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Monday 4 March 2019
U.S. Attorney Requests Opioid Prescribers to Review Their Prescription PatternsRead the Press Release
Harrisburg—The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has asked more than 300 doctors to review their opioid prescriptions patterns, as part of its ongoing effort to combat the opioid epidemic. In a letter sent last week, U.S. Attorney David J. Freed informed each of the providers that their opioid prescribing patterns for Medicare Part D patients appears to be significantly different from peers within the same medical specialties. The U.S. Attorney refers the prescribers to educational materials on the opioid crisis prepared by the U.S, Drug Enforcement Administration; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service; and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“Beyond criminal and civil enforcement efforts, I am committed to help educate prescribers regarding the dangers of excessive opioid use and the consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Freed. “I strongly urge prescribers to utilize all resources available, including the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), to ensure that they are doing all they can to reduce serious prescription opioid abuse, while maintaining patient access to appropriate pain medications.”
A recent DEA report found that, in 2017, more than 5,450 people died in the Commonwealth from drug overdoses. That equates to 43 deaths per 100,000 Pennsylvanians or nearly twice the national average of 22 overdose deaths per 100,000 persons. Between 2015 and 2017 drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania increased 65 percent. In 2017, 1,093 Pennsylvanians died due to a prescription opioid overdose and 2,065 people died from heroin overdoses. The CDC notes that 3 out of 4 heroin users abused prescription opioids before turning to heroin.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has made no determination, at this time, that prescribers who receive these letters have violated the law. Nor is the U.S. Attorney suggesting that the prescriptions written are not medically appropriate.
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U.S. Attorney Keefe Celebrates African-American History MonthRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Keefe shows Martin Luther King Jr. picture to studentsTALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – During the month of February, Lawrence Keefe, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, recognized the contributions of African Americans by participating in the events below and looks forward to future collaboration and outreach opportunities throughout the year.
U.S. Attorney Keefe said: “National African-American History Month is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the year-round accomplishments of African Americans in Northern Florida, especially in our law enforcement communities. I am grateful for the staff in my office and in our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies who are dedicated to keeping our communities safe on a daily basis.”
North Florida Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) Monthly Meeting
On February 19, U.S. Attorney Keefe and Assistant U.S. Attorney Winifred L. Acosta attended the monthly meeting of the North Florida Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). NOBLE was founded in September 1976 to create a unified voice for black law enforcement executives discussing important issues in the criminal justice system. U.S. Attorney Keefe briefly spoke about his commitment to listening to and learning from the unique perspectives of the black law enforcement community.
Tonja Bryant-Smith, President of the North Florida Chapter of NOBLE and Supervising agent at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) said: “The North Florida Chapter of NOBLE is committed to promoting positive law enforcement interactions within the community and our designated area. We make a point to engage our community and law enforcement partners to assist with that endeavor. It is always a pleasure to share our success stories with members of the community, and we will continue to fulfill this goal.”
10th Annual African American History Month Celebration
On February 21, 2019, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida hosted its 10th annual African American History Month celebration. Organized yearly by Diversity Committee Chair and Assistant U.S. Attorney Winifred L. Acosta, this year’s event featured a special performance from Brownsville Preparatory Institute students, led by Mrs. Rita Brown. The event’s theme was “Honoring African Americans in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.).” Special guests included Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil; Tonja Bryant-Smith, President of the North Florida Chapter of NOBLE and Supervising agent at FDLE; Federal Public Defender Randolph P. Murrell; courthouse staff; and local, state, and federal law enforcement.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Two Men Charged in Seizure of over 20 Kilograms of FentanylRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Two men who are charged based on the seizure of more than 20 kilograms of fentanyl made their initial court appearances in Newark federal court today, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Luis Aponte, 48, of Hesperia, California, and Denny Diaz, 29, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were charged by complaint with one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph Dickson in Newark federal court. The defendants were detained without bail.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Aponte allegedly drove a truck to a rest stop in Bloomsbury, New Jersey, on March 1, 2019. The next day, he and Diaz met in a car and, once inside, Aponte gave Diaz approximately seven kilograms of fentanyl. Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested the two men and searched Aponte’s truck. They found an additional 13 kilograms of fentanyl and five kilograms of heroin inside.
The count with which the defendants are charged carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million.
This case is being investigated by the DEA’s New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprising agents and officers of the DEA, New York City Police Department and New York State Police. U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan, New York Division; New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill; and N.Y. State Police Acting Superintendent Keith M. Corlett with the investigation leading to the arrests.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Macurdy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Two Illegal Aliens sentenced for reentry chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Feliciano Pelagio Mariluz-Tafur, a citizen of Peru, and Jose Cubas-Zavala, a citizen of Hondura, admitted to being in the country illegally and were sentenced today, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Mariluz-Tafur pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien.” Mariluz-Tafur admitted to being removed from the United States twice before and being in Harrison County in December 2018. He was sentenced today to time served and one year supervised release.
Cubas-Zavala pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien” and one count of “Fraud and Misuse of Document.” Cubas-Zavala admitted to being removed from the United States twice before and being in Harrison County in December 2018 with false documentation. He was sentenced today to time served and three years supervised release.
Both men have been in federal custody since January 11, 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty in Ugandan-Made Counterfeit Currency SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A Tennessee resident waived indictment and pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to conspiracy and transferring counterfeit currency, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Cole M. Harris, aka Ink, 23, of Knoxville, TN pleaded guilty to two counts before Chief United States District Judge Mark Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Harris was a reshipper in the United States for the distribution of Ugandan-manufactured counterfeit currency that was being sold online by an individual using the moniker Willy Clock. Harris traveled to Uganda and smuggled the counterfeit currency into the United States.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for July 18, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Secret Service, assisted by U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cole.
Storm Lake Man Convicted of Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A man who received child pornography pled guilty March 4, 2019, in federal court in Sioux City.
James Gailey, 49, from Storm Lake, Iowa, was convicted of one count of receipt of child pornography.
At the plea hearing, Gailey admitted that in October 2017 he utilized a Dropbox account to receive child pornography. Gailey further admitted that in January 2018 he utilized a second Dropbox account to receive child pornography. Gailey also admitted that he received images and videos of sexual abuse or exploitation of victims as young as infants or toddlers.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Gailey was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the guilty plea and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Gailey faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mikala M. Steenholdt and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-4065. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Stone County Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Eddie James Rhodes, 62, of Stone County, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent-in-Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
In February 2013, the Stone County/City of Wiggins Narcotics Task Force received information that Eddie Rhodes and Stacey Bond purchased pseudoephedrine on multiple occasions and in multiple locations in order to manufacture methamphetamine. Rhodes’ home was subsequently searched pursuant to a search warrant, revealing precursor chemicals, equipment and material consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine in what would be commonly referred to as a “clandestine meth lab.”
Law enforcement officers seized pseudoephedrine, chemicals, equipment and materials used to manufacture methamphetamine, along with firearms and ammunition, inside a hidden compartment under a trapdoor in the floor. Further investigation revealed that Rhodes and Bond conspired together to make pseudoephedrine purchases later used by Rhodes to manufacture meth, some of which Rhodes would distribute to Bond.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) joined the investigation and determined that one of the firearms seized was a 20-gauge, double barrel shotgun that had both barrels sawed off, creating a short-barrel shotgun. The other firearm was a .22 caliber firearm manufactured as a rifle with the stock cut off or removed, creating a ‘pistol grip’ handle. The ATF verified that Rhodes has had multiple felony convictions, making it unlawful for him to possess any firearm or ammunition.
Rhodes will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on June 4, 2019. He faces a minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison plus a $250,000 fine and 5 years of supervised release.
Bond pled guilty on January 30, 2019, to using a communications facility in facilitating the commission of an act constituting a felony under the Controlled Substances Act (aiding and abetting). Bond will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on April 30, 2019, and faces a maximum of 4 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, the Wiggins Police Department and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stan Harris and Annette Williams.
St. Clair County Man Charged with Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Andrew Wigfall, III, of East St. Louis, Illinois, has been charged by indictment with production of child pornography, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Steven D. Weinhoeft, announced today. The one-count federal indictment alleges that the offense occurred in St. Clair County between December 1, 2018, and January 26, 2019. Wigfall, 47, made his initial appearance in federal district court late last week and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was ordered held without bond pending an April 30, 2019 jury trial.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Because Wigfall has a previous conviction for a sex offense, he is subject to an enhanced sentence. If convicted, Wigfall faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison, a term of supervised release from five years to life, and a fine of up to $250,000.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the United States Secret Service. The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office and the police departments of East St. Louis, Cahokia, Belleville, Dupo, Granite City, O’Fallon, and Swansea have also assisted in the investigation.
