Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
2 May 2019
Former Chief Executive Officer of Health Care Company Sentenced to Two Years Probation for Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama - On Thursday, May 2, 2019, William “Ed” Henry, 48, of Hartselle, Alabama, was sentenced to two years’ probation for aiding and abetting the theft of government property. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $4,000.00, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr.
According to court documents, from 2015 through 2017, Henry was an owner of a health care company, MyPractice24, Inc. (MyPractice24). During some of that time, Henry also served as the company’s chief executive officer (CEO). MyPractice24 provided non-face-to-face chronic care management services to Medicare beneficiaries who had two or more chronic conditions. The company did so pursuant to contracts into which it entered with primary care physicians. Under those contracts, the doctors would pay Henry’s company to provide these chronic care management services to the doctors’ patients, the company would provide the services, the doctors would bill Medicare for the services, and then the doctors would pay Henry’s company a share of the reimbursements received from Medicare.
Court documents state that in 2016, Henry entered into an agreement with Dr. Gilberto Sanchez, a Montgomery physician who has subsequently pleaded guilty to drug distribution, health care fraud, and money laundering charges. Under that agreement, MyPractice24 would provide various kickbacks to Dr. Sanchez and his staff in return for the providers at Dr. Sanchez’s practice referring Medicare beneficiaries to MyPractice24 for chronic care management services. Additionally, Henry assisted Dr. Sanchez in paying kickbacks to patients who enrolled in the chronic care management program. Dr. Sanchez paid these kickbacks by systematically waiving copays—copays which Medicare required Dr. Sanchez to collect. Henry was charged with entering into similar agreements with other Alabama physicians, including Dr. Punuru Reddy of Decatur, Alabama and Dr. Nicole Scruggs of Huntsville, Alabama.
Henry’s sentencing hearing followed a January hearing during which Henry pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property. The count stemmed from Henry’s helping Sanchez and other physicians in obtaining Medicare reimbursements to which the doctors were not entitled.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad, and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division. The Montgomery County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, the Montgomery, Alabama Police Department, and the Opelika, Alabama Police Department assisted in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Ross and Megan A. Kirkpatrick prosecuted the case.
Former Bank Manager Pleads Guilty to Bank TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SCOTT BREAUX (“BREAUX”), age 39, of Marrero, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty yesterday to bank theft, announced United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to documents filed in federal court, from about November 2016 to July 2017, while employed as a Branch Manager at ASI Federal Credit Union, BREAUX stole approximately $35,000.00. BREAUX was employed with ASI since in or about 2011, and during his tenure with ASI, BREAUX worked at the Harahan, Westwego, and uptown branches. In 2014, BREAUX was named Branch Manager of ASI’s Westwego branch. In February 2017, BREAUX was transferred to ASI’s uptown branch where he continued to work as Branch Manager until he resigned in July 2017. ASI is a federally insured financial institution and its deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Association.
BREAUX faces a sentence of up to ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a $250,000.00 fine.
BREAUX will be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle on August 14, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.
* * *
Former Airline Baggage Handler Sentenced to Thirty Months in Prison for Violating Airport Security Requirements, Drug Smuggling, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Former Southwest Airlines baggage handler Keith Ramon Mayfield was sentenced today to thirty months in prison for entering an airport area in violation of security requirements, conspiring to distribute marijuana, and conspiring to launder money, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Phyllis J. Hamilton, Chief U.S. District Judge.
Mayfield, 38, of Oakland, pleaded guilty to the charges on February 21, 2018. According to his plea agreement, Mayfield admitted that on at least 40 occasions between May of 2013 and March of 2015, he used his access as a baggage handler for Southwest Airlines at the Oakland International Airport to smuggle marijuana into the airport and distribute the marijuana to outbound passengers. Mayfield admitted he smuggled luggage containing a total of at least 250 kilograms of marijuana around the TSA checkpoint to outbound passengers who had already cleared the security checkpoint.
Mayfield also admitted that he shipped at least 100 kilograms of marijuana in cargo shipments on Southwest Airlines to airports throughout the United States. As part of the scheme, Mayfield’s co-conspirators traveled to airports, picked up the shipments of marijuana, and further distributed and sold the drugs.
Moreover, Mayfield admitted he conspired with others to launder the proceeds of the marijuana sales. Specifically, during 2012 and 2013, people deposited at least $50,000 of drug trafficking proceeds into bank accounts at branches located in Texas. Mayfield withdrew the funds in Northern California. Mayfield admitted that the purpose of the transactions was to funnel the narcotics trafficking proceeds from the points of sale to the point of origin in Northern California and to disguise and conceal the source and ownership of the narcotics trafficking proceeds.
On January 16, 2018, Mayfield was charged in a superseding information with one count of conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846; one count of entering an airport area in violation of security requirements, in violation of 49 U.S.C. §§ 46314(a) and 46314(b)(2); and one count of conspiracy to launder money, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h). Pursuant to this plea agreement, Mayfield pleaded guilty to all the charges in the superseding information.
In addition to the prison term, Chief Judge Hamilton sentenced the defendant to a four-year period of supervised release. During this period of supervised release, Mayfield will be barred from seeking or obtaining employment with any commercial air carrier or airport. The Court also ordered Mayfield to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $50,000. Mayfield will begin serving the sentence on August 12, 2019.
Mayfield’s sentence brings to 11 the number of defendants sentenced as part of the scheme to violate airport security and distribute marijuana. The other ten defendants sentenced include the following:
Defendant
Age, Residence
Charges
Status
Kenneth Wayne Fleming, Jr.
35, of Oakland
Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, marijuana, 21 U.S.C. § 846;
Entering an airport area in violation of security requirements, 49 U.S.C. §§ 46314(a) and 46314(b)(2)
Conspiracy to launder money, 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h)
Sentenced on February 7, 2018, to 21 months in prison and 3 years supervised release.
Michael Herb Videau
30, of Oakland
Distribution and possession with intent to distribute, marijuana,
21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Entering an airport area in violation of security requirements,
49 U.S.C. §§ 46314(a) and 46314(b)(2)
Sentenced on
November 9, 2016, to 15 months in prison and 3 years supervised release.
Major Alexander Session III
27, of Oakland
Distribution and possession with intent to distribute, marijuana,
21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Entering an airport area in violation of security requirements,
49 U.S.C. §§ 46314(a) and 46314(b)(2)
Sentenced on
November 15, 2017, to 24 months in prison and 3 years supervised release.
Clyde Barry Jamerson
44, of Oakland
Entering an airport area in violation of security requirements,
49 U.S.C. §§ 46314(a) and 46314(b)(2)
Sentenced on
September 21, 2016, to 3 months in prison and 3 years supervised release.
Kameron Kordero Eldridge Davis
28, of Dublin, Calif.
Entering an airport area in violation of security requirements,
49 U.S.C. §§ 46314(a) and 46314(b)(2)
Sentenced on
June 29, 2016, to
6 months in prison and 3 years supervised release.
Ronnell Lamar Molton
39, of Oakland
Entering an airport area in violation of security requirements,
49 U.S.C. §§ 46314(a) and 46314(b)(2)
Sentenced on
August 10, 2016, to
3 months in prison and3 years of supervised release.
Sophia Cherise West
46, of Castro Valley
Distribution and possession with intent to distribute, marijuana,
21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Entering an airport area in violation of security requirements,
49 U.S.C. §§ 46314(a) and 46314(b)(2)
Sentenced on
June 1, 2016, to
12 months and one day in prison and 3 years supervised release.
Donald Ray Holland II
44, of Discovery Bay
Distribution and possession with intent to distribute, marijuana,
21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Entering an airport area in violation of security requirements,
49 U.S.C. §§ 46314(a) and 46314(b)(2)
Sentenced on
November 16, 2016, to 27 months in prison and 3 years supervised release.
Brandon Jarred Davillier
29, of Slidell, Louisiana
Distribution and possession with intent to distribute, marijuana,
21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Sentenced on
August 3, 2016, to
24 months in prison and 3 years supervised release.
Travon Jahmal Franzwa Baker
25, of Oakland
Distribution and possession with intent to distribute, marijuana,
21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D)
Sentenced on
May 4, 2016, to
10 months in prison and 3 years supervised release.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth Hire is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kathleen Turner. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the IRS-CI, and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. This case is the product of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a focused multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force investigating and prosecuting the most significant drug trafficking organizations throughout the United States by leveraging the combined expertise of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Former Air Force Academy Cadet Convicted of Raping Fellow CadetRead the Press Release
DENVER – Alvaro Pablo Velarde, age 20, of Lima, Peru, was found guilty today of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact for raping a fellow cadet, U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn announced. The guilty verdicts followed a four-day jury trial in front of U.S. District Court Judge Christine M. Arguello in Denver, Colorado. Velarde was a student at the Air Force Academy, as was the victim. The defendant was in custody before and during the trial and was remanded at the trial’s conclusion.
