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Thursday 28 March 2019
Antitrust Division Issues 2019 Annual NewsletterRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division today issued the 2019 edition of its annual Spring Newsletter on its website. The Newsletter highlights the Antitrust Division’s recent activities and successes on civil and criminal enforcement, international cooperation, and competition advocacy. The Newsletter also includes a message from Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim.
“In early March 2019, the Division announced this year’s Antitrust AAG Awards, and I encouraged those in attendance to take a moment to remember what they commemorate first and foremost: victories for the American consumer,” said Assistant Attorney General Delrahim in his ‘Message from Makan.’ “Those victories did not come easy. Each of the Division’s attorneys answered the call to public service. They worked long and often unpredictable hours in the office, on the road, and in the courtroom. Every time, though, they came back eager for the next opportunity to do what they do best: represent the United States of America in its mission to enforce the antitrust laws. As we embark on the next year of antitrust enforcement, that mission will carry on.”
The Newsletter highlights these milestones and accomplishments, and features profiles of Division leadership and staff. It can be found at https://www.justice.gov/atr/division-operations/division-update-spring-2019.
Wednesday 27 March 2019
Williamson County Woman Charged with Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Amy J. Brozowski, of Marion, Illinois, has been charged by two-count indictment with distribution of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Steven D. Weinhoeft, announced today. The federal indictment alleges that the offenses occurred on March 7 and March 14, 2019, in Williamson County. On March 21, 2019, the 25 year old Brozowski made her initial appearance in federal court and pleaded not guilty to the charges. At her detention hearing the following day, Brozowski was granted bond. Her jury trial is currently set for May 28, 2019.
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.
The drug offenses carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group, Marion Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Williamson County Man Charged with Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
Raymond E. Wells, 47, of Herrin, Illinois, has been charged in a one-count superseding indictment with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Steven D. Weinhoeft, announced today. The federal indictment alleges that the offense occurred between February 2018 and January 2019 in Williamson and Jefferson Counties. On March 22, Wells made his initial appearance in federal court and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is currently being held without bond pending a March 26 detention hearing.
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.
The drug offenses carry a maximum penalty of 5 to 40 years’ imprisonment, four years of supervised release, and a fine of $5 million.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group. The Herrin Police Department, Marion Police Department, and Johnston City Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
Whitman Man Arrested for Sexually Exploiting ChildrenRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Whitman man was arrested and charged yesterday in federal court in Boston with sexual exploitation of children.
Matthew Murphy, 22, was charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of children. Murphy appeared in federal court yesterday afternoon and was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for today at 3:30 p.m.
According to charging documents, the investigation began when Murphy, posing as a teenage girl, used a Snapchat account to extort nude photographs from a Massachusetts middle school boy. Federal agents obtained portions of the Snapchat account Murphy had created in the fake identity and uncovered evidence of similar extortion of other minors in the area.
During the execution of the search warrant at Murphy’s home, Murphy admitted that the fake account was his, and investigators found forensic evidence of the account on some of his electronic devices. Murphy was subsequently arrested.
Law enforcement is actively working to identify additional victims. Members of the public with questions or information about this matter should call 617-748-3274.
The charges of sexual exploitation of children each provide for a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years and no greater than 30 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. The Whitman Police Department provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti, Lelling’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of his Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
White House Announces the Presidential Task Force on Protecting Native American Children in the Indian Health Service SystemRead the Press Release
March 26, 2019
Today, President Donald J. Trump announced the formation of a Presidential Task Force on Protecting Native American Children in the Indian Health Service System (Task Force). He charged the Task Force with investigating the institutional and systemic breakdown that failed to prevent a predatory pediatrician from sexually assaulting children while acting in his capacity as a doctor in the Indian Health Service. The pediatrician left the agency in 2016 and is now in Federal prison.
This Task Force’s focus is separate and distinguishable from other investigations into the Indian health system. Specifically, the work of the Task Force will not interfere with: (1) the criminal investigation of one particular pediatrician; (2) a review underway at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including a review by the Department’s Inspector General, which HHS Secretary Azar ordered earlier this year; or (3) a review conducted by an outside, independent contractor retained by the Indian health system.
The Task Force will examine any systemic problems that may have failed to prevent this doctor’s actions and led to any failures of the Indian Health Service to protect Native American children. The Task Force will develop recommended policies, protocols, and best practices to protect Native American children and prevent such abuse from ever happening again.
The Task Force will be comprised of subject-matter experts from several United States Government agencies, and co-chaired by Joseph Grogan, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, and the Honorable Trent Shores, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma and citizen of the Choctaw Nation. The Task Force will also draw on the expertise of other Federal employees and resources and seek perspective and input from tribal leaders and Native American voices.
Members of the Presidential Task Force on Protecting Native American Children in the Indian Health Service System:
Joseph Grogan, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, Co-Chair
United States Attorney Trent Shores, Co-Chair
Bo Leach, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services
Stephanie Knapp, MSW, LCSW, Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Office for Victims Assistance, Child Victim Services Unit
Shannon Bears Cozzoni, Tribal Liaison and Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma
Caitlin A. Hall, MD, FAAP, Clinical Director/Pediatrician, Dzilth-na-o-dith-hle Health Center, Indian Health Service
Farnoosh Faezi-Marian, Program Examiner, Office of Management and Budget
Westmoreland County Woman Charged with Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Westmoreland County, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of tax evasion, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count indictment named Tammy Keefer aka Tammy Coffman.
According to the indictment, Keefer engaged in a theft scheme from an entity known as CAP Glass with another individual known to the grand jury as LC. During the periods from January 1, 2012 through April 15, 2013, and from January 1, 2013 through April 15, 2014, Keefer evaded and defeated her income taxes for calendar years 2012 and 2013. Keefer’s income for calendar year 2012 was $235,859.09. Her income for calendar year 2013 was $80,022.29.
Keefer took check withdrawals from a CAP Glass bank account and transacted those checks at various financial institutions in a manner that did not readily identify those matters as income to Keefer. Keefer also negotiated CAP Glass checks in such a manner as to cause a "split deposit," where part of the amount of the check went into the bank account of a business known as Coffman Transport, and part of the amount of the check was returned to Keefer as cash with no record as to its disposition, thus concealing Keefer’s true income.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Volunteer and Former Employee of Minneapolis Charter School Charged with Sexually Exploiting MinorsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced a federal criminal complaint against JOSIAH RAUL MOSQUEDA, 27, charging him with coercion and enticement of two separate minors, transfer of obscene material to a minor, and receipt, distribution, and production of child pornography. MOSQUEDA made his initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. MOSQUEDA was ordered to remain in custody pending a formal detention hearing, which is scheduled for Monday, April 1, 2019.
According to the allegations in the complaint, MOSQUEDA was a volunteer and former employee of a Minneapolis charter school and a volunteer at a different Minneapolis middle school. From July 6, 2017, through December 23, 2018, MOSQUEDA engaged in sexually explicit communications, including transferring graphic, sexually explicit images and videos, to minors via Facebook Messenger. MOSQUEDA sent hundreds of messages to at least one minor, repeatedly requesting images and videos of sexually explicit acts or suggesting sexual encounters. In one instance, a minor reached out to MOSQUEDA for financial help getting his cell phone fixed. MOSQUEDA paid for the repair with the condition that the minor repay him by “hook[ing] up.”
According to the allegations in the complaint, MOSQUEDA was aware that his conduct was illegal, sending a message to one minor that read, “I mean if I show you you literally cant show anyone. I would go to jail and never be able to teach or work in a school lol.” MOSQUEDA’s Facebook also contained posts regarding law enforcement officers, as well as the Government in general, stating that, “all pigs must die,” and “[expletive] the pigs, barbeque them all.”
Based on the evidence obtained in this investigation, authorities believe there may be additional victims of the alleged conduct. Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to call the BCA Tip Line at 1-877-996-6222. Callers may remain anonymous.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (“BCA”).
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Kayser and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Middlecamp.
Defendant Information:
JOSIAH RAUL MOSQUEDA, 27
Minneapolis, Minn.
Charges:
- Receipt of child pornography, 1 count
- Coercion and enticement of a minor, 4 counts
- Production of child pornography, 1 count
- Transfer of obscene material to a minor, 1 count
- Distribution of child pornography, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Investors of $2 Million in Iraqi Dinar Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that WILLIAM BURANK pled guilty today to defrauding investors in a scheme in which he solicited funds based on false and fraudulent pretenses to purportedly invest in dinar, the currency of Iraq. Upon obtaining the funds, BURBANK either lost or misappropriated them, and then lied to investors about the state of their investments. BURBANK pled guilty to wire fraud before U.S. Magistrate Katharine H. Parker.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said: “William Burbank’s fraud is one of the oldest frauds in the book – using his investors’ money to pay back other investors while lining his own pockets. Burbank has now copped to his crimes and faces time in prison for his misdeeds.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment filed against BURBANK, and statements made in related court filings and proceedings:
From February 2010 through June 2018, BURBANK engaged in a Ponzi-like scheme to defraud more than 150 individual investors, including many U.S. military veterans and their families, of $2 million by soliciting funds through false and fraudulent pretenses. Specifically, BURBANK falsely claimed to potential investors that their funds would be used to trade in off-exchange foreign currency, namely, to purchase quantities of the Iraqi dinar, through an Iraqi bank headquartered in Bagdad. In truth and in fact, upon receiving investor funds, BURBANK used those funds to trade in his own brokerage accounts, to make payments to earlier investors, and for his personal expenses, among other things. Additionally, during the course of his scheme, BURBANK hid from investors the fact that he had misappropriated and lost their funds. In order to conceal the truth from investors, BURBANK provided them false information regarding the status of their investment, and engaged in a Ponzi-like scheme in which he used money obtained from new investors to make redemption payments to previous investors.
* * *
WILLIAM BURBANK, 63, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
BURBANK will be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman on July 22, 2019, at 11:00 a.m.
U.S. Attorney Berman praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Christine I. Magdo is in charge of the prosecution.
