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14 March 2019
Delaware Pipe Bomber Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Mark Consiglio, 49, of Elsmere, Delaware pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware to possessing a destructive device, commonly known as a pipe bomb. Consiglio is scheduled to be sentenced before the Honorable Richard G. Andrews, United States District Judge for the District of Delaware on July 2, 2019. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents and statements made in open court, Consiglio detonated a pipe bomb at his estranged wife’s home in Elsmere in the early morning hours of March 12, 2018 before fleeing the scene. Two 911 callers described the explosion to police.
Two occupants were home at the time of the pipe bomb explosion. The pipe bomb shattered the front living room window of the house where one of the occupants was sleeping at the time. Shrapnel from the explosion was found inside the living room.
Consiglio was detained by police nearby. Subsequent searches of his home yielded: three more pipe bombs; a .38 caliber revolver; materials used to make a pipe bomb, including PVC, fuse wire, ball bearings, and gunpowder; a World War II-era flare launcher that had been modified to accept 9mm ammunition; and a book titled “CIA improvised sabotage devices” that was dog-eared to the page on “incendiary devices.” At the time he set off the pipe bomb, Consiglio was already facing state charges for threatening to kill his wife.
U.S. Attorney Weiss offered the following statement, “The defendant’s brazen violence endangered not only his family members but our community. My Office will prosecute any such actions to the full extent of the law.”
“Our mission is to ensure that anyone who commits violent acts like this is identified, investigated, and brought to justice,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada. “ATF will continue to work hand in hand with our partners in protecting the safety of Delaware communities.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in coordination with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Elsmere Police Department. U.S. Attorney Weiss also wishes to thank the New Castle County Police Department for its assistance. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander P. Ibrahim.
Crow Agency woman admits assaulting elderly man while on methamphetamineRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Crow Agency woman admitted today to attacking and seriously injuring an elderly man while she was under the influence of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Melissa Ann Prettypaint-Alvarado, 41, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury during a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan. Judge Cavan will recommend Prettypaint-Alvarado’s plea be accepted by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters, who is hearing the case.
Prettypaint-Alvarado faces a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. She was detained.
Prosecutors said evidence would show that the Bureau of Indian Affairs police responded on Nov. 18, 2018 to an assault that occurred at a Crow Agency residence on the Crow Reservation. The 77-year-old victim said Prettypaint-Alvarado got angry with him and attacked him while he was lying on a bed. Prettypaint-Alvarado hit him in the face and head, tried to strangle him with a belt, pulled out a clump of his hair and bit his hand.
The victim ultimately was taken to Billings Clinic for treatment of injuries to his face, shoulder and eye area. After the assault, the victim needed a cane to walk.
In an interview with law enforcement, Prettypaint-Alvarado admitted she is a meth user and was on meth at the time she assaulted the victim.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.
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Crow Agency man sentenced for assault, witness tamperingRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Crow Agency man convicted of beating his partner on the Crow Reservation and of trying to get her to not testify about the assaults was sentenced on March 13 to a total of 78 months in prison, with credit for 106 days for time spent in tribal custody, and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Lansing Zachary Rock Above, 34, pleaded guilty in November to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a spouse or intimate partner and to tampering with a witness.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
“Offenders who assault women will be prosecuted,” U.S. Attorney Alme said. “Those who also try to intimidate or threaten victims will be prosecuted again to the full extent of the law. Victims need to know they can come forward and we will use the criminal justice system to protect them,” Alme said.
Prosecutors said Rock Above beat and strangled his intimate partner on Feb. 23 and 24, 2018 in Crow Agency on the Crow Reservation. The victim was treated for bruises and injuries to her head, neck and teeth. In March 2018, Rock Above called the victim five times on a recorded phone line from the Big Horn County Detention Facility, in Basin, Wyo., and attempted to convince the victim to not testify against him and to say nothing happened. In one of the calls, Rock Above said his case would be dismissed and asked the victim, “You got my back, right?”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI.
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Construction Company Executive Indicted for Defrauding New York City School Construction AuthorityRead the Press Release
A 22-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Rakesh Kumar, the President of Orba Construction Company (“Orba”), with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and 21 counts of mail fraud and wire fraud. The charges stem from Kumar’s alleged misrepresentations to the New York City School Construction Authority (“SCA”) regarding the number of hours worked and wages paid by Orba to employees on New York City public school construction projects. Kumar was arrested today and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Margaret Garnett, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation, and Michael Mikulka, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, announced the charges.
As alleged in the indictment, between 2014 and 2018, Kumar submitted false certified payrolls to the SCA for work performed by Orba employees on SCA-funded projects. These payroll forms falsely stated that Orba had paid its employees the prevailing wage, as required by the New York State labor law and labor agreements with the SCA, when in fact the employees had been paid far less, often in cash or by checks issued by a related company owned by Kumar.
“As alleged, through his actions, Kumar cheated laborers, who toiled many long days at manual labor, out of their honest and hard-earned wages,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “This Office and our law enforcement partners will vigorously pursue employers who illegally enrich themselves at the expense of their workers.”
“An important mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud related to union members’ wages and benefits,” stated DOL OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Mikulka. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations.”
“Theft of wages has far-reaching effects – stripping hard-working employees of their rightful pay, jeopardizing the financial security of all those who rely on the wage-earner’s income, and creating unfair advantages over companies that do right by their workers,” stated DOI Commissioner Garnett. “In this case, Orba Construction Corporation for five years siphoned workers’ pay through underreporting hours on doctored payroll reports, according to the charges. DOI will continue working with its partners like the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York to investigate bad actors who steal their employees’ wages.”
The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted, Kumar faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each of the mail and wire fraud charges.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorney Martin E. Coffey is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant
RAKESH KUMAR (also known as “Rikki”)
Age: 64
Basking Ridge, New JerseyE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-101 (DLI)
Company and Two Individuals Sued for Allegedly Defrauding the United States Postal ServiceRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that the United States has filed a civil complaint alleging False Claims Act violations committed by BJ Trucking Company, Inc., a former Highway Contract Route supplier for the United States Postal Service. The complaint also alleges False Claims Act violations against two of the company’s principals, Douglas Cline and his son Chad Cline, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent transfers allegedly made to hide money from the federal government.
The complaint alleges that BJ Trucking Company and the Clines defrauded the United States by systematically misusing federal funds for unauthorized fuel purchases from 2009 to 2015. In some instances, BJ Trucking Company allegedly used federal money to buy fuel for commercial, rather than Postal, trucking routes, including repeated alleged purchases in states where BJ Trucking Company had no Postal routes at all. In other instances, the company allegedly spent federal funds over 1,300 times on unleaded (rather than diesel) fuel purchases that the United States believes were for unauthorized personal vehicles.
The complaint also alleges that, after the Postal Service notified BJ Trucking Company and the Clines that they owed the United States over $3 million, the company transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Clines, their family members, and related entities in order to conceal the funds from federal authorities. Perhaps worse, in September and October 2015, Chad Cline allegedly negotiated with the Postal Service for the release of over $700,000, money ostensibly necessary for BJ Trucking Company to continue operating without defaulting on its Postal Service contracts. Approximately seven days after the federal government disbursed those funds, however, BJ Trucking Company allegedly defaulted on the contracts, continued transferring thousands of dollars to the Cline family and related entities, and later ceased operations.
The federal False Claims Act allows the United States to recover triple the money falsely obtained, substantial penalties for each false claim submitted, and investigative costs. BJ Trucking Company, Douglas Cline, and Chad Cline can also be held liable for the fraudulent transfers with which they were involved, and the United States can recover from their individual assets.
The claims and allegations in the United States’ civil complaint are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed not liable unless and until the United States proves liability in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Neal I. Fowler represents the government in this matter.
For additional information the complaint filed with the court can be found at this link.Chinese National Who Threatened to Shoot School Children Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 23-year-old Chinese national who resided in La Marque has been ordered to federal prison after admitting to possessing a firearm while being an illegal alien and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski.
Xiangyu Zhang pleaded guilty Dec. 14, 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge Gray Miller handed him a total 61-month sentence - 37 months for the firearms conviction and a mandatory and consecutive 24 months for the identity theft. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face deportation proceedings following the sentence. At the hearing, Judge Miller noted his concern with Zhang’s actions and felt a prison term at the higher end of the guidelines was appropriate.
Zhang remained in the United States two years after his visa expired. He came to law enforcement’s attention in July 2018 when he entered an internet chat session on the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Crisis Line and threated to kill school children by using firearms. Zhang is a not a U.S. veteran.
Law enforcement arrested him at a gas station located close to his residence. At that time, he was sitting in a vehicle in possession of two firearms, including an AM-15 rifle. Both firearms had rounds in the chamber.
Upon Zhang’s arrest, law enforcement also found a passport belonging to a woman who lived in the Dallas area. Zhang had stolen the woman’s purse containing the passport in August 2017 after he served as her Uber driver. Within hours of stealing her purse, Zhang, while using the woman’s identity without her permission, attempted to purchase several high end items online from Apple.