Velarde was first charged by Criminal Complaint on October 25, 2018. He was then indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on November 8, 2018. The jury trial started on April 29, 2019. The jury’s verdict was announced today, May 2, 2019. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on July 30, 2019.
According to court documents and facts presented by prosecutors at trial, on October 23, 2018, at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Velarde, a cadet, violently raped a female cadet in her dorm room. He ignored multiple pleas to stop the sex assault. Afterward, the victim experienced severe pain and immediately sought medical attention. A sexual assault examination revealed physical injuries sustained during the sexual assault, and a doctor at the Air Force Academy later diagnosed her with a concussion sustained during the assault.
After the incident, but prior to trial, Velarde was disenrolled from the Air Force Academy.
“The conduct in this case is reprehensible not only because of the nature of the crime itself, but because of where it occurred,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Our service academies are national treasures. We send our best and brightest young adults there to become soldiers and to serve our country. It is the last place one should be attacked so violently. We are pleased that justice was done. The victim showed tremendous courage throughout this ordeal and I am proud that she will someday be defending our country as an Air Force officer.”
This case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. The jury trial was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter McNeilly and Emily Treaster.
Final Participant in La Crosse Methamphetamine Conspiracy SentencedRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Tom Lewis, 29, De Soto, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to three years in federal prison for using a telephone to facilitate the of distribution of methamphetamine. Lewis pleaded guilty to this charge on February 19, 2019.
Lewis agreed to join with Roberta Draheim, the leader of a methamphetamine distribution operation in La Crosse, to purchase two ounces of methamphetamine from her new source in California after her previous source disappeared. While they waited for the package of methamphetamine to arrive in the mail, Lewis used a telephone to arrange to distribute methamphetamine to Draheim.
Lewis joined with Draheim only five days after getting released from state custody on a separate matter. Judge Conley described Lewis as continuing to engage in the sale of multiple substances, including methamphetamine, while on state supervision.
Lewis and five other individuals were charged for their roles in Draheim’s methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. All six individuals have pleaded guilty and Lewis was the last to be sentenced.
The charge against Lewis was the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Wisconsin and California; Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; La Crosse Police Department; Prairie du Chien Police Department; and Dane County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper.
Federal Jury Finds Beckley Man Guilty of Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict in the trial of a Beckley man for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. John Henry Swain, 44, was convicted following a one-day jury trial.
“I am a firm supporter of the Second Amendment,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “But Swain is prohibited from possessing firearms because of his previous felony conviction. Enforcing federal gun laws is critically important to public safety because it keeps guns out of the wrong hands. I want to thank ATF and my Assistant United States Attorneys, Ryan Saunders and Steve Loew, for their work in this case.”
Witnesses for the United States testified that on September 20, 2018, Swain, along with two other individuals, was being investigated for public intoxication and open container in downtown Beckley. Swain was the only one who was non-compliant. He continuously put his hands in his pocket and waistband area. Swain then fled on foot and maneuvered his hands towards his waist during the foot pursuit. He was apprehended and a canine tracked a 9mm Taurus pistol along the path of flight. After Swain’s arrest, law enforcement read him his Miranda rights and in a recorded interview, Swain admitted to possessing the firearm and that he wanted to get a clip and shoot it to see what it sounded like. Swain was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2008 federal conviction in the Southern District of West Virginia for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Swain faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced in August 22, 2019. Swain will remain in custody pending his sentencing.
The Beckley Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan A. Saunders and Steven I. Loew are in charge of the prosecution and tried the case before a federal jury. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the trial.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
###
Federal Inmate Convicted of Another EscapeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -A former resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of escaping from his federal sentence, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Zackory James Sadler, 34, pleaded guilty to the sole count of the indictment before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Sadler was back in federal prison as a result of: 1) violating his prior federal sentence for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm; and 2) for previously escaping from federal custody. Sadler was at the Renewal Center halfway house in Pittsburgh on December 19, 2018 and was given permission to meet with his federal Probation Officer (PO). Sadler did not visit his PO and then failed to return to the Renewal Center. The United States Marshals Service Fugitive Unit began an investigation and the Renewal Center contacted Sadler’s friends and family. On December 21, 2019, Sadler returned to the Renewal Center. He was subsequently removed from the halfway house and sent back to prison.
Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for May 16, 2019 at 1 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court remanded Sadler back to prison.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sadler.
Former Federal Correctional Officer Charged with Civil Rights Offense for Assaulting InmateRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former senior correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) in Beaumont, Texas, was indicted yesterday on charges that he used unlawful force on an inmate and then submitted a false incident report, announced Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas Joseph D. Brown, and Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Bourbon of the Dallas Field Office.
According to the indictment, Tavoris Bottley, 33, was working at FCC Beaumont on June 8, 2017, when he assaulted an inmate by punching the inmate in the head three times. The defendant then allegedly submitted an incident report that omitted these punches and falsely cited the inmate for attempting to assault staff.
The defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison for the civil rights violation, 20 years in prison for the obstruction offense, and a fine of up to $250,000 for each charge.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Anderson of the Eastern District of Texas and Trial Attorney Nicholas Reddick of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
# # #
Exam Prep Company Agrees to Settle ADA ComplaintsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A California company that offers on-line test preparation courses related to licensing examinations for professional purposes, including engineering, architectural, and designing, has agreed to pay a total of $50,000 and take remedial action to resolve complaints that it failed to provide captioning for its online exam preparation courses.
The allegations involve an individual who lives in Northern Virginia, has multiple degrees, works as an engineer, and is deaf. The individual requested that Professional Publications, Inc., (PPI) located in Belmont, provide captioning for its online video course to prepare for the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam, the examination required to become a licensed Professional Engineer. The Principles and Practices Engineering examination is required by all 50 states, the District of Columbia and United States territories to become licensed as a Professional Engineer. During the course of the office’s investigation, it was discovered that PPI had allegedly previously failed to provide its courses in an accessible manner when requested by three other potential students who are deaf.
“The ADA works to ensure equality of opportunity and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This case demonstrates this office’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of those who are deaf or hard of hearing to equality of economic opportunity, including access to courses that prepare them for high stakes examinations, such as state licensing examinations.”
To resolve this complaint, PPI agreed to adopt policies that will make its courses accessible; designate an ADA Course Modification Coordinator, who will be responsible for ensuring PPI’s compliance with the ADA; make its online video courses accessible to individuals with disabilities by making it compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, including captioning videos for courses in which a student who is deaf is enrolled; and provide training for its personnel on the ADA’s requirements. PPI also agreed to pay $10,000 to each of the four aggrieved individuals, as well as a $10,000 civil penalty to the United States.
During the course of the investigation of this matter, Kaplan, Inc. acquired PPI in an unrelated transaction.
The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Gordon, who is the Civil Rights Enforcement Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The ADA claims settled by this agreement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
The ADA prohibits discrimination by entities that offers examination or courses related to licensing or credentialing for professional or trade purposes. Among other things, entities that offer such courses must offer them in a place and manner accessible to persons with disabilities, including providing appropriate auxiliary aids and services for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The Department of Justice has a number of publications available to assist entities in complying with the ADA, including “ADA Requirements: Effective Communication” and “ADA Requirements: Testing Accommodations.” For more information on the ADA and to access these publications, visit http://www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383. ADA complaints may be filed by email to [email protected].
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Eight Individuals Charged in Mille Lacs Heroin Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the unsealing of a federal indictment charging eight individuals with conspiracy to distribute heroin on the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation.
According to the ten-count indictment, from December 2017 through June 2018, TYRONE JAMES NELSON, 38, ROBERT DONTELL SYKES, 48, and DAVID LEE SNODDY, 36, RAMON FORD, 58, DEVONN ROSE MITCHELL, 23, KRISTIN RAE BOYD, 28, DUWAYNE IVAN SCHWENSEN, 26, and CHASE REED NICKABOINE, 20, knowingly conspired with each other to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin. The defendants are charged with conspiracy and heroin distribution.
“Here in Minnesota, and around the nation, our Native American communities have been disproportionately affected by heroin and opioid abuse. This is unacceptable. My office and our law enforcement partners remain aggressive in our approach to stopping those who infiltrate our communities with this poison,” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald.
“The Band is very grateful for the critical assistance provided by Bureau of Indian Affairs and federal law enforcement officers, and the U.S. Attorney,” said Mille Lacs Band Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin. “I would especially like to thank our Mille Lacs Tribal Police force. They have done outstanding work in leading this effort with our federal partners to address the drug epidemic on our Reservation.”
“The Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement (BIA DDE) was instrumental in the investigation,” said Mille Lacs Band Chief of Police Sara Rice. “We worked hand-in-hand with the BIA DDE drug agents. They were incorporated into our department throughout the entire process of investigation during this case. Several other agencies assisted in the lengthy investigation of this conspiracy case. Thank you to the investigators from Mille Lacs, Crow Wing and Sherburne county sheriff’s offices, Lakes Area Drug Investigation Division, Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force, Red Lake Tribal and Minneapolis police departments, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Drug Enforcement Agency, Minnesota Department of Corrections the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Marshal’s Office.”
