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Tuesday 19 March 2019
Self-Styled Diamond and Gold Exporter Convicted of Wire Fraud and Commodities FraudRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE— A federal jury convicted Fritz Kramer of wire fraud and commodities fraud today in connection with a fraudulent export scheme, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The guilty verdict follows a six-week jury trial before the Honorable Edward J. Davila, U.S. District Judge.
The jury found Kramer, 70, with a last known residence in Norway, guilty of eleven counts of wire fraud and one count of commodities fraud. The evidence at trial showed that from December 2008 through July 2016, Kramer fraudulently solicited funds from investors, stating that he was a gold and diamond exporter. Kramer told his victims that their money would be invested in an “export project” in which Kramer would purchase gold and diamonds from the Democratic Republic of Congo and have them exported to Europe, Asia, and the United States. Kramer falsely promised investors that they would receive up to ten times the amount of money they invested and that the profits could be earned in as little as one month. Based upon Kramer’s false representations, more than three dozen victims were convinced to send money, totaling millions of dollars, to entities purportedly operating the bogus export project. The evidence at trial demonstrated that no return on investment was ever received by any of the investors.
On July 12, 2018, a federal grand jury handed down a superseding indictment charging Kramer with eleven counts of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and one count of commodities fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1348. The jury convicted Kramer on all counts.
The defendant is currently in custody pending sentencing. Judge Davila scheduled Kramer’s sentencing hearing for July 15, 2019. For each count of wire fraud, Kramer faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution. Kramer also faces a maximum statutory penalty of 25 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution, for the commodities fraud count. In addition, Judge Davila may order Kramer to serve an additional term of supervised release. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maia Perez and Jeff Nedrow are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Susan Kreider and Nina Burney-Williams. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
Schenectady Man Sentenced to 46 Months for Cocaine and Crack ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Yusef Boothman, aka “Rocket,” age 39, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 46 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine with the leader of a drug ring that operated in Schenectady and Albany.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Between August 2016 and May 2017, Boothman redistributed cocaine and crack cocaine received from Darren Clay Robinson, aka “Mountain.”
The following defendants have pled guilty in connection with the conspiracy and been sentenced as follows by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Corey White, aka “Stacks,” pled guilty to conspiring with Robinson to distribute heroin.
Name
Residence
Sentence
Darren Clay Robinson, aka “Mountain”
Schenectady and Teaneck,
New Jersey135 months in prison
8 years of supervision
Corey White, aka “Stacks”
Schenectady
125 months in prison
6 years of supervision
Jose Gilberto Harris
Manhattan
87 months in prison
4 years of supervision
Shenika D. Boyd, aka “Misses”
Albany
46 months in prison
6 years of supervision
Marty Humphrey
Schenectady
15 months in prison
3 years of supervision
Lashaunda Tarver, aka “Shaunda”
Schenectady
Time served
3 years of supervision
Jalessa Scott
Schenectady
Time served (about
14 months in jail)3 years of supervision
Bobby R. Graham
Albany
Time served
3 years of supervision
Willie C. Hayes, aka “Man”
Schenectady
Time served
3 years of supervision
Kimberly Petties, aka “Shorty”
Schenectady
Time served
3 years of supervision
Manuel Clemente
Manhattan
Time served
3 years of supervision
Kristy L. Smith
Schenectady
Sentencing Pending
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Schenectady Police Department, Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Registered Sex Offender Allegedly Faked Court Documents in Order to Secure Housing VouchersRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Federal agents arrested a Cincinnati man this weekend on charges of defrauding the government and making false statements.
Gary Wipperman, 57, of Cincinnati, allegedly created fictitious court documents that included forged judges’ signatures in order to obtain housing vouchers.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Brad Geary, Special Agent in Charge, U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General, announced the charges, which were unsealed yesterday evening.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Wipperman was convicted in Greene County in 1993 of gross sexual imposition and felonious sexual penetration involving a 9 year old victim. In 1999, he was adjudged a sexual predator and required to register his residence every 90 days for life.
A regular data review conducted by HUD in 2018 revealed that Wipperman had registered his residence at an address that is subsidized by federal funding through HUD.
HUD regulations prohibit any individual who is subject to a state lifetime sex offender registration requirement from receiving assistance from HUD.
Follow-up investigation indicated that in 2015, Wipperman was selected from a waitlist to receive housing choice vouchers from the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, but was denied the vouchers because of his sexual predator status.
Wipperman requested a review of the decision to deny him housing and HUD held an informal review hearing in February 2016.
Prior to that hearing date, Wipperman allegedly provided fictitious documents to HUD – some of which included forged signatures – including:
- an opinion signed by a Federal Magistrate Court Judge in the Southern District of Ohio but issued by the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals that claimed Wipperman was entitled to “have the same rights as one never charged and given the presumption of innocence unless convicted in a new trial”;
- an opinion from a Federal District Court Judge in the Southern District of Ohio that vacated Wipperman’s convictions;
- an opinion from a Federal Appellate Court Judge for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals that ordered Wipperman “deemed innocent of all charges”;
- an opinion from a Federal Appellate Court Judge for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals that found Wipperman “innocent until proven guilty in a court of law” and
- a docket sheet from the United States Supreme Court.
“According to the complaint, Wipperman went to a hearing before HUD in February 2016 and swore under oath that both the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit had declared him innocent,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “He backed those claims with supposed court documents. None of it was true.”
In that same month, HUD granted Wipperman permission to proceed with his application for subsidized housing, based on the aforementioned documents and hearing.
Since April 2016 until at least February 27, 2019, Wipperman has paid a portion of his rent using housing choice vouchers.
Wipperman is charged with forgery of the signature of any judge (up to five years in prison), theft of government funds (up to 10 years in prison) and making false statements (up to five years in prison).
“One of the fundamental missions of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is to provide decent, safe, and affordable housing. Moreover, children, who reside in these developments must not be subject to residing close to those who are ‘lifetime sex offenders,’ Special Agent in Charge Geary said. “The HUD Office of Inspector General will vigorously pursue any individual who circumvents these regulations, thus putting the safety and welfare of our community’s most vulnerable at risk. We wish to thank the U. S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Veterans Affairs Police Department, and the Cincinnati Police Department for their outstanding assistance in making today’s charges possible.”
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by HUD OIG, and Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Gaffney and Matthew Singer, who are prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
If you information about defendant Gary Wipperman, please contact the Cincinnati Police Department at 513-765-1212.
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Republican Party Headquarters Arsonist Sentenced in U.s. District CourtRead the Press Release
Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl sentenced KELLEN MICHAEL SORBER, 27, on March 18, 2019 to forty-four months in federal prison for setting fire to the Albany County Republican Party Headquarters in Laramie, Wyoming.
In the early morning hours of September 6, 2018, Defendant Kellen Sorber maliciously set a fire inside the building located at 214 East Ivinson Avenue in downtown Laramie – a property used as headquarters for the Albany County Republican Party on the main level and a private residence on the second floor. The Defendant used pieces of concrete cinderblock to smash through a window and set a fire on the floor just inside the GOP headquarters. Sorber then left the area with the fire burning out of control.
The Laramie Police and Fire Departments along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case. They used DNA evidence, cell phone records, and security camera footage to identify Sorber and tie him to the crime. He was indicted on November 15, 2018.
"The arson in this case appears to have been motivated by animosity toward a political party. Regardless of viewpoint or cause, such political violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated." stated United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming, Mark A. Klaassen.
"We must continue to find ways to engage in healthy public discourse and debate over ideas without our differences devolving into the sort of disdain that leads to violence." Klaassen continued, "This senseless criminal act by Mr. Sorber caused thousands of dollars in damage to property and could have endangered the lives of other occupants of the building. I commend the excellent law enforcement investigation that led to this arrest and conviction."
Sorber was also ordered to pay a $6,200.00 fine and $100.00 in a special assessment. Upon completion of his prison sentence Sorber will be on supervised release for thirty-six months.
