several recorded conversations between Longoria and a cooperating defendant, the Drug Enforcement Administration obtained a search warrant for Longoria’s Dallas residence. During the execution of the warrant on September 19, 2018, law enforcement officers seized almost 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as a trafficking amount of cocaine and a loaded firearm.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from a task force in DEA’s Dallas Field Division, as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
Department of Justice Reaches Agreement to Resolve Americans with Disabilities Act Investigation of West Virginia’s Children’s Mental Health SystemRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced that it reached an agreement with the State of West Virginia to resolve its conclusion that there is reasonable cause to believe the State violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by unnecessarily institutionalizing children with serious emotional or behavioral disorders in residential treatment facilities instead of providing them in-home and community-based mental health services. Under the agreement, West Virginia will expand and improve in-home and community-based mental health services throughout the State to better meet children’s needs. The services include mobile crisis services, case management, therapeutic foster care, in-home therapy, and assertive community treatment. In addition, West Virginia will develop a plan to eliminate the unnecessary use of residential mental treatment facilities for children whom the State could serve in the community.
“This settlement will ensure that children are no longer unnecessarily institutionalized in residential treatment facilities far from family and friends,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “We commend the State for its willingness to make changes to better serve children with mental health needs in the community.”
“This is a substantial, landmark agreement. It has been a long time coming and its impact will be felt for generations to come,” said Mike Stuart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. “When I became United States Attorney, this matter had suffered with no agreement for more than four years. A settlement looked unlikely and, at times, near impossible. Today’s agreement reflects a genuine, shared commitment to children and families by the Department of Justice and the State of West Virginia, as well as a spirit of good faith and mutual respect between myself and Secretary Crouch. Let there be no doubt, the real winners here today are West Virginia’s children and families.”
“Children need and deserve stability, and staying at home while receiving treatment offers that and so much more,” said Bill Powell, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia. “This issue is vitally important to the families in our district and our great state. This agreement will keep families closer and we are gratified that the State will be taking significant steps to improve the current situation. Our children are some of our most vulnerable citizens and this agreement is a step in the right direction for them and their families.”
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section. Those interested in finding out more about the ADA may visit www.ada.gov.
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NOTE: Settlement Agreement: https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/press-release/file/1162536/. Fact Sheet: https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/press-release/file/1162431/dl?inline=
Court Finds RM Broadcasting Must Register as a Foreign AgentRead the Press Release
U.S. District Court Judge Robin L. Rosenberg has ruled that a Florida-based company, RM Broadcasting LLC (RM Broadcasting), was acting as an agent of a foreign principal and must register as such under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (FARA).
The Department of Justice contended in a civil counterclaim that RM Broadcasting has been acting as an agent of the the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency (Rossiya Segodnya), a Russian state-owned media enterprise created by Vladimir Putin to advance Russian interests abroad. The litigation marked the first FARA civil enforcement action since 1991. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement.
“The American people have a right to know if a foreign flag waves behind speech broadcast in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “Our concern is not the content of the speech but providing transparency about the true identity of the speaker. This case shows that the Department can and will utilize all of its tools to bring transparency to efforts by foreign entities to influence the American public and our government, and demonstrates our renewed effort to enforce FARA rigorously.”
“While the right to free speech remains paramount to our democracy,” U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan said. “FARA ensures that the American public is fully cognizant of the true source of the messages broadcast in the United States. Armed with full information, Americans may properly evaluate the value of the speech they hear. As such, FARA is a fundamental tool in our continuing efforts to defend our democracy.”
In November 2017, RM Broadcasting and Rossiya Segodnya entered into a services agreement pursuant to which RM Broadcasting would provide for the broadcast of Rossiya Segodnya’s “Sputnik” radio programs on AM radio channel 1390 WZHF in the Washington, D.C. region. Under this agreement, RM Broadcasting could not alter Rossiya Segodnya’s radio programs in any way. As the services agreement established Rossiya Segodnya’s direction and control over RM Broadcasting, the FARA Unit of the National Security Division informed RM Broadcasting that it was acting as a publicity agent and an information-service employee of Rossiya Segodnya and was required to register as an agent of a foreign principal.