Law enforcement also found a picture of a fake U.S. passport page with Zhang’s picture and the woman’s passport number on Zhang’s phone.
A few months after stealing the purse, Zhang defrauded Bank of America in March 2018 for more than $11,000. In late June 2018, and a few days before making those threats on the VA chat line, Zhang stole an IRS refund check from his neighbor’s mailbox and deposited it into his bank account.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
HSI and ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani is prosecuting the case.
Career Criminal Charged with Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was charged in federal court in Boston yesterday with illegally possessing a firearm.
Dedrick Lindsey, 36, was charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Lindsey is currently in state custody and will appear in federal court at a later date.
According to court documents, Lindsey was arrested on state charges on July 19, 2018, after law enforcement found a .25 caliber revolver in his possession. Lindsey is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous drug convictions, all punishable by more than a year in prison.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of one year but no greater than three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. As an armed career criminal, Lindsey is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and no greater than life, five years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elysa Wan of Lelling’s Office is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Canadian Man Arrested, Charged with Smuggling Aliens into the United StatesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Wanderson Dos Santos Freitas, a Brazilian citizen living in Toronto, Canada, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with bringing an alien to the United States for financial gain or commercial advantage. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of three years in prison, a maximum of 10 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Jonathan P. Cantil, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on March 13, 2019, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a U.S. Border Patrol Agent spotted a black jet ski with three occupants, two males and one female, about 50-60 feet from the shoreline at Beaver Island State Park. When the occupants noticed the agent, the operator of the jet ski, the defendant, stepped into the water, and began to push the watercraft further away from the shoreline. Dos Santos Freitas continued to stand up in an apparent attempt to restart it, but the jet ski began to release smoke from the exhaust. After a couple minutes, the defendant began to wave at the agent and related that the jet ski appeared to be stuck in the ice. Air and Marine Operations were alerted and responded to the scene.
A short time later, Dos Santos Freitas got off the jet ski, abandoning his two passengers, and walked across the ice onto the shore. When asked by agents on shore for his citizenship, the defendant stated that he was a “permanent resident of Canada.” Dos Santos Freitas also stated that he did not have any immigration documentation which would allow him to enter the United States legally. The defendant was then placed under arrest.
The other male, Angelo Valentim-Zuccolotto, a citizen of Brazil, also walked across the ice onto the shoreline. The female passenger, Andria Raposo-Marte, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, stayed on the jet ski and appeared to be frozen in fear. Shortly before 10:00 a.m., the Grand Island Fire Department arrived in an inflatable boat and reached Raposo-Marte and safely returned her to the shoreline.Valentim-Zuccolotto and Raposo-Marte were placed under arrest and are subject to administrative proceedings.
Defendant Wanderson Dos Santos Freitas made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and is being detained pending a detention hearing on March 18, 2019.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Jeffrey Wilson, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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California Man Arrested for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jorge Alvarez, 24, of Los Angeles, CA, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production of child pornography. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum penalty of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. Penrose, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, an individual residing in Depew, NY contacted the Depew Police Department in August 2018 concerning the possible sexual exploitation of her minor daughter. Subsequent investigation determined that between June and July 2018, Alvarez engaged in sexually explicit communications with the minor via Instagram and text messages. During the course of these communications, the defendant sent lewd images of himself to the minor, and solicited the minor to produce and send various images of herself to him.
The defendant made an initial appearance before Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the Depew Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jerome Miller, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Buffalo Woman Indicted for Threatening A WitnessRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Bridgette McClain, 31, of Buffalo, NY, with retaliating against a witness, and retaliating against a person for providing truthful information to a law enforcement officer. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremiah E. Lenihan and Brendan T. Cullinane, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, on November 2 and November 5, 2018, an individual testified for the Government in the trial of United States v. Dontrell Wise. A federal jury convicted Wise of the crimes alleged in the indictment and he was sentenced to serve life in prison. In November 2018, law enforcement officers learned that the defendant had posted a threatening post against the individual who testified on Facebook. The post included a photo of the individual with the word “SNITCH” superimposed over the individual’s photograph. Above the photograph, the post included the statement, “This (expletive) Took the stand on my cuz and told lies just for her to get 20 years kill all Rats[.]”
The defendant was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder and was released on conditions.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Boston Man Sentenced for Escaping Re-Entry CenterRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Boston man was sentenced on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, in federal court in Boston for escaping from a residential re-entry center where he was finishing the remainder of a 100 month sentence.
James Jones, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti Saris to 12 months and one day in prison to be served consecutive to his current federal sentence on an unrelated federal drug conviction. In December 2018, Jones pleaded guilty to one count of escape.
In April 2012, Jones was sentenced in federal court in Boston to 100 months in prison for a drug distribution conviction. On March 7, 2018, Jones was transferred from a correctional institution in New Jersey to a residential re-entry center in Boston to serve the remainder of his sentence. On July 10, 2018, Jones signed out of the re-entry center on an approved overnight work pass and was scheduled to return on July 11, 2018, but he failed to return. He was captured 77 days later by the United States Marshals Service.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and John Gibbons, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Being Incarcerated in State Prison Does Not Stop New Hartford Man from Distributing Pounds of MethRead the Press Release
A man who was responsible for distributing pounds of ice methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than ten years in federal prison.
Duane Baker, age 28, from New Hartford, Iowa received the prison term after an October 29, 2018 guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine by a convicted drug felon.
Evidence during the case established that while incarcerated in state prison for state felony drug charges, Baker became involved in a conspiracy to distribute ice methamphetamine. From prison, he recruited the mother of his child to distribute methamphetamine on his behalf. Once released from state prison, he continued his involvement in the conspiracy, ultimately distributing more than five founds of ice methamphetamine.
Baker was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by Chief United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Baker was sentenced to 131 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve an eight-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Baker is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program of the United States Department of Justice through a cooperative effort of Federal Bureau of Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force (Waterloo Police Department; Cedar Falls Police Department; Waverly Police Department; Bremer County Sheriff’s Office; Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office; LaPorte City Police Department; Evansdale Police Department; Hudson Police Department), Mid Iowa Drug Task Force (Marshalltown Police Department; Marshall County Sheriff’s Office; Tama County), and Dubuque Drug Task Force (Dubuque Police Department; Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office).
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-2024.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Beaver Falls Woman Charged with Theft of Government Property and Providing False Documents to the U.S.Read the Press Release
PITTBURGH - A resident of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of theft of government funds and providing false documentation to the government, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The four-count Indictment returned on March 13, named Janile Fielding, 56, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, from approximately June 2013 until approximately May 2017, Fielding converted for her own use housing assistance payments that were funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Such payments were required to be used solely on mortgage payments. Additionally, in order to conceal her theft, Fielding provided multiple false documents to the United States in which she falsely represented how the stolen funds were used.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 25 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General and the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Atlantic City, New Jersey, Woman Charged with Drug Distribution Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Atlantic City, New Jersey, woman appeared in federal court today on charges including drug distribution that resulted in a death, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Rajeri Curry, 30, is charged by federal complaint with one count of possession with the intent to distribute heroin and one count of distribution of heroin and fentanyl that resulted in a death. Curry had an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III in Newark federal court and was detained without bail.
According to documents filed in this case:
On June 1, 2018, Curry distributed a substance containing heroin and fentanyl to an individual who died as a result of using the substance. Law enforcement found the deceased victim inside a vehicle in the parking lot of an Atlantic City, New Jersey, restaurant. Inside the victim’s vehicle were multiple wax folds that contained heroin and fentanyl and were stamped with the words “BODY COUNT.” Shortly before the victim’s death, surveillance footage captured Curry distributing narcotics to the 30-year-old victim.
Curry is also charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin arising from the execution of a search warrant at her residence.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the DEA’s Newark Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, officers from the Atlantic City Police Department, under the direction of Chief Henry M. White Jr., and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Damon G. Tyner, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The drug distribution resulting in death charge carries a maximum punishment of life in prison and a fine of $1 million.
The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and Curry is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Catherine R. Murphy and Heather Suchorsky of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Allentown, Pennsylvania, Woman Faces Additional Charges for Stealing $644,000 in Medicare BenefitsRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – An Allentown, Pennsylvania, woman was indicted today on additional charges stemming from her scheme to defraud the government, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Martha Aguilar, 57, formerly of Middletown, New Jersey, was charged by indictment in August 2018 with theft of government funds, Social Security fraud, and making false statements in furtherance of Social Security fraud. Today’s superseding indictment adds three counts of healthcare fraud relating to Aguilar's scheme to also defraud Medicare and steal $644,605 in benefits she was not entitled to receive.
According to the superseding indictment:
From November 2004 to September 2016, Aguilar allegedly collected $136,879 in Social Security benefits and $644,605 in Medicare benefits that she was not entitled to receive. Aguilar indicated on forms to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that she was completely disabled and unable to work. However, while she was collecting Social Security and Medicare benefits, Aguilar concealed her employment as a paralegal.