Poplar man admits stabbingRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – Poplar resident Michael Cody Wolf today admitted he stabbed a woman in the back, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Wolf, 24, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Wolf faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He is detained.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and set sentencing for June 27.
The prosecutor said evidence would show that the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call on March 20, 2018 that a woman had been stabbed at a Poplar apartment, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Wolf was taken into custody at the scene and advised of his rights. Wolf told an officer that he “kinda snapped.”
The victim told law enforcement that Wolf had been out of his mental health medication for four days when the stabbing occurred. The victim felt something hit her in the back and realized she had been stabbed. The victim was flown to Billings Clinic and treated for life-threatening injuries.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Peck Tribal Police and FBI.
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Pittsburgh Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Heroin and a Fentanyl AnalogueRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – Daroy Murphy was sentenced to one year and three months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute heroin and para-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl in 2018, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Murphy, 27, was sentenced by United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. Judge Bissoon also sentenced Murphy to serve six years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Murphy was on parole from a prior conviction for conspiring to distribute heroin in 2016 when he conspired to distribute heroin and para-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl in 2018.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
The Jefferson Hills Police Department, the Pleasant Hills Police Department, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.
Pittsburgh Man Purchased Alprazolam on the DarkNet for Distribution, Illegally Possessed Guns and AmmoRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of attempted possession with intent to distribute alprazolam and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
James Robert Czachowski, 22, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Court Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, in April 2018, agents interdicted an international express parcel addressed to the defendant with a return address in the United Kingdom. Pursuant to extended border search authority, agents opened the package which contained 11,000 pills consistent with the size and shape of Xanax.
On April 11, 2018, United States Postal Inspectors made a controlled delivery of the parcel as addressed. The defendant’s father signed for the package. As the defendant’s father removed the package from the residence, but before he could deliver it to his son, agents stopped the defendant’s father, who stated that the package was to be delivered to his son at an address in Pittsburgh. The defendant contacted his father on the phone while his father was with the agents. The agents overheard the defendant ask his father whether he left yet and if everything was OK. Agents then went to the defendant’s residence.
The defendant admitted to investigators that he had purchased narcotics over the DarkNet for approximately one year. He admitted that he paid $4,200 for 10,000 Xanax bars and that he intended to sell them for $1.50 per bar. The defendant gave permission to search his residence and admitted to possessing a .22 revolver. A .380 9mm revolver, a Springfield XD 9mm and numerous rounds of ammunition were recovered, as well. As a result of a prior felony conviction, the defendant is prohibited from possessing firearms and/or ammunition.
Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2019. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Czachowski.
Pennsylvania Return Preparer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A Yeadon, Pennsylvania, resident was sentenced today to 12 months and 1 day in prison for filing false tax returns and conspiring to defraud the United States, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, United States Attorney William M. McSwain, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Guy Ficco.
On Oct. 12, 2018, Deron Joe was found guilty of one count of conspiring to defraud the United States by preparing and filing false tax returns and 11 counts of aiding and assisting in the filing of false tax returns for the 2007, 2008, and 2009 tax years. Court documents and evidence presented at trial showed that Joe co-owned and operated Edron Tax Professionals with his co-conspirator. From 2007 through 2010, Joe and his co-conspirator prepared tax returns for clients that falsely claimed employee business expenses and other unwarranted deductions. The false deductions allowed the co-conspirators to inflate clients’ refunds by thousands of dollars. Joe prepared the false tax returns with inflated refunds in order to grow his clientele.
The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Petrese B. Tucker for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Judge Tucker also sentenced Joe to three years of supervised release.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney McSwain commended agents of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Department of Justice Tax Division Trial Attorneys Christopher P. O’Donnell and Kathryn D. Sparks, who prosecuted the case.
Pascagoula Man Sentenced to Prison for Lying to Purchase a Firearm and Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Carl Levon Haynes, 26, of Pascagoula, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 15 months in prison for being a drug user in possession of a firearm and 15 months for making a false statement in the purchase of the firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Dana Nichols. Judge Ozerden ordered the sentences to run concurrently, followed by 3 years of supervised release and a $3000 fine.
In May 2018, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were conducting undercover purchases of drugs and guns. On May 23, Haynes sold a shotgun that had been stolen from a Pascagoula police car. Haynes admitted to regular use of marijuana and the purchase of a handgun in 2017 at which time he answered “No” to a question about whether he used marijuana or other illegal substances.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Oklahoma City Man Pleads Guilty for False Representation to the Department of Labor to Employ Mexican WorkersRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – FELIPE GUTIERREZ, 48, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty yesterday to making a false statement and representation to the Department of Labor ("DOL") to employ Mexican workers, announced First Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to an Information filed February 12, 2019, Mr. Gutierrez, who owns and operates Felipe’s Lawn Care—a local lawn care company in Oklahoma City—falsely represented to the DOL that he had not sought or received any payment from his employees in connection with obtaining certification for their employment from the DOL.
At his guilty plea hearing yesterday, Mr. Gutierrez admitted that he submitted an H-2B Application for Temporary Employment Certification to the DOL in order to obtain permission to hire workers from Mexico. Though the Application required Mr. Gutierrez to certify that he had not sought or received any payment of any kind from these prospective workers, Mr. Gutierrez had, in fact, demanded and received payment from some of them. According to a Plea Agreement filed in the case, Mr. Gutierrez received a total of between $40,0000 and $95,000 from these workers.
At a sentencing hearing set for June 20, 2019, Mr. Gutierrez faces up to five years in prison, as well as a maximum $250,000 fine, along with a term of supervised release of up to three years. He also must pay restitution to the victims of his conduct in an amount to be determined by the court at sentencing.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry.
Reference is made to court records for further information.
Nine Defendants Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – Between January and March 2019, nine defendants were sentenced to significant prison terms for sex trafficking and related offenses in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum.
On March 13, 2019, the last of seven co-defendants charged with sex trafficking was sentenced before United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey. On February 5, 2019, the lead defendant in that case, Darren O. Coleman, was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Coleman had previously pleaded guilty to sex trafficking an adult by force, fraud, or coercion. At his sentencing hearing, Coleman was found by the Court to have trafficked several adult women in Des Moines, Iowa and Atlanta, Georgia. Coleman’s co-defendant, Mark Phillip Carter II, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking a minor. At Carter’s January 16, 2019 sentencing, he was found to have trafficked additional young women. Carter was sentenced to 175 months in prison. Stephen Kalu Cobb, who was sentenced on March 13, 2019, pled guilty to sex trafficking an adult woman by force, fraud or coercion. Cobb was sentenced to 190 months in prison and ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution to his victim. Other defendants included: Julyen Xavier Singleton – sentenced to 21 months in prison; Ronzell Montez Williams – sentenced to 36 months in prison; Breeanna Lynae Brown – sentenced to 50 months in prison; and Sarina Ann Williams – sentenced to 135 months in prison.
All seven defendants were Des Moines residents, who trafficked their victims in Des Moines, Iowa. The defendants exploited their victims’ vulnerabilities in order to coerce them into engaging in commercial sex acts, from which the defendants financially benefitted. These vulnerabilities included the victims’ age, substance abuse issues, financial hardship, or court supervision. The defendants used physical violence, threats of violence, emotional manipulation, and other means to coerce their victims into engaging in commercial sex acts. During the sentencing of Carter, Chief Judge Jarvey cited the impact of sex trafficking on its victims. “This is exceedingly serious behavior. It was repeated, it was abusive, it was lucrative, it was degrading, it was depraved, and it damaged young women irrevocably.” At Coleman’s sentencing hearing, Chief Judge Jarvey further acknowledged the seriousness of sex trafficking. “I can’t think of a more serious offense that I’ve seen. It was serious because it involved astounding depravity. It was serious because it involved violence. It is serious because the level of manipulation necessary to do this was chilling . . . It was cold and calculated and you developed an organization to sell human beings. I think worst of all it is serious because you preyed on weakness and people who prey on the weak or the infirm produce some of the worst crimes.”
