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Wednesday 27 February 2019
One of the Most Senior Level Former Coal Company Officials in Ky Charged for Defrauding Regulators About Black-Lung Causing Risks to MinersRead the Press Release
MADISONVILLE, Ky. – United States Attorney Russell M. Coleman announced the charging of an additional former supervisor and safety official from Armstrong Coal, in addition to the 8 previous officials charged by a Federal Grand Jury, for conspiracy to defraud an agency of the United States government by deceit, trickery and dishonest means.
The Indictment charges that the conspirators sought to deceive federal mine safety regulators as to the daily levels of breathable dust at both the Parkway Mine of Muhlenberg County, KY and Kronos Mine of Ohio County, KY. Breathable or “respirable” dust is the primary cause of pneumoconiosis or “Black Lung” in miners. The Federal Grand Jury also charges the nine Armstrong Coal officials with making false statements as to results of tests required to be conducted every 60 days to protect certain “designated occupations,” that is the dustiest and most dangerous job assignments in a coal mine.
In addition to the previous charges announced in July of 2018, a federal Grand Jury has now indicted Glendal “Buddy” Hardison, the former manager of all Armstrong Coal western Kentucky mines. The Grand Jury charges that Hardison allegedly met with co-Defendant Ron Ivy and an unindicted co-conspirator in 2013, and ordered them to do whatever they had to do to “make the pumps come in.”
“West Kentucky miners are about action, not just happy talk,” stated U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman. “As we showed today, the United States will continue to aggressively go up the chain to hold accountable those who made calculated business decisions that placed our miners at grave risk.”
“Miners’ safety and health is our top priority,” said David G. Zatezalo, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), which conducted the investigation that led to the charges. “If supervisors and safety officials are breaking the law, we’ll do everything we can to ensure that the laws are enforced and miners receive the protections they deserve.”
The Grand Jury charges that contrary to regulations, Armstrong officials removed dust testing devices early in the miners’ shifts and placed the devices in less dusty or “clean air”; that during a testing period, officials replaced miners who ran the most dust-causing machines with miners who were not wearing the dust testing devices, so that the company would pass the tests; that Armstrong officials fabricated and submitted dust sampling test results on days the mine was shut down or otherwise not in operation; that officials ordered that testing devices be run in “clean air,” before and after shifts, to skew the test results toward passing; that a mine superintendent twice mandated to a safety official to take whatever action necessary to ensure that the company passed dust sampling tests.
Armstrong Coal, now bankrupt, is designated by the Indictment as an unindicted co-conspirator. Those former Armstrong supervisory and safety officials charged include:
- Charley Barber, age 63, of Madisonville, a former Superintendent of Parkway Mine;
- General “Buddy” Hardison, age 69, of Belton, the former manager of all of Armstrong Coal western Kentucky mines;
- Brian Keith Casebier, age 60, of Earlington, a former Safety Director at Parkway Mine;
- Steven Demoss, age 48, of Nortonville, a former Assistant Safety Director at Parkway Mine;
- Billie Hearld, age 42, of Russellville, a former Section Foreman at Parkway Mine;
- Ron Ivy, age 50, of Manitou, a former Safety Director at Kronos Mine;
- John Ellis Scott, age 62, of South Carrollton, a former employee in the Safety Department at Parkway Mine;
- Dwight Fulkerson, age 40, of Drakesboro, a former Section Foreman who performed dust testing at Parkway Mine; and
- Jeremy Hackney, age 46, of White Plains, also a former Section Foremen who performed dust testing at Parkway Mine.
The Kronos Mine remains in operation under different ownership. The Parkway Mine is no longer open.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Randy Ream, Corinne Keel and MSHA’s Jason Grover.
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The indictment of a person by a Grand Jury is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
New York Man Charged with Cryptocurrency SchemeRead the Press Release
The founder and principal operator of My Big Coin Pay Inc. (My Big Coin), a purported cryptocurrency and virtual payment services company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, was charged in an indictment unsealed today for his alleged participation in a scheme to defraud investors by marketing and selling fraudulent virtual currency.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling of the District of Massachusetts, Special Agent in Charge Joseph R. Bonavolonta of the FBI’s Boston Field Office and Inspector in Charge Delany De Leon-Colon of the Criminal Investigations Group of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s National Headquarters in Washington, DC made the announcement.
Randall Crater, 48, of East Hampton, New York, was charged in an indictment filed in the District of Massachusetts with four counts of wire fraud and three counts of unlawful monetary transactions. Crater was arrested this morning and will appear today in U.S. District Court in the Middle District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that between 2014 and 2017, Crater and others created the fraudulent virtual currency “My Big Coins” or “Coins” and marketed this fraudulent currency to investors using misrepresentations about its nature and value. Crater and his associates allegedly falsely claimed that Coins were a fully functioning cryptocurrency backed by valuable assets such as gold. Crater and his associates also allegedly told investors that Coins could be readily exchanged for goods, cash or other virtual currencies. As alleged in the indictment, Crater and his associates solicited investors and distributed these misrepresentations through websites and social media affiliated with My Big Coin, as well as by direct communications with investors and prospective investors. In reality, Coins were not backed by gold or any other valuable assets and were not readily transferable, the indictment alleges. Instead, Crater allegedly misappropriated over $6 million in investor funds for personal use, including to purchase artwork, antiques, jewelry and other luxury items.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Caitlin Cottingham of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordi De Llano Campos of the District of Massachusetts. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission provided assistance with the matter.
The Fraud Section plays a pivotal role in the Department of Justice’s fight against white collar crime around the country.
New York Man Charged with Cryptocurrency Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The founder of My Big Coin Pay Inc., a purported cryptocurrency and virtual payment services company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., was arrested and charged today for his participation in a scheme to defraud investors by marketing and selling fraudulent virtual currency.
Randall Crater, 48, of East Hampton, N.Y., was charged with four counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. Crater was arrested this morning and will appear today in U.S. District Court in the Middle District of Florida. A date for Crater’s initial appearance in the District of Massachusetts has not yet been scheduled.
According to the indictment, Crater and others created the fraudulent virtual currency, “My Big Coins” or “Coins,” which they marketed to investors between 2014 and 2017 using misrepresentations about the nature and value of Coins. Crater and his associates falsely claimed that Coins was a fully functioning cryptocurrency backed by valuable assets such as gold, oil, and other assets. They also falsely told investors that Coins could readily be exchanged for government-backed paper currency or other virtual currencies. As alleged in the indictment, Crater and his associates promulgated these misrepresentations through social media, the internet, email, and text messages.
In reality, Coins were not backed by gold or other valuable assets and were not readily transferable. Over the course of the scheme, it is alleged that Crater misappropriated over $6 million of investor funds for his own personal gain.
In January 2018, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced commodity fraud charges against Crater and My Big Coin Inc. The CFTC also filed civil charges against the Chief Executive Officer of My Big Coin, John Roche, and two of Crater’s associates Mark Gillespie and Michael Kruger.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss. The money laundering charges provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the value of the criminally derived property. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Washington Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordi de Llano, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Securities & Financial Fraud Unit, and Trial Attorney Caitlin Cottingham of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. The CFTC also provided valuable assistance with the matter.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Monongalia County man admits to role in a drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Payne, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Payne, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.” Payne admitted to selling heroin in July 2017 in Monongalia County.Payne faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud for His Role in $200 Million Compounding Pharmacy SchemeRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss – Howard Randall Thomley, 60, of Hattiesburg, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to a Criminal Information charging him with health care fraud for his role in a $200 million scheme to defraud health care benefit programs, including TRICARE, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman III of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Atlanta Field Office and Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s Southeast Field Office.
Thomley will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on July 2, 2019 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
During his guilty plea, Thomley admitted that, from approximately August 2012 through January 2016, he conspired with others to carry out a scheme to defraud TRICARE, which is a federally funded health care benefit program that serves United States military personnel and their families.
Thomley owned and operated a company called Advantage Marketing Professionals, which marketed medications for Advantage Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy in Hattiesburg. For each prescription submitted by Thomley, Advantage Marketing Professionals and Thomley would receive a percentage of the revenue that Advantage Pharmacy obtained from TRICARE.
Thomley and others associated with Advantage Marketing Professionals recruited beneficiaries of TRICARE and paid them a percentage of the revenue from each prescription – including refills – that they and their families accepted, in order to induce the beneficiaries to accept millions of dollars of expensive compounded medications that were not medically necessary. In order to obtain prescriptions, Thomley and his co-conspirators filled out pre-printed prescription forms with the beneficiaries’ names, and obtained prescriber signatures, knowing that the medical professional prescribing the medication had not examined the recruited beneficiaries. Sometimes, the prescribers had previously signed blank prescription forms, which were later filled in by Thomley or his co-conspirators.
Advantage Pharmacy, upon receiving prescriptions, filled the prescriptions, dispensed compounded medications, and submitted claims to TRICARE, received reimbursement, and disbursed a portion of those payments to Thomley.
TRICARE paid approximately $3.6 million in reimbursements for medications sent to the beneficiaries recruited by Thomley and his co-conspirators.
"This nefarious and complex health care fraud scheme was one of the largest in Mississippi's history, and possibly one of the largest in our nation's history," said Special Agent in Charge Freeze. "Billions of taxpayer dollars are lost to heath care fraud each year, and conspiracies against Tricare strip benefits directly from our military's brave men and women and their families. This guilty plea brings this case one step closer to justice and shows the unwavering commitment, of all of the partnering agencies, to uncover, investigate and prosecute dishonest and unethical physicians, health care providers and any others associated with America's health care system. The collective resources of law enforcement at all levels will continue to expose these types of corruption and will actively seek justice for those who participate in these schemes."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, among other agencies. It is being prosecuted by DOJ Trial Attorneys Kate Payerle and Jared Hasten of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary Helen Wall of the Southern District of Mississippi and Sean Welsh of the Western District of Virginia, formerly of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), with the support and assistance of Trial Attorney Amanda Wick of MLARS.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than 14 billion.
Mission Woman Charged with Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Mission, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Lee Ann Stenstrom a/k/a LeeAnn Stenstrom, age 35, was indicted on February 13, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 26, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on December 26, 2018, Stenstrom did forcibly assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere with a law enforcement officer who was employed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, by using a dangerous weapon.
The charge is merely an accusation and Stenstrom is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Stenstrom was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Middletown Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Stealing from Law Firm, BrotherRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that STEPHEN T. GIONFRIDDO, 68, of Middletown, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 46 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling more than $500,000 from his former employer, and stealing nearly $400,000 from his brother to pay back his employer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Gionfriddo was hired by a Rocky Hill law firm as a paralegal in approximately August 2013. Beginning in approximately December 2013, Gionfriddo caused the firm’s bookkeeper to prepare checks payable to various of Gionfriddo’s creditors by misrepresenting that the funds were needed to pay client expenses. Gionfriddo also intercepted numerous checks payable to the law firm or to the firm’s clients, endorsed the checks over to himself, and then deposited the checks into his personal bank account for his own use.