Aguilar also fraudulently applied for and received temporary disability from the State of New Jersey totaling $13,622, and unemployment benefits from the State of New Jersey totaling $103,738, which she concealed from the SSA. In all, Aguilar failed to report to SSA $488,870 in benefits and income.
If convicted, Aguilar faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a total fine of $750,000.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John F. Grasso; Debbi Mayer, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, Eastern Region; and N.J. Department of Labor & Workforce Development, Division of Fraud Prevention & Risk Management-Special Investigations Unit, with the investigation leading to todays indictment.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Meriah Russell of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense counsel: Andrea Bergman Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
13 March 2019
West Mifflin Felon Sentenced to Prison for Selling Multiple Drugs from His VehicleRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA. – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 24 months imprisonment with six years of supervised release on his conviction of a federal narcotics charge, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Stanley Church, age 47, of West Mifflin, PA.
According to information presented to the court, on March 17, 2017, Allegheny County Police detectives went to execute a search warrant on the person of Church and his vehicle. This search warrant was approved after investigators observed Church trafficking drugs out of this same vehicle. Investigators conducted a traffic stop on Church and then began to search his car. Inside Church’s car investigators found quantities of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, MDMA, and Psilocyn mushrooms, drug packaging material, scales, and other paraphernalia. Church has previously been convicted of State and Federal narcotics offenses..
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the guilty plea in this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
Walmart Bandit SentencedRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that TERRY MADISON, age 22, was sentenced yesterday for committing robbery of a Walmart Money Center located in Hammond, Louisiana, on April 14, 2018. Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced MADISON to a sentence of 151 months in the Bureau of Prisons, three (3) years of Supervised Release following prison, and a $100 mandatory special assessment. The Court also ordered MADISON to repay Walmart $3,448.10 taken in the robbery.
MADISON admitted that he entered the Walmart and passed a demand note to the cashier in the Money Center, and also reached to his waistband, implying that he was armed with a firearm. The teller complied with the demand, and MADISON escaped with over $3,000 in cash.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the hard work of the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Unit and the Hammond Police Depart in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier was in charge of the prosecution.
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Utica Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Transporting and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Shawn Bunnell, age 35, of Utica, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve a term of 600 months in prison after being convicted of ten counts of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Kevin M. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also sentenced Bunnell to a lifetime term of supervised release, to begin following his term of imprisonment. Bunnell will remain a registered sex offender upon his release from prison.
A cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to the New York State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Utica led to the defendant, who was identified as the person who had used a cell phone to produce images depicting the molestation of a two year old girl. As part of his guilty plea, Bunnell admitted that from on or about May 30, 2017 through on or about August 15, 2017, he transported numerous image files depicting one or more minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct through servers maintained by Google, Inc. and Dropbox, Inc. Further, the defendant admitted to possessing a number of graphic video files depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct on a Samsung cellular telephone in his possession.
The defendant acknowledged that he has a prior conviction relating to sexual abuse or abusive sexual conduct involving a minor, in that on or about March 27, 2003, he was convicted in Oneida County Court of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, in violation of New York Penal Law, Section 130.65(3), relating to the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 11, and was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment and 3 years post-release supervision.
This case was investigated by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Oneida County Child Advocacy Center, Whitesboro Police Department, Utica Police Department, New York State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa M. Fletcher, Geoffrey J.L. Brown, and Sahar L. Amandolare.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Two Individuals Charged with Firearm Violation, Conspiracy in Connection with Straw Purchase of GunRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – A federal indictment unsealed Wednesday afternoon charges two individuals with violations of federal law involving the alleged straw purchase of a Beretta PX4 Storm .40-caliber handgun. The handgun was purchased from a federal firearms dealer in Salt Lake City on Sept. 8, 2018.
The firearm remained in the possession of one of the defendants until Oct. 17, 2018, when he loaned it to an acquaintance, identified in the indictment as M.S.R. Five days later, Melvin Rowland used the Beretta to kill University of Utah student Lauren McCluskey.
The indictment alleges Sarah Emily Lady, age 24, of Mapleton, Utah, and Nathan Daniel Vogel, age 21, of Millcreek, Utah, knowingly made false and fictitious statements intended to deceive a firearms dealer while purchasing the firearm. The indictment alleges Lady falsely answered “yes” to a question asking whether she was the actual buyer of the firearm knowing that Vogel was the intended actual purchaser of the firearm.
A straw purchase happens when someone lies on an ATF form to purchase a firearm for an individual who is prohibited from owning a gun or an individual who does not want to wait for the completion of a background check. Lying on federal forms to purchase a firearm for someone is illegal.
“Lauren McCluskey’s death was tragic and heartbreaking. We join so many others in offering our condolences to her family and friends,” U.S. Attorney John W. Huber said today. “While we cannot change what happened that October night in Salt Lake City, we can say that without the conduct alleged in this indictment, this particular handgun would not have been used to take Lauren’s life.”
“The laws of the United States offer safety and predictability when we abide by them. Straw purchases are prohibited under federal law for a reason,” Huber said. “When a firearm is unlawfully acquired or transferred, the firearm ends up in the wrong hands and violence brings tragedy to our community,” Huber said.This indictment does not allege that the defendants were responsible for Miss McCluskey’s death.
“Lying on a federal form to purchase a firearm has very serious consequences,” said ATF Denver Special Agent in Charge Debbie Livingston. “The ATF form 4473 clearly states that making a false statement or misrepresenting one’s self is punishable as a felony under federal law. The consequences of lying goes beyond imprisonment for the individual who fills out the form, it puts the community and public at risk. Our condolences go out to Lauren’s family and friends who have suffered because of conduct related to the straw purchase alleged in this indictment.”
“The University of Utah, Department of Public Safety would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office and ATF for their assistance with this case. We value the relationship we have with our federal partners,” Dale G. Brophy, Chief of Police at the University of Utah, said.
The charges allege Lady and Vogel conspired to defraud the United States by impeding and obstructing the functions of the ATF in enforcing federal firearms laws and preventing illegal firearms trafficking through the straw purchase of a firearm.
The indictment alleges Lady and Vogel made false statements on the ATF form to circumvent Vogel’s background check and waiting period, because Vogel wanted the firearm immediately. Vogel was “generally discharged” from the Army and was fearful that he could not purchase a firearm without a delay, the indictment alleges.
Between Aug. 30, 2018, and Sept. 8, 2018, Lady and Vogel made plans to meet at a firearms store in Salt Lake City so Vogel could identify the firearm he wished to own and Lady could purchase it for him. The indictment alleges Lady and Vogel text messaged 13 times to arrange the meeting. When they got to the store on Sept. 8, 2018, Lady and Vogel looked at several firearms and Vogel asked questions of the sales person. Vogel pointed out the Beretta handgun, asked the sales person questions about the firearm, and handled it. He gave the Beretta back and moved to the ammunition area of the business to obtain ammunition for the firearm.
Shortly after, Lady began the purchase of the Beretta, answering yes to the question asking if she is the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm. The firearms licensee conducted a background check on Lady that took about 10 minutes and allowed her to purchase the firearm and ammunition. Immediately after the purchase, Lady handed the firearm to Vogel, the indictment alleges.
Lady was arrested Tuesday in Utah and had an initial appearance Wednesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooke C. Wells. She entered a plea of not guilty to the charges in the indictment. A three-day jury trial was set for May 20, 2019. She was released on conditions of supervised release – including no contact with the co-defendant in the case and a prohibition on possession of firearms or weapons.
An arrest warrant is pending for Vogel.
The maximum potential penalty for a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm is 10 years in federal prison. The conspiracy could has a potential five-year sentence.
Indictments are not findings of guilt. Individuals charged in indictments are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.
Two Charged in White Plains Federal Court for Visa Fraud Conspiracy Involving Moroccan Consulate and Mission in New YorkRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christian J. Schurman, Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (“DSS”) at the United States Department of State, announced today the arrest of MARIA LUISA ESTRELLA JAIDI (“JAIDI”), who was charged by complaint along with her brother, RAMON SINGSON ESTRELLA (“ESTRELLA”), for their involvement in a conspiracy to commit visa fraud, make materially false statements, and induce aliens to illegally come to, enter, and reside in the United States. JAIDI was arrested today in Ancramdale, New York, and will be presented this afternoon in White Plains federal court before the U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison. ESTRELLA remains at large.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman stated: “As alleged, the defendants abused our nation’s process for admitting consular officials in order to bring domestic workers into this country for their own monetary gain and lifestyle. On top of that, Maria Luisa Estrella Jaidi exploited these workers by not providing them the critical protections and benefits they would have been entitled to had they been properly brought to this country with the appropriate visas. Today’s charges demonstrate that fraud and abuse of this type will not be tolerated.”