The seven-defendant case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department, Vice and Narcotics Control Section.
Two additional defendants guilty of sex trafficking were sentenced in January 2019. On January 10, 2019, Antoinne Lee Washington, age 34, was sentenced to 327 months in prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release for sex trafficking charges. United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose ordered Washington to pay restitution to the victims totaling $29,500. On August 1, 2018, Washington had been found guilty of one count of sex trafficking of an adult by force, fraud, or coercion, and one count of transportation for purposes of prostitution, following a three-day jury trial. At Washington’s sentencing hearing, Judge Rose remarked Washington’s “offense involves the defendant’s horrific systemic abuse and torture of [the victim] in order to force her to prostitute on his behalf for years. During the course of those crimes, he hogtied her, he repeatedly burned her, he savagely beat her, he slapped her, he raped her, and otherwise terrorized her.”
The Washington case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Urbandale Police Department.
On January 2, 2019, Bree Deontez Wright was sentenced to 151 months in prison for sex trafficking a minor. Chief Judge Jarvey ordered Wright to pay $20,000 in restitution to the victim of the offense. Wright had trafficked a teenage victim over the course of several months. At his sentencing hearing, Chief Judge Jarvey remarked, “It’s serious because the depravity of treating another human being like this is just enormous. It’s serious because it was manipulative. It’s serious because it was abusive, and it’s serious because you preyed on young women for money.”
The Wright case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Human trafficking is defined as a crime involving the exploitation of youth under the age of 18 for commercial sex; the exploitation of adults for commercial sex through the use of force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion; and the exploitation of any individual for compelled labor. Human trafficking does not require the transportation of individuals across state lines, or that someone is physically restrained. Signs that a person is being trafficked can include working excessively long hours, unexplained gifts, physical injury, substance abuse issues, running away from home, isolation from others, or having a person in their life controlling them or monitoring them closely. Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring, be it a minor engaging in paid sex acts, or anyone being coerced into prostitution or labor, is urged to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
These cases were prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Nicaraguan Man Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ALEXANDER JOSUE REYES-RAMIREZ, age 33, a native of Nicaragua, was charged Thursday, March 14, 2019 in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, REYES-RAMIREZ was previously removed from the United States on July 1, 2009. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on February 26, 2019 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.
If convicted, REYES-RAMIREZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 2 years, a fine of $250,000, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
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New York Man Sentenced for Federal Meth and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A New York man who took part in a conspiracy resulting in the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine across several counties in West Virginia was sentenced today to 238 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Marquis Edward Henderson, 33, of Bronx, New York previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and prohibited possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Stuart commended the investigative work of the FBI Drug Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
“Twenty years for large quantities of methamphetamine and guns by a convicted felon,” said United States Mike Stuart. “Henderson’s criminal acts earned him every day of his nearly 20 year sentence.”
From at least February of 2016 to June of 2017, Henderson and others obtained quantities of methamphetamine and heroin from California which were mailed to the Huntington and Cross Lanes areas. Henderson and others would then distribute the drugs to customers in Cabell, Putnam, and Kanawha counties. Henderson admitted that during the conspiracy, he and others utilized a residence and a storage unit in Cross Lanes to store, prepare and distribute drugs. Henderson also employed others to distribute drugs by providing large quantities of drugs on credit and receiving payment for the drugs after they were sold.
On June 1, 2017, agents executed search warrants at the residence and storage unit in Cross Lanes. During the search, agents seized multiple firearms, ammunition, and over 3 kilograms of methamphetamine that was found to be 98% pure after testing by a forensic chemist. Henderson was previously convicted of a felony offense and thus, was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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.
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Moss Point Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Andrew Roy Broughton, 30, of Moss Point, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 64 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Dana Nichols. Broughton was ordered to serve the 64 months consecutively to his Jackson County state sentence. He was also ordered to serve 3 years of post-release supervision and pay a $5,000 fine.
Broughton was previously convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance in Pearl River County and felony possession of a controlled substance in Jackson County. On February 28, 2018, Broughton sold three firearms, one reported stolen, to an ATF informant. On March 6, 2018, Broughton sold a fourth firearm to the informant.
The South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Monroe County Man Convicted of Sex and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 15, 2019, Fredrick Brown, age 37, of Monroe County, Pennsylvania, was convicted on sex and drug trafficking charges after a four-day jury trial held before United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the jury returned a verdict of guilty after approximately one and one half hours of deliberations. The evidence showed that between 2011 and 2014, Brown trafficked multiple women as prostitutes through force, fraud, threats of force, and coercion. Brown was also convicted of sex trafficking a 17-year-old minor. Brown worked mainly out of a hotel in Bartonsville, Pennsylvania, along with other Monroe County hotels, and transported his victims across state lines for the purposes of prostitution. Brown frequently used violent force and intimidation to compel his victims to engage in commercial sex acts.
Brown was also convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute over 280 grams of cocaine base, or “crack,” and possession with intent to distribute crack. The government presented additional evidence to show that Brown also gave his trafficking victims controlled substances such as Adderall, MDMA or “Molly,” and ecstasy to keep them awake and working to increase his profits.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jenny P. Roberts and Sean A. Camoni are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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."
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum combined penalty under federal law for these offenses are a life term of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Mobile County Man Receives 60 Months After Conviction for Conspiring to Steal FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that Simeon C. Taylor, a 27 year old resident of Citronelle, Alabama was sentenced to 60 months incarceration for conspiring to receive, possess and steal firearms.
On November 29, 2018, Taylor entered a guilty plea pursuant to a plea agreement and admitted in open court that on July 5, 2018, Taylor and a co-conspirator burglarized the home of M. J. in Creola, Alabama. During the burglary they stole four (4) firearms, namely, two Anderson, .30 caliber rifles, model 300 Blackout, an Anderson, .223 caliber rifle; and a Marlin, .22 caliber rifle.
Shortly after the burglary, a Creola police officer attempted to stop a red Nissan truck, registered to the co-conspirator, for speeding. First the driver of the Nissan truck tried to flee by speeding up and attempting to elude the police following behind. Next, the Nissan truck stopped and the three occupants inside jumped out and ran. Two of the occupants were caught and one got away. The three occupants were Taylor, his co-conspirator and unidentified man. The co-conspirator was caught. Taylor got away after Taylor pointed a gun at the officer chasing him. All of the stolen firearms were recovered from the Nissan truck. Additionally, two receipts with Taylor’s name were seized from the Nissan truck.
After waiving his Miranda Rights, the conspirator stated that he and Taylor burglarized the residence and stole the firearms. He also stated that the other man was not involved. He also said that Taylor told him to run from the police. The two officers who attempted to stop the Nissan truck for speeding picked Taylor out of a photo line-up as the person who fled and was not caught at the scene and as the person who pointed a handgun at one of the officers.
Officers of the Creola, Alabama Police Department along with special agents of the FBI investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney's Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Mobile County Businessman Sentenced to One Year Probation and Ordered to Pay Restitution After Felony Conviction for Trafficking in Contraband CigarettesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Khalil N. Al-Mashni, a 50 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,008.96.
On December 12, 2018, Al-Mashni entered a guilty plea pursuant to a plea agreement and admitted in open court that in 2018, a cooperating citizen (CI) identified Al-Mashni as an individual he illegally sold cigarettes to in the past, which allowed Al-Mashni to knowingly evade the taxes due on the cigarettes that was required by The State of Alabama Dept. of Revenue. The ATF set up an undercover operation designed to confirm this conduct and to show that it continues. The ATF agents used the CI to act in an undercover capacity along with an undercover law enforcement officer to sell quantities of contraband cigarettes on numerous occasions to Al-Mashni that did not have a visible paid cigarette tax stamp affixed.