Southington Woman Charged with Embezzling $370K in Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that, on February 27, 2019, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned a five-count indictment alleging that LYDIA CABRERA, 36, of Southington, embezzled from her employer.
As alleged in the indictment and in statements made in court, from approximately August 2016 to August 2018, Cabrera was employed by A2Z Home Medical Supplies (“A2Z”) as a bookkeeper. As a bookkeeper, Cabrera was given access to A2Z’s online merchant payment system. Approximately 10 days after being hired by A2Z, Cabrera began to use A2Z’s online merchant payment system to steal from the company by falsely representing that customers of A2Z had sought a return of their funds. On more than 200 occasions, Cabrera input her personal debit card information as the card to which the funds should be returned. Through this scheme, Cabrera embezzled approximately $370,000.
Cabrera was arrested on March 1. Following her arrest, she appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained.
The indictment charges Cabrera with five counts of bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years on each count.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Social Security Administration Employee Admits Falsifying Records and Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Social Security Administration employee today admitted unlawfully accessing the Social Security accounts of individuals and falsifying their records in order to steal funds for his own use, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Nicholas Pao, 37, of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of theft of government funds and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Pao was a 10-year employee of the Social Security Administration who worked as a claims technical expert in the Social Security Administration’s office in Egg Harbor Township. Pao was responsible for determining eligibility and payment amounts, processing difficult cases, assisting in case reviews, and making special payment approvals. From December 2014 to July 2018, Pao used his credentials to access the confidential records of several individuals without their knowledge or authority. He altered their records and made fraudulent changes that caused the Social Security Administration to issue benefits to these individuals. Pao would then intercept these benefits, which were issued by way of a Direct Express account and credit card. Pao depleted the funds issued on the Direct Express accounts without the knowledge or consent of the individuals. Pao stole approximately $100,000 in Social Security funds.
The count of theft of government funds is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison. The aggravated identity theft counts are punishable by a mandatory prison sentence of two years that must be served consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed for the violation of theft of government funds. Each of the counts is also punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gain or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for June 12, 2019.
If anyone in the public believes that they might have been the victim of Nicholas Pao's Social Security fraud scheme, they are advised to call the Office of the Inspector General at 888-487-9917.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration, under the direction of John F. Grasso with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Meriah Russell of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
Defense counsel: Thomas Young Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden
Shreveport felon sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing 2 firearmsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Tyvon D. Taylor, 24, of Shreveport, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced. Taylor was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.
According to the guilty plea, Taylor was involved in a shooting on August 12, 2017, and was arrested on August 15, 2017 in connection with this incident. During his arrest, police found a Springfield Armory .40-caliber pistol, a Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol and ammunition in his possession. Taylor has prior felonies from September 2013 and January 2016 for simple burglary. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Taylor pleaded guilty October 4, 2018.
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.
The ATF and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.
San Diego County Man Who Laundered Ransom Money Paid by Kidnapping Victims’ Families Sentenced to 18 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A National City man convicted of conspiracy was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison today for laundering the money of a violent kidnapping organization that held two dozen Mexican nationals hostage.
Luis Francisco Murillo Morfin, 33, also was ordered by United States District Judge John F. Walter to pay $62,000 in restitution to the victims. After a two-day bench trial in October 2018, Walter found Murillo guilty of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
In August 2015, Murillo’s co-conspirators recruited victims in Mexico under the false pretense of being smuggled into the United States. The victims were picked up in northern Mexico, were driven in the trunks of cars through a fake border “checkpoint,” then were taken to a Tijuana stash house where they were threatened, beaten and raped, according to trial testimony.
The kidnappers then extorted their victims’ relatives in the United States for ransom money, ordering them to send the money via wire transfers to Mexico or to make cash deposits into U.S. bank accounts – including an account that belonged to Murillo, a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Extortion victims testified at trial that they were threatened that their relatives would be beaten, murdered or disemboweled if the ransom money wasn’t paid.
As the kidnapping victims’ relatives deposited the money, Murrillo twice drove from Mexico to the United States and withdrew ransom payments from his bank account so he could deliver the money to his co-conspirators in Mexico.
Murillo opened a Wells Fargo bank account in his name on April 30, 2015, and made monthly payments to keep it open, but did not use the account until August 4, 2015 – one day after his co-conspirators kidnapped and held for ransom nine of their victims, according to evidence presented at trial.
On August 4 and 5, 2015, extortion victims deposited $62,000 in ransom money into Murillo’s account from bank branches in Ontario, Santa Maria, Northern California, Idaho and Mississippi. Less than 48 hours later, Murillo had withdrawn all $62,000, leaving only the $10 minimum to keep the account open, and lied to a Wells Fargo bank employee about how he needed the money to pay for cars.
After his arrest, Murillo told law enforcement that he believed the money he withdrew from the Wells Fargo account was from illegal activity, specifically, human smuggling, according to the government’s sentencing memorandum.
Murillo was charged along with four other Mexican nationals, all of whom are believed to be residing in Mexico. The other defendants are: Jesus Antonio Rivera Gaxiola, a.k.a. “The Cook”; Manuel Roman Velazquez, a.k.a. “The Caller”; Alberto Jimenez Bautista, a.k.a. “Jefe”; and Luis Perez Martinez.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation, with the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Victoria Degtyareva and Carley Palmer of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Section.
Remaining EPMI Property Managers Sent to Prison for Defrauding Homeowner AssociationsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Kelsey Powell, 47, of Lemon Cove, Calif. and her former husband, Michael Powell, 53, of Wellsville, Ohio were each sentenced today by U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow to over one year in prison. Rachel Ellerbrock, 46, of Gilbert, Ariz., was sentenced to probation. The Powells and Ellerbrock had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering for using stolen Homeowners Association (HOA) fees to enrich themselves. Last month, Harlow White - the father of Kelsey Powell and Rachel Ellerbrock - was sentenced to prison for 15 months and ordered to pay $291,420 in restitution.
White was formerly the President and CEO of Eagle Property Management, Inc., a property management company whose clients included HOAs throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. Kelsey Powell, Michael Powell, and Ellerbrock had management roles at Eagle. In 2005, White transferred ownership to Kelsey Powell, who operated the company as EPMI. Between January 2010 and May 2014, at White’s direction, Kelsey Powell stole at least $1.2 million directly from HOA clients’ bank accounts. The stolen funds were used to pay the personal expenses of the Whites, Powells, and Ellerbrock, including large American Express credit card bills. The defendants were ordered to pay restitution to the victim HOAs including $439,000 from Kelsey Powell, $152,000 from Michael Powell, and $110,000 from Ellerbrock.
The investigation in this case was conducted by U.S. Secret Service and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Monica B. Edelstein , Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-01083-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2019-024_Powell etal
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Pittsburgh Woman Pleads Guilty in DEA Wiretap Investigation into Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of attempted distribution of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Ada Johnson, 33, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Ada Johnson was indicted in connection with a DEA wiretap investigation. The intercepted wiretap communications revealed that in June 2016, Johnson traveled to Mechanicsburg, PA to meet with a heroin supplier to attempt to bring nearly 400 bricks of heroin back to Pittsburgh for distribution of the heroin by members of the conspiracy.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for July 26, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises. United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson.
Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Decades-Long Career of Dealing Cocaine and Laundering MoneyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH -A Pittsburgh man pleaded guilty in federal court to charges regarding his trafficking of cocaine and money laundering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Richard Stuart Wright, 76, pleaded guilty to three counts before President United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty pleas of Wright and his co-defendant, 69-year-old Walter John Amman, III, the court was advised that Wright had been purchasing kilogram level amounts of cocaine each month for over two decades. The defendant would process the cocaine by packaging it in smaller quantities and converting some into crack. In more recent years, co-defendant Walter Amman would help the defendant with the processing, packaging and distribution of the cocaine. Two controlled purchases of cocaine were made from Amman, helping the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Branch, Homeland Security Investigations and Pittsburgh Police obtain search warrants for locations attributable to Amman and Wright. The January 11, 2017 searches resulted in law enforcement locating items which included:
- In the defendant’s residence: cocaine prepackaged for sale and color-coded for size; multiple firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition; large amounts of cash; multiple vehicles registered to Amman and his family;
- In the defendant’s garage: amounts of powder cocaine; numerous inositol bottles and material to convert cocaine into crack; large amounts of cash; three pistols (including one registered to Amman); and a safe imbedded into the concrete floor; and
- At Amman’s residence: firearms; prepackaged amounts of crack and cocaine in a jacket with Amman’s name on it; keys to a truck (in the jacket); in the truck was approximately $1,000 and additional prepackaged cocaine.
