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12 April 2019
Armored Car Employee and Two Co-Defendants Plead Guilty to Theft of over $500,000 from Armored Car on Long IslandRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Alexis Laguerra and Raymond Soto, Sr. pleaded guilty to bank larceny involving the theft of an armored car and over $500,000 from the car on November 2, 2018 in Valley Stream. Laguerra was an employee of GardaWorld, the owner of the armored car. Today’s pleas took place before United States Magistrate Judge Anne Y. Shields. An additional defendant, Raymond Soto, Jr., pleaded guilty on March 18, 2019 to bank larceny.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), announced the guilty pleas.
As admitted at the plea proceedings, Laguerra used his insider’s knowledge of GardaWorld to plot and carry out the theft. Laguerra was the assigned GardaWorld driver of the armored car for the overnight shift, and left it unoccupied and unguarded outside a bank. Soto Jr. then arrived, entered the armored car, and drove it a short distance from the bank. He then removed three bags of cash, totaling $510,000, from the armored car. Soto Sr., driving the getaway car, picked up Soto Jr. and the cash, and together they fled the scene. Law enforcement recovered $130,000 of the stolen money from Soto Sr.’s home.
“This inside job will now land these three defendants inside prison for long enough for them to realize, over and over, what a stupid idea this was,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “We commend the Nassau County Police Department and the FBI for quickly solving this crime and demonstrating, once again, that crime doesn’t pay.”
When sentenced, all three defendants face up to 10 years in prison, as well as forfeiture of $300,000, restitution of $510,000, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Charles P. Kelly and Madeline O’Connor are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
ALEXIS LAGUERRA
Age: 30
Brooklyn, New YorkRAYMOND SOTO, SR. (also known as “Razor”)
Age: 48
Richmond Hill, QueensRAYMOND SOTO, JR. (also known as “Rambo”)
Age: 30
Richmond Hill, QueensE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-678 (SJF)
Alleged Non-compliant Sex Offenders Indicted on Charges of Failure to Register; Update RegistrationRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – Two east central Illinois men have trial dates set after indictments were returned by the grand jury charging them in separate, unrelated cases with violation of the Sex Offender Notification and Registration Act (SORNA.)
Dallas Eugene Clement, 57, of Westlake, La., but living on the 1800 block of Lafayette St. in Mattoon, Ill. and Matthew R. Poulin, 33, of the 600 block of W. Healey Street in Champaign, Ill. were each charged with failure to update their respective sex offender registration.
A trial date of June 10, 2019 has been scheduled for Clement, who appeared in federal court today for arraignment. The indictment charging Clement alleges that from Dec. 1, 2018 through March 2, 2019, Clement, a convicted sex offender from the State of Louisiana, failed to update his registration. Clement was arrested on March 4, 2019, and charged in a criminal complaint. The affidavit filed in support of the complaint alleges that Clement had not updated his registration for two years and was traveling as a carnival worker. During a court appearance on March 11, 2019, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric I. Long, in Urbana, Clement waived detention hearing and was ordered to remain detained in U.S. Marshals Service custody.
A trial date of June 3, 2019, has been scheduled for Poulin, who appeared for arraignment on April 4, 2019. The indictment charging Poulin alleges that from Dec. 10, 2018 through January 11, 2019, Poulin, a convicted federal sex offender, failed to register and update his registration. Poulin was arrested on April 2, 2019. Poulin was ordered to remain detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
If convicted, the statutory penalty for the offense of failure to register is up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly M. Peirson and are the result of investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service. The Springfield Police Department assisted in the investigation of Poulin.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
ATF Director Thomas Brandon Visits Huntsville, ALRead the Press Release
Huntsville --- Yesterday, ATF Director Thomas Brandon visited Huntsville, AL for the grand opening the National Integrated Ballistics Information (NIBIN) National Correlation and Training Center. Having this facility in the Northern District of Alabama is representative of the growth and capabilities in Huntsville, and the impressive advancement that law enforcement has made in order to stay ahead of criminal threats to the public.
The Grand Opening was attended by ATF Director Tom Brandon, several members of his leadership team, USA Louis Franklin (MDAL), USA Zach Terwilliger (EDVA), USA Jeff Jensen (EDMO), ATF ASAC David Hyche, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-5), Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison County District Attorney Rob Broussard, Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner, Huntsville Police Chief Mark McMurray, members of the National Crime Gun Intelligence Governing Board, and many other dignitaries and members of law enforcement.
National Integrated Ballistics Information Network, or NIBIN, is a national database of digital images of spent bullets, shell casings, and cartridge cases that were found at crime scenes or test-fired from confiscated weapons. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) manages the system and provides the equipment to crime labs around the country. There are NIBIN machines in many areas in Alabama, to include Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery and are being considered in several other cities.
“The NIBIN system is DNA for ballistics. The NIBIN National Correlation & Training Center is where we test that ballistic DNA,” U.S. Attorney Jay Town said. “The ability to take a shell casing from a crime scene in California and match it with shell casings found in Birmingham or Huntsville is next generation crime intelligence. This ATF-driven technology is bad for bad guys. More shooters will be captured. More shooters will go to federal prison. And as a result, more justice for victims and more neighborhoods will be returned to their rightful owners…the law abiding citizens who have lived there for too long behind locked doors.”
11 April 2019
WikiLeaks Founder Charged in Computer Hacking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Julian P. Assange, 47, the founder of WikiLeaks, was arrested today in the United Kingdom pursuant to the U.S./UK Extradition Treaty, in connection with a federal charge of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion for agreeing to break a password to a classified U.S. government computer.
According to court documents unsealed today, the charge relates to Assange’s alleged role in one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of the United States.
The indictment alleges that in March 2010, Assange engaged in a conspiracy with Chelsea Manning, a former intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army, to assist Manning in cracking a password stored on U.S. Department of Defense computers connected to the Secret Internet Protocol Network (SIPRNet), a U.S. government network used for classified documents and communications. Manning, who had access to the computers in connection with her duties as an intelligence analyst, was using the computers to download classified records to transmit to WikiLeaks. Cracking the password would have allowed Manning to log on to the computers under a username that did not belong to her. Such a deceptive measure would have made it more difficult for investigators to determine the source of the illegal disclosures.
During the conspiracy, Manning and Assange engaged in real-time discussions regarding Manning’s transmission of classified records to Assange. The discussions also reflect Assange actively encouraging Manning to provide more information. During an exchange, Manning told Assange that “after this upload, that’s all I really have got left.” To which Assange replied, “curious eyes never run dry in my experience.”
Assange is charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusion and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison if convicted. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger for the Eastern District of Virginia and Assistant Director in Charge Nancy McNamara of the FBI’s Washington Field Office made the announcement after the charges were unsealed. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kellen S. Dwyer, Thomas W. Traxler and Gordon D. Kromberg, and Trial Attorneys Matthew R. Walczewski and Nicholas O. Hunter of the Justice Department’s National Security Division are prosecuting the case.
The extradition will be handled by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
WikiLeaks Founder Charged in Computer Hacking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Julian P. Assange, 47, the founder of WikiLeaks, was arrested today in the United Kingdom pursuant to the U.S./UK Extradition Treaty, in connection with a federal charge of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion for agreeing to break a password to a classified U.S. government computer.
According to court documents unsealed today, the charge relates to Assange’s alleged role in one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of the United States.
The indictment alleges that in March 2010, Assange engaged in a conspiracy with Chelsea Manning, a former intelligence analyst in the U.S. Army, to assist Manning in cracking a password stored on U.S. Department of Defense computers connected to the Secret Internet Protocol Network (SIPRNet), a U.S. government network used for classified documents and communications. Manning, who had access to the computers in connection with her duties as an intelligence analyst, was using the computers to download classified records to transmit to WikiLeaks. Cracking the password would have allowed Manning to log on to the computers under a username that did not belong to her. Such a deceptive measure would have made it more difficult for investigators to determine the source of the illegal disclosures.
During the conspiracy, Manning and Assange engaged in real-time discussions regarding Manning’s transmission of classified records to Assange. The discussions also reflect Assange actively encouraging Manning to provide more information. During an exchange, Manning told Assange that “after this upload, that’s all I really have got left.” To which Assange replied, “curious eyes never run dry in my experience.”
Assange is charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusion and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, and Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, made the announcement after the charges were unsealed. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Doherty-McCormick, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kellen S. Dwyer, Thomas W. Traxler and Gordon D. Kromberg, and Trial Attorneys Matthew R. Walczewski and Nicholas O. Hunter of the Justice Department’s National Security Division are prosecuting the case.
The extradition will be handled by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-111.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Washington-Based Lawyer Indicted on Charge of Making False Statements to the Department of JusticeRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury today returned an indictment charging Gregory B. Craig, a Washington-based lawyer, with making false statements and concealing material information about his activities on behalf of Ukraine from the Department of Justice, National Security Division’s Foreign Agents Registration Act Unit (FARA Unit).
The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia, and Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney, Jr. of the FBI’s New York Field Office.
Craig, 74, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for willfully falsifying and concealing material facts from the FARA Unit, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(1), and for making false and misleading statements to the FARA Unit, in violation Title 22, United States Code, Section 618(a)(2).
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
The maximum penalties for the charged offenses are, respectively, five years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, and five years’ imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. The maximum statutory sentence for federal offenses is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. The sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Craig is to be arraigned at a date to be scheduled by the Court.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s New York Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fernando Campoamor-Sanchez and Molly Gaston of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Jason McCullough of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
Washington-Based Lawyer Indicted on Charge of Making False Statements to the Department of JusticeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury today returned an indictment charging Gregory B. Craig, a Washington-based lawyer, with making false statements and concealing material information about his activities on behalf of Ukraine from the Department of Justice, National Security Division’s Foreign Agents Registration Act Unit (FARA Unit).
The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia, and Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney, Jr. of the FBI’s New York Field Office.
Craig, 74, of Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for willfully falsifying and concealing material facts from the FARA Unit, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(1), and for making false and misleading statements to the FARA Unit, in violation Title 22, United States Code, Section 618(a)(2).
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of criminal laws and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
The maximum penalties for the charged offenses are, respectively, five years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, and five years’ imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. The maximum statutory sentence for federal offenses is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. The sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Craig is to be arraigned at a date to be scheduled by the Court.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s New York Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fernando Campoamor-Sanchez and Molly Gaston of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Jason McCullough of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
Volusia County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Program FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Thomas A. Calderon (49, Deltona) to a year in federal prison for making a materially false statement to the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (“RRB”) concerning his eligibility for disability benefits. As part of his sentence, Calderon was also ordered to pay $168,950.70 in restitution.
Calderon had pleaded guilty on January 11, 2019.
According to court documents, in 2012, Calderon applied for and obtained disability retirement benefits. In his application, Calderon indicated that he was unemployed and acknowledged that he must notify the RRB immediately should he work for any employer or perform any self-employment work. On July 14, 2017, Calderon signed and submitted to the RRB a Continuing Disability Update Report in which he indicated that since January 1, 2015, he had not worked anywhere and had not been self-employed. In fact, from 2012 through 2017, Calderon owned and operated the Sports Den Bar in Orange City, Florida.