DSS Director Christian J. Schurman said: “DSS demonstrated its commitment to protecting the integrity of U.S. travel documents and the rights of foreign nationals visiting the United States. We will continue to pursue those who abuse domestic worker visas to manipulate and exploit their employees for personal gain. DSS’s strong relationship with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, continues to be essential in the pursuit of justice.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed in White Plains federal court[1]:
From approximately 2006 up to 2016, JAIDI and ESTRELLA conspired with an individual not named as a defendant in the Complaint (“CC-1”) to fraudulently procure visas for at least seven Filipino domestic workers (the “Domestic Workers”). CC-1 is a diplomatic agent accredited to the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations (the “Moroccan Mission”) with the rank of Ambassador. From approximately 1980 through approximately 2016, CC-1 and JAIDI were married.
In order to fraudulently obtain visas for the Domestic Workers, JAIDI and CC-1 caused the Domestic Workers to submit visa applications containing materially false statements and to submit fraudulent employment contracts in support of those visa applications. ESTRELLA – who is JAIDI’s brother and who resides in the Philippines – helped recruit several of the Domestic Workers in the Philippines to work for JAIDI and CC-1 in the United States and instructed the Domestic Workers to make false statements in their visa applications and to officials at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
In particular, ESTRELLA, JAIDI, and CC-1 caused five of the Domestic Workers to falsely state in their visa applications that they would be employed as secretaries, administrative assistants, or technicians at the Moroccan Mission or at the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco in Manhattan. In addition, ESTRELLA, JAIDI, and CC-1 caused each of the Domestic Workers to submit fraudulent employment contracts to the State Department in support of their visa applications. The fraudulent employment contracts also overstated the Domestic Workers’ salaries, understated their hours, and falsely guaranteed benefits, including, among others, sick leave, dental insurance, and medical insurance.
Once the Domestic Workers arrived in the United States, JAIDI and CC-1 employed the workers as their personal drivers, domestic helpers, farmhands, and assistants at their residence in Bronxville, New York, as well as at their farm in Ancramdale, New York. JAIDI and CC-1 paid the Domestic Workers significantly less than the minimum salary required by law and regularly compelled them to work far in excess of 40 hours per week. In addition, JAIDI and CC-1 generally denied the Domestic Workers the benefits set forth in their employment contracts, compelled the Domestic Workers to work seven days a week, and required the Domestic Workers to surrender their passports.
* * *
JAIDI, 60, of Bronxville, New York, and ESTRELLA 55, of Manila, Philippines, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud and make materially false statements, which carries a maximum sentence of five years, and one count of conspiracy to induce aliens to illegally come to, enter, and reside in the United States, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding work of the DSS Criminal Fraud Investigations Branch, the DSS Saint Albans Resident Office, the DSS New York Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division from the Albany District Office, the Yonkers Police Department, and the New York State Police. In addition, Mr. Berman thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of New York, the Community Development Project at the Urban Justice Center, and the Human Trafficking Program at the Worker Justice Center of New York for their assistance in this investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Sam Adelsberg and Gillian Grossman are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the descriptions of the Complaint constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Twenty-two people indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, heroin, fentanyl analogues including carfentanil and other drugs, which they sold in Euclid and Cleveland to customers from across Northeast OhioRead the Press Release
Twenty-two people were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic fentanyl, heroin, fentanyl analogues including carfentanil and other drugs, which they sold in Euclid and Cleveland to customers from across Northeast Ohio.
Named in the 42-count indictment are: Joseph P. Gray, Jr., 30; Malcolm Gibson, 26; Samuel Gibson, 26; Mark Evans, 44; Westley Siggers, 37; Raqwan Ofield, 22; Paul Bell, 33; Larry Jackson, 30; Ricky Jackson, 29; Brendan Craig, 29; Aaron Crosby, 29; Chino Massey, 30; Shondell Mack, 28; Lejon Kidd, Jr., 22; Da’eon Gray, 22; Aminah Colvin, 25; Shanita Jennings, 29; Leanna Nabulsi, 27; George Salem, 22; Jeffrey Auvil, 36; William Bloomfield, 33, and Christina Gordenier, 42.
According to the indictment:
Gray led a drug trafficking organization that sold heroin, fentanyl, fentanyl analogues (such as carfentanil or acetylfentanyl), crack cocaine and powder cocaine. It concentrated on customers from the east side of Cleveland, Euclid and Lake County. The “heroin” sold by the group was generally fentanyl, fentanyl analogues or a mixture of those drugs and heroin.
Members of the conspiracy used phones in the names of other people to avoid detection by law enforcement. They shared a single “customer phone” that was passed between members of the conspiracy so that customers could obtain drugs at any hour, day or night.
Siggers, Ofield, Ricky Jackson, Crosby, Massey, Kidd and other members of the organization primarily sold to their own customer bases, but coordinated with Gray to keep an inventory of drugs available for sale. The Gray organization discussed not keeping a large inventory of drugs on hand because of the legal and financial risk. They often re-supplied in small quantities, sometimes on a daily basis.
They directed customers to specific locations where they would meet and sell drugs, including a residence on Arcade Avenue in Cleveland, a residence on Huntmere Avenue in Cleveland, the parking lot of a Family Dollar Store in Cleveland and the intersection of East 246th Street and Ellsworth Avenue in Euclid.
They also used a commercial property on Holmes Avenue in Cleveland as a centralized location to weigh and package drugs, conduct drug transaction and counting and dividing drug trafficking profits.
The drug organization accepted payments in cash, through the purchase of gasoline and other goods, and through digital payment services such as Cash App.
Gray and others possessed and used firearms to protect their drug trafficking activities.
Siggers in January 2018 possessed six grams of cocaine and four grams of a mixture of carfentanil, heroin and cocaine in Willoughby.
Siggers also sold a mixture of heroin, fentanyl and fentanyl analogues on June 6, 2018 in Wickliffe, and the buyer overdosed. When officers attempted to stop Siggers, he fled. He possessed 29 grams of fentanyl analogues and nearly five grams of cocaine
Gray on January 8, 2019, possessed a loaded Sig Sauer .40-caliber pistol, two grams of crack cocaine and nearly five grams of fentanyl analogues when he was arrested Cleveland after fleeing from law enforcement. Gray was charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On January 10, 2019, Gray, Crosby, Ofield and Gray and others possessed at the shop on Holmes Avenue a money counter, a scale, drug packaging materials and a range of drugs, including approximately 37 grams of crack cocaine, four grams of a mixture of heroin, fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, one gram of a mixture of fentanyl, carfentanil and heroin, one gram of a mixture of fentanyl and cocaine.
“These defendants sold deadly drugs, including fentanyl, carfentanil and heroin, to customers who came into Cleveland and Euclid from across the region,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will aggressively prosecute those who seek to profit from this drug epidemic that has affected so many of our friends and neighbors.”
“This investigation is a result of the dedication of the men and women of the Cleveland OCDETF Strike Force,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. Plancon. “Their efforts have resulted in the arrests of individuals who had no regard for the destruction their drug trafficking actions inflicted on northeast Ohio communities. DEA’s goal is to keep the public safe from the dangers of drug abuse. DEA will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who look to exploit the vulnerabilities of others are brought to justice.
Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer said: “The Euclid Police Department would like to thank our federal, state, county and local partners. I want to specifically recognize the DEA and our task force partnership with that organization. Law enforcement has an obligation to address the dysfunction, chaos and danger created by those who choose to traffic in drug and gun violence. The Euclid Police Department will continue to proactively address those who participate in illicit and violent activities which have an adverse and negative impact on our community. Euclid is a diverse community of good, hardworking and caring residents. We will continue to work with any individual, group or organization that shares the mission of making Euclid a safe and vibrant community for all.”
"The importance of collaboration and teamwork in law enforcement operations cannot be understated," said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin D. Williams. "This particular investigation spanned multiple counties, cities and communities and would not have come together so comprehensively without the partnerships between the agencies you see here today. The hard work of the investigators, detectives, agents and attorneys has paid off in the indictment announced today."
The case remains under investigation.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Cleveland Division of Police, the Euclid Police Department, and the Suburban Police Anti-Crime Network, which includes the police departments of Lyndhurst, Highland Heights, Mayfield Heights, Mayfield Village and Richmond Heights. This case was investigated as part of the Cleveland Strike Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa T. Darden and Elliot Morrison.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The OCDETF Program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking, money laundering and violent criminal organizations operating domestically and internationally. The principle mission of the OCDETF Program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering and violent criminal organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Toledo man currently serving 18 years in state prison for shooting at police officers indicted in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to traffic fentanyl and heroinRead the Press Release
A Toledo man currently serving 18 years in state prison for shooting at police officers was indicted in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to traffic fentanyl and heroin.
Jayvon Wynne, 23, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Others previously indicted in for their alleged roles in the conspiracy include:
Terrance Allen, 25; Nathaniel Barringer, 23; Chad Burkholder, 34; Megan Champion, 40; Ryin Douglas-Reed, 28; Laurie Lehman, 49; Donte Walker, 30, and Russell Watson, 37, all of Toledo.
All are charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin and 400 grams of fentanyl. The conspiracy took place from March 2018 through this month, according to the indictment.
Wynne possessed a Glock 9 mm pistol on July 25, 2017, which he used in furtherance of drug trafficking. On the same day, he possessed more than five grams of heroin, according to the indictment.