Wright and Amman both utilized the same color-coded bread-tie system to signify the quantities in the baggies. In this way, the defendant was both a buyer of large quantities and a street-level dealer, keeping all of the middleman profits for himself. The drugs located by police included 5,864.588 grams (5.9 kilos) of cocaine and 289.607 grams (1/4 kilo) of crack cocaine. Wright admitted to all of the drugs, while Amman agreed that he was personally responsible for between 700 grams and one kilogram of cocaine, as well as the 5.767 grams of crack cocaine found at his property.
The court was also advised that Wright and others commonly laundered his drug money by structuring it. In one example, Wright deposited $10,000 in cash into another person’s account, added it to $40,000 of that person’s "legitimate" money and used it to make a $50,000 deposit on a Daytona Beach house. They paid the next $100,000 off by buying multiple postal money orders - for $1,000 each, at multiple different locations, in short periods - and then used them to pay the monthly amount due on the property. They also financed the purchase of vehicles and many other items listed in the Indictment similarly. Wright also cashed paychecks in return for cocaine.
The government forfeited numerous items from the defendants including a residence, automobiles, motorcycles and large amounts of cash.
President Judge Hornak scheduled Wright’s sentencing for July 18, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. and Amman’s sentencing was scheduled for June 7, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 60 years in prison, a fine of up to $2,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of a defendant.
After considering Wright’s frail health and recent hospitalization, the Court agreed to allow the defendant to remain on Electronic Home Monitoring (with a house arrest bracelet) pending his sentencing. Co-defendant Amman is incarcerated pending his sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Richard Stuart Wright and Walter John Amman, III.
Palmyra Man Arrested on Multiple Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that David Gfeller, 34, of Palmyra, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production, distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, lifetime supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 12, 2019, Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations in Buffalo received information from an international law enforcement network that child pornography had been recovered by authorities in various countries, including Germany, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, and France, depicting a prepubescent minor who was possibly located in Western New York.
With assistance from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, HSI Agents used data associated with the images to locate the residence in which the images were produced. On March 1, 2019, Agents executed a search warrant at the residence in Palmyra, where they located the victim and arrested Gfeller for his role in producing the child pornography.
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman and is being held pending the outcome of a detention hearing, which is scheduled for March 5, 2019.The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, with assistance from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the New York State Police.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Non-Profit Organization Operator Pleads Guilty for Her Role in Armenian for-Profit U.S. Visa Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Stella Boyadjian, 48, of Rego Park, New York pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to unlawfully bring in aliens, visa fraud, and aggravated identity theft before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara in the Eastern District of New York for her role in a multi-year visa fraud scheme that brought Armenian citizens into the United States for profit.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue of the Eastern District of New York and U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Director Christian J. Schurman, made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Boyadjian, led a transnational network of co-conspirators who engaged in a widespread visa fraud scheme to bring Armenian citizens into the United States by fraudulently claiming to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that the Armenians were members of performance groups, and thus qualified for P-3 “Culturally Unique Artist” visas.
The P-3 nonimmigrant visa classification allows foreign nationals to temporarily travel to the United States to perform, teach or coach as artists or entertainers, under a program that is culturally unique. A U.S. employer or sponsoring organization is required to submit a USCIS Form I-129 Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker, along with supporting documentation, attesting that the performances in the United States are culturally unique.
In February 2018, Boyadjian, Hrachya Atoyan, 31, of Glendale, California; and Diana Grigoryan, aka “Dina Akopovna,” 42, of the Republic of Armenia were charged in a 15-count indictment with visa fraud and with conspiracy to: defraud the United States, commit visa fraud, and illegally bring aliens into the United States. Boyadjian and Grigoryan were also charged with related money laundering charges, and Boyadjian was charged with aggravated identity theft.
As alleged in the indictment, Boyadjian ran a non-profit organization called Big Apple Music Awards Foundation (BAMA) based in Rego Park, New York. Boyadjian used the Big Apple Music Awards Foundation as well as formal and informal music industry contacts in the United States and Armenia to perpetuate the scheme. Boyadjian and others solicited Armenian citizens who wanted to come to the United States and charged them between $0 and $10,000 to be included on the Form I-129 Petitions. Boyadjian and other associates in Armenia then acquired fraudulent performer certificates and organized staged photo sessions where the aliens wore traditional Armenian folk outfits to make it appear as though they were traditional Armenian performers. After being trained how to defeat U.S. visa interviews, the individual aliens presented these certificates and photos to U.S. consular officers during their visa interviews. Once the Armenians entered the United States, some would pay Boyadjian and her associates additional money to be included in another fraudulent petition asking for P-3 visa extensions.
Sentencing has not yet been scheduled for Boyadjian.
This case was a joint investigation by the DSS’s Criminal Fraud Investigations and Overseas Criminal Investigations Divisions with assistance from the USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security, Center Fraud Detection Operations in Vermont. Trial Attorney Sasha N. Rutizer of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gopstein of the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to False Statements to H.U.D. ProgramRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ANDREA HARRISON, age 57, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty Thursday, February 28, 2019 before Chief United States District Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown to a one-count indictment for false statements in relation to programs under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to court documents, a property owned by HARRISON received HUD grant funds as long as it was rented to low-income families. HARRISON submitted false documentation to make it appear that the property was being rented as required, when in truth and in fact, he was living in the property.
HARRISON faces 5 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Supervisor, General Crimes.
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New Orleans Man Indicted for Hancock Whitney Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JOHN L. MURRAY, age 65, was charged Thursday, February 28, 2019 in a one-count indictment for bank robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).
According to the indictment, MURRAY robbed the Hancock Whitney Bank located in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 13, 2019.
If convicted, MURRAY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
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Mini-Cassia Drug Task Force Methamphetamine Investigation Results in Two Federal Prison SentencesRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Emmanuel Garza, 25, of Rupert, Idaho, and Adolfo Mata-Lopez, 28, of Paul, Idaho were sentenced in U.S. District Court to federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced.
Garza received a 100-month prison sentence on February 27, 2019, for his part in the conspiracy. Mata-Lopez, sentenced in January 2019, received a 108-month sentence for his part in the conspiracy.
According to court records, Garza was the subject of a drug trafficking investigation by the Mini-Cassia drug task force between January and November 2017. Mata-Lopez and Garza were arrested on November 4, 2017, when detectives from the Mini-Cassia Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Mata-Lopez’s residence in Paul. The detectives caught Garza and Mata-Lopez in the middle of a drug deal inside. Garza, Mata-Lopez, and another occupant of the home fled and were caught. Mata-Lopez had two ounces of methamphetamine, packaged into two one-ounce baggies, in his shirt pocket. In the house, police found 475 grams of actual methamphetamine, part of which Mata-Lopez had agreed to distribute to Garza. Garza admitted that he intended to re-sell the methamphetamine. Detectives also recovered firearms, scales, and drug distribution paraphernalia in the home.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s specially deputized Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) funded by the Eastern Idaho Partnership and the State of Idaho. The Eastern Idaho Partnership is a coalition of local city and county officials in eastern Idaho. The Partnership provides approximately 30 percent of the SAUSA’s salary and benefits; the State of Idaho through the Idaho Department of Correction contributes the remaining 70 percent.
The Partnership’s goal is to federally prosecute serious drug trafficking, firearm, and violent crime in eastern Idaho, focusing on persistent offenders. Individuals ordered to serve federal prison sentences serve their sentences in federal prisons, rather than in Idaho-funded prisons and jails. Federal sentences are served out of state, which helps to disrupt criminal networks. Additionally, prosecuting offenders in federal court allows law enforcement and prosecutors to pursue longer sentences through the federal sentencing structure.
Minidoka County Sheriff Eric Snarr said, “We thank the diligent detectives in the Mini-Cassia Drug Task Force, our local prosecutors, the Eastern Idaho Partnership SAUSA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their cooperation. The investigation was well done, and we are thankful to have the backing of our federal partners to hold serious drug dealers in our community accountable.”
Minidoka County Prosecuting Attorney Lance Stevenson said, “This case demonstrates the valuable benefit of the collaboration between Minidoka County Prosecutors Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Eastern Idaho Partnership SAUSA, and the Mini-Cassia Drug Task Force in helping to successfully prosecute criminals and protect the citizens of our community.”