RM Broadcasting initiated the proceeding in the Southern District of Florida seeking a declaratory judgment that it did not have to register as an agent of a foreign principal. The Department responded by filing a counterclaim seeking an injunction to require RM Broadcasting to register. Earlier this week, the court granted the Department’s motion for judgment on the pleadings. A final judgment directing RM Broadcasting to register under FARA is expected.
This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Feeley and Trial Attorney Nicholas Hunter of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
About FARA
The purpose of FARA is to protect the national defense, internal security, and foreign relations of the United States by requiring public disclosure by persons engaging in political activities and other activities for or on behalf of foreign governments, foreign political parties and other foreign principals so that the Government and the people of the United States may be informed of the identity of such persons and may apprise their statements and actions in the light of their associations and activities.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Convicted Drug Dealer on Supervised Release Trafficked Heroin, Fentanyl and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Tory Bryant, 32, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 13, 2018, Bryant possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, a quantity of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and a quantity of crack cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. An undercover officer arranged to make a purchase of narcotics from Bryant, and when the officers attempted to arrest Bryant at the scene of the arranged transaction, Bryant fled. The officers recovered the narcotics that Bryant intended to sell to the undercover officers on the path of Bryant’s flight.
Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for September 19, 2019 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, 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. Also on that date, Judge Ambrose will sentence the defendant for violating the conditions of his supervised release by, among other ways, selling illegal narcotics. Bryant was on supervised release as a result of a previous federal conviction for heroin trafficking.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations and Wilkinsburg Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Bryant.
Collinsville Man Indicted on Armed Robbery SpreeRead the Press Release
Larry Rhines, of Collinsville, Illinois, has been charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit robberies with firearms, two counts of business robbery, one count of bank robbery, and the use of firearms to commit each of those robberies, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Steven D. Weinhoeft, announced today. Rhines, 22, who is originally from St. Louis, made his initial appearance in federal court on May 9 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was ordered held without bond pending a July 9, 2019 jury trial.
According to the indictment, Rhines, along with unnamed others, were responsible for robbing at gunpoint the following businesses on the following dates:
• A Sprint store located in Fairview Heights, Illinois, on March 9, 2019;
• A Marco’s Pizza located in Collinsville, Illinois on March 28, 2019; and
• A GCS Credit Union located in Collinsville, Illinois, on March 30, 2019.
Rhines and two others – Jalon Moore, 22, and Garry Johnson, 22, both of St. Louis – were recently indicted in the Eastern District of Missouri for similar crimes arising from a string of armed robberies of the following businesses in St. Louis:
• The Mack Bar and Grill on January 9, 2019;
• A Jimmy John’s on February 9, 2019;
• A Subway restaurant on February 17, 2019;
• A Panda Express on March 18, 2019; and
• A Sprint store on March 21, 2019.
If convicted of all charges, Rhines could be facing decades in prison. The conspiracy charge and individual armed robbery counts each carry a 20-year maximum term of imprisonment. Using a firearm in furtherance of the robberies carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and is punishable by as much as life imprisonment, which must ordered to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the Saint Louis County Police Department, in coordination with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois, the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Springfield, and the Collinsville and Fairview Heights Police Departments.
Cleveland man indicted for having unlicensed machine gunRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted in federal court for having an unlicensed machine gun.
Toriano A. Leaks, Jr., 20, was indicted on two counts of illegal possession of a machine gun.
Leaks on April 10 possessed a Glock .40-caliber that had been modified into a machine gun. He also possessed a select fire auto-sear, which is used exclusively for converting a weapon into a machine gun, according to the indictment.
Leak also possessed 21 rounds of ammunition and three magazines, with capacities of 15, 20 and 30 rounds of ammunition, according to court documents.
The investigation is ongoing.
“Adding this specific part to a handgun to make it fully automatic makes that firearm illegal and puts the public at risk,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute all firearms violations, and especially to stop the flow of these parts into the country.”