In July 2017, Gionfriddo forged the signature of one of the firm’s partners on a Notice of Certificate Maturity in order to cancel a certificate of deposit (CD) in the name of one of the firm’s clients, and then mailed the form. When the $112,748.21 distribution check representing the proceeds of the client’s CD was mailed to the firm, Gionfriddo intercepted it, forged the signature of the payee, and converted it to his own use.
Through this scheme, Gionfriddo stole $543,372.21 from the law firm and its clients.
In late September 2017, the principals at the law firm confronted Gionfriddo about the theft of funds, and Gionfriddo promised to repay the firm. On October 3, 2017, Gionfriddo called the Thrift Savings Plan (“TSP”), a defined contribution plan for federal employees, and impersonated his brother, who had worked for the federal government, maintains a TSP account, and suffers from a debilitating medical condition. During the call, Gionfriddo obtained information about how to effect a hardship withdrawal of money from the account and have it sent to a bank account he controlled. Gionfriddo also was advised on that call that TSP would issue a Form 1099 in January as a result of the hardship withdrawal.
On October 4, 2017, Gionfriddo faxed a form requesting a withdrawal of $195,000 from his brother’s TSP account for “medical expenses.” Gionfriddo directed the TSP to deposit the funds into a bank account that he controlled.
In an effort to conceal this scheme from his brother, Gionfriddo contacted the U.S. Postal Service and had his brother’s mail held for the entire month of January 2018.
Gionfriddo also stole from his brother’s bank and investment accounts in the total amount of $201,518.
Judge Meyer ordered Gionfriddo to pay restitution of $446,111.67, most of which is owed to Gionfriddo’s brother.
Gionfriddo was arrested on a criminal complaint on June 12, 2018. On November 20, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of wire fraud.
Gionfriddo, who is released on bond, was ordered to report to prison on April 1, 2019.
In 2006, Gionfriddo was convicted of federal wire fraud and mail fraud offenses for embezzling more than $633,000 from clients while acting as their attorney. In October 2006, he was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 30 months of imprisonment. To date, he has paid $44,910.66 in restitution to victims of this previous crime.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.
Methamphetamine and Heroin Dealer Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man has been sentenced to federal prison for 15 separate charges, including distribution of heroin and methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. A jury found Darowe Junior Jones, 39, of Tulsa, guilty on Oct. 24, 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan sentenced Jones to 211 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
“Methamphetamine and heroin have exacted too much damage on Oklahoma families. Darowe Jones is an “alpha criminal” who peddled addiction for profit in our Tulsa community,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Through the combined efforts of the TPD, FBI and ATF during Operation Alpha, his drug ring has been dismantled. A 17-year federal prison sentence delivers accountability and consequences to Darowe Jones for his involvement in the illegal drug trade. It should also promote deterrence for anyone thinking about stepping into his shoes.”
Jones was arrested on April 17, 2018, on an outstanding felony arrest warrant as part of Operation Alpha, an initiative targeting Tulsa’s most dangerous criminals. Jones was a high volume drug dealer who sold methamphetamine, black-tar heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, and Xanax. He conspired with his partners to receive drugs through the mail at various addresses in Tulsa and Broken Arrow, which he later distributed in the Tulsa area. The evidence further showed that Jones sent tens of thousands of dollars in cash over a two-year period to his out-of-state sources of supply to purchase the narcotics.
After his arrest, Jones continued his drug operations by calling his accomplices from jail and directing them to hide evidence, including drug proceeds.
Jones will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Jones was arrested as part of Operation Alpha, a Project Safe Neighborhoods’ initiative. Operation Alpha utilized crime mapping technology to target areas with high rates of crime and focused on the area surrounding 21st Street and Garnett Road in Tulsa. Phase one operations took place from mid-April through mid-June 2018 and resulted in 174 felony arrests and seizure of 106 firearms.
The Tulsa Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI and United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas E. Duncombe, Dennis A. Fries, and Joel-lyn A. McCormick prosecuted the case.
Meth User and Dealer Sentenced to over a Year in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
An Ely woman who was a daily user of methamphetamine and possessed a gun was sentenced on February 22, 2019, to 16 months in federal prison.
Melissa Kurth, age 38, from Ely, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 19, 2018 guilty plea to one count of being an unlawful user of methamphetamine in possession of a firearm.
Kurth was driving a car in Cedar Rapids on January 26, 2018, when she was stopped by officers from the Cedar Rapids Police Department for a traffic violation. During the stop, officers found a Savage Arms rifle and a BB gun in the trunk of the car. The rifle had previously been reported stolen. Officers also located drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine residue in the vehicle. Kurth admitted she was a daily user of methamphetamine and that she also sold up to an ounce of methamphetamine daily in the Cedar Rapids area.
In sentencing Kurth, the judge noted she had a lengthy criminal history which included over 20 criminal convictions. Kurth has prior convictions for driving offenses, thefts, OWI, and attempted burglary.
Kurth was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C.J. Williams. Kurth was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment, with the final 3 months to be served in a residential facility. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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.
Kurth is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to federal prison.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the investigated by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The task force is composed of representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-00056. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Meriden Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOEL CRUZ, 36, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 63 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for trafficking cocaine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 2, 2017, Cruz engaged Milford and Connecticut State Police in a high-speed chase from I-95 in Milford to I-91 in New Haven. During the chase, Cruz threw a package containing approximately one kilogram of cocaine from his vehicle. When he was apprehended in the area of Exit 5 on I-91, he possessed $34,360 in cash.
On August 30, 2018, Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
CRUZ has forfeited the cash seized at the time of his arrest.
CRUZ, who was released on bond, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of today’s court proceeding.
This matter was investigated by the FBI’s New Haven Safe Streets/Gang Task Force, Connecticut State Police and Milford Police Department. The Task Force includes members from the New Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, West Haven Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Nathaniel J. Gentile.
McKeesport Felon Charged with Unlawful Possession of Pistol and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of federal firearms violations, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment returned on February 26, named Eric Antoin Johnson, 22, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from on or about January 21 through on or about January 29, 2019, Johnson unlawfully possessed an Intratec model AB10 9 millimeter pistol and 9 millimeter ammunition, after having been convicted of robbery and assault, crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from lawfully possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Christy Criswell Wiegand is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Findlay Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. 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.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Man Pleads Guilty to Murdering Postal Worker in Fit of Road RageRead the Press Release
A Los Angeles man today pleaded guilty to murdering a postal worker during a road rage incident in Dallas last February, announced U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox.
Donnie Arlondo Ferrell, 26, admits he shot and killed U.S. Postal Service employee Tony Mosby, who was behind the wheel of a USPS vehicle, on Feb. 19, 2018.
According to plea papers, Mr. Ferrell – one of three passengers inside a Mazda traveling eastbound on I-30 – became incensed at something he perceived Mr. Mosby had done on the freeway. He leaned out of the Mazda and fired four shots at the USPS vehicle.
Mr. Ferrell then watched as the USPS vehicle crashed into a retaining wall on the freeway.
When Mr. Ferrell later learned Mr. Mosby had been killed by a bullet to the head, Mr. Ferrell instructed the Mazda’s other passengers not to discuss the incident with anyone else.
When law enforcement attempted to arrest Mr. Ferrell two days later, he retreated into his residence and refused to surrender for several hours, according to his plea papers.
This morning, Mr. Ferrell pleaded guilty to one count of murder of an employee of an agency of the United States government, and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. He faces up to life in prison.
“It was devastating to learn of the senseless act of violence that took the life of a federal postal employee while on the job in our district,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “I’m gratified we could bring the perpetrator to justice. My heart goes out to Mr. Mosby’s family and friends.”
“The wanton road rage murder of Postal Employee Tony Mosby by Donnie Ferrell was senseless and tragic,” said Damon E. Wood, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Fort Worth Division. “Postal Inspectors will ensure an offense like this is investigated and the perpetrators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I’d like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Texas, for their assistance and guidance. I would also like to thank the Dallas Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their partnership in this investigation.”
A codefendant, Bei-jing Tashawna Walker, accused of accessory after the fact, entered a plea of not guilty last March.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation with assistance from the Dallas Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. U.S. Attorneys P.J. Meitl and John Kull prosecuted the case.
Long Island Man Sentenced to 19 Years’ Imprisonment for Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Brian Newton was sentenced to 19 years’ of imprisonment by United States District Judge Joseph F. Bianco following the defendant’s guilty plea on May 3, 2018 to transportation of child pornography in interstate and foreign commerce. As part of his sentence, Newton must serve five years’ supervised release following his imprisonment, during which time he must remain registered as a sex offender and not have unsupervised contact with minors.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.
“Newton, despite being a registered sex offender, again chose to victimize children by sharing images of their abuse with others online, conduct that is deserving of a substantial prison sentence and underscores a message of deterrence to others,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “The protection of innocent children is a priority of utmost importance for this Office and our law enforcement partners. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who victimize children will be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” Mr. Donoghue extended his grateful appreciation to the FBI New York Crimes Against Children Task Force for its investigative work and assistance.
“Child pornography is not an abstract crime. It is a direct byproduct of the sexual abuse of innocent children – in this instance, including infants and toddlers,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “And though he was already on probation for a prior child pornography conviction, Newton continued and even escalated his depraved actions, sharing child pornography while sexually soliciting minor children online. Today’s sentence provides a measure of justice for Newton’s victims, and protects those he sought to victimize. The FBI’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force and our partners are committed to investigating and prosecuting anyone who seeks to harm children.”
Newton, who at the time of the charged offense was on probation from a conviction in Suffolk County in 2014 for possession of child pornography, was caught trading child pornography including sadistic depictions of the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. During the execution of a search warrant at his residence, law enforcement seized Newton’s large collection of child pornography, including hundreds of videos and thousands of images. After his arrest, Newton admitted engaging in conversations with minors over internet chat platforms, as well as sending nude images of himself to minors and soliciting nude images from minors.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative led by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices, 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.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Lara T. Gatz and Michael R. Maffei are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
BRIAN JOSEPH NEWTON
Age: 38
East Northport, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-341 (JFB)
Lockport Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Selling Fentanyl That Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Pablo Lugo III, 23, of Lockport, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution, of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 168 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan A. Tokash and Joseph M. Tripi, who handled the case, stated that on March 29, 2015, Lockport Police Officers responded to 152 Caledonia Street and found an individual, K.R., deceased. Officers recovered four reddish paper wrappers in the bathroom, one of which was tested at the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory and determined to contain fentanyl. An autopsy determined that K.R. died of acute fentanyl intoxication.
Text messages recovered from K.R.’s cellular phone revealed that on March 28, 2015, K.R. communicated with Lugo between 12:22 p.m. and 12:51 p.m. K.R. died shortly after the text message exchange. The defendant admits that K.R.’s death resulted from the drugs he gave to K.R.
Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Niagara County Drug Enforcement Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Voutour; and the Lockport Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Steven Preisch.
Leader of Multi-Million Dollar Narcotics Trafficking Conspiracy Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An international narcotics trafficker from the Dominican Republic pleaded guilty yesterday evening to leading and organizing a multi-million dollar conspiracy to purchase 100 kilograms of cocaine.