From December 4, 2017 through May 11, 2018, the CI sold approximately 600 packs of untaxed Newport and Lucky Strike cigarettes to Al-Mashni for various amounts of money on two different occasions while Al-Mashni was at Springhill Quick Stop, his place of business located at 2800 Springhill Ave., Mobile, Alabama. The amount of cigarettes sold to Al-Mashni exceeded 10,000. The tax loss to the State of Alabama is $405.00. The tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service is $603.96.
Officers of the Mobile, Alabama Police Department and special agents of the ATF investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Mobile County Businessman Sentenced to One Year Probation and Ordered to Pay Restitution After Felony Conviction for Trafficking in Contraband CigarettesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Reginald Lyons, a 43 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,008.96.
On December12, 2018, Lyons entered a guilty plea pursuant to a plea agreement and admitted in open court that in 2018, a cooperating citizen (CI) identified Lyons as an individual he illegally sold cigarettes to in the past, which allowed Lyons to knowingly evade the taxes due on the cigarettes that was required by The State of Alabama Dept. of Revenue. The ATF set up an undercover operation designed to confirm this conduct and to show that it continues. The ATF agents used the CI to act in an undercover capacity along with an undercover law enforcement officer to sell quantities of contraband cigarettes on numerous occasions to Lyons that did not have a visible paid cigarette tax stamp affixed.
From February 16, 2018 through March 9, 2018, the CI sold approximately 600 packs of untaxed Newport and Kool cigarettes to Lyons for various amounts of money on three different occasions while Lyons was at Mitchell Brothers, his place of business located at 1300 Arlington Street, Mobile, Alabama. The amount of cigarettes sold to Lyons exceeded 10,000. The tax loss to the State of Alabama is $405.00. The tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service is $603.96.
Officers of the Mobile, Alabama Police Department and special agents of the ATF investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Minneapolis Man Charged with Wire Fraud, Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced two separate federal indictments against OTIS RAY MAYS, JR., 26, charging him with production and receipt of child pornography and wire fraud. Following his arraignment and detention hearing yesterday before Magistrate Judge Katherine M. Menendez, MAYS was ordered to remain in custody pending further proceedings.
According to the allegations in the first indictment, from May 2017 through September 20, 2017, MAYS devised a scheme to defraud two victims, a husband and wife couple. As part of the scheme, MAYS falsely told the couple that he was a lawyer and offered to help them with the eviction of tenants from their rental properties. MAYS also told them that their son, a college student, had visited terrorist websites and, as a result, was facing federal, criminal, terrorism charges. MAYS told the victims that in exchange for a payment of $30,000, their son could avoid being detained on those federal terrorism charges, and in exchange for further payment of $6,222, those charges would be dropped. Additionally, MAYS told the victims that their son’s computer contained videos that had been “pirated” and in exchange for a $305,000 payment, MAYS could resolve any legal difficulties arising from the allegedly pirated videos. In total, MAYS stole more than $340,000 from the victims.
According to the allegations in the second indictment, on November 20, 2017, and on November 29, 2017, MAYS engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a minor victim for the purpose of producing video recordings of the conduct. Additionally, on November 29, 2017, and on December 1, 2017, MAYS received multiple video files containing child pornography.
Based on the evidence obtained in both cases, authorities believe there may be additional victims of the alleged conduct. Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to call the FBI at (763) 569-8000. Callers may remain anonymous.
These cases are the result of an investigation conducted by Bloomington Police Department, Richfield Police Department, and the FBI.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Docherty.
Defendant Information:
OTIS RAY MAYS, JR., 26
Minneapolis, Minn.
Charges:
- Wire fraud, 3 counts
- Production of child pornography, 9 counts
- Receipt of child pornography, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
The charges contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Michigan man admits to role in a drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Maurice Swift, of Highland Park, Michigan, has admitted to his involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Swift, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1000 feet of Protected Location.” Swift admitted to selling heroin near West Virginia University in June 2017 in Monongalia County.Swift faces one to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Mexican National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that OMAR ORTIZ-HERNANDEZ, age 26, was charged Thursday, March 14, 2019 in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, OMAR ORTIZ-HERNANDEZ (“HERNANDEZ”), reentered the United States after he was previously deported on November 26, 2017. If convicted, HERNANDEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
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Metro Man Sentenced to Thirteen Years in Federal Prison After Shooting at Midwest City Police Executing a Search WarrantRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – ANTHONY DEWAYNE HILL, 52, of Midwest City, Oklahoma, was sentenced yesterday to serve thirteen years (156 months) in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, announced First Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to a complaint filed on June 1, 2018, officers with Midwest City Police Department served a "no-knock" search warrant on Hill’s residence, on May 24, 2018, for evidence related to possession and distribution of controlled substances. During execution of the warrant, when officers broke out a bedroom window to enter the home, Hill retrieved a 9mm Ruger pistol from between the mattresses. According to the complaint, Hill pointed the gun toward the window and fired a round. The bullet passed near two Midwest City Police Officers, but did not strike or injure them. According to the complaint, Midwest City officers found cocaine and electronic scales in the bedroom closet, and Hill admitted to the officers that he had sold narcotics for approximately two years. Hill was arrested on June 1st for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and he has remained in federal custody since his arrest.
On June 20, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Hill with (1) possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, (2) being a felon in possession of a firearm, and (3) using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. According to the indictment, on May 24, 2018, Hill possessed with intent to distribute approximately 20.5 grams of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base. The indictment further alleges that on May 24, 2018, Hill was a felon in possession of a firearm and that he discharged a firearm during the drug trafficking crime involving the 20.5 grams of cocaine base.
On October 2, 2018, Hill pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, and to discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. As part of a plea agreement, the United States agreed to dismiss the drug-distribution charge at sentencing.
Yesterday, Judge David L. Russell sentenced Hill to thirteen years in federal prison for the offenses. At sentencing, Judge Russell noted that it was Hill’s fourth conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. After serving his prison sentence, Hill will serve three years of federal supervised release.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Midwest City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Patterson, and is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on the most violent offenders and partners with local prevention and re-entry programs for lasting reductions in crime. To enhance local effectiveness, the Western District of Oklahoma has emphasized prosecution of federal gun crimes connected to domestic violence.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Meth Distributor Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Willie John Wells, 54, of Theodore, Alabama, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for his participation in an interstate methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Well entered a guilty plea to the charges in 2017.
United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed the sentence, and ordered that Wells under treatment for drug abuse while in custody. He also ordered that Wells will serve a five-year term of supervised release when he completes his custody sentence, during which he will also undergo testing and treatment for drug abuse. Wells was not ordered to pay a fine, but he was ordered to pay the $100 special mandatory assessment.
The case was investigated by the Mobile Police Department, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, MCSENT, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.
McAlester Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kody Oscar Maynard., age 31, of McAlester, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Felon In Possession Of Firearm & Ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about May 8, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce a firearm and ammunition which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, the District 18 Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States.
Maryland Man Traveled to Other States to Steal Utility Terrain Vehicles and Mowers, then Took Them Back Home to SellRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Middle River, Maryland, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Harvey Leemore, age 43, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that on numerous occasions between January of 2017 and July of 2017, Leemore and others traveled from Baltimore, Maryland to various retail dealerships in Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia for the purpose of stealing utility terrain vehicles and lawn tractors from those retail dealerships. After stealing these items, Leemore and his co-conspirators took the items back to Maryland and sold them.
Judge Cercone scheduled the sentencing for July 23, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pennsylvania State Police, the Cranberry Township Police, the Western PA Auto Theft Task Force, the Town of Orange Police Department (VA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Harvey Leemore.
Louisiana-Based Licensed Clinical Social Worker Pleads Guilty to Medicaid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Louisiana-based licensed clinical social worker pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicaid.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin of the Middle District of Louisiana, Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Dallas Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Eric J. Rommal of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office and Director Jeff W. Traylor of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) made the announcement.
