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Friday 1 February 2019
Six Members of Drug Trafficking Organization Plead Guilty for Roles in Conspiracy that Brought Methamphetamine from California to Southwest VirginiaRead the Press Release
Abingdon, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney Thomas T. Cullen announced today that six individuals who conspired to traffic methamphetamine from California into Southwest Virginia recently pleaded guilty in the United States District Court in Abingdon to federal firearms and methamphetamine distribution charges.
“Methamphetamine is a deadly drug that has ravaged numerous communities in Southwest Virginia,” United States Attorney Cullen stated today. “We are committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to dismantle the large drug-trafficking organizations mainly responsible for this scourge and stanching the flow of these drugs into our region.”
Justin Hale, 36, and Elizabeth Hale, 38, both of Abingdon, Va., each pleaded guilty on January 23, 2019 to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams of methamphetamine. At sentencing, they each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. In addition, each defendant faces a possible criminal fine of up to $20 million.
Jessica Dixon, 30, and Michael Wesley Kestner, 35, both of Marion, Va., each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Dixon entered her plea on January 17, 2019. Kestner pleaded guilty on January 31, 2019. At sentencing, they each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. In addition, each defendant faces a possible criminal fine of up to $10,250,000.
Rhonda McDonald, 35, and Crystal Lyons, 39, both of Marion, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Lyons entered her plea on January 18, 2019. McDonald pleaded guilty on January 23, 2019. At sentencing, they each face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. In addition, each defendant faces a possible criminal fine of up to $10 million.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Justin Hale and Elizabeth Hale, who are married, coordinated the transportation of multi-pound packages of methamphetamine shipped from California to Abingdon. McDonald, Dixon, Kestner, and Lyons received quantities of methamphetamine from Justin Hale, which they distributed in Marion and Abingdon. Additionally, Dixon and Kestner were found to have used firearms to threaten and intimidate individuals who owed them money for methamphetamine. Search warrants and other law enforcement actions led to the seizure of more than $30,000 in United States currency and more than two pounds of methamphetamine.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Abingdon Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Lee is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Shreveport trauma surgeon found guilty of stealing more than $200,000 in Social Security benefitsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Following a trial that began on Monday, a federal jury returned a verdict of guilty today on all counts charged in the prosecution of a 58-year old Shreveport surgeon for stealing more than $200,000 in Social Security disability payments, announced U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph.
The jury deliberated for approximately ten hours before finding John T. Owings, Chief of Trauma at Louisiana State University – Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, guilty of 20 counts of theft of government property and one count of concealing or failing to disclose an event affecting right to a government benefit.
The United States presented evidence during trial showing that Owings applied for disability benefits in 2008 and continued to receive those benefits through June of 2017, after returning to work in 2012. When Owings went back to work as a surgeon at the University of California-Davis in 2012, making $22,000 a month, he failed to tell the Social Security Administration (SSA) about his return to work. In 2013, LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport hired Owings as its trauma chief, paying him over $40,000 a month. Owings never disclosed his employment at LSU Health Sciences Center to the SSA. Owings took disability insurance benefits throughout his employment at the University of California-Davis and LSU Health Sciences Center that he was not entitled to.
“Protecting taxpayer money from fraud is a priority of my office,” stated U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. ”We will hold accountable those who try to defraud the government and wrongfully take money intended for those in need. This verdict shows the strength of the evidence in this case and underscores the hard work of the Social Security Administration investigators and prosecutors in my office.”
“Today’s guilty verdict affirms Social Security Administration’s, Office of the Inspector General, mission to combat fraud, waste and abuse,” said Terry L. Brown, Acting Special Agent in Charge, SSA OIG Dallas Field Division. “The dedicated work by OIG agents and the Shreveport United States Attorney’s office resulted in the protection of United States citizens and the Disability Insurance Trust Funds.”
The SSA is responsible for the implementation of the Disability Insurance Benefits Program under Title II of the Social Security Act. The SSA provides monetary benefits to individuals who have worked and paid taxes to SSA. To be eligible for monthly cash benefits, individuals must have been deemed medically disabled and must have been unable to maintain gainful employment.
Pursuant to SSA regulations, a claimant must prove to SSA that he or she is disabled by furnishing medical and other evidence with the application. The application and supporting evidence would then be evaluated by SSA to determine the individual’s medical impairments and determine the effect of the impairment on the claimant’s ability to work on a sustained basis. Recipients of Social Security disability insurance benefits are required by federal law to report any changes in their medical or employment status to SSA, including any work activity, whether compensated or not. Eligibility for Disability Insurance Benefits is conditioned on the recipient’s lack of employment income during the period when the disability benefits are paid.
United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the trial and will sentence Owings on May 29, 2019. Owings faces up to ten years imprisonment for theft of government property and five years imprisonment for concealing or failing to disclose an event affecting right to a Title II benefit. Owings also faces up to three years supervised release and a $250,000 fine for each count.
The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Seth D. Reeg and Leon H. Whitten prosecuted the case.
Second Defendant Convicted in Multi-Million Dollar Scheme Defrauding Bibb County Schools, TaxpayersRead the Press Release
MACON— A panel of citizen jurors returned a guilty verdict this evening following a one week trial of a man involved in a complex scheme to defraud the Bibb County School System (BCSD), said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Dave Carty, 49, of Macon, was found guilty on one count of wire fraud Friday evening. The Honorable Marc Treadwell presided over the trial, which began Monday, January 28, 2019 in Macon federal court. Mr. Carty was charged in connection to the sale of 15,000 NComputing devices for $3.7 million to upgrade classroom technology for BCSD in 2012. A co-defendant, Isaac Culver, was found guilty in July 2018 by a jury of his peers for conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, ten (10) counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, and conspiracy to launder the proceeds of unlawful activity. Mr. Culver was sentenced to 87 months in prison and three years supervised release in November. Today’s wire fraud conviction carries a maximum 20 years imprisonment and $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has not been set for Mr. Carty.
“The conviction of Dave Carty affirmatively denounces the greed and corruption of two businessmen who stole from the Bibb County School System. The damage done was more than money. These individuals stole the opportunity for an improved education for Bibb County school children. Mr. Carty will now be held accountable for his crime, just as Isaac Culver, who sits behind bars today, was held accountable for his crimes. Today’s verdict offers our citizens a measure of justice and brings to a close what has been a difficult period for the Bibb County School System and the entire Macon community,” said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Beth Howard and Danial Bennett are prosecuting the case for the Government with participation and cooperation of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David McLaughlin from the Georgia Office of the Attorney General.
Questions concerning this case can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Selling MethRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Scott Schafer, 39, of Rochester, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, methamphetamine. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine, or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Moynihan, who is handling the prosecution of the case, stated that in the early morning hours of March 8, 2018, members of the Rochester Police Department arrested Schafer for possessing methamphetamine. The investigation began when officers saw a vehicle illegally parked on a side street off of Monroe Avenue. The vehicle was blocking part of the road, as well as a driveway and the bicycle lane. When law enforcement went to issue traffic tickets, they found Schafer in the bathroom of a nearby restaurant, where they learned Schafer had abruptly retreated when law enforcement approached the location.
Officers found Schafer, who was shaking and appeared nervous, with multiple bags of methamphetamine on him when he was searched. They also found more methamphetamine in the garbage can in the bathroom where the defendant had been when he was first confronted by law enforcement.
On April 10, 2018, officers again arrested Schafer, this time at a gas station on South Clinton Avenue in Rochester. When officers approached the car to check on the welfare of the occupants, Schafer was in the front passenger seat and the driver was holding a small clear plastic baggie containing several small, white rocks. Officers believed this substance was methamphetamine, which was confirmed by subsequent testing.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Simmons, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 10, 2019, at 3:30 p.m. before Judge Wolford.# # # #
Prostitution Customer Sentenced for Sexually Exploiting Two Minor GirlsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Woodbridge man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for sexually exploiting two minor girls as a prostitution customer.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Steve Nowell, 65, was a frequent commercial sex customer of a prostitution ring led by Michael Gunn, who sex trafficked two minor girls, ages 14 and 16, over the course of two years in the DMV area. Nowell was identified by the minor victims and by two co-conspirators of Michael Gunn as a regular commercial sex customer who paid both of the minors for sex on at least 23 occasions. Law enforcement found a hidden camera at Nowell’s home that secretly recorded at least one of the minors and other females in various stages of undress while at his residence for prostitution. In a recorded interview, Nowell admitted to paying for sex with one of the minors, and claimed he did not know her real age. Evidence at trial revealed the minor weighed between 80 and 90 pounds while she was sexually exploited by Nowell.
In addition to the sentence of 10 years in prison, Nowell was ordered to pay $8,900 in restitution to the minor victims.
This matter was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which is composed of FBI agents, along with detectives from the Fairfax County Police, Arlington County Police, Prince William County Police, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Leesburg Police, Alexandria City Police, Washington Metropolitan Police, Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, George Mason University Police, United States Marshal’s Service, and agents of various Office of Inspector Generals. This matter was brought to the task force by the Prince William County Police.
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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, Barry M. Barnard, Chief of Prince William County Police, and M. Jay Farr, Arlington County Chief of Police made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen C. Cain and Kimberly R. Pedersen prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-188.
Operation 'Third Time's a Charm' rounds up 14 indictments for crack cocaine distribution in Cuyler-BrownsvilleRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA – A series of indictments have charged 14 defendants with dealing crack cocaine in the historic Cuyler-Brownsville community.
The indictments, for charges ranging from conspiracy to possess crack cocaine to illegal firearms possession, were handed down in U.S. District Court shortly after final sentencings from a previous sweep of the neighborhood, announced Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Several of the defendants in Operation Third Time’s a Charm are alleged to have affiliation with the “Rollin’ 60s Crips,” a violent street gang associated with the national Crips criminal organization.
The investigation is a cooperative effort of the federal bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Savannah Police Department Strategic Investigations Unit (SIU), the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. They are part of continuing multi-agency investigations that began more than two years ago in response to complaints from neighborhood residents about frequent gunfire, violent crime and drug sales in CBV.
The charges are contained in a series of seven federal indictments and include:
Isaac Young, a/k/a “Ike,” 37, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Distribution of Crack Cocaine, and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm;
Mario Wallace, 31, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Distribution of Crack Cocaine, and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm;
Jamarae Campbell, 28, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Distribution of Crack Cocaine, and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm;
Brooks Williams, 35, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Distribution of Crack Cocaine, and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm;
Charles Steplight, a/k/a “Beefy,” 27, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, and Distribution of Crack Cocaine;
Eddie Robertson, 29, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, and Distribution of Crack Cocaine;
Eric Davis, 27, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, and Distribution of Crack Cocaine;
Luther Ruth, 29, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, and Distribution of Crack Cocaine;
Emonde Polite, 27, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, and Distribution of Crack Cocaine;
Jadontay Polite, 26, Charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, and Distribution of Crack Cocaine;
Shawn Jivens, a/k/a “Puffy,” 39, charged with Distribution of Crack Cocaine;
Arsenio Robinson, 29, charged with Distribution of Crack Cocaine;
Marvin Smith, 55, charged with Distribution of Crack Cocaine; and,
Corey Washington, a/k/a “Corey Outkast’d Mushin,” 31, charged with Distribution of Crack Cocaine.
“Our federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors continue to target violent crime and drug distribution networks that threaten our communities,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “As these indictments demonstrate, last year’s announcement of major arrests in CBV wasn’t the end of those efforts; it was just the beginning – and we won’t stop until every law-abiding resident is free from fear.”
“ATF considers Savannah Police Department a critical partner in its long-term mission of removing violent criminals and narcotics traffickers from our communities,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Pennington and Joe McCool are prosecuting the cases for the United States.
This investigation took place under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer.
An indictment contains only charges. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
One of ICE’s Most Wanted Aliens Indicted for Illegally Re-Entering the United States Following DeportationRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Belizean national on the list of U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s most wanted deportable aliens has been charged with illegal re-entry into the United States following his deportation, a felony.
Santos Moreira, 46, an immigrant from Belize who currently is in the United States illegally, was found in Los Angeles County on November 2, 2015, according to an indictment returned against him on January 25 by a federal grand jury. Moreira previously was deported from the United States on three separate occasions – in December 1995, September 1999 and October 2010, the indictment states. Moreira is charged with re-entering and remaining in the United States knowingly and voluntarily without having obtained permission from the United States Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission into the United States following deportation.
Moreira’s criminal history includes a conviction in Los Angeles County Superior Court for possession for sale of cocaine base in 1991, for which he was sentenced to three years in prison, according to the indictment. In 1992, Moreira was convicted in Los Angeles Superior Court of second-degree robbery with an enhancement for personally using a firearm. He was sentenced to five years in state prison for that offense, the indictment states. Moreira is incarcerated at a Texas state prison for a 2018 drug-related conviction. He is expected to be brought to United States District Court in the Central District of California to face the federal illegal re-entry charge in the coming months.
If convicted, Moreira faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This matter is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Ryan of the General Crimes section.
Omaha Man Sentenced to Six Years for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Aaron Marxsen, 40, was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for distributing child pornography. United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Marxsen to 72 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Marxsen will begin a five-year term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender. The court further imposed restitution to two known victims in the sum of $5,000.
On December 12, 2017, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local task force officers served a search warrant at Marxsen’s home. They recovered two devices containing child pornography. These devices held 50 videos and more than 150 images of child pornography. Search terms recovered from the computer reflected a targeted search for child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Omaha FBI's Cyber Crime Task Force (CCTF).
Norwalk Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSEPH DANIELS, also known as “Sean,” 36, of Norwalk, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Norwalk Police arrested Daniels on May 15, 2018, after officers had made multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from him. On that date, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of Daniels’ residence, car, and storage units he rented, and seized approximately 190 grams of heroin, other drugs, drug paraphernalia, and more than $59,000 in cash.
Daniels has been detained since his arrest.
Judge Meyer scheduled sentencing for April 26, 2019. The charge carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years. However, because Daniels has a prior conviction for a felony drug offense, he faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.
Daniels’ criminal history includes a federal conviction for distributing crack cocaine. In June 2003, he was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 43 months of imprisonment for that offense.
This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Norwalk Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis.
Newark, New Jersey, Man Convicted of Firearms Offense in Connection with Shooting of 5-Year-Old GirlRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Newark man, previously convicted in state court of six felonies, was found guilty in federal court today of being a felon in possession of a handgun, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Jamar Battle, 31, was convicted after a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini in Newark of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The jury deliberated two hours before delivering the guilty verdict.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
On the evening of July 4, 2018, Battle was involved in an argument with his girlfriend and was waiting for her outside of her home. After she arrived near her home, Battle fired six shots at the car she had been riding in as it pulled away. He did not hit his intended target, but did hit a 5-year old girl who had been walking with her father after watching a neighborhood fireworks display. The child survived the shooting but suffered a major injury that required immediate medical attention.
Prior to this shooting, Battle had been convicted of six felonies. In 2015, Battle was sentenced to New Jersey State Prison on two firearms offenses and had just been released from prison in May 2018.
The count on which Battle was convicted is punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for June 21, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited law enforcement officers of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose; special agents of the Department of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John B. Devito; special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie; and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens 2nd, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty verdict.
The government was represented by Senior Trial Counsel Robert Frazer and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Naazneen Khan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crimes Unit in Newark.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to a Financial InstitutionRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JARED CASTELLAW, age 34, of New Orleans, and a former employee of an undisclosed entity, ABC Homes, LLC, located in St. Bernard Parish, pled guilty on January 30, 2019 to a Bill of Information charging him with Making False Statements to a Financial Institution.
According to court documents, beginning in or around October 2008 and continuing to on or about May 2009, CASTELLAW, along with co-defendants PATRICK HEALEY and VALERIE SCHONES made false statements to the Federal Housing Administration “FHA” in order to assist low-income borrowers in qualifying for FHA insured loans that they would not otherwise have qualified for. In total, due to the acts of the defendants, the FHA suffered a loss in excess of $852,415.
CASTELLAW faces a maximum of 30 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, supervised release of up to 5 years, and a special assessment of $100. The Court set sentencing in this matter for May 15, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharan E. Lieberman and Edward J. Rivera.
New Jersey Man Sentenced to Prison for Tax Evasion in Connection with Multimillion Dollar Art TransactionRead the Press Release
A New Jersey man was sentenced to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release today for tax evasion in connection with over $1.2 million in income related to the proceeds from the sale of a purportedly original Caravaggio painting.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Nashville Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Troy Sowers of the FBI’s Knoxville Field Office made the announcement.
Brian Gimelson, 48, of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt of the Southern District of Indiana. Judge Pratt also ordered Gimelson to pay $432,456 in restitution. Gimelson pleaded guilty on Sept. 12, 2018 to two counts of attempting to evade or defeat a tax.
According to admissions made in connection with his guilty plea, Gimelson earned a substantial income for his role in a transaction involving the sale of a purportedly original painting by the Italian painter Michelangelo Merisi, commonly known as Caravaggio, titled, “David With the Head of Goliath” (the Caravaggio Painting). Despite earning over $1.2 million in income on this transaction, Gimelson admittedly did not timely file income tax returns and he did not timely pay tax due and owing to the United States.
In order to conceal his income and evade the payment of his tax liabilities, Gimelson admittedly created a company, had his wife serve as managing member of the company, and used this company to facilitate the Caravaggio Painting transaction. Despite creating this company in his wife’s name, Gimelson admitted that he controlled the company and its bank accounts, including the fees Gimelson received for his role in the Caravaggio Painting transaction. Gimelson further admitted that he directed his wife to make frequent and substantial cash withdrawals on his behalf from company accounts, and Gimelson used company funds to purchase collectibles and precious metals, among other things.
At sentencing, the Court concluded that Gimelson’s tax evasion caused losses of $432,456 to the IRS.
The case was investigated by IRS-CI’s Nashville Field Office and the FBI’s Knoxville Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Danny Nguyen and Caitlin Cottingham of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
New Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that VINCENT JONES, 50, of New Haven, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to one count of bank robbery.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jones attempted to rob the Key Bank located at 245 Main Street in East Haven on July 31, 2017; robbed the Webster Bank located at 247 Boston Post Road in Orange of $5,469 on July 31, 2017, and robbed the Bank of America located at 1331 Boston Post Road in Milford of $6,578 on August 8, 2018.
Jones has been detained since August 9, 2018, when he was arrested on related state charges.
The charge of bank robbery carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the East Haven, Orange, Milford, New Haven and Waterbury Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Nashua Man Sentenced to 102 Months in Prison for Assaulting and Robbing a Victim During a Firearms TransactionRead the Press Release
CONCORD- Aaron Sperow, 27, of Nashua, was sentenced on Thursday to 102 months in prison for assaulting and robbing an individual who was seeking to purchase firearms, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 21, 2017, the defendant and two co-defendants participated in the assault and robbery at gunpoint of a person who was assisting the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The defendant and his co-defendants arranged for the victim to come to a residence in Nashua on the pretext that they would be illegally selling firearms to the victim. They then assaulted and robbed the victim of the money intended to buy the firearms. Because the victim was assisting federal agents, the victim had been equipped with audio and video surveillance equipment that recorded the robbery and assault. Soon after the crime occurred, the defendant and co-defendants were arrested. They each had some of the money that had been taken from the victim.
Sperow pleaded guilty on August 20, 2018, to conspiracy, robbery, assault, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Co-defendant Raymond Perez was sentenced to 51 months. The third co-defendant, Anthony Farmer, has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
“The criminal use of firearms threatens the safety of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “This violent crime demonstrates the importance of keeping guns out of the hands of criminals. Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to stop gun violence and protect the citizens of the Granite State.”
"Keeping firearms out of the hands of convicted felons is ATF's top priority," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kelly Brady. "This is a public safety and law enforcement safety issue that ATF is 100 percent committed to. ATF will continue to aggressively pursue these investigations and work with our law enforcement partners to remove violent criminals from our communities."
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Nashua Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Dronzek.
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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Nahant Couple Charged in Superseding Indictment with Tax FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Nahant couple was charged yesterday in federal court in Boston with two counts of tax evasion.
Gary P. DeCicco, 60, and Pamela M. Avedisian, 55, were charged in a superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit tax fraud and one count of evasion of payment of taxes. The original indictment returned in January 2018 charged DeCicco and Avedisian with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. DeCicco was also charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of bank fraud, four counts of wire fraud and attempted wire fraud and six counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions.
According to the charging documents, between April 2012 and February 2013, DeCicco repeatedly told the IRS that he did not have the ability to pay his over $340,000 liability, and that he had very little cash, no vehicles or real property, and no ownership interest in any asset with a positive value. However, the indictment alleges that DeCicco had ownership interests in several businesses, vehicles, and real properties during that time period, titled in his name and the names of Avedisian, Lynnway Auto Sales Inc., and other entities in order to conceal those assets from the IRS. In addition, beginning in March 2013, after the IRS accepted DeCicco’s proposed monthly payment plan (based on the false information DeCicco provided about his assets and income), DeCicco allegedly bought and sold numerous real properties, boats and high end cars, and concealed those assets and his income from the IRS, often with Avedisian’s assistance.
According to court documents, Avedisian owned a property in Nahant that was subject to a mortgage in excess of $1 million. In October 2015, DeCicco and Avedisian allegedly conspired to defraud the mortgage holder by proposing the sale of the property for significantly less than the outstanding mortgage, in what is commonly referred to as a “short sale.” By their very nature, short sales are intended to be arms-length transactions in which the buyers and sellers are unrelated and act independently, allowing sellers to cede their ownership of the property in exchange for the short-selling bank’s agreement to release them from their unpaid mortgage debt. In order to get approval for the sale, DeCicco and Avedisian concealed their long-term romantic and business relationships from the loan servicing company and falsely represented that Avedisian could no longer make payments towards the mortgage on the property. In fact, just two months before the “short sale” closed, Avedisian purportedly received $3.5 million from the sale of another asset to DeCicco.
The indictment also alleges that from November 2015 to September 2016, DeCicco and a co-conspirator falsified rent rolls and prepared fake leases, which they then provided to financial institutions in support of their applications for a $5.5 million loan secured by a commercial building in Peabody. Between September 2016 and January 2017, DeCicco allegedly committed unlawful monetary transactions with the proceeds of the bank fraud scheme, and between February and December 2016, DeCicco engaged in a scheme to defraud multiple insurance companies using fake invoices and other documents to support his claims.
The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy, as well as bank fraud and conspiracy, provide for a sentence of no greater than 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of wire fraud and attempted wire fraud provide for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions provides for a sentence of no greater than ten years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and tax evasion each provide for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolanta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and, Kristian O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of Lelling’s Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Multiple Project Safe Childhood (PSC) Defendants Appear in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that multiple Project Safe Childhood (PSC) defendants appeared in federal court this week.
“Project Safe Childhood cases are a significant priority for my office,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “These crimes are horrific and we will do everything within our power to protect children from the likes of the defendants that appeared in court this week. Crimes against children are epidemic in the nation today. The children of this district have no better champion than my office. We will continue to fight for them every single day and we will do all we can to protect our kids from the monsters that prey upon them.”
Douglas James Allmon, 51, of Canton, Ohio, pled guilty before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin to attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and traveling in interstate commerce in order to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor. Allman admitted that during August and September 2018 he communicated via text message with a minor he believed to be a 14-year-old girl in Parkersburg, West Virginia. During the conversations, Allmon attempted to persuade and entice the minor to meet him in order to engage in sexual intercourse. On September 7, 2018, Allmon traveled from his home in Ohio to Parkersburg, West Virginia, in order to have sex with the minor. Only then did Allmon discover that the minor was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia States Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Parkersburg Police Department.
Allmon faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 17, 2019. Upon his release from prison, he will be required to serve a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Richard Gerald Caudill, Jr., 46, of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, pled guilty before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to traveling in interstate commerce in order to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor. Caudill admitted that during August 2018 he communicated via the cell phone messaging app Kik with a minor he believed to be a 14-year-old girl from the Ashland, Kentucky area. During the conversations, Caudill attempted to persuade and entice the minor to meet him in order to engage in sexual intercourse. On August 28, 2018, Caudill traveled from his home in Kentucky to a location in Kenova, Wayne County, West Virginia, in order to have sex with the minor. Only then did Caudill discover that the minor was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Ashland Police Department.
Caudill faces up to 30 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 20, 2019. Upon his release from prison, he will be required to serve a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
David Wayne Young, 48, of Ashland, Kentucky was sentenced by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. to 188 months in federal prison, followed by 25 years on supervised release for a sex trafficking crime. He also will be required to register as a sex offender. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Ashland Police Department, and the Boyd County Sheriff’s Department.
Young previously admitted that in March 2017, he communicated with his codefendant, Misty Dawn Baisden, and asked Baisden to provide him with a minor under the age of 14 for the purpose of engaging in commercial sexual activity. Young additionally admitted that the communication involved discussion of exchanging money, items, or other things of value for sexually explicit photographs of the minor. He further admitted that subsequent communications with Baisden included discussions that involved Young offering to provide Baisden with a minor for sexual activity in exchange for her providing him with a minor for sexual activity. Baisden previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor and was sentenced to 72 months in prison.
Nathan Kelley, 22, of Vienna, West Virginia, was sentenced by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. to six years in federal prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for child pornography crimes. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. Kelley previously entered his guilty plea to one count of distribution or attempted distribution of child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography. Stuart commended the investigative work of the Parkersburg Police Department and the West Virginia State Police.
Kelley admitted to using his phone to send images depicting child pornography through Twitter to another person on November 18, 2017, at his residence in Wood County. He also admitted to possessing about 220 images and one video depicting child pornography on December 27, 2017, also at his residence in Wood County. He indicated that he acquired all of the images and the video from the Internet and stored them on his phone in an app called Keepsafe. Many of the images involved prepubescent children being subjected to sexually explicit conduct. The Court also found that on at least two prior occasions Kelley had sexually abused a toddler by touching her bare genitals for his own sexual gratification.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecutions.
These cases were prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Mishawaka Indiana Man SentencedRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Michael L. Binder, age 38, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was sentenced on January 3, 2019, before South Bend District Court Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr. for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Binder was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release.
According to documents in this case, on April 21, 2018, Pokagon tribal police found Mr. Binder and a female companion in a minivan parked in the parking lot of the Four Winds-South Bend casino. Officers detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Upon further investigation, officers located a small amount of marijuana and three baggies of methamphetamine (totaling approximately 10 grams) and a digital scale with white residue. The Pokagon police also found, pushed up under the driver’s seat from the back, right where Mr. Binder’s feet were located, a loaded handgun. A fingerprint matching Mr. Binder’s was found on the magazine of the gun. Mr. Binder admitted to possessing this handgun during the guilty plea phase of this case. The handgun’s serial number had been scratched out; however police were able to obtain the serial number and traced the weapon to determine that it had been stolen in 2016 from an individual who lawfully owned it in Michigan.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch reiterates the following statement from the sentencing memorandum filed with the court: “This particular offense by Mr. Binder raises a very important concern for the government because the offense occurred on federally-recognized Indian tribal land, held in trust for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. The United States recognizes a unique obligation of service to tribal communities across the country and it holds a strong commitment to supporting and furthering public safety on all tribal land. In this district, the United States Attorney’s Office has an important relationship with the Pokagon Band, and it has a commitment to working with the Pokagon Band to foster public safety, while respecting the Pokagon Band’s sovereignty and culture.”
Pokagon Police Chief William Lux said, “The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is a federally-recognized sovereign nation and is committed to working with our law enforcement partners in the U.S. government to protect all who visit its trust land and to prosecute those who violate the law on Pokagon land. The conviction of Mr. Binder is a great example of team work between our officers, Pokagon Tribal Police Investigations Unit, South Bend and Berrien County law enforcement partnerships. We appreciate the support of the FBI and U.S. Attorney Kirsch in prosecuting Mr. Binder for crimes committed while at Four Winds South Bend, which is on sovereign Pokagon Band land.”
This case was being investigated by the FBI and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Tribal Police Department. The case was being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke N. Reilander.
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Middle District of North Carolina Recognizes Outstanding Law Enforcement Officers, AgencyRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Matthew G.T. Martin, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, presented awards to representatives from three local law enforcement agencies for their outstanding accomplishments during the year. Individual awards were presented to Detective Chrystal Overcash of the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office and Detective David Walker of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. An award for outstanding law enforcement agency was presented to the Burlington Police Department Gang and Violent Crimes Unit.
Award recipient: Detective Chrystal Overcash, Guilford County Sheriff’s Office
While assigned as a Task Force Officer to the Treasury Office of Inspector General, Detective Chrystal Overcash was instrumental in the prosecution of Kimberly Hobson. Hobson defrauded High Point Regional Hospital, using her position in the hospital’s financial department, embezzling almost 4 million dollars from the hospital, to the detriment of the hospital and the community it serves.
Thanks in large part to Detective Overcash’s efforts, the federal prosecution of Hobson was successful. Hobson pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 102 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $3.8M in restitution. In addition, we were able to seize and forfeit the cash in Hobson’s bank accounts, 12 vehicles (including 2 in Romania), numerous items of personal property, and Hobson’s residence.
Award recipient: Detective David Walker, Orange County Sheriff’s Office
During 2018, while assigned as a Task Force Officer to the Drug Enforcement Administration/Raleigh Office, Detective Walker served as the primary agent on the Roderick Lamar Sanford investigation. Sanford and four coconspirators were engaged in the distribution of heroin (often, laced with Fentanyl) in and around Durham, NC from 2014 until their arrests last year.
The investigation was complicated by the fact that the main cooperating witness (CW) in the case was a recovering heroin addict who experienced relapses in sobriety on at least two occasions during the investigation (and was arrested at least once by Alamance Co. LEOs). The CW’s continued drug use and arrest impacted the CW’s credibility as a witness. Det. Walker expended dozens of hours gathering evidence which corroborated information provided by the CW (as well as other cooperating codefendants), as well as evidence of Sanford’s attempts to intimidate the CW into recanting statements against him.
For purposes of sentencing in his case, Sanford is being held accountable for conspiring to distribute over 20 kilograms of heroin between 2014 and 2018.
Award recipient: City of Burlington Police Department Gang and Violent Crimes Unit
This award recognizes a law enforcement agency for outstanding unit accomplishments during the award period. The criteria included:
• Evidence of the unit’s ability to successfully combat gang activity
• The creation or development of innovative gang enforcement strategies
• Mission accomplishments and successes at the unit level resulting in a decrease in gang activity
The Burlington Police Department Gang & Violent Crimes Unit (GVCU) was formed during the summer of 2016 in response to multiple gang-related violent crimes that created an unprecedented wave of violence within the Burlington jurisdiction. GVCU has been extremely successful in addressing and minimizing gang activity in Burlington by solving cases of gang violence, witness intimidation, and organized crime related to gang activity.
Officers involved in the GVCU activities and investigations detailed below include Adam Snow, JT Theriault, Al Smith, Sergeant J. Light, Lt. Alan Balog, and Capt. Bret Currie.
During the month of October 2017, GVCU investigators solved a series of four Blood gang-related shootings into occupied dwellings where two gang members were shot during separate shootings in Burlington. These crimes led to the seizure of four firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition from a convicted felon.
During the month of November 2017, GVCU investigators solved a gang/drug-related homicide that occurred in Burlington, which occurred due to a Blood gang member owing a drug debt to a Folk Nation gang member.
During the month of December 2017, GVCU investigators solved a gang/drug-related home invasion from Burlington that resulted in the seizure of a bulletproof vest, 700+ rounds of ammunition, and 4 firearms from Blood gang members, who are also convicted felons. GVCU investigators solved a gang/drug-related murder from Burlington, which occurred during a drug deal between Crip gang members and Blood gang members. Ultimately, three convicted felons were arrested and charged with murder, including the shooter.
During the month of April 2018, GVCU investigators solved a gang-related shooting in the parking lot of a sweepstakes business in Burlington. GVCU investigators also solved a Blood gang-related murder and robbery at a sweepstakes business where the security guard was shot to death inside the business during the robbery. Additionally, all persons inside the business besides a female employee were viciously and ruthlessly beat with a firearm during the robbery by the shooter. Intelligence learned during this investigation showed that this crime was for the benefit of the Blood gang, and for newly drafted gang members to earn rank in the Blood gang.
Between October 2017 and April 2018, the City of Burlington experienced an approximate 80% reduction in reports of firearms being discharged in the city, an approximate 80% reduction in reports of firearms being discharged into occupied dwellings, and a total reduction of gun-related crime by approximately 83% in the City of Burlington. These crimes are all common indicators of underlying gang problems, which often physically appear as gun- related crimes. Additionally, the City of Burlington experienced approximately three months in early 2018 without a single homicide occurring, which has not happened in Burlington for at least the last decade.
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Men Charged with Violations of Federal Gun Control Act, Federal Narcotics Laws, and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KENDALL BARNES, age 22, of New Orleans, and DERRICK GROVES, age 21, of New Orleans, were charged in a eight-count superseding indictment on January 31, 2019 by a federal grand jury.
The Indictment charges KENDALL BARNES and DERRICK GROVES with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin. If convicted of these counts, KENDALL BARNES and DERRICK GROVES face a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $1 million, and at least three years of supervised release. The Indictment also charges KENDALL BARNES and DERRICK GROVES with conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of this count, KENDALL BARNES and DERRICK GROVES face a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
The Indictment charges KENDALL BARNES, a convicted felon, with one count of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of this charge, KENDALL BARNES faces a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
The Indictment charges KENDALL BARNES and DERRICK GROVES each with separate counts of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of these counts, KENDALL BARNES and DERRICK GROVES face a minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years up to a maximum of life, a fine of $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. The term of imprisonment on these counts must run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment.
Additionally, the Indictment charges KENDALL BARNES with obstruction of justice. If convicted of this count, KENDALL BARNES could face up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated than an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Violent Crimes Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni is in charge of the prosecution.
Members of Violent Robbery Organization Sentenced for Robberies Throughout Middle District of FloridaRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich today sentenced Shamar Lajuan Thomas (26, Clearwater), a/k/a “Baby,” to 35 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and using or carrying a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. A federal jury found Thomas guilty on October 11, 2018. Thomas was the last member of the Polk County-based criminal organization to be convicted of conducting armed robberies of other drug dealers.
According to evidence presented at trial, from at least April 2007, and continuing through July 20, 2017, Marion Dwight, Jr. conspired with Thomas and others to commit multiple armed robberies and burglaries of several local drug dealers. During each of the incidents, they discharged or brandished firearms. To date, the FBI has identified at least 14 armed robberies and 4 armed burglaries that were committed by Dwight and his co-conspirators.
In June 2016, Thomas and his co-conspirator, Fredrick James Burney, Jr. a/k/a “Frido,” forced their way inside of a home in Lakeland in search of narcotics and cash. While inside, they held a male victim at gunpoint, shot at a female victim, and stole cash and a firearm from the victims. During the robbery, Thomas physically attacked the woman and repeatedly hit her in the head with his firearm, causing her to bleed profusely.
Seven others have pleaded guilty to various offenses. Each faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, as noted below:
Name
Age, Residence
Status
Bradney Henry McGary
32, Lakeland
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery, 2 counts of robbery, and 1 count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Sentenced to 19 years and 2 months imprisonment on October 17, 2018.
Sherrod Raeshad Gordon,
a/k/a “Hott”
32, Tampa
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery, 2 counts of robbery, and 2 counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Sentenced to 29 years and 8 months imprisonment on February 1, 2019.
Marion Dwight, Jr.
a/k/a “Woe,”
a/k/a “Woe Money”
31, Lakeland
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery, 2 counts of robbery, and 2 counts of discharging and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 35 years, and up to life in federal prison.
Sentencing scheduled for April 4, 2019.
Michael James Baker,
a/k/a “Bake,”
a/k/a “Maserati”
35, Clearwater
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery, 2 counts of robbery, and 2 counts of brandishing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 32 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Sentencing scheduled for March 15, 2019.
Fredrick James Burney, Jr.,
a/k/a “Frido”
a/k/a “Free”
28, Clearwater
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery, 2 counts of robbery, and 2 counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 35 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Sentencing scheduled for April 11, 2019.
Antonio Marquis Roddy,
a/k/a “Lil Head”
31, Orlando
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery, 2 counts of robbery, and 2 counts of discharging and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 35 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Sentencing scheduled for March 15, 2019.
Jevin Michael Stone
30, Lakeland
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to commit robbery, 2 counts of robbery, and 2 counts of discharging and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.
Faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 35 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Sentencing scheduled for March 15, 2019.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa M. Thelwell and James Muench.
McKeesport Man Sentenced to More than 5 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun Law ViolationsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to five years and eight months in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Marcaius Butler, Jr., age 20.
According to the information presented to the court, on March 21, 2017, Butler possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and also possessed a Ruger pistol in furtherance of that crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Attorney commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Marcaius Butler, Jr.
Man Sentenced to Prison for Vending Machine ScamRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Maryland man was sentenced today to nearly three years in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
According to court documents, Brendyn J. Andrew, 27, of Gaithersburg, aided by a co-conspirator, used hundreds of stolen credit and debit card accounts to steal more than $150,000. In one part of the fraud scheme, Andrew obtained a full-size snack vending machine and created multiple bogus shell companies to pose as a legitimate snack-vending merchant. He then used his computer to encode stolen credit and debit card numbers onto blank cards, and executed fictitious transactions by swiping the newly encoded cards through the vending machine’s credit card payment terminal. Since the fictitious transactions appeared to be legitimate vending charges, Andrew caused the victim financial institutions to charge customers and electronically transfer the proceeds into accounts Andrew controlled.
Court documents also show that Andrew and his co-conspirator used stolen credit and debit card numbers and customer account information to make numerous fraudulent purchases from various merchants in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Those fraudulent purchases included a 50-round ammunition drum from a Northern Virginia firearms retailer.
Andrew carried out the scheme while on probation, and he continued the fraud despite multiple fraud arrests in Maryland and Virginia.
In addition to the sentence of 33 months in prison, Andrew was ordered to forfeit a 2013 Mercedes Benz, a handgun, and firearms accessories, items he had purchased with proceeds from the fraud. Andrew also was ordered to pay restitution.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Brian J. Ebert, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Washington Field Office, Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, and M. Jay Farr, Arlington County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard O. Evans prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-378.
Los Angeles Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Federal Sex Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A South Los Angeles woman who described herself on social media as “The Most Hated Hoe in L.A.” and who admitted using the Internet to solicit minors to engage in commercial sex acts has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
Melanie Denae Williams, 23, was sentenced Thursday by United States District Judge George H. Wu, who also ordered her to pay restitution to her victims.
In November 2018, Williams, who used the moniker “Pretty Hoe” on social media platforms, pleaded guilty to one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion – an offense that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment.
According to her plea agreement, Williams admitted to abusing a woman she recruited via social media to work as a prostitute. Williams ordered the victim to strip off her clothes, then Williams threw bleach on her and used a broomstick to beat her, according to court documents. Williams continually threatened to kill the victim if she left Williams, court papers state. Williams also forced the victim to get Williams’s name tattooed on her face, and confiscated the victim’s belongings and identity documents, according to an affidavit filed in the case.
Williams also admitted to using the Internet to recruit two minors to engage in commercial sex acts and then retaining the proceeds from the minors’ sex acts for her own use and benefit.
Williams also posted social media videos of her physically abusing and using firearms to threaten young women, according to the affidavit.
The investigation was conducted by the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, which included agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office provided substantial assistance in the investigation and prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lana Morton-Owens and Joseph Axelrad of the Violent and Organized Crime Section.
Lemoore Man Employed at Naval Air Station Charged with Embezzlement and Theft of Union AssetsRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment on Thursday against Kevin Crownover, 46, of Lemoore, charging him with embezzlement and theft of union assets and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Crownover was the treasurer for a labor organization consisting of mechanics employed at Lemoore Naval Air Station. Between September 2015 and October 2016, he generated at least 70 unauthorized checks and made unauthorized cash withdrawals from the union’s bank accounts, resulting in a loss to the union of at least $50,879. Furthermore, Crownover did so by forging the signature of the union president, which forms the basis of the aggravated identity theft charge.
This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Withers is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Crownover faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Leakey Man Arrested and Charged with Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
In San Antonio this morning, federal and state authorities arrested 36-year-old U.S. Border Patrol Agent Vernon Lee Millican of Leakey, Texas, for production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash; FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division; and Special Agent in Charge Javy Pedroza, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, El Paso Office.
A federal criminal complaint filed today charged the defendant with one count of production of child pornography. Upon conviction, Millican faces up to 30 years in federal prison. He remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing expected to occur next week in U.S. Magistrate Court in San Antonio.
The FBI and DHS-OIG are investigating this case. U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Office of Professional Responsibility and the Real County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Government.
It is important to note that a complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Laplace Woman Charged with Stealing Federal Student Aid Funds and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KENDRA GRAVES, age 31, was charged on January 31, 2019 in a two-count bill of information with theft of government funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641 and identity theft in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028(a)(7).
According to court documents, GRAVES falsified federal student loan applications and used the stolen student aid monies valued at approximately $200,000 for her own personal use. As part of her scheme to defraud, GRAVES applied for federal financial aid at Delgado Community College in the name of 15 individuals without their knowledge or consent.
If convicted, GRAVES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of $250,000 as to Count 1 and 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 as to Count 2. GRAVES also faces three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a $200 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
Kodiak Felon Sentenced to Seven Years for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced that a Kodiak man has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing a firearm while trafficking drugs that were intended for distribution in Kodiak, Alaska.
Miguel Angel Angulo, 34, of Kodiak, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve seven years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release and 250 hours of community service. In September 2018, Angulo pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
According to court documents, Angulo became the subject of a federal investigation when, in April and May 2018, Angulo began publicly sharing photos and videos on social media, depicting himself possessing and using firearms. Angulo has a prior state felony conviction for a drug trafficking offense, and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.
On June 1, 2018, Angulo attempted to flee his residence in Kodiak when state and federal law enforcement agents arrived to execute a search warrant. Law enforcement officers detained Angulo and found him in possession of a Springfield .40 caliber semi-automatic firearm, which he carried to protect himself while trafficking drugs, as well as to protect the proceeds of drug trafficking. Angulo was also in possession of approximately 117 grams of methamphetamine, 61 grams of heroin and an additional 61 grams of cocaine, all with an estimated street value of approximately $100,000. The investigation revealed that Angulo received the narcotics via mail directly from a source in Mexico with ties to the Sinaloa drug cartel.
During Angulo’s sentencing hearing, the court heard testimony that the amount of narcotics in Angulo’s possession was enough to support approximately 1,790 individual uses of illegal drugs. In addition, the presence of the firearm clearly demonstrated Angulo’s major role in the illegal distribution of drugs throughout the remote island of Kodiak. Judge Burgess highlighted Angulo’s “fundamentally flawed” argument that his actions did not pose a threat to the public because he never intended to harm anyone with the firearm, and that he played an overall minor role in the distribution of narcotics in Kodiak. The judge emphasized the need to protect the community from Angulo because of the ravaging effects of his distribution of illegal narcotics, both on the users who purchase them, and the family members, friends, and members of the community who also suffer the consequences of the drug use and addiction.
The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Alaska State Troopers (AST), and the Kodiak Police Department (KPD) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley Stevens.
Keene Woman Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Meghan Bowers, 31, formerly of Keene, New Hampshire, was sentenced on Thursday to 18 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the course of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that included wiretaps of certain telephones, investigating agents learned that on March 7, 2018, an individual intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Massachusetts to purchase fentanyl. Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed a hand-to-hand exchange between a known drug trafficker and the driver of the car at the driver’s side window. The vehicle left Massachusetts and agents followed it directly to New Hampshire. A New Hampshire State Trooper stopped the vehicle. During the traffic stop, the Trooper subsequently located an orange bag containing approximately 184 grams of fentanyl. Bowers and another occupant of the vehicle admitted that they had been asked to drive another person to Massachusetts to buy drugs and that they had agreed to do so.
Bowers previously pled guilty on August 29, 2018.
“Fentanyl is a deadly drug that has caused grave damage to communities throughout New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to arrest, prosecute and incarcerate those who attempt to bring fentanyl into the Granite State.”
The case was a collaborative investigation that involved the DEA; the New Hampshire State Police; the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; the Nashua Police Department; the Massachusetts State Police; the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office; the Essex County District Attorney’s Office; the Internal Revenue Service; Immigration and
Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; United States Customs and Border Protection Boston Field Office; the United States Marshals Service; the United States Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; the Manchester Police Department; the Lisbon Police Department; the Littleton Police Department; the Seabrook Police Department; the Haverhill (MA) Police Department; the Methuen (MA) Police Department; the Lowell (MA) Police Department; and the Maine State Police.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky, Seth R. Aframe and Debra M. Walsh.
This case was supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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Kayenta Man Convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Simple AssaultRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – On Feb. 1, 2019, Silas Deswood Yazzie, 52, of Kayenta, Ariz, a member of the Navajo Nation, was convicted by a jury of assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault. Yazzie is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan in April 2019.
On two separate occasions, Yazzie assaulted unsuspecting victims with a knife. Yazzie sought out the first victim in early June 2018, when he grabbed a knife and swung it at the victim’s stomach after saying he would “teach him a lesson.” The victim had to take a step back to avoid being stabbed. Less than two weeks later, while loitering at a gas station, Yazzie approached the second victim, and demanded money. When the victim refused to comply, Yazzie pulled out a knife, followed the victim to where the victim’s car was parked at a gas pump and attempted to stab the victim. The victim had to evade Yazzie to avoid being stabbed. The crimes occurred on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Krista J. Wood and Sharon K. Sexton, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-8230-PCT-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2019-04_Yazzie
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Justice Department Settles Immigration-Related Discrimination Claim Against Honda Aircraft Company LLCRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today reached a settlement agreement with Honda Aircraft Company LLC (Honda Aircraft), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co. Inc., and subsidiary of Honda Motor Co. Ltd., that manufactures and sells business jet aircrafts. The settlement resolves a claim that Honda Aircraft, headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, refused to consider or hire certain work-authorized non-U.S. citizens because of their citizenship status, in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act’s (INA) anti-discrimination provision.
The Department’s independent investigation determined that between August 2015 and December 2016, Honda Aircraft published at least 25 job postings that unlawfully required applicants to have a specific citizenship status to be considered for the vacancies. The Department concluded that the company’s unlawful practice of restricting job vacancies to U.S. citizens and in some cases, to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPR), was based on a misunderstanding of the requirements under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The discriminatory job postings were published on Honda Aircraft’s website and several third-party websites.
“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that employers do not unlawfully exclude non-U.S. citizens because of their citizenship status,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Employers who are subject to the ITAR or the EAR should carefully review their responsibilities under anti-discrimination statutes.”
The ITAR regulates specific exports of defense articles and services, and – absent State Department authorization – limits access to certain sensitive information to “U.S. persons,” which are defined as U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, asylees, and refugees. The EAR similarly regulates commercial goods and technology that could have military applications. The EAR limits access to export-controlled technology and information to “U.S. persons” absent authorization from the Department of Commerce. Neither the ITAR nor the EAR requires or authorizes employers to hire only U.S. citizens and LPRs. Employers that limit their hiring to U.S. citizens and/or LPRs without legal justification may violate the INA’s anti-discrimination provision.
Under the settlement agreement, Honda Aircraft will pay a civil penalty of $44,626, and remove all specific citizenship requirements from current and future job postings unless they are authorized by law. The agreement also requires certain employees to attend training on the INA’s anti-discrimination provision and ensure that trained personnel review future job advertisements.
The INA’s anti-discrimination provision prohibits employers from discriminating in hiring or recruiting or referring for a fee based on a person’s citizenship, immigration status, or national origin. In the absence of a legal basis (such as a law, regulation, or government contract that requires U.S. citizenship restrictions), employers, recruiters and referrers for a fee may not limit job opportunities or otherwise impose barriers to employment based on an individual’s citizenship or immigration status. By requiring a specific citizenship status as a condition of employment, Honda Aircraft’s job postings created discriminatory barriers for work-authorized individuals and unlawfully excluded U.S. nationals, asylees, refugees, and, in some cases, LPRs.
The Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. Among other things, the statute prohibits citizenship status and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; and retaliation and intimidation.
More information on how employers can avoid unlawful citizenship status discrimination is available here. For more information about protections against employment discrimination under immigration laws, call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a free webinar; email [email protected]; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites. Subscribe to GovDelivery to receive updates from IER.
Applicants or employees who believe they were subjected to discrimination based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; or discrimination in the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify) based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin; or retaliation can file a charge or contact IER’s worker hotline for assistance.
Justice Department Settles Immigration-Related Discrimination Claim Against Honda Aircraft Company LLCRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today reached a settlement agreement with Honda Aircraft Company LLC (Honda Aircraft), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co. Inc., and subsidiary of Honda Motor Co. Ltd., that manufactures and sells business jet aircrafts. The settlement resolves a claim that Honda Aircraft, headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, refused to consider or hire certain work-authorized non-U.S. citizens because of their citizenship status, in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act’s (INA) anti-discrimination provision.
The Department’s independent investigation determined that between August 2015 and December 2016, Honda Aircraft published at least 25 job postings that unlawfully required applicants to have a specific citizenship status to be considered for the vacancies. The Department concluded that the company’s unlawful practice of restricting job vacancies to U.S. citizens and in some cases, to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPR), was based on a misunderstanding of the requirements under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The discriminatory job postings were published on Honda Aircraft’s website and several third-party websites.
“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that employers do not unlawfully exclude non-U.S. citizens because of their citizenship status,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Employers who are subject to the ITAR or the EAR should carefully review their responsibilities under anti-discrimination statutes.”
The ITAR regulates specific exports of defense articles and services, and – absent State Department authorization – limits access to certain sensitive information to “U.S. persons,” which are defined as U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, asylees, and refugees. The EAR similarly regulates commercial goods and technology that could have military applications. The EAR limits access to export-controlled technology and information to “U.S. persons” absent authorization from the Department of Commerce. Neither the ITAR nor the EAR requires or authorizes employers to hire only U.S. citizens and LPRs. Employers that limit their hiring to U.S. citizens and/or LPRs without legal justification may violate the INA’s anti-discrimination provision.
Under the settlement agreement, Honda Aircraft will pay a civil penalty of $44,626, and remove all specific citizenship requirements from current and future job postings unless they are authorized by law. The agreement also requires certain employees to attend training on the INA’s anti-discrimination provision and ensure that trained personnel review future job advertisements.
The INA’s anti-discrimination provision prohibits employers from discriminating in hiring or recruiting or referring for a fee based on a person’s citizenship, immigration status, or national origin. In the absence of a legal basis (such as a law, regulation, or government contract that requires U.S. citizenship restrictions), employers, recruiters and referrers for a fee may not limit job opportunities or otherwise impose barriers to employment based on an individual’s citizenship or immigration status. By requiring a specific citizenship status as a condition of employment, Honda Aircraft’s job postings created discriminatory barriers for work-authorized individuals and unlawfully excluded U.S. nationals, asylees, refugees, and, in some cases, LPRs.
The Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the INA. Among other things, the statute prohibits citizenship status and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; and retaliation and intimidation.
More information on how employers can avoid unlawful citizenship status discrimination is available here. For more information about protections against employment discrimination under immigration laws, call IER’s worker hotline at 1-800-255-7688 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); call IER’s employer hotline at 1-800-255-8155 (1-800-237-2515, TTY for hearing impaired); sign up for a free webinar; email [email protected]; or visit IER’s English and Spanish websites. Subscribe to GovDelivery to receive updates from IER.
Applicants or employees who believe they were subjected to discrimination based on their citizenship, immigration status, or national origin in hiring, firing, or recruitment or referral for a fee; or discrimination in the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify) based on their citizenship, immigration status or national origin; or retaliation can file a charge or contact IER’s worker hotline for assistance.
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Jury Convicts Man of Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Hamilton man today on charges of producing child pornography.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in November 2017, Logan Roy McCauley, 25, drove from his residence in Hamilton to West Virginia and picked up a minor he recently had met online. He then drove the minor back to his residence in Hamilton, and, within hours of arriving, engaged in sexual intercourse with the minor for purposes of using a smart phone to record a portion of the sexual encounter. Soon after creating the video, McCauley sent an online message to another person admitting he had made the video that morning. The day after McCauley created the video, law enforcement arrived at McCauley’s residence. At this time, McCauley told law enforcement about the video, which was still on McCauley’s smart phone.
McCauley faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison when sentenced on April 26. 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.
This matter was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which is composed of FBI agents, along with detectives from the Fairfax County Police, Arlington County Police, Prince William County Police, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Leesburg Police, Alexandria City Police, Washington Metropolitan Police, Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office, George Mason University Police, United States Marshal’s Service, and agents of various Office of Inspector Generals
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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Brian A. Benczkowski, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, made the announcement after Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III accepted the verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Berrang, Jay V. Prabhu, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendelynn E. Bills 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. 1:18-cr-330.
International Drug Courier SentencedRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE - A Massachusetts man identified by law enforcement as the primary contact between a major international heroin and fentanyl source of supply in the Dominican Republic and a three-state New England drug trafficking operation based primarily in Rhode Island was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr.
Vladimir Arias, 33, of Peabody, Mass., is identified in court documents as a trusted courier of an individual in the Dominican Republic known as The Maestro, a significant heroin and fentanyl supplier. Arias was responsible for moving significant quantities of heroin and fentanyl into New England, and collecting tens of thousands of dollars at a time from a drug trafficking operation which operated primarily from stash houses in Cranston and Woonsocket, R.I.
According to court documents, the drug trafficking operation was organized and directed by three brothers, Juan, Claudio and Hector Valdez. The Valdez drug trafficking operation supplied heroin and fentanyl to mid-level drug dealers and street dealers in the greater Providence and Boston areas and in Hartford, Conn.
Arias, who was among many individuals whose drug trafficking activities in connection with the Valdez Brothers drug trafficking operation were being monitored, was arrested during a traffic stop on Interstate Route 95 in Rhode Island on April 10, 2017. Agents had just watched him accept a return of heroin from Juan Valdez. Nearly a kilogram of heroin in 10-gram packages for redistribution was found hidden in a crudely constructed hide in the motor vehicle. That heroin was the remainder of a full kilogram that Arias had delivered to Juan Valdez four days earlier. The Maestro agreed to accept return of the heroin because Valdez was not satisfied with the quality of the drug.
Lab testing confirmed that Arias had 858.81 grams of heroin in his possession at the time of his arrest. A court-authorized search of his Massachusetts residence resulted in the seizure of $33,959 that was found hidden in a couch. The $33,959.00 converts to the value of 606.41 grams of heroin.
Arias's sentence is announced by United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.
During the course of the investigation, dubbed by law enforcement as Operation Triple Play, which the FBI Safe Streets Task Force launched in September 2016, the investigation into the Valdez Drug Trafficking Operation resulted in the purchases or seizures of laboratory tested and confirmed controlled substances totaling approximately 142g of crack cocaine, 1,654g of cocaine, 3,836g of heroin (of which 2,183.3g contained fentanyl), 3,493g of fentanyl, and more than 137 lbs. (62 kilograms) of cutting agents.
Operation Triple Play is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation initiated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Under the direction of the FBI, the participating agencies in this investigation included the Drug Enforcement Administration (Providence and Boston Resident Agencies), Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Rhode Island State Police, Providence Police Department, Woonsocket Police Department, Central Falls Police Department, Cranston Police Department, Warwick Police Department, and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.
Claudio Valdez was sentenced on November 28, 2018, to 20 years in federal prison. Juan Valdez was sentenced on December 14, 2018, to 20 years in federal prison. Hector Valdez was sentenced January 18, 2019, to 108 months in federal prison.
The Valdez brothers, all Dominican nationals, reentered the country illegally after having been previously convicted of felony drug crimes and deported. Juan Valdez reentered the country illegally on at least four occasions. Immigration detainers have been lodged against all three.
Arias admitted to law enforcement that he had entered the country through Mexico illegally. An immigration detainer has been lodged against him.
Operation Triple Play cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard B. Sullivan, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorneys William J. Ferland, Ronald A. Gendron, and Richard W. Rose.
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Informational: Federal Court arraignmentsRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned this week before U.S. Magistrate judges and indictments handed down by the Grand Jury were unsealed. Indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty:
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Jan. 29 was:
RYAN MCGUIRE, 37, of Mound House, NV, on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of meth. If convicted of the most serious count, McGuire faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release. McGuire was released. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Pacer case reference. 18-157.
Appearing in Billings before U.S. Magistrate Timothy J. Cavan and pleading not guilty on Jan. 31 was:
ELIZABETH ANN HAZZARD, 33, of Billings, on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute meth. If convicted of the most serious count, Hazzard faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Hazzard was detained. The case was investigated by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. Pacer case reference. 18-153.
If any of the above cases are of interest to your media organization and the community it serves, we encourage you to monitor the progress of the case regularly through the U.S. District Court calendar and the PACER system.
To establish a PACER account, which will allow you to review documents filed in the case, please go to, http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the district court’s calendar, please go to https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
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Indiana Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced that DANIEL J. KUESPERT, age 30, of LaPorte County, Indiana, was charged Thursday by grand jury indictment with one count of failure to register as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
If convicted, KUESPERT faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. Following release from prison, KUESPERT also faces a period of supervised release of between 5 years and life.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Marshals Service, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, and the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office in this matter. He also extended his thanks to the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
ICYMI: Shutdown Updates from Federal Court in OregonRead the Press Release
PORTLAND. Ore.—During the recent lapse in appropriations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office was required to curtail some operations pursuant to applicable law and policy. Nevertheless, the office continued to fulfill its law enforcement responsibilities by prosecuting criminal cases. Below is a summary of notable case events that occurred during the shutdown:
U.S. v. Hediger
On January 23, 2019, Pamela S. Hediger, 55, of Corvallis, Oregon, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for tax evasion and money laundering. Hediger was also ordered to pay more than $1.9 million in restitution.
According to court documents, between 2010 and 2017, Hediger was an attorney, president, and managing shareholder of a law firm in Corvallis. Hediger focused on personal injury cases and independently managed her own client relationships. During her association with the firm, Hediger systematically embezzled funds from the firm’s client trust and business operating accounts, both of which she had signing authority over. The embezzled funds came from insurance proceeds payable to Hediger’s clients.
Hediger failed to file income tax returns on nearly $2.2 million between 2011 and 2017, evading more than $471,000 in taxes due. Hediger previously pleaded guilty to one count each of attempting to evade or defeat taxes and engaging in monetary transactions with property derived from specific unlawful criminal activity on November 6, 2018.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and prosecuted by Claire M. Fay, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
U.S. v. Smith
On January 15, 2019, Victor William Smith, Jr., 45, of Warm Springs, Oregon, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for assaulting two Warm Springs Tribal Police detectives serving a deputized federal task force officers. Smith was also ordered to pay $8,305 in restitution.
According to court documents, on June 8, 2017, Smith forcibly assaulted the officers by attempting to run them down with his pickup truck. The officers ultimately apprehended Smith and found a stolen Remington shotgun in his truck. Smith admitted to knowingly possessing the stolen firearm at the time of his arrest.
Smith previously pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a federal officer and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department and prosecuted by Benjamin Tolkoff, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
U.S. v. Britton
On January 23, 2019, Shane Britton, 43, of Pendleton, Oregon, was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $1,803 in restitution for abusive sexual contact on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in June 2016, Britton was staying at a residence shared by the victim and her mother on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The victim and her mother are both enrolled members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Britton is not a tribal member.
During his stay, Britton subjected the victim to a series of unwanted and progressively more invasive physical encounters. In a recorded interview, Britton initially denied the allegation of abusive sexual contact, but later admitted he inappropriately touched the victim. Britton eventually told law enforcement officers that “in no way shape or form did [the victim] do anything wrong or provoke” his abusive conduct.
A federal jury in Portland convicted Britton on one count of abusive sexual contact on October 18, 2018.
The FBI investigated this case in partnership with the Umatilla Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Jennifer Martin and Natalie Wight, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
U.S. v. Stevens et al.
On January 8, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging Ronnie Stevens aka Tim Ephrem, 49, and Tina Ephrem aka Lisa Ann Peterson, 43, both of Portland, with wire fraud.
The indictment alleges that between September 2016 and December 2018, the couple conspired with one another to defraud an elderly couple, Adult Victim 1 (AV1) and Adult Victim 2 (AV2), of both money and property.
The scheme began in September 2016 when AV1 offered a commercial trailer for sale at his business. Stevens told AV1 that he brokered vehicle sales and could sell the trailer in exchange for a cut of the profit. Stevens did not sell the trailer, but quickly ingratiated himself with AV1 who later described him as “humble and honest” but “down on his luck.” Stevens told AV1 that he supported a wife and teenage daughter, and that he suffered with health issues.
Stevens later approached AV1 with an alleged lucrative investment opportunity. Stevens claimed that a friend named Tammy Ward was set to inherit an estate valued in excess of $100 million from her recently deceased father, but could not come up with the fees and legal costs necessary to release the state. Stevens told AV1 that if AV1 could advance the funds to release the estate, AV1 would be given title to valuable classic cars and vans that were part of the estate.
AV1 gave Stevens approximately $15,000 in cash followed by $25,000 in cash two weeks later. The payments escalated over time as Stevens told AV1 various stories about delays and increased costs associated with the release of the estate. As part of the conspiracy, AV1 and AV2 both spoke to a woman on the phone who claimed to be Tammy Ward. Investigators later revealed this person to by Tina Ephrem. Between 2016 and 2018, Stevens placed more than 5,000 outgoing calls to AV1 and AV2.
Stevens and Ephrem collected more than $1.5 million from AV1 and AV2 over the course of the conspiracy, spending the proceeds on utility bills, restaurants, cigars, retail purchases and travel to locations including Hawaii, Anaheim, California, Las Vegas, Nevada and Spirit Mountain Lodge in Grand Ronde, Oregon.
Stevens and Ephrem were arrested on January 11, 2019. They made their initial appearances in federal court the same day and were ordered detained pending a five-day jury trial beginning on March 12, 2019.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Donna Brecker Maddux, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. v. Newman
On January 15, 2019, Steven Wayne Newman, 50, of Hillsboro, Oregon, was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for distributing child pornography.
According to court documents, in October 2016, an FBI task force officer identified an IP address offering to share files containing child pornography via the BitTorrent peer-to-peer file sharing network. The officer downloaded ten files from a computer at that IP address, four of which depicted prepubescent children engaging in sexually explicit conduct with adults and with each other. The IP address was later traced to Newman’s home in Hillsboro.
The FBI was not the only law enforcement agency investigating Newman’s IP address. Investigators from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Albany Police Department, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office also downloaded child pornography from a computer at the same address. A Linn County Sheriff’s Office detective downloaded 247 files containing a total of 91 videos and 426 images of child pornography.
On January 20, 2017, FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at Newman’s home. They seized a laptop and external hard drive, both of which contained contraband material. Agents found 212 videos and 665 images depicting the sexual exploitation of children. Newman’s BitTorrent file sharing software had been run 272 times, most recently on the day prior to the search warrant.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF), the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Albany Police Department, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Gary Y. Sussman, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
U.S. v. Gregory
On January 22, 2019, Rodney Paul Gregory, 64, of Lebanon, Oregon, pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud and money laundering for his role in various online romance scams.
According to court documents, between May 2017 and January 2019, Gregory acted as a money mule for online romance scams. As part of the scheme, unknown co-conspirators would target individuals through online dating. These co-conspirators would impersonate military or civilian personnel working overseas, pretending they needed funds for foreign taxes, travel costs, or other false representations. Victims would wire money based on these false statements.
Instead of wiring the money directly overseas, victims were asked to wire money to bank accounts in the U.S. Gregory incorporated companies and opened numerous business bank accounts in order to receive these wires transfers from victims. Upon receipt of the wire, Gregory would send the money to overseas bank accounts.
On May 11, 2017, federal agents interviewed Gregory and he claimed he was not aware that the funds wired to his accounts were the proceeds of fraud. He claimed he did the work as a result of promises of love from the woman he met on an online dating website. Following his interview with investigators, Gregory continued to open new business bank accounts using fraudulent information, continued receiving wires from victims and continued wiring the victim’s money overseas. Between the May interview and the end of August 2017, Gregory wired or otherwise withdrew over $200,000 in fraudulent proceeds.
Gregory faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years’ supervised release. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Gregory agreed to pay restitution in full to his victims as ordered by the court at sentencing. He will be sentenced on April 4, 2019.
This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
U.S. v. Burkleo
On January 23, 2019, Bud O’Neil Burkleo, 36, of Warrenton, Oregon pleaded guilty to four counts of communicating a false distress message and one count of making a false statement.
According to court documents, Burkleo made four hoax distress calls to the U.S. Coast Guard between April and November of 2016. In response to each call, the Coast Guard dispatched rescue personnel in an attempt to protect life and property. Burkleo also lied to federal investigators.
Burkleo will be sentenced on May 13, 2019.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and prosecuted by Paul T. Maloney, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
U.S. v. Ugwa
On November 14, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a 14-count indictment charging Bob Ibenne Ugwa, 49, of Portland, with seven counts each of cyberstalking and anonymous telecommunications harassment.
The indictment alleges that, between 2003 and 2018, Ugwa used an interstate electronic communication service to engage in conduct reasonably expected to cause substantial emotional distress and made telephone calls without disclosing his identity with the intent to abuse, threaten, and harass seven different individuals.
Each charge of cyberstalking under 18 U.S.C. § 2261A(2)(B) and anonymous telecommunications harassment under 47 U.S.C. § 223(a)(1)(C) is punishable by up to five and two years in prison, respectively.
Ugwa was detained pending trial. A three-day jury trial is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2019.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Hannah D. Horsley, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Helen Lee Appointed Assistant United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman today announced the appointment of Helen H. Lee as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island.
Ms. Lee, an experienced civil litigator, joins the Office from the law firm of Latham and Watkins, where she had worked as an Associate since 2011. Employed in the firm’s D.C., Costa Mesa, and Boston offices, she worked on a wide variety of civil litigation matters, principally in federal court.
From 2016 to 2017, Ms. Lee temporarily left the firm to serve as law clerk to the Hon. Pamela K. Chen, United States District Judge in the Eastern District of New York, in Brooklyn.
Ms. Lee, who grew up in San Mateo, California, is a 2005 graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and she received her law degree, also from Berkeley, in 2011. While practicing full-time as an attorney, she also successfully completed a Ph.D. in Political Science, which was awarded by Stanford University in 2013.
Ms. Lee has been assigned to the Office’s Civil Division, and joins the Office as part of a Department-wide initiative to continue to increase affirmative civil enforcement efforts.
In making the announcement, United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman said, “I am tremendously pleased to welcome AUSA Lee to the Office. Ms. Lee’s intellect, experience, and background as a litigator are consistent with the tradition of excellence in this Office, make her a superb addition to our civil practice, and will allow us to continue to expand our enforcement efforts on behalf of the people of Rhode Island.”
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Gang Member Sentenced for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A man identified as a member of the Heath Street Gang was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for drug trafficking and illegal possession of a firearm.
Kendrick Tate, a/k/a “K-Roc,” 26, of Chelsea, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 159 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In August 2018, Tate pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine base and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Tate has been serving a state sentence for unrelated drug and gun convictions.
On subsequent days in April 2017, Tate sold a cooperating witness crack cocaine and a firearm with a partially obliterated serial number. Although Tate has been identified by law enforcement as a member of the Heath Street Gang, he was living in Chelsea at the time of these sales.
According to court documents, Tate was convicted in state court in November 2017 of unrelated drug and firearm charges and is presently serving a 3 ½ - 4-year sentence. Tate was also previously convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon on two occasions, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest, assault and battery on a police officer, and possession to distribute a Class B substance on two occasions.
Following a two-year investigation, Tate and eight co-defendants were charged in January 2018 in connection with illegal drug distribution and firearm possession within and near the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments, formerly known as the Bromley Heath Housing Development. The investigation and arrests sought to reduce violence and improve the quality of life for residents in and around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments by removing individuals who trafficked drugs and who were actively involved in violence and gang disputes.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement. Assistance was also provided by the Boston Housing Authority’s Department of Police and Public Safety. The case was prosecuted by Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Oklahoma State Senator Ordered to Pay over $125,000 to Child VictimRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – RALPH ALLEN LEE SHORTEY has been ordered to pay $125,850.00 to the victim he was convicted of obtaining for commercial sex, announced Robert J. Troester of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Shortey pleaded guilty on November 30, 2017, to one count of child sex trafficking. In particular, he admitted he solicited a minor identified as "John Doe" to engage in a commercial sex act on March 8 and 9, 2017. Shortey was serving as an Oklahoma State Senator at the time of the offense. He resigned in March 2017, shortly after his conduct led the Cleveland County District Attorney to charge him with state crimes.
A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Shortey on September 5, 2017. That indictment included three counts relating to child pornography: emailing videos of a prepubescent girl and young boys in October 2013 and producing child pornography by persuading John Doe to send him a sexually explicit image. As a result of a plea agreement, the United States dismissed these counts.
On September 17, 2018, U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Shortey to prison for 180 months, or fifteen years, in addition to ten years of supervised release.
On January 31, 2019, the court conducted an evidentiary hearing to determine how much Shortey must pay his victim. Dr. Robyn Cowperthwaite of the University of Oklahoma testified for the United States regarding her assessment of the victim and her recommended course of treatment. Based on this testimony, Judge DeGiusti ordered Shortey to pay his victim $125,850.00, the cost of the recommended treatment.
This restitution award flows from the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking, including a focus on securing resources and restitution for victims. In 2018, the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys ("EOUSA"), the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section published a quick reference guide entitled “Restitution for Human Trafficking Victims,” which assists federal prosecutors in obtaining restitution for human trafficking victims. EOUSA also developed a "Toolkit" that provides information on practices, procedures, models, and forms employed in various U.S. Attorney’s Offices that are helpful in obtaining restitution for victims.
This case was the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Moore Police Department, with assistance from the Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys K. McKenzie Anderson and Brandon Hale prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Former Office Manager Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement Scheme and Related Tax FelonyRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Roseanna Coomes, 67, of Bluefield, West Virginia, pled guilty to executing a decade-long wire fraud scheme where she embezzled more than $969,000 from her employer, Cole Truck Parts. She also pled guilty to a related tax offense. As part of the plea, Coomes agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $969,316.68 to Cole Truck Parts and $64,330.10 to the Internal Revenue Service. The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Bluefield Police Department conducted the investigation.
“You reap what you sow,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “More than 10 years of scheming and the theft of almost $1 million. Being in business is difficult enough without an employee stealing from the company. I want to thank IRS-Criminal Investigations and the Bluefield Police Department for excellent work in this case.”
As part of the plea, Coomes admitted that from about January 1, 2007, through mid-2017, as the office manager at Cole Truck Parts, she defrauded her employer by writing checks to herself and to another person and disguising those checks by making false entries into the company’s accounts. She further agreed that she made false statements on her tax returns for numerous years by not reporting that income.
Coomes faces up to 23 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 when she is sentenced on June 18, 2019. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber is presiding over the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timm Boggess and Meredith George Thomas are handling the prosecution.
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Foreign National Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Re-Entering the United States Following Previous DeportationsRead the Press Release
Spokane – Joseph H. Harrington, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Juan Gomez-Fonseca, age 49, of Bridgeport, Washington, was sentenced after having pleaded guilty on October 19, 2018, to being an Alien Illegally in the United States After Previously Being Deported. Senior United States District Judge Wm. Fremming Nielsen sentenced Gomez-Fonseca to a 5-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison. Gomez-Fonseca will be deported to his home country, Mexico, after he completes serving his prison sentence.
According to information disclosed during court proceedings, Gomez-Fonseca, a Mexican national, was arrested on March 13, 2018, in Okanogan County, Washington. He had been previously deported from the United States on four separate occasions. Gomez-Fonseca’s criminal record included convictions for false imprisonment, domestic violence assault, driving under the influence, obstruction of a police officer, illegal entry into the United States and being an alien in the United States after deportation.
Harrington said, “The sentence imposed by the Court today not only promotes the rule of law, but reflects the serious consequences for foreign nationals who return illegally to the United States after having previously been deported multiple times and having previously committed multiple criminal offenses.”
This case was investigated by the Spokane Resident Office of the United States Border Patrol. This case was prosecuted by Matthew F. Duggan, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
Fentanyl and Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to Nearly 16 YearsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich has sentenced Roderick Lamar Duval (39, Bradenton) to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and heroin. He had pleaded guilty on September 27, 2018.
According to court documents, Duval sold fentanyl and heroin to an undercover detective on multiple occasions. During one of the transactions, Duval sold the fentanyl and heroin to the undercover detective within 1,000 feet of an elementary school in Bradenton.
This case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation entitled “Hot Batch.” The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Taylor G. Stout.
Federal Jury Convicts Virginia Man of Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A federal jury found Logan Roy McCauley, 25, of Hamilton, Virginia, guilty today of producing child pornography.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney G. Zachary Terwilliger for the Eastern District of Virginia made the announcement after the verdict was accepted by Senior U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in November 2017, McCauley drove to West Virginia, picked up a minor he had met online, and drove the minor to his residence in Hamilton. Within hours of arriving, McCauley engaged in sexual intercourse with the minor for purposes of using a smartphone to record a portion of the sexual encounter. Soon after creating the video, McCauley sent an online message to another person admitting he had made the video that morning. The day after McCauley created the video, law enforcement arrived at McCauley’s residence. At this time, McCauley told law enforcement about the video, which was still on McCauley’s smart phone.
McCauley faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and is subject to a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. He will be sentenced on April 26, 2019 before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ellis.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Gwendelynn Bills of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Berrang and Jay Prabhu of the Eastern District of Virginia.
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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Federal Jury Convicts Colorado Springs Man for Illegal Possession of Stolen AR-15Read the Press Release
DENVER – A federal jury sitting in Denver convicted a Colorado Springs man of receipt, storage, and/or possession of a stolen firearm and for being a felon in possession of ammunition, announced United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn, Denver FBI Special Agent in Charge Dean Phillips and ATF Denver Special Agent in Charge Debbie Livingston. Demontrae Wilson, age 23, was convicted in United States District Court on January 31, 2019, of the two above-mentioned felony offenses. He was acquitted on a third count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Wilson had been involved in an altercation between two vehicles, which resulted in shots being fired. During that incident, he was shot in the head with an AR-15 round, but survived with loss of vision in one eye and other complications. After the incident, in March 2018, law enforcement agents in Colorado Springs watched Wilson and his associates get into a car that they began to follow. The car abruptly changed direction to avoid the officers, who then conducted a traffic stop. Officers found Wilson in the front passenger seat of the car, which was registered in his name. Inside his car, officers found military grade AR-15 ammunition, a military grade ballistic vest (with damage from two bullet rounds in the chest area) and a stolen AR-15 under a blanket. Another passenger was carrying a handgun. Wilson had previously been convicted of a felony and was not allowed to possess any firearm or ammunition.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 2, 2019, at 10:00AM before United States District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore.
This case was investigated by the Colorado Springs Police Department, the Colorado Springs Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the ATF Denver Field Division. The prosecution was coordinated by the FBI Gang Task Force in Colorado Springs. Assistant United States Attorneys Jason St. Julien and Garreth Winstead handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 18-cr-0263-RM
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Five Men, Two Businesses Charged with Illegally Importing Native American-Style Goods and Selling Them as AuthenticRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Federal law enforcement officials have announced charges against five men and two businesses for conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, and misrepresentation of Indian produced goods and products. The charges, which are contained in a five-count indictment, arise from a multi-year scheme to import Native American-style jewelry, arts, and crafts into the United States from the Philippines and sell these goods to customers based on false representations that the merchandise was made by Native Americans.
According to the indictment, which was returned on December 19, 2018, Sterling Islands Inc., located in Albuquerque, N.M., imported Native American-style goods from a factory in the Philippines. These goods were not indelibly marked with the country of origin as required by customs law. The indictment alleges that Jawad Khalaf, 70, of Albuquerque, N.M., is the owner and president of Sterling Islands Inc. Nader Khalaf, 41, of Albuquerque, N.M., is a manager.
As alleged, Al-Zuni Global Jewelers, Inc., a wholesale business in Gallup, N.M., received these illegally imported goods and distributed them to customers. Nashat Khalaf, 71, of Gallup, N.M., is the owner and president of Al-Zuni Global Jewelers, Inc. Zaher Mostafa, 51, of Gallup, N.M., is a manager.
The indictment further charges that on or about August 3, 2012, Nader Khalaf sent an email message to the Philippines ordering Native American-style canteens. This email included a note from Mostafa requesting production. On or about November 24, 2014, Mostafa sold canteens to a customer that he represented as made by Navajo when the canteens were actually made in the Philippines.
As alleged, on or about July 23, 2013, Nader Khalaf processed an order from Taha Shawar, 47, of Breckenridge, Colo., for jewelry stamped “E.Y.” On August 5, 2014, Shawar sold a necklace stamped “E.Y.” to customers, claiming the necklace was made by an actual Navajo artist with those initials.
“Native Americans make tremendous contributions to the cultural and artistic heritage of our nation,” said New Mexico U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson. “This case demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to preserving and protecting the rich culture and heritage of New Mexico’s Pueblos and Tribes while promoting confidence in New Mexico’s native art market.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to safeguarding the rich culture, art and heritage of Native Americans," said Edward Grace, Acting Assistant Director of the Office of Law Enforcement for the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. "We will continue to hold to account those who would attempt to sell fraudulent Indian art and craftwork in order to further their business dealings. We thank the U.S. Attorney's Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and Indian Arts and Crafts Board for their assistance with this case."
“People from all over the country come to New Mexico to buy Native American jewelry, and they expect the real thing,” said Special Agent in Charge James C. Langenberg of the FBI Albuquerque Division. “When it's not, not only are they cheated, but so are the Native American artists who work hard to preserve their heritage. The FBI and our partners are committed to vigorously investigating and prosecuting the counterfeiters who would threaten one of our country's most precious cultural resources.”
“HSI special agents will continue to use their full authority to pursue the criminal organizations responsible for exploiting our tribal lands and cultural patrimony,” said Jack P. Staton, Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso. “HSI’s unique cross-border authority is vital to the success of these investigations and we will continue to work with our federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect the Native American heritage of the pueblos and tribes in New Mexico.”