U.S. Attorney Davis said, “We are continually proud to have such a productive working relationship with our Eastern Idaho Partners and the State of Idaho’s Department of Correction. This case demonstrates what we can achieve by combining smart tactics with dedicated support from the community, law enforcement, and political leaders.”
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. 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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Mexican National Men Plead Guilty to Immigration CrimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Mexican national men pled guilty to the felony offense of Reentry of a Removed Alien, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Carlos Rodriguez-Diaz, 26, and Huber Rodriguez-Diaz, 24, will be sentenced on April 8, 2019. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“Four prior deportations between the two brothers,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “And they’ll soon share six deportations between them. I hope they get the message – if you want to come into the United States, follow the legal process – you’ll stay longer.”
On December 19, 2018, both men were found in Hurricane, Putnam County, West Virginia. Federal agents with ICE had received a tip that a person was working illegally at a Hurricane restaurant. ICE agents investigated and located the Rodriguez-Diaz brothers walking to the restaurant. Believing one of the men to be the target of the investigation, ICE agents requested identification. Both men immediately admitted that they were not in the United States legally and had no identification documents. ICE agents took Carlos and Huber Rodriguez-Diaz into federal custody.
Fingerprinting matched Carlos to three prior removals from the United States in 2014, 2015, and 2018. Huber has one prior removal from the United States in 2014 that his fingerprints matched. In all cases, the Rodriguez-Diaz brothers were found by immigration judges to be in the United States illegally and they were deported to Mexico. Neither man had obtained permission to legally enter the United States and had not sought legal status or citizenship. Both Carlos and Huber Rodriguez-Diaz further admitted to ICE agents that they were Mexican citizens.
Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is responsible for both of the prosecutions. United States District Judge Robert C Chambers presided over the hearings.
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Mercer County Woman Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Anastasia C. Vandergriff, 37, pleaded guilty today, to a single count of producing child pornography. A co-defendant, Rafael W. Poynter, pleaded guilty to the same offense last week.
In their plea agreements, Vandergriff and Poynter admitted to sexually abusing a minor and producing videos of the abuse using a cellular telephone. The abuse was discovered on January 21, 2017, when deputies with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint about the possible sexual assault of a juvenile. Deputies obtained a search warrant to search Poynter and Vandergriff’s residence in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, where they located Poynter’s cell phone. During the forensic examination of that cell phone, agents located multiple videos depicting the sexual abuse, which was perpetrated by Vandergriff and directed and filmed by Poynter.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; James M. Gibbons, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago Field Office; and Sheriff Ernie Kelty, Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by HSI and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Bradley.
Vandergriff is scheduled to be sentenced on June 3, 2019. Poynter is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2019. Production of Child Pornography carries a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years.
Member of Violent Grape Street Crips Gang Sentenced to 19 Years for Witness Intimidation and Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A member of the New Jersey set of the Grape Street Crips was sentenced today to 19 years in federal prison for his participation in a racketeering conspiracy that involved using other gang members to intimidate a witness during a state criminal trial, as well as conspiracies to distribute heroin and crack-cocaine, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Ahmed Singleton, a/k/a “Gangsta-Moo,” a/k/a “Gangsta,” a/k/a “Mooshie,” 29, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo to three counts in the sixth superseding indictment charging him with RICO conspiracy and separate conspiracies to distribute one kilogram of heroin and 280 grams or more of crack-cocaine. Judge Arleo imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
Singleton was charged in November 2016 in a 22-count indictment charging 14 members and associates with, among other things, seven murders, numerous attempted murders, and numerous other violent and drug trafficking crimes committed as part of the racketeering conspiracy. The gang’s leader, Corey Hamlet, a/k/a “C-Blaze,” a/k/a “Blaze,” a/k/a “Blizzie,” a/k/a “Castor Troy,” 41, of Belleville, New Jersey, and two other violent gang members were convicted in July 2018 following a two-month trial. Thirteen of the 14 defendants charged in the indictment have been convicted. One remaining defendant, Khalil Stafford, is pending trial.
An additional 68 members and associates of the Grape Street Crips who were arrested in a coordinated takedown in May 2015 were separately charged with drug-trafficking, physical assaults, and witness intimidation. Sixty-six individuals also have been convicted, and charges remain pending against two.
According to the documents filed in this case and other cases and the evidence presented at trial:
As part of the racketeering conspiracy, Singleton admitted that he used fellow members of the New Jersey set of the Grape Street Crips to intimidate a witness against him by having those gang members sitting in the gallery of the courtroom as the witness took the stand. Singleton was facing criminal charges brought by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a firearm for a shooting that occurred in April 2013. As a result of Singleton’s effort, the witness refused to testify against him and the charges were dismissed.
Afterwards, Singleton was intercepted over a wiretap bragging to a fellow gang-member: “Who you know cause a ruckus on these motherfuckin’ streets, come home, do whatever the fuck they want, and still be out here, son?”
Singleton also admitted to participating in conspiracies to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 280 grams or more of crack-cocaine.
The Grape Street Crips controlled drug trafficking and other criminal activities in various areas of Newark, including the area of 6th Avenue and North 5th Street and public-housing complexes at Pennington Court, Oscar Miles, the Millard Terrell Homes, the John W. Hyatt homes and the former James Baxter Terrace complex.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Arleo sentenced Singleton to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, and special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, with the investigation. He also thanked the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens 3rd, and the Essex County Sherriff’s Office, under the direction of Armando B. Fontoura, for work on the case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Osmar J. Benvenuto, Chief of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry A. Kamar of the Criminal Division, and and Richard J. Ramsay of the Appeals Division in Newark.
This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Mass. Man Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Malden, Mass., man was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Providence today to 84 months in federal prison for transporting, distributing and possessing child pornography.
Fetahe Makonnen, 35, was arrested in October 2017, shortly after he provided an undercover Rhode Island State Police Detective with two computer thumb drives containing approximately 1,300 images and videos depicting child pornography involving prepubescent children.
Makonnen travelled to Rhode Island on October 28, 2017, with the intention of sharing images and videos of child pornography, and with the hope of securing additional images and videos of child pornography. He traveled to Rhode Island after communicating via the Internet and by telephone in July and September 2017 with an individual he believed interested in viewing and sharing child pornography. The individual was in fact a detective assigned to the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Makonnen pleaded guilty on April 30, 2018, to transportation of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
At sentencing today, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. smith also ordered Makonnen to serve 10 years supervised release upon completion of his term of incarceration. Restitution will be determined at a later date to known victims whose images appear in some of the photographs and images of child pornography seized from Makonnen.
Makonnen’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Colonel James M. Manni, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dulce Donovan.
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Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than One Kilogram HeroinRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Roberto Molina, 38, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph S. Van Bokkelen to 57 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in the case, on January 19, 2018, Molina was arrested in Hammond, Indiana, in possession of 1.75 kilograms of heroin for distribution.
This case was investigated by the ATF/HIDTA Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Nozick and Dean R. Lanter.
Man Indicted for Kidnapping, Harboring an Illegal Alien, and ExtortionRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, P.R. – On February 28, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Héctor Sánchez-Morales for kidnapping, harboring of an illegal alien, and extortion, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The FBI is in charge of the investigation.
The indictment alleges that on February 3, in the District of Puerto Rico, Héctor Sánchez-Morales did unlawfully and willfully seize, confine, and hold for ransom A.G., an adult female, and in furtherance of the commission of the offense, used a telephone and vehicle, facilities of interstate commerce. On February 3, 2019, A.G., a citizen from the Dominican Republic, arrived at Rincón, Puerto Rico, by boat, and entered the island illegally. After A.G. disembarked the boat, defendant Sánchez-Morales approached her and offered to help her if she went with him. A.G. agreed and the defendant transported her to his house in Añasco, Puerto Rico. After A.G. bathed, Sánchez-Morales raped her twice.
After Sánchez-Morales sexually assaulted A.G., he kept her against her will until the next day, when he told her that she needed to leave by that evening, or else he would kill her. The defendant also demanded that she call her friends so they could pay him money for her release. Later that evening A.G.’s friends arrived to the agreed upon place with the defendant, paid him $400, and he released the victim to her friends. After a few days of investigation, the FBI arrested Sánchez-Morales.
The defendant is facing one count for harboring an illegal alien. On February 3, knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that an alien, A.G., had entered and remained in the United States in violation of law, Sánchez-Morales concealed, harbored, and shielded A.G. from detection for private financial gain, and in doing so caused her serious bodily injury. Sánchez-Morales is also facing one count for extortion for requesting and receiving U.S. Currency as ransom and reward for the release of his victim whom he had kidnapped.