This case is the result of an investigation led by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Mille Lacs Tribal Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Deidre Y. Aanstad is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
TYRONE JAMES NELSON, 38
City of residence unknown
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Distribution of heroin, 2 counts
ROBERT DONTELL SYKES, 48
City of residence unknown
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Distribution of heroin, 2 counts
- Possession with intent to distribute heroin, 1 count
DAVID LEE SNODDY, 36
Minneapolis, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Distribution of heroin, 2 counts
RAMON FORD, 58
Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Distribution of heroin, 1 count
- Possession with intent to distribute heroin, 1 count
DEVONN ROSE MITCHELL, 23
Onamia, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Distribution of heroin, 1 count
KRISTIN RAE BOYD, 28
Onamia, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Distribution of heroin, 2 counts
- Possession with intent to distribute heroin, 1 count
DUWAYNE IVAN SCHWENSEN, 26
Onamia, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Distribution of heroin, 1 count
CHASE REED NICKABOINE, 20
Onamia, Minn.
Charges:
- Conspiracy to distribute heroin, 1 count
- Distribution of heroin, 1 count
###
Additional news available on our website.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man pleaded guilty today to possession of a firearm by felon.
According to court documents, Roosevelt Byrd, 46, was suspected of distributing narcotics in downtown Newport News. After being approached by police officers, Byrd fled on foot and discarded a small bag later discovered to contain “crack” cocaine. Once apprehended, Byrd told law enforcement that he had recently purchased a firearm and that he kept it in his residence. Police obtained written consent to search Byrd’s residence and located the firearm exactly as Byrd described it.
Byrd pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when sentenced on August 12. Due to Byrd’s criminal history, he may qualify him as an armed career criminal and thus face a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years to life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter G. Osyf is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:19-cr-33.
Dominican National Sentenced for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Robert Crisologo Bobadilla Baez, a/k/a Robert Crisologo Bobadilla Moreta, 43, a Dominican national residing in Boston, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole to 25 months in prison and one year of supervised release. Bobadilla Baez pleaded guilty in January 2019. He was arrested in July 2018 as part of a law enforcement sweep aimed at detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes. Bobadilla Baez will be deported after he completes his sentence.
Bobadilla Baez unlawfully entered the United States in 2001, flying into New York City using a fake name and counterfeit paperwork. In December 2014, he applied for a Massachusetts ID card using the name, Social Security number, and date of birth of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico. His application was granted.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; and William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 7 ½ Years in Prison for Brazen Robbery of Convenience Store ATMRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Arnold Boon, 33, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today by Judge Paul L. Friedman, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to over seven years in prison and three years of supervised release resulting from his guilty plea to federal charges stemming from a robbery in which he and at least two others drove a stolen pick-up truck through the front of a Northwest Washington convenience store and hauled off an ATM machine containing at least $130,000. As part of the sentence, Boon was also ordered to pay over $150,000.00 in restitution to the owner of the money stolen and the owner of the building where the store is located.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division, and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
On April 22, 2019, Boon pled guilty before Judge Friedman to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of interference with interstate commerce by robbery.
According to the government’s evidence, on January 19, 2018, at approximately 1:30 a.m., a stolen Ford pickup truck smashed through the front of a 7-Eleven convenience store in the 200 block of Cedar Street NW. The truck was being driven by an unidentified male wearing dark clothing and a mask. Surveillance video captured two other masked men, one later identified as Boon through DNA evidence, entering the convenience store and lifting the store’s ATM machine onto the bed of the truck. While Boon and the other suspects attempted to lift the ATM machine, video from the store captured a gold watch worn by Boon fall to the ground.
A store clerk and at least one customer were inside the store at the time of the robbery. After struggling for several minutes to lift the ATM onto the truck, the men successfully loaded it onto the truck’s bed and Boon climbed onto the bed of the truck while the other two suspects entered the cab of the vehicle and fled the area. Boon and the other suspects fled with more than $130,000 in cash that was inside the ATM.
The stolen vehicle was found idling a short distance from the location of the 7-Eleven with no occupants or the ATM machine. The next morning, the stolen ATM machine was recovered by police in a wooded area in Washington, D.C., with all the currency removed.
Police also recovered the gold watch at the crime scene, and DNA obtained from the watch eventually was matched to Boon. At the time of his arrest on March 17, 2018, Boon was in possession of a loaded semi-automatic pistol, which was recovered from the dresser drawer in his bedroom. Boon has been in custody since his arrest. At the time of the crime, he was barred from possessing a gun because of prior convictions on assault and other charges.
This matter was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office's Violent Crime Safe Streets Task Force which is composed of FBI Agents and task force officers from MPD and the United States Capital Police. The task force works cooperatively and in partnership with the Capital Region law enforcement community in investigating violent crimes and criminal threats within the region.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu, Special Agent in Charge DeSarno, and Chief Newsham commended the work of the FBI agents and MPD officers who investigated the case. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven B. Wasserman and Ethan Carroll, and Paralegal Specialist Rommel Pachoca.
19-071
Deerfield Man Pleads Guilty to Importation of A Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Ahmad Khawaja, 22, of Deerfield, pleaded guilty in federal court to importation of a controlled substance, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about May 29, 2018, Khawaja, using the internet, purchased approximately 2 pounds of MDMA (“Ecstasy”) from a supplier located in France. Postal inspectors intercepted the packages and confirmed they contained the drug MDMA. Khawaja was arrested on June 1, 2018, in Concord, New Hampshire, when he picked up the packages from a person who had agreed to receive them for him.
Khawaja is scheduled to be sentenced on August 9th 2019.
“Those who use the mails as a means of transport for illegal drugs will find themselves being prosecuted in federal court,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Shipping dangerous drugs through the mail is both risky and illegal. To protect postal employees and the general public, we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who attempt to mail illegal drugs into New Hampshire.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducts investigations and seeks prosecution of those who use the U.S. Mail to traffic illegal substances such as MDMA,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. “Along with our federal law enforcement partners, we will identify and remove illegal drug shipments to keep them from making their way into our communities.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Davis.
###
Dayton Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Brookville Rite AidRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Dayton man has pleaded guilty to charges related to robbing a Rite Aid in Brookville in July 2018.
David Allen Antonio Flemings, Jr., 22, of Dayton, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to robbery and possessing oxycodone.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Jonathan McPherson, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Brookville Police Chief Douglas Jerome announced the pleas entered into before U.S. District Michael H. Watson.
According to court documents, Flemings robbed the Rite Aid on N. Wolfcreek in Brookville, Ohio on July 5, 2018.
Flemings approached the pharmacy counter and presented the pharmacy technician with a note that said, “Put Note Back In the Bag. This a armed Robbery. These are the Government pills, not yours or worth your life. I’m willing to kill. Don’t push no silent alarms. Fill 2 bags.” The note also listed specific medications for the pharmacy to provide.
The pharmacist and pharmacy technician each noticed that the note was torn from page 78 of the book titled Common Sense Parenting.
Pharmacy workers complied with the demand for pills and Flemings fled the pharmacy with the narcotics.
The note remained at the pharmacy, though, and was later collected as evidence and submitted to the Miami Valley Regional Crime Laboratory for fingerprinting. The fingerprint results were a match to Flemings.
Robbery and possessing oxycodone with the intent to distribute it are each crimes punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by the ATF and Brookville Police Department, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Bosley and Kelly A. Norris, who are representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Colombians Plead Guilty to Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that JHON ALBEIRO PINEDA JIMENEZ, age 37, and PEDRO ANTONIO JIMENEZ, age 65, both Colombians, pled guilty yesterday before United States District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman to Count 1 of their Indictment, which charged conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride while upon the high seas on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, under Title 46, United States Code, Sections 70503(a)(1) and 70506(a) and (b), and Title 21, United States Code, Section 960(b)(1)(B)(ii).
According to court documents, PINEDA JIMENEZ and JIMENEZ while aboard a small fishing vessel southwest of the Panama/Costa Rica border, were arrested by the U.S. Coast Guard. Hidden aboard the vessel was over 113 kilograms of powder cocaine.
Each defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum life sentence, a possible $10,000,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release after his term of incarceration.
Sentencing is scheduled before Judge Feldman on July 24, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Brandon S. Long.
Clearfield County Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - A resident of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to a term of imprisonment of four years and six months, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence yesterday in Johnstown on Ellis D. Passmore, Jr., 46, of Mahaffey, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the FBI received a lead from the FBI’s Innocent Images Operations Unit regarding an individual in Washington State who produced images of at least three different children as she sexually molested them. The woman transmitted the images over the Internet to individuals whom she met online. Ellis D. Passmore, Jr.’s email address was identified as an address to where the images had been sent.
