Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
8 March 2019
Jacksonville Man Arrested and Charged with Soliciting Child Pornography on Internet Blog WebsitesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Colum Patrick Moran, Jr. (40, Jacksonville) has been arrested and charged by federal criminal complaint with soliciting child pornography using the internet. If convicted, Moran faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to 30 years, in federal prison. Moran was arrested on March 6, 2019, and is currently detained.
According to the
complaint , from on or about December 28, 2016, through October 31, 2018, Moran, using the name “Emily lover” and the email address [email protected], made numerous postings to several internet blog websites hosted by mothers. These blog sites were designed and intended to share and exchange information about motherhood, raising children, and other related topics. Moran repeatedly posted sexually explicit comments about young children on these motherhood blogs and also solicited others to produce and post sexually explicit photos and videos of children on the blog sites.On March 6, 2019, FBI agents and other officers executed a search warrant at Moran’s apartment where Moran lived alone. The agents found a plastic storage bin containing at least 50 pairs of female child-sized underwear, a smart phone containing over 300 images depicting child pornography, a number of credit cards and Florida driver licenses that did not belong to Moran, and several firearms and a bulletproof vest. Moran was placed under arrest.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Los Angeles, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Jacksonville Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Todd Levant Asbey, Sr. (48, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Asbey, who qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal, faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the
plea agreement , on March 11, 2018, Asbey entered a Waffle House in Jacksonville carrying a 9 mm pistol, in search of an individual whom he believed had stolen his cellphone. After accosting a customer and striking him in the head, Asbey went out into the restaurant parking lot and discharged the pistol toward the customer and another individual, missing both. Patrol officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded pursuant to 911 calls and arrested Asbey as he was leaving the scene in a vehicle driven by a friend. In the vehicle, officers found the pistol Asbey had fired and two other firearms. The officers also located a cartridge case in the Waffle House parking lot that matched the pistol fired by Asbey. As a previously convicted felon, Asbey is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm.This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David B. Mesrobian and Frank Talbot.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Mark Cassity, 22, of Jackson, pled guilty today before U.S. Chief District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Dana Nichols, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
On June 8, 2018, during a traffic stop conducted by an officer of the Jackson Police Department, Cassity was arrested for providing false information. At the time of the arrest, a handgun was found in his front pocket. Cassity has a previous felony conviction for receiving stolen goods in 2015.
On December 11, 2018, Cassity was charged in a federal indictment with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He will be sentenced on June 14, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., by Judge Jordan, and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Honduran Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine and Firearm TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Honduran national pleaded guilty today to multiple cocaine and firearms trafficking charges.
According to court documents, Reyes Barrera Alachan, 38, sold a total of about 3/4 of a kilogram of cocaine to undercover law enforcement over the course of about six months. Alachan traveled from his residence in Maryland to North Carolina at least every other weekend to meet his sources of supply and obtain cocaine, which he redistributed to his customers in the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area. Alachan and his co-conspirators used coded language to communicate about drugs, such as the word “tires” to refer to cocaine, and “fajitas” to refer to methamphetamine.
In addition to his involvement in distributing cocaine, Alachan was also involved in illegal distribution of firearms, and sold a total of six firearms, as well as magazines and ammunition, to undercover law enforcement. The firearms he sold included semi-automatic weapons capable of carrying large-capacity magazines. When Alachan was arrested, law enforcement found him in possession of 5 ounces of cocaine, 4 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and gun ammunition.
Alachan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, distribution of cocaine, and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison when sentenced on June 28. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Tomb Stone. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of a 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.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Division at the Washington Field Office, Jesse R. Fong, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, and Barry M. Barnard, Chief of Prince William County Police, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine E. Rumbaugh and James P. Gillis are prosecuting the case.
This investigation was led by FBI Washington Field Office’s Safe Streets/HIDTA Task Force. The Task Force is composed of FBI Agents along with investigators from the Prince William County Police, the Fairfax County Police, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Leesburg Police Department, Alexandria City Police, Vienna Police, Herndon Police and ICE. Significant assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, FBI’s Charlotte Field Office, DEA’s Greensboro Resident Agency, and the Police Departments of Sanford, North Carolina and Fayetteville, North Carolina.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:18-cr-380 and 1:19-cr-73.
Homeland Security Investigations Analyst Found Guilty of False StatementsRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On March 6, 2019, Gregg A. Johnson, 42, of Tucson, Ariz., was found guilty by a federal jury of three counts of submitting false statements to a government agency. The case was tried before U.S. District Court Judge James A. Soto. Sentencing is set for May 20, 2019.
The evidence at trial established that, beginning in October, 2015, Johnson submitted three applications for federal employment with Homeland Security Investigations. In each application, Johnson falsely claimed that he had a Master of Arts in Theology and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. Johnson worked as a Computer Forensic Analyst for Homeland Security Investigations. All of the positions Johnson applied for required a Top Secret Security clearance.
A conviction for false statements to a government agency is a felony that carries a maximum penalty of five (5) years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Office of Professional Responsibility, Department of Homeland Security-ICE. The prosecution was handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
CASE NUMBER: CR-19-114-TUC-JAS (EJM)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2019-029_ Johnson
# # #
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.
Harrison County residents admit to role in methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Byron Higginbotham and Erica Herron, both of Clarksburg, West Virginia, have admitted to their roles in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Higginbotham, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Unregistered Firearm.” Higginbotham admitted to having an unregistered .20 caliber sawed-off shotgun in March 2018 in Harrison County.Erica Herron, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Herron admitted to selling methamphetamine in September 2017 in Harrison County.
Higginbotham faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Herron faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Georgia Man Sentenced for Jamaican Lottery ScamRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Georgia man was sentenced yesterday in federal district court in Boston for his role in a bogus advance fee Jamaican lottery scheme in which victims were defrauded of more than $1 million.