“The FBI is actively investigating all cases involving human trafficking or kidnappings in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands regardless of the immigration status of the victims,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office” “Public tips and information assist the FBI and its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Citizens with information on human trafficking or other federal crimes are asked to contact the FBI San Juan Field Office at 787-754-6000, or to submit tips through the FBI’s tip line available on our website at Tips.FBI.Gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas W. Cannon, Deputy Chief, Immigration, Cybercrimes, and Child Exploitation. If convicted, the defendant faces up to life in prison for the kidnapping charge, up to 20 years for harboring an alien, and up to five years for extortion. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Man Charged in Albany for Threatening to Kill Employees and Residents of a Veterans NonprofitRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Fred Hood, age 56, appeared today in court on a charge that he threatened to kill employees and residents of a Massachusetts veterans services program.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Chief Thomas Gibbons of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police in Albany.
According to the complaint, Hood sent multiple electronic messages from a VA facility in Albany to employees and residents of Soldier On, a nonprofit veterans services organization, threatening to commit a shooting attack at a Soldier On residence on the campus of the Northampton VA Medical Center in Leeds, Massachusetts.
The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charge in the complaint filed against Hood carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
Hood appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart, who ordered Hood detained pending further proceedings.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal.
Long Beach Man Who Led Crew That Committed 10 Armed Robberies of Verizon Stores in Two States Pleads Guilty to Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – The ringleader of a crew that committed 10 armed robberies of Verizon stores across Southern California and Arizona, netting approximately $340,000 worth of stolen smartphones and other merchandise in the process, pleaded guilty on Friday to three federal felonies.
Zachary David Wade, 41, of Long Beach, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfering with commerce by robbery, attempted interference with commerce by robbery, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. United States District Judge David O. Carter has scheduled a July 8 sentencing hearing, where Wade will face a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
According to his plea agreement, from July 2017 until February 2018, Wade planned, organized and supervised the armed robberies of Verizon stores in Tarzana, Torrance, Fullerton, Long Beach, Corona, San Pedro, Corona del Mar, as well as in Arizona.
Wade admitted to selecting which Verizon stores would be robbed and instructing his co-conspirators on how the robberies should occur, including identifying entrance and exit routes. He also admitted to providing equipment such as duffle bags and loaded firearms, which his co-defendants then used during the robberies. Wade also admitted to exclusively determining how much each robbery participant would get paid. The typical robbery netted tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of smartphones and other merchandise, which Wade later sold to a buyer in Glendale, California, the plea agreement states.
On January 31, 2018, Wade planned and organized the robbery of a Verizon retailer in Tucson, Arizona, but was arrested the next day in Glendale, California while attempting to sell the stolen smartphones and other merchandise for cash.
Eight of Wade’s co-defendants have pleaded guilty to felony conspiracy, robbery, and firearms charges. They are: Daniel Joseph Smith, 30, of Long Beach; Sean Keith Rivers, Jr., 25, of Long Beach; Marques Alphonse Petty-Wright, 31, of Long Beach; Randall Lee Tate, Jr., 30, of Long Beach; Andre Dierre Stovall II, 24, of Long Beach; Drae Tamar Wright, 27, of Long Beach; Sylvester Edwards, Jr., 29, of Lancaster; and Jeffrey Kevin Duran, 50, of Bellflower.
Tate was sentenced in September 2018 to 51 months in federal prison. The other co-defendants await sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Scott D. Tenley and Daniel S. Lim of the Santa Ana Branch Office.
Long Beach Man Arrested on Federal Charges for Bombing Aliso Viejo Spa that Killed Ex-GirlfriendRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – Law enforcement authorities associated with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force on Sunday arrested a Long Beach man on federal charges stemming from an explosion last year that destroyed a day spa in Aliso Viejo, killed the man’s former girlfriend, and caused serious injuries to two spa clients.
Stephen William Beal, 59, was arrested pursuant to a federal criminal complaint filed on Friday that charges him with malicious destruction of a building resulting in the death of Ildiko Krajnyak.
“This was a horrific intentional attack that killed an innocent woman and severely injured two others who will live with the physical and emotional scars for the rest of their lives,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “We will do everything we can to obtain justice for these victims and hold the perpetrator accountable.”
“The FBI and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of many JTTF partners, brought full forensic resources to bear on the case in order to process an enormous amount of evidence recovered from the crime scene and related searches,” said Paul Delacourt, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Though Mr. Beal has been charged, our work will continue to ensure justice is done in this case for the victims who continue to endure the loss and the pain of this horrific attack.”
“During this extensive investigation, we have worked seamlessly with our local and federal partners,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “We are grateful for the many dedicated agencies who worked together to meticulously investigate and arrest the suspect. This will provide much-needed closure to our community.”
The charge against Beal relates to the May 15, 2018 explosion at the Magyar Kozmetica spa in Aliso Viejo. When first responders arrived on the scene, they discovered human remains outside of the building and noted major damage to building, according to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint. A woman who survived the blast told investigators that the explosion was the result of the spa’s owner/operator, Ms. Krajnyak, opening a cardboard box.
Later that day, Beal contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and identified himself as the co-owner of the spa that was operated by his “ex-wife.” Sheriff’s deputies and FBI personnel responded to Beal’s residence, where he consented to a search that led to the discovery of chemicals used to manufacture explosives, according to the affidavit. Pursuant to a search warrant obtained the day after the explosion, investigators recovered approximately 130 pounds of explosive precursors.
Further investigation at the scene of the bombing led to the recovery of a partially destroyed battery and bits of wire that the FBI laboratory determined were part of the explosive device, according to the affidavit. FBI laboratory personnel determined that there were “no meaningful differences” between the bits of wire recovered from the explosion site and wire removed from a homemade device found at Beal’s residence, according to the affidavit. Investigators determined that Beal purchased a battery consistent with the partially destroyed battery found at the blast scene at a store in Long Beach one week prior to the explosion. And, eight days before the explosion, Beal purchased three cardboard boxes very similar to the box the deceased victim was opening when the bomb detonated.
Furthermore, chemicals detected at the explosion scene were similar to those detected inside Beal’s car, which he purchased only three months before the incident and which he drove to Magyar Kozmetica spa four days before the blast, the affidavit states.
In addition to the forensic evidence, the affidavit outlines statements of three friends of Ms. Krajnyak. One of those witness told investigators that Ms. Krajnyak said “that her boyfriend was jealous, controlling, and possessive of her,” and “she was scared because he would threaten her.” While that witness did not know the name of the boyfriend, Ms. Krajnyak had sent her a photo of the boyfriend, which was identified as Beal.
Beal is expected to make his initial appearance in this case this afternoon in United States District Court in Santa Ana.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If he were to be convicted of the crime of malicious destruction of a building resulting in death, Beal would face a potential sentence of life without parole in federal prison.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes special agents with the FBI and deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Task Force members who participated in the investigation included IRS Criminal Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the Los Angeles Police Department; the Long Beach Police Department; the Irvine Police Department; the Anaheim Police Department; and the Orange County Fire Authority.
The case against Beal is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Takla and Annamartine Salick of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section.
Logan Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.VA. – A Logan man pled guilty to a federal firearms charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Joshua Stephen Nida, 35, pled guilty to being in possession of a stolen firearm. The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
On July 28 2017, the West Virginia State Police received a call from an individual in Holden, Logan County, West Virginia that his gun was stolen. The Trooper identified the individuals who were present when the gun was stolen. The Trooper tracked down Nida and was able to determine who purchased the stolen gun. Nida admitted being in possession of the stolen firearm and knowing that the firearm was stolen.
Nida faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on May 30, 2019.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Arthur is handling the prosecution.
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Lexington Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Distributing Fentanyl That Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Garry Sean Ramone Drake, Jr., 26, of Lexington, was sentenced Friday, by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, to 300 months in federal prison, following his conviction for distribution of fentanyl resulting in the death of Mason Reppen, 22, on November 30, 2017.
Drake is the second individual convicted of distributing fentanyl that resulted in Mr. Reppen’s death. Phillip Clayton Jennings, 23, of Crestwood, Kentucky, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 180 months in prison. Proof gathered during the investigation showed that both defendants were in the chain of distribution for the fentanyl mixture that led to the death. The Lexington Police Department and the DEA jointly investigated the death, which led to the federal charges.
Drake will be required to serve at least 85% of the sentence imposed. Upon his release, he is required to be under supervision by the United States Probation Office for a period of five years.