On October 5, 2015, FBI conducted a knock-and-talk at the Passmore’s residence. He admitted to viewing child pornography images on his computer. Agents obtained a search warrant for Passmore’s electronic devices and a forensic review revealed 1,182 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of prepubescent children, some of which depicted bondage.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.
Assistant United States Attorneys Shanicka L. Kennedy and Jessica Lieber Smolar prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Passmore, Jr.
Chester Man Pleads Guilty to Being A Felon in Possession of A Firearm and Making A False Statement During the Acquisition of A FirearmRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Julion Adamski Parker, a/k/a Julian Iden Lima, 27, of Chester, pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and making a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 11, 2017, Chester Police Department received a call that Parker was inside the Chester General Store with a gun in plain view. Knowing that Parker was previously convicted of Impersonation of a U.S. Officer they went to the store and arrested Parker for being a felon in possession of a deadly weapon.
On March 30, 2017, Parker purchased a Mosin-Nagant, Model M91/30, 7.62 X 39 mm caliber rifle from Riley’s Sport Shop, a federally licensed firearms dealer located in Hooksett, New Hampshire. When Parker completed the required paperwork to make the purchase, he falsely claimed that he had never been convicted in any court of a felony.
On June 20, 2017, Parker went to Granite State Guns and Survival Gear LLC, a federally licensed firearms dealer located in Londonderry, New Hampshire and purchased an Arsenal, Model SAM7R, 7.62 X 39 mm rifle. When Parker completed the required paperwork to make the purchase, he falsely claimed that he had never been convicted in any court of a felony.
Parker is scheduled to be sentenced on August 14th 2019.
“It is unlawful for convicted felons to possess guns,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to reduce violent crime and maintain public safety, we will continue to be aggressive in our efforts to identify and prosecute criminals who unlawfully possess firearms.”
“ATF is determined to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. Far too many violent crimes result from people who are prohibited from having them. ATF will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue and arrest those who commit these criminal acts,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kelly D. Brady.”
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Chester Police Department. The United States Marshal’s Service assisted in the apprehension of Parker. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Walsh.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
###
Chester Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 360 Months for Multiple Drug Trafficking ConvictionsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Paris Church, 57, of Chester, Pennsylvania was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Gerald A. McHugh. Church was convicted three separate times by a federal jury in March 2016, February 2017, and again in June 2017 of multiple counts of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin, as well as related offenses in a case stemming from the investigation of a drug trafficking ring in Chester.
An investigation revealed that from about August 2012 until September 2014, Church and his criminal cohorts conspired to distribute illegal narcotics on the streets of Chester, PA. More specifically, in early 2014, Church and his cohorts conspired to source roughly 20 kilograms of cocaine from a Mexican supplier. Church was also involved in a conspiracy to receive illegal drugs from a supplier in California.
“Paris Church is a menace to the neighborhoods of Chester who needed to be convicted on federal charges three times to get the message: dealing illegal drugs and decimating neighborhoods will get you locked up for a long time,” said U.S Attorney McSwain. “This type of drug trafficking is dangerous and fanning the flames of the drug epidemic in this country. My office will investigate and prosecute these cases with tenacity in order to protect the community.”
The case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, City of Chester Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and Delaware County District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys A. Nicole Phillips, Faithe Moore Taylor, and Robert E. Eckert.
Cherry Hill Hillside Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Participating in a Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Total of 19 Hillside Gang Members and Associates Have Pleaded Guilty
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III today sentenced Delonte Conley, age 27, of Baltimore to 150 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise related to his activities as a member of the Hillside gang that operated in the Cherry Hill neighborhood of Baltimore.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.
“Delonte Conley chose to join an organized criminal enterprise that preyed on the Cherry Hill neighborhood by dealing drugs and committing violent gun crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. Now he will spend over 12 years in federal prison, where there is no parole—ever. Put down the guns and save a life—maybe even your own.”
“Identifying, investigating, and incarcerating the armed gunmen that menace Baltimore’s communities is ATF’s primary focus,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada. “ATF is determined to collaborate with our law enforcement partners in our fight to ensure Baltimore neighborhoods can be free of violence.”
According to his plea agreement, Conley was a member and associate of the Hillside Enterprise, which he knew distributed powder and crack cocaine, heroin, oxycodone and marijuana, primarily in the Cherry Hill Shopping Center, in other locations throughout Cherry Hill, and in west and southwest Baltimore City. The members of the Hillside Enterprise used the proceeds of their narcotics sales to purchase firearms, to enrich themselves, and to further the activities of the organization, including narcotics trafficking. Hillside members used residences in and around Cherry Hill to cut and package drugs for distribution, primarily heroin, powder cocaine, and crack. These locations included a house at 453 Roundview Road and an apartment at 2300 Terra Firma Road in Cherry Hill. Only trusted members of the Hillside Enterprise were admitted to these locations while the drugs were being prepared for sale. Between December 13, 2014 and November 12, 2015, Conley was captured on video in both of the cut houses, preparing controlled substances for distribution. In an effort to distinguish their narcotics, members used colored topped vials or colored the drugs with food coloring. Conley admitted that he distributed drugs as a member of the Hillside Enterprise, and on behalf of the gang. Throughout Conley’s involvement in Hillside, he was aware that Hillside distributed between one and three kilograms of heroin, and between five and 15 kilograms of cocaine, as well as crack cocaine.
Members of the Hillside Enterprise routinely carried firearms and committed acts of violence in furtherance of the organization’s activities, including robberies, shootings, beatings, murders, and other violence in order to intimidate others who would interfere with their narcotics trafficking. Acts of violence were also committed to discipline members within the Hillside Enterprise for transgressions, real or perceived, against the conspiracy.
Hillside members and associates have been in a long-running dispute with persons not part of the gang, including Up Da Hill (“UDH”), the Lakebrook Circle Boys, and others. Members and associates of Hillside have routinely engaged in acts of violence, including murder, directed at members of these rival organizations, or persons who happen to be located on territory controlled by these rival organizations. Conley knew that these acts of violence, including the homicides, were committed by Hillside members and associates. Conley further admitted that he personally participated in an armed robbery where shots were fired during the robbery, but no one was hit, as well as an assault on another Hillside member as punishment for improperly handling drug proceeds.
Eighteen other Hillside gang members have pleaded guilty to their participation in the racketeering conspiracy. Of those, eight have been sentenced to between 10 and 30 years in federal prison.
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. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the ATF, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia C. McLane and Michael C. Hanlon, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
# # #
Berlin Man Pleads Guilty to Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GELIN STERLING, 31, of Berlin, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Sterling owned and operated Sterling Tax Plus, LLC, a tax preparation business. For the 2014 through 2017 tax years, Sterling prepared tax returns for numerous clients that included false mileage expenses, false charitable donations, and other false income items.
Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2019, at which time Sterling faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.
Sterling has agreed to pay restitution of $250,000 to the IRS. As a result of his fraudulent conduct, many of his clients’ filed tax returns will need to be amended. The amount of Sterling’s restitution may be reduced as his clients resolve their own tax liability with the IRS.
Sterling is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.
Beaumont Felon Charged with Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A 43-year-old Beaumont man has been indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Brian Alfred was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on May 1, 2019.
The indictment alleges that on Apr. 1, 2019, Alfred possessed a rifle after having been previously convicted of aggravated assault against a public servant in Hardin County, Texas in 2010. As a convicted felon, Alfred is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
If convicted, Alfred faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Beaumont Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
It is important to note that a complaint, arrest, or indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
####
Attorney General Fox, U.S. Attorney Alme Announce Joint Missing Persons TrainingRead the Press Release
HELENA — Montana Attorney General Tim Fox and U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme today announced a joint training for local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement and for the public on missing persons databases and alert systems that can help with missing persons cases across the state, particularly those involving Native Americans.
The event, set for June 12 in Helena, will provide a separate session of instruction for law enforcement on accepting and entering a missing person’s report, while a separate session for the public will provide information on the databases and alert systems and training on using the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) program.
"This training will focus on how all of us in Montana’s law enforcement and criminal justice system will work with our federal and tribal partners to find justice for missing indigenous people in our state, and healing for their families and communities,” Attorney General Tim Fox said. “Because of the jurisdictional divisions in Indian Country, local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement agencies must work together. We’re designing this collaborative training specifically for law enforcement, and for tribal government and members of the public, with educational offerings tailored to each of those groups.”
“We are pleased to be working with Attorney General Fox and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to provide this first-ever joint training on missing persons resources for all federal state, local and tribal law enforcement in Montana and for tribal councils and members of the public,” U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. “By working together with law enforcement and family and friends to better collect information about missing persons, particularly Native Americans, we can help bring more people home.”
Gerald Gray, Chairman of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians and Chairman of the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, said, “There are far too many missing persons in the state of Montana, especially among Montana’s tribes; therefore, the Little Shell are happy to support the efforts being put forth by the Montana Department of Justice and the US Attorney’s Office with regard to the Missing Persons Training that will be taking place.”