“The possession of illegal firearms is a violation of federal law and a threat to public safety,” said Jonathan T. McPherson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities.”
Bedford Police Chief Martin Stemple said: “In reference to the Toriano Leaks arrest and indictment: Officer Stanton while patrolling the City of Bedford, observed a vehicle with some seemingly minor traffic violations, and conducted a traffic stop. Through some keen observations and excellent police work, Officer Stanton developed a routine traffic stop into an arrest of a dangerous individual. Because of the Officer's relentless determination, the individual's true identity was learned, a weapon and ammunition along with narcotics were all confiscated. The weapon was modified to fire fully automatic, and was found under the driver's seat, fully loaded with high-capacity magazines. This incident just goes to show the dangers our officers face, even on something that appears to start out as a minor traffic violation.”
“Keeping weapons out of the wrong hands is critical to keeping our communities safe and to prevent gun violence, we are committed to remaining vigilant to ensure firearms and any firearm parts are acquired while abiding federal laws,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Angie Salazar.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, 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. PSN was reinvigorated 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.
If convicted, the defendant's sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant's prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bedford Police Department Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Zarzycki.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The burden of proof is always on the government to prove a defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Clarion Man Sentenced for Possessing Stolen MailRead the Press Release
A Clarion man who possessed stolen mail was sentenced May 13, 2019, to three years’ federal probation. Timothy Russell VanZweden, age 50, formerly from Belmond, Iowa, was sentenced after a November 9, 2018, guilty plea to one count of possession of stolen mail.
In a plea agreement, VanZweden admitted that he was residing with his wife in Belmond, Iowa, in November 2017. VanZweden’s wife was a U.S. Mail carrier. After receiving information that VanZweden was discarding a large trash bag in a dumpster outside a Clarion restaurant, in which mail was found, officers executed a search warrant at VanZweden’s home on November 17, 2017, and discovered five letters taken from his wife’s mail route in the home’s garbage. In VanZweden’s truck, officers found a counterfeit U.S. Postal Service “arrow key,” a special key used to unlock receptacles for U.S. Mail.
Less than two weeks later, on November 28, 2017, officers executed another search warrant at VanZweden’s home and found more stolen mail in the home’s garage. VanZweden admitted throwing a large garbage bag into the dumpster in Clarion, Iowa. He also admitted he burglarized two residences on his wife’s mail route in Belmond, Iowa, because the homeowners were “beautiful people” for whom everything in life came easily. VanZweden stated “one lady” was snotty to him when he walked through her grass, and the other lady had looked down upon him when he said “hi” to her in the pharmacy.
VanZweden was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. VanZweden was sentenced to three years’ probation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Vavricek and investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-3042.
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Challis Man Admits Damaging a Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Archaeological Site; Ordered to Pay RestitutionRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Alan M. Thorkelson, 38, of Challis, Idaho, pleaded guilty last month to the unauthorized excavation of the Devil Canyon Archaeological Site in Challis, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Thorkelson was sentenced on April 29, 2019, by U.S. District Judge David C. Nye to pay $2,000 in restitution. At his sentencing hearing, Thorkelson apologized to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes for the damaged site.
According to court records, in October 2017, Thorkelson was caught by law enforcement digging at a Shoshone-Bannock tribal cultural site that was being monitored due to previous graffiti issues.
“These archeological resources are of particular significance to tribal communities. The looting of these resources is especially harmful,” said Mary D’Aversa, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Idaho Falls District Manager. “We aggressively pursue those individuals who commit these violations of law.”
“My office is dedicated to protecting archaeological resources on public and tribal lands,” U.S. Attorney Davis said. “I commend the BLM and the Custer County Sheriff’s Office for their work on this important case.”
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act protects archaeological resources on public and Indian lands. It provides felony-level penalties for unauthorized excavation, removal, damage, alteration or defacement of any archaeological resource, which is defined as material remains of past human life or activities that are at least 100 years old.