“The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Inspector General is committed to fighting fraud, waste and abuse,” said Inspector General Martin J. Dickman. “The case sends a loud and clear message that combating disability fraud is a top priority and abuse of RRB programs will not be tolerated.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board - Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt.
United States Attorney’s Office Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorneys’ offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys’ offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance is taking place April 7-13, with the theme: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.
“Victims of crime deserve justice. This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute, and convict those who have done them harm,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways. This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them, and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured."
“We must never forget one of the primary reasons we do this job – to seek justice for victims and their families. This week, we are honoring not only heroic victims who have stood up against those whom have harmed them, but also victim advocates and law enforcement professionals who make sure that our laws are enforced and our victims are protected. Our goal is to keep victims, their advocates, and law enforcement professionals at the forefront of our minds as we do the work of seeking justice for all,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
U.S. Attorney Hurst presented the following awards during yesterday’s Crime Victims Service Awards Ceremony:
Victim Assistance Award – Federal Law Enforcement:
Molly Blythe, Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
This award recognizes a federal law enforcement agent who consistently displays top-quality investigative skills and sensitivity to the rights and needs of victims. Special Agent Blythe has demonstrated unwavering persistence and dependability during all phases of investigation and prosecution of cases involving victims of crime. Agent Blyth recently investigated a local human trafficker and provided untiring support to a victim in that case, resulting in the conviction and 32 year sentence of the defendant for this insidious crime.
Victim Assistance Award – State Law Enforcement:
Dan Ratliff, Mississippi Gaming Commission and FBI Task Force Officer
This award recognizes a member of state or local law enforcement that exhibits professionalism and superior service and sensitivity to victims. Task Force Officer Ratliff has been steadfast in his efforts to restore the sense of security and trust to victims, while vigorously pursuing justice. Officer Ratliff demonstrated unwavering persistence in the investigation of a local carjacking case that occurred within the City of Jackson and his continual support of the victim in that case.
Victim Assistance Award – Local Law Enforcement:
Kevin Payne, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
Mr. Payne has been designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in this office prosecuting criminal cases that occur on the tribal lands of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Mr. Payne consistently demonstrates steadfast persistence and dependability during the prosecution of cases involving victims of crime.
Victim Bravery Award:
“Tori”
Tori was a victim of human trafficking. This award recognizes a crime victim who has shown extraordinary strength and courage. Through her brave actions, Tori helped to achieve justice in the trial of her oppressor, and she continues to help other victims of human trafficking.
Crime Victim Assistance and Service Legacy Award:
Michelle Rhodes, Rankin County Youth Court
This award recognizes Mrs. Rhodes for her courageous efforts resulting in the rescue of a human trafficking victim. She is a dedicated crime victims’ advocate who works to help victims overcome obstacles and improve their lives. Mrs. Rhodes recently assisted in the prosecution of a local human trafficker.
Crime Victim Steadfast Award:
Tammy Thomas, mother of murder victim
This award recognizes Mrs. Thomas for her determination to bring justice to the defendant that took the life of her daughter. Mrs. Thomas is commended for her persistence, determination, and tireless pursuit of justice.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Honors Crime Victims and Survivors at Event Marking National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and the Victim Witness Assistance Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia paid tribute today with a Moment of Silence at a ceremony honoring crime victims and survivors for their remarkable courage, determination and sacrifice.
At mid-afternoon, U.S. Attorney Liu, Principal Assistant U.S. Attorney Alessio D. Evangelista, and dozens of attorneys, victim advocates and support personnel gathered outside the office for a Moment of Silence, followed by the reading of first names of 61 victims and survivors whose experiences inspired all those seeking justice.
The event was timed with the annual observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s national theme, “Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future,” celebrates the progress made over the decades and looks to a future of crime victim services that are even more inclusive, accessible, and trauma-informed.
“We gathered this afternoon to take a brief moment out of our busy day to honor the crime victims and survivors we work so hard to serve,” said U.S. Attorney Liu. “Those of us who work for our Office come to this building most days with some sense of anticipation, commitment or even pride. Yet for crime victims, this building is the last place they want to be – and we hope that the work that we do helps these victims get through the worst of days. For crime victims, this process has never been easy. But the passage of crime victims’ rights legislation has given victims a powerful voice and mandated that they are not forgotten as the case jackets pile up on our desks. So it is fitting that we step away from our desks today – as we do every April – to take a moment to recognize the victims and survivors who inspire and motivate us. “
Today’s event was developed and organized by the Victim Witness Assistance Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Members of the Unit provide essential services and support to victims and witnesses, such as making referrals for counseling and other services, addressing safety concerns, arranging travel, and accompanying victims to court proceedings. The Unit also notifies victims of their rights and provides information regarding significant case events, such as the filing of charges, plea hearings, trials and sentencing hearings.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime. The Justice Department will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 12, 2019, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.
“Victims of crime deserve justice. This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute, and convict those who have done them harm,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways. This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them, and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured.”
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.
Additional information about the Victim Witness Assistance Unit is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/victim-witness-assistance-unit
U.S. Attorney's Office Observes National Crime Victims' Rights Week by Recognizing Victims and Those Who Advocate for VictimsRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051
BUFFALO, NY--In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 7-13, 2019, U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. today recognized victims of crime and an organization that works tirelessly to assist those who are victimized. Honored today were:
• PATH (People Against Trafficking Humans) is a faith-based not-for-profit organization in WNY with a mission to end human trafficking through education, prevention, and restoration. PATH operates an Enrichment Center located in the City of Buffalo which offers therapeutic support services for women and children who are vulnerable, at risk or have been exploited through sex or labor trafficking. In addition, PATH is an active members of the Federal Human Trafficking Task Force.
• Barbara and Sigmund Szymanski have shown exceptional perseverance and determination as they deal with the tragic loss of their son who was the victim of a violent crime. Daniel “DJ” Szymanski was murdered on September 6, 2014, by Kingsmen Motorcycle Club member Andre Jenkins, at the direction of KMC National President David Pirk. Jenkins and Pirk were sentenced to serve life in prison for their convictions on RICO conspiracy.
• Also honored was the mother of a young woman lost to the opioid epidemic. She also has shown incredible resolve and persistence as she deals with the devastating overdose death of her daughter. Defendant Dontrell Wise who sold the fentanyl which led to the death of her daughter was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
“Victims of crime deserve justice. This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute, and convict those who have done them harm,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways. This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them, and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured.”
“At today’s ceremony, we honor victims of three of the threats which we here at the US Attorney’s Office work tirelessly to combat each and every day—violent crime, the opioid crisis, and human trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “My message to the criminals who victimize others in our community by taking the lives of our loved ones is simple. If you take the life of another, then be prepared to give up you own. If you don’t believe me when I say that, then just ask Mr. Wise, Mr. Jenkins, and Mr. Pirk whether we mean it. Each of them took the life of another. Each of them will spend the rest of their life in jail.”
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorneys’ offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys’ offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s theme is: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers.
More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Program at 716-843-5700.
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Two Romanian Cybercriminals Convicted of All 21 Counts Relating to Infecting over 400,000 Victim Computers with Malware and Stealing Millions of DollarsRead the Press Release
A federal jury today convicted two Bucharest, Romania, residents of 21 counts related to their scheme to infect victim computers with malware in order to steal credit card and other information to sell on dark market websites, mine cryptocurrency and engage in online auction fraud, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio.
Bogdan Nicolescu, 36, and Radu Miclaus, 37, were convicted after a 12-day trial of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit service marks, aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit money laundering and 12 counts each of wire fraud. Sentencing has been set for Aug. 14, 2019 before Chief Judge Patricia A. Gaughan of the Northern District of Ohio.
According to testimony at trial and court documents, Nicolescu, Miclaus, and a co-conspirator who pleaded guilty, collectively operated a criminal conspiracy from Bucharest, Romania. It began in 2007 with the development of proprietary malware, which they disseminated through malicious emails purporting to be legitimate from such entities as Western Union, Norton AntiVirus and the IRS. When recipients clicked on an attached file, the malware was surreptitiously installed onto their computer.
This malware harvested email addresses from the infected computer, such as from contact lists or email accounts, and then sent malicious emails to these harvested email addresses. The defendants infected and controlled more than 400,000 individual computers, primarily in the United States.
Controlling these computers allowed the defendants to harvest personal information, such as credit card information, user names and passwords. They disabled victims’ malware protection and blocked the victims’ access to websites associated with law enforcement.
Controlling the computers also allowed the defendants to use the processing power of the computer to solve complex algorithms for the financial benefit of the group, a process known as cryptocurrency mining.
The defendants used stolen email credentials to copy a victim’s email contacts. They also activated files that forced infected computers to register email accounts with AOL. The defendants registered more than 100,000 email accounts using this method. They then sent malicious emails from these addresses to the compromised contact lists. Through this method, they sent tens of millions of malicious emails.
When victims with infected computers visited websites such as Facebook, PayPal, eBay or others, the defendants would intercept the request and redirect the computer to a nearly identical website they had created. The defendants would then steal account credentials. They used the stolen credit card information to fund their criminal infrastructure, including renting server space, registering domain names using fictitious identities and paying for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) which further concealed their identities.
The defendants were also able to inject fake pages into legitimate websites, such as eBay, to make victims believe they were receiving and following instructions from legitimate websites, when they were actually following the instructions of the defendants.
They placed more than 1,000 fraudulent listings for automobiles, motorcycles and other high-priced goods on eBay and similar auction sites. Photos of the items were infected with malware, which redirected computers that clicked on the image to fictitious webpages designed by the defendants to resemble legitimate eBay pages.
These fictitious webpages prompted users to pay for their goods through a nonexistent “eBay Escrow Agent” who was simply a person hired by the defendants. Users paid for the goods to the fraudulent escrow agents, who in turn wired the money to others in Eastern Europe, who in turn gave it to the defendants. The payers/victims never received the items and never got their money back.
This resulted in a loss of millions of dollars.
The Bayrob group laundered this money by hiring “money transfer agents” and created fictitious companies with fraudulent websites designed to give the impression they were actual businesses engaged in legitimate financial transactions. Money stolen from victims was wired to these fraudulent companies and then in turn wired to Western Union or Money Gram offices in Romania. European “money mules” used fake identity documents to collect the money and deliver it to the defendants.
The FBI investigated the case, with assistance from the Romanian National Police. Senior Counsel Brian Levine of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Duncan T. Brown and Brian McDonough of the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted the case. The Office of International Affairs also provided assistance in this case.