“Fentanyl and other dangerous drugs continue to devastate our community with tragic outcomes,” said Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “We have made the prosecution of overdoses a core priority in our effort to combat this epidemic. We simply must use all the tools available to us to confront this grave problem. Our strong law enforcement partnerships in this District are critical to the effort. We remain committed to investigating and prosecuting these cases to hold those accountable who distribute this poison.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Darrell Christopher Evans, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Louisville; and Lawrence Weathers, Chief, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Todd Bradbury prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Lexington Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 260 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Michael J. West, 39, of Lexington, was sentenced today, by U.S. District Judge Joseph M. Hood, to 260 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin, two counts of possession with the intent to distribute, three counts of distribution, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On April 11, 2018, Lexington police officers executed a search warrant at West’s apartment, where they located a safe in the refrigerator containing approximately 231 grams of heroin, 150 grams of fentanyl, 78 grams of cocaine, and 22 grams of crack cocaine. In West’s bedroom, officers located cutting agents, a blender with white powder residue, digital scales, naloxone, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia. Officers also located two loaded semi-automatic pistols and more than $37,000 in cash.
During the course of the investigation, officers conducted multiple controlled buys of heroin and fentanyl from conspiracy members and learned that West and his co-conspirators, Timothy Darnell Bryant, 48, of Detroit, Kezzle Cortez Reeves, 37, of Detroit, and Jerry Lee Tolbert, 55 of Lexington, were traveling to Detroit, to obtain heroin, fentanyl, and other controlled substances, which they would then transport back to Lexington for distribution. The defendants used West’s apartment as a stash house where they would store the drugs prior to distributing them.
Previously in December 2018, Bryant pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute heroin. Tolbert pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm. And, on December 6, 2018, Reeves was convicted of distributing heroin and fentanyl after a three-day jury trial. West’s co-defendants are awaiting sentencing.
West will be required to serve at least 85% of the sentence imposed. Upon his release, he will be under supervision by the United States Probation Office for a period of 6 years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Christopher Evans, Special Agent in Charge, DEA; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Bradley and Rajbir Datta prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Leader of Queens-Based Non-Profit Organization Pleads Guilty for Her Role in Visa Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, Stella Boyadjian, the operator of a non-profit organization called Big Apple Music Awards Foundation Inc. (BAMA), based in Rego Park, New York, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bring aliens unlawfully into the United States, visa fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The guilty plea was entered before United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Brian A. Benczkowski, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Christian J. Schurman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security and Director for Diplomatic Security Service, announced the guilty plea.
Between January 2013 and December 2014, Boyadjian and others (the conspirators) engaged in a widespread visa fraud scheme to bring foreign nationals illegally into the United States by fraudulently claiming to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that they were members of traditional Armenian performance groups and thus qualified for P-3 visas as “culturally unique” artists or entertainers.
The conspirators solicited foreign nationals and, in exchange for fees up to $10,000, prepared and filed fraudulent P-3 visa applications. In furtherance of the scheme, the conspirators purchased fraudulent documentation to support the applications, including fake dance certificates and staged photo sessions where the foreign nationals wore Armenian dance costumes to make it appear as though they were traditional Armenian musicians, singers and performers. Once successfully in the United States, some recipients of the fraudulently obtained P-3 visas paid additional fees to the conspirators to obtain extensions of their stays in the United States.
When sentenced, Boyadjian faces a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment for visa fraud, and an additional mandatory consecutive sentence of two years’ imprisonment for aggravated identity theft.
This case is a joint investigation by the Diplomatic Security Service’s Criminal Fraud Investigations and Overseas Criminal Investigations Divisions, with assistance from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Gopstein and Trial Attorney Sasha N. Rutizer of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section.
The Defendant:
STELLA BOYADJIAN
Age: 48
Rego Park, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-57 (MKB)
Leader and Member of Deadly Elmira Opioid Trafficking Organization Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Maximillian Sams, 31, of Elmira, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, was sentenced to serve 210 months in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. In addition, Chad Smith, 27, of Horseheads, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribute, U-47700, was sentenced to serve 22 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey, who handled the case, stated that Sams, along with co-conspirator Robert Ian Thatcher, ran a large-scale opioid manufacturing and trafficking organization in the Southern Tier of New York and northern Pennsylvania between 2015 and May 2017. As part of the conspiracy, Thatcher and Sams imported bulk quantities of furanyl fentanyl and U-47700 from overseas suppliers China. They ordered the furanyl fentanyl and U-47700 on what is known as “the dark web,” and used different people and addresses in New York and Pennsylvania to receive the shipments. Sams and Thatcher purchased equipment and materials – including pill presses/mechanical tableting machines, microcrystalline cellulose, lactose magnesium stearate, and powdered food coloring – which they used to manufacture tens of thousands blue pills containing furanyl fentanyl and U-47700. The pills were made to look like legitimate 30 milligram Percocet pills.
At least two individuals – a 21 year old female, and a 25 year-old male – died after ingesting the blue pills containing furanyl fentanyl and U-47700. In addition, at least one individual overdosed on more than one occasion after using the blue pills manufactured, but survived after being treated by first responders with Narcan.
Sams and Thatcher used residences at 604 South Lehigh Avenue in Sayre, Pennsylvania, and 665 Sawdey Road in Catlin, NY, to manufacture and process the pills for distribution. During the execution of a search warrant at the Sayre location on May 16, 2017, law enforcement agents recovered, among other things, 244 blue pills containing furanyl fentanyl, four long guns and ammunition. In addition, during the execution of a search warrant at the Catlin location on May 18, 2017, law enforcement agents recovered, among other things, materials used by the defendant and Sams to manufacture the pills for distribution. During the conspiracy, Thatcher also possessed several firearms at the Pennsylvania location and his residence in Elmira.
After manufacturing the pills, Sams and Thatcher would distribute them in large quantities to other co-conspirators – including Anthony Prettyman, Jesus Rivera, Terrance Washington, and Dwayne Banks, a/k/a Fizzle, a/k/a Fizz, who would then distribute the pills to various street-level customers in the Elmira area. Sams also supplied pills to an individual in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. As part of the conspiracy, Sams used co-conspirator Anthony Prettyman to transport 5,330 blue pills containing furanyl fentanyl from Elmira to North Carolina in October 2016. On October 25, 2016, in North Carolina, deputies with the Iredell County (NC) Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in which Prettyman was traveling. During a subsequent search, the deputies recovered and seized a paint can with a false bottom containing the 5,330 blue pills from inside Prettyman’s vehicle.
In early 2017, Thatcher arranged for a package of furanyl fentanyl, that he ordered over the dark web, to be sent to co-conspirator Carlito Rios, Jr. On March 13, 2017, Customs and Border Protection officers at the John F. Kennedy International Airport Mail Branch in Queens, NY, examined a United States Postal Service package addressed to co-conspirator Rios at 1015 Oak Street in Elmira. The sender was listed as an entity in China. Upon inspection, the package was found to contain approximately 249 grams of furanyl fentanyl. Sams and Thatcher intended to use the seized furanyl fentanyl to manufacture and distribute additional quantities of the blue pills.
To date, 16 members and associates of the opioid manufacturing and trafficking operation have been convicted of federal narcotics offenses. Seven defendants have been sentenced: Thatcher was sentenced to serve 23 years in federal prison; Thatcher’s girlfriend, Amber Bates, who was convicted of money laundering conspiracy, was sentenced to five years probation to include six months of home detention; Robert J. Elford was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison; Edward Barrett was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison; Dusty Pemberton was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison; Deven Hill was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison; Anthony J. Prettyman was sentenced to serve 125 months in federal prison; Dwayne Banks was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison; and Isaiah McLaurin, who was convicted of witness tampering after threatening an individual working with the Drug Enforcement Administration on Facebook, was sentenced to serve 57 months in federal prison.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Rochester Resident Office and Scranton PA Resident Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the New York State Police, Community Narcotics Enforcement Team Southern Tier, under the direction of Major Mary Clark and Lieutenant Kevin P. Sucher; the Elmira Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Kane; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Pennsylvania State Police, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Lieutenant Colonel Robert Evanchick; the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Christopher J. Moss; the Iredell, NC County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Darren E. Campbell, and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of Director Brian Manaher. Additional assistance was provided by the Northeast Regional Laboratory.
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Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Prison for Distribution of FentanylRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A 30-year-old man was sentenced today to 57 months in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to selling Fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid with the street name “China White,” in North Las Vegas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
Angel Garcia Flores, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute Fentanyl and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan. In addition to the prison term, Flores was sentenced to three years of supervised release following his release from prison.