Peter Anthony Chin Jr., 35, of Atlanta, Ga., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 57 months in prison, two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,139,828 in restitution. In December 2018, Chin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
From 2012 to 2017, Chin was part of a scheme that targeted elderly individuals throughout the United States, including Massachusetts. The victms were informed via phone, email and mail that they had won millions of dollars in a lottery, but that they had to pay the taxes on their purported winnings before the funds could be released. Chin’s co-conspirators directed the victims to mail or wire funds to Chin or to his associates. Chin kept a portion of the funds for himself and then distributed the rest as directed by his co-conspirators, including sending significant amounts to Jamaica.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra S. Bower of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Galva Man to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced on March 7, 2019, in federal court in Sioux City.
Lee Charles Mercer, 42, from Galva, Iowa, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on August 21, 2018. Mercer was previously convicted of three separate felony drug offenses in the Iowa District Court in 2013, 2004 and 1998.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings, showed that from November 2017 through March 2018, Mercer was involved in a conspiracy that distributed more than 2500 grams of methamphetamine near Galva, Iowa. On March 12, 2018, Mercer was stopped for a traffic violation in Woodbury County, Iowa, and found in possession of meth, and $5,000 in cash. Mercer admitted he planned to distribute the methamphetamine to other persons. Mercer further admitted that he planned to use the $5,000 to purchase a pound of methamphetamine in Sioux City, Iowa.
Mercer was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Mercer was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a term of ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment. Mercer 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 Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux City Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-4018.
Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Galesburg Man Sentenced to Prison for Straw Purchase of GunsRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Galesburg, Ill., man, Marvin Louis Davis, 28, has been ordered to serve four years in federal prison after admitting that he lied when he purchased multiple guns from a licensed firearms dealer in Galesburg. On Sept. 27, 2018, Davis pleaded guilty to providing a false address to the firearms dealer in April 2016, when he purchased eight handguns and one long gun. At the time of purchase, Davis, in fact, lived in a public housing complex where firearms are prohibited.
At sentencing, on March 5, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow, the government presented evidence that one of the guns Davis purchased was later recovered at the scene of an armed robbery in Peoria; another was recovered at the scene of a shooting in Peoria. Other firearms were in the possession of a convicted felon.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Galesburg Police Department and the Peoria MEG conducted the criminal investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alyssa Raya and Kevin Knight represented the government in the case prosecution.
Davis has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since Jan. 11, 2019, when Davis’s pretrial release was revoked for violating his bond conditions.
Fraudulent "Credit Profile Number" Results in Two Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – DEMARR FANNELL GREER, 39, of Edmond, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for fraudulent use of a Social Security Number, announced Robert J. Troester of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
On April 17, 2018, a federal grand jury charged Greer with using interstate wire communications to defraud credit card issuers, automobile dealers, and other lenders between February and August 2016. According to the indictment, Greer obtained the Social Security Number of a person born in 2004 and used it as a "credit profile number"—also known as "credit privacy number" or a "credit protection number"—to establish what appeared to be good credit with consumer reporting agencies, such as TransUnion and Experian. After establishing good credit, he allegedly used the number to apply for a Discover Card and for a lease on a 2016 Dodge crew cab pickup. The indictment alleges he made little to no payments on his obligations and thus caused losses to businesses that had extended credit to him.
Greer pleaded guilty on October 20, 2018.
On March 7, 2019, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Greer to 24 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The sentence includes $22,734.08 in restitution: $16,528.95 to Motors Insurance Corporation, $5,000.00 to David Stanley Dodge, and $1,205.13 to Discovery Financial Services.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration—Office of Inspector General, the FBI, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Ogilvie prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for further information.
Four Romanian Nationals Indicted for Using the Identity of Another to Obtain "Skimmer" EquipmentRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Four Romanian nationals from Glendale, Arizona, were indicted for conspiring to commit bank fraud by using counterfeit credit and debit cards to make automated teller machine withdrawals, and to obtain the shipment of device-making equipment through U.S. Postal Service through the use of the identity of others.
On February 13, 2019, officers with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department discovered a package that was being mailed to a UPS store in Richmond Heights, Missouri. After obtaining a search warrant for the package they discovered that it contained two point-of-sale terminals with skimming devices attached. The point of sale terminals were of the type used by retail establishments when customers desire to pay with their credit and debit cards. Through use of the attached skimming devices, individuals are able to harvest the account information of the stores’ customers, and produce counterfeit cards embedded with the stolen information.
Stefan Unguru and wife, Gina Unguru, were arrested as they tried to retrieve the package from the UPS Store personnel. They also sought to pick up another package mailed to Stefan Unguru. That package contained an additional nine point-of-sale terminals.
A subsequent investigation by agents of the United States Secret Service and detectives of the St. Louis County Police Department revealed that between March 24, 2018 and March 26, 2018, Stefan Unguru, Banta Unguru, and Marcu Unguru used counterfeit cards embedded with the account information of more than nine people to make automated teller machine withdrawals in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.
Stefan Unguru, 47, was indicted on conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; access device fraud; possession of device-making equipment; and, aggravated identity theft;
Gina Unguru, 46, was indicted on conspiracy to commit bank fraud; possession of device-making equipment; and, aggravated identity theft;
Banta Unguru, 27, was indicted on conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; access device fraud; and aggravated identity theft; and
Marcu Unguru, 19, was indicted on conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; and aggravated identity theft.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ role in the offenses and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum of: 30 years for the offenses of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud; 15 years for the crime of possession of device-making equipment; and, 10 years for the crime of access device fraud. The crime of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory term of incarceration of two years for each count of conviction.
As is always the case, charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the St. Louis County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Former Washington University Official Sentenced for Embezzling from Medical SchoolRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Barbara “Basia” Skudrzyk, a/k/a Barbara “Basia” Najarro, 38, of St. Louis, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for three counts of mail fraud. She appeared in federal court today before U.S. District Court Judge Sippel and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $381,583.50.
Skudrzyk was employed as the Business Director for the Division of Medical Education at Washington University. According to the plea agreement, beginning in May 2010 and continuing through July 31, 2018, Skudrzyk defrauded Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri of approximately $400,000 through various means. On many occasions, Skudrzyk hired contractors and other service providers to perform personal services for her benefit, and at her personal residence. She would then create, submit and approve false invoices and false W-9 tax forms for these contractors and other service providers to make it appear as if they had performed work for the Division of Medical Education when they had not. Skudrzyk approved and processed payment to these contractors and other service providers from Washington University’s funds. These service providers included a moving company, a home cleaning service, a divorce law firm, residential painters and construction companies, a jewelry boutique, a babysitter, and various other vendors and contractors. Further, Skudrzyk purchased VISA gift cards at the Washington University bookstore, forging another Washington University employee’s signature on the receipts and charging the purchases to the Division of Medical Education. Skudrzyk then used the VISA gift cards for her own personal use, including for purchases at restaurants, a jewelry store, and a number of other retailers. Additionally, Skudrzyk falsified and changed invoices from two different travel companies for airline flights for herself and her family to such places as Krakow, Poland, Munich, Germany, Bangkok, Thailand, Toronto, Canada, West Palm Beach, Florida, New York City, and Dallas and San Antonio, Texas. Skudrzyk submitted, processed and approved these falsified invoices in order to get Washington University to pay for the personal trips.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Washington University Police Department, with the assistance and cooperation of Washington University. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Former President of Union Local Sentenced for Embezzling More than $300,000 in Union FundsRead the Press Release
Southfield resident Mervin E. Hawk, 59, the former president of Local 1640 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), was sentenced yesterday for embezzling over $300,000 in union funds, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider announced.
Schneider was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Timothy Slater of the Detroit, Michigan Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and by Irene Lindow, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
United States District Judge Gershwin Drain sentenced Hawk to serve a prison term of 30 months. Hawk was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $362,623 and, upon release from incarceration, to serve a three-year term of supervised release.
Hawk pleaded guilty on November 16, 2018 to one count of Embezzlement of Union Funds. According to court records, Hawk was the president of AFSCME Local 1640 in Detroit, Michigan from approximately 2013 through 2015. As president, Hawk had signatory authority on the Local’s primary bank account. Hawk embezzled over $100,000 from this account, diverting the great bulk of these funds into his personal bank account for his personal use. In addition, acting without authorization of the Local’s Executive Board, Hawk opened two additional bank accounts in the name of AFSCME Local 1640. Hawk was the sole signor on these additional accounts. Over the course of his scheme, Hawk deposited some $200,000 in union dues into these unauthorized accounts, and used these monies for his personal enrichment and enjoyment, including considerable expenditures at Detroit casinos. All told, Hawk willfully stole over $300,000 in union monies, dues, and assets.
“Union leaders hold positions of trust and union members deserve honest representation,” stated United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “When leaders use their positions to line their pockets rather than represent their members, they should expect to face justice.”
“Mervin Hawk abused his fiduciary position as the former President of AFSCME Local 1640 by embezzling over $330,000 in union dues for personal gain. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard the assets of union members,” stated Irene Lindow, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Chicago Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
This case was investigated by special agents from both the FBI and the DOL-OIG, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John K. Neal and former Assistant United States Attorney Charles J. Kalil II.
Former Police Officer Sentenced for Transferring Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE - A former police officer who admitted to engaging in sexually explicit discussions via social media and text message with a 15-year-old girl and transferring obscene material to her while employed by the Narragansett Police Department was sentenced today to 21 motnths in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta, and Colonel James M. Manni, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police.
Mathew C. Riley, 52, of Narragansett, previously admitted to the Court that beginning in late 2015 or early 2016, he engaged in a series of sexually explicit and graphic communications with the 15-year-old 9th grade student using various social media platforms and text messaging. Riley admitted that he identified himself to the 15-year-old as being 29-year-old “Chris M.” who lived in Boston, and that he was in the Navy and that he worked as a physical therapist.
Riley admitted that the minor female repeatedly informed him that she was 15-years-old. During a series of communications on May 9, 2016, Riley discussed with the girl the fact that she was a 9th grade student who would not turn sixteen until October. They also discussed what time her high school day ended. Riley admitted that his messaging with the 15-year-old included graphic, sexually explicit pictures of himself and videos of himself committing a sex act.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith also ordered Riley to serve 3 years supervised release upon completion of his term of incarceration and ordered that he register as a sex offender. An amount of restitution to be paid by the defendant to the victim and her family is to be determined.
Riley pleaded guilty on November 8, 2018, to a charge of transfer of obscene material to a minor.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton. The matter was investigated by the FBI and Rhode Island State Police.
United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman acknowledges and thanks the Nebraska State Patrol for their assistance investigating and preparing this matter for prosecution.
###
Note: This is an unattended email. Do not reply to this message. If you have questions, please use the contacts in the message.
Former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and His Wife Linda Mangano Convicted of Corruption and Related Charges by a Federal JuryRead the Press Release
Earlier today, following a seven-week trial, a federal jury in Central Islip, New York, returned guilty verdicts against former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano on multiple counts of accepting bribes and kickbacks in exchange for official government action, and for conspiracy to obstruct justice. Linda Mangano, the wife of Edward Mangano, was also convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice and making false statements to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents in connection with her employment by Long Island restaurateur Harendra Singh.
When they are sentenced by United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack, Edward Mangano faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on honest services wire fraud charges and conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for federal program bribery, and up to five years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit federal program bribery. Edward Mangano and Linda Mangano each face up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each obstruction of justice charge, and up to five years’ imprisonment for each false statement charge.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, FBI, New York Field Office, and Jonathan D. Larsen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the verdict.
“As found by the jury, Edward Mangano abused his power as a public official by taking bribes and kickbacks from a businessman in exchange for helping him obtain loans worth millions of taxpayer dollars,” stated U.S. Attorney Donoghue. “Among the personal benefits received was a lucrative no-show job for Linda Mangano. The defendants tried and failed to cover up their crimes by lying to the FBI and federal prosecutors, and will now be held responsible for these crimes. No one is above the law. The Eastern District and the FBI will be relentless in our efforts to root out corruption at all levels of government in New York.”
“In a quid-pro-quo wheeling and dealing, Edward Mangano effectively opened the door that unjustly benefitted restaurateur Harendra Singh, sat idly by while public funds were exchanged for favors, and waited patiently in the wings to accept a payout for the plan he put in motion,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “In Linda Mangano’s case, she kept up the ruse with a bogus job as food taster and menu planner at one of Singh’s restaurants. Whether they believe it or not, today we’ve proven they bit off more than they could chew.”
“Serving the public is an honor, especially when that position is the result of being elected by the people,” stated IRS-Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Larsen. “Mr. Mangano abused his elected office and the trust of his constituents. Our agents from IRS-CI diligently utilized their investigative expertise to prove these complex financial transactions.”
The evidence at trial established that between January 2010 and February 2015, Edward Mangano engaged in schemes to solicit and receive bribes and kickbacks from Singh. In return for the cash and personal benefits he received, Mangano, who served as Nassau County Executive from January 2010 to December 2017, performed official actions to benefit Singh in connection with his businesses.
The TOB Loan Scheme
Several weeks after Edward Mangano took office as Nassau County Executive in January 2010, he urged the TOB Supervisor to help Singh obtain financing in order to make required capital improvements at TOBAY Beach and The Woodlands at the TOB golf course, by authorizing the TOB to indirectly guarantee four bank loans totaling approximately $20 million. Mangano used his official position to ensure that the TOB backed the loans. In April 2010, Singh hired Linda Mangano for a sham job as the purported Director of Marketing for Singh’s businesses. On June 8, 2010, the TOB board voted to authorize the town to back Singh’s personal loans for the beach and the golf course. Singh paid for five vacations, hardwood flooring, a custom-made office chair, a massage chair and a watch for the Manganos, as well as over $450,000 in total for Linda Mangano’s no-show job.
Obstruction of Justice
Edward and Linda Mangano conspired to obstruct a federal grand jury investigation when they schemed with Singh to fabricate examples of work never performed by Linda Mangano’s at the Water’s Edge, in an attempt to thwart a grand jury investigation. On May 20, 2015 and May 22, 2015, Linda Mangano made false statements to the FBI and federal prosecutors about the work she claimed to have performed for Singh.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Catherine M. Mirabile, Lara Treinis Gatz and Christopher Caffarone are in charge of the prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Madeline O’Connor of the Office’s Civil Division is responsible for the forfeiture of assets.
The Defendants:
EDWARD MANGANO
Age: 56
Bethpage, New YorkLINDA MANGANO
Age: 56
Bethpage, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-540 (S-2) (JMA)
Former MLB All-Star Pitcher Esteban Loaiza Sentenced to Three Years for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Assistant U. S. Attorney Larry Casper (619) 546-6734
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – March 8, 2019
SAN DIEGO – Former Major League Baseball All-Star pitcher Esteban Loaiza was sentenced in federal court today to 36 months in prison for knowingly and intentionally possessing 20 kilograms - about 44 pounds - of cocaine with intent to distribute.
In his plea agreement, Loaiza admitted that he took possession of a silver Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicle on February 9, 2018 that he knew contained cocaine. He drove the SUV to a townhouse he’d rented in Imperial Beach, where he transferred the 20 kilograms to another vehicle in the garage. He admitted he did so with the intent to distribute the cocaine to another person.
“As a professional athlete, Esteban Loaiza earned tens of millions of dollars and the admiration of baseball fans across the U.S. and Mexico,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “And yet he sacrificed his reputation - and now his freedom - to become a cocaine trafficker. No one is above the law, and that includes Major League all-star pitchers.”
“Mr. Loaiza lived every young boy’s dream as an All-Star baseball player. And yet, he chose to be a drug dealer,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Karen Flowers. “He chose to break the law for profit. He chose to make a buck off someone’s addiction. Today, society chose to hold him accountable and took away his freedom.”
According to the government’s sentencing memorandum, Loaiza’s rented townhouse was a “stash house” used to distribute cocaine and lacked furniture or personal belongings. Law enforcement located the cocaine concealed within a factory-built compartment in the rear cargo area of a minivan parked in the garage under baseball bags bearing Loaiza’s name. The packages of cocaine are depicted in the attached photos from the government’s sentencing papers.
In court today, Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Casper highlighted aggravating factors that he said make this crime more troubling, including the significant quantity of cocaine, Loaiza’s active and involved participation in the criminal venture, and his privileged background.
Casper described the amount of cocaine as “very substantial even in this border district. That quantity represents tens of thousands of doses of a highly addictive drug that so often has a devastating impact on the lives of so many - not only in our community but well beyond.”
Casper also noted that the defendant was not merely a courier. He had full knowledge of what he was transporting; he rented and maintained the stash house and he transported and transferred 20 packaged bricks of cocaine himself, from one vehicle to another.
“This defendant had every advantage before engaging in this crime,” Casper said. “Mr. Loaiza had fame, he had fortune. He earned significant accolades in baseball and had opportunities many can only dream of. He was certainly looked up to by many youngsters as a success and as a figure to emulate. These circumstances are very different from many of the defendants that this court sees. In some sense, this case is akin to circumstances in which an individual abuses a position of trust in committing a crime.”
After handing down the sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Janis L. Sammartino acknowledged the defendant’s history as a baseball star. “The story changes,” she told him. “It’s not just a success story…But it’s still something people can learn from.”
Loaiza was allowed to remain free on bond and ordered to report to authorities on April 19.
Brewer praised Assistant U.S. Attorneys Larry Casper and Jarad Hodes for their excellent work on the case. “Because of Larry, Jarad and our law enforcement partners, this defendant will no longer be free to bring destructive drugs into our communities.”
“We are grateful for the perseverance that our law enforcement partners have demonstrated during the past several months,” said San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rodney Scott. “Collaboratively, our efforts resulted in Esteban Loaiza’s just conviction and sentencing.”
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCEDTF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCEDTF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
DEFENDANT Criminal Case Number 18CR1743-JLS
Esteban Antonio Loaiza Age: 47 Imperial Beach, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: Life in prison and $10 million fine
AGENCIES
United States Drug Enforcement Administration
United States Border Patrol
San Diego Sheriff’s Department
Former Glendale Police Officer Sentenced to Prison for Taking Bribes, Obstructing Justice and Lying about His Ties to Organized CrimeRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A former Glendale police officer was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to a series of charges and admitted that he provided information to the Mexican Mafia that allowed an associate of the prison gang to escape justice for a time and that he also repeatedly mislead investigators who were probing his connections to the Mexican Mafia and Armenian organized crime.
John Saro Balian, 46, of Seal Beach, was sentenced today by United States District Judge John F. Walter.
Balian pleaded guilty last July to federal charges of bribery, obstruction of justice and making false statements.
When he pleaded guilty, Balian admitted that he agreed to accept $10,000 – and actually received a $2,000 down payment – from a convicted felon who wanted Balian to locate individuals responsible for stealing property from the person’s business. As a result of the payment, Balian caused law enforcement resources to be expended as he attempted to locate the suspected burglars.
Balian also admitted that he obtained information about a task force takedown targeting street gangs under the control of the Mexican Mafia. After receiving the information, Balian contacted associates within the Mexican Mafia and informed them that authorities were planning on arresting the “shotcaller” of one of the targeted gangs. As a result, that gang member – who was the lead defendant in a federal racketeering indictment – fled and was a fugitive for a month before he was taken into custody. Balian “acted corruptly with the specific intent to subvert the due administration of justice for the purpose of enhancing his reputation with the Mexican Mafia,” he admitted in a plea agreement.
In relation to the false statement charge, Balian repeatedly lied to special agents with the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), who, along with the Los Angeles Police Department, were investigating the relationship between the Mexican Mafia and Armenian organized crime, a probe that was also looking into several murders. Among other things, Balian denied receiving money from the convicted felon, denied having a criminal business relationship with a Mexican Mafia associate, and covered up a close relationship with a member of the Mexican Mafia.
Balian “had a successful career as a law enforcement officer and small business owner, but then made a conscious decision to turn to a life of crime and join forces with Armenian Organized Crime and the Mexican Mafia,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum filed with the court. “[Balian] blatantly disregarded his sworn oath to protect and serve, and instead chose to subvert law enforcement, place other officers at risk, and live the life of a gang member.”
The case against Balian is the result of an investigation by the Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force, which is made up of special agents with the FBI, HSI, IRS Criminal Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, as well as officers with the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Glendale Police Department, the Burbank Police Department and the California Department of Health Care Services.
This matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Mitchell of the Violent and Organized Crime Section.
Former Border Patrol Agent Sentenced to More Than Nine Years in Prison for Accepting Bribes to Facilitate the Trafficking of Illegal DrugsRead the Press Release
A former U.S. Border Patrol Agent (BPA) was sentenced to 112 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for accepting bribes in return for helping to smuggle illegal drugs into the United States.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick for the Southern District of Texas, Special Agent in Charge Perrye Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Juan Benavides of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) made the announcement.
Robert Hall, 45, of La Feria, Texas, a former BPA, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. of the Southern District of Texas, who also ordered Hall to pay a fine in the amount of $20,000. Hall pleaded guilty to one count of bribery on Sept. 14, 2018, which was unsealed today.
According to the plea documents, between 2004 and 2014, Hall, working with others including Daniel Hernandez, 46, of Roseville, California, facilitated the trafficking of illegal drugs, including marijuana, into the United States from Mexico on behalf of a drug trafficking organization (DTO). In exchange for cash payments, he provided an individual in the DTO with CBP sensor locations, the locations of unpatrolled roads at or near the U.S.-Mexico border, the number of BPAs working in a certain area, keys to unlock CBP locks located on gates to ranch fences along the border and CBP radios. In total, Hall accepted over $50,000 in cash from the DTO in exchange for using his position as a BPA to enable the DTO’s drug shipments to cross the border into Texas without law enforcement detection.
Daniel Hernandez pleaded guilty Feb. 5 to one count of conspiracy to bribe a public official before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy K. Johnson in the Southern District of Texas. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 9, before U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller, who accepted the plea on Feb. 8.
The FBI investigated the case with the assistance of CBP OPR. Trial Attorneys Rebecca Moses and Peter M. Nothstein of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie N. Searle of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
Former Border Patrol Agent Sentenced for Accepting Bribes to Facilitate the Trafficking of Illegal DrugsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A former U.S. Border Patrol (BP) agent was sentenced to 114 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for accepting bribes in return for helping to smuggle illegal drugs into the United States.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Perrye Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Juan Benavides of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) made the announcement.
Former BP agent Robert Hall, 45, of La Feria, pleaded guilty Sept. 14, 2018. Today, U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. imposed the sentence and further ordered Hall to pay a $20,000 fine.
According to the plea documents, between 2004 and 2014, Hall, working with others including Daniel Hernandez, 46, of Roseville, California, facilitated the trafficking of illegal drugs, including marijuana, into the United States from Mexico on behalf of a drug trafficking organization (DTO). In exchange for cash payments, he provided an individual in the DTO with CBP sensor locations, the locations of unpatrolled roads at or near the U.S.-Mexico border, the number of BP agents working in a certain area, keys to unlock CBP locks located on gates to ranch fences along the border and CBP radios. In total, Hall accepted over $50,000 in cash from the DTO in exchange for using his position as a BP agent to enable the DTO’s drug shipments to cross the border into Texas without law enforcement detection.
Daniel Hernandez pleaded guilty Feb. 5 to one count of conspiracy to bribe a public official before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy K. Johnson in the Southern District of Texas. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 9, before U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller, who accepted the plea on Feb. 8.
The FBI investigated the case with the assistance of CBP - OPR. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie N. Searle and Trial Attorneys Rebecca Moses and Peter M. Nothstein of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
Five Members of a Robbery Crew Sentenced to a Total of 510 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Tavares Clayborn, 29, the last member of a five-man robbery crew, has been sentenced to 292 months in federal prison for robbery and for being a felon in possession of ammunition. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, between October 2016 and August 2017, these five individuals were responsible for at least seven robberies in Memphis and Germantown. To commit these robberies, the individuals learned the types of trucks that delivered cigarettes and studied their routes. During each robbery, one or more individual would enter the trailer of the truck, threaten and intimidate the drivers, and make a demand for cigarettes.
All five defendants pled guilty to participating in the conspiracy. Dantrel Pickett was sentenced to 35 months imprisonment for his role in a robbery that occurred on June 1, 2017. Ralph Conrad was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment for his role in robberies that occurred on October 17, 2016, and May 23, 2017. Tarius Martin was sentenced to 64 months imprisonment for his role in robberies that occurred on October 20, 2016, and December 22, 2016. Actiavious Cobb was sentenced to 78 months imprisonment for his role in a robbery that occurred on June 1, 2016, and his possession of a firearm during that robbery. Tavares Clayborn was sentenced to 292 months imprisonment for his role in robberies that occurred on November 23, 2016, June 1, 2017, and August 16, 2017, and an additional ammunition conviction that stemmed from an unrelated shooting in November 2016.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Robbery crews that victimize delivery drivers with violence and intimidation not only interrupt interstate commerce, but also harm individuals, business owners, and the community. Thanks to the great work of ATF and local law enforcement, this crew has been dismantled and held accountable, and an armed career criminal has been removed from our streets for 24 years."
ATF Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson remarked, "ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence focuses on reducing violent crime and disrupting the shooting cycle that negatively impact our neighborhoods. The priority of protecting the public is evident with the partnerships of the Memphis and Germantown Police Departments as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms Explosives and Tobacco, Memphis Police Department and Germantown Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. AttorneysMarques Young and Elizabeth Rogers prosecuted these cases on behalf of the government.
Federal Jury Finds Metro Denver Men Guilty of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
DENVER – Two Metro Denver men were found guilty earlier this week of drug trafficking crimes following a five day jury trial before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Philip A. Brimmer, announced U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn and DEA Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Tim McDermott. Both of the defendants, Omar Humberto Gonzales-Hernandez and Jeremiah U. Serr, were present at the trial in custody. They were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the trial’s conclusion. Gonzales-Hernandez and Serr will be sentenced by Chief Judge Philip Brimmer on May 17, 2019.
The defendants were charged by criminal complaint on May 11, 2018. They were then indicted on June 6, 2018, to be followed by a superseding indictment on July 10, 2018, and a second superseding indictment on September 13, 2018. On March 5, 2019, the two defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine between October 17, 2016, and May 12, 2018. Serr was also convicted of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of pure methamphetamine. The evidence at trial showed that Gonzales-Hernandez, Serr and three co-defendants worked together to distribute multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine purchased in Colorado to a buyer in Virginia where the price of methamphetamine is significantly higher. Three co-defendants previously entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing.
The conspiracy faltered on October 17, 2016 when the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped Jeremiah U. Serr after he was clocked traveling east at 119 mph on I-70. During that traffic stop, the Kansas Highway Patrol recovered one pound of methamphetamine. After the DEA Denver Field Division became involved in the investigation, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department was able to contact Joanna Gonzalez-Zarate in Bennett, CO, on May 10, 2018, as she drove east on I-70. The DEA and Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department stopped Gonzalez-Zarate and recovered four pounds of methamphetamine. A typical methamphetamine user purchase on the street is a gram or less. One pound of methamphetamine can be broken down into approximately 453 gram units.
During the trial the jury heard testimony from witnesses from Virginia, Kansas, California, Texas, and the Denver Metro area – including the Kansas Highway Patrol, DPD, DEA, and Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department.
“Methamphetamine continues to be an epidemic in Colorado and is a priority for our narcotics section,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “Pure meth can cause overdoses and death. By removing meth dealers from our streets and targeting their source of supply, we continue to protect the people of Colorado.”
“This investigation is a great example of cooperation between law enforcement agencies across the country in battling dangerous drugs from hitting our communities,” said DEA Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Tim McDermott.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with support from the Arapahoe County Sherriff’s Office, Denver Police Department, West Metro Drug Task Force and the Waynesboro, Virginia Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. The Government’s case was presented at trial by Assistant United States Attorney Guy Till and Special Assistant United States Attorney Daniel McIntyre.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Gadsden Man for Multiple CarjackingsRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A federal grand jury indicted a Gadsden man for two November 25, 2018 carjackings announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town, FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr. and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
Luis Sebastian Tello, 23, is charged in a five-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court with stealing a vehicle at gunpoint from a pizza delivery driver in Gadsden, Alabama and then carjacking a second vehicle from two out-of-state travelers at a gas station in Trussville, Alabama. Springville Police Department then stopped Tello for speeding on Interstate 59. Tello fled into the woods and officers from multiple agencies engaged in a manhunt that resulted in his capture later that evening. Tello is charged with two counts of carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“We commend the FBI, ATF, St. Clair Correctional Facility’s tracking dog team, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the police departments of Gadsden, Trussville, Springville, and Odenville for their investigation and quick apprehension of this individual,” Town said. “Violent offenders who prey on unsuspecting victims will be taken of the street.”
The maximum penalty for carjacking is 15 years in prison. The penalty for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence is not less than 7 years in prison. The maximum penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison. Each of the charges carries a maximum fine of $250,000.
FBI investigated the case along with ATF, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Gadsden Police Department, Trussville Police Department, Springville Police Department and Odenville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Baty is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Birmingham Man for CarjackingRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – A federal grand jury indicted a Birmingham man for a November 5, 2018 carjacking announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp, Jr.
Corderrel Dwayne Poole, 32, is charged in a one-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court with taking the victim’s SUV by violence and intimidation at a business on Green Springs Highway in Homewood, Alabama. Poole was apprehended the same evening by the Lincoln Police Department at the scene of a one-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 in Talladega County.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages citizens to be vigilant in the parking areas of businesses they visit and commends the individuals who came forward to assist the victim after she was forcibly removed from her vehicle,” Town said. “Thanks to the work of the Homewood Police Department, Lincoln Police Department, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency for their efforts in bringing this investigation to a quick conclusion.”
The maximum penalty for carjacking is 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI investigated the case along with the Homewood Police Department, Lincoln Police Department and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Baty is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
###
Estherville Man to Federal Prison for Meth and GunsRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine and possessed a gun while doing so was sentenced March 6, 2019, to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Todd Christopher Moritz, 47, from Estherville, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 11, 2018, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
Evidence at the guilty plea and sentencing showed that in June 2017, Moritz, driving a motorcycle, attempted to evade police. Moritz crashed the motorcycle, then fled on foot. Once apprehended, officers seized over 7 grams of methamphetamine, baggies, a digital scale, and eight cell phones from Moritz. Despite Moritz’s prior conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon, he also had a loaded gun with an obliterated serial number.
Moritz was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. Moritz was sentenced to 189 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 4-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Moritz 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 Mikala M. Steenholdt and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, Estherville Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Iowa Division of Criminalistics Investigations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-3012. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.
Elementary School Custodian and Bus Driver Found Guilty of Child Sex EnticementRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS – A citizen jury has returned a guilty verdict against a North Carolina elementary school custodian charged with enticing a child for sex, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. William Pruitt, 49, of Franklin, North Carolina, was found guilty late Thursday afternoon on one count of Enticing a Minor for Sex. The charge carries a minimum ten years to a maximum life in prison and a $250,000 fine. The trial began Monday, March 4, 2019 in a Columbus federal courtroom, presided over by the Honorable Clay D. Land. There is no parole in the federal system. Mr. Pruitt will be sentenced in June.
According to facts presented at trial, on November 10, 2017 Mr. Pruitt began communicating with an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old girl named “Brianna” on Craigslist, a popular classified advertisements website. The undercover agent was working on a larger Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) sting that operated from November 9, 2017 until November 13, 2017 centered in Columbus, Georgia, targeting on-line child predators willing to pay to have sex with a child. Approximately 20 individuals were arrested during this operation, including Mr. Pruitt. The undercover agent posted an ad in the personals section on November 9, 2017, and Mr. Pruitt responded the next day. During the online conversation, the undercover agent informed Mr. Pruitt several times that “Brianna” was 14 years old. The online chatting became sexual in nature, with Mr. Pruitt making lewd comments and stating directly that he wished to have sex with the girl, asking the girl to send nude photos of herself and even offering to pay money for the child to send her used underwear to his mother’s house for his personal graphic use. During the correspondence, Mr. Pruitt made clear he was traveling from North Carolina to Columbus to meet the child for sex. On November 12, 2017, Mr. Pruitt was arrested at the front door of the undercover house. Following the arrest, Mr. Pruitt made a voluntary, post-Miranda statement, admitting he knew the child was under the age of consent, that he was meeting the child for sex and that he had been battling sexual fantasies with similar age girls. At the time, Mr. Pruitt was the custodian at a North Carolina elementary school and a school bus driver.
“Sexual crimes against children, particularly when the perpetrator is in a position of trust, are truly the most deplorable crimes in our society today. The defendant’s conviction is part of a much larger effort in Georgia to fight the child sex and pornography trade on the internet,” said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Law enforcement agencies at every level are successfully working together to arrest and prosecute people who intend to hurt children. This collaboration directly results in children being protected in Georgia.”
“The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the agencies that are members of the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force will continue to work together to diligently and proactively seek out those who wish to do harm to our children,” said Debbie Garner, Commander of the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Special Agent in Charge of the Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit at the GBI.
The Georgia ICAC Task Force is comprised of 200+ local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, other related criminal justice agencies and prosecutor’s offices. The mission of the ICAC Task Force, created by the U. S. Department of Justice and managed and operated by the GBI in Georgia, is to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in developing an effective response to cyber enticement and child pornography cases. This support encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, prevention and community education. The ICAC Program was developed in response to the increasing number of children and teenagers using the internet, the proliferation of child pornography, and the heightened online activity by predators searching for unsupervised contact with underage victims. By helping state and local law enforcement agencies develop effective and sustainable responses to online child victimization and child pornography, the ICAC program delivers national resources at the local level.
This case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit (CEACC), the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbus Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Georgia, with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office for Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Crawford Seals and Chris Williams are prosecuting the case for the Government.
Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
East Bay Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to 70 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Oscar Rene Noguera Baeza was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for distributing cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Chris Nielsen. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Jon S. Tigar, U.S. District Judge.
Baeza, 31, of Concord, Calif., pleaded guilty to the charges on November 9, 2018. According to his plea agreement, Baeza admitted that between June 2017 and February 2018, he distributed over a kilogram of cocaine in a series of transactions. Baeza also admitted that he was paid a total of $36,960 for the cocaine he sold during these transactions. Defendant also admitted that he possessed a Springfield XD40 semi-automatic .40 caliber pistol loaded with eight rounds ammunition, and an extended magazine that could hold at least sixteen rounds of ammunition.
On August 3, 2018, Baeza was charged by information with one count of distribution of cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). Baeza pleaded guilty to both counts.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Tigar ordered Baeza to serve a 4-year term of supervised release that will begin at the conclusion of his prison term.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Green is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Elyza Delgado. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA and Concord Police Department.