United States Attorney's Office Marks Women's History Month by Honoring the First and the Most Recent Female Assistant United States Attorneys in the DistrictRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN —U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge’s office took the occasion of Women’s History Month to recognize a pioneer in the practice of law who his office can call its own: Ella Mae Backus. In 1923, Ms. Backus became the first female Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) in Michigan. At the time, she was only the sixth such female attorney in the entire Department of Justice. Ms. Backus had actually been working in the Western District U.S. Attorney’s Office since 1903 as a Clerk, even though she had passed the bar in 1895 without the benefit of law school and had previously handled cases of her own in private practice. U.S. Attorney Edward Bowman, initially endeavoring to give Ms. Backus a mere raise, ultimately secured a second AUSA position for the office and appointed her to it when he learned it was the only way to increase her pay. As rare as it was at the time, the appointment was overdue. By 1911, Ms. Backus had been appearing in court on behalf of the United States as only a licensed lawyer can. During an era when AUSAs tended to serve no longer than the tenure of the U.S. Attorney who hired them and well before civil service protections, Ms. Backus worked for a total of 35 years under six different U.S. Attorneys. She cemented her legacy of dedication and service when she refused to go home ill the day before she passed away at the age of 76 in 1938.
AUSA Ella Me Backus
Ms. Backus at work in the office.
Ms. Backus at work with colleagues.In 2017, Ms. Backus was posthumously inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. She has been featured on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for many years, at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/about/history. Her life and times are well documented in scholar Ruth Stevens’ "Assistant US Attorney Ella Mae Backus: ‘A most important figure in the legal profession in the Western District of Michigan’" (2016). Peer Reviewed Publications. 15. https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/scjpeerpubs/15.
As of March 2019, there are fourteen female AUSAs in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. Many hold key positions, including the Chief of the Appellate Division and the coordinators of the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program and the summer intern program. U.S. Attorney Birge proudly noted that in the last six months, three new and distinguished women lawyers joined his team of outstanding men and women. In September, Tonya Long transferred to Grand Rapids from the Miami U.S. Attorney’s Office. An alum of Harvard Law School, Ms. Long began her career clerking for federal judges, including Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge R. Guy Cole. In February, Kristin Pinkston, a graduate of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, joined the office after ten years with the Chicago Law Department, including as a supervisory attorney. And earlier this month, Erin Lane, who graduated magna cum laude from the Michigan State University College of Law, joined the office after serving overseas with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics & Law Enforcement Affairs.
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U.S. Attorney's Office Collects over $2.1 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2018Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that the District of South Dakota collected $2,163,413.25 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 from civil and criminal actions. Of this amount, $1,457,048.53 was collected in criminal actions, and $706,364.72 was collected in civil actions.
As a whole, the Justice Department collected nearly $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2018. The $14,839,821,650 in collections in FY 2018 represents nearly seven times the appropriated $2.13 billion ($2,136,750,000) budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices.
Also, working with partner agencies and divisions, the District collected $84,598 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2018. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
“The recovery of these funds is a critical component of our mission,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Thanks to the excellent work of our Civil Division and Financial Litigation Unit under the leadership of our Civil Chief Diana Ryan, these recovered dollars will play a vital role in helping crime victims and preventing losses to the American taxpayer.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Education.
Two Plead Guilty to Distributing Opioids that Caused Fatal OverdosesRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Defendants in two separate indictments entered guilty pleas Monday, to distributing controlled substances that resulted in death. In Lexington, Daikuan Miller, 23, pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl that resulted in an overdose death, before Senior District Judge Joseph M. Hood. Miller admitted that, on August 19, 2018, he distributed the lethal drug to an individual identified as W.M. The Nashville Police Department, the Lexington Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) jointly investigated the case.
In a separate matter in Frankfort, Kari Yount, 31, pleaded guilty to distributing heroin that resulted in an overdose death, before District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove. Yount admitted that she distributed heroin to an individual identified as C.N.M.. The Frankfort Police Department and the DEA jointly investigated the death, which led to the federal charges.
Both defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Sentencing for Miller will occur in Lexington, on July 8, 2019; sentencing for Yount will occur in Frankfort, on July 24, 2019.
“The illegal distribution of opioids, particularly heroin and fentanyl, is a crisis,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “These drugs are killing Americans at a rate faster than car accidents, and one critical piece in our comprehensive approach to combatting this epidemic is to aggressively prosecute those who illegally sell this poison. Our Office remains committed to seeking justice for the families who have suffered so much from this illegal trade. The commitment of our law enforcement partners is also vital to the effort, and is what made these prosecutions possible.”
U.S. Attorney Duncan; Darrell Christopher Evans, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville; Charles Adams, Interim Chief of Police, Frankfort Police Department; and Lawrence Weathers, Chief of Police, Lexington-Fayette County Division of Police, jointly announced the guilty pleas. Assistant United States Attorney Todd Bradbury prosecuted both cases on behalf of the United States.
Two Men Plead Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that two men pled guilty today to federal drug charges.
“If the fentanyl in these cases had hit the streets, over 25,000 people could have died. Enough fentanyl to kill over half the city of Charleston,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are producing significant results in Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). It’s simple -- if you deal fentanyl, I will do everything in my power to lock you up as long as possible..”
Todd Stephens, 33, from Detroit, Michigan, entered his guilty plea to possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, namely fentanyl. The investigation was conducted by MDENT. Stephens admitted that on August 28, 2017, he sold what he thought was heroin to a woman. Based on that sale, MDENT detectives were able to get a search warrant for the Charleston apartment. During the search of the residence, over 50 grams of fentanyl was seized along with other contraband. Stephens faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 6, 2019. United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Alex Hamner is handling the prosecution.
Peyton Young, 25, from South Point, Ohio, entered a guilty plea in United States District Court in Huntington to an indictment charging him with distribution of fentanyl. Young admitted that on February 12, 2018, he met a confidential informant in the 400 block of West 10th Street in Huntington and gave the informant fentanyl in exchange for $80. As part of his plea agreement, Young also admitted that he sold heroin to an informant in April 2018 in Huntington. Young faces up to twenty years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 8, 2019. The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.
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Two Boulder Colorado Individuals Sentenced to 80, 46 Months for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jorge Barron, age 21, and Ana Duenas, age 19, both of Boulder, Colorado, were sentenced for Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2. Barron was sentenced to 80 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release, and Duenas 46 months’ imprisonment and 3 years’ supervised release.
The investigation was initiated when the Henryetta Police Department stopped a car for a traffic violation. During the stop, officers discovered a large quantity of methamphetamine inside the car. Members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and DEA Task Force agencies Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office and Broken Arrow Police Department assisted with additional investigation, which ultimately lead to Barron and Duenas being indicted.
The Indictment alleged that on or about April 24, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendants knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “The large quantity of methamphetamine that was intercepted was prevented from entering into local communities. That is a victory for us all. The defendants in this case were part of the supply chain for a drug trafficking organization. This investigation and prosecution resulted in punishment to the defendants for their roles in the distribution network, and also disrupted the organization’s business operations.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.
Twenty Defendants Charged in Drug Indictments; One Alleged Trafficker Charged in Death of Carfentanil UserRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney A. Dale Blankenship (619) 546-6705
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 27, 2019
SAN DIEGO – Three federal indictments unsealed in San Diego today charge 20 people, including documented gang members and associates, with trafficking in oxycodone, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and ultra-deadly carfentanil from homes in City Heights, College Grove and Imperial Beach.
One defendant, Dat Pham Tien Tran aka “Damian,” is charged with distribution of carfentanil resulting in the death of his brother’s longtime girlfriend. The brother, Darren Pham Tran aka “Denny,” is charged with conspiracy to distribute carfentanil and oxycodone. According to a search warrant affidavit, Darren Pham Tran, who overdosed on August 25, 2017 but survived, found his girlfriend dead in her car a few days later, on September 3, 2017.
Early this morning, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies made numerous arrests and searched 11 locations in San Diego. The brothers were arrested in College Grove and 12 others were taken into custody in locations throughout San Diego and Riverside counties. Another defendant was in state custody and five were still at large as of 2 p.m.
“As the opioid epidemic rages across the nation, we will do everything we can to save lives,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “That includes pursuing charges against dealers of these drugs that are killing people every single day in this country. In the last several months we’ve prosecuted about a dozen cases in which dealers were accused of providing the illegal drugs that resulted in death.” Brewer praised prosecutor Dale Blankenship and local and federal investigators for their tireless efforts to keep dangerous drugs off the streets.
“Gang members profited off the trafficking of various dangerous drugs to include carfentanil – a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than fentanyl,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Karen Flowers. “Purging this gang from our community exemplifies our commitment to fighting violent street gangs and their impact on the opioid epidemic.”
“The federal indictments in this case emphasize the commitment of the San Diego FBI to combat the distribution of dangerous drugs in our communities,” said Suzanne Turner, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI San Diego. “This investigation, led by our DEA partners and supported by our federal, state and local task force members, demonstrates the combined effort and resources dedicated to keep San Diego a safer place for us to live.”
According to charging documents, the investigation targeted gang members from the Oriental Crips, Tiny Rascal Gang, Oriental Killer Boys, Viet Boys and Linda Vista 13 who set aside rivalries in order to maximize drug trafficking profits.
During the investigation, law enforcement learned that several of the defendants were involved in the distribution of prescription opioids and counterfeit prescription opioids laced with carfentanil.
Additionally, several of the defendants distributed marijuana to locations along the eastern seaboard using United Parcel Service and the United States Postal Service, according to court documents. Investigators identified defendant Manoxay Insisienmay as the principle marijuana distributor who obtained marijuana from grow operations in the Central District of California and then distributed it locally or shipped it out of state. Court records said Insisienmay operated from local drinking establishment “City Pub” on El Cajon Boulevard. According to the court documents, investigators learned that defendants processed and packaged marijuana at the apartment attached to the rear of the “City Pub.” Investigators seized numerous parcels containing marijuana destined for Maryland where other individuals then distributed the marijuana.
During the investigation, authorities also seized parcels containing drug proceeds mailed from out-of-state locations to San Diego, and identified several individuals operating “funnel accounts” on behalf of Insiseinmay. Drug distributors on the east coast made cash deposits into the funnel accounts; the defendants then withdrew the cash in San Diego. Investigators identified in excess of $100,000 in cash transactions through the funnel accounts.
Investigators executed three marijuana-grow search warrants in the Central District of California and seized over 7,000 marijuana plants. In addition, investigators executed a search warrant at an Air BnB and seized over $50,000 from out of state marijuana buyers who traveled from Florida to San Diego to buy marijuana.