According to court documents, Luis Rafael Tavarez, aka El Primo, 36, traveled from New York to Northern Virginia on October 23, 2018 with co-conspirators Manny Lizardo and Luis Liriano-Toribio to obtain 100 kilograms of cocaine in exchange for $2.5 million in cash. Law enforcement seized over $1.15 million in cash at the time of the Tavarez’s arrest.
On several occasions in September and October 2018, Tavarez reaffirmed his desire to travel to Virginia to conduct a large drug transaction whereby he would pay $25,000 per kilogram of cocaine. In connection with this multi-million dollar deal, Tavarez sought an additional vehicle, known to narcotics traffickers as a “trap vehicle,” to split large amounts of cocaine into separate cars in order to minimize the risk of potentially losing the entire shipment or load of the drugs in the event that law enforcement stopped one of the vehicles. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Tavarez used multiple telephones, an alias, and encrypted communication platforms because he believed those measures would minimize the risk of law enforcement detection.
Tavarez admitted that Lizardo and Liriano-Toribio traveled to Northern Virginia to assist him in trafficking and/or transporting the large shipment of cocaine back to New York. Tavarez served as the leader and organizer of the operation, and was arrested at a hotel in Vienna in possession of over $1 million dollars in cash. Lizardo and Liriano-Toribio were arrested in a parking garage in Fairfax attempting to take possession of the cocaine.
Tavarez faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison when sentenced on May 24. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, Colonel Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, Patrick J. Lechleitner, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after the plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-426.
Leader of Timeshare Resale Fraud Scam Targeting Elderly Victims Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for $3.37 Million in LossesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The leader of a large-scale timeshare resale scam was sentenced today to 63 months in federal prison for defrauding more than 1,000 victims, many of them elderly, out of more than $3.3 million, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada.
“Today’s sentence demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to protecting vulnerable elder populations in Nevada,” said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “Elder fraud and exploitation can have a crippling effect on victims, and federal prosecutors will pursue financial fraudsters who exploit our most vulnerable for personal and financial gain.”
Daniel Martin Boyar, aka “Wolf,” 64, of Orlando, Florida, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, and two counts of wire fraud. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge James C. Mahan sentenced Boyar to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $3.37 million in restitution to the victims of the fraud scheme.
Between October 2010 to April 2012, Boyar, the admitted leader of the scheme, and his 20 co-conspirators devised and participated in a telemarketing scam to defraud more than 1,000 timeshare owners out of more than $3.3 million dollars. Using stolen data to identify timeshare owners, the defendants promised to sell the timeshares in return for the owner paying in advance half of the costs associated with the purported sales. There were no buyers and the timeshare sales never occurred. This is a common criminal telemarketing scheme known as “the buyer’s pitch.” Boyar was directly responsible for more than $3.3 million in losses to the victims.
The scam operated out of Orlando, Florida, under numerous business names including Holiday Advertising, First Capital Financial Services Corporation, Professional Concepts LLC, TeleTeton Corporation, Redline Funding LLC, Great West Funding Incorporated, Equity Financial Services LLC, Beneficial Business Solutions, Eastern Enterprises LLC, Vacation Funding Partners LP, Property, People, Travel, and Community Funding Corporation, using fake front companies in various cities across the United States, including Las Vegas, Nevada. Boyar and his co-conspirators would use false identities and lease temporary office spaces around the country. This allowed them to establish front companies using inactive companies which made the scam appear legitimate. Using voice-over-internet phone systems, they spoofed telephone numbers that made it appear that they were calling from the location of the fake front company. Callers in the scheme pretended to be in the distant office, using the internet to track the weather and local news in the location of the fake front company and inviting victims to view the leased building on mapping websites. The conspirators created websites with materially false and misleading information to include customer testimonials, company officers, and press releases.
Twenty of Boyar’s co-conspirators were charged and have pleaded guilty for their involvement in this fraud scheme. Six, in addition to Boyar, have been sentenced. The remainder await sentencing.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.
Consumers should use caution when previously unknown telemarketers offer unsolicited services. It is relatively easy for scam artists to create the appearance of legitimacy for a fraudulent business front by manipulating information available through the Internet. Fraudsters frequently are able to buy or steal information related to their intended victims that the victim believed was confidential, helping the fraudster trick the victim into believing the fraudster is part of a legitimate business.
Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 1-877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime at www.ovc.gov. Additional elder justice resources, training, and outreach materials can be found at the Elder Justice Website at www.elderjustice.gov.
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Kentwood Man Pleads Guilty to Interstate Threat to U.S. SenatorRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — United States Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that Rick Lynn Simmons, 52, of Kentwood, Michigan pleaded guilty before a U.S. Magistrate Judge to one count of making an interstate telephone call to the Camden, New Jersey office of U.S. Senator Cory Booker and leaving a voicemail message with a threat to injure Senator Booker, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c). Simmons faces a maximum of 5 years’ imprisonment, 3 years’ supervised released, and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 5, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Janet T. Neff.
Simmons admitted at the plea hearing that he placed a call in the evening of October 26, 2018 from his Kent County, Michigan home to Senator Booker’s office and left a vulgarity-filled voicemail message that threatened to "put a nine millimeter" into the Senator’s face.
"No individual, whether a public official or a member of the public, deserves to field threatening messages designed to dehumanize, intimidate and terrorize," U.S. Attorney Birge said.
"The FBI works closely with the U.S. Capitol Police to investigate threats to harm or kill public officials wherever those threats originate," said FBI Detroit Field Office Special Agent in Charge Timothy R. Slater. "In this case, the targeted individual was a Senator, but we remain committed to safeguarding the rights of all individuals."
The case was jointly investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police, Kentwood Police Department, and the FBI - Grand Rapids Violent Crime Task Force – which includes the Grand Rapids Police Department, the Michigan Department of Corrections, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay M. West is prosecuting the case.
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Jury convicts former Jefferson Parish justice of the peace of financial fraudRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, NEW ORLEANS, LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that a former Justice of the Peace for the Second Justice Court of Jefferson Parish was convicted by a federal jury in New Orleans for using his position to illegally obtain wage garnishments and loans. The jury returned its guilty verdict after deliberating for approximately three hours, ending a trial that began Tuesday, February 19, 2019.
Patrick Hale Dejean, 40, was found guilty this afternoon, of 13 counts of mail fraud and three counts of making false statements to a bank.
“Public corruption by our elected officials will not be tolerated in Louisiana,” said Joseph. “In this case, the Justice of the Peace targeted some of the most vulnerable members of our society and stole their hard earned wages, defrauded banks, and abused the trust placed in him by the public. This verdict should serve as a warning to other Louisiana public officials who may intend to use elected office to line their own pockets.”
Evidence presented at trial proved that from May 2009 through August 2016, Dejean diverted money from a Second Justice Court bank account for his personal use and made false statements to a bank to improperly borrow money on behalf of the court, which he later spent on himself.
During the trial, jurors heard evidence that Dejean systematically abused the Second Justice Court’s garnishment procedures to defraud creditors and debtors with business before the court. As a Justice of the Peace, Dejean judged small claims civil cases for creditors seeking payment from customers who were behind in their payments. If a judgment was obtained by the creditor, Dejean issued garnishment judgments instructing employers of the debtors to send wage garnishments to the Second Justice Court.
Evidence presented at trial proved that Dejean improperly used this process to enrich himself by failing to forward the proper amounts of the wage garnishments collected to the creditors and instead spent the money on himself, primarily to gamble at local casinos. In order to facilitate his scheme, Dejean would continue to garnish the wages on unsuspecting debtors after they had already paid the amount owed under the judgment.
The jury also found that Dejean lied on bank applications in 2012 and 2013 to influence First Bank and Trust to lend more than $50,000 to the Second Justice Court. Dejean applied for bank loans on behalf of the court despite knowing that the court was prohibited by Louisiana law from borrowing money. Rather than using the loan proceeds for expenses related to the court, Dejean gambled with the money and otherwise used it for personal expenses.
Dejean faces up to 20 years in prison for each mail and wire fraud count and up to 30 years in prison for each count related to making a false statement to a bank. United States District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon set Patrick Dejean’s sentencing for May 23, 2019.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case because the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana is recused from the case.
The FBI, Louisiana Legislative Auditor, New Orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty After Arrest on Drug, Assault and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Mexican citizen pleaded guilty today to illegally reentering the United States after removal and committing further crimes that resulted in his arrest on drug, assault and firearm charges.
According to court documents, Mexican citizen Linaldo Martinez Hernandez, 30, first illegally entered the United States on the Texas border. In 2008, he was apprehended by immigration authorities in North Carolina and removed at taxpayer expense from the United States to Mexico. Thereafter, on an unknown date, Martinez Hernandez illegally reentered the United States a second time. On January 14, ICE learned Martinez Hernandez had been arrested in Richmond for drug, assault, and firearm charges.
Hernandez pleaded guilty to illegal reentry and faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison when sentenced on May 16. 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, and Jeffrey M. Jacoff, Acting Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge David J. Novak accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney S. David Schiller is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-22.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MANUEL ASHLEY, also known as “Fresh,” 27, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 37 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm and drug offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 31 and June 1, 2017, Ashley sold approximately 90 bags containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to another individual.
Hartford Police arrested Ashley on June 6, 2017, after he sold a stolen .380 caliber pistol to another individual. On that date, a search of Ashley’s Babcock Street residence revealed 44 bags containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl.
Ashley has been detained since his arrest. On November 26, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Ashley’s criminal history includes multiple state felony convictions.
This investigation was conducted by the Hartford Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force. The Task Force includes members of the Hartford Police Department, East Hartford Police Department, Connecticut State Police and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Harlem man sentenced for domestic abuseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS—Harlem resident Tristen Jace Gone, who admitted hitting his domestic partner, was sentenced today to three years in federal prison and two years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Gone, 19, pleaded guilty in November to domestic abuse by a habitual offender.
U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
Prosecutors said evidence showed that Gone punched the victim in the face and arm and threw her down after she received a court subpoena on July 9, 2018 in Newtown on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Gone has two prior domestic convictions from Fort Belknap Tribal Court.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Fort Belknap Tribal Police and FBI.
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Fugitive Sought in Violent Crime SpreeRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal grand jury in Corpus Christi has returned an indictment against two local men for multiple felonies, including carjacking and weapons charges, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The six-count indictment was returned today against Carlos Moreno, 25, and Leonard Reyna, 24, both of Corpus Christi. They are charged with robbery, carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence each for being previously convicted felons in possession of firearms.
Reyna was already in custody on the charges and is expected to make his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future. Moreno is considered a fugitive and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals service at 1-800-336-0102.
According to the allegations, on Aug. 26, 2018, the Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) responded to an aggravated robbery at the Corpus Christi Trade Center located in the 2800 block of South Padre Island Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a group of males had allegedly approached a local jewelry store displaying handguns and demanded several items of jewelry. The men then fled on foot out the back alley of the location, according to the criminal complaint, originally filed on the case. At the scene, officers allegedly recovered several rounds of 9mm and .45 caliber ammunition and a set of keys belonging to a nearby vehicle.