The training will feature presenters from a variety of federal and state organizations. Trainers from the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services, NamUs, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, AMBER Alert, and the Montana Department of Justice’s Criminal Justice Information Network, Missing Persons Clearinghouse, Montana Analysis and Technical Information Center, and Office of Victim Services will explain the various databases and alerts, how they work and how law enforcement and the public can use them when someone goes missing.
Lucy Simpson, Director of the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC), has been invited to give the keynote address. “The NIWRC’s main office is located in Lame Deer, and our staff experienced the disappearance and losses of Henny Scott and Hannah Harris directly as members of that community,” Simpson said. “This localized training of national partners signals a step forward to addressing the disproportionate violence that American Indian people face on a daily basis, including a homicide rate on some reservations that is ten times the national average,” Simpson added.
The joint training is sponsored by the Montana Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Montana, and the FBI.
The training will be offered free of charge; POST credits for law enforcement officers are pending. Space is limited to 250 attendees; priority will be given to tribal government representatives and law enforcement. For more information, email [email protected] or call DOJ’s Office of Victim Services at 1-800-498-6455 or (406) 444-3653. Online registration is available at www.dojmt.gov/mpt.
Ashley Patterson Sentenced to 125 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Ashley Patterson, 29 years old, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon to 125 months in prison after pleading guilty to bank robbery and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch II.
According to documents in the case, on March 29, 2014, Patterson and her co-defendant Jeremiah Ellis robbed First Merchant’s Bank in East Chicago, Indiana. Patterson and Ellis brandished guns during the robbery, took approximately $10,000 cash, and Ellis discharged his gun as Patterson drove them away from the bank.
This case was investigated by the FBI GRIT Task Force with the assistance of ATF and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Chang.
###
Ambulance Owner Sent to Prison for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 46-year-old Houston man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Keeble Lovall pleaded guilty July 31, 2018, after less than two days of trial and hearing from 10 witnesses.
Today, U.S. District Judge Miller handed Lovall a 63-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the sentence was appropriate to deter future health care fraud.
Lovall was the owner of Your Health EMS from 2009 through 2012. Beginning in September 2011 until May 2012, Lovall knowingly billed Medicare and Medicaid falsely for non-eligible transports. Some of the fraudulent billing involved Lovall submitting claims to Medicare and Medicaid for individual ambulance transports, when in fact, multiple patients were being transported via one ambulance.
Other fraudulent billings involved Your Health submitting claims for transporting Medicare patients via an ambulance to Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) at various facilities, which is an unauthorized transport per Medicare. Additionally, Lovall billed Medicare through Your Health for ambulance transportation services when there was no medical necessity for the transport.
As a result of Lovall’s actions, Your Health falsely billed Medicare for approximately $2,835,930 in ambulance transports, which were never provided or which were not medically necessary. Lovall caused Medicare to directly deposit approximately $1,063,913.58 into Your Health’s bank account for ambulance transports, which were never provided or which were not medically necessary.
Lovall was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Texas Attorney General's Office, IRS - Criminal Investigation, FBI, Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General conducted the joint investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rodolfo Ramirez and Zahra Jivani Fenelon prosecuted the case.
1 May 2019
Woman Arrested at KC Bus Station Pleads Guilty to Possessing FentanylRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A woman carrying more than five pounds of fentanyl in her suitcase as she traveled through Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court today.
Evelyn C. Sanchez, 33, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute.
According to court documents, Sanchez was traveling from Los Angeles, Calif., en route to New York, N.Y. Her bus stopped briefly at a Kansas City bus station on Aug. 21, 2018. After Kansas City police detectives interviewed Sanchez at the bus station, they became suspicious that she was not being truthful about her trip and purpose for going to New York. A police service canine alerted to a grey, hard-sided suitcase under one of the seats near where Sanchez had been seated on the bus, and she eventually acknowledged that that suitcase belonged to her.
When detectives searched Sanchez’s suitcase, they found two bundles wrapped in several layers of plastic, which contained a total of 2.4 kilograms (5.3 pounds) of fentanyl. When officers searched Sanchez’s purse, they discovered a false bottom to the purse that contained five separate baggies of cocaine that weighed a total of 5.64 grams.
Under federal statutes, Sanchez is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Wolcottville Woman Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE, IN –Kristin M. Ferguson, also known as “Detroit,” 29, of Wolcottville, Indiana was charged in a single count Indictment returned by the Grand Jury alleging that she possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas L. Kirsch, II.
Ms. Ferguson’s initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Susan Collin was conducted at 11:30AM in the Fort Wayne Federal Courthouse.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Wolcottville Police Department, Noble County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah E. Nokes.
###
West Bank Resident Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DAVID TRAN, age 32, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before the Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo to an indictment charging him with violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to the court records, TRAN pleaded guilty to conspiring with other individuals to manufacture, possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute 1,000 or more marijuana plants, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 100 grams or more of heroin. TRAN also admitted that he possessed large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute them and that he was manufacturing large quantities of marijuana.
The case resulted from a lengthy Title III wire intercept investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration in which TRAN and his co-conspirators were captured discussing heroin sales, as well as the construction of a large indoor marijuana grow in Bridge City. The calls led the DEA agents to conduct a search of a warehouse and adjacent residence in Bridge City. During the search, the agents found a large marijuana grow that contained approximately 700 plants in varying stages of growth and equipment sufficient to grow many thousand more plants. Significant work and expense had been put into remodeling the warehouse, including thousands of dollars in lights, cooling systems, and ventilation. The agents also discovered a safe containing a cornucopia of other drugs, including 1,396.2 grams of methamphetamine; 990 grams of MDMA (ecstasy); and 1,175.9 grams of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid that is fueling the tremendous rise in overdose deaths.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 31, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. TRAN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years up to a maximum of life, a fine of $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Orleans Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Several other law enforcement agencies, including Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Kenner Police Department, assisted in the search of the warehouse in Bridge City. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
* * *
University of New Hampshire Employee Sentenced to Two Years of Probation for Interstate Transportation of Stolen MoneyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Hailong Zhang, 46, of Nottingham was sentenced to serve two years of probation, with 10 months of home detention, and fined $5,500 for aiding and abetting the interstate transportation of stolen money, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Zhang was a Research Project Manager at the University of New Hampshire, College of Life Sciences. Zhang was authorized to use a credit card provided by UNH to pay for expenses covered by grants that were provided to the College of Life Sciences by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (“NIH”). On 31 separate occasions from December 2013 to January 2018, Zhang used the credit card to purchase gift cards totaling more than $82,000 from Amazon.com, which he kept or used to buy merchandise for his personal benefit, including clothing, video games, and a snow blower. To conceal each such use of the credit card, Zhang submitted a fictitious receipt and a fraudulent written justification for the expense to UNH. The bogus documents caused the University System of New Hampshire to make payments on the credit card and obtain reimbursement for the unauthorized expenses from the NIH.
“Federal grant money provides vital support for programs that advance public health and the quality of life for all,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who steal these funds for their personal use should understand that they will face serious consequences. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect federal programs from fraud and abuse.”
“Today, Mr. Zhang is finally being held accountable for pocketing more than $80,000 in federal grant money on personal expenses when that money should have been used to advance important scientific research projects,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Taxpayers should know that the FBI will continue to work very closely with our law enforcement partners to protect federal funds from being stolen or misused.”
“Taxpayer funds at NIH support critical research that can ultimately save lives,” said Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Zhang siphoned off these life-giving dollars and will now pay the price. We will continue to investigate all allegations of fraud, waste and abuse in HHS funded programs.”
Zhang previously pleaded guilty on December 7, 2018.
The case was investigated by the UNH Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, with assistance from Nottingham Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Kinsella.
###
U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Statewide Funding Opportunity to Reduce Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the release of a district-wide Request for Proposals (RFP) under its Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction strategy. PSN is a nationwide initiative, led by U.S. Attorneys, which brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and community leaders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.
“More than $400,000 will be awarded to jurisdictions throughout the District of Minnesota to develop and implement tailored solutions to address the local violent crime, gang, and substance abuse issues plaguing their communities,” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald. “Leveraging resources such as these will bring us closer to our shared goal of reducing violent crime and making our communities safer for everyone.”
Approximately $413,791 in funding is now available to support locally developed, comprehensive violence reduction partnerships. Eligible applicants include nonprofit agencies and/or local units of government including cities, counties, townships, and tribal governments. The funding is administered by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Justice Programs and will be awarded through a competitive process. The RFP is available here: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/grants/Pages/default.aspx. Applications will be accepted until midnight (CDT), July 15, 2019.
###
Additional news available on our website.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Two Parents Charged in College Admission Case Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two parents charged in the college admissions case pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with paying a total of $600,000 to facilitate their children’s admission to college.
Bruce Isackson, 62, and Davina Isackson, 55, of Hillsborough, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. Bruce Isackson also pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy and one count of conspiracy to defraud the IRS. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for July 31, 2019.