Two Local Men Get a Combined 46+ Years in Separate, but Similar Child Pornography CasesRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Two Corpus Christi men have received significant sentences for sexual exploitation crimes that involved the use of social media, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Jesus Ramirez Jr., 27, and Julio Cesar Diaz, 31, pleaded guilty in September and January 2018, respectively, to production of child pornography in separate, but similar cases. Diaz also admitted to online solicitation of a minor.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack sentenced Ramirez to 280 months in federal prison. Additional information was also presented today demonstrating how Ramirez had been involved in soliciting at least five minor females online, posing as a much younger male named “Justin.” In handing down the sentence, the court noted need to protect the public and the unlikelihood that a pedophile such as he would ever stop being a danger. Ramirez will serve the rest of his life on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet.
At a hearing yesterday, Judge Jack ordered Diaz to serve a total of 276 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by a life term of supervised release. At his hearing, additional information was presented detailing the number of victims and acts against them. The court also heard that Diaz was arrested after arriving at a predetermined location to have sex with a minor victim. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the need to protect the public.
Both men will also be ordered to register as sex offenders.
Ramirez admitted he had been using a false identity online to persuade and ultimately coerce minors to create and send nude and sexually graphic photos and videos of themselves to him. Each of the minors reported receiving disturbing messages from Ramirez. In them, Ramirez claimed to have created images that appeared to be naked pictures of them using photos found on their various social media accounts combined with pornographic photos. He threatened to send the created photos to the their friends and classmates.
While there was no evidence he had met any of the victims in person, law enforcement did recover evidence that he intended to do so using false and misleading information and messages.
Diaz admitted he had been using social media and a false name to meet minor females in and around Corpus Christi, grooming them via phone calls and chats. After a brief time, Diaz would request nude and sexually explicit images of the children and ultimately met some of the minors to engage in sexual activity.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Corpus Christi Police Department’s – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted both investigations with the assistance of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany L. Jensen is prosecuting the case, which 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."
Two Individuals Indicted in April 2019 Federal Grand JuryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office announced today the results of the April 2019 Federal Grand Jury.
The following named individuals have been charged with a federal crime or crimes by the return of an indictment by the Grand Jury. A grand jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt. A grand jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. United States Sentencing Guidelines may be considered, upon conviction, by the sentencing court. Federal prison sentences are non-parolable.
WINFORD LAMONT HENLEY, age 45, of Roff, Oklahoma
Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine
Possession Of Firearm In Furtherance Of Drug Trafficking Crime
Felon In Possession Of FirearmThe Indictment alleges that on or about February 12, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly and intentionally possess with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841 (b)(1)(C), punishable by not more than 20 imprisonment, a fine up to $1,000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment further alleges that on or about February 12, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma the defendant, did knowingly possess a firearm, to wit: one (1) North American Mfg (DBA North American Arms), Model NAA-22LR, .22 caliber revolver, serial number L066420, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime for which he may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, that is, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, as alleged in Count One, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). punishable by not less than 5 years to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment further alleges that on or about February 12, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, to wit: one (1) North American Mfg (DBA North American Arms), Model NAA-22LR, .22 caliber revolver, serial number L066420, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Eufaula Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris
JORDAN BRADLEY BROWN, age 30, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine
Possession Of Firearm In Furtherance Of Drug Trafficking Crime
Felon In Possession Of Firearm (2 Counts)The Indictment alleges that on or about February 27, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, defendant did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), punishable by not less than 5 and not more than 40 years imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000,000.00, or both.
The Indictment further alleges that on or about February 27, 2019, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime for which he may be prosecuted in a court of the United States, that is, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine as alleged in Count One, punishable by not less than 5 years to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment further alleges that on or about February 27, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment further alleges that on or about February 27, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess in and affecting commerce, a firearm, to-wit: One (1) Bryco Arm Jennings Nine 9mm semi-automatic pistol Serial #1086803; which had been shipped and transported in interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant United States Attorney Rob Wallace
Two Cortland County Residents Arrested on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Christopher M. Perry, age 35, and Sarah R. Gates, age 38, of Cortland, New York, were charged today with sexual exploitation of a child, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Kevin M. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
A federal criminal complaint filed today charges that beginning in 2017, Perry and Gates engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a child who was born in 2014, for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct. The charge filed against Perry and Gates carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, and registration as a sex offender. 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.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The defendants appeared today before United States Magistrate Judge Andrew T. Baxter in Syracuse, New York, who ordered that they be detained in federal custody pending resolution of their cases.
The investigation is ongoing, and the City of Cortland Police Department requests anyone who may have information to call 607-758-8303.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the City of Cortland Police Department, and the New York State Police-Computer Crimes Unit are conducting the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sahar L. Amandolare, as a part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Two Charleston Men Sentenced to Prison for Roles in Federal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that two Charleston men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a methamphetamine conspiracy in 2017. Michael Ginther and Travis Thomas were sentenced to 72 and 87 months in prison, respectively.
“Yet another network of meth traffickers dismantled,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We’re taking down drug dealers and putting them behind bars for lengthy prison stays. Excellent work by my team and our law enforcement partners.”
The investigation involved numerous controlled purchases of methamphetamine from the defendants involved in the conspiracy between June 2017 and September 2017. Three other members of the conspiracy were sentenced to prison last week. Melody Legg was sentenced to 120 months, Timothy Boggs to 24 months, and William Naylor to 36 months.
This investigation was the result of a joint effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department STOP Team. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecutions. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentences.
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Tulsa Man Indicted for Threatening to “…kill a bunch of people downtown” Makes Initial AppearanceRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A man, who allegedly made threats via Facebook Messenger to “shoot and kill a bunch of people downtown…” made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court today, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. The threats were made by Hill and investigated by law enforcement in August 2018.
In March 2019, a federal grand jury indicted Jared Lorenzo Hill, 35, of Tulsa, for Interstate Communication of a Threat. The indictment was unsealed today.
“Using social media to threaten a mass shooting is not exercising free speech, it’s committing a federal crime. I am thankful that citizens who saw the defendant’s alleged threats immediately brought them to the attention of law enforcement authorities who acted swiftly and decisively,” said U.S. Attorney Shores. “I encourage all citizens to take seriously and report threats of violence, including those posted on social media. If you see something, say something. You might very well be saving lives.”
If convicted, Hill faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI and Tulsa Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert T. Raley is prosecuting the case. AUSA Raley is the National Security Anti-Terrorism (ATAC) Prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Oklahoma.
The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Trial Ends in Conviction of Enid Man on Methamphetamine and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JERRY JAMES KENDALL RITCHIE, 32, of Enid, has been convicted after a two-day jury trial of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and two counts of illegal possession of a firearm, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
An indictment filed on November 13, 2018, charged Ritchie with possession of 13.9 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Beginning on April 9, 2019, a jury heard evidence that Enid Police Department officers stopped a Buick SUV driven by Ritchie on October 19, 2018, at approximately 7:06 p.m. for a traffic violation. When officers apprehended Ritchie after he fled on foot, he refused to place his hands in the air and was pulled to the ground and handcuffed while yelling and cursing. Officers ultimately discovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol in the SUV, along with bags with a white substance that tested positive for methamphetamine and two digital scales. Ritchie is alleged to be a member of the Universal Aryan Brotherhood.
Jurors returned unanimous guilty verdicts on all three counts earlier today.
U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk will sentence Ritchie in approximately 90 days. For the conviction on the drug count, Ritchie could be imprisoned up to twenty years, be fined up to $1,000,000, and be subject to three years of supervised release. He could be imprisoned for ten years and face up to three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Additionally, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking carries a mandatory term of five years of imprisonment beyond any other sentence and three years of supervised release. If, however, the court determines Ritchie qualifies as an armed career criminal, he would be subject to a mandatory prison term of fifteen years and a maximum of life.
The charges against Ritchie are the result of an investigation by the Enid Police Department, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office for Garfield County. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas J. Patterson and Wilson D. McGarry, this case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. In October 2017, the Department announced the reinvigoration of Project Safe Neighborhoods and directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop crime-reduction strategies that incorporate lessons federal law enforcement has learned since the program’s launch in 2001.
Reference is made to public filings for further information.
Three Men Convicted of Running Sex Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Three men were found guilty by a federal jury of sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, made the announcement.
The verdict was accepted by U.S. District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Dkyle Jamal Bridges, 33, of Claymont, Delaware, and Kristian Jones, 25, and Anthony Jones, 35, both of Wilmington, Delaware, were each found guilty of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and of minors, as well as sex trafficking three minors by force, fraud or coercion, on April 10 after a three-week jury trial. Bridges was also convicted of sex trafficking two adults by force, fraud or coercion.
According to evidence presented at trial, from 2012 through September 2017, Bridges, Kristian Jones and Anthony Jones ran a prostitution enterprise in which adult and minor females were sex trafficked throughout the mid-Atlantic region, including Pennsylvania and Delaware. Bridges frequently used violence and threats to cause the victims to engage in commercial sex acts. Kristian and Anthony Jones helped Bridges run the enterprise by providing security and reserving hotel rooms. The investigation began when a local police officer rescued two minors who had been advertised for prostitution on Backpage.com. Additional victims were identified by local law enforcement after being advertised for prostitution on Backpage.com.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Tinicum Township Police Department; Newark, Delaware Police Department; Delaware State Police; Philadelphia Police Department; Delaware River & Bay Authority and Wilmington Police Department. Trial Attorney Jessica L. Urban of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Priya T. De Souza and Seth M. Schlessinger of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Terwilliger Joins ATF’s National Crime Gun Intelligence BoardRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – United States Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger has joined law enforcement leaders from around the country at the ATF’s National Crime Gun Intelligence Governing Board meeting in Huntsville, Alabama. (Click here for tweet and photo)
“It is an honor to join such an accomplished group of law enforcement officials in pursuit of reducing firearms violence,” said Terwilliger. “Already here in the Eastern District we have seen the benefits of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, or NIBIN, in helping solve shootings, and more help is on the way with the City of Richmond Police Department scheduled to receive their own NIBIN machine this fall. I believe this will be a game-changer in Richmond. Not only will it help us solve shootings, but it will also offer a deterrent effect in that criminals will know every time they fire a gun during a crime of violence, we will use this technology to assist us in matching the casing, tracking the gun, and hunting down the trigger-puller. The ATF’s leadership on this program and commitment to providing law enforcement officers around the country with the tools they need to solve firearms crimes is beyond impressive. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve on this national board and represent the interests of the Eastern District of Virginia.”
The two-day meeting of law enforcement leaders will include a tour of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) National Correlation Training Center and strategic discussions on NIBIN, a high-tech program that automates ballistics evaluations and provides actionable investigative leads in a timely manner. Terwilliger made acquiring NIBIN machines here in the Eastern District a high priority immediately after taking the reigns as U.S. Attorney in May 2018. Law enforcement in the Eastern District currently has access to two NIBIN machines: One in Beltsville, Maryland, that services law enforcement in Northern Virginia; and a machine in Newport News that is shared by the Newport News Police Department and the Hampton Police Department. The City of Richmond Police Department is scheduled to receive its own NIBIN machine this fall.