Court documents further allege that as officers continued to investigate, CCPD received another call, this time involving a shooting at the Stripes convenience store located in the 6000 block of Ayers. When officers responded to that location, they found a victim laying inside the store, according to the charges. He claimed he had been parked in his vehicle when two males approached and pointed a gun at him, demanding the keys to his truck. He refused. The charges allege that one of the men then fired, striking the victim in the left arm and stomach. The two males then allegedly fled the location.
Court records indicate that witnesses at the scene provided a physical description of the males that matched the suspects at the earlier Trade Center robbery.
If convicted of carjacking, both men face up to 25 years in federal prison, while the robbery carries up to 20 years of imprisonment. For being felons in possession of firearms, they could also receive a 10-year-maximum term of imprisonment. For brandishing and discharging a weapon during a crime of violence, the punishment is seven and 10 years minimum, respectively, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. In addition, each charge carries a possible fine of up to $250,000
CCPD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Former Washington State Bank CEO Pleads Guilty to Multi-Year Tax Fraud of More than $865,000Read the Press Release
The former Chief Executive Officer of a Pacific Northwest community bank pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Wisconsin to filing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. VICTOR KARPIAK, 64, now of La Crosse, Wisconsin, admits that between 2010 and 2016 he failed to report more than $2.3 million in income on his taxes. KARPIAK previously served as President and CEO of First Savings Bank Northwest based in Renton, Washington. He retired in 2013 and moved from the Seattle area. KARPIAK was charged in the Western District Washington, but chose to have the case resolved near his new home in Wisconsin. Sentencing by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley is scheduled for May 17, 2019.
According to the facts admitted as part of his plea, between 2010 and 2016, KARPIAK served as a trustee and consultant for a woman who was the beneficiary of a family and a marital trust. Over those years KARPIAK paid himself fees of $3,265,072 but on his taxes KARPIAK reported less than a third of that income ($943,322). The tax loss on more than $2,321,750 in income is $867,540. In the plea agreement KARPIAK agreed to pay $867,540 to the IRS as well as any interest or civil penalties the IRS imposes in the case. The interest alone in this case could total more than $143,647.
Filing a false tax return is punishable by up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine or twice the gross tax gain or loss. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. The sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Steven Masada of the Western District of Washington and Elizabeth Altman of the Western District of Wisconsin.
Former Operator of Illegal Booter Services Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Computer Damage and AbuseRead the Press Release
An Orland Park, Illinois man pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to cause damage to internet-connected computers for his role in owning, administering, and supporting illegal booter services that launched millions of illegal DDoS attacks against victim computer systems in the United States and elsewhere. The illegal services included ExoStress.in, (“ExoStresser”), QuezStresser.com, Betabooter.com (“Betabooter”), Databooter.com, Instabooter.com, Polystress.com, and Zstress.net.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement.
According to the criminal information, Sergiy P. Usatyuk, 20, combined with a co-conspirator to develop, control and operate a number of booter services and booter-related websites from around August 2015 through November 2017 that launched millions of DDoS attacks that disrupted the internet connections of targeted victim computers, rendered targeted websites slow or inaccessible, and interrupted normal business operations. For instance, as of Sept. 12, 2017, ExoStresser advertised on its website (exostress.in) that its booter service alone had launched 1,367,610 DDoS attacks, and caused targeted victim computer systems to suffer 109,186.4 hours of network downtime.
“Booters” or “Stressers” are a class of publicly-available, web-based services that allow cybercriminals to launch distributed denial-of-service, or DDoS, attacks that overwhelm a target computer system with unrequested traffic and, in turn, “boot” or “drop” the victim from the internet for a relatively small fee or no fee at all. To launch a DDoS attack using a booter, a cybercriminal often needs only a web browser and online payment tool to subscribe to a provider, provide instructions for attacking a victim computer system, and deliver payment.
The DDoS attacks launched by the booters also harmed computer systems that were not directly targeted. For example, according to the criminal information, in November 2016, a Betabooter subscriber launched a series of DDoS attacks against a school district in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area that not only disrupted the school district’s computer systems, but affected the computer systems of 17 organizations that shared the same computer infrastructure, including other school districts, the county government, the county’s career and technology centers, and a Catholic Diocese in the area.
During the period of the conspiracy, Usatyuk and a co-conspirator gained in excess of $550,000 from charging subscriber fees to paying customers of their booter services and selling advertising space to other booter operators.
“For over two years, Sergiy Usatyuk conspired to launch millions of DDoS attacks that paralyzed the computer systems of U.S. organizations for more than 100,000 hours,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “The Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners will remain vigilant in protecting the American public by prosecuting the cybercriminals responsible for these sophisticated and harmful schemes.”
“DDoS-for-hire services pose a malicious threat to the citizens of our district, as well as districts across the country, by impeding critical access to the internet and jeopardizing safety and security in the process,” said U.S. Attorney Higdon. “The operation and use of these services to disrupt the operations of our businesses and other institutions cannot be tolerated. Anyone who weaponizes web traffic in this manner will be vigorously pursued and prosecuted by my office.”
Over the past five years, booter and stresser services have grown as an increasingly prevalent class of DDoS attack tools. Booter-based DDoS attack tools offer a low barrier to entry for users looking to engage in cybercrime.
For additional information on booter and stresser services and the harm that they cause, please visit: https://www.ic3.gov/media/2017/171017-2.aspx.
If you believe you are a victim of this offense, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/united-states-v-sergiy-usatyuk or email [email protected].
The investigation was conducted by special agents of the FBI Charlotte Field Office, Raleigh Resident Agency. Additional assistance was provide by FBI’s Chicago and Miami Field Offices, as well as the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Aarash Haghighat of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Hulbig of the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Former Operator of Illegal Booter Services Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Computer Damage and AbuseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An Orland Park, Illinois man pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to cause damage to internet-connected computers for his role in owning, administering, and supporting illegal booter services that launched millions of illegal DDoS attacks against victim computer systems in the United States and elsewhere. The illegal services included ExoStress.in, (“ExoStresser”), QuezStresser.com, Betabooter.com (“Betabooter”), Databooter.com, Instabooter.com, Polystress.com, and Zstress.net.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement.
According to the criminal information, Sergiy P. Usatyuk, 20, combined with a co-conspirator to develop, control and operate a number of booter services and booter-related websites from around August 2015 through November 2017 that launched millions of DDoS attacks that disrupted the internet connections of targeted victim computers, rendered targeted websites slow or inaccessible, and interrupted normal business operations. For instance, as of Sept. 12, 2017, ExoStresser advertised on its website (exostress.in) that its booter service alone had launched 1,367,610 DDoS attacks, and caused targeted victim computer systems to suffer 109,186.4 hours of network downtime.
“Booters” or “Stressers” are a class of publicly-available, web-based services that allow cybercriminals to launch distributed denial-of-service, or DDoS, attacks that overwhelm a target computer system with unrequested traffic and, in turn, “boot” or “drop” the victim from the internet for a relatively small fee or no fee at all. To launch a DDoS attack using a booter, a cybercriminal often needs only a web browser and online payment tool to subscribe to a provider, provide instructions for attacking a victim computer system, and deliver payment.
The DDoS attacks launched by the booters also harmed computer systems that were not directly targeted. For example, according to the criminal information, in November 2016, a Betabooter subscriber launched a series of DDoS attacks against a school district in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area that not only disrupted the school district’s computer systems, but affected the computer systems of 17 organizations that shared the same computer infrastructure, including other school districts, the county government, the county’s career and technology centers, and a Catholic Diocese in the area.
During the period of the conspiracy, Usatyuk and a co-conspirator gained in excess of $550,000 from charging subscriber fees to paying customers of their booter services and selling advertising space to other booter operators.
“For over two years, Sergiy Usatyuk conspired to launch millions of DDoS attacks that paralyzed the computer systems of U.S. organizations for more than 100,000 hours,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “The Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners will remain vigilant in protecting the American public by prosecuting the cybercriminals responsible for these sophisticated and harmful schemes.”
“DDoS-for-hire services pose a malicious threat to the citizens of our district, as well as districts across the country, by impeding critical access to the internet and jeopardizing safety and security in the process,” said U.S. Attorney Higdon. “The operation and use of these services to disrupt the operations of our businesses and other institutions cannot be tolerated. Anyone who weaponizes web traffic in this manner will be vigorously pursued and prosecuted by my office.”
Over the past five years, booter and stresser services have grown as an increasingly prevalent class of DDoS attack tools. Booter-based DDoS attack tools offer a low barrier to entry for users looking to engage in cybercrime.
For additional information on booter and stresser services and the harm that they cause, please visit: https://www.ic3.gov/media/2017/171017-2.aspx.
The investigation was conducted by special agents of the FBI Charlotte Field Office, Raleigh Resident Agency. Additional assistance was provide by FBI’s Chicago and Miami Field Offices, as well as the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Aarash Haghighat of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Hulbig of the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Former District Government Employee Pleads Guilty to Carrying Out Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former policy analyst for the District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS) pled guilty today to a federal charge stemming from a scheme in which he collected more than $400,000 in fraudulent benefits meant for needy District residents.
Gary T. Holliday, 49, of Fort Washington, Md., pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to a charge of wire fraud.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Assistant Director in Charge Nancy McNamara of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, District of Columbia Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas, and Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), for the region that includes Washington, D.C.
Holliday is to be sentenced on June 6, 2019 by the Honorable Rudolph Contreras. The charge carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Holliday faces an estimated range of 33 months to 41 months in prison. He also has agreed to pay $404,831 in restitution and a forfeiture money judgment of at least $400,000.
According to plea documents, Holliday embezzled money intended to provide temporary support and assistance to low-income families and individuals. Specifically, he targeted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamps program, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which consists of cash benefits. Benefits in both programs were provided to clients via electronic benefit cards.
Holliday’s job responsibilities at DHS included representing the agency at “fair hearings” that involved disputes between DHS and its clients about eligibility and benefits. In cases where the agency lost the hearing, Holliday was responsible for creating a memorandum summarizing the conclusions of the hearing and directing another employee at DHS to calculate and pay whatever “underpayments” the client was owed. Holliday created and submitted a fraudulent memorandum, dated June 19, 2017, in which he falsely claimed that as a result of a purported fair hearing, a client of DHS needed to be processed for SNAP and TANF underpayments.
In fact, the named client had not applied for benefits (the client’s alleged application had been forged by Holliday) and there had never been a fair hearing regarding the client’s eligibility for benefits. As a result of the Holliday’s actions, another employee created an active underpayment account for the client in the DHS computer system. Then, between June 2017 and November 2018, Holliday used his access to the DHS computer system to create over 400 fraudulent underpayments for the client, totaling in excess of $400,000. He accessed the fraudulent proceeds by using the client’s benefit card.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Miller, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Aisha Keys
Former Des Moines Resident Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa—On February 25, 2019, Joel Thomas Augard, 50, formerly of Des Moines, appeared before United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey and was sentenced to forty years in prison for two counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Augard pleaded guilty to the offenses on October 22, 2018. Following completion of his prison term, Augard will be required to register as a sex offender and will be on supervised release for twenty years.