As set forth in the charging documents, the Isacksons agreed to pay Singer, an amount, ultimately totaling $600,000, to participate in the college entrance exam cheating scheme for their younger daughter and the college recruitment scheme for both of their daughters. The Isacksons also underpaid their federal income taxes by deducting the bribe payments as purported charitable contributions. The Isacksons are cooperating with the government’s investigation.
Case information, including the status of each defendant, charging documents and plea agreements are available here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/investigations-college-admissions-and-testing-bribery-scheme.
The charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the money laundering. The charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States provides for a maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years 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; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric S. Rosen, Justin D. O’Connell, Leslie A. Wright, and Kristen A. Kearney of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the court documents are allegations and the remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Men Charged in Superseding Indictment with Identity Theft in Connection with Revere Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two men have been charged in federal court in Boston in a superseding indictment with Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with their roles in a fentanyl conspiracy in Revere.
John Doe, a/k/a “Cali,” of Revere, whose true identity and age are unknown, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; five counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; one count of false representation of a Social Security number; and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Sandy Alejandro Reynoso Cruz, 48, who resided most recently in Waterbury, Conn., and is believed to be a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; one count of false representation of a Social Security number; and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Both men were arrested on Aug. 28, 2018, and initially charged by complaint, which alleged that between May and August 2018, Doe made six sales of fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Revere, where Doe lived. The complaint further alleged that Cruz was Doe’s supplier.
According to the superseding indictment, both men used stolen identities and Social Security numbers when applying for Massachusetts driver’s licenses in 2017.
For Doe, the charge of conspiracy provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of 10 years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $20 million. For each of the three counts that allege distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, Doe faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a minimum of eight years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $8 million. For each of the five counts of fentanyl distribution that do not specify a quantity of fentanyl, Doe faces up to 30 years in prison, a minimum of six years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $2 million.
For Cruz, the charge of conspiracy and the one count of fentanyl distribution with which he is charged both provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million.
False representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greater. The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. The Massachusetts Department of Correction; Norfolk Sheriff’s Office, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; the Reading, Watertown, Braintree, Peabody, Waltham, Woburn, and Revere Police Departments; and the Waterbury (Conn.) Police Department assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Pérez‑Daple of Lelling’s Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants remain innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Tulsa Child Predator Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A 71-year-old Tulsa man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court for convincing an adolescent to send him sexually explicit pictures using a cell phone, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced James Wesley Barnes to 15 years in prison for possession of child pornography. Following completion of his prison term, Barnes will serve seven years on supervised release during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children.
“James Barnes’ perverse and deviant crimes are deserving of every day of his 15-year prison sentence. The physical, mental and emotional harm inflicted on this young victim may have lifetime repercussions,” said U.S. Attorney Shores. “It is inspiring to see that, in the face of fear and uncertainty, this child victim spoke out about the abuses perpetrated against her. Because of one child’s courage and resiliency, this vile predator is going to federal prison for a long time.”
At his plea hearing on Jan. 30, 2019, Barnes admitted that from March to June 2018, he possessed sexually explicit pictures of an eleven-year-old girl that she sent at his request. According to court documents, Barnes was previously convicted in Tulsa County District Court for second-degree rape of a minor under 16 years of age.
Barnes remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prison’s facility.
The Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Cozzoni 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.
Tonawanda Man Who Received Cocaine from Puerto Rico SentencedRead 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 Osvaldo Rivera-Amaro, 46, of Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted of attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine, was sentenced to serve 46 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who handled the case, stated that cocaine was shipped to the defendant from Puerto Rico through the U.S. Postal Service. On December 15, 2017, U.S. Postal inspectors seized a package containing just over two kilograms of cocaine that was addressed to co-defendant Iramarie Velez on Crane Place in Tonawanda, NY. The cocaine was replaced with sham cocaine, and then the package was delivered on December 28, 2017. After Velez accepted the package, she left the residence but returned a few minutes later with Rivera-Amaro. Velez went back into the residence, came back out with the package, and placed it in the back of the defendant’s vehicle. The defendant was subsequently detained, his vehicle was searched, and the package, containing the sham cocaine, was located in the trunk.
Iramarie Velez was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
Three Alleged MS-13 Gang Members Indicted in Connection with MurderRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Las Vegas, Nevada, returned a three-count indictment today against three alleged gang members of La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) for their involvement in connection with a kidnapping and murder.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division and Special Agent in Charge Joseph Macias of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles made the announcement.
Jose Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo, aka Molesto, 25, Miguel Torres-Escobar, aka Chamilo, 21, and David Arturo Perez-Manchame, aka Walter Melendez and Herbi, 20, are charged with murder in aid of racketeering, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and causing death through the use of a firearm. Reyes-Castillo and Torres-Escobar are citizens of El Salvador and Perez-Manchame is a citizen of Honduras. All of the defendants are illegally in the United States.
According to the indictment, MS-13 is a violent, transnational criminal organization that operates throughout the United States, including in Las Vegas, Nevada. MS-13 is a street gang composed primarily of persons from Central America, including El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. The Parkview clique of MS-13 operated in the Las Vegas, Nevada sector. MS-13 members are required to commit crimes, including acts of violence, to maintain membership and discipline within the group.
The indictment alleges that, on Jan. 21, 2018, Reyes-Castillo, Torres-Escobar and Perez-Manchame, kidnapped and murdered Arquimidez Sandoval-Martinez. As alleged, the defendants intentionally participated in the act of violence that resulted in the death of Sandoval-Martinez.
Reyes-Castillo, Perez-Manchame and Torres-Escobar remain in federal custody. Reyes-Castillo is pending federal charges in the Eastern District of California. All three defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on May 21, 2019, before Magistrate Judge Cam Ferenbach in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The charges are the result of a joint investigation by the FBI, HSI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department with the assistance of the DEA. Trial Attorney John S. Han of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime & Gang Section is prosecuting the case.
Three Alleged MS-13 Gang Members Indicted in Connection with MurderRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A federal grand jury in Las Vegas, Nevada returned a three-count indictment today against three alleged gang members of La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) for their involvement in connection with a kidnapping and murder.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich of the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Aaron C. Rouse of the FBI’s Las Vegas Division, and Special Agent in Charge Joseph Macias of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles made the announcement.
Jose Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo, aka Molesto, 25, Miguel Torres-Escobar, aka Chamilo, 21, and David Arturo Perez-Manchame, aka Walter Melendez and Herbi, 20, are charged with murder in aid of racketeering, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and causing death through the use of a firearm. Reyes-Castillo and Torres-Escobar are citizens of El Salvador and Perez-Manchame is a citizen of Honduras. All of the defendants are illegally in the United States.
According to the indictment, MS-13 is a violent, transnational criminal organization that operates throughout the United States, including in Las Vegas, Nevada. MS-13 is a street gang composed primarily of persons from Central America, including El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. The Parkview clique of MS-13 operated in the Las Vegas, Nevada sector. MS-13 members are required to commit crimes, including acts of violence, to maintain membership and discipline within the group.
The indictment alleges that, on Jan. 21, 2018, Reyes-Castillo, Torres-Escobar, and Perez-Manchame kidnapped and murdered Arquimidez Sandoval-Martinez. As alleged, the defendants intentionally participated in the act of violence that resulted in the death of Sandoval-Martinez.
Reyes-Castillo, Perez-Manchame, and Torres-Escobar remain in federal custody. Reyes-Castillo is pending federal charges in the Eastern District of California. All three defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on May 21, 2019, before Magistrate Judge Cam Ferenbach in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The charges are the result of a joint investigation by the FBI, HSI, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department with the assistance of the DEA. Trial Attorney John S. Han of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime & Gang Section is prosecuting the case.
# # #
Third Brownsville Meth Smuggler Ordered to PrisonRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 38-year-old Brownsville man has been sentenced for possession with intent to distribute 15.12 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Vicente Manuel Murillo, of Brownsville, pleaded guilty July 6, 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera sentenced Murillo to a 60-month term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court admonished Murillo, telling him that should he ever be foolish enough to commit another offense in the future, his sentence would be a lot higher.
At the time of his plea, Murillo admitted he knowingly possessed the methamphetamine with intent to distribute it to another person within the United States.
The case originated Jan. 20, 2017, when co-conspirator Maria Guadalupe Villanueva, 56, of Brownsville, attempted to enter the United States through the B&M Bridge Port of Entry in Brownsville driving a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. She was the sole occupant and registered owner of the vehicle. During inspection, authorities discovered 15.12 kilograms (33.26 pounds) of methamphetamine hidden within Rockaleta lollipop candy bags in the vehicle.
Upon arrival, Villanueva claimed her cousin - Bibiana Paz, 48, of Brownsville - had given her the candy in Matamoros, Mexico, to bring into the United States for a birthday party. However, the primary inspector had immediately noticed it was not a lollipop, but felt liked crushed rocks and sent her to secondary inspection. There, she again gave the same statement.