ATF Deputy Director Thomas E. Brandon said the bureau is pleased Terwilliger accepted an invitation to join the board.
“United States Attorney Terwilliger’s extensive experience in both prosecuting violent firearm offenders and developing Department of Justice policies to combat firearm violence provides essential expertise to the Crime Gun Intelligence Governing Board,” said ATF Deputy Director Thomas E. Brandon. “ATF is fully committed to reducing gun violence in communities across the nation and the Governing Board, which includes police chiefs, forensic lab directors and federal and state prosecutors, is vital to the success of our mission. ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network helps disrupt the shooting cycle by assisting investigators in identifying firearms involved in more than one crime, often leading to the arrest of active trigger pullers and the firearm traffickers who illegally supply them with guns. NIBIN focuses investigations on our nation’s most violent offenders, enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement in making our communities safer. We thank United States Attorney Terwilliger for his commitment to public safety the Eastern District of Virginia and our nation, and greatly appreciate his joining the Board.”
Established in 2016, the board uses the collective experience of federal, state, and local experts in the fields of forensics, law enforcement, and criminal law to ensure ATF receives valuable input on national programs related to Crime Gun Intelligence. Members of the 23-member board serve 3-year terms and are eligible for re-appointment. It meets biannually in different cities across the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Tazewell County Felon Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. – A Washington, Ill., man, Tyler R. Davis, 25, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for possession of a firearm as a felon. U.S. District Court Judge James E. Shadid sentenced Davis on April 10, and ordered that Davis’s prison term be followed by three years of supervised release. Davis pleaded guilty to the charge on Aug. 16, 2018.
According to court documents and evidence presented by the government at sentencing, Davis was prohibited from possessing a firearm under state and federal law when he admitted he possessed a gun in July 2016. Davis previously pleaded guilty to a felony charge of aggravated battery of a peace officer in 2014 in Tazewell County.
At Davis’s sentencing and in court documents, the government presented evidence that on July 15, 2016, Davis and another individual, Anton Grayson, approached homeowners in East Peoria, Ill., and asked if they were shooting at them. When the homeowners replied that they were only shooting off fireworks, Davis and Grayson told the homeowners they would be back with their “crew.” Based on this threat, the wife and her six-year-old daughter left and went to a nearby family member’s house, while the husband and teenaged son stayed at the home. Shortly thereafter, Davis and Grayson fired multiple rounds into the front of the home. There were no injuries to the home’s residents; however, one .45 caliber bullet from Davis’s firearm was found lodged in the back wall of the home. Law enforcement officers later recovered the guns in a row of bushes approximately a block away after officers learned that Davis had directed his mother and brother to retrieve them.
Both DNA and ballistics testing by the Illinois State Police Department of Forensic Science aided in the investigation. Further, evidence obtained from Snapchat, Inc. showed Davis and Grayson flashing firearms in a “selfie” video with the caption, “retaliation,” posted after the threat and prior to the shooting.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Legge prosecuted the case which was investigated by the East Peoria Police Department.
Davis has remained in the custody of the Tazewell County Jail and U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest on July 16, 2016. The Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecuted Grayson, who was convicted and sentenced to a five-year prison term in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Taylor County woman sentenced for bank fraudRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Karen Kinsley, of Grafton, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 36 months incarceration for taking out loans and opening accounts in bank customers’ names without their knowledge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Kinsley, age 46, pled guilty to one count of “Bank Fraud” in September 2018. Kinsley admitted to originating several loans in bank customers’ names without their consent or knowledge, reopening closed checking and saving accounts without the customers’ knowledge, and used some of the loan proceeds for personal use and some for payments on other fraudulent loans. Kinsley committed the crime while she was a branch manager of the Clear Mountain Bank inside the Kroger store in Sabraton, Monongalia County from June 2014 to September 2017.
The judge also ordered restitution in the amount of $170,219.19.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Aiding in the Preparation of False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A tax return preparer formerly of Roanoke, Virginia, pleaded guilty today to aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns and filing a false personal tax return, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen for the Western District of Virginia.
According to court documents, Saint Julien Pierre owned and operated a tax return preparation business, JP Tax Services LLC, in Roanoke, Virginia. Pierre aided and assisted in the preparation of 2013 and 2014 tax returns that falsely claimed energy-related credits and illegitimate itemized deductions, in order to fraudulently increase his clients’ refunds. Pierre also filed a false 2013 tax return for himself, on which he fraudulently reported that he was entitled to the same fuel tax credit he falsely claimed on his clients’ returns.
Pierre faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison for each count of preparing false tax returns and three years in prison for the false tax return count. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Cullen thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Lauren A. Archer and Kevin Schneider and Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day of the Western District of Virginia, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Tampa Man Sentenced to Twenty Years for Producing Child Pornography of Minors He Met OnlineRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced Terrell Eady (33, Tampa) to 20 years in federal prison for producing child pornography. Eady had pleaded guilty on December 21, 2018.
According to court documents, between February and March 2010, Eady persuaded two female minors, whom he had met online, to produce and send him child pornography.
Eady met one of his victims on Facebook, where he had claimed to be a 15-year-old boy. He told the victim that he had obtained a naked video of her and threatened to send the video to her Facebook friends unless, she took naked photographs of herself for him, or filmed herself on a webcam. Unbeknownst to Eady, law enforcement took over the girl’s Facebook account and Eady attempted to persuade an undercover agent, whom Eady believed was the minor, to produce child pornography and send it to him.
The investigation revealed that Eady had previously communicated with a 16- year-old girl online. Eady had pressured that minor to produce and send him child pornography and threatened to send naked photographs of the girl to her friends on the internet unless, she produced more naked photographs for him. Pressured by Eady, the minor produced and sent him at least three pornographic images of herself.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the New York Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to 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.
Sports Manager Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced today that Eric Dewayne Leak, 41, of Raleigh, N.C. pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy in connection with a bribery scheme involving college athletes.
North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall, John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Robert Schurmeier, Director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) join U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.
“Leak used the ill-gotten gains of one criminal scheme to fund another, and in the process potentially exposed student-athletes, their respective schools, and their families to scandal and tangible harm. This serial fraudster will now have to face the consequences of his corrupt ways,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.
“Today’s guilty plea underlines the message that when you come to North Carolina as an athlete agent you had better follow the law,” said Secretary Marshall. “We have demonstrated again that we can and will enforce the law, which is largely designed to protect student-athletes from having their careers damaged. The investigators did exemplary work on this investigation, and I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its continued partnership in reaching today’s successful conclusion.”
“This is a prime example of what happens when you have compelling investigative work and a strong collaboration with other law enforcement and criminal justice agencies,” said Director Schurmeier. “For the NCSBI, it’s about integrity and fairness. It’s disappointing to know there are individuals who intentionally take advantage of our young people for personal gain and when that happens we want them brought to justice,” added Schurmeier.
According to plea documents and the bill of information, Leak was the owner of Hot Shots Sports Management, LLC (Hot Shots), a business in Raleigh, N.C., that provided, among other things, financial management services to professional athletes, including helping to transition student athletes from collegiate athletics into the National Football League (NFL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Leak admitted today in court that, from 2012 through 2015, he and others associated with Hot Shots executed a scheme to use the proceeds of previous criminal activity to promote new unlawful activity involving the payment of bribes to college athletes.
According to court records, from 2012 to 2014, Leak was the owner and executive director of Nature’s Reflections, LLC, (Nature’s Reflections) a mental health company with locations in Greensboro and Durham, N.C. Nature’s Reflections was enrolled as a Medicaid provider and received millions of dollars in direct reimbursements from Medicaid. From 2011 to 2013, Leak was involved in the payment of illegal kickbacks regarding the business of Nature’s Reflections. In March 2018, Leak pleaded guilty in federal court in the Middle District of North Carolina for his role in that scheme.
Court records show that Leak used money he made from the illegal scheme involving Nature Reflections’ to bribe college athletes, all of whom had received athletic scholarships and other benefits from their respective schools. Leak admitted in court today that, on multiple occasions from 2012 through 2015, he provided student-athletes, and on at least one occasion a student-athlete’s family member, with cash, clothes, loans, hotels rooms, entertainment, transportation, and other things of value, to influence those student-athletes to retain the services of Hot Shots. As Leak knew, the payment of bribes to student-athletes exposed the student-athletes’ schools to tangible economic harm, including, among other things, monetary fines, restrictions on athlete recruitment and the distribution of athletic scholarships, and the potential ineligibility of the schools to participate in various NCAA programs and tournaments.
Leak entered his guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge David S, Cayer. The money laundering conspiracy charge carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and a $500,000 fine. Leak remains in custody. A sentencing date has not been set.
The Securities Division of the North Carolina Secretary of State, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ryan, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, is in charge of the prosecution.
Software Company Owner Gets Prison Sentence for Failing to Pay IRS More than $2.2M in Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH -A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 2 years (24 months) in prison, restitution payable to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $2,285,807.70 and one year of supervised release on his conviction of willfully failing to pay over payroll taxes, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta Ambrose imposed sentence on Amarender Tiparthy, 50, of Coraopolis, PA.
In connection with sentencing, the court was advised that Tiparthy willfully failed to account for and pay over payroll taxes totaling $2,285,807.70, including all relevant conduct, for the 16 tax quarters in 2010 through 2013.
According to information provided the court, Tiparthy was the sole owner of Prodigy Software Group, Inc. ("Prodigy"), a Subchapter S business that provided companies and governmental entities with consulting services regarding information technology projects. The business model of Prodigy included the employment of individuals who then were assigned to various information technology projects pursuant to contracts negotiated and entered into by Tiparthy on behalf of Prodigy. Although Tiparthy collected payroll taxes for the 16 tax quarters in 2010 through 2013, he failed to truthfully account for and pay over the taxes when due to the Internal Revenue Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, conducted the investigation leading to the conviction in this case.
Schenectady Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Crack ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Lance Green, age 37, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
As part of his plea on November 5, 2018, Green admitted that between December 2015 and May 2016, he was a member of a drug trafficking organization that conspired to distribute at least 28 grams of crack cocaine in Schenectady. Green has been in custody since his arrest in May 2016.
A co-conspirator, Ray A. Perkins, age 31, of Schenectady, pled guilty and was sentenced to 60 months in prison on July 11, 2017.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and members of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Schenectady Police Department and Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Kistler and Michael Barnett.
San Marcos Companies and Executives Charged with Tampering with Emission Control Devices on Diesel Truck FleetRead the Press Release
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie K. Pierson (619) 546-7976
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – April 11, 2019
SAN DIEGO – A federal grand jury in San Diego today returned a six-count indictment charging three San Marcos companies, two managers and a technician with various felonies related to tampering with emission control devices on heavy-duty diesel trucks.