As part of a drug conspiracy, on January 30, 2018, Flores and others agreed to sell approximately 4,550 grams, or 10 pounds, of Fentanyl for $200,000. The mid-day drug sale took place at a gas station in North Las Vegas while other customers were present. A co-conspirator gave Flores a firearm and was told to watch the other person’s back during the drug transaction.
Co-conspirator Archie Elmer-Lokela Gorai pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 57 months in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI, ATF, and Nevada Gaming Control Board. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Jaroch prosecuted the case.
Fentanyl poses a high risk of death not only to users, but to law enforcement since the drug may be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. A few milligrams, which is equivalent to a few grains of table salt may be deadly. The powerful synthetic opioid is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine and is added to heroin to increase its potency. Many users believe that they are purchasing heroin and actually don’t know that they are purchasing Fentanyl – which often results in overdose deaths.
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Lancaster County Man Pleads Guilty to Burglary of A Pharmacy and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 4, 2019, Henry Morales, age 24, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Susan E. Schwab to conspiracy and burglary of a pharmacy, conspiracy and possession of stolen firearms, and possession of firearms as a convicted felon.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, on January 16, 2018, Morales and his three codefendants broke into the Medicine Shop in Lebanon and stole cough syrup and Viagra. Approximately thirty minutes later, the defendants then broke into the Horseshoe Pike Gunshop in Palmyra by throwing a cinder block through a glass window and stole twelve firearms and an antique firearm.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Lebanon and Palmyra Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Scott R. Ford is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017, as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce crime.
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 penalty for these offenses is 55 years 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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Kings County Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Nancy Lopez Perez, 44, of Lemoore, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Perez obtained and delivered methamphetamine and two assault rifles during an undercover transaction on the side of the road in rural Fresno County. Three additional firearms were seized from Perez’s residence during a follow-up search. As a convicted felon, Perez was prohibited from possessing firearms.
This case was the product of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Kings County Narcotic Task Force. The OCDETF program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar prosecuted the case.
KCK Man Sentenced for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., man who told investigators he had been viewing child pornography online for decades was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephan McAllister said.
David Lehman, 51, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. In his plea, Lehman admitted that an investigator used a peer-to-peer file-sharing program to download child pornography from Lehman’s computer. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children identified more than 6,000 images and 83 videos containing images of victims who investigators previously had identified.
In his plea agreement, Lehman agreed to pay $2,000 in restitution to each of nine identified victims.
McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Flannigan for their work on the case.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Almost Five Years in Prison Under Project EJECT for Carjacking a Woman and ChildRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Derrion Stewart, 20, of Jackson, was sentenced Friday by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to serve 57 months in federal prison, followed by a three years of supervised release, for carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Stewart was also ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to the victim.
On June 27, 2017, Byram Police officers responded to a carjacking at the Little Blessings Childcare Center. Upon arrival, the victim told officers that she and her nine year old son had been carjacked of her vehicle as she prepared to leave work. Onstar was able to locate and disable the vehicle at a gas station in Jackson. Through the investigation, law enforcement officers discovered a cell phone in the vehicle that belonged to one of the carjackers. Analysis of the phone showed that it belonged to Derrion Stewart.
On September 9, 2017, Stewart was indicted for carjacking. On October 17, 2018, he pled guilty to the charge.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Byram Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Huntington Woman Sentenced for Federal Heroin CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman caught selling heroin in April of last year was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Shirley Lacieann Burlile, 27, previously pled guilty to distributing heroin in federal court in Huntington. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Drug Task Force and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department.
“Huntington has been deluged with heroin,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “But in a concentrated effort with law enforcement, we have prosecuted every trafficker we could identify, and we’re seeing progress as a result of our efforts.”
On April 4, 2018, a confidential informant contacted Burlile and another individual to arrange a purchase of heroin. During the telephone call, the informant was directed to come to Burlile’s residence located at 4260 U.S. Route 60, Apartment 7 in Huntington. Shortly after, Burlile and the other individual met with the informant inside the residence and Burlile distributed heroin to the informant.
During the plea hearing, Burlile admitted that, from at least November 2017 to April 2018, she conspired with others to distribute heroin in the Huntington area. Burlile also admitted to conducting another heroin deal on April 11, 2018, in Huntington. Burlile admitted that she was responsible for the distribution of up to 100 grams of heroin during her participation in the conspiracy.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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Gretna Man Charged with StalkingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ALFRED HUMBLES, age 48, was charged Thursday, February 28, 2019 in a one-count indictment with Stalking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2261A(2)(B).
According to the indictment, from November 2018 – January 28, 2019, HUMBLES sent harassing and intimidating texts and emails to a former girlfriend. On November 29, 2018, the former girlfriend sent an email to HUMBLES indicating to him that the relationship was over, to stop having contact with her, that law enforcement had been notified and that she felt that her life was being threatened. On December 11, 2018, HUMBLES sent black roses to her place of employment. Approximately 25 texts and emails are quoted in the indictment. Among them, on January 9, 2019, HUMBLES emailed the victim and stated “I can’t think of one reason why you should be walking around breathing.” On January 15, 2019, HUMBLES emailed the victim and stated “I’m tired of playing…..pick one, either your face gets pistol whipped, house burns...” On January 23, 2019, HUMBLES emailed the victim and stated “…you don’t know what I’m capable of and you’re not untouchable.” On January 25, 2019, HUMBLES emailed the victim and stated “when my pistol is in your mouth…”
If convicted, HUMBLES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of $250,000, three years 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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Greenville Business Owners Convicted by Federal Jury of Mail and Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Jonathan E. Field, age 41, and Shena J. Field, age 40, both of Mauldin, South Carolina, were found guilty of a conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. A federal jury returned guilty verdicts late Friday evening after two hours of deliberation. United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins of Spartanburg received the verdict and will sentence the Fields after receiving and reviewing a Presentence Investigation Report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented at trial showed that the Fields owned and operated the business Reboot LLC, which purports to be a used electronics store. Reboot, however, was an organized fencing operation where shoplifters, many of whom suffered from drug addiction, unloaded their new-in-the-box stolen items for a fraction of the items’ retail value. The Fields posted the stolen items for sale on EBay and sold the items to honest purchasers who were uninformed as to the status of the items.
The evidence showed that the Fields welcomed the shoplifters’ business by not requiring production of sales receipts and implementing a no-questions-asked policy at Reboot. Store records entered into evidence showed that some shoplifters went to Reboot almost every day, and sometimes multiple times per day, to bring stolen goods. The Fields and store employees would also meet the shoplifters after hours at gas stations and other spots to receive the stolen goods. If Reboot oversold an item on EBay, the Fields would instruct selected shoplifters to obtain the item for Reboot so as to avoid bad feedback on the EBay website.
Law enforcement estimates that during the conspiracy period the Fields received hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise. Thirteen co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and admitted their involvement in the Reboot criminal enterprise.
The maximum sentence the Fields face is 20 years in federal prison, a fine of $250,000, and three years of court-ordered supervision.
This case was investigated by the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew B. Moorman, Sr., and Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case.
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Greece Man Sentenced on Heroin ChargeRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jeffrey West, 42, of Greece, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute heroin, was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassie Kocher, who handled the case, stated that on April 19, 2018, members of the Monroe County Heroin Task Force executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home. During the search, officers located a quantity of heroin packaged for sale and a loaded .22 caliber handgun and ammunition.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Heroin Task Force, under the direction of Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division.
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Gaithersburg Sex Offender Indicted on Federal Charges for Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Bruce Ralph Sturtz, age 73, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, for possession and distribution of child pornography. The indictment was returned on February 25, 2019 and unsealed today upon Sturtz’s arrest.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Acting Special Agent in Charge Jennifer L. Moore of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.
According to the indictment, on March 23, 2017, Sturtz allegedly distributed child pornography over the Internet. The indictment also alleges that Sturtz possessed child pornography on October 25, 2017, including an image involving a prepubescent minor. Finally, the indictment includes a special allegation that Sturtz has a prior conviction involving the sexual abuse of a minor, specifically, that on October 6, 2000, Sturtz was convicted of a third-degree sexual offense in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County.
If convicted, Sturtz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to 20 years in prison for possession of child pornography, and a minimum mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to 40 years in prison for distribution of child pornography. Sturtz had his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, and was ordered to be detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Sullivan.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, and the Maryland State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their work in this investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leah B. Grossi and Joseph R. Baldwin, who are prosecuting the federal case.