This case was investigated by the BLM with the assistance of the Custer County Sheriff’s Office. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes fully supported its prosecution.
If you have questions or would like more information regarding regulations pertaining to cultural resources, please contact the BLM Idaho Falls District Office at (208) 524-7500.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Have Sex with A 12-Year-Old ChildRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051
ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Gabriel Murillo, 44, of San Bernadino County, California, pleaded guilty to attempted online enticement of a minor before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. The charge carries a minimum prison sentence of 10 years, a maximum of life, a lifetime period of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that between April 2018 and February 2019, Murillo engaged in sexually explicit online conversations with an individual who he believed was a 12 year old girl living in upstate New York. The defendant attempted to groom the child by sending her pornography, and despite acknowledging her age, requested that she meet with him for sex. On February 16, 2019, Murillo flew from Los Angeles, CA to Rochester, NY in order to have sex with the child. Unbeknownst to the defendant, the child was actually an undercover New York State Police Investigator.
Murillo was apprehended while disembarking a plane at the Greater Rochester International Airport on February 16, 2019, by members of the New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Air Marshal Service.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; and the Federal Air Marshal Service, under the direction of Supervisory Air Marshal-in-Charge William Hall.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2019, before Judge Wolford.
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Buffalo Man Sentenced on Heroin ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a Rashawn Crule, 43, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Tokash, who handled the case, stated that between June 2013 and September 2015, the defendant possessed with intent to distribute and distributed various illegal narcotics including kilograms of heroin, as well as fentanyl, crack cocaine and cocaine. Crule volunteered at the Saunders Community Center where DEA agents observed him leaving the center to drive to his stash house, and return to make sales. The defendant also maintained a drug-involved premises at 98 Gillette Avenue in Buffalo for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing and using these illegal narcotics. Crule also possessed a 9mm handgun.
Crule made two sales of heroin to an individual working with the DEA. On November 2, 2015, investigators executed a search warrant and seized $74,878 in U.S. currency and a 14 karat white gold necklace form the defendant’s residence at 22 Homer Avenue in Buffalo, which represented drug trafficking proceeds. After his arrest, the defendant told agents that he previously received three kilograms of heroin from co-defendant Troy Gillon and that he could readily get five more kilograms for distribution. A second search warrant was executed at 98 Gillette Street in Buffalo where investigators seized heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and cocaine. A firearm and 11 rounds of ammunition were also seized.
Troy Gillon was convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), under the direction of Detail Commander Mary Clark and Lieutenant Kevin Reyes, CNET West Commander; and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of Brian Manaher, Director, Marine Operations.
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Bible-Wielding Drug Dealer Sentenced to 23 Years on Federal Gun and Drug ConvictionsRead the Press Release
DENVER – Miguel Antonio Garcia, age 40, of Denver, was sentenced to 280 months (23.3 years) in prison on May 10, 2019, by U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore, announced U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn and ATF Denver Special Agent in Charge David Booth. Following the defendant’s prison term, he will serve an additional five years on supervised release.
Garcia was first charged by criminal complaint on July 13, 2018, and was subsequently charged by indictment on July 26, 2018. A superseding indictment was filed on January 10, 2019. On February 6, 2019, he was found guilty, following a three-day jury trial, of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The jury deliberated for an hour and a half before returning its verdicts.
According to court documents, as well as facts presented during trial, on July 11, 2018, an individual called 911 claiming that Garcia was walking the streets of Denver with a backpack and a bible and had asked the caller for a drink. The 911 caller claimed he invited the defendant up to his apartment and gave him some water. The defendant pulled a gun from inside his waistband, and another from inside a bible case. The defendant then fled the scene when the individual called 911. Within minutes, the defendant was located on the same block carrying a bible, but without the backpack or the two guns. Soon thereafter, the backpack was recovered under a nearby tree. It contained a loaded 10mm semi-automatic handgun, a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun, approximately 360 grams (0.79 pounds) of methamphetamine, two scales, and several empty plastic baggies. The backpack also contained a motel room key sleeve which matched a motel key found in Garcia’s pocket and the backplate of a cellphone which matched the phone in Garcia’s pocket. Additionally, the bible Garcia had at the time of his arrest contained indentation marks on the cover and the case which matched the 10mm handgun in the backpack.