Michael Dan Gaines, 66, of Baker, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud. His sentencing has not yet been scheduled by U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles of the Middle District of Louisiana, who accepted his plea.
Gaines was a supervisory-level licensed clinical social worker at St. Gabriel Health Clinic Inc. (St. Gabriel), which was a federally qualified health center (FQHC) headquartered in St. Gabriel, Louisiana that contracted with the Iberville Parish School Board to provide medical services within the school district. As a FQHC, St. Gabriel could provide primary care services to students as well as services related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, provided that such services were medically necessary, among other requirements. As part of his guilty plea, Gaines admitted that he and other St. Gabriel practitioners provided character development seminars and other educational programs to entire classrooms of students during regular class periods. Gaines further admitted that St. Gabriel then submitted numerous fraudulent claims to Medicaid, falsely representing that the practitioners had performed group psychotherapy. In addition, Gaines admitted that to facilitate the fraudulent scheme, he and others falsely diagnosed students with mental health disorders.
According to the indictment, during the relevant time period, St. Gabriel’s claims for group psychotherapy services totaled more than $1.8 million.
The case was investigated by HHS-OIG, the FBI and the MFCU, and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, supervised by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana. Trial Attorneys Justin M. Woodard and Jared Hasten of the Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica M.P. Thornhill of the Middle District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force 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.
Louisiana-Based Licensed Clinical Social Worker Pleads Guilty to Medicaid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Louisiana-based licensed clinical social worker pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicaid.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin of the Middle District of Louisiana, Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Dallas Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Eric J. Rommal of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office and Director Jeff W. Traylor of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) made the announcement.
Michael Dan Gaines, 66, of Baker, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud. His sentencing has not yet been scheduled by U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles of the Middle District of Louisiana, who accepted his plea.
Gaines was a supervisory-level licensed clinical social worker at St. Gabriel Health Clinic Inc. (St. Gabriel), which was a federally qualified health center (FQHC) headquartered in St. Gabriel, Louisiana that contracted with the Iberville Parish School Board to provide medical services within the school district. As a FQHC, St. Gabriel could provide primary care services to students as well as services related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, provided that such services were medically necessary, among other requirements. As part of his guilty plea, Gaines admitted that he and other St. Gabriel practitioners provided character development seminars and other educational programs to entire classrooms of students during regular class periods. Gaines further admitted that St. Gabriel then submitted numerous fraudulent claims to Medicaid, falsely representing that the practitioners had performed group psychotherapy. In addition, Gaines admitted that to facilitate the fraudulent scheme, he and others falsely diagnosed students with mental health disorders.
According to the indictment, during the relevant time period, St. Gabriel’s claims for group psychotherapy services totaled more than $1.8 million.
The case was investigated by HHS-OIG, the FBI and the MFCU, and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, supervised by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana. Trial Attorneys Justin M. Woodard and Jared Hasten of the Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica M.P. Thornhill of the Middle District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force 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.
Local gang member sentenced to federal prison for threatening a tow truck driver with a gunRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Terry M. Williams has been sentenced to federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, after Williams threatened a tow truck driver with a gun to prevent his vehicle from being towed. He also threatened to shoot and kill the apartment maintenance man who called for the tow. Williams is a three-time convicted felon and self-professed member of the “Duct Tape” gang.
“Williams threatened to kill two people who were simply doing their jobs,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “He then audaciously attempted to influence the testimony of the maintenance employee while in local custody. Williams, a three-time convicted felon and local gang member, will no longer be a menace to the community. This case demonstrates how Project Safe Neighborhoods is strategically and aggressively working to make our communities safer.”
“Even after three felony convictions, Williams showed no indication he would change and continued to be a menace to society,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Atlanta field office. “We will use every legal resource to protect our citizens and keep criminals like Williams where they can do no harm, and this case reflects that.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: On January 8, 2018, a tow truck driver attempted to remove Williams’ vehicle which was improperly parked at a DeKalb County apartment complex. After Williams noticed his vehicle on the tow truck, he blocked in the tow truck driver using another vehicle. Williams then exited his vehicle, pointed a gun at the tow truck driver, and demanded that the driver remove Williams’ vehicle from the tow truck or be killed. Fearing for his life, the tow truck driver removed Williams’ vehicle from the tow truck. Williams then turned his anger on the apartment maintenance employee who called for the tow. Williams threatened to kill the maintenance employee and shoot up the apartment complex in a profanity-laced rant, which the employee recorded on his cellular telephone. Williams then fled the scene and was later arrested after a traffic stop.
While in custody in the DeKalb County jail, Williams instructed his girlfriend to locate the maintenance employee and have him sign an affidavit on Williams’s behalf in an effort to dismiss the charges. The gun which Williams used to threaten the tow truck driver was later found in the apartment which Williams shared with his girlfriend, together with a quantity of crack and powder cocaine. Williams illegally possessed this firearm after being previously convicted of three prior felonies involving drug possession, drug distribution, and theft. The evidence also revealed that Williams had been causing problems at the apartment complex for months preceding this incident, including brandishing a gun in his waistband and threatening an off-duty police sergeant who lived at the same complex.
Terry M. Williams, 40, of Atlanta, Georgia, has been sentenced to three years, eight months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Williams was convicted of these charges on December 11, 2018, after he pleaded guilty during his jury trial.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and DeKalb County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Herskowitz, Chief, Cyber and Intellectual Property Crime Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Morris prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Michigan Church Religious Land Use CaseRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today filed a Statement of Interest in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan supporting a church’s claims that the City of St. Ignace, Michigan, violated its rights under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA) by barring it from locating a church and coffee shop in the City’s downtown zoning district.
“Religious groups in America have the fundamental constitutional right to use land for religious exercise, free from discriminatory restrictions, and to be treated on equal terms with nonreligious groups,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to enforce federal civil rights laws protecting religious freedom so that communities across the country can establish and grow their places of worship.”
“My office is pleased to take action to help protect these fundamental rights and to ensure that local zoning actions and ordinances that violate the law by failing to treat individuals and religious institutions on equal terms with nonreligious assemblies or institutions will not stand,”said Andrew B. Birge, United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.
The case, Hope Lutheran Church v. City of St. Ignace, involves a congregation that sought to purchase property in the City’s downtown General Business District to locate a church that would include outreach activities, including a nonprofit coffee shop. After the City denied approval, the church filed a lawsuit, alleging that the City barred it from operating in the business district even though the City permits other similarly situated secular assembly uses to operate in the district, including municipal buildings, assembly halls, and theaters.
The United States’ Statement of Interest argues that Hope Lutheran Church has properly stated a claim under RLUIPA’s “equal terms” provision, and that the City’s justifications for barring churches from the business district, such as tax generation and the impact of Michigan’s law limiting the distance between churches and liquor-serving establishments, are not valid bases under RLUIPA to treat churches less favorably than similarly situated secular assemblies.
RLUIPA is a federal law that protects religious institutions from unduly burdensome or discriminatory land use regulations. Last year, the Justice Department announced its Place to Worship Initiative, which focusses on RLUIPA’s provisions that protect the rights of religious institutions to worship on their land. More information is available at www.justice.gov/crt/placetoworship.
In July 2018, the Department of Justice announced the formation of the Religious Liberty Task Force. The Task Force brings together Department components to coordinate their work on religious liberty litigation and policy, and to implement the Attorney General’s 2017 Religious Liberty Guidance.
Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination in land use or zoning decisions may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Hotline at (855) 281-3339 or the Civil Rights Division Housing and Civil Enforcement Section at (800) 896-7743, or on the complaint portal on the Place to Worship Initiative website.
Jury Convicts Narcotics Trafficker Involved in Multi-Million Dollar DealRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury convicted a narcotics trafficker from the Dominican Republic yesterday who was involved in a multi-million dollar deal to obtain a large quantity of cocaine.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Luis M. Liriano-Toribio, 32, traveled from New York to Northern Virginia last October to assist Luis Rafael Tavarez and Manny Lizardo with a drug trafficking operation. Tavarez sought to obtain 100 kilograms of cocaine in exchange for $2.5 million in cash. Law enforcement seized over $1.15 million in cash at the time of the arrests.