DEFENDANTS
Case Number 19CR0899-H
Name
Age
Hometown
DAT PHAM TIEN TRAN (1),
aka “Damian,”
31
San Diego
DARREN PHAM TRAN (2),
aka “Denny,”
29
San Diego
ANTHONY VIBOUNPHONH (3),
aka “Ant,”
33
San Diego
ARMANDO ALAN ANGELES (4),
44
Imperial Beach
KRISTINE TUYET TRUONG (5),
aka “K,”
29
San Diego
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone and Carfentanil (Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 841(a)(1), 846);
Distribution of Oxycodone and Carfentanil Resulting in Death (Title 21, U.S.C, Secs. 841(a)(1) & (b)(1)(C);
Distribution of Oxycodone and Carfentanil Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (Title 21, U.S.C, Secs. 841(a)(1) & (b)(1)(C);Maximum Penalties: For Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone and Carfentanil Charge: 20 years’ imprisonment and a $1 million fine;
Maximum Penalties: For Distribution of Oxycodone and Carfentanil Resulting in Death and Serious Bodily Injury Charges: life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and a $1 million fine
Case Number 19CR0900-H
Name
Age
Hometown
ERIC JOJO ANGELES (1),
46
San Diego
JIMMY SENGPASEUTH (2),
27
San Diego
NAVA JEFF PHETHDARA (3),
32
San Diego
JAVIER PENALOZA (4),
24
San Diego
MINH PHAM (5),
24
San Diego
NALONG LAA KEOMANIVONG (6),
aka “Elmo,”
37
San Diego
ANTHONY VIBOUNPHONH (7),
aka “Ant,”
33
San Diego
DAT PHAM TIEN TRAN (8),
aka “Damian,”
31
San Diego
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine (Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 841(a)(1), 846);
Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Title 21, U.S.C, Secs. 841(a)(1));
Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Title 21, U.S.C, Secs. 841(a)(1)).Maximum Penalties: For cocaine and methamphetamine charges: life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine.
Case Number 19CR0901-H
Name
Age
Hometown
MANOXAY INSISIENMAY (1),
aka “Mano,”
50
San Diego
MANOSANG ANOUNOY INSISIENMAY (2)
aka “Dustin,”
22
San Diego
AMPHONE VINSON (3),
58
Mountain Center, California
DAORINE DETHAMPHAIVAN (4),
aka “Tik,”
44
Anza, California
DAT PHAM TIEN TRAN (5),
aka “Damian,”
31
San Diego
EGZON HAXHIHJA (6),
aka “X,”
aka “Florida,”
28
Jacksonville, Florida
TROY MICHAEL COOLEY (7),
33
San Diego
LINDA PHAM INSISIENMAY (8),
36
San Diego
MALIVE PARKER (9),
26
San Diego
HEATHER ODOM (10),
23
San Diego
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Marijuana Distribution Conspiracy – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841(a)(1) and 846
Maximum penalty: 40 years’ imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a
$5 million fine.
Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h);
Maximum penalty: 20 years’ imprisonment and $500,000 fine.
AGENCIES
Drug Enforcement Administration
Federal Bureau of Investigation
United States Postal Inspection Service
Homeland Security Investigations
San Diego Police Department
San Diego Sheriff Department
If you have information regarding the fugitives in this case, please contact the San Diego DEA at 858-616-4100 or the San Diego FBI at 858-320-1800.
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
Three Charged with Filing $1.9 Million in False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A trio of Columbus tax-return preparers has been charged with filing false tax returns and defrauding the United States of nearly $2 million. Two of the three defendants pleaded guilty in federal court today.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and William Cheung, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation, announced the case.
According to court documents, Quiana Mathews, 38, of Montgomery, Ala.; Virginia Earnest, 41, of Conway, Ark.; and Barbara Huffman, 56, of Montgomery, Ala. operated a seasonal tax business in Columbus under the name GQ’s Tax Pros LLC.
Mathews was arraigned on March 20, 2019, in federal court in Columbus and Earnest and Huffman today pleaded guilty.
According to court documents, from 2012 through 2016, the defendants filed more than 1,200 returns claiming more than $5.3 million in refunds.
Specifically, 100 percent of the returns they filed claimed a refund, approximately 93 percent claimed the Earned Income Credit and approximately 75 percent claimed Schedule C self-employment income or expenses.
The defendants filed returns with false Schedule C information in order to qualify taxpayers for the Earned Income Credit. The Earned Income Credit is a tax credit ranging from approximately $400 to $6,100, which is available to low-income taxpayers who have earned income within a certain limited range. Because the credit is refundable, taxpayers who qualify for the credit can receive a refund even if they have little or no tax withholdings.
Some returns also claimed fictitious dependents to generate tax benefits.
“Our tax system depends on the honesty of filers and preparers,” said U.S. Attorney Glassman. “As tax season continues, let’s keep in mind that willfully manipulating tax filings is fraud against the United States. That’s a federal crime that the IRS will investigate and we will prosecute.”
Mathews, Earnest and Huffman were each charged with conspiring to defraud the United States through false claims, which is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
According to Huffman’s plea, more than 80% of the refunds generated by returns she prepared were due to fraud, resulting in nearly $237,000 in tax loss.
Likewise, more than half of the refunds Earnest generated by returns she prepared were due to fraud, resulting in more than $94,000 in tax loss. The total tax loss caused by the trio was more than $1.9 million.
As part of their pleas, Huffman and Earnest have agreed to pay back the tax losses in restitution.
Mathews has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial on July 16, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by IRS Criminal Investigation and Assistant United States Attorney Peter Glenn-Applegate, who is representing the United States in this case.
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Third Person Sentenced in Pawtucket Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A third person indicted by a federal grand jury for their participation in a conspiracy to traffic heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine has been sentenced to six years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, and Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Kelly D. Brady.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Michael Querceto, 34, was sentenced to 72 months in prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release. Querceto pleaded guilty on December 7, 2018, to four counts of distribution of heroin, and one count each of possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and felon in possession of a firearm.
On September 17, 2018, co-defendant Brandon Querceto, 31, was sentenced to 72 months in prison to be followed by 4 years supervised release. He pleaded guilty on June 11, 2018, to possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.
On September 11, 2018, co-defendant Jacqueline Caraballo, 45, was sentenced to 48 months in prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release. On June 8, 2018, Caraballo pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to distribute heroin and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, five counts of distribution of heroin, and three counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
In September 2017, Pawtucket Police received information that an individual in Pawtucket was arranging sales of heroin via a cell telephone. Pawtucket Police linked the phone to Michael Querceto. Over the next several weeks, a Pawtucket Police Department undercover officer called Querceto several times to arrange for purchases of heroin.
On four occasions, Caraballo delivered heroin to the officer. On one occasion both Caraballo and Michael Querceto together delivered heroin to the officer. On all but one occasion, the undercover officer contacted Michael Querceto to arrange the deliveries.
On October 11, 2017, a court-authorized search of the Pawtucket residence the three defendants shared resulted in the seizure of more than five grams of heroin and nearly 60 grams of crack cocaine packaged for delivery were seized from Brandon Querceto’s bedroom. Additionally, from other locations within the residence, law enforcement seized various amounts of heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, steroids and fentanyl, $6,796 in cash, and a handgun.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
The matter was investigated by the Pawtucket Police Department, with the assistance of the ATF.
Texas Track Coach Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a Minor during College Visit to TulsaRead the Press Release
A Killeen, Texas, private track coach and retired U.S. Army sergeant first class pleaded guilty Tuesday to transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity during a college visit in June 2017, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
In his plea agreement, Kerry Sloan, 56, of Harker Heights, Texas, admitted that when he drove the victim from Killeen to Tulsa for meetings with college coaches, he intended to engage in sexual activity with the victim without her consent at a Tulsa hotel. He also admitted that he ultimately did sexually assault the victim. After a 911 call was made on the return trip, the vehicle the two were traveling in was stopped by Pittsburg County Sheriff’s deputies, who were able to rescue the victim. During the ensuing investigation, victims dating back to 1990 came forward to report similar incidents involving Sloan.
“Kerry Sloan was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He portrayed himself to parents and children as a trustworthy and caring mentor when in reality he was a danger to young girls,” said U.S. Attorney Shores. “During the course of this prosecution, even more victims than we were originally aware of came forward, claiming to have been groomed and assaulted by Mr. Sloan. His days of preying on unsuspecting families and their daughters are over. Federal prison is his next stop.”
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan accepted the plea and scheduled Sloan’s sentencing for June 26, 2019. At that time, he faces a possible minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison; he further faces a maximum fine of $250,000. Sloan was permitted to remain on bond pending the sentencing hearing. While on bond, he will be heavily monitored by the U.S. Probation Office.
The Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, Killeen and Tulsa Police Departments and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
St. Croix Man Arrested for Conspiracy and Possession with the intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Jakwan Sweeney, 21, of St. Croix arrested yesterday on an indictment charging him with conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert, announced. Sweeney made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller and was detained pending further proceedings on March 29, 2019.
According to the indictment, between August 1st and September 24, 2018, Sweeney conspired to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
If convicted of conspiracy or possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, Sweeney faces a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years and not more than life and a fine of $10,000,000.00.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated this matter and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
St. Clair County Man Indicted for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury for the Southern District of Illinois has returned a one count indictment charging Sean M. Hall, 22, of Cahokia, Illinois, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Steven D. Weinhoeft, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today. According to the indictment, Hall knowingly possessed a 9mm semi-automatic handgun on February 26 of this year after previously sustaining a 2013 felony conviction for cannabis possession.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The arraignment for Hall will be conducted on April 1, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at the federal courthouse in East Saint Louis, Illinois. He is currently being held without bond.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address violent crime, the Justice Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN ("PSN 2.0") and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The investigation of this case was a collaborative effort between the O’Fallon Police Department, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, the Illinois State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexandria M. Burns.
St. Clair County Man Charged with Distributing and Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury for the Southern District of Illinois has returned a seven-count indictment charging James K. Young, 66, of Dupo, Illinois, with five counts of distributing child pornography and two counts of receiving child pornography, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft announced today. According to the indictment, Young knowingly distributed child pornography on five separate dates from June 2017 to March 2018. On the first occasion, Young is specifically charged with distributing a digital video file depicting the anal penetration of a toddler by an adult male. The indictment further charges Young with knowingly receiving child pornography on November 7, 2017, and April 29, 2018.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Young’s arraignment will be held on April 11, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the federal courthouse in East Saint Louis, Illinois. Young has been summoned to appear at the arraignment.