In April 2018, a victim reported to the Des Moines Police Department that the victim had been sexually abused on multiple occasions by Augard in Des Moines approximately 10 years earlier, when the victim was a child and Augard video recorded some of the sexual abuse. Law enforcement from several different agencies worked together to investigate these crimes. On May 1, 2018, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in Cherokee, Iowa, where Augard was residing at that time. Police located several items of electronic media that contained child pornography. These items included videos made by Augard that depicted his sexual abuse of the victim approximately ten years earlier in Des Moines.
In announcing the sentence, United States Attorney Krickbaum stated, “All victims of sexual abuse should know they can report their abuse to law enforcement, even if many years have passed. We will take your report seriously, and we will fight for justice on your behalf.”
This case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Des Moines Police Department, Polk County Attorney’s Office and FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Sweepstakes Scheme Targeting Elderly Missouri ResidentRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Fernando Reyes, 38, a resident of Florida, pled guilty today to federal charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud. He appeared in federal court this morning before U.S. District Judge Catherine Perry who accepted his guilty plea and set sentencing for June 7, 2019.
According to court documents, beginning in April 2016, a Missouri resident over the age of 80 began receiving telephone calls from unknown individuals that he had won large sums of money through a sweepstakes. In order to secure his winnings, the Missouri resident was advised to mail various amounts of money to an individual in New Hampshire and Reyes in Florida. The callers identified Reyes was identified as a federal attorney. That representation was false as Reyes was not, and had never been, affiliated with the United States Department of Justice or any other federal agency or department.
Reyes received four checks totaling $53,000, and deposited them into his personal financial accounts. After the deposits, Reyes electronically transmitted a portion of the funds to an individual in Costa Rica, and kept the remaining funds for his personal use.
Reyes also admitted engaging in similar conduct with a resident of the Northern District of Alabama, and received $45,000 from that elderly individual.
Reyes faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of more than $250,000 or both per count. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of the United States Department of Justice on-going effort to combat elder fraud nationwide. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
Florida Home Health Services Company Owner and Co-Conspirator Sentenced to Prison for Role in $8.6 Million Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A home health services company owner and a co-conspirator, both Miami, Florida residents, were sentenced to prison today for their roles in a $8.6 million health care fraud scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan of the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office and Miami Air and Marine Branch Director Martin G. Wade of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations made the announcement.
Alexander Ros Lazo (Ros Lazo), 54, the owner of T.L.C. Health Services of Miami, was sentenced to serve 87 months in prison. Misleady Ibarra, 46, who performed home health therapy services without a license, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison. The defendants were sentenced by U.S. Circuit Judge Adalberto Jordan sitting in the Southern District of Florida. Judge Jordan also ordered Ros Lazo to pay $8,603,859 in restitution and to forfeit the same amount, and Ibarra to pay restitution in an amount to be determined. Ibarra and Ros Lazo pleaded guilty in December 2018 to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Both defendants were charged in an indictment returned on June 21, 2018.
As part of his guilty plea, Ros Lazo admitted that he paid kickbacks and bribes to his co-conspirators in exchange for home health services prescriptions and the referral of Medicare beneficiaries to T.L.C. Health Services. He further admitted that he and Ibarra agreed with their co-conspirators to commit health care fraud by billing Medicare for physical therapy services performed by Ibarra on behalf of licensed therapists despite knowing that she was not licensed to render those services to the Medicare beneficiaries. Ros Lazo admitted that as a result of the fraudulent claims, Medicare paid $8.6 million in benefits that it otherwise would not have.
As part of her guilty plea, Ibarra admitted to conspiring with Ros Lazo to commit health care fraud by rendering home health therapy services to Medicare beneficiaries when Ibarra was not licensed to provide these services.
The case was investigated by the FBI, HHS-OIG and CBP Air and Marine Operations. Trial Attorneys Alexander Kramer and Sara Clingan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Yisel Valdes of the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion.
Federal Jury Convicts Two Violent Gunmen of Possessing Firearms After Previous Felony ConvictionsRead the Press Release
BATON ROUGE, LA – United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today the convictions of TIMMY SCOTT a/k/a “TIMOTHY SCOTT,” a 24-year-old resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and KADEEM BURDEN, a 23-year-old resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. SCOTT and BURDEN were indicted by a federal grand jury on November 29, 2017 and charged with felon in possession of firearms.
After a two day trial before visiting U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk, the jury unanimously convicted SCOTT and BURDEN. As the evidence at trial demonstrated, on October 2, 2017, SCOTT and BURDEN initiated a shooting on Iroquois Street that was witnessed by a Baton Rouge City Police officer, who pursued SCOTT and BURDEN into a residential area. A K-9 team assisted and found two firearms discarded under a house, a 7.62 caliber Century Arms semi-automatic AK rifle style pistol, and a 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol. Also recovered were two Halloween style masks and two cellular phones. Forensic testing by Louisiana State Police Crime lab and a Pittsburg, PA., private laboratory positively matched SCOTT to DNA recovered from one of the masks and matched BURDEN’s DNA to the trigger and grip of the AK rifle style pistol. The Louisiana State Police Crime lab was also able to match the fired 9mm cartridges recovered from the shooting location to the recovered pistol. The BATF and FBI executed search warrants on the phones and linked them to SCOTT.
As a result of their convictions, SCOTT and BURDEN now face a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison, significant fines, restitution, and supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “I want to commend the brave and swift action of the Officers of the Baton Rouge City Police Department who were faced with two active shooters - one armed with a high-powered military style firearm. To pursue two armed gunmen into a residential area and apprehend them quickly, without any injuries, is a testament to their courage and dedication to protecting innocent civilians who were in harm’s way. I want to express my gratitude to all of the dedicated law enforcement personnel, including our prosecution team, who worked long hours to prepare and present this case to the jury. The streets of Baton Rouge are much safer with these two defendants behind bars. Our office will not rest as we continue to bring cases against the most violent offenders in our community.”
This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Baton Rouge City Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lyman Thornton III and Fred Menner.
Federal Jury Convicts Key West-Based Drug Trafficker Who Conspired with Members of the Pagans Motorcycle Gang to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – A federal jury yesterday found Keith Kirchoff (41, Key West) guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Kirchoff faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Kirchoff is the nineteenth person to be found guilty as a result of a joint FBI and DEA investigation into drug-trafficking organizations that supplied outlaw motorcycle clubs with distribution amounts of methamphetamine in the Middle District of Florida.
Kirchoff was indicted on August 9, 2018.
According to testimony presented at trial, in March 2018, Kirchoff conspired with members of the Pagans motorcycle club to deliver ounce quantities of methamphetamine to Pagans members located in Daytona Beach and Key West, Florida. On March 21, 2018, members of the Florida Highway Patrol pulled over a vehicle being driven by Kirchoff and found nearly ten ounces of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the DEA, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Volusia Bureau of Investigation, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Daytona Beach Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean P. Shecter.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Defendant on Bankruptcy Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
MACON – An Albany man was indicted on bankruptcy fraud charges this month by a federal grand jury, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Timothy Wayne Giles, 39, of Albany, GA was indicted on one count of False Bankruptcy Declaration for allegedly making false statements in a bankruptcy petition and one count of False Statements Under Oath in Bankruptcy for allegedly making false statements under oath at a 341 Creditors meeting. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Mr. Giles faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count.
“Citizens need to be aware that any fraud or falsehood in connection with bankruptcy undermines the integrity of the system,” said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Bankruptcy provides important and necessary protections for those who honestly seek it in times of need. The abuse of that shelter endangers its reliability and does a disservice to creditors, debtors, and the general public. My office will continue to work aggressively with the United States Trustee and our law enforcement partners to protect the fair and legal operation of this financial safety net.”
The case is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Trustee’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. McCullers. 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.
Eleven Charged in Federal Court in Heroin, Cocaine, and Fentanyl Trafficking IndictmentRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina – United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that eleven individuals have been charged in a multi-count federal indictment for their roles in a wide-ranging conspiracy to import and possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl and other related offenses. On February 19, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a twenty-two count sealed indictment alleging the defendants conspired to import the narcotics from Mexico and distribute them throughout the upstate of South Carolina, North Carolina, and elsewhere. One count of the indictment charges that in October 2018, four of the defendants conspired to smuggle over 1 million dollars in cash from South Carolina to a place outside the United States in exchange for the narcotics. According to the indictment, the defendants are also charged with maintaining a stash house located in Mountville, South Carolina, where they manufactured and stored controlled substances.
“Today’s indictment is yet another example of the unwavering commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina to disrupting and dismantling the flow of illegal opioids and other narcotics into our state,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “As the opioid epidemic tightens its grip on families across America, we will continue to join with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute individuals who are peddling these dangerous and deadly drugs into our communities.”
While one defendant remains at large, the individuals arrested today are:
- Detric Lee McGowan, aka “Fat”, 46, of Piedmont, South Carolina
- Donald Nathaniel Thomas, Jr. a/k/a, “TJ”, 36, of Greenwood, South Carolina
- Christopher Jerome Cunningham, 38, of Greenwood, South Carolina
- Richard Lamond Longshore, 46, of Greenwood, South Carolina
- Celest Henry Blocker, 67, of Fayetteville, North Carolina
- Eddie Lee Childs, 49, of Simpsonville, South Carolina
- Trevor Maurice Hull, 51, of Greenwood, South Carolina
- Danny Morales Lopez, 29, of Fayetteville, North Carolina
Each of the above defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine, plus a term of supervised release. The following defendants face a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine, plus a term of supervised release:
- Shequita Latoya Holloway, 34, of Greenwood, South Carolina
- Lauren Brooke Poore, 35, of Piedmont, South Carolina
The indictment follows multi-year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The OCDETF Program is a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Its principal mission is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug-trafficking organizations primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (HIDTA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Greenwood Police Department, Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Department of Public Safety, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and the United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Leesa Washington and Sloan P. Ellis in the Greenville office.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Misuse of A Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to misusing a Social Security number.
Adys Sanchez, 47, pleaded guilty to one count of misuse of a Social Security number. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for May 30, 2019. In April 2018, Sanchez was indicted and later arrested in Miami, Fla.
In April 2014, Sanchez represented that a Social Security number belonging to another person was her own in an application for a driver’s license renewal at the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles.
False representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Boston Field Office; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General; and Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Des Moines Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, Iowa—On February 25, 2019, Arthur Tyrone Lee, Jr., age 38, of Des Moines, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey to 360 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Lee was ordered to serve ten years of supervised release to follow his prison term.