“The Indian Arts and Crafts Board is charged by statute to protect federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native artists and their creative work through the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, thereby promoting tribal economies and preserving American Indian and Alaska Native cultural traditions,” said Indian Arts and Crafts Board Director Meridith Stanton. “The Indian Arts and Crafts Board commends the Office of the U.S. Attorney in the District of New Mexico and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement for their outstanding work on the Al Zuni Indian Arts and Crafts Act investigation to protect the integrity and vitality of authentic Indian art. This is particularly important in New Mexico, which relies on the creation and sale of authentic Indian art and craftwork as an important tourist draw and economic engine.”
The defendants face a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted of the conspiracy and smuggling offenses. They face up to 5 years in prison if convicted of misrepresentation of Indian produced goods and products.
Allegations in indictments are only accusations. Criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation was led by the Office of Law Enforcement for the Southwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with assistance from the Albuquerque Division of the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean J. Sullivan, Kristopher N. Houghton, and Brandon L. Fyffe are prosecuted the case.
Five Men, Two Businesses Charged with Illegally ImportingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Federal law enforcement officials have announced charges against five men and two businesses for conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, and misrepresentation of Indian produced goods and products. The charges, which are contained in a five-count indictment, arise from a multi-year scheme to import Native American-style jewelry, arts, and crafts into the United States from the Philippines and sell these goods to customers based on false representations that the merchandise was made by Native Americans.
According to the indictment, which was returned on December 19, 2018, Sterling Islands Inc., located in Albuquerque, N.M., imported Native American-style goods from a factory in the Philippines. These goods were not indelibly marked with the country of origin as required by customs law. The indictment alleges that Jawad Khalaf, 70, of Albuquerque, N.M., is the owner and president of Sterling Islands Inc. Nader Khalaf, 41, of Albuquerque, N.M., is a manager.
As alleged, Al-Zuni Global Jewelers, Inc., a wholesale business in Gallup, N.M., received these illegally imported goods and distributed them to customers. Nashat Khalaf, 71, of Gallup, N.M., is the owner and president of Al-Zuni Global Jewelers, Inc. Zaher Mostafa, 51, of Gallup, N.M., is a manager.
The indictment further charges that on or about August 3, 2012, Nader Khalaf sent an email message to the Philippines ordering Native American-style canteens. This email included a note from Mostafa requesting production. On or about November 24, 2014, Mostafa sold canteens to a customer that he represented as made by Navajo when the canteens were actually made in the Philippines.
As alleged, on or about July 23, 2013, Nader Khalaf processed an order from Taha Shawar, 47, of Breckenridge, Colo., for jewelry stamped “E.Y.” On August 5, 2014, Shawar sold a necklace stamped “E.Y.” to customers, claiming the necklace was made by an actual Navajo artist with those initials.
“Native Americans make tremendous contributions to the cultural and artistic heritage of our nation,” said New Mexico U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson. “This case demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to preserving and protecting the rich culture and heritage of New Mexico’s Pueblos and Tribes while promoting confidence in New Mexico’s native art market.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to safeguarding the rich culture, art and heritage of Native Americans," said Edward Grace, Acting Assistant Director of the Office of Law Enforcement for the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. "We will continue to hold to account those who would attempt to sell fraudulent Indian art and craftwork in order to further their business dealings. We thank the U.S. Attorney's Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and Indian Arts and Crafts Board for their assistance with this case."
“People from all over the country come to New Mexico to buy Native American jewelry, and they expect the real thing,” said Special Agent in Charge James C. Langenberg of the FBI Albuquerque Division. “When it's not, not only are they cheated, but so are the Native American artists who work hard to preserve their heritage. The FBI and our partners are committed to vigorously investigating and prosecuting the counterfeiters who would threaten one of our country's most precious cultural resources.”
“HSI special agents will continue to use their full authority to pursue the criminal organizations responsible for exploiting our tribal lands and cultural patrimony,” said Jack P. Staton, Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso. “HSI’s unique cross-border authority is vital to the success of these investigations and we will continue to work with our federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect the Native American heritage of the pueblos and tribes in New Mexico.”
“The Indian Arts and Crafts Board is charged by statute to protect federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native artists and their creative work through the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, thereby promoting tribal economies and preserving American Indian and Alaska Native cultural traditions,” said Indian Arts and Crafts Board Director Meridith Stanton. “The Indian Arts and Crafts Board commends the Office of the U.S. Attorney in the District of New Mexico and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement for their outstanding work on the Al Zuni Indian Arts and Crafts Act investigation to protect the integrity and vitality of authentic Indian art. This is particularly important in New Mexico, which relies on the creation and sale of authentic Indian art and craftwork as an important tourist draw and economic engine.”
The defendants face a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted of the conspiracy and smuggling offenses. They face up to 5 years in prison if convicted of misrepresentation of Indian produced goods and products.
Allegations in indictments are only accusations. Criminal defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation was led by the Office of Law Enforcement for the Southwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with assistance from the Albuquerque Division of the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean J. Sullivan, Kristopher N. Houghton, and Brandon L. Fyffe are prosecuted the case.
Elk Grove Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking of a ChildRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Abdul Basier Hashimi, 26, of Elk Grove, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. to 12 years and seven months in prison for sex trafficking of a child, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
On August 31, 2018, Hashimi pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a child. According to statements made during the hearing, Hashimi met the 13-year-old victim in August 2014 on social media and began communicating with her. After she turned 14, Hashimi caused her to work as a prostitute in Sacramento, Oakland, and elsewhere in Northern California. Hashimi managed the victim’s activities by, among other things, creating an internet advertisement, renting a motel room, and driving her to areas with prostitution activity where he caused her to work as a prostitute. The victim gave Hashimi the money she earned.
“Child sex traffickers often prey upon our community’s most vulnerable minors — runaways, foster kids, children who face difficult circumstances — promising the young victims that they will receive care and support. In actuality, traffickers treat their victims as commodities to acquire and sell, generating profit from exploiting them and leveraging their youth as a selling point,” said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “The FBI, the Sacramento Police Department, and our partners on the Child Exploitation Task Force continue to work tirelessly to identify and disrupt predators like Hashimi to protect the children in our communities. We are also all committed to ensuring the children recovered from exploitation receive the services to move forward with their lives.”
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Sentenced for Participating in Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with his participation in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Angel Milciades Santana Polanco, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In November 2018, Santana Polanco pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute more than 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to court records, as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, law enforcement agents intercepted phones used by Wareng Jhonny Villar-Ortiz and another member of the conspiracy, both of whom are also Dominican nationals. Agents determined that Villar-Ortiz was a mid-level drug distributor, who had received a kilogram of fentanyl in late January 2018. The intercepted calls further established that Villar-Ortiz arranged for Santana Polanco, who was typically a distributor for Villar-Ortiz, to test the drugs. Santana Polanco found three individuals, gave the drugs to them, and then reported back to Villar-Ortiz how the individuals responded to the drugs.
Between Feb. 8 and Feb. 12, 2018, agents intercepted communications between Santana Polanco and Villar-Ortiz in which Santana Polanco offered to supply Villar-Ortiz with a kilogram of drugs. Villar-Ortiz took possession of the drugs in order to test the quality before deciding whether to purchase them. On Feb. 15, 2018, Villar-Ortiz reported that the drugs were unacceptable and made arrangements for Santana Polanco to retrieve them. A search of Villar-Ortiz’s residence resulted in the seizure of 978.6 grams of fentanyl from a hiding spot in the bathroom wall.
Court records indicate that Santana Polanco entered the United States illegally. After serving his sentence, he will be subject to deportation proceedings. Villar-Ortiz pleaded guilty on Jan. 11, 2019, and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 5, 2019.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston, Ipswich, and Arlington Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Arnold of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
District Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Thefts at Hotels and Office BuildingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ronnie Bryant, 54, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to eight years in prison for a series of incidents in which he stole or attempted to steal wallets at hotels and office buildings, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu announced.
Bryant was found guilty by a jury in November 2018 of a total of 12 theft and credit card fraud charges. The verdict followed a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. He was sentenced by the Honorable José M. López. Following his prison term, he will be placed on three years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, for years, Bryant has dressed professionally and entered hotels, office buildings and conference centers in the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia and stolen unattended wallets and purses. In this case, he was found guilty of three such incidents between January 25, 2016 and February 3, 2016: stealing a wallet from a private office at a downtown Washington hotel, stealing a wallet from an office at the Georgetown University Law Center, and attempting to steal a purse from beneath a conference table at another downtown hotel. A hotel security guard spotted him in that incident, leading to Bryant’s arrest.
After the first two thefts, Bryant traveled quickly to an area where he could make as many charges as possible in a sort time. From purchasing gift cards to gas, he racked up hundreds of dollars in charges within an hour or two. All told, over an eight-day period, his crimes led to $2,000 in missing cash and fraudulent credit card charges.
Not counting this case, Bryant has been convicted of crimes stemming from at least 21 separate incidents. He most recently was incarcerated for similar crimes in Virginia.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu commended the work of the Metropolitan Police Department officers and detectives who investigated the case. She also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Elizabeth Trosman, Chief of the Appellate Division; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cynthia Walicki-Chan, Lauren Bates, and Chrisellen Kolb; Liaison and Operations Manager Linda McDonald; Paralegal Specialist Tierra Nanches, Rochelle Mills, Donice Adams, Crystal Waddy, and Lynda Randolph; former Law Clerk Caroline Quill; Victim/Witness Advocate Diana Lim; Victim/Witness Service Coordinators La June Thames and Tonya Jones.
Finally, she expressed appreciation for the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Floyd and Kaitlin Vaillancourt, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to 59 Months in Prison for Federal Firearms Offense Committed Three Months After Release from PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Tijuan Arrington, 42, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison after pleading guilty to a federal charge of possessing a loaded firearm with an extended magazine, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
At the time of his arrest by MPD officers in Southeast Washington, Arrington was on federal supervised release following his release from incarceration after being sentenced in 2016 for his role in a large-scale narcotics conspiracy.
Arrington pled guilty in October 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a person convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. In that matter, on Jan. 24, 2019, the Honorable Rudolph Contreras sentenced Arrington to 47 months of incarceration, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Earlier today, the Honorable Chief Judge Judge Beryl A. Howell revoked Arrington’s supervised release and resentenced him to an additional 12 months of incarceration.
According to the government’s evidence, on June 15, 2018, at approximately 9 p.m., MPD officers were on routine patrol in the 1300 block of Barnaby Terrace SE when they observed Arrington and other men with open containers of alcohol. When officers went to make contact with the individuals, Arrington immediately ran from the police; in the process, he dropped a loaded firearm. Arrington was detained after he was pursued running into his residence that was located up the block. In the middle of the street and in Arrington’s flight path, officers recovered a semiautomatic Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine. There were 20 bullets in the magazine and one in the chamber.
At the time of his arrest, Arrington was on federal supervised release following his release from prison three months earlier for trafficking hundreds of grams of heroin. That case involved an FBI drug trafficking investigation that began in the Barnaby Terrace area and extended into Maryland. Arrington was one of 16 people to plead guilty in the investigation.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham commended the work of the MPD officers who investigated the case. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Legal Assistant Emma Atlas and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Rosen and Christopher Macchiaroli, who investigated and prosecuted the matter.