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."
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Scott.
Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Springfield to distributing crack cocaine.
Alonzo Williams Jr., 31, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of crack cocaine before U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni, who scheduled sentencing for June 26, 2019. Williams was arrested and charged in August 2018 and was released on conditions.
Williams admitted that he possessed and distributed crack cocaine to a government witness on Oct. 19, 2017, and Oct. 23, 2017, near his home in Springfield.
Williams faces a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. 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 Office; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Springfield Police Acting Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood; and Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Hampden and Berkshire County Sheriff’s Departments, and the West Springfield and Chicopee Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is 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.
South Dakota Resident Who Visited South Beach Pleads Guilty to Federal Weapons ViolationRead the Press Release
A South Dakota resident pled guilty today to possession of an unregistered firearm.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Katherine Fernandez Rundle, State Attorney, Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, Ari C. Shapira, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), Miami Field Office, and Daniel J. Oates, Chief, Miami Beach Police Department (“MBPD”), made the announcement.
David James Goldammer, 32, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, pled guilty to the single count Indictment that charged him with possession of an unregistered firearm in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861(d) (Case No. 18-20889-CR-Martinez). Goldammer is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez on June 4, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. Goldammer faces a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000. Goldammer will also have to forfeit the unregistered firearm.
According to court documents, on or about October 25, 2018, MBPD officers found Goldammer asleep behind the wheel of a vehicle parked with the engine running in an alleyway at the 1400 block of Ocean Court. The MBPD officers observed in plain view several open beer bottles and two handguns. The officers asked Goldammer to exit the vehicle so that they could conduct a driving under the influence (“DUI”) and weapon violations investigation. Later, Goldammer was asked to perform standard field sobriety exercises in order to determine whether he was under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Goldammer refused to perform the field sobriety exercises. The MBPD officers arrested Goldammer based upon their own observations.
After Goldammer was arrested, the MBPD officers determined that Goldammer’s vehicle needed to be towed in accordance with MBPD policy. Before Goldammer’s vehicle was towed, the officers were required to conduct an inventory search of the vehicle. During the inventory search, the MBPD officers located a green rifle bag underneath of the rear driver-side seat that contained a loaded rifle with a barrel of less than 16 inches in length, commonly referred to as a “short-barrel rifle”, a separate upper receiver that was longer than 16 inches in length and an additional loaded magazine. In addition, the MBPD officers found five handguns, several thousand rounds of ammunition, body armor, empty and loaded magazines, and other firearms accessories.
An ATF expert later examined the short-barrel rifle and determined that the overall length of the barrel was 7-5/8 inches, which is smaller than the legal limit of 16 inches before a rifle is exempt from registration under the National Firearms Act (“NFA”). The ATF expert also determined that the short-barrel rifle bore no NFA manufacturer’s marks of identification, as required by law. ATF further conducted a records check and determined that the short-barrel rifle was not registered to Goldammer in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required by law.
Ms. Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of ATF and MBPD. Ms. Fajardo Orshan also thanked the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office for their assistance. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Gellis from the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Marcet and Christine Hernandez.
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.
San Carlos Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On March 25, 2019, Leon Arthur Dosela, 51, of San Carlos, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to prison for 20 years followed by five years of supervised release. Dosela had previously pleaded guilty to second degree murder.
On Sept. 15, 2016, Dosela, an enrolled member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, argued with the victim at the victim’s residence on the San Carlos Apache Community. As a result of the argument, Dosela threw a flammable liquid onto the victim and thereafter ignited the liquid. The victim died from the resulting burn injuries.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the San Carlos Police Department and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Simon, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-01156-PHX-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2019-035_ Dosela
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Saginaw Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Theft of nearly $1 million from Jewish FederationRead the Press Release
FORT WORTH, Texas – A 64-year-old Saginaw, Texas woman has been sentenced to federal prison for bank fraud, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown.
Laurie Ann Reese pleaded guilty on July 18, 2018, to bank fraud and was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means on Mar. 26, 2019. Reese was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $992,854.02.
According to information presented in court, between Jan. 6, 2013, and April 19, 2018, Reese, while a controller for the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth and Tarrant County (JFFWTC), devised and executed a scheme to make approximately 326 checks payable to herself from the JFFWTC bank accounts. Reese spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the Home Shopping Network and QVC.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Eason.
Sacaton Man Sentenced to over 8 Years for Robbery with a MacheteRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On March 26, 2019, Vince Rivera, 28, of Sacaton, Ariz., a member of the Gila River Indian Community, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to over eight years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Rivera had previously pleaded guilty to robbery. During the robbery, Rivera attacked the victim with a machete, causing permanent injuries to the victim.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Raynette Logan, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-917-PHX-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2019-036_Rivera
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Sacaton Man Sentenced to 137 Months’ Imprisonment for Burglary with FirearmRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – This week, Travis Lee Kisto, 40, of Sacaton, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 137 months in prison for crimes he committed on the Gila River Indian Community. Judge Humetewa sentenced Kisto to 120 months for felon in possession of a firearm and 105 months for burglary, and ordered that 17 months of the burglary sentence run consecutive to the sentence for the firearm. Judge Humetewa further sentenced Kisto to concurrent, three-year terms of supervised release. Kisto had previously pleaded guilty to both felonies.
On March 1, 2018, Kisto unlawfully entered the victim’s home on the Gila River Indian Community while carrying a modified and stolen shotgun. Kisto, a felon, demanded the victim’s purse and began going through her belongings before ultimately discharging the firearm in the home. Responding law enforcement had to utilize tear gas and a K-9 to get Kisto to exit the residence and submit to arrest. Kisto and the victim are enrolled members of the Gila River Indian Community.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Christine D. Keller, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-1264-PHX-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2019-033_Kisto
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Possession and Being A Felon in Possession of A GunRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Joseph Delisio, 47, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $2,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant sold heroin between September 29, 2017, and April 11, 2018 to individuals working with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Delisio was arrested on April 11, 2018, following a vehicle stop. The defendant had approximately $34,650 in cash in his possession and officers found a bottle in the vehicle containing residue of suspected heroin, scales which are commonly used to process narcotics for distribution, and a .22 caliber Ruger handgun.
During a subsequent search of Delisio’s residence, officers recovered three more firearms and ammunition. The defendant was previously convicted in Wayne County Court in 2013 of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree; in 2009 of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree; and in 2002 of Burglary in the Third Degree. As a result, Delisio is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
The plea 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, and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Barry Virts.Sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2019, at 4:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford.
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Rigby Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Minor ChildRead the Press Release
POCATELLO - Joseph Lavern Harris, 31, of Rigby, Idaho, pleaded guilty yesterday to sexual exploitation of a minor child, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Harris was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pocatello on March 27, 2018.
According to court records, on February 26, 2018, state investigators responded to allegations of child abuse at a residence in Jefferson County, Idaho, where Harris resided. A subsequent investigation discovered that Harris had produced child pornography using a minor child. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Harris’s electronic devices and discovered images of the sexual abuse taken on Harris’s phone. In court, Harris admitted that he used, persuaded, and coerced the minor child to take part in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct.
The charge of sexual exploitation of a minor is punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of 5 years to life.
Sentencing is set for June 18, 2019, before U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in Idaho Falls and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
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.”
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Randolph County man sentenced for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Mark Jay Courtney, of Montrose, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months incarceration for distributing heroin, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Courtney, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in October 2018. Courtney admitted to selling heroin in Randolph County in January 2018.
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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Randolph County Man Charged with Transportation and Possession of Child Pornography and Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury for the Southern District of Illinois has returned a three-count indictment charging Brandon W. Junge, 33, of Baldwin, Illinois, with transportation of child pornography, possession of prepubescent child pornography and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft announced today. According to the indictment, on April 17, 2018, Junge knowingly transported child pornography in interstate commerce and knowingly possessed child pornography depicting prepubescent children. Junge is further accused of sending a close-up picture of a nude penis to a person he believed to be a 14 year old girl.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The arraignment for Junge will be held on April 17, 2019, at the federal courthouse in East Saint Louis, Illinois. Junge is currently in Missouri state custody on related charges.
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."
The case was investigated by the St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Scott.
Port Richey Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Aiming A Laser at Police HelicopterRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell has sentenced Ryan J. Fluke (28, Port Richey) to 21 months in federal prison for aiming a laser at a police helicopter. Fluke pleaded guilty on November 20, 2018.
According to court documents, the offense occurred on December 5, 2017, around 10:50 p.m., when a Pasco Sheriff’s Office helicopter was dispatched to assist other deputies during an encounter with a barricaded individual at a residence in Port Richey. The helicopter flew over the house where the individual had barricaded himself. As the helicopter was providing assistance for the deputies who were preparing to enter the home, Fluke aimed a laser pointer at the helicopter. The laser pointer caused a high-intensity red laser beam to enter the interior cockpit and the pilot’s line of sight, initially blinding and disorientating the crewmembers for several seconds, and making it hard to operate the aircraft. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was flying low to the ground, over a heavily populated area. The aircraft was forced to abandon air support for the ground units.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael C. Baggé-Hernández and Charlie Connally.
Plymouth Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Steven Moore, 36, of Plymouth, New Hampshire, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Court filings and statements made in court established that Moore and Samantha Merrifield arranged to sell approximately 50 grams of fentanyl to an undercover police officer on October 10, 2018.
Moore previously pleaded guilty on December 18 2018.
Merrifield will be sentenced on June 26, 2019.
“Fentanyl distribution is a serious problem throughout the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and incarcerate drug dealers who choose to engage in this illegal and dangerous trade in New Hampshire.”
“The state of New Hampshire is faced with a fentanyl crisis unlike ever before,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle. “Illegal drug distribution ravages the very foundations of our families and communities so every time we take fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative local, county and state law enforcement efforts in New Hampshire and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Georgiana L. Konesky.
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Pittsburgh Man Admits Robbing PNC Bank in West Mifflin in September 2018Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Barry Daniels, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about September 12, 2018, Daniels, wearing a Pirates hat and a black buttoned-up McDonald's shirt, entered the PNC Bank at 4917 Homeville Road, West Mifflin, PA 15122, handed the teller a deposit slip with a note on the back, which read: "Give me all of your 100s and 50s." The Court was further advised that Daniels took $505.00 from the bank teller. Additionally, the Court was informed that Daniels was captured on surveillance video driving a black vehicle into the bank parking lot and, after the robbery, he was observed entering the same vehicle, which he then drove out of the parking lot.
Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for July 25, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, 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. Daniels remains detained pending the sentencing hearing.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Mifflin Police Department, and the Turtle Creek Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Daniels.
Pine Ridge Man Found Guilty of False StatementRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota man, Weldon Two Bulls, age 48, was found guilty of False Statement following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota. The jury did not reach a unanimous verdict on the charge of Accessory After the Fact.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stemmed from the defendant making a false statement to a federal agent regarding his recollection of a brutal assault on a woman in November of 2018. The jury convicted Two Bulls of knowingly and falsely telling a federal agent that he was too intoxicated to remember what happened to the victim.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassandra DeCoste and Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
A sentencing date has not been set. Two Bulls is out of custody pending sentencing.
Paterson Police Officer Sentenced to 66 Months in Prison for Assaulting Hospital Patient, Distributing NarcoticsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A City of Paterson police officer was sentenced today to 66 months in prison for violating an individual’s civil rights by assaulting him at a hospital and repeatedly distributing narcotics, including drugs he stole from a crime scene while on duty, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Ruben McAusland, 27, of Paterson, pleaded guilty on June 27, 2018, before U.S. District Judge William H. Walls to an information charging him with possessing with intent to distribute narcotics and deprivation of civil rights under color of law. Judge Walls imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
“Today’s sentencing of Ruben McAusland marks the important role that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey plays in identifying and holding accountable officers of the law who breach their sworn duty to serve the public,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “Through prosecutions like this one, police officers like McAusland – who dealt drugs, stole from a crime scene, and viciously attacked a person who sought help from the Paterson Police Department – are removed from positions where they can violate the public trust and deprive others of their civil rights under color of law. We will continue to vigilantly pursue these cases, recognizing that the people of Paterson, and all of New Jersey, deserve better.”
“The facts of this case are especially troubling to those of us in law enforcement,” Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie of the Newark FBI Field Office said. “When an officer betrays the oath to protect and serve, it tarnishes the law enforcement community and puts the public at risk. The FBI prides itself on having a solid working relationship with our state and local law enforcement partners. But by no means will we look the other way if an officer or agent of the law is breaking the rules that he or she is sworn to uphold.”
According to documents filed in this and another case, and statements made in court:
Between October 2017 and April 2018, McAusland sold various types and quantities of narcotics to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement. In October 2017, McAusland sold the individual approximately 35 grams of marijuana, 48 grams of heroin, 31 grams of cocaine, and 31 grams of crack cocaine. McAusland admitted that he stole these narcotics from a crime scene while on duty and in uniform as a police officer.
McAusland also sold the individual two pounds of marijuana between November 2017 and January 2018. In addition, on multiple occasions between February 2018 and April 2018, McAusland sold pills that were made to resemble Percocet doses but were actually made of heroin.
On March 5, 2018, McAusland and his partner, Roger Then, 29, of Paterson, were on duty and responded to a call from an attempted suicide victim. McAusland and Then went to the victim’s house but were told the victim had been transported to St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson.
McAusland first met the victim, who was in a wheelchair, in the hospital waiting room. McAusland admitted that during the encounter, he pushed the victim and punched him in the face. In addition, Then allegedly grabbed the victim by the neck and pushed him into the ground. Afterwards, the victim was taken to a patient room.
McAusland and Then had another encounter with the victim in the hospital room, which Then recorded on his cellphone. McAusland admitted that, while the victim was on his back in a hospital bed, he put on a pair of hospital gloves and violently struck the victim twice across the face.
McAusland and Then filed a false police report in connection with the foregoing events. McAusland admitted that they purposely omitted from the report the fact that McAusland violently struck the victim multiple times and that Then grabbed the victim by the neck and pushed him into the ground.
The victim suffered multiple injuries to his face, including an eye injury that required surgery, as a result of these assaults.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Walls sentenced McAusland to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $32,892.
Then pleaded guilty before Judge Walls on Dec. 6, 2018, to one count of misprision of felony for concealing civil rights violations. He is scheduled to be sentenced April 2, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s plea. He also thanked the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Paterson Police Director Jerry Speziale and Police Chief Troy Oswald, and the Paterson Police Department Office of Internal Affairs, for their assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Agarwal, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division.
Owners of South Carolina Company Plead Guilty to Conspiring with Employees of One of the Nation's Largest Private Companies Relating to Extensive Bribery and Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The two owners of a South Carolina-based company and a manager at one of the country’s largest private companies (“Victim Company”) appeared in federal court today and pleaded guilty to conspiracy, in connection with an extensive bribery and kickback scheme involving more than $35,000,000 of fraudulent overcharges, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Brian C. Ewert, 53, of Charlotte, Jennifer Maier, 51, of Clover, South Carolina, and Choung “Shawn” Nguyen, 47, of Wichita, Kansas, entered their guilty pleas before U.S. Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer.
John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, David M. McGinnis, Inspector in Charge of the Charlotte Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Matthew D. Line, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, Charlotte Field Office (IRS-CI) join U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.
Ewert was co-owner and primary sales representative of WDS, Inc., also known as Women’s Distribution Services, Inc. (WDS), located in Lake Wylie, South Carolina. One of Ewert’s responsibilities at WDS was to set prices for the supplies WDS provided to Victim Company. Maier was co-owner and Chief Executive Officer of WDS, responsible for running the company’s day to day operations.
Nguyen was a procurement manager with Victim Company’s Strategic Sourcing Function group, responsible for implementing and monitoring Victim Company’s supplier agreements with WDS. Nguyen reported to M.K., an uncharged co-conspirator and senior employee within Victim Company’s Strategic Sourcing Function group. Both Nguyen and M.K. were terminated by Victim Company in May 2016.
According to the criminal information and plea documents, from 2009 through 2016, Ewert, Nguyen, and M.K. conspired with each other to defraud Victim Company by allowing WDS to overcharge Victim Company by more than $35,000,000. As part of the conspiracy, Ewert paid more than $1 million in bribes to Nguyen, M.K., and others. Court records show that in 2007, M.K. helped Ewert start a business relationship with Victim Company. Between 2008 and 2016, with the help of M.K. and Nguyen, WDS dramatically increased its sales volume to Victim Company. For example, between 2012 and 2016, Victim Company purchased nearly $544 million in products from WDS.
Over the course of the scheme, in exchange for allowing WDS to overinflate the prices it charged Victim Company, Nguyen, M.K. and others were paid more than a million dollars in kickbacks. As the defendants admitted in court today, Ewert made regular cash payments to Nguyen and M.K., paid for family vacations, flew them on private jets, and gave them expensive gifts, including electronics. In exchange for the illicit bribes, Nguyen and M.K. assisted WDS in concealing from Victim Company more than $35 million in overcharges.
In late 2015 and early 2016, after Victim Company began to question WDS’s contracts, Ewert, M.K. and Nguyen took a number of steps to conceal the scheme and to impede Victim Company’s audit by, among other things, providing misleading pricing information, falsely claiming that WDS was in compliance with its pricing obligations according to its agreement with Victim Company, and falsely denying receiving any improper benefits from WDS. When Victim Company continued to demand proof related to pricing, Maier joined the conspiracy by creating at least 100 bogus invoices that she provided to Victim Company, in an effort to conceal more than $500,000 in fraudulent overcharges.
Ewert, Nguyen and Maier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charge carries a maximum prison term of five years and a $250,000 fine. They are currently released on bond. A sentencing date has not been set.
The FBI, USPIS, and IRS-CI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ryan, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, is in charge of the prosecution.
Owner of Information Technology Companies Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Visa Fraud and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An owner of two information technology companies was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for his role in using phony documents to fraudulently obtain H1-B visas for foreign workers and submitting false tax returns, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Sowrabh Sharma, 34, of New York, New York, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court to a superseding information charging him with conspiracy to commit visa fraud and with subscribing to false tax returns. Judge McNulty imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
SCM Data Inc. and MMC Systems Inc. offered consultants to clients in need of IT support. Both companies recruited foreign nationals with purported IT expertise, often student visa holders or recent college graduates, and sponsored them for H-1B visas with the stated purpose of working for SMC Data and MMC Systems’ clients throughout the United States.
Sharma admitted that from 2010 through April 2015, he and others falsely represented to U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that dozens of foreign workers had full-time “in-house” positions, and would be paid an annual salary, as required to secure the visas. However, Sharma and his companies only paid the foreign workers when they were placed at a third-party client, or a company that entered into a contract for services with SCM Data and MMC Systems. Sharma further admitted that he and SCM Data and MMC Systems were violating USDOL regulations by not paying workers who were “benched,” or not working on a project.
Sharma also admitted that in some instances, foreign workers who were “benched” between projects and not working were told that if they wanted to maintain their H-1B visa status, they would need to come up with what their gross wages would be in cash and give it to SCM Data and MMC Systems to generate phony payroll checks.
Sharma also admitted that he intentionally overstated and claimed false expenses pertaining to SCM Data and MMC Systems on his U.S. Individual Tax Returns for 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 that resulted in a tax loss to the United States of over $1.1 million.
In addition to the prison term, Judge McNulty sentenced Sharma to one year of supervised release. Sharma made payment of the $1.1 million tax loss and penalties to the IRS prior to sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian A. Michael: the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Mikulka, in New York: IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of John R. Tafur; and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, under the direction of John E. Thompson, District Director of the Newark District, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joyce M. Malliet of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s National Security Unit in Newark.
Defense counsel: John P. Lacey Esq. and Leo J. Hurley Esq., Newark
Outstanding Women Have Served in U.S. Attorney’s OfficeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – Outstanding women have served with distinction at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today in observance of Women’s History Month.
“In Kansas, we have been honored to serve with a long line of talented and dedicated women,” McAllister said. “They have excelled in their field and paved the way to success for other women.”
Mary Beck Briscoe served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1974 to 1984 in the District of Kansas, and then joined the Kansas Court of Appeals, eventually serving as that court’s Chief Judge. She has served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit since 1995.
Karen Humphreys served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1978 to 1983. She was appointed U.S. Magistrate Judge in 1993, serving until she retired in 2015.
Janice Miller Karlin served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1980 to 2002. She went on to become a U.S. Bankruptcy judge, serving until she retired in 2018.