Diamond Environmental Services LP, Diamond Maintenance Services, LLC and Diamond Solid Waste, Inc. (collectively “Diamond”) of San Marcos, California, plus owner and manager Arie Eric De Jong III, manager Warren Van Dam and technician Jorge Leyva Rodriguez of ECM Diesel Programming were charged with conspiring to manipulate the electronic control module (ECM) on Diamond’s fleet of heavy duty diesel trucks. The alleged manipulation was designed to disable the monitoring system that would otherwise cause the truck to effectively become non-operational if the diesel emissions filter became too dirty with diesel particulates.
Since model year 2008, EPA regulations required all heavy-duty diesel trucks to be equipped with a computerized system of electronics and sensors that monitored all emission-related engine systems and components. If a malfunction or problem occurred within the emission system - for example, the diesel particulate filter, or DPF, became dirty with soot that needed to be “regenerated” or burned off - the monitoring system would cause a Malfunction Indicator/Check Engine Light to be illuminated in the truck’s cabin. If the hardware emission system problem was not resolved, the monitoring system could limit the top speed of the truck to as low as five miles per hour (an effect commonly referred to as “limp mode” or “power reduced mode”), providing an incentive for the truck’s operator to repair the truck.
The indictment alleges that the defendants agreed to reprogram the ECMs to avoid the costs associated with the need to regenerate the diesel particulate filters (DPFs) on the heavy-duty diesel trucks in the fleets operated by defendant Diamond Environmental Services, LP and Diamond Solid Waste Services, Inc., and maintained by Diamond Maintenance Services, LLC. According to the indictment, employees removed the ECMs from trucks in their fleet and shipped them out of California to be reprogrammed, and, in addition, defendant Jorge Martin Leyva Rodriguez travelled from Mexico to Diamond locations in San Marcos and San Diego to reprogram the ECMs.
The indictment alleges that, in order to keep trucks operating with DPFs that had not been cleaned by regeneration, employees punched holes through the honeycomb cores of the DPFs on some of the heavy-duty diesel trucks to allow the free flow of air through this portion of the emission system, without filtration. It is further alleged that in order to conceal the fact that the emissions systems on some of the heavy-duty diesel trucks were not operating properly, employees prepared false opacity (smog) test results for such trucks, using an entirely different truck to achieve passing results. According to the indictment, when the co-conspirators learned that action by the authorities was imminent, defendant Rodriguez returned to the Diamond facilities to reprogram the software of the ECMs on the truck fleet in order to conceal the 2016 alterations. Defendants Diamond Environmental Services, LP, Arie Eric De Jong III and Jorge Levya Rodriguez are charged with evidence tampering, based on the later alterations to the ECMs.
“We are all the victims of environmental crime,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “We aren’t going to allow companies to take shortcuts and pollute the environment.” Brewer praised prosecutor Melanie Pierson and investigators from the FBI and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, for protecting the public.
San Diego FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner noted, “Today’s indictments underscore the FBI’s continued commitment to our law enforcement partners in combatting environmental crime in San Diego County. The alleged activity impacts every citizen and visitor to San Diego by contributing to declining air quality and increasing public exposure to airborne pollutants. The FBI will continue to work diligently to protect the citizens of San Diego County from entities engaged in illegal business practices which result in environmental harm.”
“The defendants have been charged with conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act and tampering with the emissions control equipment on their commercial diesel trucks,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Jay M. Green of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in California. “The alleged crimes would increase air pollution linked to respiratory illnesses and environmental degradation. Today’s indictment serves as a reminder that EPA and our partners are steadfast in our commitment to protect human health and the environment.”
DEFENDANTS Criminal Case No. 18cr5382-GPC
Diamond Environmental Services, LP Organized: 1997 San Marcos, California
Diamond Maintenance Services, LLC Organized: 2004 San Marcos, California
Diamond Solid Waste Services, Inc. Incorporated: 2010 San Marcos, California
Arie Eric De Jong III Age: 52 San Marcos, California
Warren L. Van Dam Age: 52 San Marcos, California
Jorge Leyva-Rodriguez Age: 51 El Centro, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1
Conspiracy to Tamper with Monitoring Devices, 18 U.S.C. § 371
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison, fine of $250,000 ($500,000 for an organization)
Count 2-4 (charging Diamond Environmental Services, LP and De Jong)
Tampering with Monitoring Device, 42 U.S.C. §7413
Maximum Penalty: Two years in custody and/or $250,000 fine ($500,000 fine for an organization)
Count 5 (charging Diamond Environmental Services, LP; De Jong, Van Dam and Leyva-Rodriguez)
Tampering with Monitoring Device, 42 U.S.C. §7413
Maximum Penalty: Two years in custody and/or $250,000 fine ($500,000 fine for an organization)
Count 6 (charging Diamond Environmental Services, LP; De Jong and Leyva-Rodriguez)
Evidence Tampering, 18 U.S.C. §1512(c)(1)
Maximum Penalty: Twenty years and/or $250,000 fine
AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
San Antonio Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, a federal judge sentenced 23–year-old Tommy Ray Garcia to the maximum 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, San Antonio.
During sentencing yesterday, Senior U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra also ordered that Garcia be placed under supervised release for a period of ten years after completing his prison term.
“Words escape me. The crime here was unimaginably horrific. I am grateful that Judge Ezra sentenced Garcia to the maximum allowed by law. The sexual abuse of children is a problem that our country is not doing nearly enough about. We need to wake up,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash.
“The heavy sentence imposed on Mr. Garcia sends a clear message that there are serious consequences for those who exploit children in any way,” stated Special Agent in Charge, Shane Folden, HSI San Antonio. “Targeting crimes of this nature is a high priority for HSI. We will continue to dedicate HSI resources worldwide to identify and bring to justice these individuals.”
On January 2, 2019, before Judge Ezra, Garcia pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. According to the factual basis filed in this case, which Garcia admitted was true, on multiple occasions in 2016, he chose a 16-month-old female who was unable to communicate her trauma, and sexually assaulted her while taking videos and pictures. Those videos and images were discovered after he distributed them on a social media application. During the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on January 31, 2018, Garcia admitted to authorities he produced the videos and images of child pornography. Garcia was arrested following his admission and has since remained in federal custody.
HSI San Antonio, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and HSI Vancouver investigated this case with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Sale of Firearm Nets Brookhaven Man 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Previously Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Alfred Henderson, 28, of Brookhaven, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III to 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Henderson was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On October 23, 2017, a confidential informant successfully purchased a .44 Caliber rifle from Henderson, a previously convicted felon, on parole. Henderson was previously convicted in Lincoln County for sale of controlled substances, burglary of a dwelling, and conspiracy to commit burglary. He was indicted on July 25, 2018, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pled guilty before Judge Bramlette on January 9, 2019.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Gregory Mayberry.
Roanoke Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Aiding in the Preparation of False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A tax return preparer formerly of Roanoke, Virginia, pleaded guilty today to aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns and filing a false personal tax return, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen for the Western District of Virginia.
According to court documents, Saint Julien Pierre owned and operated a tax return preparation business, JP Tax Services LLC, in Roanoke, Virginia. Pierre aided and assisted in the preparation of 2013 and 2014 tax returns that falsely claimed energy-related credits and illegitimate itemized deductions, in order to fraudulently increase his clients’ refunds. Pierre also filed a false 2013 tax return for himself, on which he fraudulently reported that he was entitled to the same fuel tax credit he falsely claimed on his clients’ returns.
“As this case indicates, the Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting tax fraud, including bogus refund, credit, and deduction schemes,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “No preparation fee, commission, or refund earned through fraudulent means is worth a felony conviction and the possibility of a prison sentence.”
Pierre faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison for each count of preparing false tax returns and three years in prison for the false tax return count. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Cullen thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorneys Lauren A. Archer and Kevin Schneider and Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day of the Western District of Virginia, who are prosecuting the case.
Retired Navy Vet Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Attempted Online Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
MACON – A Dodge County resident was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to one count of Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. The Honorable Marc Treadwell sentenced Bryan Alan Asbell, Sr., 56, of Chester, Georgia in federal court in Macon on Wednesday. Mr. Asbell pleaded guilty to his crime in January. Mr. Asbell will be required to register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to the plea agreement, on March 15, 2018, Mr. Asbell responded to an online post by agents with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) posing as a 14-year-old girl living on Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins. The post read, “Nuthing 2 do after school, can you get on base? wanna hang out or chat? hit me up!” On the same day, Mr. Asbell responded, “Must ask age? I am a veteran 55yoa white male.” The AFOSI undercover agent responded that it was a 14-year-old girl, and Mr. Asbell acknowledged the undercover agent’s age and continued to talk with the agent via email and cellular messages. Mr. Asbell discussed meeting up and what he would do if they did meet up, and indicated he would perform sexual acts. Mr. Asbell agreed to meet on Robins Air Force Base on April 5, 2018, when told that the undercover agent’s “mother” would be out of the house. Mr. Asbell was arrested when attempting to enter the meeting place, with a necklace and fast food as gifts for the agent he believed to be a young girl he was meeting for sex.
“Predators are online, seeking vulnerable children for their perverse sexual gratification,” said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “This Office will pursue these predators and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. I want to express my gratitude to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations for their excellent work protecting minors.”
This case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shanelle Booker and Michael Solis are prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Recent Tax Prosecutions Serve as A Reminder to Accurately File and Pay Taxes as the April 15 Deadline ApproachesRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana remind all Hoosiers that the deadline for filing federal income tax returns is Monday, April 15. Although the filing season is nearing the end, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division work year round to protect the integrity of our nation’s tax system by investigating and prosecuting individuals who violate the tax laws.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “We continually work with the Internal Revenue Service to aggressively investigate and prosecute people who commit all levels of tax fraud. Cheating the IRS -- stealing from the United States Treasury -- is stealing from all of us.”
“Taxpayers thinking about participating in fraudulent tax schemes, such as failing to report all forms of income or falsifying deductions should take a good look at the serious and detrimental consequences of taking the next step,” stated Special Agent in Charge Gabe Grchan of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. “Those who might consider preparing false and fraudulent tax returns should be aware of the extremely negative consequences that could result in prison time, large tax bills, including substantial fines, interest and penalties.”
As the tax filing season winds down next week, the following court actions serve as a reminder to taxpayers, to think before filing a false or fraudulent tax return and to be wary of any schemes that falsify your income or deductions.
RANDALL STILES, of Fort Wayne, was convicted and sentenced for failure to file a federal tax return and other federal violations. STILES will serve 6 months in prison and pay $235,055 in restitution to the IRS.
TARA HIGHTOWER was convicted for preparing false federal tax returns. HIGHTOWER owned and operated a tax preparation service TZH Consulting and collected fees for tax preparation services. She did not report her collected fees on her personal federal tax returns. HIGHTOWER was sentenced to 5 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $62,303 in restitution to the IRS.
SHERECE MOORE was convicted for assisting in the preparation of a false federal tax return. MOORE was employed as a tax return preparer for Quick Sam Tax Refund in Gary, Indiana. MOORE was sentenced to 12 months’ probation.