On October 16, 2018, Lee was found guilty of the charges after a two-day jury trial. The evidence at trial proved Lee was in possession of 73.43 grams of pure methamphetamine, 4.11 grams of a methamphetamine mixture (consisting of 821 tablets), and a loaded Kimbur Ultra Carry II .45 caliber handgun during the execution of a search warrant at his Des Moines residence. Evidence also showed Lee regularly purchased methamphetamine for distribution, including at least an additional 5,896.8 grams of methamphetamine mixture. At the time of these offenses, Lee had two prior controlled substance felony convictions.
This investigation was conducted by the Des Moines Police Department and Mid Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Defendants Charged with Multimillion Dollar Investment FraudRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Two individuals were charged in an indictment filed today for their roles in a multimillion-dollar scheme involving purported investments in a start-up financial technology company.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Halsey B. Frank of the District of Maine, Special Agent in Charge Joseph Bonavolonta of the FBI’s Boston Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Kristina O’Connell of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) in Boston made the announcement.
Michael A. Liberty, 58, of Windermere, Florida, and Paul E. Hess, 63, of Braintree, Massachusetts, were each charged in an indictment filed in the District of Maine with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud. In addition, Liberty was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and three counts of money laundering.
The indictment alleges that, beginning in 2010, Liberty and Hess solicited investments in Mozido, a privately held financial technology start-up company that offered users an ability to make payments using their mobile phones. Liberty and Hess allegedly raised millions of dollars from investors telling them, among other things, that their money would be used to fund Mozido’s business operations and that Hess was not being paid to raise the money. The indictment alleges that a substantial amount of the money did not go to Mozido, that a portion of the money was diverted to pay Liberty’s personal expenses, and that Hess received commissions and other payments in return for the money he raised from investors.
The defendants face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of the greater of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss on the wire fraud charges and up to 20 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine on the securities fraud charge. Liberty faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of the greater of $250,000 or twice the amount of criminally derived property involved in the transactions on the money laundering charges. The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI’s Portland, Maine Resident Agency and IRS-CI are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Michelle Pascucci and Matthew Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Clark of the District of Maine are prosecuting the case.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section plays a pivotal role in the Department of Justice’s fight against white collar crime around the country.
Individuals who believe they may be a victim in this case should contact the Victim Witness Services Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine at (207) 780-3257 for more information.
Council Bluffs Woman Sentenced to Prison for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – On February 19, 2019, United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey sentenced Jamie Lynn Opalia, age 37, of Council Bluffs, to three months in prison for Social Security Representative Payee fraud, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Opalia was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following her prison term and pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Opalia was also ordered to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration in the amount of $22,552.00
On October 23, 2018, Opalia pleaded guilty to the charge and admitted she applied for and was granted Social Security benefits to support another person, but converted almost all of the funds from Social Security to her own personal use.
This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Columbus Couple Agree to Plead Guilty to Health Care Fraud Scheme that Targeted City Employees, First Responders, Military Health Benefit ProviderRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus couple have agreed to plead guilty to charges related to a health-care fraud scheme that involved compound creams prescribed to city employees and first responders.
Amy M. Kirk and Ryan D. Edney have agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiring to commit health care fraud, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, United States Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG), Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Leigh-Alistair Barzey, Special Agent in Charge, DCIS-Northeast Field Office, and Jim Wernecke, Director, Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation special investigations department announced the case.
According to court documents, Kirk was a nurse practitioner at Pain Management Consortium of Ohio (PMCO). Her fiancé and co-defendant, Edney, was the president of RX Health Solutions, LLC.
From 2014 until 2017, Kirk and Edney conspired to defraud Medicaid and other health insurers and enrich themselves by billing for compound cream medications that were not medically necessary. Kirk also wrote prescriptions that were based on false medical conditions. In some instances, prescriptions were written without ever meeting or examining the patient or were issued in exchange for kickback payments.
Kirk and Edney would recruit patients for compound pain creams, scar creams, migraine creams or wellness pills.
“It was part of the conspiracy that the defendants targeted city employees, including police officers, firefighters and teachers, because the government insurance programs were more inclined to pay for compound creams,” U.S. Attorney Glassman said. “Medications were typically prescribed with 11 refills to maximize reimbursement from the health care benefit programs and were shipped directly to patients.”
Kirk completed patient information sheets, often falsifying physical exam information and medical diagnoses. Kirk was then paid for each prescription she authored via kickbacks routed to Edney’s RX Health Solutions company, or directly to Edney himself.
The couple caused more than $751,000 in fraudulent insurance claims to Medicaid, Tricare and private insurance. Tricare provides health care benefits to active duty service members, retired service members and their dependents.
Kirk and Edney personally received nearly $350,000 in kickbacks.
As part of their proposed pleas, Kirk and Edney would pay the $750,000 in restitution.
“Fake conditions, ‘wellness pills’ and examinations that never happened… this level of fraud would make a snake oil salesman blush,” Ohio Attorney General Yost said. “I am proud of our staff, and our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for bringing these two to justice.”
The Court will consider the defendants’ offer of plea at a future plea hearing, which is yet to be scheduled.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by HHS OIG, the Ohio Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, DCIS and Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Kenneth F. Affeldt and Maritsa A. Flaherty, who are representing the United States in this case.
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Clayton County, Georgia Man Receives 96 Month Sentence for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person (Felon)Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced today that Matthew Joshua Green of Clayton County, Georgia was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person before Judge William H. Steele. Green had prior felony convictions which include aggravated battery, vehicular homicide, receiving stolen property, felony willful obstruction of law enforcement officers by use of threats or violence and possession of cocaine prior to possess of a firearm.
According to court documents, on April 18, 2018, a Baldwin County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop along Interstate 10 on Green for failing to maintain his lane of travel. Green was on his cell phone and not following the deputy’s request to hang up and step out of the car. The deputy smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the car and witnessed loose marijuana in the car. Because of Green’s behavior, the deputy attempted to conduct a pat down on Green for safety reasons. While attempting to place handcuffs on Green, he began resisting arrest and tried to push the deputy into oncoming traffic. Due to Green’s behavior and what was witnessed by the deputy, a probable cause search was conducted of the vehicle wherein digital scales and marijuana were found in the car along with a loaded firearm.
Due to Green’s attempts to resist arrest and push the deputy into interstate traffic, the Court applied a sentencing enhancement for reckless endangerment during flight.
Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with deputies of the Baldwin County, Alabama Sheriff’s office investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Anderson.
Christopher Hasson Facing Federal Indictment for Illegal Possession of Silencers, Possession of Firearms by a Drug Addict and Unlawful User, and Possession of a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury today indicted Christopher Paul Hasson, age 49, of Silver Spring, Maryland, on federal charges for unlawful possession of silencers, for possession of firearms by a drug addict and unlawful user, and for possession of a controlled substance. Hasson was arrested on related charges on February 15, 2019, and has been detained since his arrest.
The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Art Walker of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; and Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division.
U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur stated, “We continue to gather evidence, as well as review evidence already obtained as part of this ongoing investigation.”
According to the indictment and other court documents, Hasson, a Lieutenant in the United States Coast Guard, is charged with illegal possession of two silencers. Federal law requires silencers to bear serial numbers and to be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The silencers in Hasson’s possession met neither criteria. The indictment further alleges that Hasson is an unlawful user and addict of a controlled substance, and therefore prohibited from possessing the seventeen firearms in his possession. A search warrant executed at Hasson’s residence on February 15, 2019, recovered the following firearms, which are referenced in the indictment: seven rifles; two shotguns; four pistols; two revolvers; an assembled firearm silencer; and a disassembled firearm silencer. Finally, the indictment alleges that Hasson possessed tramadol, a controlled substance that is classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration as an opioid analgesic.
If convicted, Hasson faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each of the three charges related to firearms and the firearm silencers, and a maximum of one year in prison for possession of tramadol. An arraignment in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt has not yet been scheduled.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, and the ATF for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked his office’s national security prosecutors, who are handling the case.
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Cape Cod Woman Sentenced for Mail FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Cape Cod woman was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for her role in a fraudulent lottery scheme.
Ashley Barrett, 26, of Hyannis, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 21 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $325,148 in restitution. In November 2018, Barrett pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud.
Between September 2012 and January 2016, Barrett and others devised a scheme to defraud elderly victims across the country by falsely representing to them that they had won millions of dollars in a lottery, and that, in order to receive their winnings, they had to pay taxes or fees. Twelve elderly victims sent Barrett wire payments and checks totaling $325,148. This amount does not include envelopes of cash that victims mailed to Barrett.
The victims include a 73-year old farmer from Iowa, who is a Vietnam veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and cancer survivor. The victim received a call stating that he had won the Mega Millions lottery but first had to pay taxes on his winnings. After paying some money and then stopping, the victim was contacted by a man purporting to be a federal agent who promised to help the victim get his money back from the “lottery scammers.” This person told the victim to send money to Barrett, who supposedly was also a federal agent. The victim subsequently sent Barrett checks totaling $27,098.
Another victim was a 73-year old retiree who lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, a bedridden Korean War veteran. The victim received calls stating that she had won $10 million in a lottery, plus cars and a truck, but that she had to pay taxes and customs fees up front. The victim sent Barrett checks totaling $26,000. As a result of being scammed by Barrett and others, the victim and her husband have lost their home, an RV, a truck, and their credit.
Another victim was a Florida widow with no children. In 2015, the victim, suffering from dementia, told her nephew that someone claiming to be Ashley Barrett had called and told her she had won the lottery. The victim sent Barrett checks totaling $25,000. The victim died last year at age 93 from Alzheimer’s disease.
Another victim is a 77-year old widow who lives alone in Pennsylvania. She received calls saying she had won the Mega Millions lottery and a car. Later a man claiming to be a federal agent called the victim and said he knew that she had been sending money to various people, and that she would be arrested for money laundering unless she mailed money to Barrett. She sent Barrett checks totaling $18,000. The victim, who had retired early from her job as a nurse, lost all her retirement savings to Barrett and other scammers. As a result, she has had to take two part-time jobs, each paying $8/hour, to make ends meet.
Other victims include a Navy veteran who lived in Arkansas until his death in 2015 at age 87, who sent Barrett $149,050 in wire transfers and checks; an 88-year old South Carolina woman who sent Barrett $43,500 in wire transfers and checks; an 84-year old Indiana woman who sent Barrett checks totaling $18,000; an 80-year old woman in Georgia who sent Barrett a check for $9,000; an 84-year old Kentucky man who sent Barrett a check for $8,000; a 90-year old Illinois man who sent Barrett a check for $5,000; an 89-year old woman who wired $3,000 to Barrett; and an 87-year old Texas man who wired Barrett $2,000. A 13th victim, a 95-year old woman in West Virginia, mailed Barrett an $8,000 check that was intercepted by postal inspectors.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse, see the Elder Abuse Resource Roadmap for help: https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/roadmap
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Belle Fourche Woman Sentenced for Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Belle Fourche, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft of Government Property, Supplemental Security Income Benefits Fraud, and False Statement was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.
Cindy Lou Geib, age 49, was sentenced on February 20, 2019, to 10 months in federal prison, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund on each of the three felony charges. The time in federal prison is to run concurrently on each conviction. Geib was also ordered to pay $112,468.10 in restitution.