Julie Robinson served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1983 to 1993. From 1992 to 1994 she served as Senior Litigation Counsel in the U.S. Attorney’s office. In 1994, she was appointed as a bankruptcy judge. In 2001, she became the first African American woman appointed to the U.S. District Court in Kansas, and she currently serves as Chief Judge of that court.
Karen Arnold-Burger served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1989 to 1991, when she was appointed to the Kansas Court of Appeals. She is now Chief Judge of that court.
Nancy Moritz served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1995 to 2004, and then served on the Kansas Court of Appeals and the Kansas Supreme Court. In 2014, she took a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Today, women make about half the employees of the U.S. Attorney’s office in Kansas, including 13 attorneys and 37 members of the support team.
Orchard Park Man Arrested on Multiple Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Felix Calderon-Valcarcel, 28, of Orchard Park, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with the intent to distribute, and distribution of, five kilograms or more of cocaine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possessing of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing of a firearm as a convicted felon. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in September of 2018, members of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted a suspicious parcel of mail addressed to 179 East Abbott Grove Avenue in Orchard Park, NY, which is the defendant’s residence. On September 24, 2018, inspectors executed a federal search warrant of the parcel which was determined to contain cocaine. In February 2019, another suspicious parcel addressed to 179 East Abbott Grove Avenue in Orchard Park was intercepted, and again it contained suspected cocaine.
On March 26, 2019, investigators approached Calderon-Valcarcel who was in a silver Toyota Camry parked near the intersection of Stevenson Street and Cumberland Avenue in Buffalo. The defendant was observed counting a large quantity of U.S. currency. Calderon-Valcarcel was taken into custody. During a search of the car, investigators recovered a kilogram of suspected cocaine in the trunk of the vehicle.
Subsequently, a search warrant was executed at the Calderon-Valcarcel’s East Abbott Grove Avenue residence. Seized during the search warrant were four kilograms of suspected cocaine and a 9mm caliber handgun.
The defendant was previously convicted in 2015 in Erie County Court of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class A-II felony. As a result, Calderon-Valcarcel is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The defendant will make an initial appearance on March 28, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; The Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Orchard Park Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief E. Joseph Wehrfritz; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Michel; and the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gregory Wickett.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Okemah Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Sexual Abuse of A MinorRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Johnny Wayne Harjo Jr., age 41, of Okemah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for Sexual Abuse Of A Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1153, 2243(a) and 2246. These charges arose from an investigation by the FBI’s Oklahoma Safe Trails Task Force. Investigative agencies included the Creek Nation Lighthorse Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Indictment alleged that on or about January 25, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, knowingly engaged and attempted to engage in a sexual act as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2246 with the victim, who had attained the age of 12 years but had not yet attained the age of 16 and was at least four years younger than the defendant.United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Sexual abuse investigations are difficult. It is not easy for victims to come forward to tell their stories to family members, investigators, or prosecutors, and requires a great deal of courage to do so. This investigation and prosecution began with a courageous victim who overcame fear and embarrassment so we could seek justice for the victim, the victim’s family, and the community. The defendant’s depravity and cowardice were defeated by the victim’s courage.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to 29 Federal Hate Crimes for August 2017 Car Attack at Rally in CharlottesvilleRead the Press Release
James Alex Fields, Jr., 21, the Ohio man who drove his car into a diverse crowd of counter-protestors on Aug. 12, 2017, killing one woman and injuring dozens, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to 29 counts of violating the federal Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, 18 U.S.C. § 249. The charges included one count of a hate crime act that resulted in the death of Heather Heyer, and 28 counts of hate crime acts that caused bodily injury and involved an attempt to kill other people within the crowd. Each of the 29 counts carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher Wray, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Eric Dreiband, and Special Agent in Charge David Archey of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
“In the aftermath of the mass murder in New Zealand earlier this month, we are reminded that a diverse and pluralistic community such as ours can have zero tolerance for violence on the basis of race, religion, or association with people of other races and religions,” Attorney General William P. Barr said. “Prosecuting hate crimes is a priority for me as Attorney General. The defendant in this case has pled guilty to 29 hate crimes which he committed by driving his car into a crowd of protesters. These hate crimes are also acts of domestic terrorism. I want to thank the FBI for leading this investigation along with our partners with the Charlottesville Police Department and the Virginia State Police. I also want to thank Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Eric Dreiband and our Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Cullen and his office for their hard work in reaching today's guilty plea, which brings us one step closer to bringing the defendant to justice. We will continue to vigorously prosecute violent crimes of hate and we will not allow violence to supplant our pluralism.”
“The violence in Charlottesville was an act of hate, and everyone across the country felt the impact," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "This guilty plea underscores that we won’t stand for hate and violence in our communities. Together with our law enforcement and community partners, we’ll continue to aggressively investigate hate crimes, domestic terrorism and civil rights violations.”
“The defendant’s hate-inspired act of domestic terrorism not only devastated Heather Heyer’s wonderful family and the 28 peaceful protestors who were injured at the intersection of Fourth and Water Streets, but it also left an indelible mark on the City of Charlottesville, our state, and our country,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “Although the defendant’s guilty plea cannot undo the pain, suffering, and loss that he caused, it is my hope that it will enable these victims and our community to continue the healing process.”
According to a statement of facts agreed to and signed by Fields, and entered into the court record at his guilty plea hearing, Fields admitted that he drove into the crowd of counter-protestors because of the actual and perceived race, color, national origin, and religion of its members. He further admitted that his actions killed Heather Heyer, and that he intended to kill the other victims he struck and injured with his car.
With regard to the details of the attack, Fields also admitted that, prior to Aug. 12, 2017, he used social media accounts to express and promote white supremacist views on his social media accounts; to express support of the social and racial policies of Adolf Hitler and Nazi-era Germany, including the Holocaust; and to espouse violence against African Americans, Jewish people, and members of other racial, ethnic, and religious groups he perceived to be non-white. Fields also expressed these views directly in interactions with individuals known to him.
Fields further admitted that, on Aug. 12, 2017, he attended the “Unite the Right” rally in Emancipation Park in Charlottesville, Virginia. That morning, multiple groups and individuals espousing white-supremacist ideology also attended the rally. These rally participants, including Fields, engaged in chants promoting or expressing white supremacist and other racist and anti-Semitic views.
Shortly before the scheduled start of the Unite the Right rally, law enforcement declared an “unlawful assembly” and required rally participants, including Fields, to disperse. Fields later returned to his vehicle and began to drive on the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia.
Fields drove his car onto Fourth Street, a narrow, downhill, one-way street in downtown Charlottesville. At or around that same time, a racially and ethnically diverse crowd had gathered at the bottom of the hill, at the intersection of Fourth and Water Streets. Many of the individuals in the crowd were celebrating as they were chanting and carrying signs promoting equality and protesting against racial and other forms of discrimination. Fields slowly proceeded in his vehicle down Fourth Street toward the crowd. He then stopped and observed the crowd while idling in his vehicle. With no vehicle behind him, Fields then slowly reversed his vehicle toward the top of the hill.
At or around that same time, the members of the crowd began to walk up the hill, populating the streets and sidewalks between the buildings on Fourth Street. Having reversed his car to a point at or near the top of the hill and the intersection of Fourth and Market Streets, Fields stopped again. Fields admitted that he then rapidly accelerated forward down Fourth Street in his vehicle, running through a stop sign and across a raised pedestrian mall, and drove directly into the crowd. Fields’s vehicle stopped only when it struck another stopped vehicle near the intersection of Fourth and Water Streets. Fields then rapidly reversed his car and fled the scene. As Fields drove into and through the crowd, Fields struck numerous individuals, killing Heather Heyer and injuring 28 people nearby.
The investigation of the case was led by the FBI and supported by the Charlottesville Police Department and Virginia State Police. United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen, Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh, and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice are prosecuting the case for the United States.
For more information about DOJ’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to DOJ hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to 29 Federal Hate Crimes for August 2017 Car Attack at Rally in CharlottesvilleRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – James Alex Fields Jr., 21, the Ohio man who drove his car into a diverse crowd of counter-protestors on Aug. 12, 2017, killing one woman and injuring dozens, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to 29 counts of violating the federal Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, 18 U.S.C. § 249. The charges included one count of a hate crime act that resulted in the death of Heather Heyer, and 28 counts of hate crime acts that caused bodily injury and involved an attempt to kill other people within the crowd. Each of the 29 counts carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher Wray, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Eric Dreiband, and Special Agent in Charge David Archey of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
“In the aftermath of the mass murder in New Zealand earlier this month, we are reminded that a diverse and pluralistic community such as ours can have zero tolerance for violence on the basis of race, religion, or association with people of other races and religions,” Attorney General William P. Barr said. “Prosecuting hate crimes is a priority for me as Attorney General. The defendant in this case has pled guilty to 29 hate crimes which he committed by driving his car into a crowd of protesters. These hate crimes are also acts of domestic terrorism. I want to thank the FBI for leading this investigation along with our partners with the Charlottesville Police Department and the Virginia State Police. I also want to thank Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Eric Dreiband and our Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Cullen and his office for their hard work in reaching today's guilty plea, which brings us one step closer to bringing the defendant to justice. We will continue to vigorously prosecute violent crimes of hate and we will not allow violence to supplant our pluralism.”
“The violence in Charlottesville was an act of hate, and everyone across the country felt the impact," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "This guilty plea underscores that we won’t stand for hate and violence in our communities. Together with our law enforcement and community partners, we’ll continue to aggressively investigate hate crimes, domestic terrorism and civil rights violations.”
“The defendant’s hate-inspired act of domestic terrorism not only devastated Heather Heyer’s wonderful family and the 28 peaceful protestors who were injured at the intersection of Fourth and Water Streets, but it also left an indelible mark on the City of Charlottesville, our state, and our country,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “Although the defendant’s guilty plea cannot undo the pain, suffering, and loss that he caused, it is my hope that it will enable these victims and our community to continue the healing process.”
According to a statement of facts agreed to and signed by Fields, and entered into the court record at his guilty plea hearing, Fields admitted that he drove into the crowd of counter-protestors because of the actual and perceived race, color, national origin, and religion of its members. He further admitted that his actions killed Heather Heyer, and that he intended to kill the other victims he struck and injured with his car.