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Project Charleston Update: Mother and Daughter Plead Guilty to Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A mother and her daughter pled guilty to federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Sherry Gray, 62, pled guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in Kanawha County in August and September 2018. Gray’s daughter, Miranda Brandon, 38, pled guilty to distributing methamphetamine on August 1, 2018, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on September 28, 2018.
“It’s all in the family. This Project Charleston takedown dismantled a multi-state, poly-drug organization responsible for trafficking a significant amount of illegal drugs on Charleston’s West Side,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Although removing drug dealers from our community is gratifying, it’s tragic to see mother and daughter working side-by-side in the drug trade.”
On August 1, 2018, Brandon and Gray each participated in delivering methamphetamine to a confidential informant. The deal took place inside of a vehicle parked in a residential neighborhood on Charleston’s’ West Side. A week later, Gray later delivered additional methamphetamine to the same confidential informant at the same location.
Brandon and Gray each face a prison sentence of up to 20 years in prison when they are sentenced on August 13, 2019. Additionally, Brandon will be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Metro Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
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President of E-Commerce Company Pleads Guilty to Price FixingRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - An e-commerce company president entered a guilty plea today for conspiring to fix prices for customized promotional products sold online to customers in the United States.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick made the announcement along with Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office.
According to the felony charges filed Nov. 1, 2018, and the plea agreement today, Akil Kurji, owner and president of Gennex Media, and his co-conspirators agreed to fix the prices of customized promotional products sold online from as early as May 2014 until at least June 2016. These products included wristbands, lanyards, temporary tattoos and buttons. Kurji and his co-conspirators used social media platforms and encrypted messaging applications, such as Facebook, Skype and Whatsapp, to reach and implement their illegal agreement. Kurji is the fifth individual to enter a guilty plea in the Department of Justice’s ongoing promotional products investigation. To date, 11 defendants have been charged in the investigation into the online customized promotional products industry.
“Price fixing for small, logo branded items is illegal, just like it would be for a pair of Fortune 500 companies,” said U.S. Attorney Patrick. “In the end, consumers are harmed by paying inflated prices for items.”
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates the Antitrust Division’s commitment to prosecuting executives who conspire to fix prices of products sold online,” said Delrahim. “The Department and its law enforcement partners are committed to detecting and preventing collusion carried out using encrypted messaging applications and social media platforms.”
“The FBI investigates unlawful business practices including those that seek to corrupt business markets,”said Turner. “We work hard to safeguard American consumers so that they can buy goods and services with confidence they are paying a competitive price.”
Kurji is charged with price fixing in violation of the Sherman Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals. The maximum fine for an individual may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine.
This prosecution arose from an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into price fixing in the online promotional products industry, which is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal I Section with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Texas and the FBI’s Houston Field Office. Anyone with information on price fixing or other anticompetitive conduct related to other products in the customized promotional products industry should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.
President of E-Commerce Company Pleads Guilty to Price FixingRead the Press Release
An e-commerce company president entered a guilty plea today for conspiring to fix prices for customized promotional products sold online to customers in the United States, the Department of Justice announced.
Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick for the Southern District of Texas, and Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office made the announcement.
According to the felony charges filed on Nov. 1, 2018, and the plea agreement filed today in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Texas in Houston, Akil Kurji, owner and president of Gennex Media, and his co-conspirators agreed to fix the prices of customized promotional products sold online from as early as May 2014 until at least June 2016. These products included wristbands, lanyards, temporary tattoos, and buttons. Kurji and his co-conspirators used social media platforms and encrypted messaging applications, such as Facebook, Skype, and Whatsapp, to reach and implement their illegal agreement. Kurji is the fifth individual to enter a guilty plea in the Department of Justice’s ongoing promotional products investigation. To date, 11 defendants have been charged in the investigation into the online customized promotional products industry.
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates the Antitrust Division’s commitment to prosecuting executives who conspire to fix prices of products sold online,” said Assistant Attorney General Delrahim. “The Department and its law enforcement partners are committed to detecting and preventing collusion carried out using encrypted messaging applications and social media platforms.”
“Price fixing for small, logo branded items is illegal, just like it would be for a pair of Fortune 500 companies,” said U.S. Attorney Patrick. “In the end, consumers are harmed by paying inflated prices for items.”
“The FBI investigates unlawful business practices including those that seek to corrupt business markets,” said Perrye K. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of FBI’s Houston Field Office. “We work hard to safeguard American consumers so that they can buy goods and services with confidence they are paying a competitive price.”
Kurji is charged with price fixing in violation of the Sherman Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals. The maximum fine for an individual may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime, if either of those amounts is greater than the statutory maximum fine.
This prosecution arose from an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into price fixing in the online promotional products industry, which is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal I Section, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Texas and the FBI’s Houston Field Office. Anyone with information on price fixing or other anticompetitive conduct related to other products in the customized promotional products industry should contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html.
Portland Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Interstate Marijuana Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—On Thursday, April 10, 2019, Paul Eugene Thomas, 38, of Portland, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to manufacture, possess with intent to distribute, and distribute marijuana and maintaining drug involved premises, and one count of money laundering for his role in a vast conspiracy to traffic marijuana grown in Portland to Virginia and Texas.
According to court documents, Thomas and co-defendants Jody Tremayne Wafer, 29, Trent Lamar Knight, 30, and Brittany Lesanta Kizzee, 28, of Houston, Texas and Raleigh Dragon Lau, 33, also of Portland, conspired to manufacture marijuana in Portland, transport it across state lines, and sell it in Virginia and Texas.
Drug proceeds, in the form of bulk U.S. currency, were returned to Oregon via U.S. mail and passenger luggage on commercial airlines. As part of this investigation, federal authorities have seized approximately 11,000 marijuana plants, 546 pounds of processed marijuana, more than $2.8 million in cash, 51 firearms, 26 vehicles, trailers, pieces of heavy equipment, a yacht, and three houses used as marijuana grow sites, all since August 2017.
Conspiring to manufacture, possess with intent to distribute, and distribute marijuana and maintaining drug involved premises carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, a $5 million fine, and a lifetime of supervised release. Money laundering carries a max sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release. As part of the plea agreement, Thomas has agreed to forfeit any criminally-derived proceeds and property used to facilitate his crimes identified by the government prior to sentencing.
Thomas will be sentenced on August 6, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Robert E. Jones.
Kizzee entered a guilty plea on November 27, 2018, and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2019. Lau and Knight have scheduled change of plea hearings for April 22, 2019 and May 8, 2019, respectively. Wafer is scheduled for trial on June 18, 2019.
In a related case, in August 2018, Cole William Giffiths was charged of conspiring to manufacture marijuana in Hood River, Oregon and shipping it to Florida. He has scheduled a change of plea hearing for April 22, 2019.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
This case was brought as part of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the department’s strategy for reducing the availability of drugs in the U.S. OCDETF was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack on drug trafficking by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in coordination with state and local law enforcement.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Gun TraffickingRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that Renard Gray, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Petrese B. Tucker for his participation in a criminal conspiracy to traffic firearms into the Philadelphia region.
Over the course of several months in 2017, Gray and his coconspirators illegally obtained straw-purchased and stolen firearms from Georgia and other states, which they then shipped to Philadelphia and sold in black market transactions in the city. In late 2017, an undercover officer infiltrated the trafficking ring and secretly recorded a number of gun transactions conducted by Gray and his coconspirators. During two of these transactions, Gray also sold quantities of cocaine to the undercover officer.
During one conversation recorded by the undercover officer, Gray boasted about the sophistication of his gun trafficking operation and predicted that law enforcement would never “track [the guns] back to me.” This prediction proved false on March 13, 2018, when a federal grand jury indicted Gray and two of his coconspirators on charges related to conspiracy, gun trafficking, illegally transporting firearms, and distributing cocaine. Gray plead guilty to all counts on May 31, 2018.
“Gun violence in the City of Philadelphia is a scourge on our city, one which is enabled by the illegal trafficking of firearms and black market sales to individuals who should not have access to them,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Criminals like defendant Gray should be on notice that federal law enforcement will track these back to you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent the law allows. We thank our federal and local law enforcement partners for their work in this investigation.”
“The primary goal of ATF’s firearms trafficking strategy is to prevent violent crime by disrupting and dismantling the firearms trafficking organizations and networks responsible for supplying violent offenders with crime guns,” said Donald Robinson, Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Ensuring that firearms traffickers are aggressively investigated and swiftly brought to justice is a top priority for the Philadelphia Field Division.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean P. McDonnell.
Pawtucket Man Detained on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Pawtucket man who fled members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force on Tuesday during an investigation into his alleged drug trafficking activities was arrested by FBI agents on Wednesday in Fall River, Mass., and ordered detained today following his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Providence on drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
According to court documents, over the past week members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force have been investigating the alleged drug trafficking activities of 24-year-old Luis Leon. Task force members had information that Leon was expecting to receive a large shipment of fentanyl. As part of the investigation task force members established surveillance of Leon’s residence. On Tuesday afternoon agents and officers saw an individual enter Leon’s residence carrying a large duffel bag. A short time later they observed Leon leave the residence and place the duffel bag in the back of a dark colored pickup truck and drive off. He was alone in the vehicle.
As law enforcement moved into position to follow the pickup truck they observed Leon repeatedly looking into his rear view mirrors at their vehicle. Investigators decided to attempt to effect a traffic stop, signaling the driver to stop by illuminating their flashing lights and engaging their siren. Leon failed to stop, instead driving away at a high rate of speed. Because of the reckless manner in which Leon was operating the truck, investigators did not further pursue the vehicle.
Law enforcement continued to drive the route Leon’s truck appeared to take, coming upon an accident scene a short distance away. Witnesses told police that a pickup truck struck a vehicle causing the vehicle to careen into a building. Witnesses told police the pickup truck fled the accident scene without stopping.
Several minutes later law enforcement learned that a pickup truck with heavy front end damage was pulled into a nearby parking lot and abandoned. A witness advised law enforcement that they saw the driver get out of the vehicle, toss a duffel bag into bushes nearby, and then run off. The description of the driver fit the description of Leon. Agents retrieved the bag which was found to contain approximately 634.4 grams of suspected fentanyl and approximately 429.5 grams of suspected cocaine.
Law enforcement developed information overnight Tuesday and on Wednesday morning that Leon was likely at a residence in Fall River. They established surveillance of the residence and arrested Leon Wednesday afternoon as he exited the residence.
Leon made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Providence today on a criminal complaint charging him with conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute and possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. He was ordered detained by Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan.
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Oxford Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that Chief United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced MAURICE SHAWAYNE HARRIS, a/k/a “Gator”, 38, of Oxford to 60 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised released.
On January 2, 2019, HARRIS pled guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
In January 2018, the Oxford Police Department attempted to make a traffic stop of a vehicle occupied by HARRIS, to investigate a report of shots fired in the area. HARRIS jumped and ran from the vehicle. Inside of that vehicle officers recovered a box of .38 caliber ammunition. Officers traced HARRIS’s flight path and recovered a Taurus model .38 caliber revolver. HARRIS was later arrested by the Oxford Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Since 2017 the United States Department of Justice has reinvigorated the PSN program and has targeted 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.