Villanueva was going to take the bags to Paz’s apartment. Villanueva indicated Paz placed the candy into the vehicle and had stayed in Matamoros in order to continue shopping. Law enforcement, however, discovered Paz had actually crossed into the United States through the same port approximately three minutes after Villanueva’s attempted entry. Villanueva also indicated, that because of Paz’s history, she suspected there were narcotics hidden in the candy bags and asked Paz why she did not want to cross the candy herself. She also indicated she asked Paz “You wouldn’t do that to me?” She indicated Paz shook the bags and told her there were no narcotics in the bags.
On Feb. 8, 2017, law enforcement arrested Paz, at which time she admitted she had asked Villanueva to bring the candy into the United States after Murillo had given her the merchandise in Matamoros. She indicated the candy was going to be delivered to Murillo in Brownsville.
She said that on Jan. 20, 2017, she followed Villanueva into the United States and noticed Villanueva had been detained. She admitted she delivered a separate batch of candy to Murillo at a local parking lot after she informed him that Villanueva was detained at the bridge.
Murillo was later arrested and stated he was supposed to receive the narcotics Villanueva was bringing into the United States. He claimed the narcotics supplier in Mexico told him to take custody of the narcotics from Paz and admitted he was going to deliver them to another person within the United States.
Judge Olvera previously sentenced Villanueva and Paz for their roles in the offense to 31 and 60 months, respectively.
Murillo has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Castro prosecuted the case.
Thibodaux Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JARED CARRELL (“CARRELL”), age 38, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty yesterday to Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B).
According to documents filed in federal court, on May 30, 2018, law enforcement officers with the Louisiana State Police found CARRELL in possession of a LG cellular device containing images depicting the sexual victimization of prepubescent children. On July 9, 2018, members of the Louisiana State Police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, executed a search warrant at CARRELL’s Thibodaux residence. At which time, CARRELL was arrested and charged with possessing child pornographic materials.
CARRELL faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine. In addition, CARRELL will be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
CARRELL will be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey on August 6, 2019.
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.”
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Supervisor of Financial Crimes, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
* * *
Suspended Andover Attorney Convicted of Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former attorney from Andover was convicted today by a federal jury of filing false tax returns and for conspiring with his accountant to defraud the IRS.
Daniel P. Gibson, 62, was convicted by a federal jury on three counts of tax fraud. Gibson was indicted in October 2015. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Sept. 5, 2019.
Gibson conspired with his accountant to prepare and file false tax returns in the tax years 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009 that intentionally underreported approximately $3.7 million in income earned by the law firm of which Gibson was the managing partner. As a result, Gibson underreported his personal income by approximately $2.5 million and avoided taxes of more than $875,000.
The charge of filing of the false returns provides for a sentence of no greater than three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000 per count and restitution. The charge of conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara Miron Bloom and William B. Brady of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Statement of United States Attorney Mike Stuart Regarding Federal Investigation into 2016 Floods Disaster ReliefRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart provided the following statement regarding a federal investigation into the 2016 floods disaster relief:
“The deadly 2016 floods were a seminal event for West Virginia. Too many of our precious citizens lost their lives. Many other lives were terribly impacted. Critical infrastructure including roads, bridges, and water systems were destroyed or significantly interrupted. And too many West Virginians lost their most critical personal asset – their homes. Many lives were literally turned upside down. To this day, the future remains uncertain for too many of our friends and neighbors.
Post-disaster, the federal government committed millions of taxpayer dollars to disaster relief for recovery with the intent that the assistance would help rebuild lives and rebuild communities. Critical federal resources through FEMA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development are essential to the rebuilding process and must be used wisely, timely and legally.
Every available dollar for disaster relief must be spent on disaster relief. Diversion, fraud, corruption or delay cannot and will not be tolerated.
Desperate communities and West Virginians depend on critical, limited dollars to assist in recovery. Desperate communities and West Virginians need certainty that in a future disaster intended assistance will be delivered timely and spent properly. West Virginians need to be reassured that federal law enforcement is now investigating this matter. Rest assured, my office is working with appropriate federal agencies to investigate the issues of disaster relief, and use of federal funds related to the historic 2016 floods and I can assure our citizens that any party that abused their position of authority, violated the public trust, or misused taxpayer dollars will be held accountable, if warranted.”
SDWVNews and USAttyStuart
###
St. Thomas Man Found Guilty of Possession with Intent to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Le’Quan Registe, 25, of St. Thomas, was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute marijuana after a jury trial in District Court, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. The jury trial lasted one day, commencing on April 29, 2019, with jury deliberations commencing and concluding on April 30, 2019. Registe was acquitted of an additional charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of marijuana distribution.
According to trial testimony, on May 18, 2018, during a search of Registe’s vehicle, Virgin Islands Police Department officers located quantities of marijuana on the gear shift, on top of and underneath the front passenger seat, as well as in a backpack located on the backseat. Officers also located in the car $3,400 in a hidden compartment of the steering wheel, a police scanner, baggies, a digital scale, and a firearm.
After trial, Registe was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service. Sentencing is set for August 29, 2019.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Virgin Islands Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith J. Edwards and George Andrew Massucco-LaTaif.
St. Thomas Man Arrested for Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Aubrey Frett, 30, of St. Thomas was arrested today on an indictment charging him with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert, announced. Frett made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller and was detained pending further proceedings on May 9, 2019.
According to the indictment, on September 3, 2018, Frett was in possession of marijuana, crack cocaine and a firearm with an obliterated serial number when officers from the Virgin Islands Police department detained him on an unrelated matter.
If convicted of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, Frett faces a term of imprisonment of not more than five years and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute, a term of not more than twenty years and possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, a term of not more than five years in prison. On the possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, Frett faces a consecutive five year term of imprisonment.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Virgin Islands Police Department investigated this matter and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard Potter.
St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Two Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO –Malachiah Williams, 22, of St. Louis, MO, pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking and two counts of brandishing a firearm. Williams appeared today before U.S. District Judge Richard Webber who accepted his plea and set his sentencing date for July 30, 2019.
According to the plea agreement, on July 25, 2018, Williams, armed with a semi-automatic firearm, approached a man in his vehicle parked in front of a residence in the 5500 block of Cote Brilliante. Williams tapped on the driver’s side door with the firearm and ordered the victim out of the vehicle. After the victim exited, Williams entered the vehicle and drove away.
On July 31, 2018, a mother and her four-year-old daughter were sitting inside a vehicle near the 5400 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. Williams approached their vehicle and stuck his head into the passenger side window. He pointed a semi-automatic firearm at the mother and child while ordering them out of the vehicle. Williams then entered the vehicle and drove away.
If convicted, carjacking carries a penalty of not more than 20 years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000 on each count. The firearms charges carry penalties of not less than seven years nor more than life and/or fine of $250,000 on each count consecutive to any other sentence imposed. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. The United States and Williams intend to recommend a sentence of 15 years imprisonment at the time of sentencing.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tom Mehan.
St. Louis County Woman Pleads Guilty to Providing Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Sedina Unkic Hodzic, 39, of St. Louis County, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. Sedina Unkic Hodzic appeared today before Judge Catherine D. Perry who accepted her plea and set her sentencing for August 9, 2019. U.S. Attorney Jeffrey B. Jensen for the Eastern District of Missouri, Special Agent in Charge Richard Quinn of the FBI’s St. Louis Division and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers made the announcement.
Charged in the indictment are: Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, his wife Sedina Unkic Hodzic, and Armin Harcevic, all of St. Louis County, Missouri, Nihad Rosic, of Utica, New York, and Mediha Medy Salkicevic, of Schiller Park, Illinois. All defendants are charged with conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists, and with providing material support to terrorists. Ramiz Zijad Hodzic and Nihad Rosic are also charged with conspiring to murder and maim persons in a foreign country. Armin Harcevic pleaded guilty on February 25, 2019, and Mediha Medy Salkicevic pleaded guilty on March 21, 2019. Ramiz Zijad Hodzic pleaded guilty on April 3, 2019. The remaining defendants have pleaded not guilty. As is always the case, charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Sedina Unkic Hodzic faces up to 15 years imprisonment and/or fines of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, St. Louis Metropolitan and St. Louis County Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Drake, Howard Marcus and Kenneth Tihen of the Eastern District of Missouri and Trial Attorney Joshua Champagne of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section.