“These defendants worked together to sell large amounts of fentanyl, which has killed so many of our neighbors,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will work with federal agents and police officers to prosecute those who would profit from this drug epidemic.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith said: “This group of individuals brought drugs and violence to the streets of our community. Collaborative law enforcement actions will hold them accountable for the danger they have caused.”
“This is just another example of how the Toledo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation work together to keep all Toledoans safe,” Toledo Police Chief George Kral said. “This operation has identified numerous individuals who, through their actions, have victimized and harmed many. The City of Toledo is a safer place with these people behind bars. Those in our community who continue to sell drugs, carry firearms and victimize others should take notice of these arrests. We now hope that the judiciary will impose the harshest of sentences if convictions are realized.”
"This is yet another example of TPD, working in conjunction with our State and Federal law enforcement partners, taking the most dangerous individuals off of Toledo's streets" said Toledo Police Chief George Kral. "This four year investigation culminated in at least thirty charges on nine different defendants. These individuals posed a clear and present danger to the citizens of this city. As shown by one of the defendants, Jayvon Wynnne, who, in addition to this case, was convicted of shooting at a TPD detective on the night of December 6, 2018. TPD will never stop identifying, investigating, and assisting in the prosecution of Toledo's most prolific offenders."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Toledo Police Department, the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force and Northwest Ohio Violent Crime Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alissa M. Sterling.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Tobacco Wholesaler Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Defrauding Connecticut of $5.8 Million in TaxesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAVAN VASWANI, 40, a citizen of India residing in West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 18 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release, for his role in a scheme to defraud the State of Connecticut of more than $5.8 million in taxes due on tobacco products imported into the state.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the State of Connecticut imposes tax on tobacco products imported into Connecticut for distribution within Connecticut. Tobacco amounts purchased, and taxes due, are reported on Forms OP-300, which are filed with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.
For several years until 2012, Rishi Malik and a partner operated Connecticut Discounts LLC, a tobacco wholesale business based in Bridgeport. Through that company, Malik obtained tobacco products from out-of-state suppliers and distributed the products to a network of clients who offered tobacco products for retail sale. While operating Connecticut Discounts, Malik caused OP-300 forms to be filed with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, which underreported the amount of tobacco he imported into the state for distribution.
In June 2012, Malik sold Connecticut Discounts to Vaswani. Vaswani, with Malik’s assistance, continued the tobacco wholesale business under the name KDV Discounts, LLC. Between January 2013 and April 2017, KDV acquired almost $12 million in tobacco products, primarily cigars and other products, from suppliers in Pennsylvania, and distributed these products to hundreds of customers in Connecticut that stocked tobacco products for retail sale. On the OP-300 forms that Vaswani filed with the Department of Revenue Services on behalf of KDV, the amounts reported were a small fraction of what KDV actually acquired. Through this scheme, Vaswani failed to report approximately $5,821,057 in tax to the State of Connecticut.
In 2014, Malik registered Discount Deals, LLC, with an address in Sciota, Pennsylvania. Malik held out Discount Deals to be a tobacco distribution business. However, the unit he rented was not a space for a legitimate tobacco business and was maintained to create the appearance that Discount Deals was a legitimate Pennsylvania-based tobacco wholesaler. Between 2014 and at least April 2017, to subvert other federal regulations regarding interstate transport of smokeless tobacco, Malik used Discount Deals to purchase more than $1.1 million in smokeless tobacco products from Pennsylvania suppliers. A substantial amount of these smokeless tobacco products were provided to KDV for distribution in Connecticut. Discount Deals made no tax payments to the State of Connecticut between 2014 and 2017, and approximately $400,000 in smokeless tobacco tax was not reported to Connecticut or other states.
Judge Hall ordered Vaswani and Malik to pay restitution of $5,821,057.
Malik and Vaswani were arrested on January 11, 2018. On August 21, 2018, Vaswani pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to violate the Contraband Cigarette Trafficking Act (“CCTA”), and one count of wire fraud.
Malik, 46, a citizen of India residing in Fairfield, pleaded guilty to the same offenses on October 30, 2018. On February 13, 2019, he was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment. Malik faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term.
Vaswani, who is released on a $250,000 bond, is required to report to prison on May 30, 2019.
This matter was being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, Criminal Investigations Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Laraia and Michael S. McGarry.
Statement of United States Attorney Mike Stuart Regarding West Virginia's Back the Blue License PlateRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart issued the following statement regarding the West Virginia Legislature’s passage of a bill designating a “Back the Blue” license plate.
“It was almost one year ago that I rolled out the proposal for a Back the Blue license plate in partnership with the West Virginia FOP. I am so proud that West Virginia is now one of the first states in the country to have a specialized license plate that will allow West Virginians to recognize, honor and show their support for our law enforcement personnel. The West Virginia Legislature passed House Bill 2846 and it now awaits the Governor’s signature. I want to extend my thanks to the West Virginia FOP and all those involved in making the West Virginia Back the Blue license plate a reality.”
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St. Thomas Man Sentenced to 150 Months in Federal Prison for Transporting a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Osvaldo Tavarez, 48, of St. Thomas, was sentenced today as a result of his conviction for transporting a minor for illegal sexual activity, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez sentenced Tavarez to 150 months incarceration, a life time of supervised release, and a $100 Special Assessment. As part of his sentence, Tavarez also is required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, on or around January 30, 2018, Tavarez transported a 13-year old minor child who resided in his household, from the Bovoni area to Mariendahl, where he engaged in sexual intercourse with the minor, which would constitute first-degree aggravated rape under Virgin Islands law.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 30 years for Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence and Attempted Murder Following Shooting Incident at Frederiksted Waste SiteRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Daniel Carino, age 37, of St. Croix, was sentenced to ten years of incarceration for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and to a consecutive sentence of twenty years for attempted murder, by District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis on March 13, 2019. Judge Lewis also ordered Carino to pay restitution in the amount of $51,786.00 for the victim’s medical expenses, to supervised release for five years and to pay a special assessment of $100.00. She did not impose a fine.
On November 15, 2016, a jury convicted Carino of the charges listed above. Evidence presented at trial established that on December 19, 2015, Carino approached the victim at the Concordia garbage bin site in Frederiksted, St. Croix. An argument ensued during which Carino drew a firearm and shot the victim in the chest and leg. After he was shot, the victim wrestled the firearm away from Carino who ran to his vehicle and drove away. With the aid of his minor son, the victim drove his truck to Queen Mary Highway where he obtained assistance. Later that evening, the victim selected Carino from a photo array while at the hospital emergency room. Police apprehended Carino at a festival event that night.
The case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso Andrews, Jr.
Six Individuals and Two Companies Charged in Illegal Dietary Supplement SchemeRead the Press Release
Six people and two Florida corporations were charged in an indictment for their roles in a scheme to distribute illegal dietary supplements, the Department of Justice announced today.
Phillip Braun, 38, of Boca Raton, Florida, Aaron Singerman, 39, of Delray Beach, Florida, Robert DiMaggio, 49, of Henderson, Nevada, Anthony Ventrella, 41, of Boynton Beach, Florida, David Winsauer, 32, of Boca Raton, Florida, and James Boccuzzi, 34, of Parkland, Florida, were charged in a 14-count indictment that was returned by a federal grand jury in Miami, Florida on March 7, 2019, and was unsealed today. The indictment also charged Blackstone Labs and Ventech Labs, two Florida limited liability companies in Palm Beach County, Florida.
The indictment alleges that the defendants sold hundreds of thousands of illegal products, including anabolic steroids, nationwide and internationally, fraudulently representing that those products and pills were high-quality, legal dietary supplements. According to the indictment, the defendants created an illicit manufacturing company and routed sales of illegal products through trusted distributors, knowing that the products were unsafe or could not legally be sold to consumers.
“Fraud by supplement manufacturers and distributors is extremely dangerous for consumers, who rightly assume that a dietary supplement product sold in stores or online will not contain unapproved drugs,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “These products are not safe and that is why we will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute those who import, manufacture, and distribute dangerous and illegal ingredients for fraudulent purposes.”
“Consumers who use dietary supplements expect those products to be safe. When they contain drugs that are not FDA-approved, the health of the public is put at risk,” said Catherine A. Hermsen, Acting Director, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who place consumers’ health in jeopardy.”
All of the defendants were charged with one count of a conspiracy to defraud consumers and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by selling products labeled as dietary supplements that contained unapproved new drugs, illegal steroids, and other ingredients that were hazardous and prohibited by law. The indictment also charges Braun, an owner of Blackstone Labs, and Singerman, a former company owner, with two counts of introducing a product known as Super DMZ RX 2.0, an unapproved new drug, into interstate commerce. The maximum punishment for the conspiracy to defraud is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The maximum punishment for each of the two counts of introducing an unapproved new drug is three years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
The indictment further charges Braun, Singerman, and six other defendants with one count of a conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, which are Schedule III controlled substances under federal law and which may cause kidney failure, liver damage, and other permanent health problems when misused. The indictment alleges that one person suffered serious bodily injury from the use of one of the steroids involved in the conspiracy. The maximum punishment for the conspiracy to distribute controlled substances is 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $500,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
The indictment additionally charges several defendants in three separate counts of distribution of anabolic steroids and charges Ventrella with one count of possession of an anabolic steroid with the intent to distribute. The maximum punishment for each count of distribution of a controlled substance and for the count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute is 10 years in prison and a fine of $500,000. Finally, Braun and Singerman are each charged with three counts of money laundering. The maximum punishment for each money laundering charge is 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of the property involved in the money laundering transaction.