This case is also part of the Take Back North Carolina Initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative emphasizes the regional assignment of federal prosecutors to work with law enforcement and District Attorney’s Offices on a sustained basis in those communities to reduce the violence crime rate, drug trafficking, and crimes against law enforcement.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Oxford Police Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Dodson prosecuted the case for the government.
Owners of Fraudulent Debt Collection Company Convicted of Conspiring to Defraud Victims of Millions of DollarsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal jury convicted late yesterday Laurence A. Sessum, 46, and Jacqueline Dianne Okomba, 50, both of Charlotte, of conspiring to commit wire fraud in connection with a fraudulent debt collection scheme that defrauded victims throughout the United States of at least $5.7 million, announced Andrew Murray, United States Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Sessum was also convicted of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and obstruction of justice. Okomba was also convicted of obstruction of justice.
John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Charlotte Division, joins the U.S. Attorney’s Office in making today’s announcement.
According to filed court documents, trial evidence and witness testimony, from October 2013 to January 2017, Sessum was the owner and operator of Direct Processing LLC (Direct Processing) a fraudulent debt collection company located in Mecklenburg County. Sessum was also the leader and organizer of the debt scheme. His codefendant, Okomba, was the registered agent and member-owner of Direct Processing, who also worked as a manager in charge of overseeing other company collectors and managed the finances and bank accounts of Direct Processing.
As part of the scheme, Sessum purchased lists of purportedly outstanding accounts, which they used to make fraudulent debt collections. Sessum intentionally sought out lists of old and unenforceable debts. Direct Processing used a dialer service to leave automated messages for victims, directing them to contact the company to resolve the purported debts. To induce victims to call back, the automated messages often contained fraudulent and misleading information, including that there was “possible pending litigation” against the victims, or that there was a “process server” attempting to locate them.
When the victims returned the calls, they were connected with collectors working for Direct Processing. The collectors made similar threats and fraudulent statements about the purported debts and regularly used prepared scripts, including scripts handed out by Direct Processing management, that were designed to scare and intimidate victims to pay the purported debts. The collectors used fake “shake names” when making calls to the victims, claiming that they were “retained” to “investigate” and “file” charges against the victims. Collectors also told victims that the sheriff was prepared to serve victims with legal documents, and in some cases threatened victims with jail. The defendants’ scheme harmed many elderly and retired victims, several of whom testified at trial about the lies and threats they were told to induce them to make payments.
Direct Processing also sent victims fraudulent documents, prepared to look like legal documents that had been filed in court, demanding restitution. Using threats and other intimidating tactics, company collectors regularly collected amounts that were not owed or they were not authorized to collect. One victim testified during trial that Direct Processing’s aggressive and fraudulent collections tactics made her feel “devastated” out of concern that she would be sent to jail if she failed to pay. That victim lost $1,250 in the scheme.
To disguise the fraudulent nature of the business, collectors often used fake company names when communicating with victims. In addition, Sessum directed others to establish nominee bank accounts, which were used to pay operational and other expenses associated with the fraudulent debt collection company.
When Sessum learned the FBI had seized funds held in an account associated with Direct Processing, Sessum, Okomba, and others removed Direct Processing computers, documents, and records from a location associated with the company in order to impede the federal investigation. When FBI agents arrived at the location to execute a search warrant, they found computer accessories, such as monitors, at collectors’ cubicles but no desktop units. When FBI agents questioned Okomba about the computers that had been removed, Okomba falsely told the agents that Direct Processing did not own any computers.
Sessum and Okomba are awaiting sentencing and face up to 20 years’ imprisonment on each count of conviction.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys William M. Miller and Dallas J. Kaplan, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, are in charge of the prosecution.
In March 2019, Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, announced the Office’s Elder Justice Initiative, which aims to combat elder financial exploitation by expanding efforts to investigate and prosecute financial scams that target seniors; educate older adults on how to identify scams and avoid becoming victims of financial fraud; and promote greater coordination with law enforcement partners. For more information please visit: /usao-wdnc/elder-justice-initiative.
New Windsor Tax Preparer Charged with Tax Evasion and 83 Counts of Aiding and Assisting Preparation of False and Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Jonathan D. Larsen, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division (“IRS-CI”), announced today that EVERSLEY E. BARRETT, the owner of a tax preparation business named Eversley Tax, in New Windsor, New York, was charged with assisting the preparation of false and fraudulent tax returns and tax evasion. BARRETT surrendered to authorities this morning and was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison in White Plains federal court.
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment unsealed today[1]:
From in or about 2012 through 2016, BARRETT’s tax preparation business prepared and submitted to the IRS, on average, over 700 tax returns each year. Some of these tax returns were false and fraudulent in that they contained various fabricated and fraudulently inflated items such as filing statuses, rental real estate losses, unreimbursed employee business expenses, gifts to charity, real estate-related expenses and application of certain tax credits. BARRETT’s inclusion of these false and fraudulent deductions led the returns to fraudulently claim refunds.
As alleged in the indictment, BARRETT also prepared and filed his own tax returns. From in or about 2012 through 2016, BARRETT’s tax returns also contained many of the same fabricated and fraudulently inflated items, such as filing statuses, rental real estate losses, unreimbursed employee expenses, gifts to charity and real estate-related expenses. In addition, BARRETT, who received many of his fees for his tax preparation services in cash, failed to report more than $300,000 in gross receipts for Eversley Tax for the tax years 2012 through 2015.
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BARRETT, 64, is charged in 84 counts. The first 83 counts charge him with aiding and assisting the preparation of false and fraudulent U.S. tax returns, each of which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. He is also charged with one count of attempting to evade or defeat tax, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised IRS-CI for their outstanding work in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Margery B. Feinzig is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Multiple Felons Charged with Federal Gun Crimes Appear in CourtRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Multiple felons charged with federal gun crimes appeared in court this week, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
- Christopher Saunders, 26, of Parkersburg was sentenced to 63 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Saunders pled guilty to a single-count indictment in January 2019, admitting he sold a sawed-off shotgun to a confidential informant on March 17, 2018. Saunders is prohibited from possessing any firearm due to 2012 conviction for malicious wounding in Wood County Circuit Court. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis handled the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.
- Chris Pauley, 42, of Logan, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Pauley pled guilty in December 2018, admitting he carried a sawed-off .22 caliber rifle with him while taking a walk in Blair, Logan County. Saunders is prohibited from possessing any firearm due to 2008 conviction for grand larceny in Boone County Circuit Court. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
- Antonio Parnell, 42, from Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to 84 months in prison by Judge Copenhaver. Parnell previously pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On April 14, 2018, Parnell got into a violent altercation with two victims and with officers from the Charleston Police Department. Parnell had a firearm in his possession that he threw when the officers approached him. He was arrested and has been in custody since that day. Parnell has three felony convictions under three different names. The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Steve Loew handled the prosecution.
- Antoine Maurice Brown, 36, entered a guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Brown admitted that on December 16, 2018, he was driving a vehicle and was pulled over because an officer smelled burnt marijuana emanating from Brown’s vehicle at the intersection of US 119 and Oakwood Road in Charleston. Brown moved a 9mm Taurus pistol from the center console of the vehicle and put it under a child’s car seat located in the back seat of the car. Officers searched the vehicle and located the subject firearm. Brown is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has two prior felony convictions. Brown faces up to ten years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 9, 2019. The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver Jr. presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is handling the prosecution.
“No one is a stronger supporter of the Second Amendment than this United States Attorney,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “This is not an issue about the Second Amendment but, rather, one of enforcing federal law to keep firearms out of the hands of violent felons and prohibited persons to ensure the safety of law enforcement and the public.”
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Media Advisory: United States Attorney’s Office and Center Point-Urbana High School to Host School Threats ForumRead the Press Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa recently collaborated with prosecutors, law enforcement, mental health providers, and school officials to discuss how best to prevent and address school threats. The group gathered existing resources and developed their own materials to build a school threats prevention resource guide.
The group is now following that effort by moderating a School Threats Forum. The forum will be held at Center-Point Urbana High School and will include moderated discussion and audience questions detailing the prevention of and response to school threats. The forum will address mental health resources available in the community as well as behavioral indicators that may present cause for concern. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors will discuss how undeterred behavior can potentially lead to the involvement of the criminal justice system.
Numerous local agencies will be represented at the forum, including the United States Attorney’s Office, Center Point-Urbana High School, the Linn County Attorney’s Office, the Sixth Judicial District Juvenile Court Services, the Abbe Center for Community Mental Health, Foundation2, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
Event Details
When: April 17, 2019
Where: CPU High School Gym, 145 Iowa St., Center Point, Iowa
Time: 7:00 P.M. to 8:15 P.M.
This is a camera friendly event and interview opportunities will be available. Media members please RSVP to Tony Morfitt at [email protected] if you plan to attend.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Masseuse Sent to Federal Prison for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 42-year-old Houston woman has been sentenced in Corpus Christi federal court following her conviction of possessing with the intent to distribute approximately 10 pounds of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. A federal jury convicted Marlo Denise Young Feb. 6, 2019, following two days of trial and approximately 20 minutes of deliberations.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack handed Young a 168-month sentence to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, additional evidence was offered that demonstrated Young lied under oath and detailed how she attempted to obstruct justice by having a family member remotely delete text messages and map data from her cell phone.
On Oct. 30, 2018, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Young near Kingsville. At that time, officers found more than $4,800 in cash, hydroponic marijuana and approximately 4.7 kilograms of heroin. The heroin was concealed inside Young’s car battery and valued at approximately $188,000.
Young claimed she was a licensed physical therapist in the Houston area. However, the evidence showed she was actually an unlicensed masseuse who provided massages to people in their hotels and homes.
At trial, Young denied knowingly transporting the narcotics, claiming instead that she was taking a trip to the valley with a friend who was moving.
However, federal agents testified about their investigation which revealed the Young was traveling alone, had made another trip to the valley the previous day and that she had fabricated the story she told law enforcement officers.
Young also attempted to obstruct justice and impede the investigation after her arrest. While in custody, she instructed an individual to remotely log into her phone account and delete specific text messages from her phone, which was in law enforcement’s possession. Young also directed this individual to delete travel information from the navigation application on her phone, which might have allowed authorities to retrace her route.
Young will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the South Texas Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy C. Fugate and Robert D. Thorpe are prosecuting the case.
Maryland MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced to 33 Years in Federal Prison for a Violent Racketeering Conspiracy, Including Murder and ExtortionRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis today sentenced Noe Coreas-Mejia, a/k/a “Tsunami,” age 22, of Hyattsville, Maryland, today to 33 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise known as La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Jesse R. Fong of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Acting Chief Russell E. Hamill, III of the Montgomery County Police Department; Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
“We will not tolerate the violence perpetrated by MS-13 in Maryland,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “Today’s sentence sends a strong message to MS-13 gang members that federal, state, and local law enforcement will continue to work together to find and bring to justice MS-13 members who commit these heinous crimes.”