The government presented evidence showing that Liriano-Toribio and Tavarez spoke via telephone and FaceTime on 66 separate occasions within a nine-day period preceding the deal, including 16 separate occasions on the day of their arrest. Evidence presented at trial also included a photograph of Lizardo holding large stacks of cash, and text messages in which Liriano-Toribio and Tavarez discussed meeting late at night in the weeks leading up to the massive drug transaction.
Tavarez, who pleaded guilty on February 27, served as the leader and organizer of the operation and was arrested at a hotel in Vienna in possession of over $1 million in cash. Lizardo, who pleaded guilty on March 11, was arrested with Liriano-Toribio in a parking garage in Fairfax while both men were attempting to take possession of the cocaine with the intent to distribute it.
The jury convicted Liriano-Toribio of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. He faces a mandatory minimum term of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison when sentenced on June 21. 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.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, Raymond Villanueva, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga accepted the verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-426.
Judge sentences Great Falls man to four years in prison for firearms crimeRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—A federal judge today sentenced a Great Falls man, who said his job was to collect drug debts, to 48 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Justin Carlton Whitman, 37, pleaded guilty in December to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Judge Morris also ordered the forfeiture of a 9mm semi-automatic pistol that was seized in the case.
Prosecutors said evidence showed that because of a 2013 conviction, Whitman was prohibited from possessing firearms. Whitman was charged with the firearms crime after a 911 call on Feb. 4, 2017 by a Great Falls man who said his grandson came to his home and told him there were people in a SUV parked in the driveway. The people had a gun and were demanding money. The grandson also said Whitman was in the car and had a pistol in his waistband as well as a machete.
Great Falls police officers responded and found the SUV still in the driveway. Officers identified Whitman as the driver and there was a female was in the front passenger seat. The officer had both of them get out of vehicle. Once out, the officer saw a black machete tucked between the front driver’s seat and the center console. Police obtained consent to search the vehicle and seized the machete as well as a 9mm semi-automatic pistol from the center console.
Whitman went to the police station for an interview and told officers about the incident that led to the 911 call. He acknowledged that his job was to collect drug debts in Great Falls and was supposed to collect money that evening. Whitman also admitted he possessed the pistol found in the center console but that it originally belonged to someone else.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Betley prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Great Falls Police Department.
The 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.
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Joplin Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for leading a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Jasper County, Mo.
Donald B. Loomis, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 30 years in federal prison without parole.
On Nov. 7, 2018, Loomis was found guilty at trial of participating in a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in Jasper County from March 1, 2015, to Sept. 24, 2016.
Law enforcement officers began investigating methamphetamine trafficking in the Joplin area in April 2015, focusing on a violent gang that identified themselves as the Joplin Honkeys. Loomis, a member of the Joplin Honkeys, was the leader of a drug-trafficking organization and supplied multiple pounds of methamphetamine per week to distribute to others in the Joplin area.
Loomis is the final defendant to be sentenced in this case. Co-defendants Alisha D. Courtney, 48, and Terrance E. Romero, 43, both of Webb City, Mo., pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Co-defendants Kelly C. Walker, 47, of Joplin, and Lisa M. Allison, 41, of Neosho, Mo., pleaded guilty and were each sentenced to five years in federal prison without parole.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abram McGull, II, and Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, the Joplin, Mo., Police Department, the Webb City, Mo., Police Department, the Newton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Jasper County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Jasper County, Mo., Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Newton County, Mo., Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Jackson County Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Kristopher Michael Williams, 33, of Moss Point, Mississippi, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Williams faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the firearm charge and 40 years on the drug charge. He further faces fines up to $5 million along with at least 4 years of supervised release. He will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on June 11, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.
On November 17, 2017, Moss Point police officers stopped Williams’ car, where it was discovered that he had marijuana and a .44 caliber pistol. During January and February 2018, the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team in Jackson County and the ATF purchased marijuana, methamphetamine, and a gun from Williams during an undercover investigation. Williams sold a total of 54.91 grams of “ice” or actual methamphetamine. Williams was previously convicted in 2009 of armed robbery in Jackson County Circuit Court.
The South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Hopkins County Woman Indicted for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A 51-year-old Sulphur Springs, Texas, woman has been indicted for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Theresa Renee Coburn was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Mar. 14, 2019, charging her with theft of government property.
According to the indictment, from about December 2005 through October 2015, Coburn is alleged to have provided fictitious documentation to the Social Security Administration Disability Program in order to fraudulently receive benefits totaling $42,378.00 on behalf of a child that did not live with her, and did not receive support from her, during that time.
If convicted, Coburn faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Johnson.
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Honduran Man Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that OMAR ELI PEREZ-MURCIA, age 35, a native of Honduras, was charged Thursday, March 18, 2019 in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, PEREZ-MURCIA was previously removed from the United States on April 4, 2006. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on February 22, 2019 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.
If convicted, PEREZ-MURCIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 2 years, a fine of $250,000, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
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Honduran Man Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ELVIN FRANCISCO ALVAREZ-IZAGIRREZ, age 37, a native of Honduras, was charged Thursday, March 14, 2019 in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, ALVAREZ-IZAGIRREZ was previously removed from the United States on June 6, 2013. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on February 16, 2019 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.
If convicted, ALVAREZ-IZAGIRREZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 2 years, a fine of $250,000, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
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Harrison County woman admits to role in methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jodi Denkenberger, of Mount Clare, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Denkenberger, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Denkenberger admitted to selling methamphetamine in October 2017 in Harrison County.Denkenberger faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Hardin County Man Indicted for the Production of Child Pornography and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Savannah man has been indicted on charges of production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the indictment today.
According to counts one through three of the indictment, in August 2017, Andrew Hilmar Sanchez, 30, coerced three minor females under the age of ten to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing images and/or videos. Count four charges Sanchez with possession of child pornography and alleges that on February 22, 2019, Sanchez possessed a cellular telephone containing visual depictions of prepubescent minors under the age of twelve engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Sanchez also has state charges pending in Hardin County for continuous sexual abuse of a child.
If convicted of counts one through three, Sanchez faces up to 30 years imprisonment. If convicted on count four, he faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The United States also seeks criminal forfeiture of any proceeds related to the crime.
This case was investigated by the FBI, TBI and the Savannah Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Anyone who believes they may have information about this case or related activities is asked to contact the Memphis Child Exploitation Task Force at 901-747-4300.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Hancock County Man Pleads Guilty to Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Charles Keith Mueller, 34, of Hancock County, entered a guilty plea today, before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On March 30, 2018, Hancock County Deputies pulled over the car Mueller was driving and found marijuana, Alprazolam, cocaine and several baggies of methamphetamine in a book bag with scales and a gun. Mueller has 2008 felony convictions for transfer of a controlled substance and jail escape in Hancock County. When arrested on federal charges for the March 30, 2018, incident, Mueller was found in bed asleep with a loaded gun under the pillow.
Mueller faces a minimum of 5 years to life years in prison for the firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking charge and a consecutive maximum of 10 years for the felon in possession of a firearm charge. He further faces fines up to $250,000 along with not more than 5 years of supervised release. He will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on June 11, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.
The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Gulfport Man Sentenced for Stealing Firearm from Pawn ShopRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Aseante Romaree Taylor, 21, of Gulfport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for theft of a firearm from a licensed firearms dealer, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Taylor was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and restitution to Dad’s Super Pawn in the amount of $669.95
On September 18, 2018, Gulfport Police Department responded to Dad’s Super Pawn regarding the theft of a firearm. Officers obtained surveillance video and were able to see the suspect go behind the counter while clerks were busy with customers, take an AK-47 off the shelf and walk out the door. Once the defendant was outside, video showed him running to a car. ATF agents located the car and determined the identity of the defendant. Taylor was apprehended in the U.S. District Courthouse when he attended a sentencing hearing in support of another defendant. When approached by U.S. Marshals, Taylor gave a false name, but was arrested.