With regard to the details of the attack, Fields also admitted that, prior to Aug. 12, 2017, he used social media accounts to express and promote white supremacist views on his social media accounts; to express support of the social and racial policies of Adolf Hitler and Nazi-era Germany, including the Holocaust; and to espouse violence against African Americans, Jewish people, and members of other racial, ethnic, and religious groups he perceived to be non-white. Fields also expressed these views directly in interactions with individuals known to him.
Fields further admitted that, on Aug. 12, 2017, he attended the “Unite the Right” rally in Emancipation Park in Charlottesville, Virginia. That morning, multiple groups and individuals espousing white-supremacist ideology also attended the rally. These rally participants, including Fields, engaged in chants promoting or expressing white supremacist and other racist and anti-Semitic views.
Shortly before the scheduled start of the Unite the Right rally, law enforcement declared an “unlawful assembly” and required rally participants, including Fields, to disperse. Fields later returned to his vehicle and began to drive on the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia.
Fields drove his car onto Fourth Street, a narrow, downhill, one-way street in downtown Charlottesville. At or around that same time, a racially and ethnically diverse crowd had gathered at the bottom of the hill, at the intersection of Fourth and Water Streets. Many of the individuals in the crowd were celebrating as they were chanting and carrying signs promoting equality and protesting against racial and other forms of discrimination. Fields slowly proceeded in his vehicle down Fourth Street toward the crowd. He then stopped and observed the crowd while idling in his vehicle. With no vehicle behind him, Fields then slowly reversed his vehicle toward the top of the hill.
At or around that same time, the members of the crowd began to walk up the hill, populating the streets and sidewalks between the buildings on Fourth Street. Having reversed his car to a point at or near the top of the hill and the intersection of Fourth and Market Streets, Fields stopped again. Fields admitted that he then rapidly accelerated forward down Fourth Street in his vehicle, running through a stop sign and across a raised pedestrian mall, and drove directly into the crowd. Fields’s vehicle stopped only when it struck another stopped vehicle near the intersection of Fourth and Water Streets. Fields then rapidly reversed his car and fled the scene. As Fields drove into and through the crowd, Fields struck numerous individuals, killing Heather Heyer and injuring 28 people nearby.
The investigation of the case was led by the FBI and supported by the Charlottesville Police Department and Virginia State Police. United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen, Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh, and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice are prosecuting the case for the United States.
North Carolina Businessman Convicted of Tax and Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal jury convicted an Asheville man late yesterday on 35 charges of conspiracy, tax fraud related to a fraudulent tax shelter, mail and wire fraud and money laundering.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Byron Hale Delavan, 63, engaged in a fraudulent tax and investment fraud scheme from approximately 2011 to 2016 that resulted in losses to victims of over $800,000, and a separate tax loss to the United States of over $400,000.
Delavan offered a fraudulent tax program to various individuals in the Tidewater area and elsewhere whereby individuals paid Delavan between $10,000 and $12,500 in order to obtain fraudulent losses to offset income on their tax returns. In doing so, Delavan purported to deduct business bad debts from non-operational entities he controlled, passing through these losses to client returns as if the clients were actually involved in these entities. Furthermore, Delavan solicited business loans and investments from some of the same and additional clients that he falsely represented would be used for business purposes. Contrary to this, Delavan used such funds for personal use, including the repayment of prior clients and personal expenses, such as private school tuition. Finally, Delavan purported to sell gold to certain clients, but made false representations related to the value or existence of the gold or the purpose of the funds obtained.
Delavan is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Washington, D.C. Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), which led the investigation; and Judith W. Jagdmann, Chair of the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson accepted the verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Samuels is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service provided assistance through the Newport News Financial Crimes Task Force.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:18-cr-23.
Naugatuck Man Admits Operating Phony Coupon SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, today announced that THOMAS PAPCIN, 48, of Naugatuck, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to one count of mail fraud stemming from a fraudulent coupon scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in order for a coupon producer to obtain holographic coupon paper, the producer is required to provide to the coupon paper vendor the name of the company for whom the producer is producing coupons, as well as a point of contact for the company for whom the producer is producing coupons. On at least two occasions, Papcin purchased holographic coupon paper from a holographic coupon paper vendor by misrepresenting to the vendor the companies that Papcin was producing coupons for, and by providing fictitious contact information for the companies. Papcin then used the holographic paper to create fictitious coupons, advertised the coupons online and through e-mail, sold the coupons to customers who believed the coupons were authentic, and shipped the coupons to customers through the mail
Through this scheme, Papcin defrauded his customers of $193,027.25.
Mail fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Papcin is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on June 20, 2019.
Papcin is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Multi-Agency Investigation Results in Charges Against 18 Members and Associates of Violent White Supremacist GangRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that multiple members and associates of a white supremacist gang known as the 1488s, have been arrested and charged for their alleged roles in a racketeering enterprise involving narcotics distribution, firearms trafficking, and acts of violence including murder, assault, and kidnapping.
In a recently unsealed indictment, Filthy Fuhrer, (formerly Timothy Lobdell), 42; Roy Naughton, aka “Thumper,” 40; Glen Baldwin, aka “Glen Dog,” 37; Craig King, aka “Oakie,” 53; Beau Cook, 32; and Colter O’Dell, 26, have each been charged with murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit assault and kidnapping in aid of racketeering. Two other key members, Nicholas M. Kozorra, aka “Beast,” 29, and Dustin J. Clowers, 34, previously pleaded guilty to murder in aid of racketeering in recently unsealed court documents.
“The highest priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Alaska, which is consistent with the priorities of the Attorney General of the United States, is to stop violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “We will focus on chronic violent offenders, including criminals who unify through racial hatred and commit violent crimes.”
“While the violent crimes these individuals are charged with are certainly serious in and of themselves, their affiliation in support of a white supremacy enterprise is of even greater concern,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffery Peterson of FBI’s Anchorage Division. “This impactful case demonstrates law enforcement’s abilities to penetrate even the most secret organizations through cooperation at all levels and sharing a common goal.”
“We are very proud of the meticulous work done by all of our trooper investigators and the investigators from our partnering agencies,” said AST Captain David Hanson, Commander of Alaska Bureau of Investigation. “This outcome was made possible through the effort and guidance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which resulted in an array of federal indictments on numerous 1488 gang members.”
According to the indictment, the 1488s are a violent and “whites only” prison-based gang with approximately 50 to 100 members operating inside and outside of state prisons throughout Alaska and elsewhere. The 1488s allegedly offered protection to white inmates if they joined the gang, and all members were required to “be white, look white and act white.” Members allegedly often had tattoos incorporating Nazi-style symbols; however, the most coveted tattoo of 1488s members was the 1488s “patch” that could be worn only by “made” members who generally gained full membership by committing an act of violence on behalf of the gang.
It is further alleged that Filthy Fuhrer, Naughton, Baldwin, King, Cook, and O’Dell played a role in the August 2017 beating, kidnapping, and murder of Michael Staton, aka “Steak Knife.”
An additional 14 indictments have resulted from the investigation into the 1488 organization, members, and associates including:
- Christopher Davidson, 35, sentenced to serve 90 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms;
- Justin Eaton, aka “Skulls,” 44, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Justin Hoff, 30, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Taylor Lack, 23, sentenced to serve six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Mica Messinger, 37, sentenced to serve 70 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Angie Minnick, 41, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen mail and for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances;
- Alexander Netling, aka “Bruiser,” 25, sentenced to serve five years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Michael Oman, aka “Donkey,” 29, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Jason Rose, aka “Honkey,” 42, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Shawn Schmidt, 33, sentenced to serve 30 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Charles Soper, aka “Slim,” 25, sentenced to serve 34 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Jeffrey Robinson, 37, sentenced to serve nine years in prison for drug conspiracy;
- Roy Naughton, sentenced to serve 100 months in prison for carjacking;
- Colter O’Dell, sentenced to serve 27 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, as part of their operations, 1488s members and associates allegedly engaged in illegal activities under the protection of the enterprise, including narcotics trafficking, weapons trafficking, and other illegal activities to generate income. The 1488s allegedly had a detailed and uniform organizational structure, which is outlined in written “rules” widely distributed to members throughout Alaska and elsewhere. Members of the 1488s allegedly acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, including “bosses” who had ultimate authority in all gang matters. “Key holders” were allegedly responsible for all gang matters within penal facilities where 1488s had a presence, and in “free world” Alaska (outside of prison). “Enforcers” were allegedly responsible for enforcing the rules and performing tasks as assigned by higher-ranking gang members.
The indictment further alleges the 1488 gang was established in approximately 2010 within the Alaska Department of Corrections and by Alaskan inmates incarcerated within the Colorado Department of Corrections and the Arizona Department of Corrections through interstate compact agreements.
The FBI and AST Alaska Bureau of Investigation Special Crimes Investigation Unit and Technical Crimes Unit, the Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) Mat-Su Drug Unit, AST ‘B’ Detachment Major Crimes Unit and Criminal Suppression Unit, and AST’s participation in the Task Force Officer program led the investigation. Investigative Assistance was provided by IRS Criminal Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Anchorage Police Department (APD), the State of Alaska’s Department of Corrections and the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Taylor and James Klugman of the District of Alaska and Trial Attorney Marty Woelfle of OCGS.
The charges in the indictments are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Multi-Agency Investigation Results in Charges Against 18 Members and Associates of Violent White Supremacist GangRead the Press Release
Multiple members and associates of a white supremacist gang known as the 1488s, have been arrested and charged for their alleged roles in a racketeering enterprise involving narcotics distribution, firearms trafficking, and acts of violence including murder, assault, and kidnapping.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder for the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Jeffery Peterson of FBI’s Anchorage Division and Alaska State Troopers (AST) Captain David Hanson, Commander of Alaska Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
In a recently unsealed indictment, Filthy Fuhrer, (formerly Timothy Lobdell), 42; Roy Naughton, aka “Thumper,” 40; Glen Baldwin, aka “Glen Dog,” 37; Craig King, aka “Oakie,” 53; Beau Cook, 32; and Colter O’Dell, 26, have each been charged with murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit assault and kidnapping in aid of racketeering. Two other key members, Nicholas M. Kozorra, aka “Beast,” 29, and Dustin J. Clowers, 34, previously pleaded guilty to murder in aid of racketeering in recently unsealed court documents.