“Dangerous drug dealers need to be removed from our community,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “This defendant will now go to jail for the next twenty-three years, ensuring that he is off the streets and that our community is safer as a direct result. I commend the hard work of the ATF, as well as our prosecutors in ensuring justice was achieved.”
“Garcia was a threat to the community, rewarding a stranger’s goodwill with a threat of violence,” said ATF Denver Special Agent in Charge David Booth. “ATF will continue to use every resource available to pursue violent criminals and ensure our communities are safe.”
This matter was investigated by the ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter McNeilly and Conor Flanigan.
CASE NUMBER: 18-cr-00363
Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Appointment of Claire Murray as Principal Deputy Associate Attorney GeneralRead the Press Release
Attorney General William P. Barr issued the following statement:
“All who work with Claire Murray are impressed with her sharp intelligence, thoughtfulness, and work ethic. During her time at Kirkland & Ellis, she rose to become a partner within just two years of joining the firm. She also has a remarkable record of public service, including serving as an Associate White House Counsel, as a clerk for two of today's Supreme Court justices, and in both appellate and line prosecutor roles at the Department of Justice. I want to thank Jesse Panuccio for his hard work over these past two years as Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General, and I am pleased to appoint Claire to succeed him.”
Appleton Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 10, 2019, Seth M. Rector (age: 37) was sentenced by the Honorable Chief Judge William C. Griesbach to two years in prison and eight years supervised release following his guilty plea to possession of child pornography, contrary to 18 U.S.C. Sections 2252A. As part of his sentence, Rector must also comply with sex offender registry requirements. Those requirements mandate Rector to advise registry officials where he is living, working or attending school.
According to court documents, beginning in about November 2016, Rector obtained adult and child pornography via the BitTorrent network. Law enforcement observed that Rector was sharing files with names suggestive of child pornography. On September 26, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Rector’s residence. Two desk top computers were seized and later searched. The two computers contained a total of 573 child pornography image files as well as BitTorrent file sharing software. In imposing his sentence, Judge Griesbach stressed the serious nature of the offense, including the horrific nature of the images as well as the length of time over which he obtained the images.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Roach, who was assisted by Victim Witness Specialist Jan Klika.
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Albany Felon Admits Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Juan A. Torres, age 36, of Albany, pled guilty today to unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Torres admitted that on July 13, 2018, he sold a Kel-Tec 9 millimeter pistol, loaded with four rounds of Luger ammunition, in Schenectady County, New York. Torres had two felony convictions at the time.
Torres, who is in custody, faces up to 10 years in prison, and up to 3 years of post-imprisonment supervised release, when he is sentenced on September 17, 2019 by Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Aberdeen Physician Sentenced for Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a physician working in Aberdeen, South Dakota, convicted of distributing oxycodone, was sentenced on May 14, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.
Troy Edward Adolfson, age 47, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $20,000, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Adolfson was indicted for Distribution of a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2018. He pled guilty on November 14, 2018.
While working at a hospital in Aberdeen, Adolfson wrote prescriptions for oxycodone to others, who filled the prescriptions and gave the pills to Adolfson. He gave these people some of the oxycodone and a cash “tip” for filling the prescriptions. He illegally prescribed approximately 1,400 pills of oxycodone in this manner.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
Adolfson was ordered to report on August 13, 2019, to begin serving his sentence.
13 May 2019
Yankton Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Yankton, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Lorraine Marie Prairie Chicken, age 34, was indicted on May 8, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on May 10, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine, life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that beginning on an unknown date and continuing until on or about October 17, 2018, Prairie Chicken knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with others, to distribute a mixture and substance containing at least 500 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The charge is merely an accusation and Prairie Chicken is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga is prosecuting the case.
Prairie Chicken was released on bond pending trial, which has not been set.