Shakopee Felon Sentenced to 248 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution, Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of MILES DENZEL RAYMOND LEWIS, 26, to 248 months in prison for methamphetamine distribution and illegal possession of three firearms. LEWIS, who pleaded guilty on December 13, 2018, was sentenced today before Judge Nancy E. Brasel in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to his guilty plea and documents filed in court, on May 1, 2018, LEWIS sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant from his home in Shakopee, Minnesota. Upon execution of a search warrant at LEWIS’s residence, law enforcement recovered approximately 2,238 grams of methamphetamine, 338 grams of cocaine, 1,564 grams of marijuana, three firearms, two digital scales, a money counting machine, numerous rounds of ammunition, and $88,221 in cash. When law enforcement arrested LEWIS on May 18, 2018, he was found to be in possession of another $49,831 in cash.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Ramsey County Violent Crime Enforcement Team, the Shakopee Police Department, and the Saint Paul Police Department. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat violent crime.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst.
Defendant Information:
MILES DENZEL RAYMOND LEWIS, 26
Shakopee, Minn.
Convicted:
- Possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count
- Possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 248 months in prison
- Five years of supervised release
###
Additional news available on our website.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Serial Robber Pleads Guilty to Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Trevor Christian, 31, Madison, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty today to committing four robberies in Madison in November 2018. The maximum penalty for each robbery is 20 years in federal prison.
On November 1, 2018, Christian robbed a Walgreens on East Washington Avenue and obtained cash and cigarettes. Christian handed an employee a note that stated, “All the cash in the drawer, 30 seconds, don’t make me.”
On November 5, 2018, Christian robbed an Associated Bank on Shopko Drive and obtained cash. Christian handed the teller a note that stated, “It’s a robbery, give me all the money, no dye packs, don’t make me do anything stupid, 20 seconds.” The note was left behind, and Christian’s fingerprint was subsequently identified on it.
On November 7, 2018, Christian robbed an Associated Bank on Odana Road and again obtained cash. As he did in the previous two robberies, Christian handed a teller a note. On that occasion, the note stated, “This is a robbery, no alarms, no dye packs, all the money in the drawer and no one gets hurt. Be calm. 20 seconds.”
Finally, on November 14, 2018, Christian robbed the Dane County Credit Union on Struck Street, again using a note. During this robbery, the note stated, “It’s a robbery, keep calm, give me 20 seconds.” The teller complied and included bait bills.
All four robberies were captured on video. Still photographs of the robber were shared with the public, and the Madison Police Department (MPD) received a tip that the robber was Trevor Christian. After further investigation, MPD obtained warrants for Christian’s apartment and his cell phone. They recovered the bait money from the credit union, a pair of boots seen in the video, and an Associated Bank money band. Christian’s phone revealed he was searching for news of the robberies.
U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson scheduled sentencing for August 21, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Christian has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on November 14, 2018.
The charges against Christian were the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.
Serial Check Thief Sentenced to More That 4 Years in Prison for Bank Fraud and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EDWARD WILLIAMS, 58, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to 54 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for fraud and identity theft offenses stemming from a mail theft and check cashing scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Williams stole checks in a variety of ways and altered or filled out the checks to make them payable to him, his co-conspirators, or stolen identities that he has used.
One victim of this scheme was a Windsor resident who had written a check payable to American Express, mailed the check with his American Express bill, and later discovered that the check had been altered and cashed for $985.30. Another individual whose identity Williams used to cash this check and commit other crimes was subsequently wrongly arrested by a local police department.
Other victims of this scheme include a West Hartford couple who had left a holiday card containing a $15 check for their newspaper delivery person outside of their mailbox, and later discovered it had been altered and cashed for $870; a West Hartford resident who learned that she had a box of checks she ordered stolen after Williams attempted to cash one of the checks for $400; and an individual who had personal checks stolen from a book he kept at his business, and was subsequently informed that Williams had deposited four of the checks totaling more than $5,000 into a bank account Williams had opened.
In total, between August 2016 and June 2017, Williams, or his co-conspirators, successfully cashed $27,311.35 in fraudulently obtained checks. He, or others working with him, also attempted to cash $40,861.65 in fraudulently obtained checks.
Williams has been detained since his arrest on October 18, 2017. On November 5, 2018, Williams pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Williams’ criminal history includes 74 arrests and numerous convictions, including convictions for forgery, larceny and burglary offenses.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of several police departments, including the South Windsor and East Hartford Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarala V. Nagala and Elena L. Coronado.
Prattville Woman Pleads Guilty to Filing Fraudulent Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
Montgomery, Alabama - On Monday, April 29, 2019, Candace Brie Betances, 42, of Prattville, Alabama pleaded guilty to submitting false claims to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) seeking tax refunds, announced United States Attorney Louis V. Franklin, Sr., and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman.
The guilty plea comes after Betances was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2019 on four counts of making false claims against the government. Court documents show that in July 2015 she filed a tax return for the 2013 tax year and claimed that her employer withheld $1,152,320.00 in federal taxes. Based on this false statement regarding her withholdings, she requested that the United States Treasury pay her $253,080.00. When filing the return, Betances knew the claim was false, that the withholding amount was not accurate, and that she was not owed the tax refund. Fortunately, the IRS detected the fraud and did not pay the requested refund.
Betances’s sentencing hearing will occur in the next few months. At that hearing, Betances will be facing up to five years in prison and substantial fines.
“By making false statements on her tax return, Ms. Betances was attempting to defraud the government and steal from every American taxpayer,” stated U. S. Attorney Franklin. “I am pleased that the Internal Revenue Service was able to prevent the loss of tax dollars in this case and I pledge that my office will prosecute anyone that wants to use the United States Treasury as his or her own piggy bank.”
“This plea is an important victory for America's taxpayers who play by the rules and have no tolerance for those who make up their own rules,” said Special Agent in Charge Holloman. “This investigation serves to remind us that there is no such thing as free money and there are no awards or incentives for creativity when it comes to crime. We will continue to utilize our resources and work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in holding those accountable who attempt to defraud the government and steal from the American taxpayer.”
The IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross is prosecuting the case.
Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine and Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Chaddis Demond McAfee, 37, of Philadelphia, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves, to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On December 11, 2017, agents with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics went to McAfee’s home to serve an arrest warrant. Following the arrest of McAfee, agents recovered over 700 grams of methamphetamine, 185 grams of marijuana, hydrocodone and alprazolam, as well as a Taurus, Model 85, .38 special pistol.
“Our state’s battle against methamphetamine is being fueled in part by callous criminals like this, which is killing our citizens, tearing apart families, and destroying communities. I am thankful for our prosecutor and law enforcement partners for taking this dealer in poison off our streets and safeguarding our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
“Methamphetamine has devastated countless communities due to the dramatic health and public safety consequences that typically accompany its introduction into an area,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Jere T. Miles. “Today’s guilty plea stems from an extensive HSI effort with its federal, state and local partners to dismantle a drug trafficking organization that decimated parts of Mississippi and Alabama with methamphetamine smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico. This operation is a testament to the seamless partnership between HSI, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and we are thankful for their assistance as well as the U.S. Attorneys’ to improve the lives of law-abiding residents throughout Mississippi and Alabama.”
McAfee was charged in a four count indictment that was filed on April 4, 2018. He will be sentenced by Judge Reeves on July 31, 2019 and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $10,000,000 fine.
The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
This OCDETF case is a result of a joint investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. Assisting agencies include the U.S. Marshals Service, Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, Philadelphia Police Department, Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, Neshoba County District Attorney’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Flowood Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, Carthage Police Department, Union Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Louisville Police Department, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk is prosecuting the case.
Owner of Florida Medical Clinic Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An owner of a Florida medical clinic was sentenced to serve 91 months in prison today for her role in a $2.5 million health care fraud scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan of the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office and Special Agent in Charge Brian Swain of the U.S. Secret Service’s (USSS) Miami Field Office made the announcement.
Juliette Anais Tamayo, 54, the owner of Miami-based clinic Sunshine Medical Care Group Inc. (Sunshine), was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga of the Southern District of Florida. Judge Altonaga also ordered Tamayo to pay $2.5 million in restitution. Tamayo pleaded guilty in February 2019 to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. Also, Tamayo previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks and to defraud the United States.
Tamayo was charged in a December 2018 superseding indictment with charges stemming from her involvement in a Part A home health care and Part B medical services fraud scheme in which she sold medically unnecessary home health care prescriptions to home health agency owners who in turn billed Medicare. According to her admissions made as part of her separate pleas to the health care fraud and kickback conspiracies, Tamayo solicited and accepted kickbacks from patient recruiters and from the owners of several Miami-area home health agencies in exchange for providing prescriptions for home health services to patients at Sunshine. The prescriptions, in turn, were used by the home health agencies to bill Medicare for home health services purportedly provided to Medicare beneficiaries. Tamayo paid a portion of the kickbacks she received from the home health agencies to physicians who worked at Sunshine to induce them to write the fraudulent prescriptions. In addition, Sunshine billed Medicare directly for medical services purportedly provided at the clinic that were not necessary and/or were not provided.
The case was investigated by the FBI, HHS-OIG, and USSS. Trial Attorneys Adam G. Yoffie, Gary A. Winters and Sara Clingan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nalina Sombuntham of the Southern District of Florida handled the asset forfeiture proceedings.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion.