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27 March 2019
Pittsburgh Man Admits Robbing PNC Bank in West Mifflin in September 2018Read the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA- A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Barry Daniels, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about September 12, 2018, Daniels, wearing a Pirates hat and a black buttoned-up McDonald's shirt, entered the PNC Bank at 4917 Homeville Road, West Mifflin, PA 15122, handed the teller a deposit slip with a note on the back, which read: "Give me all of your 100s and 50s." The Court was further advised that Daniels took $505.00 from the bank teller. Additionally, the Court was informed that Daniels was captured on surveillance video driving a black vehicle into the bank parking lot and, after the robbery, he was observed entering the same vehicle, which he then drove out of the parking lot.
Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for July 25, 2019. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Daniels remains detained pending the sentencing hearing.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Mifflin Police Department, and the Turtle Creek Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Daniels.
Pine Ridge Man Found Guilty of False StatementRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota man, Weldon Two Bulls, age 48, was found guilty of False Statement following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota. The jury did not reach a unanimous verdict on the charge of Accessory After the Fact.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stemmed from the defendant making a false statement to a federal agent regarding his recollection of a brutal assault on a woman in November of 2018. The jury convicted Two Bulls of knowingly and falsely telling a federal agent that he was too intoxicated to remember what happened to the victim.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassandra DeCoste and Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
A sentencing date has not been set. Two Bulls is out of custody pending sentencing.
Paterson Police Officer Sentenced to 66 Months in Prison for Assaulting Hospital Patient, Distributing NarcoticsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A City of Paterson police officer was sentenced today to 66 months in prison for violating an individual’s civil rights by assaulting him at a hospital and repeatedly distributing narcotics, including drugs he stole from a crime scene while on duty, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Ruben McAusland, 27, of Paterson, pleaded guilty on June 27, 2018, before U.S. District Judge William H. Walls to an information charging him with possessing with intent to distribute narcotics and deprivation of civil rights under color of law. Judge Walls imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
“Today’s sentencing of Ruben McAusland marks the important role that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey plays in identifying and holding accountable officers of the law who breach their sworn duty to serve the public,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “Through prosecutions like this one, police officers like McAusland – who dealt drugs, stole from a crime scene, and viciously attacked a person who sought help from the Paterson Police Department – are removed from positions where they can violate the public trust and deprive others of their civil rights under color of law. We will continue to vigilantly pursue these cases, recognizing that the people of Paterson, and all of New Jersey, deserve better.”
“The facts of this case are especially troubling to those of us in law enforcement,” Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie of the Newark FBI Field Office said. “When an officer betrays the oath to protect and serve, it tarnishes the law enforcement community and puts the public at risk. The FBI prides itself on having a solid working relationship with our state and local law enforcement partners. But by no means will we look the other way if an officer or agent of the law is breaking the rules that he or she is sworn to uphold.”
According to documents filed in this and another case, and statements made in court:
Between October 2017 and April 2018, McAusland sold various types and quantities of narcotics to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement. In October 2017, McAusland sold the individual approximately 35 grams of marijuana, 48 grams of heroin, 31 grams of cocaine, and 31 grams of crack cocaine. McAusland admitted that he stole these narcotics from a crime scene while on duty and in uniform as a police officer.
McAusland also sold the individual two pounds of marijuana between November 2017 and January 2018. In addition, on multiple occasions between February 2018 and April 2018, McAusland sold pills that were made to resemble Percocet doses but were actually made of heroin.
On March 5, 2018, McAusland and his partner, Roger Then, 29, of Paterson, were on duty and responded to a call from an attempted suicide victim. McAusland and Then went to the victim’s house but were told the victim had been transported to St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson.
McAusland first met the victim, who was in a wheelchair, in the hospital waiting room. McAusland admitted that during the encounter, he pushed the victim and punched him in the face. In addition, Then allegedly grabbed the victim by the neck and pushed him into the ground. Afterwards, the victim was taken to a patient room.
McAusland and Then had another encounter with the victim in the hospital room, which Then recorded on his cellphone. McAusland admitted that, while the victim was on his back in a hospital bed, he put on a pair of hospital gloves and violently struck the victim twice across the face.
McAusland and Then filed a false police report in connection with the foregoing events. McAusland admitted that they purposely omitted from the report the fact that McAusland violently struck the victim multiple times and that Then grabbed the victim by the neck and pushed him into the ground.
The victim suffered multiple injuries to his face, including an eye injury that required surgery, as a result of these assaults.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Walls sentenced McAusland to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $32,892.
Then pleaded guilty before Judge Walls on Dec. 6, 2018, to one count of misprision of felony for concealing civil rights violations. He is scheduled to be sentenced April 2, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s plea. He also thanked the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Paterson Police Director Jerry Speziale and Police Chief Troy Oswald, and the Paterson Police Department Office of Internal Affairs, for their assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Agarwal, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division.
Owners of South Carolina Company Plead Guilty to Conspiring with Employees of One of the Nation's Largest Private Companies Relating to Extensive Bribery and Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The two owners of a South Carolina-based company and a manager at one of the country’s largest private companies (“Victim Company”) appeared in federal court today and pleaded guilty to conspiracy, in connection with an extensive bribery and kickback scheme involving more than $35,000,000 of fraudulent overcharges, announced Andrew Murray, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Brian C. Ewert, 53, of Charlotte, Jennifer Maier, 51, of Clover, South Carolina, and Choung “Shawn” Nguyen, 47, of Wichita, Kansas, entered their guilty pleas before U.S. Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer.
John A. Strong, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, David M. McGinnis, Inspector in Charge of the Charlotte Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Matthew D. Line, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, Charlotte Field Office (IRS-CI) join U.S. Attorney Murray in making today’s announcement.
Ewert was co-owner and primary sales representative of WDS, Inc., also known as Women’s Distribution Services, Inc. (WDS), located in Lake Wylie, South Carolina. One of Ewert’s responsibilities at WDS was to set prices for the supplies WDS provided to Victim Company. Maier was co-owner and Chief Executive Officer of WDS, responsible for running the company’s day to day operations.
Nguyen was a procurement manager with Victim Company’s Strategic Sourcing Function group, responsible for implementing and monitoring Victim Company’s supplier agreements with WDS. Nguyen reported to M.K., an uncharged co-conspirator and senior employee within Victim Company’s Strategic Sourcing Function group. Both Nguyen and M.K. were terminated by Victim Company in May 2016.
According to the criminal information and plea documents, from 2009 through 2016, Ewert, Nguyen, and M.K. conspired with each other to defraud Victim Company by allowing WDS to overcharge Victim Company by more than $35,000,000. As part of the conspiracy, Ewert paid more than $1 million in bribes to Nguyen, M.K., and others. Court records show that in 2007, M.K. helped Ewert start a business relationship with Victim Company. Between 2008 and 2016, with the help of M.K. and Nguyen, WDS dramatically increased its sales volume to Victim Company. For example, between 2012 and 2016, Victim Company purchased nearly $544 million in products from WDS.
Over the course of the scheme, in exchange for allowing WDS to overinflate the prices it charged Victim Company, Nguyen, M.K. and others were paid more than a million dollars in kickbacks. As the defendants admitted in court today, Ewert made regular cash payments to Nguyen and M.K., paid for family vacations, flew them on private jets, and gave them expensive gifts, including electronics. In exchange for the illicit bribes, Nguyen and M.K. assisted WDS in concealing from Victim Company more than $35 million in overcharges.
In late 2015 and early 2016, after Victim Company began to question WDS’s contracts, Ewert, M.K. and Nguyen took a number of steps to conceal the scheme and to impede Victim Company’s audit by, among other things, providing misleading pricing information, falsely claiming that WDS was in compliance with its pricing obligations according to its agreement with Victim Company, and falsely denying receiving any improper benefits from WDS. When Victim Company continued to demand proof related to pricing, Maier joined the conspiracy by creating at least 100 bogus invoices that she provided to Victim Company, in an effort to conceal more than $500,000 in fraudulent overcharges.
Ewert, Nguyen and Maier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charge carries a maximum prison term of five years and a $250,000 fine. They are currently released on bond. A sentencing date has not been set.
The FBI, USPIS, and IRS-CI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ryan, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, is in charge of the prosecution.
Owner of Information Technology Companies Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Visa Fraud and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An owner of two information technology companies was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for his role in using phony documents to fraudulently obtain H1-B visas for foreign workers and submitting false tax returns, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Sowrabh Sharma, 34, of New York, New York, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court to a superseding information charging him with conspiracy to commit visa fraud and with subscribing to false tax returns. Judge McNulty imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
SCM Data Inc. and MMC Systems Inc. offered consultants to clients in need of IT support. Both companies recruited foreign nationals with purported IT expertise, often student visa holders or recent college graduates, and sponsored them for H-1B visas with the stated purpose of working for SMC Data and MMC Systems’ clients throughout the United States.
Sharma admitted that from 2010 through April 2015, he and others falsely represented to U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that dozens of foreign workers had full-time “in-house” positions, and would be paid an annual salary, as required to secure the visas. However, Sharma and his companies only paid the foreign workers when they were placed at a third-party client, or a company that entered into a contract for services with SCM Data and MMC Systems. Sharma further admitted that he and SCM Data and MMC Systems were violating USDOL regulations by not paying workers who were “benched,” or not working on a project.
Sharma also admitted that in some instances, foreign workers who were “benched” between projects and not working were told that if they wanted to maintain their H-1B visa status, they would need to come up with what their gross wages would be in cash and give it to SCM Data and MMC Systems to generate phony payroll checks.
Sharma also admitted that he intentionally overstated and claimed false expenses pertaining to SCM Data and MMC Systems on his U.S. Individual Tax Returns for 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 that resulted in a tax loss to the United States of over $1.1 million.
In addition to the prison term, Judge McNulty sentenced Sharma to one year of supervised release. Sharma made payment of the $1.1 million tax loss and penalties to the IRS prior to sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian A. Michael: the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Mikulka, in New York: IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of John R. Tafur; and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, under the direction of John E. Thompson, District Director of the Newark District, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joyce M. Malliet of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s National Security Unit in Newark.
Defense counsel: John P. Lacey Esq. and Leo J. Hurley Esq., Newark
Outstanding Women Have Served in U.S. Attorney’s OfficeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – Outstanding women have served with distinction at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said today in observance of Women’s History Month.
“In Kansas, we have been honored to serve with a long line of talented and dedicated women,” McAllister said. “They have excelled in their field and paved the way to success for other women.”
Mary Beck Briscoe served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1974 to 1984 in the District of Kansas, and then joined the Kansas Court of Appeals, eventually serving as that court’s Chief Judge. She has served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit since 1995.
Karen Humphreys served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1978 to 1983. She was appointed U.S. Magistrate Judge in 1993, serving until she retired in 2015.
Janice Miller Karlin served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1980 to 2002. She went on to become a U.S. Bankruptcy judge, serving until she retired in 2018.
Julie Robinson served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1983 to 1993. From 1992 to 1994 she served as Senior Litigation Counsel in the U.S. Attorney’s office. In 1994, she was appointed as a bankruptcy judge. In 2001, she became the first African American woman appointed to the U.S. District Court in Kansas, and she currently serves as Chief Judge of that court.
Karen Arnold-Burger served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1989 to 1991, when she was appointed to the Kansas Court of Appeals. She is now Chief Judge of that court.
Nancy Moritz served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1995 to 2004, and then served on the Kansas Court of Appeals and the Kansas Supreme Court. In 2014, she took a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Today, women make about half the employees of the U.S. Attorney’s office in Kansas, including 13 attorneys and 37 members of the support team.
Orchard Park Man Arrested on Multiple Drug and Gun ChargesRead 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 Felix Calderon-Valcarcel, 28, of Orchard Park, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with the intent to distribute, and distribution of, five kilograms or more of cocaine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possessing of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing of a firearm as a convicted felon. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in September of 2018, members of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted a suspicious parcel of mail addressed to 179 East Abbott Grove Avenue in Orchard Park, NY, which is the defendant’s residence. On September 24, 2018, inspectors executed a federal search warrant of the parcel which was determined to contain cocaine. In February 2019, another suspicious parcel addressed to 179 East Abbott Grove Avenue in Orchard Park was intercepted, and again it contained suspected cocaine.
On March 26, 2019, investigators approached Calderon-Valcarcel who was in a silver Toyota Camry parked near the intersection of Stevenson Street and Cumberland Avenue in Buffalo. The defendant was observed counting a large quantity of U.S. currency. Calderon-Valcarcel was taken into custody. During a search of the car, investigators recovered a kilogram of suspected cocaine in the trunk of the vehicle.
Subsequently, a search warrant was executed at the Calderon-Valcarcel’s East Abbott Grove Avenue residence. Seized during the search warrant were four kilograms of suspected cocaine and a 9mm caliber handgun.
The defendant was previously convicted in 2015 in Erie County Court of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class A-II felony. As a result, Calderon-Valcarcel is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The defendant will make an initial appearance on March 28, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; The Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Orchard Park Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief E. Joseph Wehrfritz; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Michel; and the Hamburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Gregory Wickett.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Okemah Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Sexual Abuse of A MinorRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Johnny Wayne Harjo Jr., age 41, of Okemah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for Sexual Abuse Of A Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1153, 2243(a) and 2246. These charges arose from an investigation by the FBI’s Oklahoma Safe Trails Task Force. Investigative agencies included the Creek Nation Lighthorse Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Indictment alleged that on or about January 25, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, knowingly engaged and attempted to engage in a sexual act as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2246 with the victim, who had attained the age of 12 years but had not yet attained the age of 16 and was at least four years younger than the defendant.United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “Sexual abuse investigations are difficult. It is not easy for victims to come forward to tell their stories to family members, investigators, or prosecutors, and requires a great deal of courage to do so. This investigation and prosecution began with a courageous victim who overcame fear and embarrassment so we could seek justice for the victim, the victim’s family, and the community. The defendant’s depravity and cowardice were defeated by the victim’s courage.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Edward Snow represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to 29 Federal Hate Crimes for August 2017 Car Attack at Rally in CharlottesvilleRead the Press Release
James Alex Fields, Jr., 21, the Ohio man who drove his car into a diverse crowd of counter-protestors on Aug. 12, 2017, killing one woman and injuring dozens, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to 29 counts of violating the federal Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, 18 U.S.C. § 249. The charges included one count of a hate crime act that resulted in the death of Heather Heyer, and 28 counts of hate crime acts that caused bodily injury and involved an attempt to kill other people within the crowd. Each of the 29 counts carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher Wray, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Eric Dreiband, and Special Agent in Charge David Archey of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
“In the aftermath of the mass murder in New Zealand earlier this month, we are reminded that a diverse and pluralistic community such as ours can have zero tolerance for violence on the basis of race, religion, or association with people of other races and religions,” Attorney General William P. Barr said. “Prosecuting hate crimes is a priority for me as Attorney General. The defendant in this case has pled guilty to 29 hate crimes which he committed by driving his car into a crowd of protesters. These hate crimes are also acts of domestic terrorism. I want to thank the FBI for leading this investigation along with our partners with the Charlottesville Police Department and the Virginia State Police. I also want to thank Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Eric Dreiband and our Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Cullen and his office for their hard work in reaching today's guilty plea, which brings us one step closer to bringing the defendant to justice. We will continue to vigorously prosecute violent crimes of hate and we will not allow violence to supplant our pluralism.”
“The violence in Charlottesville was an act of hate, and everyone across the country felt the impact," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "This guilty plea underscores that we won’t stand for hate and violence in our communities. Together with our law enforcement and community partners, we’ll continue to aggressively investigate hate crimes, domestic terrorism and civil rights violations.”
“The defendant’s hate-inspired act of domestic terrorism not only devastated Heather Heyer’s wonderful family and the 28 peaceful protestors who were injured at the intersection of Fourth and Water Streets, but it also left an indelible mark on the City of Charlottesville, our state, and our country,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “Although the defendant’s guilty plea cannot undo the pain, suffering, and loss that he caused, it is my hope that it will enable these victims and our community to continue the healing process.”
According to a statement of facts agreed to and signed by Fields, and entered into the court record at his guilty plea hearing, Fields admitted that he drove into the crowd of counter-protestors because of the actual and perceived race, color, national origin, and religion of its members. He further admitted that his actions killed Heather Heyer, and that he intended to kill the other victims he struck and injured with his car.
With regard to the details of the attack, Fields also admitted that, prior to Aug. 12, 2017, he used social media accounts to express and promote white supremacist views on his social media accounts; to express support of the social and racial policies of Adolf Hitler and Nazi-era Germany, including the Holocaust; and to espouse violence against African Americans, Jewish people, and members of other racial, ethnic, and religious groups he perceived to be non-white. Fields also expressed these views directly in interactions with individuals known to him.
Fields further admitted that, on Aug. 12, 2017, he attended the “Unite the Right” rally in Emancipation Park in Charlottesville, Virginia. That morning, multiple groups and individuals espousing white-supremacist ideology also attended the rally. These rally participants, including Fields, engaged in chants promoting or expressing white supremacist and other racist and anti-Semitic views.
Shortly before the scheduled start of the Unite the Right rally, law enforcement declared an “unlawful assembly” and required rally participants, including Fields, to disperse. Fields later returned to his vehicle and began to drive on the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia.
Fields drove his car onto Fourth Street, a narrow, downhill, one-way street in downtown Charlottesville. At or around that same time, a racially and ethnically diverse crowd had gathered at the bottom of the hill, at the intersection of Fourth and Water Streets. Many of the individuals in the crowd were celebrating as they were chanting and carrying signs promoting equality and protesting against racial and other forms of discrimination. Fields slowly proceeded in his vehicle down Fourth Street toward the crowd. He then stopped and observed the crowd while idling in his vehicle. With no vehicle behind him, Fields then slowly reversed his vehicle toward the top of the hill.
At or around that same time, the members of the crowd began to walk up the hill, populating the streets and sidewalks between the buildings on Fourth Street. Having reversed his car to a point at or near the top of the hill and the intersection of Fourth and Market Streets, Fields stopped again. Fields admitted that he then rapidly accelerated forward down Fourth Street in his vehicle, running through a stop sign and across a raised pedestrian mall, and drove directly into the crowd. Fields’s vehicle stopped only when it struck another stopped vehicle near the intersection of Fourth and Water Streets. Fields then rapidly reversed his car and fled the scene. As Fields drove into and through the crowd, Fields struck numerous individuals, killing Heather Heyer and injuring 28 people nearby.
The investigation of the case was led by the FBI and supported by the Charlottesville Police Department and Virginia State Police. United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen, Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh, and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice are prosecuting the case for the United States.
For more information about DOJ’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to DOJ hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to 29 Federal Hate Crimes for August 2017 Car Attack at Rally in CharlottesvilleRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – James Alex Fields Jr., 21, the Ohio man who drove his car into a diverse crowd of counter-protestors on Aug. 12, 2017, killing one woman and injuring dozens, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to 29 counts of violating the federal Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, 18 U.S.C. § 249. The charges included one count of a hate crime act that resulted in the death of Heather Heyer, and 28 counts of hate crime acts that caused bodily injury and involved an attempt to kill other people within the crowd. Each of the 29 counts carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher Wray, United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Eric Dreiband, and Special Agent in Charge David Archey of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement.
“In the aftermath of the mass murder in New Zealand earlier this month, we are reminded that a diverse and pluralistic community such as ours can have zero tolerance for violence on the basis of race, religion, or association with people of other races and religions,” Attorney General William P. Barr said. “Prosecuting hate crimes is a priority for me as Attorney General. The defendant in this case has pled guilty to 29 hate crimes which he committed by driving his car into a crowd of protesters. These hate crimes are also acts of domestic terrorism. I want to thank the FBI for leading this investigation along with our partners with the Charlottesville Police Department and the Virginia State Police. I also want to thank Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Eric Dreiband and our Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Cullen and his office for their hard work in reaching today's guilty plea, which brings us one step closer to bringing the defendant to justice. We will continue to vigorously prosecute violent crimes of hate and we will not allow violence to supplant our pluralism.”
“The violence in Charlottesville was an act of hate, and everyone across the country felt the impact," said FBI Director Christopher Wray. "This guilty plea underscores that we won’t stand for hate and violence in our communities. Together with our law enforcement and community partners, we’ll continue to aggressively investigate hate crimes, domestic terrorism and civil rights violations.”
“The defendant’s hate-inspired act of domestic terrorism not only devastated Heather Heyer’s wonderful family and the 28 peaceful protestors who were injured at the intersection of Fourth and Water Streets, but it also left an indelible mark on the City of Charlottesville, our state, and our country,” U.S. Attorney Cullen stated today. “Although the defendant’s guilty plea cannot undo the pain, suffering, and loss that he caused, it is my hope that it will enable these victims and our community to continue the healing process.”
According to a statement of facts agreed to and signed by Fields, and entered into the court record at his guilty plea hearing, Fields admitted that he drove into the crowd of counter-protestors because of the actual and perceived race, color, national origin, and religion of its members. He further admitted that his actions killed Heather Heyer, and that he intended to kill the other victims he struck and injured with his car.
With regard to the details of the attack, Fields also admitted that, prior to Aug. 12, 2017, he used social media accounts to express and promote white supremacist views on his social media accounts; to express support of the social and racial policies of Adolf Hitler and Nazi-era Germany, including the Holocaust; and to espouse violence against African Americans, Jewish people, and members of other racial, ethnic, and religious groups he perceived to be non-white. Fields also expressed these views directly in interactions with individuals known to him.
Fields further admitted that, on Aug. 12, 2017, he attended the “Unite the Right” rally in Emancipation Park in Charlottesville, Virginia. That morning, multiple groups and individuals espousing white-supremacist ideology also attended the rally. These rally participants, including Fields, engaged in chants promoting or expressing white supremacist and other racist and anti-Semitic views.
Shortly before the scheduled start of the Unite the Right rally, law enforcement declared an “unlawful assembly” and required rally participants, including Fields, to disperse. Fields later returned to his vehicle and began to drive on the streets of Charlottesville, Virginia.
Fields drove his car onto Fourth Street, a narrow, downhill, one-way street in downtown Charlottesville. At or around that same time, a racially and ethnically diverse crowd had gathered at the bottom of the hill, at the intersection of Fourth and Water Streets. Many of the individuals in the crowd were celebrating as they were chanting and carrying signs promoting equality and protesting against racial and other forms of discrimination. Fields slowly proceeded in his vehicle down Fourth Street toward the crowd. He then stopped and observed the crowd while idling in his vehicle. With no vehicle behind him, Fields then slowly reversed his vehicle toward the top of the hill.
At or around that same time, the members of the crowd began to walk up the hill, populating the streets and sidewalks between the buildings on Fourth Street. Having reversed his car to a point at or near the top of the hill and the intersection of Fourth and Market Streets, Fields stopped again. Fields admitted that he then rapidly accelerated forward down Fourth Street in his vehicle, running through a stop sign and across a raised pedestrian mall, and drove directly into the crowd. Fields’s vehicle stopped only when it struck another stopped vehicle near the intersection of Fourth and Water Streets. Fields then rapidly reversed his car and fled the scene. As Fields drove into and through the crowd, Fields struck numerous individuals, killing Heather Heyer and injuring 28 people nearby.
The investigation of the case was led by the FBI and supported by the Charlottesville Police Department and Virginia State Police. United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen, Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh, and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice are prosecuting the case for the United States.
North Carolina Businessman Convicted of Tax and Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal jury convicted an Asheville man late yesterday on 35 charges of conspiracy, tax fraud related to a fraudulent tax shelter, mail and wire fraud and money laundering.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Byron Hale Delavan, 63, engaged in a fraudulent tax and investment fraud scheme from approximately 2011 to 2016 that resulted in losses to victims of over $800,000, and a separate tax loss to the United States of over $400,000.
Delavan offered a fraudulent tax program to various individuals in the Tidewater area and elsewhere whereby individuals paid Delavan between $10,000 and $12,500 in order to obtain fraudulent losses to offset income on their tax returns. In doing so, Delavan purported to deduct business bad debts from non-operational entities he controlled, passing through these losses to client returns as if the clients were actually involved in these entities. Furthermore, Delavan solicited business loans and investments from some of the same and additional clients that he falsely represented would be used for business purposes. Contrary to this, Delavan used such funds for personal use, including the repayment of prior clients and personal expenses, such as private school tuition. Finally, Delavan purported to sell gold to certain clients, but made false representations related to the value or existence of the gold or the purpose of the funds obtained.
Delavan is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9. 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; Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Washington, D.C. Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), which led the investigation; and Judith W. Jagdmann, Chair of the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson accepted the verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian J. Samuels is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service provided assistance through the Newport News Financial Crimes Task Force.
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. 4:18-cr-23.
Naugatuck Man Admits Operating Phony Coupon SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, today announced that THOMAS PAPCIN, 48, of Naugatuck, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to one count of mail fraud stemming from a fraudulent coupon scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in order for a coupon producer to obtain holographic coupon paper, the producer is required to provide to the coupon paper vendor the name of the company for whom the producer is producing coupons, as well as a point of contact for the company for whom the producer is producing coupons. On at least two occasions, Papcin purchased holographic coupon paper from a holographic coupon paper vendor by misrepresenting to the vendor the companies that Papcin was producing coupons for, and by providing fictitious contact information for the companies. Papcin then used the holographic paper to create fictitious coupons, advertised the coupons online and through e-mail, sold the coupons to customers who believed the coupons were authentic, and shipped the coupons to customers through the mail
Through this scheme, Papcin defrauded his customers of $193,027.25.
Mail fraud carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Papcin is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall on June 20, 2019.
Papcin is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Pierpont, Jr.
Multi-Agency Investigation Results in Charges Against 18 Members and Associates of Violent White Supremacist GangRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that multiple members and associates of a white supremacist gang known as the 1488s, have been arrested and charged for their alleged roles in a racketeering enterprise involving narcotics distribution, firearms trafficking, and acts of violence including murder, assault, and kidnapping.
In a recently unsealed indictment, Filthy Fuhrer, (formerly Timothy Lobdell), 42; Roy Naughton, aka “Thumper,” 40; Glen Baldwin, aka “Glen Dog,” 37; Craig King, aka “Oakie,” 53; Beau Cook, 32; and Colter O’Dell, 26, have each been charged with murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit assault and kidnapping in aid of racketeering. Two other key members, Nicholas M. Kozorra, aka “Beast,” 29, and Dustin J. Clowers, 34, previously pleaded guilty to murder in aid of racketeering in recently unsealed court documents.
“The highest priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Alaska, which is consistent with the priorities of the Attorney General of the United States, is to stop violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “We will focus on chronic violent offenders, including criminals who unify through racial hatred and commit violent crimes.”
“While the violent crimes these individuals are charged with are certainly serious in and of themselves, their affiliation in support of a white supremacy enterprise is of even greater concern,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffery Peterson of FBI’s Anchorage Division. “This impactful case demonstrates law enforcement’s abilities to penetrate even the most secret organizations through cooperation at all levels and sharing a common goal.”
“We are very proud of the meticulous work done by all of our trooper investigators and the investigators from our partnering agencies,” said AST Captain David Hanson, Commander of Alaska Bureau of Investigation. “This outcome was made possible through the effort and guidance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which resulted in an array of federal indictments on numerous 1488 gang members.”
According to the indictment, the 1488s are a violent and “whites only” prison-based gang with approximately 50 to 100 members operating inside and outside of state prisons throughout Alaska and elsewhere. The 1488s allegedly offered protection to white inmates if they joined the gang, and all members were required to “be white, look white and act white.” Members allegedly often had tattoos incorporating Nazi-style symbols; however, the most coveted tattoo of 1488s members was the 1488s “patch” that could be worn only by “made” members who generally gained full membership by committing an act of violence on behalf of the gang.
It is further alleged that Filthy Fuhrer, Naughton, Baldwin, King, Cook, and O’Dell played a role in the August 2017 beating, kidnapping, and murder of Michael Staton, aka “Steak Knife.”
An additional 14 indictments have resulted from the investigation into the 1488 organization, members, and associates including:
- Christopher Davidson, 35, sentenced to serve 90 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms;
- Justin Eaton, aka “Skulls,” 44, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Justin Hoff, 30, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Taylor Lack, 23, sentenced to serve six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Mica Messinger, 37, sentenced to serve 70 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Angie Minnick, 41, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen mail and for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances;
- Alexander Netling, aka “Bruiser,” 25, sentenced to serve five years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Michael Oman, aka “Donkey,” 29, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Jason Rose, aka “Honkey,” 42, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Shawn Schmidt, 33, sentenced to serve 30 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Charles Soper, aka “Slim,” 25, sentenced to serve 34 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Jeffrey Robinson, 37, sentenced to serve nine years in prison for drug conspiracy;
- Roy Naughton, sentenced to serve 100 months in prison for carjacking;
- Colter O’Dell, sentenced to serve 27 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, as part of their operations, 1488s members and associates allegedly engaged in illegal activities under the protection of the enterprise, including narcotics trafficking, weapons trafficking, and other illegal activities to generate income. The 1488s allegedly had a detailed and uniform organizational structure, which is outlined in written “rules” widely distributed to members throughout Alaska and elsewhere. Members of the 1488s allegedly acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, including “bosses” who had ultimate authority in all gang matters. “Key holders” were allegedly responsible for all gang matters within penal facilities where 1488s had a presence, and in “free world” Alaska (outside of prison). “Enforcers” were allegedly responsible for enforcing the rules and performing tasks as assigned by higher-ranking gang members.
The indictment further alleges the 1488 gang was established in approximately 2010 within the Alaska Department of Corrections and by Alaskan inmates incarcerated within the Colorado Department of Corrections and the Arizona Department of Corrections through interstate compact agreements.
The FBI and AST Alaska Bureau of Investigation Special Crimes Investigation Unit and Technical Crimes Unit, the Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) Mat-Su Drug Unit, AST ‘B’ Detachment Major Crimes Unit and Criminal Suppression Unit, and AST’s participation in the Task Force Officer program led the investigation. Investigative Assistance was provided by IRS Criminal Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Anchorage Police Department (APD), the State of Alaska’s Department of Corrections and the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Taylor and James Klugman of the District of Alaska and Trial Attorney Marty Woelfle of OCGS.
The charges in the indictments are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Multi-Agency Investigation Results in Charges Against 18 Members and Associates of Violent White Supremacist GangRead the Press Release
Multiple members and associates of a white supremacist gang known as the 1488s, have been arrested and charged for their alleged roles in a racketeering enterprise involving narcotics distribution, firearms trafficking, and acts of violence including murder, assault, and kidnapping.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder for the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Jeffery Peterson of FBI’s Anchorage Division and Alaska State Troopers (AST) Captain David Hanson, Commander of Alaska Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
In a recently unsealed indictment, Filthy Fuhrer, (formerly Timothy Lobdell), 42; Roy Naughton, aka “Thumper,” 40; Glen Baldwin, aka “Glen Dog,” 37; Craig King, aka “Oakie,” 53; Beau Cook, 32; and Colter O’Dell, 26, have each been charged with murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, assault in aid of racketeering, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit assault and kidnapping in aid of racketeering. Two other key members, Nicholas M. Kozorra, aka “Beast,” 29, and Dustin J. Clowers, 34, previously pleaded guilty to murder in aid of racketeering in recently unsealed court documents.
“The defendants allegedly participated in the heinous murder of Michael Staton, with the goal of impressing their vile and racist gang,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “The Criminal Division is committed to bringing the 1488s to justice, and holding accountable those who further its agenda of violence and hatred.”
“The highest priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Alaska, which is consistent with the priorities of the Attorney General of the United States, is to stop violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder. “We will focus on chronic violent offenders, including criminals who unify through racial hatred and commit violent crimes.”
“While the violent crimes these individuals are charged with are certainly serious in and of themselves, their affiliation in support of a white supremacy enterprise is of even greater concern,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Peterson. “This impactful case demonstrates law enforcement’s abilities to penetrate even the most secret organizations through cooperation at all levels and sharing a common goal.”
“We are very proud of the meticulous work done by all of our trooper investigators and the investigators from our partnering agencies,” said AST Captain David Hanson, Commander of Alaska Bureau of Investigation. “This outcome was made possible through the effort and guidance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, which resulted in an array of federal indictments on numerous 1488 gang members.”
According to the indictment, the 1488s are a violent and “whites only” prison-based gang with approximately 50 to 100 members operating inside and outside of state prisons throughout Alaska and elsewhere. The 1488s allegedly offered protection to white inmates if they joined the gang, and all members were required to “be white, look white and act white.” Members allegedly often had tattoos incorporating Nazi-style symbols; however, the most coveted tattoo of 1488s members was the 1488s “patch” that could be worn only by “made” members who generally gained full membership by committing an act of violence on behalf of the gang.
The indictment alleges that Filthy Fuhrer, Naughton, Baldwin, King, Cook, and O’Dell played a role in the August 2017 beating, kidnapping, and murder of Michael Staton, aka “Steak Knife.”
An additional 14 indictments have resulted from the investigation into the 1488 organization, members, and associates including:
- Christopher Davidson, 35, sentenced to serve 90 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms;
- Justin Eaton, aka Skulls, 44, charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Justin Hoff, 30, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Taylor Lack, 23, sentenced to serve six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Mica Messinger, 37, sentenced to serve 70 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Angie Minnick, 41, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen mail and for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances;
- Alexander Netling, aka Bruiser, 25, sentenced to serve five years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Michael Oman, 29, aka Donkey, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Jason Rose, aka Honkey, 42, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Shawn Schmidt, 33, sentenced to serve 30 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Charles Soper, aka Slim, 25, sentenced to serve 34 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Jeffrey Robinson, 37, sentenced to serve nine years in prison for drug conspiracy;
- Roy Naughton, sentenced to serve 100 months in prison for carjacking;
- Colter O’Dell, sentenced to serve 27 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the indictment, as part of their operations, 1488s members and associates allegedly engaged in illegal activities under the protection of the enterprise, including narcotics trafficking, weapons trafficking, and other illegal activities to generate income. The 1488s allegedly had a detailed and uniform organizational structure, which is outlined in written “rules” widely distributed to members throughout Alaska and elsewhere. Members of the 1488s allegedly acted in different roles in order to further the goals of their organization, including “bosses” who had ultimate authority in all gang matters. “Key holders” were allegedly responsible for all gang matters within penal facilities where 1488s had a presence, and in “free world” Alaska (outside of prison). “Enforcers” were allegedly responsible for enforcing the rules and performing tasks as assigned by higher-ranking gang members.
The indictment further alleges the 1488 gang was established in approximately 2010 within the Alaska Department of Corrections and by Alaskan inmates incarcerated within the Colorado Department of Corrections and the Arizona Department of Corrections through interstate compact agreements.
The FBI and AST Alaska Bureau of Investigation Special Crimes Investigation Unit and Technical Crimes Unit, the Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) Mat-Su Drug Unit, AST ‘B’ Detachment Major Crimes Unit and Criminal Suppression Unit, and AST’s participation in the Task Force Officer program led the investigation. Investigative Assistance was provided by IRS Criminal Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Anchorage Police Department (APD), the State of Alaska’s Department of Corrections and the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Taylor and James Klugman of the District of Alaska and Trial Attorney Marty Woelfle of OCGS.
The charges in the indictments are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mobile County Businessman Sentenced to Two Months in Prison and Ordered to Pay Restitution After Felony Conviction for Trafficking Contraband CigarettesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Thy Touch, a 45 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced to two months incarceration followed by two years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,285.28
On December 28, 2018, Thy Touch entered a guilty plea pursuant to a plea agreement and admitted in open court that a cooperating citizen (CI) identified Touch as an individual he illegally sold cigarettes to in the past, which allowed Touch to knowingly evade the taxes due on the cigarettes that was required by The State of Alabama Dept. of Revenue.
The ATF set up an undercover operation designed to confirm this conduct and to show that it continues. The ATF agents used the CI to act in an undercover capacity along with an undercover law enforcement officer to sell quantities of contraband cigarettes on numerous occasions to Touch that did not have a visible paid cigarette tax stamp affixed.
From December 2, 2017 through March 20, 2018, the CI sold 1,359 packs of untaxed Newport and Kool cigarettes to Touch for various amounts of money on six different occasions while Touch simultaneously operated his convenience store called “Pride,” located 1910 St. Stephens Road, Mobile, Alabama. The amount of cigarettes sold to Touch exceeded 10,000. The tax loss to the State of Alabama is $917.33. The tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service is $1,367.95.
Officers of the Mobile, Alabama Police Department and special agents of the ATF investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney's Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Military Dependent Pleads Guilty to the Attempted Murder of Her Infant Child in SpainRead the Press Release
A U.S. citizen and military dependent pleaded guilty today to the attempted murder of her infant child while stationed with her husband in Spain.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John W. Huber of the District of Utah, Special Agent in Charge Paul Haertel of the FBI’s Salt Lake City, Utah Field Office and Col. Shan B. Nuckols, Commander of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), 5th Field Investigations Region, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, made the announcement.
Shawna Chapman, 32, formerly of Cottage Grove, Oregon, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted second-degree murder, under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act, before U.S. District Judge David Sam of the District of Utah. Judge Sam scheduled Chapman’s sentencing hearing for June 5, 2019.
According to admissions made in connection with her plea, on Feb. 10, 2016, Chapman was living in Utrera, Spain as the military dependent of her husband, who was stationed at the Moron Air Force Base in Moron, Spain. At approximately 11:00 a.m. that day, Chapman used a knife to stab her 11-month-old daughter in the abdomen, intending to kill her. The child suffered a life-threatening injury, requiring immediate life-saving surgery and extended hospitalization.
FBI and AFOSI investigated the case in close cooperation with Spanish authorities. Trial Attorney Jamie Perry of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Martinez and Drew Yeates of the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
The Department of Justice gratefully acknowledges the government of Spain, to include the Ministry of Defense, the Judicial Police of Utrera and the Civil Guard for their extraordinary efforts, support, and professionalism in responding to this incident.
Middlesex County, New Jersey, Man Sentenced to Life Plus 20 Years in Prison on Racketeering, Murder, and Weapon ChargesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New Brunswick, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to life plus 20 years in prison for his violent role in a racketeering conspiracy involving multiple brothels that employed illegal aliens throughout New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Wilmer Chavez Romero, a/k/a “Charmin,” 29, was previously convicted of all eight counts of an indictment charging him with one count each of racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to harbor aliens; two counts of using a firearm for a violent crime; and two counts of murder in aid of racketeering. He was convicted following a two and a half-week trial before U.S. District Judge William H. Walls, who imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
Chavez Romero served as an enforcer for a prostitution enterprise that helped illegal aliens enter the country and employed them at brothels throughout Cumberland, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. The enterprise used threats and acts of violence – including burglary, assaults, and murder – to expand its territory, thwart rival brothels, exact revenge, punish enterprise members and associates who had been disloyal, and silence people they believed were cooperating with law enforcement.
Chavez Romero acted at the direction of the leaders of the enterprise, Juan Fredy Hernandez-Zozaya, 40, and his girlfriend, Elizabeth Rojas, 37, both of New Brunswick, who oversaw brothels in New Brunswick, Trenton, Orange, Asbury Park, Lakewood, and Bridgeton.
Chavez Romero personally committed acts of violence to further the enterprise, including participating in the murders of two victims during separate robberies. On Sept. 4, 2012, Chavez Romero, armed with a firearm, entered a rival brothel house in Trenton with the intent to rob the house. During the robbery, one victim was shot in the leg and survived, while another was shot and killed.
On Jan. 23, 2013, Chavez Romero entered another rival brothel in Trenton armed with a .40 caliber firearm. Chavez Romero attempted to commit a robbery when a fight broke out and a victim was shot and killed.In addition, during recorded interviews with law enforcement in 2012 and 2014, Chavez Romero discussed his role in the murders, as well as beatings, shootings, and other acts of violence that he committed to further the enterprise’s goals and shut down its competition. As part of the enterprise, Chavez Romero also conspired to conceal and harbor aliens and aided in their interstate transport for use in the prostitution enterprise.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael in Newark, as well as the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, Trenton Police Department, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, and the N.J. State Police Ballistics Lab, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Williams and Melissa Wangenheim of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Defense counsel: Kevin F. Carlucci Esq. and Carol Gillen Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defenders, Newark
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Immigration OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAFAEL LOPEZ-MACIAS, 46, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Norwalk, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to narcotics trafficking and immigration offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 1998, Lopez-Macias was convicted in California state court of a cocaine trafficking offense. In February 2001, he was deported to Mexico. Lopez-Macias illegally reentered the U.S. and, in March 2009, was arrested in Connecticut for a forgery offense. In November 2009, he was again deported to Mexico.
Lopez-Macias again illegally reentered the U.S. and, between March and June 2018, he was intercepted on a court-authorized wiretap discussing the distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine. On June 11, 2018, in New Rochelle, New York, Lopez-Macias and a co-conspirator sold a kilogram of cocaine and a sample of methamphetamine for $31,500 to an individual working with law enforcement.
On June 26, 2018, Lopez-Macias traveled from Norwalk to New Rochelle, picked up a kilogram of methamphetamine from his co-conspirator, and began driving back to Norwalk with the narcotics. While en route to Norwalk, Lopez-Macias was stopped by law enforcement and arrested for an immigration violation. Officers searched the vehicle and seized the kilogram of methamphetamine.
Lopez-Macias has been detained since his arrest.
Lopez-Macias pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and one count of reentry of removed alien, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Connecticut State Police, and the New Rochelle, Norwalk and Stamford Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony E. Kaplan and Lauren C. Clark.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jose Sebastian-Bello, age 51, of Mexico, entered a guilty plea to ILLEGAL Reentry Of Previously Removed Alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a) and 1326(b), punishable by not more than 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, or both.
The Indictment alleges that on or about October 1, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, Jose Sebastian-Bello, a/k/a Victor Antonio Martinez, a/k/a Anthony Casen, a/k/a Victor Martinez-Gonzalez, a/k/a Jose Antonio-Ignacio, a/k/a Lorenzo Castro Romero, a/k/a Mario Diago Diego, an alien, was found to be knowingly in the United States after having been removed from the United States on or about June 10, 2015, at or near Laredo, Texas, and not having obtained the express consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission into the United States in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a) and 1326(b).
The charges arose from an investigation by the Ardmore Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.
Metro Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Federal Prison for Robbery of Midwest City BusinessRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – MARKEZ LOUISE THOMPSON, 21, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for robbery affecting interstate commerce, announced Robert J. Troester of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
On May 18, 2017, a grand jury indicted Thompson on two counts: robbery affecting interstate commerce and the use of a firearm during the commission of that offense. On July 31, 2017, he pleaded guilty to the robbery count. According to court filings, Thompson and an accomplice robbed an Ace Cash Express in Midwest City on the morning of April 19, 2017. They confronted an employee with firearms and stole approximately $31,000 from the safe. When police pursued Thompson on foot, he took shelter along the exterior of a local daycare. He surrendered after a two-hour standoff with police. Officers found $32,411 in his backpack, along with a MoneyGram card stolen from Ace Cash Express.
A year before the Midwest City robbery, Thompson was indicted for a similar crime in the Western District of Texas. On January 10, 2018, that case was transferred to the Western District of Oklahoma, where Thompson pleaded guilty.
On March 26, 2019, U.S. District Judge Robin J. Cauthron sentenced Thompson to 84 months in federal prison based on both criminal cases. After release from prison, Thompson will serve three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $24,000 in restitution.
This case is a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Midwest City Police Department. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Altshuler, the case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on the most violent offenders and partners with local prevention and re-entry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Reference is made to public filings for further information.
McBee Men Sentenced to Federal Prison Following Theft of 69 Firearms from Federal Firearms LicenseeRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Larry Eugene Alford, 30, and Dale Carroll Drew Oneal, 24, both of McBee, South Carolina, were sentenced in federal court for gun and drug charges. Alford was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of court-ordered supervision, after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Oneal was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of court-ordered supervision, after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and possession of 69 stolen firearms. Chief United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell of Florence sentenced both defendants. There is no parole in the federal system.
Evidence presented to the court at Oneal’s guilty plea hearing established that on November 14, 2017, two subjects wearing camouflage-colored clothing and masks and carrying a large cardboard box and blue tote bag broke into and burglarized a Federal Firearms Licensee in Patrick, South Carolina. The subjects stole 69 firearms. The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a house where a witness saw Oneal and Alford on the day of the burglary with a blue tote bag and a large cardboard box. Deputies found camouflage-colored clothing, a blue tote bag, and two firearms stolen from the FFL burglary, along with five other firearms.
On November 17, 2017, Oneal was arrested on a state probation violation warrant, and officers found a firearm stolen during the FFL burglary in the vehicle he was driving. Officers found a second firearm stolen during the FFL burglary on the ground near the vehicle. Federal law prohibits Oneal from possessing firearms and ammunition based on his prior felony conviction for Receiving Stolen Goods.
Evidence presented to the court at Alford’s guilty plea hearing established that on November 16, 2017, an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and a confidential informant purchased five of the firearms stolen during the FFL burglary from Alford at his house in McBee. The undercover agent also purchased an Oxycodone pill from Alford, and during the transaction, there was a scoped rifle in the room. Federal law prohibits Alford from possessing firearms and ammunition based on his prior felony controlled substance offense conviction.
The charges against Alford and Oneal were the result of an investigation by ATF, the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, and the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001 that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Turning the tide of rising violent crime in America is a top priority for the Department of Justice, which has reinstituted PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Hummel of the Florence office prosecuted the case.
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Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Settlement of Civil Fraud Lawsuit Against Garment Wholesaler for Evading Customs DutiesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Angel M. Melendez, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Troy Miller, Director, Field Operations, New York, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), announced today that the United States filed and settled a civil fraud lawsuit under the False Claims Act against BYER CALIFORNIA, INC. (“BYER”), a wholesaler of women’s and girls’ apparel. The Government’s complaint alleges that for years one of BYER’s importers, Queen Apparel NY, Inc. (“Queen”), repeatedly falsified customs forms by undervaluing the garments it manufactured in Vietnam and imported into the United States for BYER. This fraudulent practice substantially reduced the amount of import duties owed to the United States. BYER was well aware that Queen was grossly undervaluing BYER’s garments in customs forms submitted to CBP. Yet, BYER chose to continue sending work orders to Queen for garments that it understood would be imported into the country with false customs forms resulting in fraudulent underpayment of customs duties. As part of the settlement, approved yesterday in Manhattan federal court by U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels, BYER admitted to and accepted responsibility for certain conduct alleged in the Government’s complaint and agreed to pay $325,000 to the United States.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “This Office is committed to combatting customs fraud. Importers and the merchants who retain them will be held accountable when they evade customs duties by lying about the value of the goods they bring into the United States.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Angel M. Melendez said: “Byer California, Inc. defrauded the U.S. government for years, turning a blind eye to the fact that its supplier was undervaluing goods to avoid paying proper duties. Because Byer did not take responsibility, U.S. Customs was denied more than a quarter of a million dollars of underpaid duties. We will continue to work with CBP to ensure that businesses import goods in accordance with U.S. law.”
CBP Director of New York Field Operations Troy Miller said: “The approved settlement today is a testament to the dedication of our partners in the United States Attorney's Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the men and women of CBP in enforcing our nation’s trade laws and punishing those perpetrating this type of fraud.”
BYER, a California corporation headquartered in San Francisco, is a designer, manufacturer, and importer of women’s and girls’ apparel. This business includes purchasing garments that are made overseas and imported into the United States, and selling those garments via department stores and national retail chains in the United States.
From 2009 to 2013, BYER purchased garments from Queen, which manufactured the garments in Vietnam in accordance with BYER’s guidelines and imported them into the United States for BYER. The Government’s complaint alleges that during this time period, BYER knew that Queen repeatedly and falsely undervalued these garments on customs forms in order to evade lawful duties, yet continued to do business with Queen.
As part of the settlement, BYER admitted that:
- Based on its reviews of documents provided by Queen, BYER understood that Queen falsely represented the value of garments in copies of documents that it was presenting to CBP, and that as a result of that undervaluation, Queen paid less than the required amount of import duties.
- Although BYER was substantially certain that during the relevant time period Queen presented entry forms to CBP that contained false valuations of the garments BYER was purchasing, BYER made no attempt to alert CBP or stop supplying Queen with additional work orders.
- In September 2012, Queen’s owner tried to bribe BYER’s compliance manager with an envelope full of cash. BYER rejected this attempted bribe, but continued to provide Queen with more work orders until April 2013, despite multiple warning signs that Queen was filing documents containing false valuations to CBP.
The United States filed a civil fraud lawsuit against Queen and its owner, Hank Choi, on February 20, 2019. That case is pending. The conduct in this matter was first brought to the attention of federal law enforcement by a whistleblower who filed a lawsuit under the False Claims Act.
Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of HSI on this case. He also thanked CBP for its assistance.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Kirti Vaidya Reddy is in charge of the case.
Manchester Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Danien Brousseau, 40, of Manchester, was sentenced on Tuesday to 90 months in prison for bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 2:30 p.m. on April 16, 2018, Brousseau robbed the St. Mary’s Bank in Manchester. At approximately 7:30 p.m. that evening, a Manchester police officer was in the area of Pine Street and Lake Avenue when he observed Brousseau in the area, made contact with him, and arrested him.
Brousseau previously pleaded guilty on December 14, 2018.
“Violent crimes such as bank robberies endanger public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “The law enforcement community in New Hampshire works together to protect the public from violent crime and to ensure that there are substantial consequences for those who commit these crimes. I commend the Manchester Police for quickly apprehending this bank robber.”
“Mr. Brousseau only cared about lining his own pockets with stolen cash. With today’s sentence, he’s finally being held accountable for his crime and the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to combat violent crimes, including bank robberies, so that citizens can feel safe in their communities,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
This matter was investigated by the Manchester Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen W. Fitzgibbon.
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Maine Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms and AssaultRead the Press Release
CONCORD - William Charles Pelletier, 36, of Andover, Maine, pleaded guilty in federal court on Tuesday to unlawful transportation of a firearm in interstate commerce and misdemeanor assault, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 13, 2018, the defendant was indicted in the Northern District of Georgia for felony abusive sexual contact. It is unlawful for a person who is under indictment for a felony to transport a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce. On November 25, 2018, while that charge remained pending and the defendant was on pretrial release, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent conducted a traffic stop of the defendant’s black Cadillac Escalade after observing the vehicle travel from Vermont to New Hampshire. Ultimately, a search of the vehicle yielded two firearms and over 300 grams of suspected marijuana. The defendant admitted that the drugs and guns in the vehicle belonged to him. In addition, the defendant resolved the pending charge in the Northern District of Georgia by pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault related to groping a passenger on an airplane.
Pelletier is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11,2019.
“Criminal activity involving firearms presents an increased risk of harm to the public,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect the citizens of New Hampshire, we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who illegally possess guns.”
“Swanton Sector appreciates the support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire in their diligent prosecution of this case and the ATF for their ongoing partnership,” said U.S. Border Patrol Swanton Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent William Maddocks. “All the partner agencies involved in this case work hard every day to protect our communities from all threats and make them a safer place to live.”
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski.
The case is part of ATF’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which is a federally-funded program intended to reduce gun violence through law enforcement training, public education, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute gun-related crimes.
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Local Agencies and Law Enforcement to Present Park Celebration for Crime Victims and SurvivorsRead the Press Release
Local Agencies and Law Enforcement to Present Park Celebration for Crime Victims and Survivors
BIRMINGHAM – Forty social service, support and law enforcement agencies will present “One Heart in the Park” on Sunday, April 7, as an uplifting day to stand in solidarity with the community's victims of crime.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Lloyd Peeples, FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway, University of Alabama at Birmingham Police Chief Anthony Purcell, Birmingham Police Chief Patrick D. Smith, and VOCAL (Victims of Crime and Leniency) Director Janette Grantham will join a host of social service organizations that will be at the community festival to provide information about resources and support for crime victims and their families. The community festival is part of National Crime Victims' Rights Week 2019. The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the UAB Green, 1501 University Blvd., Birmingham. Admission is free.
The event will offer complimentary refreshments, a children’s play area, live entertainment by Lipsey Switch, local fire and law enforcement equipment and booths where participating agencies will offer services and support. The festival is made possible through the support of the Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime, the National Center for Victims of Crime and the Junior League of Birmingham.
“One Heart in the Park” grew out of a desire to connect crime victims and members of the community with agencies and advocates that can provide assistance and services. “This occasion will emphasize how the crime victims’ field can better ensure that every crime victim has access to services and support, and how professionals, organizations, and communities can work in tandem to reach all victims,” said Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Victim Assistance Coordinator Wanda Miller.
Increasing the public’s awareness of the array of services for crime victims, survivors and their families can be a critical service to the community by promoting healthy coping skills and support measures for those affected by crime, Miller said.
There will be a space in the park dedicated to honoring crime victims by presenting their photographs or personal statements. Those attending the event who have loved ones who were victims of crime are encouraged to bring a photograph for display, and anyone who has been a victim of crime is encouraged to bring a statement of his or her victimization. The display will enable crime victims to express the effects and challenges of being victimized, and put a face to their stories. Supplies and assistance will be available to anyone wanting to participate in the display.
According to the “Crime in Alabama” report compiled by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, there were 25,188 Violent Crimes reported in Alabama in 2016, a 13 percent increase over 2015. On average, there were 69 violent crimes reported per day in 2016.
Allison Dearing, executive director of One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center, emphasized the critical importance of a community offering supportive services for victims and survivors. “We are fortunate to have so many agencies in the Greater Birmingham area who seek to provide counseling, support groups, financial assistance, advocacy, and other needed services to individuals and their families who have been impacted by crime. If timely connections are made to appropriate resources, we know that these services have the potential to impact victims of crime in a positive way, especially in the first days and weeks following victimization.”
EVENT: One Heart in the ParkDATE: Sunday, April 7, 2019
TIME: 2 PM – 4 PM
LOCATION: UAB Green, 1501 University Blvd, Birmingham, Alabama
COST: FREE
AGE: All Ages
CONTACT: WANDA MILLER - 205-731-2814 JCSO 205-296-3837 Cell
Participating Agencies
U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of Alabama
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Homeland Security
Alabama Attorney General’s Office
FBI Birmingham
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Birmingham Police Department
UAB Police & Public Safety Department
Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office - Birmingham Division
Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office - Bessemer Cutoff Division
Crisis Center of Birmingham
One Place Metro Alabama Family Justice Center
Junior League of Birmingham
Hispanic Interest Coalition Alabama - HICA
YWCA Birmingham
DHR - Bessemer
Magic City Acceptance Center
Parents Against Violence
Oasis Counseling
Children’s of Alabama - PIRC
VA Outreach - Birmingham VA Medical Center
VOCAL - Victims of Crime & Leniency
Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama
American Legion Post 911
Prescott House Children’s Advocacy Center
MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Jefferson County Housing Authority
Impact Family Counseling
JCCEO
Gateway Counseling Center
Clay House Children’s Advocacy Center
21st District American Legion
One Roof
Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham
Center Point Fire & Rescue
CAPS Birmingham
Resource Recovery Center
Moms Demand Action
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
Jefferson County 911
BPRBS – Black People Run Bike And SwimJury Convicts Tulsa Man of Multiple Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
A Tulsa man has been convicted of obstructing commerce by robbery; carrying, using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence; and Hobbs Act conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. Following the two day trial, the jury deliberated nearly three hours before convicting Melvin Louis Bailey, 26, of the crimes.
“A jury found Melvin Louis Bailey guilty late Tuesday on seven counts pertaining to the armed robberies of a Tulsa Walgreens. He robbed the same store four times at gun point, repeatedly instilling fear in store employees and endangering their lives,” said U.S. Attorney Shores. “I appreciate the jury’s service this week. Bailey is off the streets and can no longer wreak havoc in our community.”
The jury held Bailey accountable for four separate armed robberies of the Walgreens from April 2015 to January 2018. During the robberies, Bailey brandished a shotgun or hand gun to intimidate employees. In January 2018, he also conspired with a juvenile to rob the Walgreens. As part of the conspiracy, Bailey provided a mask and firearm to the juvenile, and the two discussed strategy to commit the crime. Afterward, he and his co-conspirator met at Bailey’s apartment and divided the stolen money.
U.S. District Chief Judge Gregory K. Frizzell presided over the trial. After the conviction, he remanded Bailey into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending his sentencing hearing, set for July 2, 2019. At that time, Bailey faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison.
The Tulsa Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dennis Fries and Ryan Roberts prosecuted the case.
Jury Convicts Purdy Man of Drug Trafficking, Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Purdy, Mo., man has been convicted by a federal trial jury of possessing methamphetamine to distribute and of illegally possessing a firearm.
Guadalupe Urbina-Rodriguez, 71, was found guilty on Tuesday, March 26, of possessing methamphetamine to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that a federal postal inspector seized a package on Aug. 31, 2018, that was addressed to Urbina-Rodriguez’s address. The package, which contained 448.8 grams of methamphetamine, was purportedly mailed from a nonexistent address in California.
The postal inspector delivered the package to Urbina-Rodriguez, who was sitting in a chair under a tree in the front yard. Urbina-Rodriguez had a loaded Marlin .22-caliber rifle sitting beside him. Law enforcements officers then executed a search warrant of the residence and seized the package.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Urbina-Rodriguez has four prior felony convictions related to drug trafficking or possessing a controlled substance and a prior felony conviction for maintaining a public nuisance.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., deliberated for about an hour and 15 minutes before returning the guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool, ending a trial that began Monday, March 25, 2019.
Under federal statutes, Urbina-Rodriguez is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Keller and Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team, the Cassville, Mo., Police Department, the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Jury Convicts KC Man of Illegal Firearms, Faces at Least 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been convicted by a federal trial jury of illegally possessing firearms in a case that began when police officers followed a trail of blood from a drive-by shooting.
Tyreese Thompson, 29, was found guilty on Tuesday, March 26, of two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms.
Kansas City, Mo., police officers responded to an apartment building in the 8600 block of Newton Avenue on Nov. 30, 2014, when neighbors reported hearing gunshots. Witnesses told the officers they heard a loud noise that could have been gunshots, then saw an individual, later identified as Thompson, firing gunshots as he stood by a red car in the middle of the street. Witnesses told the officers they saw Thompson and a woman, later identified as his girlfriend, go into the apartment building then leave in the red car.
Officers saw a trail of blood from the street to the building, then up the stairs of the building to the door of an apartment. Officers recovered 12 shell casings from the street; six were 9 millimeter and six were .45 caliber.
Officers then responded to Research Medical Center in response to a report that a shooting victim was in the emergency room with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to his elbow, forearm and pelvis. The shooting victim was Thompson, who was accompanied by his girlfriend. They told officers that Thompson had been shot while in the driver’s seat of her car, by unknown assailants who drove past them in a gray car.
Police officers searched the apartment and found blood droplets throughout the apartment and a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic pistol on top of a counter. Officers also searched the vehicle, which had six bullet holes in the exterior driver’s side door. An examination of the firearm later indicated that Thompson’s DNA was on the grip; his DNA was also in the blood swabbed from a handrail. Investigators also determined that the six 9mm shell casings found in the street were all fired from the Sig Sauer pistol.
On March 8, 2016, law enforcement officers were conducting surveillance on a residence on 72nd Street in Kansas City, Mo. When they entered the house, Thompson was inside. He was covered in dirt and spider webs. An officer noticed that a hatch to the attic, located inside a closet, had recently been opened. The officer opened the hatch, climbed into the attic, and found a Glock 9mm pistol, a Romarm “mini Draco” 7.62 x 39mm pistol, a CMMG .223-caliber rifle, and a Mossberg .22-caliber rifle.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Thompson has two prior felony convictions related to trafficking marijuana and prior felony convictions for possessing cocaine and for robbery.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for about an hour and a half before returning the guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark, ending a trial that began Monday, March 25, 2019.
Under federal statutes, Thompson is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Raskin and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Kate Butterfield. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Missouri. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program that identifies the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develops comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.Jamaican Citizen Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Elderly Albany CoupleRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kevin R. Palmer, age 37, a Jamaican citizen residing in Suwanee, Georgia, pled guilty today to stealing more than $320,000 from an elderly Albany couple in a mail-based prize scam.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Joseph Cronin, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Boston Division.
Palmer pled guilty to 1 count of mail fraud conspiracy and 12 counts of mail fraud. He admitted that in 2017, R.H. and D.H., an elderly couple residing in Albany County, were contacted through the mail and by telephone, and were told that they needed to send money in order to obtain an inheritance and tax refund, and claim lottery and sweepstakes prize money.
As instructed, R.H. and D.H. mailed bank checks to addresses in Georgia, including Palmer’s address. They mailed a total of 12 checks; 10 of these checks were payable to Palmer, and all 12 were deposited into bank accounts for which Palmer was a signatory. Palmer admitted that his role in the fraudulent scheme was to receive checks sent by R.H. and D.H., deposit them, and distribute the proceeds (totaling $321,342) among the participants to the scheme.
Palmer, who is in custody, faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine, when United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino sentences him on July 25, 2019. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Palmer may also be ordered to pay restitution to his victims. Additionally, as a result of his guilty plea, Palmer’s lawful permanent resident status in the United States may be revoked, and he may be removed to Jamaica.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Barnett.
Fraudsters routinely use the U.S. Mail to falsely inform victims that they have to pay “fees” or “taxes” in order to receive a tax refund, lottery or sweepstakes prize, or inheritance. These scams often target the elderly. To learn how to detect and avoid these scams, please visit the web site of the Federal Trade Commission, at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0199-prize-scams.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Firearm under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Andrew Rollins, 28, of Jackson, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On August 22, 2018, Rollins was found in possession of a firearm at a Food Mart located in Jackson and attempted to conceal his possession of the gun from law enforcement by handing it off to a third person. Rollins was previously convicted of felonious house burglary in Hinds County and was sentenced to serve sixteen years in the custody of Mississippi Department of Corrections with eight of those years suspended.
Rollins will be sentenced by Judge Reeves on June 27, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Jackson Police Department investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Ithaca-Area Accountant Pleads Guilty to Bankruptcy Fraud, Mail Fraud, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK - Andrew N. LaVigne, age 66, of Lansing, New York, pled guilty today in federal court in Binghamton to bankruptcy fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, James Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Jonathan D. Larsen, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), New York Field Division.
LaVigne, a Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”) who practiced in the Ithaca, New York, area for more than 30 years, filed for personal bankruptcy in 2004. At the time, he owed approximately $7.6 million to over 80 unsecured creditors following a failed scheme to use their money to purchase sports and entertainment memorabilia and resell it for a profit. During the course of LaVigne’s own years‑long bankruptcy, he claimed his home as his only asset, and he did not pay back his 80 investors. In pleading guilty today, LaVigne admitted that during his bankruptcy he used his CPA practice’s bank accounts to conceal between $3.5 and $9.5 million in assets from the United States Bankruptcy Court and the Office of the United States Trustee. LaVigne laundered money by depositing funds unrelated to his CPA practice into his business accounts and then used that money for his own benefit and that of his family. In doing so, LaVigne used this money to purchase sports memorabilia, and wrote checks to himself that he never disclosed in his bankruptcy proceeding as required by law.
LaVigne also admitted to defrauding a client of $1 million as part of a mail fraud scheme. Between 2014 and 2016, LaVigne convinced the victim, a senior citizen, to pay $3.6 million for shares of a company that LaVigne created, which he (LaVigne) claimed would develop a piece of waterfront property at 101 Pier Road in Ithaca. After the victim bought 90% of the company, LaVigne obtained an additional $1 million from her, purportedly to invest in the company. LaVigne did not use the $1 million to invest in the company, and never developed the property. Instead, he used the victim’s money for his own purposes, which included writing checks to himself, paying for the construction of a house for a family member, and funding payroll for his accounting practice. LaVigne also laundered payments he received from this scheme through his CPA practice accounts.
LaVigne will be sentenced in Binghamton on July 30, 2019 by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy. At sentencing, LaVigne faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years on the mail fraud count, ten years on the money laundering count, and five years on the bankruptcy fraud count. The defendant also can be sentenced to pay a fine of up to $250,000 on each count, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), following a referral from the Office of the United States Trustee for the Northern District of New York. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carina H. Schoenberger and Michael F. Perry.
Investigation Targeting Norwich-Based Drug Ring Results in Indictment against 13 IndividualsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Norwich Police Chief Patrick J. Daley today announced that, on March 5, 2019, a federal grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment today charging 13 individuals with trafficking narcotics. The indictment was unsealed today.
The six-count indictment charges each of the following individuals with conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, various quantities of heroin, cocaine and cocaine base (“crack cocaine”):
KAREEM SWINTON, a.k.a. “K,” 37, of Owings Mills, Maryland
HAROLD BUTLER, a.k.a. “Haas,” 41, of Norwich
EDWIN DEJESUS, 48, of Hartford
JOSHUA GLOVER, 37, of Norwich
LORENZO GRIER, a.k.a. “Toot,” 28, of New Haven
JOEL HALL, a.k.a. “Slugz,” 30, of Norwich
ROBERT GRANT HALL, a.k.a. “Chevy,” 38, of Norwich
GEORGES LABONTE, 24, of Norwich
SHAKERIA NEALY, a.k.a. “Sis,” 39, of Waterbury
CLIVENS PIERRE, 34, of Putnam
ANDRE SMITH, a.k.a. “Dre,” 39, of Woodstock
JERROD STEELE, 30, of Ledyard
DAVID SULLIVAN, a.k.a. “Day-Day,” 37, of NorwichAs alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in 2018, the FBI, Norwich Police Department and other law enforcement agencies began investigating a drug trafficking organization that was distributing heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine in southeastern Connecticut. The investigation, which has included court-authorized wiretaps and controlled purchases of crack cocaine, revealed that Kareem Swinton, who formerly resided in Norwich, trafficked narcotics into the Norwich area, where co-conspirators further distributed the drugs.
Between April 2018 and February 2019, it is alleged that Swinton conspired to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life; Robert Grant Hall conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years; Butler, Glover, Joel Hall, Labonte, Pierre, Smith, Steele and Sullivan conspired to distribute a quantity of cocaine, an offense that carries maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; Swinton, DeJesus, Grier, Joel Hall, Robert Grant Hall and Nealy conspired to distribute a quantity of heroin, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; Butler, Robert Grant Hall and Smith conspired to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years; and Glover, Joel Hall, Labonte, Pierre and Steele conspired to distribute a quantity of crack cocaine, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
The indictment also alleges that Glover, Grier, Joel Hall, Labonte and Pierre each used a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking felony, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of four years.
Eleven of the 13 defendants were arrested on federal criminal complaints in February. Swinton and other members of the alleged conspiracy appeared today in Hartford federal court and entered pleas of not guilty to the charges. Swinton is detained while awaiting trial.
Joel Hall and Jerrod Steele have not been apprehended and are being sought by law enforcement. Citizens with information about their whereabouts are encouraged to contact the FBI at (203) 777-6311.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and Norwich, Town of Groton and Waterford Police Departments, with the assistance of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, Baltimore Police Department and Delaware State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and S. Dave Vatti.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to Prison for Using Another Person’s Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
A Guatemalan man who used another person’s name and social security number to get jobs was sentenced today to six months in federal prison.
Melvin Rodriguez-Barrios, age 44, a citizen of Guatemala illegally present in the United States and residing in Clarion, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 2, 2019, bench trial finding him guilty of three counts of unlawful use of an identification document and four counts of misuse of a social security number.
The evidence at trial showed that on May 23, 2014, August 21, 2014, June 24, 2015, and January 5, 2016, Rodriguez-Barrios, using an alias name, used a social security card bearing someone else’s name and social security number on employment and tax documents when applying for work at various businesses in Clarion and Forest City, Iowa. Rodriguez-Barrios also used a fraudulent Missouri State ID card to prove his stolen identity and falsely claimed to be a United States citizen when applying for work.
Rodriguez-Barrios had been a fugitive from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since he was ordered deported from the United States in August 2011. Rodriguez-Barrios first used the alias name and false identification documents when applying for work in Clarion in March 2012. Rodriguez-Barrios came to the attention of immigration officials during the course of an employment documents audit at a business in Clarion in November 2017. Information obtained during the audit showed Rodriguez-Barrios, an illegal alien, was working under an alias and used someone else’s social security number to obtain work.
Further investigation revealed that Rodriguez-Barrios’ wife, Cleotilde Puac-Gomez, also an illegal alien, was collecting food stamps and other state welfare benefits by not disclosing Rodriguez-Barrios’ income earned under the stolen identity. The failure to report Rodriguez-Barrios’ income resulted in Puac-Gomez receiving over $19,900 in over-payments in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds and Medicaid benefits between June 2012 and November 30, 2017. Puac-Gomez, age 46, has pled guilty to theft of government funds and is awaiting sentencing.
Rodriguez-Barrios was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge C. J. Williams. Rodriguez-Barrios was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Rodriguez-Barrios is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Tvedt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Investigation Division - Economic Fraud Control Bureau.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-3045.
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Idabel Man Pleads Guilty to Tampering with A WitnessRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tommy Blake McCary, age 67, of Idabel, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Tampering With A Witness in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(b)(2)(C), punishable by not more than 20 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The Superseding Indictment alleges that between January 7, 2019 and February 9, 2019, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant did knowingly attempt to corruptly persuade D.B. to avoid legal process by sending a communication as follows: “tell Ole Girl to make herself unavailable to be subpeoned to Trial. It is set for March 5 2019 I want this done immediately”, with the intent to cause and induce D.B. to evade legal process summoning D.B. to appear as a witness in a jury trial.
The charges arose from an investigation by the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.
Huntington, West Virginia Man Sentenced to 240 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
ASHLAND, Ky. — Eric Lavell Minter, 33, of Huntington, West Virginia, was sentenced Wednesday, to 240 months in federal prison by United States District Judge David L. Bunning, for conspiracy to distribute heroin.
In August 2017, law enforcement members of the Huntington FBI Task Force, in conjunction with the Kentucky State Police and the Ashland Police Department, seized 876 grams of heroin, which was transported from Detroit to Huntington. Minter, and a co-defendant, Leonard Wright, orchestrated the delivery of heroin, from June 2017 to August 2017. The heroin was then distributed in the Tri-State area. Minter has prior convictions for drug trafficking in West Virginia state and federal courts.
Under federal law, Minter must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for 8 years. Wright pleaded guilty and was previously sentenced to 156 months in prison and 4 years of supervised release.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Robert Allen Jones, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Pittsburgh Field Office; Richard Sanders, Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Todd Kelly, Chief of the Ashland Police Department, jointly made the announcement.
The FBI, Kentucky State Police, and the Ashland Police Department conducted the investigation. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Cynthia T. Rieker.
Hopewell City Employee Pleads Guilty to Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond woman pleaded guilty today to her role in a conspiracy to defraud the City of Hopewell of funds intended for at-risk school children, and filing false tax returns.
“As a result of Karriem’s theft of nearly half a million dollars from the City of Hopewell, she deprived at-risk school children of critically needed counseling services,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring those taxpayer funds were spent on improving the lives of at-risk children, Karriem chose instead to devise a complex fraud scheme to line her own pockets. We have a long history of investigating and prosecuting fraud cases here in the Eastern District, and we remain committed to working closely with our local and state partners to ensure that those who choose to engage in fraud activity are held accountable and brought to justice.”
According to court documents, Jamillah Karriem, 45, was employed by the City of Hopewell as the City’s Comprehensive Services Act (CSA) Coordinator. The Commonwealth of Virginia utilizes the CSA to provide state funding for services to high-risk children across the Commonwealth, and provides those state funds to localities, such as Hopewell. As the city’s CSA Coordinator, Karriem was responsible for directing CSA-funded contracts to service providers for at-risk school children in Hopewell.
“Karriem sought to benefit financially by devising a scheme to steal nearly half a million dollars from the City of Hopewell,” said Kelly Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI. “Her scheme ultimately took vital services away from the community, causing further damage to students in need of the support.”
In October 2011, Karriem directed a friend to form a business, A World of Possibilities (WOP), for the ostensible purpose of providing mentoring and counseling services to at-risk students at public schools in Hopewell. Karriem thereafter steered a CSA counseling services contract to WOP, and between November 2011 and June 2015, WOP billed the City of Hopewell for more than $480,000 worth of counseling services purportedly provided to a number of public school students. WOP did not actually provide any services to those students, however, and Karriem and her co-conspirator split the fraudulent proceeds. From 2012 to 2015, Karriem also filed four false tax returns, significantly under-reporting her income each year. Karriem’s total criminal tax loss amounts to at least $133,602.
Karriem pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and making a false tax return, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on July 1. 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, David W. Archey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Washington, D.C. Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement after U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas A. Garnett and Kaitlin Cooke are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-58.
Hialeah Resident Sentenced to Twenty Years in Prison for Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gabriel Dominguez, 31, of Hialeah, Florida, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Donald L. Graham to 240 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for distributing and possessing child pornography in connection with chats he had with minors over Instagram’s direct message feature and his cellular telephone.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and Mark Selby, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
According to the stipulated facts filed in court, on April 8, 2018, Instagram, a social media network, reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an Instagram user had uploaded one file of child pornography onto their Instagram account. Instagram also reported that the account in question was registered to Dominguez. The cellular telephone number associated with Dominguez’s Instagram account was his personal cellular telephone number.
On September 17, 2018, a search warrant was executed for Dominguez’s Instagram account, which showed Dominguez was engaged in multiple sexually explicit chats with numerous minors, including a 9-year-old, through the Instagram direct message feature. Dominguez also received and distributed child pornography, some involving children as young as 2 years of age, through the direct messaging feature.
On October 16, 2018, a search warrant was executed at Dominguez’s residence in Hialeah. During a search of his residence, law enforcement seized multiple pieces of electronic media, including Dominguez’s Motorola Moto cellular telephone. A forensic examination of the Motorola Moto cellular telephone by law enforcement revealed multiple images and videos of child pornography. On December 18, 2018, Dominguez pled guilty to the distribution and possession of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigatory efforts of ICE-HSI in this matter. She thanked the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Miami-Dade Police Department for their assistance. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandra L. López.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov
Harrison County men admit to their roles in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Clarksburg, West Virginia men have admitted to their involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jesse Pack, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Pack, an unlawful user of a firearm, admitted to having a .9mm pistol in Harrison County in June 2018.
David Weaver, age 34, pled guilty to “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Weaver admitted to selling methamphetamine near Washington Irving Middle School in Harrison County in October 2017.
Pack faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Weaver faces not less than one year and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
The 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.
Hardy County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua A. Parker, of Baker, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Parker, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in November 2018. Parker, having been convicted of four previous felonies, admitted to possessing a 9mm pistol in Hardy County in April 2017.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
GBK Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A resident of Wilkinsburg, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to violations of federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Jewell Hall, 32, pleaded guilty to three counts before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting the Greenway Boys Killas (GBK) street gang and drug trafficking in and around an area known as the Greenway Projects, located in the West End of the City of Pittsburgh. The wiretap investigation revealed that from in and around November 2017 through in and around June 2018, Jewell Hall conspired to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and 500 grams or more of powder cocaine. The court was also advised that a few months prior to the wiretap investigation, on December 27, 2017, Hall possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of powder cocaine.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for November 12, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s detention.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tonya Sulia Goodman and Rachael Dizard are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly led the multi-agency investigation, which also included the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Robinson Township Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Wilkinsburg Borough Police Department, and the McKees Rocks Police Department, that led to the prosecution of Jewell Hall.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 135 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – John Dominguez, 67 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute over 100 grams or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Dominguez was sentenced to 135 months in prison followed by 8 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on or about May 19, 2016, a state search warrant was executed at Mr. Dominguez’s Fort Wayne residence after Dominguez sold cocaine during two controlled drug buys. During the search of the residence and his vehicle, officers located more than 100 grams total of heroin, with some of the heroin also containing fentanyl. Officers also located a scale and an unloaded firearm in the residence. Dominguez admitted to selling heroin and cocaine during a law enforcement interview.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA with the assistance of ATF and the Allen County Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Anthony W. Geller.
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Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 130 Months in Prison for Attempted Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Jamar Freeman, 27 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Theresa L. Springmann after pleading guilty to attempted bank robbery and aiding and abetting, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Freeman was sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on April 11 2016, Freeman and two co-defendants attempted to rob a bank. During the course of the attempted robbery, a dangerous weapon was used causing injury to another person. A person was also forced to accompany the robbers against the consent of that person.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Indiana State Police North Regional Laboratory, the Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.
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Former University of New Hampshire Employee Sentenced for Stealing Government FundsRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jichun Zhang, 47, of Durham, was sentenced to two years of probation for stealing money from federal research grants, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Zhang was a former Research Associate Professor at the University of New Hampshire’s Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space (EOS). Zhang was authorized to use a credit card provided by UNH to pay for expenses covered by federal research grants that were awarded to UNH by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
On 31 separate occasions from January 2016 to December 2017, Zhang used the credit card to purchase items totaling more than $6,900 from Amazon.com, e-Bay, and Apple, Inc., for his personal benefit. For each such transaction, Zhang submitted a fictitious receipt and a fraudulent written justification for the expense to UNH. The bogus documents caused the University System of New Hampshire to make payments on the credit card and obtain reimbursement for the unauthorized expenses from the NASA grants.
Zhang previously pleaded guilty to this felony offense on December 13, 2018. Zhang already has paid the full amount of restitution in this matter.
“When federal funds are used for research grants, the taxpayers rightly expect that their money will be used appropriately,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect federal funds from being stolen or misused.”
“Mr. Zhang knowingly and willfully abused his position of trust to steal federal funds that should have been spent on important research funded by NASA. Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to do everything we can to identify and bring to justice others like him who fraudulently misuse government money to line their own pockets,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division.
“This investigation exposed an individual that used federal funds to advance his own personal gain. I commend the outstanding efforts of our agents, the University, and other law enforcement agencies involved in protecting the integrity of federal research grants and contracts,” said Curtis Vaughn, Special Agent in Charge of NASA’s Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations.
The case was investigated by the UNH Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Police Departments in Durham, Nottingham, and Newmarket, New Hampshire. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert M. Kinsella.
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Former Manager of Bulk Mailing Company Admits $1.5 Million Mail Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – The former manager of a Gloucester County, New Jersey, bulk mailing company today admitted defrauding the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) of more than $1.5 million in postage, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Steven Kaczorowski, 46, of Sicklerville, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb in Camden federal court to an information charging him with one count of mail fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Steven Kaczorowski managed a business that prepared bulk mail, typically for shipping mass mailings on behalf of other businesses, educational institutions and charitable organizations. With the assistance of the company owner, Anthony L. Bucolo, Kaczorowski defrauded the USPS of more than $1.5 million in postage while billing clients as if such postage had been paid. Kaczorowski and Bucolo committed the fraud by various means, including by underreporting the volume of mail pieces actually mailed, altering USPS forms, and adding mail onto pallets, trays, tubs or sacks after the mail had been accepted and postage assessed and collected by a postal employee. Bucolo pleaded guilty to the conspiracy on Nov. 18, 2018, before Judge Bumb, but died prior to sentencing. The bulk mailing business is no longer operational.