Wexford Cleaning Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Evading Personal and Business TaxesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Sewickley, PA, has entered a plea of guilty to charges of tax evasion in Federal Court in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
According to the information presented to the court, Mark Stanford, the owner of Y Clean in Wexford, PA, evaded payment of both his personal income taxes and the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes for employees that he should have paid by virtue of owning and operating his cleaning business during the period 2009 through 2013 (for the tax years 2008 through 2012). According to the information upon which Mr. Stanford’s plea was offered, he made large personal expenditures (such as two Bentley automobiles) rather than pay the taxes he knew were due and owing both for himself and for his employees. He also was shown to have filed a false document with the IRS regarding his personal and business financial situation. The document was false in that it failed to identify, among other things, the two Bentley automobiles on his list of assets and it failed to identify a bank account that he caused to be opened, which identified his son as the principal account holder, which he used to move money through that he took from his business and paid to himself in cash.
U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon set sentencing for September 4th, 2019, at 2:15 pm. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 (or both) for each tax evasion count. 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.
The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
Waterbury Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Loaded HandgunRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging ANTHONY MORALES, 29, of Waterbury, with possession of a firearm a by a convicted felon.
The indictment was returned on May 7, 2019, and Morales was arrested today. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty to the offense. He is detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for May 17 at 10:30 a.m.
As alleged in the indictment, on January 19, 2019, Morales possessed a Taurus, Model 85, .38 caliber revolver loaded with five rounds of ammunition, and an additional 13 rounds of loose ammunition. Prior to that date, Morales had been convicted of state robbery, larceny, assault and narcotics offenses.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
If convicted of the charge, Morales faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Vermont Man Sentenced to 48 Months for Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Nicholas J. Patten, 27, of Williston, Vermont was sentenced to 48 months in prison for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm and ammunition by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 11, 2018, a New London police officer stopped to assist a motorist and observed the defendant slumped down in the driver’s seat. The officer also observed several needles, three rubber tourniquets, a syringe, and white powder on the defendant’s jeans and on the center console of the vehicle. The defendant woke up and began to thrash about the vehicle screaming things like “Help,” “I’m drowning,” and “I’m trapped.” The defendant later admitted that he used cocaine and stated that he did not know what he was on. The police later executed a search warrant on the vehicle and found approximately 191.8 grams of cocaine. The police also found $4420 in cash and a loaded Smith and Wesson 9 millimeter pistol, as well as fentanyl, oxycodone, and other smaller amounts of cocaine within the vehicle.
Patten previously pleaded on January 29, 2019.
“Drugs and guns are a potentially deadly combination,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Armed drug traffickers present a heightened risk to the public. Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we are working to ensure that criminals who possess guns are prosecuted and incarcerated.”
The matter was investigated by the New London Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Debra M. Walsh prosecuted the case.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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United States Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr. Recognizes Police Week and Thanks All Law Enforcement Officers Serving Iowa CommunitiesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter E. Deegan, Jr., 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 takes time to specifically recognize the vital contributions of law enforcement officers to society. We recognize their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe,” said United States Attorney Deegan. “Every time an officer goes on duty, that officer accepts personal risk that few in our society face. The United States Attorney’s Office salutes and thanks our law enforcement partners for all they do.”
To help recognize Police Week, U.S. Attorney Deegan is scheduled to attend a Police Memorial Ceremony in Waterloo on May 15, 2019, and the Sioux City Police Department’s Spring Awards and Promotions Ceremony on May 16, 2019. On May 11, 2019, Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Reinert attended the Annual Cedar Rapids Police Department Awards Ceremony.
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 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.
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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US Attorney Blader Recognizes Law Enforcement During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – United States Attorney Scott C. Blader recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed this week.
In October 1962, Congress passed and President Kennedy signed a joint resolution 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 law enforcement officers for their dedication to keeping our communities safe, and recognizes those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Mr. Blader, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. “I want to acknowledge the work performed by these men and women and let them 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, including two officers in Wisconsin – Officers Charles G. Irvine, Jr., and Michael J. Michalski of the Milwaukee Police Department. Officer Irvine died on June 7, 2018, and Officer Michalski died on July 25, 2018. The Milwaukee Police Department also suffered the loss of Officer Matthew J. Rittner on February 6, 2019.