The conviction stems from Geib knowingly and willfully making false statements to the United States Social Security Administration and the South Dakota Department of Social Services, to obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Medicaid, and Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) benefits, to steal $112,468.10 in money and benefits for herself and her children between 2011 and 2017.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Cooperative Disabilities Investigation Unit, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General and the South Dakota Department of Social Services Office of Recoveries and Fraud Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.
Geib was ordered to self-surrender to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on March 20, 2019, to begin serving her sentence.
Arizona Man Sentenced on Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Matthew Burkett, 47, of Scottsdale, Arizona, was sentenced today to one year and one day for defrauding investors and customers of Predator Tactical, LLC, his firearms manufacturing business. Burkett was also ordered to pay $576.100.48 restitution in total to various individuals and businesses. Burkett appeared before U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey.
According to court documents, Burkett owned and operated Predator Tactical, LLC, a business involved in the manufacturing of custom, high-end firearms which was established in 2010 and located in Tempe, Arizona. Burkett advertised his business across the United States. Pursuant to those efforts, Burkett, representing Predator Tactical, LLC, attended the NRA gun show in St. Louis, Missouri in April 2012. At the show, Burkett advertised and marketed Predator Tactical, LLC products. An individual (referred to here as P.S.) became a customer of Predator Tactical, LLC due to interactions with Burkett at that show.
On July 21, 2012, Burkett met with P.S. again in St. Louis for the purpose of discussing an investment of $50,000 to be paid by P.S. to Predator Tactical, LLC as an investment option, or alternatively as a deposit for future firearm purchases. On July 25, 2012, that agreement was ratified and P.S. caused his bank to wire $50,000 from his account in St. Louis to Predator Tactical, LLC’s bank account in Arizona.
Burkett, contrary to agreement, fraudulently misappropriated that money for personal use. On December 4, 2012, P.S., declining to use the option to invest in Predator Tactical, LLC by the terms of the agreement, placed an order for firearm purchases previously paid for by the $50,000. Burkett and Predator Tactical, LLC however, did not deliver any of the firearms as promised.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney John Ware handled the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Another Long-Time Tax Preparer Receives 18 Months’ Imprisonment for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
PHOENIX– On Feb. 25, 2019, Oscar Hernandez, 58, of Phoenix, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $121,548 in restitution to the United States.
Hernandez worked as a tax preparer in Phoenix for nearly 25 years. In 2004, he opened his own tax preparation business called R Robin Tax Services. Hernandez admitted he filed at least 44 fraudulent tax returns between 2010 and 2013, which caused a loss to the United States of $121,548. Hernandez admitted that he falsified returns for his clients by improperly claiming Head of Household filing status, adding false dependents, and claiming false exemptions and credits, all of which had the effect of fraudulently reducing the amount of taxes his clients owed and increasing the amount of their tax refunds.
Last week, Elias Bermudez, another long-time Phoenix tax preparer, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay $131,651 in restitution to the United States for preparing false tax returns.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Jillian Besancon and Bridget Minder, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-00416-PHX-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2019-020_Hernandez
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Anchorage Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Sex Trafficking and Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that an Anchorage man has been sentenced to federal prison after he made arrangements with an undercover detective to meet with two fictional minors, whom he believed to be real, to engage in sexual activities.
Danny Ray Lowe, 50, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Beistline, to serve 16 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime years of supervised release. After a three-day trial in July 2018, a federal jury convicted Lowe of two counts of attempted sexual trafficking of a minor, and two counts of attempted enticement of a minor.
According to court documents, Lowe promptly responded to an online advertisement placed by a detective working an undercover operation. Over an approximate six-month period, Lowe corresponded with the detective using text messages to negotiate the time, place, and price to have sex with two fictional girls, aged 13 and 14. On Sept. 12, 2017, Lowe arrived at the agreed-upon Anchorage motel, ready and willing to pay $150 for two hours of illegal sex with the two minors. The investigation revealed that Lowe had also brought condoms and strawberry-flavored personal lubricant to the motel.
When Lowe knocked on the motel room door, however, local and federal law enforcement officers arrested him. Upon arrest, Lowe confessed his crimes to the detective and wrote an apology letter to the girls’ parents, as he did not yet know that the girls were fictional. Lowe wrote that he was “very sorry for offering money to have sex with your” daughter.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Beistline explained that the purpose of the sentence imposed was to protect the community and deter others from paying to have sex with children. At trial, Lowe testified that he was attempting to rescue the children, rather than trying to buy sex with them. At today’s sentencing hearing, the Court found that Lowe had lied and knew, “deep down,” that he was guilty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Anchorage Police Department (APD) conducted the joint investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas M. Walker.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide 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.
9 Members of Bronx Drug Trafficking Organization Charged with Distributing Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine Out of Auto Body ShopsRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Raymond Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), James D. Robnett, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, (“IRS-CI”), Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Keith M. Corlett, Acting Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), and James P. O’Neill, Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced today that ADALBERTO VELAZQUEZ, a/k/a “Joe,” RAYMOND RESTO, a/k/a “Tone,” SAL CASTRO, a/k/a “Floss,” JOEL LOPEZ, a/k/a “Rompiendoe,” a/k/a “Paul,” a/k/a “Po,” WILLIS LLERAS, a/k/a “Willy,” REINALDO ROMAN, a/k/a “Papo,” JAIME GARCIA, a/k/a “Jimmy,” ANTONIO BURGOS, a/k/a “Anthony,” and MARILYN ADINO have been charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. The defendants arrested today are expected to be presented this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Ronnie Abrams.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, these defendants were a network that outwardly offered to fix cars but was really an organization that would supply a fix of heroin or cocaine. Thanks to the work of the DEA and its Strike Force partners, we have delivered a body blow to these allegedly drug-peddling body shops.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Raymond Donovan said: “These arrests will have a significant impact on the heroin/fentanyl supply in the Bronx. DEA’s goal is to keep the public safe from the dangers of drug abuse. One way of doing that is to target local distribution organizations responsible for attracting new users, enabling addiction and contributing to overdoses in our city. I applaud the Strike Force and U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, for their diligent work throughout this investigation.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment[1] and statements made in Court:
The defendants were members of a drug trafficking organization (the “DTO”) that packaged and sold narcotics out of multiple auto body shops and garages in the Bronx, New York. From 2015 to February 2019, the DTO is estimated to have distributed hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and heroin. Much of the heroin that the DTO distributed was mixed with fentanyl.
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VELAZQUEZ, 50, RESTO, 43, CASTRO, 39, LLERAS, 63, ROMAN, 55, GARCIA, 53, BURGOS, 46, and ADINO, 49, each of the Bronx, New York, and LOPEZ, 39, of New York, New York, are each charged with one count of conspiring to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA. The arrest was the result of an investigation by the New York Strike Force, a crime-fighting unit comprising federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
The Strike Force is housed at the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA, the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, the U. S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives , U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, New York National Guard, the Clarkstown Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Port Washington Police Department, and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael K. Krouse and Adam S. Hobson are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[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.
75 Individuals Charged with Drug Trafficking in Puerto Rico Project Safe Neighborhoods Enforcement EffortRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On February 20, 2019, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 75 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), San Juan Strike Force, were in charge of the investigation. This case is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.
The indictment alleges that beginning in or about the year 2006, the organization distributed crack, heroin, cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet) and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax), all within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising the Villa Kennedy, Las Casas, El Mirador and Las Margaritas Public Housing Projects, and other areas, and within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds located in the Municipality of San Juan, Puerto Rico, all for financial gain and profit. The object of the conspiracy was the large-scale distribution of controlled substances for significant financial gain and profit. Members of the organization also possessed and distributed kilogram quantities of controlled substances, mainly cocaine, in Puerto Rico, for further distribution in the continental United States.
This drug trafficking organization was known as “Las FARC,” (Las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Cantera). Las FARC operated out of Barrio Obrero Ward, including but not limited to El Guano sector, Playita sector, William Street, Eleven Street, Cantera sector, and the Public Housing Projects Villa Kennedy, Las Casas, El Mirador, and Las Margaritas, all located in Santurce, since in or about the year 2006. The goal of Las FARC was to maintain control of all the drug trafficking activities within the Santurce area by the use of force, threats, violence, and intimidation.
The 75 defendants acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, to wit: leaders, drug point owners, runners, suppliers, enforcers, drug processors, sellers, and facilitators. Twenty-seven defendants are also charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
As part of the conspiracy, leaders and/or drug point owners of the drug trafficking organization would routinely authorize and instruct other co-conspirators to provide free “samples” of narcotics to “customers” in order to promote the sales of a specific brand of drug at the drug points. Some of the co-conspirators used different types of barricades or barriers, including but not limited to large water tanks, access control barriers and/or steel gate poles, in order to block off the streets that gave access to the drug points. These barriers would stop the entry of law enforcement agents and/or members of rival gangs. Members of the drug trafficking organization would often “abduct” and assault rival drug traffickers as well as members of their own drug trafficking organization, in order to intimidate and maintain control of the drug trafficking activities.
Some of the defendants used part of the proceeds of their illegal activities to purchase legitimate assets and/or services, including but not limited to real estate properties, nightclubs, motor vehicles, vessels, clothing, trips, hotel accommodations, and private parties.