Taylor’s federal sentence will be served consecutively to a state court sentence he will receive on May 6, 2019 for a drive-by shooting on January 7, 2019.
The Gulfport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Greenville Woman Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison Following Second Counterfeiting ConvictionRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Jessica A. Dishinger, age 24, of Greenville, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty to manufacturing counterfeit money. United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs sentenced Dishinger to 48 months in federal prison, followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. This was Dishinger’s second federal counterfeiting conviction.
Evidence presented to the court established that in the summer of 2018, Dishinger passed counterfeit federal reserve notes at various locations throughout the Upstate of South Carolina. Based on a local investigation, Greenville City Police officers developed probable cause and executed a search warrant on Dishinger’s home. Officers located in Dishinger’s bedroom resume paper, a paper cutter, and a deskjet printer—all of which are commonly used to manufacture counterfeit money. In addition, officers found multiple counterfeit federal reserve notes hidden throughout the premises. Dishinger manufactured the counterfeit notes to help fund her consumption of methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by agents with the Greenville City Police Department and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
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Gang Leader and Co-Conspirators Collectively Sentenced to Nearly 55 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina --- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that nine defendants, including six current or former members of a criminal street gang, were sentenced in federal court on drug and firearms violations.
During the sentencing hearings, United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks characterized the gang as one of the most dangerous criminal organizations the federal government has prosecuted in the Florence and Myrtle Beach areas in many years.
Assistant United States Attorney Andy Moorman presented evidence to the Court that overwhelmingly established that Barbara Landy, age 27, was the leader of a subset of a national criminal street gang, and she communicated directly with a national gang leader who was incarcerated in the Western part of the United States. As the leader, or four star general, in charge, Landy directed drug shipments, assisted in the trafficking of weapons, and ordered the payment of “homage,” or dues by inferior gang members. For her leadership role in this dangerous and violent gang, the Court sentenced Landy to 210 months in federal prison.
The Court also sentenced Joshua Randall, age 31, to 195 months in federal prison. Evidence demonstrated that Randall was a lieutenant in the gang who reported directly to Landy and sold kilogram quantities of heroin and/or fentanyl to customers in the Myrtle Beach and Florence areas. During the course of the investigation, police arrested Randall on two separate occasions while in possession of guns and drugs.
Lee Tracy Riggins, age 27, was also a member of the gang. The Government presented evidence that Riggins participated in the gang’s drug distribution and firearms trafficking networks and was integral in gathering guns to be transported to and sold in New York, New York, to generate revenue for the gang. For his part, the Court sentenced Riggins to 120 months in federal prison.
The remaining Defendants sentenced were either lower level members of the street gang or non-gang members. Stanley Weaver, Brandon Randall, Jerrick Thomas, Dominique Chatman, Douglas Hart, and Joey Sinclair garnered combined sentences of 130 months, ranging from 35 months in federal prison to time served.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, the Horry County Police Department, the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the North Myrtle Beach Police Department, the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Georgetown Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Andy Moorman, Everett McMillian, and Justin Holloway prosecuted the case.
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Former controller of California company sentenced for embezzling $1.27 millionRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, Ga. - Jeanette Elizabeth Ford has been sentenced for embezzling over $1.27 million from her now-bankrupt former employer, Classic Party Rentals (CPR). Ford was convicted of wire fraud on May 14, 2018, after she pleaded guilty to a criminal information.
“Ford abused her position of trust and embezzled a startling amount of money from her employer,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Over 15 months, Ford managed to steal and spend over $1.2 million -- on expensive vacations, the renovation and furnishing of a mountain home, and personal items for herself and her family. Now Ford is going to federal prison and has been ordered to pay restitution to the victims.”
“Ford worked in a position of trust for a company that expected her to honor that trust,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Instead she chose to abuse it and her personal greed not only hurt the company, but everyone who worked for them. They will never be made whole but can take some solace in the fact that Ford is paying for her crimes.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: In 2015 and 2016, Ford was employed as an operations controller in the accounting and finance department at CP OpCo, LLC, d/b/a Classic Party Rentals. Prior to its liquidation and sale in mid-2017, CPR was one of the nation’s largest event rental companies. CPR operated throughout the United States under the names of Classic Tents, Ducky-Bob’s, Panache, Festive Fare, and Capital Party Rentals. Although CPR was headquartered in Inglewood, California, Ford worked remotely from her home in Blue Ridge, Georgia.
As part of her job as a controller at CPR, Ford was responsible for reconciling and recording employees’ corporate credit card transactions within CPR’s accounting records. Ford used her authority and access as an operations controller to circumvent company controls and charge over $1.27 million in unauthorized personal expenses, for herself and her family, to a corporate credit card issued in her name. In her position, she was able to hide her unauthorized charges from her colleagues and supervisors at CPR.
Ford manipulated transaction reports from MasterCard, the corporate credit card company, by deleting the unauthorized transactions from MasterCard spreadsheets and then presenting the manipulated data to conceal the credit card transactions. Ford also recorded fraudulent entries within the accounting system. The corporate credit card company would automatically debit a cash account when CPR’s total credit card transactions reached a certain threshold.
As bank reconciliations were performed at the end of each month, these cash transactions were recorded by crediting cash and debiting the credit card liability. Ford would use her ability and access to post entries within the system and record the fraudulent journal entries. These entries were then used to change the balance of the credit card liability in order to reconcile the credit card file that she manipulated. Ford also circumvented CPR policy by not linking her company credit card to CPR’s expense reporting software.
Jeanette Elizabeth Ford, 46, of Blue Ridge, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard W. Story to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Ford has also been ordered to pay $1,274,907.36 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John S. Ghose, Alex Sistla, and Kelly Connors prosecuted the case. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Former contract security guard at ATF facility indicted for stealing firearmsRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Lee Yates, a former contract security guard at a U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) facility, was indicted by a federal grand jury on stolen firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Yates, age 52, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, is charged with one count of “Sale of Stolen Firearm,” one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearms,” one count of “Possession of Unregistered Firearm,” and one count of “Theft of Government Property.” Yates is accused of possessing and selling stolen firearms in Berkeley County in February 2019. Yates is also accused of stealing firearms, firearms parts, and ammunition valuing more than $1,000 from the ATF’s National Disposal Branch in Martinsburg, West Virginia.Yates faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Finucane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Anyone with information regarding the location of these firearms, firearms parts, ammunition and/or persons who unknowingly purchased one or more of these items should contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS, email [email protected]; through its website at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips; or through the ReportIt ® app, www.reportit.com, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Former Wichita Lawyer Pleads Guilty to EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former lawyer in Wichita pleaded guilty Monday to a federal embezzlement charge, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Christopher O’Brien, 69, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement from an estate. In his plea, O’Brien admitted he embezzled more than $132,000 from the bankruptcy estate of Roger L. and Maria K. Altis while he was representing the couple.
O’Brien voluntarily surrendered his license to practice law in Kansas. In his plea, he agreed to an order of restitution for more than $728,000, including the Altis case and two others.
Sentencing is set for June 3. He faces a penalty of up to five years. McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.
Former State Delegate Pleads Guilty to Defrauding United StatesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A former member of the Virginia General Assembly pleaded guilty today to his role in a conspiracy that resulted in the fraudulent award of over $80 million in government contracts.
According to court documents, Ronald A. Villanueva, 48, participated in a nine-year conspiracy involving over $80 million in fraudulently obtained government contracts. More specifically, Villanueva conspired with others to help two Virginia Beach companies secure Small Business Administration contracts that had been set aside for minority-owned businesses. Villanueva began working for one company, SEK Solutions, in or about 2005. When that company’s 8(a) status was set to expire in 2010, Villanueva and his co-conspirators set up a new company, Karda Systems, which on paper was run by Villanueva’s brother-in-law. However, in reality Karda’s contracting business was managed by Villanueva and others associated with SEK.