“The defendants allegedly participated in the heinous murder of Michael Staton, with the goal of impressing their vile and racist gang,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “The Criminal Division is committed to bringing the 1488s to justice, and holding accountable those who further its agenda of violence and hatred.”
“The highest priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Alaska, which is consistent with the priorities of the Attorney General of the United States, is to stop violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “We will focus on chronic violent offenders, including criminals who unify through racial hatred and commit violent crimes.”
“While the violent crimes these individuals are charged with are certainly serious in and of themselves, their affiliation in support of a white supremacy enterprise is of even greater concern,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Peterson. “This impactful case demonstrates law enforcement’s abilities to penetrate even the most secret organizations through cooperation at all levels and sharing a common goal.”
“We are very proud of the meticulous work done by all of our trooper investigators and the investigators from our partnering agencies,” said AST Captain David Hanson, Commander of Alaska Bureau of Investigation. “This outcome was made possible through the effort and guidance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, which resulted in an array of federal indictments on numerous 1488 gang members.”
According to the indictment, the 1488s are a violent and “whites only” prison-based gang with approximately 50 to 100 members operating inside and outside of state prisons throughout Alaska and elsewhere. The 1488s allegedly offered protection to white inmates if they joined the gang, and all members were required to “be white, look white and act white.” Members allegedly often had tattoos incorporating Nazi-style symbols; however, the most coveted tattoo of 1488s members was the 1488s “patch” that could be worn only by “made” members who generally gained full membership by committing an act of violence on behalf of the gang.
The indictment alleges that Filthy Fuhrer, Naughton, Baldwin, King, Cook, and O’Dell played a role in the August 2017 beating, kidnapping, and murder of Michael Staton, aka “Steak Knife.”
An additional 14 indictments have resulted from the investigation into the 1488 organization, members, and associates including:
- Christopher Davidson, 35, sentenced to serve 90 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms;
- Justin Eaton, aka Skulls, 44, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Justin Hoff, 30, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Taylor Lack, 23, sentenced to serve six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Mica Messinger, 37, sentenced to serve 70 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Angie Minnick, 41, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen mail and for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances;
- Alexander Netling, aka Bruiser, 25, sentenced to serve five years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Michael Oman, 29, aka Donkey, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Jason Rose, aka Honkey, 42, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Shawn Schmidt, 33, sentenced to serve 30 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Charles Soper, aka Slim, 25, sentenced to serve 34 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Jeffrey Robinson, 37, sentenced to serve nine years in prison for drug conspiracy;
- Roy Naughton, sentenced to serve 100 months in prison for carjacking;
- Colter O’Dell, sentenced to serve 27 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, as part of their operations, 1488s members and associates allegedly engaged in illegal activities under the protection of the enterprise, including narcotics trafficking, weapons trafficking, and other illegal activities to generate income. The 1488s allegedly had a detailed and uniform organizational structure, which is outlined in written “rules” widely distributed to members throughout Alaska and elsewhere. Members of the 1488s allegedly acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, including “bosses” who had ultimate authority in all gang matters. “Key holders” were allegedly responsible for all gang matters within penal facilities where 1488s had a presence, and in “free world” Alaska (outside of prison). “Enforcers” were allegedly responsible for enforcing the rules and performing tasks as assigned by higher-ranking gang members.
The indictment further alleges the 1488 gang was established in approximately 2010 within the Alaska Department of Corrections and by Alaskan inmates incarcerated within the Colorado Department of Corrections and the Arizona Department of Corrections through interstate compact agreements.
The FBI and AST Alaska Bureau of Investigation Special Crimes Investigation Unit and Technical Crimes Unit, the Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) Mat-Su Drug Unit, AST ‘B’ Detachment Major Crimes Unit and Criminal Suppression Unit, and AST’s participation in the Task Force Officer program led the investigation. Investigative Assistance was provided by IRS Criminal Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Anchorage Police Department (APD), the State of Alaska’s Department of Corrections and the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Taylor and James Klugman of the District of Alaska and Trial Attorney Marty Woelfle of OCGS.
The charges in the indictments are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mobile County Businessman Sentenced to Two Months in Prison and Ordered to Pay Restitution After Felony Conviction for Trafficking Contraband CigarettesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Thy Touch, a 45 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced to two months incarceration followed by two years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,285.28
On December 28, 2018, Thy Touch entered a guilty plea pursuant to a plea agreement and admitted in open court that a cooperating citizen (CI) identified Touch as an individual he illegally sold cigarettes to in the past, which allowed Touch to knowingly evade the taxes due on the cigarettes that was required by The State of Alabama Dept. of Revenue.
The ATF set up an undercover operation designed to confirm this conduct and to show that it continues. The ATF agents used the CI to act in an undercover capacity along with an undercover law enforcement officer to sell quantities of contraband cigarettes on numerous occasions to Touch that did not have a visible paid cigarette tax stamp affixed.
From December 2, 2017 through March 20, 2018, the CI sold 1,359 packs of untaxed Newport and Kool cigarettes to Touch for various amounts of money on six different occasions while Touch simultaneously operated his convenience store called “Pride,” located 1910 St. Stephens Road, Mobile, Alabama. The amount of cigarettes sold to Touch exceeded 10,000. The tax loss to the State of Alabama is $917.33. The tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service is $1,367.95.
Officers of the Mobile, Alabama Police Department and special agents of the ATF investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney's Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Military Dependent Pleads Guilty to the Attempted Murder of Her Infant Child in SpainRead the Press Release
A U.S. citizen and military dependent pleaded guilty today to the attempted murder of her infant child while stationed with her husband in Spain.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John W. Huber of the District of Utah, Special Agent in Charge Paul Haertel of the FBI’s Salt Lake City, Utah Field Office and Col. Shan B. Nuckols, Commander of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), 5th Field Investigations Region, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, made the announcement.
Shawna Chapman, 32, formerly of Cottage Grove, Oregon, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted second-degree murder, under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act, before U.S. District Judge David Sam of the District of Utah. Judge Sam scheduled Chapman’s sentencing hearing for June 5, 2019.
According to admissions made in connection with her plea, on Feb. 10, 2016, Chapman was living in Utrera, Spain as the military dependent of her husband, who was stationed at the Moron Air Force Base in Moron, Spain. At approximately 11:00 a.m. that day, Chapman used a knife to stab her 11-month-old daughter in the abdomen, intending to kill her. The child suffered a life-threatening injury, requiring immediate life-saving surgery and extended hospitalization.
FBI and AFOSI investigated the case in close cooperation with Spanish authorities. Trial Attorney Jamie Perry of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Martinez and Drew Yeates of the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
The Department of Justice gratefully acknowledges the government of Spain, to include the Ministry of Defense, the Judicial Police of Utrera and the Civil Guard for their extraordinary efforts, support, and professionalism in responding to this incident.
Middlesex County, New Jersey, Man Sentenced to Life Plus 20 Years in Prison on Racketeering, Murder, and Weapon ChargesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New Brunswick, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to life plus 20 years in prison for his violent role in a racketeering conspiracy involving multiple brothels that employed illegal aliens throughout New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Wilmer Chavez Romero, a/k/a “Charmin,” 29, was previously convicted of all eight counts of an indictment charging him with one count each of racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to harbor aliens; two counts of using a firearm for a violent crime; and two counts of murder in aid of racketeering. He was convicted following a two and a half-week trial before U.S. District Judge William H. Walls, who imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
Chavez Romero served as an enforcer for a prostitution enterprise that helped illegal aliens enter the country and employed them at brothels throughout Cumberland, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. The enterprise used threats and acts of violence – including burglary, assaults, and murder – to expand its territory, thwart rival brothels, exact revenge, punish enterprise members and associates who had been disloyal, and silence people they believed were cooperating with law enforcement.
Chavez Romero acted at the direction of the leaders of the enterprise, Juan Fredy Hernandez-Zozaya, 40, and his girlfriend, Elizabeth Rojas, 37, both of New Brunswick, who oversaw brothels in New Brunswick, Trenton, Orange, Asbury Park, Lakewood, and Bridgeton.
Chavez Romero personally committed acts of violence to further the enterprise, including participating in the murders of two victims during separate robberies. On Sept. 4, 2012, Chavez Romero, armed with a firearm, entered a rival brothel house in Trenton with the intent to rob the house. During the robbery, one victim was shot in the leg and survived, while another was shot and killed.
On Jan. 23, 2013, Chavez Romero entered another rival brothel in Trenton armed with a .40 caliber firearm. Chavez Romero attempted to commit a robbery when a fight broke out and a victim was shot and killed.In addition, during recorded interviews with law enforcement in 2012 and 2014, Chavez Romero discussed his role in the murders, as well as beatings, shootings, and other acts of violence that he committed to further the enterprise’s goals and shut down its competition. As part of the enterprise, Chavez Romero also conspired to conceal and harbor aliens and aided in their interstate transport for use in the prostitution enterprise.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael in Newark, as well as the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, Trenton Police Department, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, and the N.J. State Police Ballistics Lab, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Williams and Melissa Wangenheim of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Defense counsel: Kevin F. Carlucci Esq. and Carol Gillen Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defenders, Newark
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAFAEL LOPEZ-MACIAS, 46, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Norwalk, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to narcotics trafficking and immigration offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 1998, Lopez-Macias was convicted in California state court of a cocaine trafficking offense. In February 2001, he was deported to Mexico. Lopez-Macias illegally reentered the U.S. and, in March 2009, was arrested in Connecticut for a forgery offense. In November 2009, he was again deported to Mexico.
Lopez-Macias again illegally reentered the U.S. and, between March and June 2018, he was intercepted on a court-authorized wiretap discussing the distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine. On June 11, 2018, in New Rochelle, New York, Lopez-Macias and a co-conspirator sold a kilogram of cocaine and a sample of methamphetamine for $31,500 to an individual working with law enforcement.
On June 26, 2018, Lopez-Macias traveled from Norwalk to New Rochelle, picked up a kilogram of methamphetamine from his co-conspirator, and began driving back to Norwalk with the narcotics. While en route to Norwalk, Lopez-Macias was stopped by law enforcement and arrested for an immigration violation. Officers searched the vehicle and seized the kilogram of methamphetamine.
Lopez-Macias has been detained since his arrest.
Lopez-Macias pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and one count of reentry of removed alien, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut State Police, and the New Rochelle, Norwalk and Stamford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Lauren C. Clark.