The defendants indicted today are: Emmanuel Pacheco-Marín, a.k.a. “Bebo Las Farc/Manuel/Cabezon”; Vladimir Natera-Abreu, a.k.a. “Vladi/Flako”; Jesús J. Rivera-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Colombiano”; Jose L. García-López, a.k.a. “Los Gemelos”; Luis A. García-López, a.k.a. “Los Gemelos”; Elvin O. Cruz-Verges, a.k.a. “Mellao”; Segismar Rodríguez-Rivera, a.k.a. “Segis/Seji/Ceji/Segui”; Luis Serrano-Nieves, a.k.a. “Gordo Bemba”; Christian O. Dalmau-García, a.k.a. “Negro/Dalmau”; Fabián Viloria-Sepúlveda, a.k.a. “Fabi/Favi”; Anthony Vazquez-Arroyo, a.k.a. “Buri”; Luis R. Espinal-Rivera, a.k.a. “Espi/Luis Pinal/El Gordo”; Ignacio Gual-Calderón, a.k.a. “Papulin/Papu”; Jonathan Rivera-Carrasquillo, a.k.a. “Moto/Motito/Goldo/Motito Junior”; Samuel Castro-Rivera, a.k.a. “Sammy Loba”; Carlos H. Torres-Carrasquillo, a.k.a. “Hiram/Buba”; Joset J. Rivera-Verdejo, a.k.a. “Jomar”; Jason Arroyo-Pérez, a.k.a. “Chapu/El Gordo”; Jean Carlos Candelario-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Yankee/El Flaco”; Nefty L. Oquendo-Rosario; Pedro Collazo-Prieto, a.k.a. “Pedrito”; José O. Baez-Rosa, a.k.a. “Bam Bam/Landi”; Edgar Nieves-Torres, a.k.a. “Bambi/Banb”; Jonathan O. Arce-Carrillo, a.k.a. “El Joyero/Jon El De Vista”; Gustavo J. Germes-Estrella, a.k.a. “Papo El Claro/Papo”; Dionicio Odali De La Rosa-Richiez, a.k.a. “Dioni”; Anthony González-Miranda, a.k.a. “Tony”; Carlos R. Nieves, a.k.a. “Carlitos Boada/Pablito”; John Blaymeyer-Quiñones, a.k.a. “Blade/Blay/Pichi”; Christian J. Castro-González, a.k.a. “Christian Poo”; Adams E. Aquino-Rosario, a.k.a. “Pirobo”; Alexis Fermaintt-Caraballo; Christian J. Sierra-Pérez, a.k.a. “Bampi/Vampi”; Victor Rivera-Galindez, a.k.a. “Bin Laden”; Luis B. Louzao, a.k.a. “Panda/Benji”; Edgardo A. Benitez-Guivas, a.k.a. “Buda/Buda De Las Margaritas”; Ediberto García-López, a.k.a. “Mafia”; Geovanny Morales-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Gova/Jova Morales”; Luis A. Piris-Torres, a.k.a. “Piris/Cheo/Cheito”; Luis García-Morlas, a.k.a. “Piolin”; Mario O. De-Jesús-Ocasio, a.k.a. “Caballo/Mario Caballo”; Pedro J. Cintron-Álvarez, a.k.a. “Torombolo/Toro”; José A. Colón-Otero, a.k.a. “Chino/Cheo/Cheito”; Carlos I. Rodríguez-Alvarado, a.k.a. “Teta/Teton/Blanquito/Carlos Teta”; Fernando Hilario-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Nando de Playita/Boti”; Rafael Maldonado-Segarra, a.k.a. “Pucho de la Boada”; Ivette M. Rosado-Pantojas, a.k.a. “La Pata/ISIS”; Luis G. Robert-Torres, a.k.a. “Luigi/Cuajon Luis/Luiyo”; Gilberto Guise-Calderón, a.k.a. “Bereta/Bereta de Cantera”; Christian López-Díaz, a.k.a. “Christian 25”; Edwin Rosa-Colón, a.k.a. “Glock”; Luis O. Cabán-Rodríguez; Carlos M. Pantojas-Ruano, a.k.a. “Carlito”; Leslie R. Dominguez-Miranda, a.k.a. “Raul”; Christian J. Huertas-Méndez, a.k.a. “El Cano”; Christopher A. Espinal-Rivera, a.k.a. “Bofel/Bofer”; Dennis J. Hernández-Rivera, a.k.a. “Tico/Kiko/Tico de la Calle Williams/Pipin”; Joel C. Nieves-Torres; Jonathan Meléndez-Otero, a.k.a. “Goldo”; Jonathan Pereira-Santiago, a.k.a. “Flaco”; Jorge D. Alicea-Cintrón, a.k.a. “Machete”; José M. Santiago-Montañez, a.k.a. “Ojitos Lindos/Pito/Ojitos Bellos”; José J. Piris-Hernández, a.k.a. “Piris”; Juan M. Pérez-Méndez, a.k.a. “Kun”; Luis A. Rosa-Díaz, a.k.a. “Chino”; Michael G. Marrero-Castro, a.k.a. “Conejo/Conejito/Cone”; Nelson A. López-Quiñonez, a.k.a. “Toston”; Kelvinson Castillo-Castillo, a.k.a. “Duran de la Calle Williams”; Pedro J. Massas-Rivera, a.k.a. “Five/Pedrito Massa”; Reynaldo M. Díaz-Verges, a.k.a. “Rey/Barber”; Nelson L. Cuevas-Ocasio, a.k.a. “Luli”; FNU LNU, a.k.a. “Gocho/Erick J. Rodriguez-Velez/Carlitos”; and Isadora Nieves-Cruz, a.k.a. “Pinky/Pinky Curvy”.
Vladimir Natera-Abreu, a.k.a. “Vladi/Flako” is facing one count of money laundering for the purchase of real estate properties in the municipality of Guaynabo with proceeds from drug trafficking. All the defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $75,949,040 in U.S. currency and four other properties listed in the indictment.
Two other members of the drug trafficking organization, Edison Merced-Olivera, a.k.a. “Chino/Chino Oriental/El Loco/Chinos Las Margaritas/Pai” and Waldemar Febres-Sánchez, a.k.a. “Walde,” were charged in a separate indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, distribution of controlled substances, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. These two defendants are facing murder charges at the state level for their alleged participation in the murder of Carlos Giovanny Báez-Rosa, a.k.a. “Tonka/Jova,” a known leader of the drug trafficking organization.
“Disputes between gang rivals lead to many shootings and murders, including innocent bystanders who are caught in the crossfire,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I am grateful for the tireless efforts of the investigators and prosecutors who have dismantled Las FARC with today’s indictment. We will continue to investigate these violent criminal organizations with our law enforcement counterparts, and send a clear message that drugs, firearms, and violence will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods.”
Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office said: “Removing drug traffickers, violent offenders from the streets and dismantling violent gangs remains one of the highest priorities of the FBI in Puerto Rico as we seek to provide the citizens of Puerto Rico with a better place to live and raise their families. Today’s operation was made possible through the hard work of Special Agents and Task Force Officers assigned to the FBI Safe Street Task Force, and our dedicated partners at the United States Attorney’s Office; Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Marshal Service; Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service; Police of Puerto Rico’s Strike Force; San Juan Municipal Police; Puerto Rico Department of Correction; and Puerto Rico Air National Guard. FBI Special Agents and Tactical personnel from FBI Headquarters and several other FBI field offices, conducted several of today’s arrests. Special appreciation is extended to San Juan Police Commissioner José Caldero for the outstanding task force officers from his department, one of whom served as the lead investigator on this case.”
DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge, A.J. Collazo stated: “DEA and the Caribbean Division is proud of being part of this successful operation. Whenever we work together, favorable changes happen for our citizens and thanks to these changes, our Puerto Rican families are safer. We can’t allow these organizations to obstruct the right of peace in the Public Housing Projects in Puerto Rico. This organization was responsible for placing crack, heroin, and marijuana in the hands of lives who later suffered addiction, death and other situations, none of them positive for them, their families, nor society. These individuals are under arrest for the immeasurable damage they caused; life is priceless, and now they are behind bars to see justice done. The Men and Women of DEA will not rest and we will go after many more, when they least expect it.”
“The laundering of illegal drug profits is as important and essential to drug traffickers as the very distribution of their illegal drugs. Without these ill-gotten gains, the traffickers cannot finance their organizations. The role of IRS Criminal Investigation in narcotics investigations is to follow the money, and we are proud to provide our financial expertise as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and bring these criminals to justice. Today's announcement demonstrates our collective efforts to enforce the law and ensure public trust,” stated Michael J. De Palma, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alberto López-Rocafort and María L. Montañez-Concepción are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Today’s arrests are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program designed to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The PSN program was reinvigorated in 2017, as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting each community’s most violent criminals. All U.S. Attorney’s Offices work in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the local civilian community, to develop effective, targeted strategies to reduce violent crime. This case is a product of that collaborative effort.
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3 Charged in Heroin, Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Three individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count Indictment, returned on February 26, named Brandon Winters, 43, of Plum Borough, PA; Eduard Guzman Rijo, 48, of the Dominican Republic; and Erick Alexander Martinez, 33, of Yonkers, NY.
According to the Indictment presented to the court, in January 2019, Winters, Rijo, and Martinez conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than one kilogram of heroin/400 grams of fentanyl. Also according to the Indictment, Winters possessed with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine.
The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Jerome A. Moschetta are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
$24,000 Reward Offered in Hardeman County Cold CaseRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Representatives from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the 25th Judicial District Attorney General and the Hardeman County Sheriff today announced a $24,000 reward, in a renewed effort to gain additional information about a 1998 unsolved murder in Hardeman County.
Twenty-one-years ago, TBI Special Agents joined the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office in investigating the July 23, 1998 murder of Michael Bell, a clerk at McKee’s Stateline Convenience Store, located on Highway 125 S between Middleton, Tennessee, and Walnut, Mississippi. At that time, the investigation revealed that an unknown individual shot and killed the clerk, then left the store in a 1990’s General Motors model sedan, and drove toward Walnut, Mississippi. Information gathered during the investigation indicated that robbery did not appear to have been the motive of the shooting of Michael Bell, but he was instead the target of a coordinated murder.
The Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI), TBI, 25th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office and the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office continue to aggressively investigate this 1998 murder. The partnership has resulted in new leads being developed in this case.
Based upon the new information, U.S. Attorney Mike Dunavant, 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark Davidson and FBI Special Agent in Charge M.A. Myers, will again announce today the availability of the $24,000 reward. Investigators are confident there are people in the community who can provide information that will assist in bringing this investigation to a conclusion. This reward is for information that directly assists law enforcement in the arrest and conviction of the person and/or persons responsible for the death of Michael Bell.
Anyone with information about the July 23, 1998 murder of Michael Bell at the McKee’s Stateline Convenience Store in Hardeman County should call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Photos enhanced in the FBI’s lab in Quantico, Virginia, May 2018.
Michael Bell - Victim
Tuesday 26 February 2019
Virginia Man Charged with Use of Firearms and Stolen Car in Relation to Attempted Crime of Interstate Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Matt Martin announcing charges against Steve Brantley Spence with Greensboro Police Chief Wayne Scott and Dr. Tony Watlington of Guilford County SchoolsGREENSBORO, N.C. – A federal grand jury in Greensboro, North Carolina, returned a three count indictment charging Steve Brantley Spence of Norfolk, Virginia, with interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle, traveling with the intent to kill, injure, harass, and intimidate in an attempt to commit a crime of domestic violence, and using and carrying firearms in relation to a crime of violence, announced Matt Martin, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.
The indictment alleges that on December 3, 2018, Steve Brantley Spence, age 29, transported a stolen 2015 Mercedes Benz ML350 from Virginia to North Carolina, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2312. The indictment further alleges that on December 3, 2018, Spence traveled from Virginia to Greensboro, N.C., with the intent to kill, injure, harass, and intimidate two persons, each of whom then was a spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner of Spence, and in the attempt to commit a crime of violence, Spence possessed two handguns, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2261(a)(1). The indictment further alleges that on December 3, 2018, Spence did carry and use, by brandishing, two handguns, during and in relation to a crime of interstate domestic violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Spence faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“Let there be no doubt, we will not tolerate people crossing state lines to hunt down former intimate partners, and we will prosecute such crimes to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Martin. “This case reflects the strength of our federal-local partnerships, and the Greensboro Police Department did excellent work to apprehend Mr. Spence without harm to students or school faculty. GPD performed a thorough investigation in conjunction with our office to allow these charges to be brought.”
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Greensboro Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica L. Edmisten, and by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clifton T. Barrett, Criminal Chief of the United States Attorney’s Office.
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