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 this 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. and to access the FBI’s 2018 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, please visit www.fbi.gov .
U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes Men and Women in Law Enforcement During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst 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.
"This week, we pause to honor and remember our men and women in law enforcement who keep our citizens and our communities safe. Their work is not just a job but more importantly a calling – to serve their fellow man, to protect the vulnerable, and to uphold the law. Some have even given their lives so that we may be safe. While we can never fully repay them for their sacrifice, we will always honor, remember and respect them for their service. This week, let us all do our part in showing our law enforcement our unwavering support and appreciation," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
U.S. Attorney Hurst will be the keynote speaker for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Fallen Officer Memorial Service on Wednesday, May 15th at the MDWFP Headquarters in Jackson.
The 9th annual Fallen Officers’ Candlelight Vigil, sponsored by the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police, will be held on Wednesday, May 16th, at 6:30 p.m., to honor our fallen heroes. The Vigil will take place at the State Capitol Mall between the Sillers and Gartin Justice Buildings on High Street in Jackson.
The U.S. Attorney’s National Police Week Fun Run will take place on Thursday, May 16, at 6:00 p.m. The public is invited to join us for a 3-mile Fun Run/Walk which will begin and end at Buffalo Wild Wings in Flowood.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
U.S. Attorney's Office Joins in Recognizing National Police Week, May 12-18, 2019Read the Press Release
PORTLAND—Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officers on the occasion of National Police Week.
The District of Oregon had one line-of-duty death in 2018. On Friday, March 2, 2018, Officer Malcus Williams, a 21-year veteran of the Ashland Police Department, passed away after suffering a major medical event while on the scene of a call. Officer Williams is survived by his wife, Ona, and three daughters, Savannah, Georgia and Brooklyn, and his sisters Cindy and Amy. In a ceremony on May 7, 2019, Officer Williams was added to Oregon’s Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem, Oregon.
“National Police Week offers a time to honor the courage and commitment shown by law enforcement officers here in the District of Oregon and across the nation. One officer death is too many,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “In 2018, we lost Officer Malcus Williams of the Ashland Police Department. As his family and colleagues know well, Officer Williams was a selfless public servant who embodied every noble trait his fellow citizens look for in a police officer. He was courageous, professional, hardworking and steadfastly dedicated to his community.”
According to statistics collected by the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2018 – a 14 percent increase from 2017 when 93 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents.
For comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks and selected assaults resulting in injury, please see the 2018 edition of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, released this week.
In October 1962, Congress passed and President Kennedy signed a joint resolution 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, which is observed from Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2019, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe.
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.
No tickets are required to attend the vigil and everyone is welcome. For additional information, please call 202-737-3400. 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 recognizes police weekRead the Press Release
WHEELING - U.S. Attorney Bill Powell 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 President Kennedy 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.
“We honor all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Our law enforcement officers put themselves at risk every day—for the rest of us. We honor them and their families this week and thank them for all of their sacrifices,” said Powell.
As a part of honoring law enforcement during this important week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will attend the Wheeling Police Department’s Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, May 15 at Wheeling’s Heritage Port.
According to statistics reported to the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2018. None of those deaths occurred in the Northern District of West Virginia.
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.
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 Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane (DAK) Kees 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.
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 Kees stated, “The Western District of Arkansas is blessed to have the finest law enforcement men and women serving at all levels. As the U.S. Attorney, it is a sincere honor to celebrate the achievements, dedication and sacrifices of these brave men and women. We should never forget that each day when they go to work, they put their lives on the line for us. They do it, not for the pay and not for the applause, but out of service for their fellow man. I pray we never take for granted all that they do and that they know how much they are truly appreciated.”
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 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.
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 Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - U.S. Attorney David J. Freed recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local 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.