“Illegal dietary supplements pose a public health risk,” stated U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and our partners at the Food and Drug Administration strive to ensure that consumers are fully apprised of the ingredients contained in the substances they are ingesting. Those who attempt to circumvent the law and create a public safety hazard will be held accountable.”
This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Alistair Reader and David Frank of the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, with assistance from Daren Grove, Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. The case was investigated by FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations with assistance from Sarah Hawkins of the Office of Chief Counsel.An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
Note: Ongoing updates for victims can be followed at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch/case/united-states-v-braun-etal .
Sioux Falls Woman Charged with Distribution and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Distribution and Receipt of Child Pornography.
Sharon Dvorak, age 49, was indicted on March 5, 2019. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 11, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between July 16, 2018, and July 10, 2018, Dvorak knowingly received and distributed, and attempted to receive and distribute, any child pornography, that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.
The charge is merely an accusation and Dvorak is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.
Dvorak was released on bond pending trial, which has not been set.
School Athletic Trainer Charged with Enticing A Minor and Production of Child PornographyRead 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 Austin Pratt, 30, of Conesus, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with enticement of a minor and production of child pornography. The charges carry a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on January 12, 2019, the New York State Police were notified by the parents of a teenaged minor girl (the victim) that they found a large amount of text messages on their daughter’s phone from her school athletic trainer, the defendant.
During an interview with the victim, she told investigators that in November 2018, Pratt began texting her. Simple texts regarding an injury the victim suffered led to nude photographs being exchanged between the two using Instagram. Some of the text messages between the defendant and the victim included:
• “I seriously cannot stop thinking about you or wanting you. This is crazy to me for only knowing you for a few weeks and I'm not sure how to navigate these feelings as I'm obviously married and our age difference which plays a huge role in all this. I love talking to you and being around you and all I want is to be with you. I hate the fact that I am 16 years older than you and that we have to hide and be sneaky.”
• “Nothing would happen to you lol. My life would be ruined.” The victim responded, “You get divorce papers and 20 years in jail.” Pratt responded, “Yuppppp... gotta be super sneaky.”Subsequently, according to the complaint, Pratt and the victim engaged in sexual intercourse on January 7, 2019, at the victim’s home.
Pratt made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman and is being held pending a detention hearing on March 14, 2019, at 9:30 a.m.The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton, the Rochester Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, and the Livingston County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Gregory J. McCaffrey.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Schoharie County Man Arrested for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Angel M. Gomez, age 26, of Richmondville, New York, was arrested yesterday on charges of distributing child pornography.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Kevin M. Kelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Gomez initially appeared yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart. Today, Gomez waived his right to a detention hearing, subject to renewal of that right upon further notice.
If convicted, Gomez faces at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison, and a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Additionally, if convicted, Gomez would be required to register as a sex offender.
This case is being investigated by HSI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily C. Powers.
Rochester Gun Trafficker Pleads GuiltyRead 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 Warren L. Vick, Jr., 32, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to dealing firearms without a license. The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that between June 2018 and August 29, 2018, Vick sold as many as 25 firearms to individuals in the City of Rochester that he illegally obtained in Ohio. At least one of the firearms included a semi-automatic firearm capable of accepting a large capacity magazine which could be loaded with more than 15 rounds of ammunition.
On August 29, 2018, law enforcement officers attempted to stop Vick as he drove a 2016 Dodge Challenger. The defendant drove off, crashed the Challenger, and escaped on foot. Inside the vehicle, officers recovered a .40 caliber handgun and over 40 rounds of ammunition. Vick was arrested on August 31, 2018.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of and Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division, the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Simmons, and the United States Marshal Service, under the direction of United States Marshal Charles Salina.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 13, 2019, at 9:15 a.m. before Judge Siragusa.
Restaurant Manager Sentenced for Hiring Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Jose Sanchez-Ocampo, 38, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to unlawfully employ 10 illegal aliens in a 12-month period, was sentenced to time served by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. In addition, the defendant is subject to removal proceedings by Homeland Security Invesitgations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, who handled the case, stated Sanchez-Ocampo was the manager of Don Tequila Restaurant on Allen Street in Buffalo. In that capacity, the defendant hired at least 10 illegal aliens to work at Don Tequila and other restaurants.
Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Jonathan D. Larsen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Office; and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, under the direction of New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
Princess Anne Man Convicted after Federal Trial for Brandishing a Firearm During and in Furtherance of the Armed Robbery of an Armored Vehicle in Salisbury, MarylandRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury today convicted Ryan Shevin Smith, age 39, of Princess Anne, Maryland, for brandishing a firearm during and in furtherance of a crime of violence, specifically, the robbery of an armored vehicle in Salisbury, Maryland on January 22, 2018. Smith had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit the robbery and to participating in the robbery.
The guilty verdict was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Acting Special Agent in Charge Jennifer L. Moore of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and Salisbury Police Chief Barbara Duncan.
According to the evidence presented at his two-day trial and court documents, at approximately 7:15 a.m. on January 22, 2018, Smith and his co-defendants, Michael Watts and Orneth South, approached the driver of the armored vehicle as he was removing cash cassettes from an ATM machine at a credit union on Mt. Hebron Road in Salisbury, Maryland. Co-defendant Michael Watts placed a .40-caliber handgun to the driver’s head and disarmed him of his service weapon. Watts testified that he got the .40-caliber handgun from Smith, which was named “Big Nasty,” and that Smith took the gun back after the robbery. Watts then grabbed the driver by the hair and order him to open the door of the armored vehicle. After the driver opened the door, Smith and South removed several bags of money from the vehicle, as well as ATM cassettes filled with cash. Watts then forced the driver into the vehicle, where he used zip ties to secure the driver’s hands. The robbers then fled with the money, stealing a total of $1,324,288. The robbers went to Smith’s residence in nearby Princess Anne and divided the stolen money. South and Watts then left and headed south, toward North Carolina.
On April 20, 2018, Orneth South, age 49, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was arrested on a warrant issued as a result of the robbery, and pleaded guilty to his role in the armored car robbery in Maryland, as well as a robbery in North Carolina. On January 31, 2019, co-defendant Michael Watts, a/k/a “Turtle,” age 42, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty to his role in the robbery. Watts was arrested on May 18, 2018, in Queens, New York, and at the time of his arrest, was wearing approximately $70,000 in jewelry, including a custom turtle pendant, which was purchased with the proceeds of the armored vehicle robbery. Watts also admitted using his portion of the stolen money to purchase a Mercedes S430 automobile, clothes, two tombstones, and to pay off bills and rent.
The government will be seeking restitution in the full amount of the victim’s loss, which is at least $1,324,288.
Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for Smith on June 17, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. Judge Bennett has scheduled sentencing for Watts on May 1, 2019 and for South on May 8, 2019, both at 3:00 p.m.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI and the Salisbury Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys P. Michael Cunningham and Paul A. Riley, who are prosecuting the case.
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Prentiss Man Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine PossessionRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss – Clarence Steele, 35, of Perkinston, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to serve 70 months in federal prison, followed by 7 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Steele was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
An investigation by the DEA revealed that Steele was a distributor of methamphetamine in the Perry County area. On February 5, 2018 in Beaumont, Steele sold approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine to a DEA confidential source for $700. On February 20, 2018, also in Beaumont, Steele sold approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine to a DEA confidential source for $700. Steele pled guilty on December 6, 2018 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Prentiss Man Sentenced to 5 years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine PossessionRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss – Rodrickus Easterling, 30, of Prentiss, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possessession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Easterling was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
On July 16, 2015, in Prentiss, Mississippi, Easterling and his co-defendant, Hilton Ross, Jr., sold 81.7 grams of methamphetamine to a DEA confidential source for $2,400. Easterling pled guilty on December 6, 2018, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Ross, Jr. pled guilty for his role and was sentenced by Judge Starrett to serve 125 months in federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Hiring Undercover DEA Agent to Murder a Relative in CaliforniaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to a term of eight years (96 months) in prison and three years of supervised release on one count of using interstate commerce facilities in connection with a murder for hire, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence upon Brad Lanese, 52. Lanese was originally charged by complaint on December 8, 2017 and detained after his initial appearance and detention hearing.
The court was advised that Brad Lanese and two associates – identified as C.B and his wife, L.D. - ran a large marijuana grow operation in Northern California. When Lanese and L.D. began having difficulties, Lanese was asked to leave the property. Back in Pittsburgh, Lanese contacted a confidential source for the Drug Enforcement Agency and asked that source to travel with him to Northern California in order to rob C.B. and L.D. of the profits from the marijuana grow operation.