MS-13 is a gang composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, with members operating in the State of Maryland, including Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Frederick County, and throughout the United States. Branches or “cliques” of MS-13 often work together cooperatively as “Programs,” with the purpose of increasing the gang’s levels of organization, violence, extortion, and other criminal activity, and to assist one another in avoiding detection by law enforcement. In Maryland and the surrounding area, these cliques include Parkview Locos Salvatrucha (“PVLS”), Normandie Locos Salvatrucha (“NLS” or “Normandie”), Sailors Locos Salvatrucha Westside (“SLSW” or “Sailors”), Langley Park Salvatrucha (“LPS”), Weedoms Locos Salvatrucha (“Weedoms”), and Cabanas Locos Salvatruchas (“Cabanas”). A person within the participating cliques is selected as the Program leader.
To protect the gang and to enhance its reputation, MS-13 members and associates are expected to use any means necessary to force respect from those who show disrespect, including acts of intimidation and violence. MS-13’s creed is based on one of its mottos, “Mata, roba, viola, controla,” which translates to, “kill, steal, rape, control.”
According to his plea agreement, beginning in 2015, Coreas-Mejia was a member of the Parkview clique. Coreas-Mejia admitted that he conspired with other MS-13 members and associates to participate in numerous acts in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy, including extortion and murder.
As detailed in his plea agreement, in 2015, Coreas-Mejia and other members and associates of MS-13 extorted persons conducting business in the Langley Park area of Prince George’s County, by demanding cash payments, known as “rent.”
According to his plea agreement, in November 2015, Coreas-Mejia and other MS-13 members and associates held a disciplinary procedure for an MS-13 member, called a “court.” During the “court,” the individual was beaten for approximately 13 seconds. The victim reported the assault to law enforcement, which resulted in criminal charges being filed against Coreas-Mejia and other MS-13 members and associates. In retaliation, Coreas-Mejia planned to murder the victim, and directed two MS-13 members from the Parkview clique to assist.
Coreas-Mejia admitted that on December 16, 2015, he and other MS-13 members and associates lured the victim to a secluded area beneath the 495 overpass in the Silver Spring area of Montgomery County, purportedly for Coreas-Mejia to speak with the victim concerning the victim’s reporting of the “court” proceeding to law enforcement. A co-conspirator met the victim and walked with him to the secluded location, where Coreas-Mejia and the second co-conspirator were waiting. Coreas-Mejia and his two co-conspirators attacked the victim, stabbing him multiple times and hitting him with large stones. The victim attempted to get away and ran into a stream. Coreas-Mejia and at least one co-conspirator continued to hit the victim with stones until the victim collapsed unconscious in the stream. Coreas-Mejia and his co-conspirators left the victim submerged in the stream, where the victim died.
Law enforcement found the victim’s body, still submerged in the stream, on December 22, 2015. According to the autopsy report, the cause of death was drowning, multiple blunt-force injuries, and multiple sharp-force injuries.
Co-defendants Jose Augustin Salmeron-Larios, a/k/a “Joseph Morales-Martinez,” “Angel Salvador Gutierrez,” “Yankee,” and “Kean,” age 26, of Severn, Maryland; Juan Carlos Espinal-Rapalo, a/k/a “Chiki,” age 21; Daniel Adonai Ramos-Romero, a/k/a “Romero Taylor Binga,” “Taylor Romero,” and “Binga,” age 22; and Oscar Delgado-Perez, a/k/a “Complicado” and “Indio,” age 26, all of Gaithersburg, Maryland, have pleaded guilty to the racketeering conspiracy and other charges related to their MS-13 gang activity. They remain detained as they await sentencing.
Co-defendant Kevin Henriquez-Chavez, a/k/a “Loco” and “Crazy,” age 24, of Washington Grove, Maryland, also pleaded guilty to the racketeering conspiracy and was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA; HSI Baltimore, the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur also recognized the Montgomery County and Prince George’s County Departments of Corrections, HSI Baltimore’s Operation Community Shield Task Force, and the Maryland Department of Corrections Intelligence Unit for their assistance. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant United States Attorneys William D. Moomau, Ray D. McKenzie, Catherine K. Dick, and Burden H. Walker who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
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Manhattan Doctor Indicted for Diverting Drugs and Causing Patient’s Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing today of an Indictment in Manhattan federal court charging a doctor who practiced in Manhattan, GORDON FREEDMAN, with 16 counts of distributing oxycodone, fentanyl, and other controlled substances to a particular patient, including one count for distributing fentanyl that caused the patient’s death. FREEDMAN was arrested this morning, and is expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court this afternoon.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Physicians take an oath to practice medicine for the sole purpose of improving their patients’ health. Instead, Gordon Freedman allegedly used his medical license to overprescribe dangerous opioids to a patient. When overprescribing deadly fentanyl for no legitimate medical purpose, it is just a matter of time before luck runs out – and in this case it has – as a patient of Freedman’s has allegedly suffered a fatal overdose as a result of Freedman’s alleged misconduct.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “Everyone knows the inherent danger in buying and selling drugs on the street, but when doctors overprescribe legal substances in lethal quantities, they too contribute to the overall drug epidemic. These drugs pose a real threat to our society. We hope to send the message today that there’s no quick fix for doctors who hide behind their prescription pad—this is criminal activity, and it will be treated as such.”
As alleged in the Indictment[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:
From in or about 2013 through in or about May 2017, FREEDMAN, who worked at and owned a private pain-management office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and was an associate clinical professor at a large hospital in Manhattan, prescribed numerous controlled substances to a particular patient (“Patient-1”), including enormous quantities of oxycodone and fentanyl. For example, in 2013 alone, FREEDMAN prescribed Patient-1 approximately 85,427 oxycodone pills – an average of approximately 234 oxycodone pills per day – containing a total of approximately 2,422,435mg of oxycodone.
On or about April 13, 2017, FREEDMAN gave Patient-1 prescriptions for approximately 150 doses of a drug containing fentanyl, and for approximately 950 oxycodone pills containing approximately 30mg of oxycodone per pill. On or about May 4, 2017, Patient-1 died of a fentanyl overdose after ingesting a quantity of the drug prescribed by FREEDMAN on or about April 13, 2017.
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FREEDMAN, 58, of Mount Kisco, New York, is charged with one count of distributing controlled substances resulting in the death of another, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison. FREEDMAN is also charged with 15 counts of distributing controlled substances, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence for the defendant will be determined by the judge.
In March 2018, FREEDMAN was indicted in a separate case, U.S. v. Gordon Freedman et al., 18 Cr. 217 (KMW), on charges of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, and conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Trial in that case is scheduled to begin November 4, 2019, before the Honorable Kimba M. Wood.
Mr. Berman praised the FBI and the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) for their investigative efforts and ongoing support and assistance with the case.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah Solowiejczyk and David Abramowicz are in charge of the prosecution.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Manchester Man Sentenced to Five Months in Prison for Role in Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Angel Forteza-Concepcion, 20, of Manchester, has been sentenced to five months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,055.85 for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from November 2017 to February 2018, Forteza-Concepcion and Ariel Mendoza, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, knowingly deposited stolen checks and money orders totaling more than $7,100 into accounts at four federally insured banks. They then obtained proceeds from the stolen checks and money orders by using debit cards assigned to the accounts to withdraw cash at ATMs and perform debit card transactions.
Forteza-Concepcion pleaded guilty on December 19, 2018. Mendoza is serving an 18-month prison sentence and faces likely deportation to the Dominican Republic after he completes his sentence.
“The defendants in this scheme obtained money from multiple banks by depositing stolen checks and money orders,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This type of conduct cannot be tolerated. In order to ensure the integrity of our banking system and protect Granite Staters’ finances, we will aggressively prosecute those who participate in fraud schemes.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service works alongside our local law enforcement partners to conduct investigations of those individuals who compromise the personal information of our customers and who fraudulently use the U.S. Mail for financial gains,” said Inspector in Charge Joseph W. Cronin of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. “The integrity of the U.S. Mail is vital to our business and we will continue to work hard to protect it.”
The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case, with assistance from the Police Departments in Manchester and Salem, New Hampshire, and Lawrence, Massachusetts. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Kinsella.
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Man Who Led Police on Chase on Lookout Mt. SentencedRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A federal judge on Tuesday sentenced a northeast Alabama man for illegal gun possession, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
U.S. District Judge Karon O. Bowdre sentenced Dennis John Johnson, 43, to 87 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
Dennis John Johnson pled guilty in November 2018 to the federal charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a Smith & Wesson .40 Caliber semi-automatic pistol. According to the indictment Johnson had prior felony convictions of second-degree assault in Marshall County Circuit Court in November 1997, unlawful possession of a controlled substance in Etowah County Circuit Court in June 2001, and third-degree robbery in Marshall County Circuit Court in April 2014.
“Career criminals and illegal firearms are a dangerous combination,” Town said. “Anyone who endangers the lives of law enforcement and civilians trying to escape justice will be prosecuted vigorously.”
Johnson had the handgun with him when police arrested him on April 9 as he ran from a pickup truck he abandoned on Georgia Highway 48 in Chattooga County, Ga., according to a Fort Payne Police arrest report. Johnson jumped from the truck after fleeing police in Fort Payne and speeding away along U.S. Highway 11 to Hammondville. His flight took him onto Alabama Highway 117 and through Valley Head and Mentone before crossing the state line into Georgia, according to the arrest report.
Fort Payne officers had tried to pull over the pickup truck because the license plate was registered to a different vehicle, the police report said. In the ensuing chase, speeds topped 100 mph as Johnson ran vehicles off the narrow roads, swerved toward police vehicles and aimed his speeding truck at the Hammondville police chief, who was running across the road to deploy a stop strip. The first Fort Payne police vehicle in pursuit behind Johnson hit the stop strip and crashed, seriously injuring one Fort Payne officer, according to the police report.
ATF investigated the case in conjunction with the Fort Payne Police Department, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and the Chattooga County, Ga., Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Keim prosecuted the case
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Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to 17 years in prison for aiding and abetting the commission of two armed bank robberies.
According to court documents, Andrew Welton, aka “Manny”, 28, along with two associates, participated in a bank robbery on Dec. 20, 2017. Welton scoped out the BB&T bank on Lakeside Avenue in Henrico, and then provided Amber Fusco with a revolver while Jennifer Bessette wrote the demand note and served as the getaway car driver. Three days later, the trio committed a similar bank robbery, this time involving the Wells Fargo Bank in Richmond. After the robbery, Welton was stopped by law enforcement and part of the proceeds from the robbery were recovered from his vehicle.
Co-defendants Jennifer Bessette and Amber Fusco were previously sentenced to 7 1/2 years and 15 years in prison, respectively.
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, David W. Archey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, Humberto I. Cardounel, Jr., Chief of Henrico County Police Division, and William C. Smith, Interim Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Mastandrea-Miller 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 are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-163.