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Fulton Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years for Transporting 13-Year-Old Victim to Missouri for SexRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A prior sex offender in Fulton, Mo., was sentenced in federal court today after his mother and grandmother transported a 13-year-old child victim from Alabama to engage in illegal sexual activity with him.
Michael James Collins, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Collins to 25 years of supervised release following incarceration.
Collins pleaded guilty on Nov. 26, 2018, to transporting a minor under the age of 14 across state lines with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity and to committing the felony offense while he was under the requirement to register as a sex offender. Collins, who was a resident at the Community Supervision Center in Fulton, was on probation at the time of the offense for a prior felony conviction for sexual misconduct involving a child.
The Callaway County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department received information on Dec. 10, 2017, that a 13-year-old girl from Alabama was missing from her home. A cell phone ping placed the child victim at a residence in Fulton, where she was located and removed.
Collins admitted that he paid his grandmother $400 to go to Alabama to pick up the child victim, whom he met on a dating website in July 2017. Collins’s mother was with his grandmother when the child victim was picked up in Alabama and transported to Missouri. Collins’s grandmother and mother also transported the child victim between the Fulton residence and Collins’s residence at the Community Supervision Center when they were taking Collins back and forth to work. Collins admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the child victim while being transported by his grandmother and mother in their minivan to his place of employment.
Collins and the child victim communicated with each other from July to December 2017 via cell phone, Facebook Messenger and other apps, which was a violation of Collins’s probation. Collins accessed the internet using his cell phone as well as his mother’s cell phone. Collins and the child victim talked about having sex, had telephone sex and engaged in sexual role-playing that is commonly known as “sexting.” Collins’s mother and the child victim also communicated regularly using Facebook Messenger.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by the Callaway County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Fulton, Mo., Police Department, the FBI, the Callaway County, Mo., Prosecutor’s Office and the Callaway County Children’s Division.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."Former Navy Sailor Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Trafficking FirearmsRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A former U.S. Navy sailor was sentenced today to two and a half years in prison for trafficking at least 60 firearms, including several firearms that ended up in the hands of prohibited persons.
“Pino used his military discount to illegally traffick at least 60 firearms,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This case is a prime example of our conscious effort to aggressively pursue this criminal conduct which puts illegally straw purchased firearms into the hands of prohibited persons. Together with our law enforcement partners we remain committed to our mission of public safety and will continue to aggressively pursue those who choose to endanger the safety of the communities we serve.”
According to court documents, Julio Fernando Pino, 26, used his military discount to purchase and resell firearms at a profit without a federal license to do so. From November 2015 to January 2017, Pino purchased at least 60 firearms and resold at least 23 firearms at a profit, despite being told by ATF agents multiple times to stop selling these firearms. Several of the firearms fell into the hands of prohibited persons, such as felon gang members and juveniles, and were later linked to violent crimes.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. Assistant U.S. Attorney William B. Jackson prosecuted 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. 2:17-cr-70.
Former Madison Resident Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that THERESA FOREMAN, 57, of St. Cloud, Florida, formerly of Madison, Connecticut, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Foreman operated Equinox Home Care, LLC, a home healthcare staffing agency based in Stratford, Connecticut. Beginning as early as 2012, Foreman took money out of the company by depositing or cashing, and causing to be deposited or cashed, checks written to individuals who did not actually work for Equinox Home Care. Between May 2012 and December 2013, approximately $413,000 in payroll checks to these “ghost employees” were deposited into accounts controlled by Foreman’s brother. During the same period, approximately $465,000 was withdrawn from the accounts in cash, cash back from deposits, or checks payable to Foreman. Foreman also had employees cash company checks and return the funds to her, and she cashed or caused to be cashed mileage reimbursement checks made out to other individuals and used the funds for her own benefit.
The investigation also revealed that between August 2014 and November 2015, Foreman made or caused to be made 101 cash deposits totaling $580,580 to a bank account in a family member’s name.
Foreman failed to report the amounts that she received through this scheme on her federal tax returns for 2012, 2013, and 2014. Foreman also owed tax for the 2010 and 2011 tax years and, on a statement submitted to the IRS, provided false information about her income and assets. In pleading guilty, Foreman agreed that her conduct for the 2010 through 2014 tax years has resulted in a loss of $712,445.71 to the Internal Revenue Service.
When she is sentenced, Foreman faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine and an order of restitution. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Foreman is a released on a $10,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter S. Jongbloed and Jennifer R. Laraia.
Former Erie Resident Pleads Guilty in Project Safe Childhood CaseRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. - A former resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal laws relating to the sexual exploitation of children, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Terry Chase White, 51, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that White received computer images and movies depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for July 15, 2019 at 12:45 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of White.
Former Cisco Systems Employee ArrestedRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Prithviraj R. Bhikha, a former employee of Cisco Systems, Inc. (Cisco), was charged in a criminal complaint with wire fraud, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The criminal complaint was unsealed today following Bhikha’s arrest on Friday, March 1, 2019, at the San Francisco International Airport.
According to an affidavit filed by a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bhikha, 50, of San Francisco, was employed until mid-2017 by Cisco as a director in its global supply unit in San Jose, Calif. That unit was in charge of working with suppliers and vendors to obtain parts for Cisco products. In or about 2013, Bhikha is alleged to have begun advocating within Cisco for the approval of a new project, of which he would be in charge, the goal of which was for Cisco to retain third-party vendors to negotiate savings with manufacturers on small parts used in Cisco products. The complaint affidavit alleges that Bhikha devised, participated in, and executed a scheme to defraud Cisco by establishing overseas business entities, then directing and approving Cisco contracts to these entities pursuant to the aforementioned project, and failing to disclose his ownership interest in the overseas entities. The affidavit alleges that Cisco wired approximately $6.5 million to one of these entities and approximately $2.8 million to another. The affidavit also alleges more than $8.5 million was wired from bank accounts associated with these two overseas entities to U.S. bank accounts either controlled jointly by Bhikha and his wife or by his wife alone.
The complaint affidavit also alleges that, when Cisco employees became suspicious regarding one of Bhikha’s overseas entities in 2016, Bhikha and another Cisco employee worked together to create documentation to send to Cisco employees regarding that company. The other Cisco employee is also alleged to have asked a third party to pose as the CEO of the overseas entity in a meeting with Cisco employees in July 2016. Bhikha is charged with one count of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343.
Bhikha made his initial appearance this morning in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero. Magistrate Judge Spero released Bhikha on a $3,000,000 bond and scheduled his next court appearance for March 18, 2019, for preliminary hearing or arraignment.
A criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted on the charge in the criminal complaint, the defendant would face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution if appropriate. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court 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. Attorney Kyle Waldinger is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Rosario Calderon and Bridget Kilkenny. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Former Callaway County Collector Sentenced for Stealing Nearly $300,000Read the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The former Callaway County Collector was sentenced in federal court today for embezzling nearly $300,000 from Callaway County taxpayers.
Pamela J. Oestreich, 60, of Fulton, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to two years and six months in federal prison without parole. Oestreich was immediately taken into custody at the conclusion of today’s sentencing hearing to begin serving her sentence.
The court also ordered Oestreich to pay $379,588 in restitution to the county, which includes approximately $280,000 in direct damages and $99,588 in indirect damages (such as audit expenses) resulting from her theft. In a memorandum to the court, the government recommends that, if Oestreich is unable to pay the full restitution within 30 days, the court should order her to turn over her half-interest in the sale of her home (which she owns outright with her husband), to pay 25 percent of her monthly pension benefits from the County Employees’ Retirement Fund, and to liquidate one of cars she owns with her husband as well as her part-interest in a residence she owns with her siblings.
On Sept. 24, 2018, Oestreich pleaded guilty to stealing from an organization that receives federal funds.
Oestreich, who was elected as the Callaway County Collector in November 2002, admitted that she disbursed taxpayer funds for her personal use on 103 occasions beginning in September 2015. Oestreich deposited taxpayer funds directly into her personal bank account. Oestreich also moved taxpayer funds between Callaway County bank accounts to conceal her theft of cash deposits made by taxpayers at the Callaway County Courthouse. The total amount embezzled by Oestreich from Callaway County taxpayers was $299,387.
Oestreich resigned from her office on March 15, 2018, when confronted by the Callaway County Sheriff and FBI agents.
During the course of her theft of public money, Oestreich made payments totaling $19,430 from her personal bank account into Callaway County Collector accounts to hide her theft, which reduced the amount of restitution ordered by the court.
This case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Callaway County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.