On October 31, 2017, Lanese and the confidential source travelled to California. The next day, Lanese and the confidential source met with "Deeds", a DEA operative acting in an undercover capacity who was to provide firearms and logistical support for the robbery. Lanese told "Deeds" that he no longer wanted to rob C.B., but wanted "Deeds" to murder someone instead. Lanese then hired "Deeds" to kill L.D. by injecting L.D. with a fatal dose of heroin/fentanyl mix in the marijuana fields, and pushing L.D.’s body and car over the cliffs and into the Pacific Ocean. Lanese told "Deeds" that once L.D. was dead, he would be able to return to the marijuana grow operation and pay "Deeds" for the murder.
On November 14, 2017, back in Pittsburgh, Lanese confirmed to "Deeds" that he wanted L.D. to be murdered and agreed to pay $30,000 for the murder.
The Drug Enforcement Agency - Pittsburgh Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Pittsburgh Division, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics and Vice Division, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Agency - Santa Rosa, California Division, conducted the investigation that led to the guilty plea and sentence in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California also assisted in the prosecution of this case.
Pittsburgh Man Facing Multiple Charges after Attempting to Extort an Undercover FBI Task Force Officer as part of a Kidnapping HoaxRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh and charged with violations of the federal robbery, extortion, firearms and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The six-count Indictment, returned on March 12, named Kevin Harris, 37, as the defendant. Harris was initially charged by criminal complaint on December 21, 2018. Prior to indictment, on March 11, 2019, a Magistrate Judge conducted a detention hearing on the charges listed in the complaint, and ordered Harris detained pending trial.
According to the Indictment, from in and around September 1, 2017 to September 18, 2018, Harris conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute marijuana. Also on September 18, 2018, Harris is charged with committing Attempted Hobbs Act Extortion, Hobbs Act Robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and/or a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and/or a drug trafficking crime.
According to information presented in the complaint and at the detention hearing, the charges in the indictment relate to Harris’ attempt to extort an undercover FBI Task Force Officer as part of a kidnapping hoax.
The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 17 years in prison up to life, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, Stowe-Rox Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pittsburgh Felon Indicted for Illegally Possessing a Semi-Automatic RifleRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a resident of Pittsburgh, PA, with a violation of federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on March 12, named James Robert Snyder, 27, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, on February 15, 2019, Snyder illegally possessed a 5.45x39mm caliber semi-automatic Saiga rifle. Snyder was previously convicted of a felony drug offense on October 16, 2014, and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
The law provides for a maximum sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pinon Man Sentenced to 4 Years for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PHOENIX– On March 11, 2019, Rodney Vern Buckinghorse, 38 of Pinon, Ariz., was sentenced by District Judge G. Murray Snow to 48 months’ imprisonment. Buckinghorse had previously pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On April 28, 2018, Buckinghorse possessed approximately 84 grams of methamphetamine and intended to distribute it to another person. Buckinghorse is a member of the Navajo Nation.
Navajo Nation Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. The prosecution was handled by Kiyoko Patterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-8241-PCT-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2019-032_Buckinghorse
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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.
Philadelphia-Area Doctor Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
A Philadelphia-area doctor pleaded guilty today to illegal distribution of oxycodone.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Harpster of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Philadelphia Regional Office, Special Agent in Charge Jonathan A. Wilson of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division and U.S. Marshal David B. Webb of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.
Richard Ira Mintz, D.O., 69, of Dresher, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to eight counts of distributing controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose before U.S. District Court Judge Michael M. Baylson of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 11.
“Richard Ira Mintz violated both his professional duty and the law by selling prescriptions for addictive opioids for individuals he never examined who had no medical need for the drugs,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “Halting the deadly scourge of opioids requires aggressively pursuing corrupt medical professionals who contribute to the opioid epidemic — and that is precisely why we created this regional Strike Force. I want to commend our prosecutors and all of our Strike Force partners for their ongoing work on this vital law enforcement priority.”
“Instead of adhering to his oath to ‘do no harm,’ this doctor chose to use his prescription pad to do just the opposite: with every stroke of the pen, he pushed dangerous opioids onto the streets and turned an illegal profit,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “It is because of the partnership between the Department of Justice’s Criminal Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney Offices of the District of New Jersey and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania that this doctor will be held accountable for his actions. “
“Yet another long-time physician is caught illicitly pushing pills,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Harpster. “Despite all that education and experience, at some point Richard Mintz’s priorities shifted and his ethics lapsed. Doctors dealing oxycodone to anyone who can pay for it are directly fueling the opioid crisis, and the FBI will continue to investigate and bring to justice medical professionals involved in this dangerous drug diversion.”
“Prescribing deadly opioids without regard to the consequences simply cannot be tolerated,” said HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Dixon. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable criminals who scheme to profit from prescribing medically unnecessary drugs.”
“This case is just one of many examples of federal law enforcement agencies working in close cooperation with each other to investigate and prosecute doctors who are prescribing and dispensing controlled substance medications without any legitimate medical purpose,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Wilson.
In pleading guilty, Mintz admitted that, from about July 2016 through about July 2018, he worked at a medical practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He admitted that he sold eight fraudulent and medically unnecessary oxycodone prescriptions. Michael Young, charged elsewhere, purchased the 120 tablet 30 mg oxycodone prescriptions for $120 per person. Mintz wrote the prescriptions in the names of three individuals whom he had never met or examined.
This case was investigated by the FBI, HHS-OIG, DEA and the U.S. Marshals Service. Trial Attorney Adam Yoffie of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion.
Philadelphia-Area Doctor Pleads Guilty to Eight Counts of Unlawfully Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced today that Richard Ira Mintz, D.O., 69, of Dresher, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to eight counts of distributing controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
From approximately July 2016 through July 2018, Mintz worked at a medical practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he sold fraudulent and medically unnecessary oxycodone prescriptions. Mintz wrote the prescriptions in the names of three individuals whom he had never met or examined.
This case originated as part of a regional Medicare Fraud Strike Force that operates in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the District of New Jersey. The Strike Force is a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion.
“Richard Ira Mintz violated both his professional duty and the law by selling prescriptions for addictive opioids for individuals he never examined who had no medical need for the drugs,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “Halting the deadly scourge of opioids requires aggressively pursuing corrupt medical professionals who contribute to the opioid epidemic — and that is precisely why we created this regional Strike Force. I want to commend our prosecutors and all of our Strike Force partners for their ongoing work on this vital law enforcement priority.”
“Instead of adhering to his oath to ‘do no harm,’ this doctor chose to use his prescription pad to do just the opposite: with every stroke of the pen, he pushed dangerous opioids onto the streets and turned an illegal profit,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “As I stated at the launch of this new regional Strike Force partnership between the Department of Justice’s Criminal Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the District of New Jersey, combatting the opioid epidemic is a major priority of my Office. “Physicians who abuse their positions of trust within the community for financial gain will be held accountable by my Office.”
“Yet another long-time physician is caught illicitly pushing pills,” said Michael T. Harpster, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Philadephia Field Division. “Despite all that education and experience, at some point Richard Mintz’s priorities shifted and his ethics lapsed. Doctors dealing oxycodone to anyone who can pay for it are directly fueling the opioid crisis, and the FBI will continue to investigate and bring to justice medical professionals involved in this dangerous drug diversion.”
“Prescribing deadly opioids without regard to the consequences simply cannot be tolerated,” said Maureen Dixon, Regional Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable criminals who scheme to profit from prescribing medically unnecessary drugs.”
“This case is just one of many examples of federal law enforcement agencies working in close cooperation with each other to investigate and prosecute doctors who are prescribing and dispensing controlled substance medications without any legitimate medical purpose,” said Jonathan Wilson, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration, Philadelphia Field Division.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Marshals’ Service. Trial Attorney Adam Yoffie of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case.
Owner of Washington, D.C.-Based Durable Medical Equipment Company Sentenced to Prison for Role in $9.8 Million Medicaid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
The owner of a Washington, D.C.-based durable medical equipment company was sentenced to 42 months in prison today for her role in a scheme to submit $9.8 million in fraudulent claims to Medicaid.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu of the District of Columbia, Assistant Director in Charge Nancy McNamara of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Philadelphia Regional Office and District of Columbia Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas made the announcement.
Waveney Blackman, 71, of Bowie, Maryland, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas F. Hogan of the District of Columbia, who also ordered her to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $9,412,394 in restitution. Blackman also will be required to forfeit $9,431,979. Blackman pleaded guilty in October 2018 to one count of health care fraud.
According to admissions made as part of her plea agreement, from approximately January 2010 through June 2016, Blackman, who owned WaveCare Health Services of Washington, D.C., billed Medicaid for expensive wound care products that were not purchased and not provided. Blackman submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicaid in the amount of approximately $9.8 million, and obtained in excess of $9.4 million in fraudulent proceeds. The proceeds from the fraudulent billing were traced to two bank accounts, a Mercedes, and seven real properties, all of which were seized by the government in June 2018.