As part of the conspiracy, Villanueva and others misrepresented whether SEK and Karda were eligible for government contracts under the 8(a) program. In fact, neither company was eligible to participate in the program, yet Villanueva and his co-conspirators made numerous false statements and certifications to the contrary. During part of the conspiracy, Villanueva was a member of the Virginia General Assembly, and in one instance used his House of Delegates letterhead to send a letter to the SBA in support of Karda’s application to participate in the 8(a) program, knowing that it contained false and misleading statements about who actually operated the company. As a result of the fraud, the two companies were awarded over $80 million dollars in government contracts for which they were not eligible, and Villanueva received over $1 million in income from the companies.
Villanueva faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison when sentenced on July 2. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, Carol Fortine Ochoa, Inspector General, General Services Administration (GSA), Glenn A. Fine, Acting Inspector General, Department of Defense (DoD), and Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Inspector General, Small Business Administration, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan M. Salsbury and Daniel T. Young are 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 is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-2.
Former Skagit County Deputy Sheriff Sentenced for Embezzling from Law Enforcement OrganizationRead the Press Release
A former long-time Skagit County Sheriff’s Deputy was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 60 days in prison and six months of home confinement with electronic home monitoring in connection with his theft of more than $30,000 from a police dog handlers organization, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. BRIAN A. LEHR, 53, of Sedro Wooley, Washington, was the Secretary/Treasurer of the Pacific Northwest Police Detention Dog Association. For at least six years, LEHR stole money from the organization to use for his own expenses, such as restaurant bills, hotel and event expenses, and even his cable TV and cell phone bills. By the time the theft was discovered, LEHR had stolen $33,641. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour noted the theft was a “breach of trust.”
According to records filed in the case, LEHR took his leadership position with the Association in 1998. The Association, which was founded by canine law enforcement officers, seeks to promote high-quality training of detection dog teams in the Pacific Northwest. LEHR had complete control over the Association finances, and there was little oversite. In 2013, LEHR prepared a financial report suggesting the Association had nearly $20,000 in its bank account, when in fact he had stolen all but $276.79. LEHR stole the money by simply making payments from the Association accounts to his credit card bills or cable and cell phone bills or by using the Association debit card at stores, restaurants, hotels, and event ticket sites. LEHR also withdrew cash from the accounts for his own expenses.
The thefts harmed the Association in ways beyond the financial cost. The Association has not been able to bring in trainers to work with narcotic detection dogs, and it has been unable to purchase equipment and update its website with information for members. The embezzlement damaged its reputation in the law enforcement community and hurt its efforts to recruit members in law enforcement.
LEHR pleaded guilty to wire fraud in December 2018.
The case was investigated by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Friedman.
Former Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Employee SentencedRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that CIBONEY PARKER, age 25, of New Orleans, was sentenced Thursday, March 14, 2019 by Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, to (3) years of probation with (8) months home detention and location monitoring for her role in attempting to introduce controlled substances into the Orleans Justice Center.
According to court documents, PARKER pleaded guilty to one count of violating Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b), using a telephone in the commission of a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Elton Williams, an inmate at the Orleans Justice Center jail, solicited the assistance of his relative, PARKER (a civilian employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office), and two friends, Brittany Theophile and Rachelle Kelson, to smuggle drugs into the jail. Theophile and Kelson provided the drugs, including marijuana, heroin, and Tramadol, to PARKER during her work shift. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Intelligence Division became aware of the plan through audio and visual surveillance and detained PARKER before she could gain access to Williams. All co-defendants have pleaded guilty; only Williams awaits sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser praised the work of the FBI and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigative Service Bureau. Assistant United States Attorney Tracey Knight is in charge of this prosecution.
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Former Credit Union President Pleads Guilty to EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. –A former president of a credit union in Topeka pleaded guilty today to a federal charge of embezzlement, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Connie Marie Kent, 52, Topeka, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a credit union. In her plea, she admitted the crime occurred while she was an officer and employee of 1st Kansas Credit Union, formerly the Post Office Credit Union. Membership in the credit union is limited to government employees.
Kent agreed to a restitution amount of approximately $39,895.
Sentencing is set for June 25. She faces a penalty of up to 30 years and a fine up to $1 million.
McAllister commended the Topeka Police Department and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rich Hathaway for their work on the case.
Florida Pharmacist Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for $100 Million Compounding Pharmacy Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Florida pharmacist was sentenced to 120 months in prison today followed by three years supervised release. He was also orderd to pay $3.2 million in restitution and $1.4 million in forfeiture for his role in a massive compounding pharmacy fraud scheme, which impacted private insurance companies, Medicare and TRICARE. Eight other individuals have previously been sentenced in connection with the scheme. Various real properties, cars and a 50-foot boat have been forfeited as part of the sentencings.
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 Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Shimon 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 John F. Khin of the U.S. Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Southeast Field Office made the announcement.
Ademola O. Adebayo, 55, of Odessa, Florida, was convicted on Jan. 11 after a four-day trial of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, three counts of health care fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. He was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno of the Southern District of Florida, who presided over the trial.
According to evidence presented at trial, from 2012 to 2015, Adebayo and his co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud private insurance companies, Medicare and TRICARE out of $121 million by submitting false and fraudulent claims for compounded drugs, primarily pain and scar creams, and other prescription medications that were not medically necessary, never provided, or both. The evidence established that in his role as the pharmacist at A to Z Pharmacy, a now-defunct pharmacy located in New Port Richey, Florida, Adebayo conspired to submit or cause the submission of claims that often amounted to several thousands of dollars for a single tube of pain or scar cream. In 2014, when insurance companies discovered the fraud at A to Z Pharmacy and terminated their contracts with the pharmacy, Adebayo agreed to become the straw owner of Havana Pharmacy & Discount in Miami, which Adebayo and his co-conspirators used to continue the fraud, the evidence showed.
The evidence further established that Adebayo personally benefited from the fraud and received $1.5 million through the fraud, which he used to purchase luxury vehicles, including a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, a Bentley, a Porsche and two Cadillacs, as well as a house in Land O Lakes, Florida. All of these items were seized by the government.
Eight other defendants have pleaded guilty in this case. Nicholas Borgesano, 46, of New Port Richey, is serving 15 years for his role as the owner of A to Z Pharmacy in the fraud that involved Havana Pharmacy, Medplus/New Life Pharmacy and Metropolitan Pharmacy, all of Miami; and Jaimy Pharmacy and Prestige Pharmacy, both of Hialeah, Florida.
In addition to Borgesano, the following defendants have previously been sentenced for their roles in the scheme:
- Scott P. Piccininni, 50, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sentenced to serve 51 months in prison;
- Bradley Sirkin, 56, of Boca Raton, Florida, sentenced to serve 46 months in prison;
- Peter B. Williams, 58, of New Port Richey, sentenced to serve 26 months in prison, to be served consecutively to a 60-month sentence of imprisonment he is serving as a result of his guilty plea to a separate indictment returned in the Southern District of Florida;
- Wayne M. Kreisberg, 41, of Parkland, Florida, placed on probation for a term of five years, to be served consecutively to a sentence of probation he is serving as a result of his guilty plea to a separate indictment returned in the Middle District of Florida;
- Joseph Degregorio, 71, of New Port Richey, sentenced to serve one year and one day in prison;
- Matthew N. Sterner, 48, of New Port Richey, sentenced to serve 36 months in prison; and
- Edwin Patrick Young, 49, of New Port Richey, sentenced to serve 66 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI with support from HHS-OIG and DCIS and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Timothy P. Loper and Aleza Remis of the Fraud Section.
The Criminal Division’s 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. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.