“For more than 20 years as a prosecutor, I have had the daily privilege to witness the sacrifice, dedication, loyalty and commitment of the men and women serving our communities as police,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “From the most high profile murder case to a lost dog or stolen bicycle, our police are there when we need them. No questions asked. As the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, I want to acknowledge the work performed by federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, who often face uncertain and dangerous situations without expectation of thanks – because it is their sworn duty. 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, an increase from 94 officers in 2017.
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.
One Middle District of Pennsylvania officer was added this year: Alex I. Sable, York City Police Officer.
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 Peter G. Strasser Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS— U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local 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 Strasser said, “During Police Week, our nation celebrates the selfless contributions from our brave men and women in law enforcement from around the country, and especially in the Eastern District of Louisiana, by recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe. As the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, I want to acknowledge the work performed by federal, state, and local law enforcement and the choice made by them to protect and serve with full knowledge that they could one day find themselves facing dangerous situations. We want them and their families to know they have our unwavering support and appreciation. This week let us as a community take some time to reflect and honor the fallen and also those who continue to dutifully serve the public.”
According to statistics reported to the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2018, including (1) one officer here in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
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.
One Eastern District of Louisiana officer’s name was added this year. On November 17, 2018, Slidell Louisiana Police Department Officer Jason M. Seals died from injuries sustained on September 25, 2018 when he was involved in an on-duty motorcycle accident while escorting a funeral procession.
The Annual 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 Minkler recognizes law enforcement during National Police WeekRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS – U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Josh J. Minkler recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, and commented on the FBI's 2018 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report.
“Today marks the beginning of National Police Week, a time for citizens alike to take pause and commemorate the service and sacrifices the men and women in blue offer each and every day,” said Josh J. Minkler, United States Attorney. “As a career federal prosecutor, I am honored to recognize the spirit and the work police officers engage in each day. On behalf of the Justice Department, I thank not only the officers, but their families who walk beside them in service to our communities. In tribute to them, we are proud to announce the launch of the USAO-SDIN’s Spotlight on the Blue Campaign.”
In recognition of our distinguished law enforcement officers we honor their service and sacrifice during National Police week observed May 12, 2019-May 19 2019. This year, the USAO-SDIN honors the week and work with the launch of the USAO-SDIN’s Spotlight on the Blue Campaign. Please join us in recognizing this important commemoration and the dedication of our devoted law enforcement officers. The campaign will launch on Twitter @: SDINnews and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/usaosdin/. Follow us!
In October 1962, Congress passed and President Kennedy signed a joint resolution 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, which is observed from Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2019, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 31th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2019 held on the National Mall between 7th and 12th Streets in Washington, D.C. According to statistics collected by the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty in 2018. Of these, 55 law enforcement officers were feloniously killed and 51 were killed accidentally.
The D.C. vigil includes musical tributes, special remarks and reading of 371 names as they are dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Register for live webcast at www.nleomf.org/vigil*. So that people across the country can experience this unique.
For a complete schedule of National Police Week events in Washington, DC, visit www.LawMemorial.org/PoliceWeek.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
To access the FBI's 2018 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, please visit www.fbi.gov.
* Unlinked URLs no longer exist
U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - United States Attorney J. Douglas Overbey 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.
The U.S. Attorney’s office held the annual Gatlinburg Law Enforcement Conference last week, which opened with a moving tribute to fallen officers not only in the Eastern District of Tennessee but also for each of the 17 cosponsoring U.S. Attorney’s districts. Included in this tribute were Chattanooga Police Officer Nicholas Scott Grainger, EOW February 24, 2019; and, Sergeant Steve Hinkle with the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, EOW February 26, 2018. Both were valued members of the law enforcement community in the Eastern District of Tennessee.
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.
“National Police Week is a time for all of us to reflect upon and celebrate 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 Eastern District of Tennessee, I want to thank all of our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers, who often face uncertain and dangerous situations, and ensure them that they have the unwavering support and appreciation from the U.S. Attorney’s office,” said U.S. Attorney Overbey.
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 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.
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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