The FBI, HHS-OIG and the District of Columbia’s Office of the Inspector General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Amy Markopoulos of the Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Miller from the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney Parker Tobin of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Owner of D.C.-Based Durable Medical Equipment Company Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison for Role in $9.8 Million Medicaid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The owner of a Washington, D.C.-based durable medical equipment company was sentenced to 42 months in prison today for her role in a scheme to submit $9.8 million in fraudulent claims to Medicaid.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu of the District of Columbia, Assistant Director in Charge Nancy McNamara of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Philadelphia Regional Office and District of Columbia Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas made the announcement.
Waveney Blackman, 71, of Bowie, Maryland, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas F. Hogan of the District of Columbia, who also ordered her to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $9,412,394 in restitution. Blackman also will be required to forfeit $9,431,979. Blackman pleaded guilty in October 2018 to one count of health care fraud.
According to admissions made as part of her plea agreement, from approximately January 2010 through June 2016, Blackman, who owned WaveCare Health Services of Washington, D.C., billed Medicaid for expensive wound care products that were not purchased and not provided. Blackman submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicaid in the amount of approximately $9.8 million, and obtained in excess of $9.4 million in fraudulent proceeds. The proceeds from the fraudulent billing were traced to two bank accounts, a Mercedes, and seven real properties, all of which were seized by the government in June 2018.
The FBI, HHS-OIG and the District of Columbia’s Office of the Inspector General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Amy Markopoulos of the Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Miller from the District of Columbia, and Trial Attorney Parker Tobin of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. Assistance was provided by Paralegal Specialist Robert Fishman of the Fraud Section and Paralegal Specialist Aisha Keys of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Oconee Woman Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison on Meth ChargeRead the Press Release
Greenville, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Tabitha A. Hammond, age 37, of Seneca, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins of Spartanburg sentenced Hammond to 216 months in federal prison.
Evidence presented to the court established that on August 8, 2017, an Oconee County deputy sheriff was patrolling in the Fair Play area when he observed a vehicle turn without signaling and then turn quickly into a residence before he could initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle stopped at the residence for just a few minutes and resumed travel. Upon observing a defective break light, he initiated a traffic stop. There were four persons in the car and no one had a valid driver’s license with them. The deputy observed much suspicious behavior, including extreme nervousness, attempts to hide the contents of various bags, and one passenger giving indications of flight. The deputy received consent to search from the driver and located more than five pounds of methamphetamine in a bag belonging to Hammond. After being given her Miranda warnings, Hammond admitted to engaging in drug trafficking activity.
This case was investigated by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office prosecuted the case.
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Notice of Court ProceedingsRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina -- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that arraignments have been scheduled for this afternoon in Columbia following the arrests yesterday in the Aiken-area pursuant to the multi-agency and jurisdictional “Operation Gunsmoke.” United States Magistrate Judge Paige Gossett will preside.
WHEN: Wednesday March 13, 2019, at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Matthew J. Perry, Jr., Courthouse
Courtroom #7
901 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201
The following individuals will be making initial appearances for arraignment and bond purposes:
Heather Collins, 42, of Aiken, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, and Methamphetamine, and multiple counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine and Crack Cocaine;
Cornelious F. McKie, 42, of Aiken, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, and Methamphetamine, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, and Methamphetamine;
Reihn Dracon Jennings, a/k/a “Red,” 28, of Aiken, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, and Methamphetamine, Distribution of Crack Cocaine, multiple counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Using and Carrying a Firearm During and In Relation to and in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
Christopher Johnson, a/k/a “Crip,” 32, of Aiken, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, and Methamphetamine, Distribution of Crack Cocaine, and multiple counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
Kevin D. Sheppard, a/k/a “Bean O”, 35, of Jackson, South Carolina, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, and Methamphetamine, multiple counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Using and Carrying a Firearm During and In Relation to and In Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Dealing in Firearms without a License;
Jerome Morris Simmons, 38, of Aiken, charged with Distribution of Cocaine, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Using and Carrying a Firearm During and In Relation to and In Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Dealing in Firearms without a License;
Keith Williams, 29, of Beech Island, South Carolina, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Distribution of Methamphetamine, Using and Carrying a Firearm During and In Relation to and In Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Dealing in Firearms without a License;
Charlie Edward Carter, 31, of Beech Island, charged with Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Dealing in Firearms without a License;
Ray Hampton Baughman, 48, of New Ellenton, South Carolina, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
Xavier Mathaney, 26, of Aiken, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
U.S. Attorney Lydon stated that all charges in the indictments are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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North Royalton man sentenced to prison and ordered to repay $245,000 he fraudulently received from Social Security and Ohio Workers’ CompensationRead the Press Release
A North Royalton man was sentenced to seven months in prison and ordered to repay the $245,000 he fraudulently received from Social Security and Ohio Workers’ Compensation.
Louis C. Cooper, 57, previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud and theft of government property.
Cooper fraudulently collected benefits from Social Security and Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation while concealing his employment as a general contractor. Cooper had been entitled to disability payments from a work-related injury in 1996. However, Cooper was required to report to both agencies whether he returned to work, which would terminate his ability to receive continued payments from both agencies, according to court documents.
Cooper developed a scheme where he could conceal his income as general contractor by asking his clients to not pay him directly. For the past eight years, Cooper earned at least $185,000 as a general contractor, but reported to both agencies numerous times that he was too injured to work in order to fraudulently secure an additional $245,000 total from both agencies, according to court documents.
Special Agents Kelly Clark from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and Mike George from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Special Investigations Department, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Payum Doroodian is prosecuting the case.
North Carolina Woman Admits to Embezzling More Than $130K from Connecticut CompanyRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SUSANNA KURUS, 43, of Garner, North Carolina, pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of wire fraud stemming from an embezzlement scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kurus formerly resided in Connecticut and was employed as the accounting manager for a company based in Stratford. Between approximately October 2014 and June 2017, Kurus used the company’s financial accounting software to transfer customer credits to at least six personal debit card accounts, and then used the money for her personal benefit. Through this scheme, she stole $133,870.55.
Kurus is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on June 10, 2019, at which time she faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Kurus is released on a $200,000 bond pending sentencing.
This matter has been investigated by the Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force, U.S. Secret Service and Stratford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
New York Man Charged in Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
ERIE, Pa. – A former resident of Bronx, New York has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Erie on a charges of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count indictment named Jared Devin Gomes, 39, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, between February 2018 and February 2019, Gomes conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distributed more than 40 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 120 years in prison, a fine of $15,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The EAGLE task force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New Haven Man Charged with Possessing Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging ABDURRAHMAN AKHDAR, 26, New Haven, with one count of possession of stolen firearms.
The indictment was returned on February 20, 2019. Akhdar appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford and entered a plea of not guilty to the offense.
The indictment alleges that, on November 30, 2015, Akhdar unlawfully possessed, stored and disposed of a Smith & Wesson .380 caliber pistol and a Colt .45 caliber pistol, both of which had travelled in interstate commerce. The indictment further alleges that Akhdar knew or had reasonable cause to believe the firearms were stolen.
If convicted of the offense, Akhdar faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
Akhdar is detained pending trial as he is currently serving a state prison sentence.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hamden Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.
Middle District of North Carolina U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects More Than $2.2 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2018Read the Press Release
Greensboro, NC - U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin announced today that the Middle District of North Carolina collected $2,235,279.81 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2018. Of this amount, $1,719,336.45 was collected in criminal actions and $515,943.36 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the Middle District of North Carolina worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $48,379.33 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $1,250.21 was collected in criminal actions and $47,129.12 was collected in civil actions.
As a whole, the Justice Department collected nearly $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2018. The $14,839,821,650 in collections in FY 2018 represents nearly seven times the appropriated $2.13 billion ($2,136,750,000) budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices.
“The men and women of the U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country work diligently, day in and day out, to see that the citizens of our nation receive justice. The money that we are able to recover for victims and this country as a whole is a direct result of their hard work,” Director James A. Crowell, IV, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys.
“Our office is dedicated to protecting our citizens, safeguarding taxpayer resources, and recovering ill-gotten gains from fraud, drug offenses, and other crimes and returning those funds to victims and to the treasury,” said United States Attorney Martin. “In FY2018, our office honored its ongoing commitment to seek justice for victims of crime and hold to account those who seek profit from illegal activities.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of North Carolina, working with partner agencies and divisions, also collected $2,860,479.00 in asset forfeiture actions during FY 2018. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
In May, the Middle District of North Carolina collected $55,267.16 from an account in the name of Kimberly Russell Hobson. Hobson, a former accounting and finance employee at High Point Regional Hospital, diverted almost $4 million of hospital funds to her own benefit over a period of approximately ten years. Hobson was sentenced to 102 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the full amount of the loss. In addition to the post-judgment collection from Hobson, investigators seized and forfeited cash, numerous vehicles, and other assets she purchased with proceeds of her schemes. All collections and monies recovered through forfeiture will be applied towards restitution in the case.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Education.
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