The mail fraud conspiracy charge to which Kaczorowski pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense. In his plea agreement, Kaczorowski agreed to make restitution for the full amount of the loss, which is estimated at more than $1.5 million. Sentencing for Kaczorowski is scheduled for July 9, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Daniel B. Brubaker, Philadelphia Division, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana Vondra Carrig of the U.S Attorney’s Office in Camden.
Defense counsel: Patrick J. Egan Esq., Philadelphia
Former Lobbyist Pleads Guilty to False Statements ChargeRead the Press Release
A former lobbyist pleaded guilty today to making a false statement to U.S. Postal Inspectors in connection with an ongoing federal investigation and proceedings concerning a five-year multi-million dollar high-yield investment fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
Christopher Petrella, 51, of Greer, South Carolina, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David S. Cayer of the Western District of North Carolina to one count of making a false statement. Sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled, will be before U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad of the Western District of North Carolina.
Petrella was indicted in October 2018 for one count of obstruction of justice. Under the plea agreement, the government will move to dismiss the indictment at sentencing.
As part of his guilty plea, Petrella admitted that, in an attempt to mislead federal law enforcement about his involvement in a high-yield investment scheme involving Niyato Industries Inc (Niyato), he knowingly and willfully made the false claim that he had filed a “quarterly report” with U.S. Congress pursuant to certain requirements applicable to federal lobbyists, such as himself. The “quarterly report” purportedly disclosed to authorities that certain individuals had made false and misleading statements about Niyato’s business and operations on Niyato’s Twitter and Facebook pages.
Ten individuals had been previously indicted by a Charlotte grand jury for their alleged roles in a high-yield investment scheme involving Niyato. The charges in that case allege that the defendants raised money from investors by representing that Niyato manufactured electric and compressed natural gas automobiles when, in truth, the company had no facilities, no operations and no capability to manufacture anything. Two defendants were recently found guilty of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, following a three-week trial and are awaiting sentencing. Four other defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. One additional defendant has pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 102 months in prison in connection with his role in the Niyato case and in an unrelated Costa Rican sweepstakes fraud. Daniel Thomas Broyles, Sr., 61, of Beverly Hills, California, was also charged and remains a fugitive. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Trial Attorneys William Bowne and Christopher Fenton of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
Former CFO of New Haven Biotech Firm Who Embezzled $1 Million Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that THOMAS MALONE, 49, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for embezzling approximately $1 million from a New Haven biotech company that receives federal research grants.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Malone was the chief financial officer (CFO) of Artificial Cell Technologies, Inc. (ACT) of New Haven, a small biotech company that is currently working on developing better ways to deliver malaria and Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccines to affected populations. In addition to receiving funding from private investors, ACT has received approximately $4.1 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2008. As the CFO, Malone’s responsibilities included collecting, posting and depositing investor and grant funds; tracking and reporting grant expenditures; managing accounts payable and cash disbursements; facilitating payroll; reconciling ACT credit card and bank accounts; and providing overall financial management.
In November 2016, ACT’s chief executive officer discovered that Malone was paying himself approximately $660,000 in annual salary, far above the approximately $281,000 in salary he was entitled to receive. Upon further review of payroll and other financial records, ACT’s CEO discovered that, for several years, Malone had been writing checks to himself that were disguised as bonuses, that he had been giving himself unauthorized additional salary payments, that he had been using the ACT credit card for personal expenditures, and that he had used ACT’s funds to make unauthorized donations to an organization that Malone personally supported. A subsequent forensic audit revealed that, between 2012 and 2016, Malone had embezzled nearly $1 million from ACT.
Judge Arterton ordered Malone to pay restitution of $1,031,508.07.
Malone was arrested on March 1, 2018. On October 30, he pleaded guilty to four counts of theft from a program involving federal funds.
Malone, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on June 19.
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Florida Resident who Traveled to Illinois for Sex with a 13-Year-Old Girl Sentenced to 20 YearsRead the Press Release
Emmanuel D. Abdon, 31, of Hollywood, Florida, has been sentenced to serve 20 years in federal prison for traveling across state lines to have sex with a 13 year old girl. Chief United States District Court Judge Michael J. Reagan handed down the 240-month sentence, which is to be followed by five years of supervised release. Abdon was also ordered to pay $43,974 in restitution to the victim’s family.
In January 2018, Abdon traveled from Florida to Troy, Illinois, to have sex with the girl. The two had previously met on Snapchat, where Abdon falsely told the victim he was 24 years old. The evidence presented at sentencing established that Abdon knew his young victim was emotionally vulnerable when, over a three-week period beginning in late December 2017, he used text messages, FaceTime, and Snapchat in an attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce her to engage in sexual activity with him.
On the day he arrived in Troy, Abdon met the victim in her driveway on two separate occasions. Both times her parents were not at home. During their second meeting, Abdon presented the middle-schooler with a pack of Swisher Sweets cigars, a lighter, some jewelry, and a sex toy.
A third meeting planned for later that day was foiled thanks to the victim’s 14 year old friend. Identified in court only as K.S., the friend witnessed the first meeting between Abdon and the victim and voiced concerns to her foster mother, who promptly notified the Troy Police Department. The responding officers quickly discovered that Abdon had rented a motel room roughly one mile from the victim’s house. They immediately set up surveillance and followed Abdon as he drove from the motel back to the victim’s house. Within a few short hours of receiving the initial report, Troy Police intercepted and arrested Abdon as he was pulling into the victim’s driveway.
During a voluntary, videotaped statement, Abdon eventually admitted receiving nude pictures of the victim and knowing that she was underage before he traveled to Illinois to meet her. Text messages recovered from the victim’s phone revealed sexually explicit texts she had received
from Abdon. The investigation further revealed that Abdon was planning to have the victim sneak out of her house and meet him for sex in his hotel room later that night. Officers found two condoms in his wallet.
Abdon’s first trial was held in July 2018 and ended in a mistrial. The case was retried over three days in November, after which a jury sitting in East St. Louis convicted Abdon on charges of attempting to entice a minor to engage in illicit sex acts and traveling across state lines intending to have illicit sex with a minor.
At sentencing, Judge Reagan praised the victim’s friend and her foster mother as "unsung heroes" for their actions in the case. The United States also introduced Snapchat messages between Abdon and other minors in which he lied about his age and where he lived.
Abdon was born in Haiti and was living in the United States as a lawful permanent resident when he committed his crimes. He is expected to be deported back to Haiti once his term of imprisonment ends.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
The case was investigated by the Troy Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angela Scott.
Five Men Involved in Drug Conspiracy Are Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced that five men involved in the distribution of multiple kilograms of crack cocaine in the Charlotte area were sentenced today to prison terms ranging from five to ten years.
Special Agent in Charge John A. Strong of the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office and Chief Kerr Putney of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, join U.S. Attorney Murray in making the announcement.
U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr. sentenced the five defendants as follows:
- Samuel James McNeely, 37, of Charlotte, was ordered to serve 121 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
- Demetrius Coleman, 40, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 100 months in prison, and four years of supervised release.
- Bobby Samuel Arnold, 31, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 96 months in prison, and four years in supervised release.
- Corey J. Baker, 36, of Mint Hill, N.C., was ordered to serve 90 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release.
- Larry Ray Jr., 46, of Matthews, N.C. was sentenced to 63 months in prison, and four years in supervised release.
According to court documents and today’s sentencing hearings, from 2016 to 2018, McNeely, Arnold, Baker, Coleman and Ray were involved in a crack cocaine distribution conspiracy operating in Mecklenburg County. Court records show that the defendants used a residence located on Rachel Street in Charlotte as a base to manufacture and distribute crack cocaine. McNeely acted as a supplier of crack cocaine in the conspiracy and also sold the drug in the Charlotte area, along with his four co-conspirators. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement recovered multiple firearms, including a modified AR-style rifle which McNeely possessed illegally.
Each defendant previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine. McNeely, Coleman, Arnold, and Baker also pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.
In making today’s announcement U.S. Attorney Murray thanked the FBI and CMPD for their investigation of this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Bozin, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, prosecuted the case.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment in $300 Million Nationwide Investment Fraud and Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that a Federal Grand Jury in Greenville, South Carolina, returned an Indictment alleging a conspiracy to engage in mail and wire fraud. Scott A. Kohn, age 64, of Newport, California, and Future Income Payments, LLC (FIP), an entity organized under the laws of Nevada, are charged in the Indictment.
According to the Indictment, FIP operated a Ponzi scheme in which it actively recruited pension holders who were desperate for money, including many veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The pensioners made monthly payments to FIP in exchange for a lump sum payment or loan. The adjusted annual percentage rate on these transactions often exceeded 100%.
FIP then solicited investors to purchase “structured cash flows,” which were the pensioners’ monthly pension payments. FIP promised the investors a rate of return between 6.5% and 8%. It took active steps to conceal from the investors the usurious nature of its transactions with the pension holders. FIP diverted new investor funds flowing into the business to fund payments to earlier investors in order to keep the scheme operational. When FIP ceased doing business in early 2018, investors were owed approximately $300 million. The scheme alleged in the Indictment victimized over 2,600 individuals.
“The scheme alleged in this Indictment took advantage of pensioners facing difficult financial situations – including veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces – and preyed upon innocent investors to the tune of roughly $300 million,” said U.S. Attorney Lydon. “Along with our federal, state, and local partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina will continue to aggressively prosecute those who seek to line their own pockets by robbing individuals of their hard-earned money.”
The maximum penalty Kohn could face for the conspiracy charge is 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. The case is being investigated by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office for prosecution.
The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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20190312-1_-_indictment.pdfFederal Grand Jury Indicts Two Sevierville Residents for Fentanyl Distribution Resulting in Death of Kodak ResidentRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On March 19, 2019, a federal grand jury in Knoxville returned a one-count indictment against Stacey Edward Williams, Jr., 39, of Sevierville, Tennessee, and Joshua Michael Catlett, 29, of Sevierville, Tennessee.
The indictment, on file with the U.S. District Court, alleges that Williams and Catlett distributed a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance; acetyl fentanyl, a Schedule I controlled substance; and butyryl fentanyl, a Schedule I controlled substance, that resulted in the death of an east Tennessee resident.
Trial is set for May 28, 2019, in U.S. District Court, Knoxville. If convicted of distribution of controlled substances, Williams and Catlett each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. If the finding is that death resulted from the use of such substance, they each face 20 years to life in prison. Additionally, each will face at least three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1,000,000, any applicable forfeiture, and a $100 special assessment.
The investigation and seizure of evidence was conducted by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office. Leading up to the indictment, these organizations partnered with the Sevier County Street Crimes Unit, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Knox County Regional Forensics Center, and U.S. Marshal’s Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent N. Jones will represent the United States.
Today, the United States faces an unprecedented drug epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than 70,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2017. Many of these deaths are attributed to the increased abuse of potent and dangerous synthetic opioids like fentanyl. These charges are the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep. This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally. Knox County, Tennessee, has been designated as one of those hot spots.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until his or her guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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