East Aurora Woman Arrested for Attempting to Hire A Hitman to Maim Her Ex-boyfriendRead 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 Yanyan Lesser, 47, of East Aurora, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with transmitting in interstate or foreign commerce a communication containing a threat to injure another person. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie O. Lamarque, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 19, 2019, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in St. Paul, Minnesota, received information that between February 14, 2019, and February 19, 2019, an unidentified individual utilizing the moniker “TREE I,” conspired with another unknown individual on a dark web site to commit a crippling assault of an individual (G.Z.) living in Orlando, Florida.1 “TREE I” directed what was believed to be a hitman found via the dark web site to break G.Z.'s bones and leave him permanently confined to a wheelchair or crutches.
Some of the instructions provided by “TREE I” to the purported hitman included:
• “Because of a business dispute, I would like to give this guy a lesson:give him a good beating and legs broken, waist broken and even cripple the mark of his legs.It need to be looks like a robbery, looks like To rob of his money or property,NOT looks like revenge.”
• “I will add $2500 more to cover the cost of beating, crippling and robbery look like job. Please remember must be looks like a ROBBERY!That's very important!”
• “And please let hitman knows that Chinese guy no speak English also no understanding English too.So when hitman to do the job with crippling and looking like robbery,Remember to Yelled at that Chinese guy:"MONEY!MONEY! " Because that's only the English word that guy can understand it!”
On February 16, 2019, “TREE I” transferred approximately 1.26 Bitcoin (BTC) (approximately $4,577.51 cash) to a BTC wallet address in the control of the dark web site to facilitate the assault. On February 19, 2019, “TREE I” conducted another transfer of approximately .694 BTC (approximate.ly $2,707.95 cash) to the same BTC wallet address to further the request. “TREE I” also provided a photograph of an unknown individual's lower back area with the words "broken waist" written across it.On February 20, 2019, HSI Orlando conducted an interview of G.Z. at his residence. G.Z. stated that he was not aware of any threat against him, but stated that he believed that his ex-girlfriend, the defendant, was unstable and would be capable of doing something like this.
Subsequent investigation, including a review of cell phone and bank records, determined that “TREE I” is the defendant.
Yanyan will make an initial appearance at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly. Additional assistance was provided by HSI St. Paul, Minnesota, and HSI Orlando, Florida.
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.
# # # #
Downey Man Arrested on Armed Robbery Charges in Thefts at Local GameStop Stores that Netted $135,000 in Cash and MerchandiseRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Downey man has been arrested on federal criminal charges for his role in four armed robberies of GameStop video game stores in Los Angeles and Orange counties that resulted in the theft of $135,000 in merchandise, cash and employees’ cellphones.
Frederick Lopez Jr., 27, was arrested at his residence on Thursday and remains in custody pursuant to a criminal complaint charging him with four counts of interference with commerce by robbery.
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Lopez took part in armed robberies of GameStop stores in Lynwood, Rowland Heights, West Covina and Brea between August 28, 2018 and October 26, 2018. Lopez allegedly entered the stores at night, sometimes accompanied by another suspect, and made small talk with the GameStop store clerks before brandishing a gun and demanding merchandise and money from the cash register. Lopez and the other suspect allegedly also stole victims’ cell phones and, on two occasions, ordered the victims to help load the stolen merchandise into a silver minivan registered to Lopez. Lopez’s fingerprint was found on a Nintendo entertainment system recovered from the scene of the Brea robbery, and witnesses and victims later identified Lopez as one of the suspects, the complaint states.
Lopez is expected to be arraigned in early April.
A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Each of the robbery counts in the complaint carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Brea Police Department.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey M. Chemerinsky and Bruce K. Riordan of the Violent and Organized Crime Section.
Dominican Republic National Admits Conspiracy and Selling Stolen IdentificationsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. - A Dominican Republic national today admitted his role in a conspiracy to commit identity theft, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Daury Cordero, 31, a citizen of the Dominican Republic with addresses in Camden, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Noel L. Hillman to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy and one count of unlawful transfer, possession or use of a means of identification. A federal grand jury in Camden returned the sealed indictment Sept. 19, 2018.
IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agents located Cordero in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In January 2016, one of Cordero’s accomplices, Cesar Abreu, was cleaning an office building in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Abreu stole a list titled: “Town of Uxbridge,” which contained names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth for 62 people. Cordero enlisted another individual, Pedro Santana, to find someone who would use the list of names to create and file fraudulent federal income tax returns. Eventually, Cordero and Santana found a buyer – who was, in fact, an undercover IRS agent – and sold him the list for $2,500.
Abreu pleaded guilty in December 2017 and was sentenced in October 2018 to three years of probation. Santana pleaded guilty in August 2015 and was sentenced in March 2017 to three years of probation and ordered to pay $4.6 million in restitution.
The count of conspiracy and the count of transferring a means of identification to which Daury Cordero pleaded guilty each carry a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 28, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John R. Tafur, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Richardson of the U.S. Attorney's Office Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: Rocco Cipparone Jr. Esq. Haddon Heights, New Jersey
Dominican National Sentenced for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for Social Security fraud.
Luis Alberto Fernandez Fernandez, 28, a Dominican national residing in Salem with legal permanent resident status, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to time served (12 days) and one year of supervised release. In November 2018, Fernandez Fernandez pleaded guilty to one count of false representation of a Social Security number. He was arrested in July 2018 as part of a law enforcement sweep aimed at detecting, deterring and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity and benefit fraud schemes.
In September 2016, before he became a lawful permanent resident, Fernandez Fernandez applied for a Massachusetts ID card using the name, Social Security number, and date of birth of a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico. His application was denied.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; and William B. Gannon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
District Man Sentenced to Life in Prison with No Possibility of Release in the 2010 Killing of a Government WitnessRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Anthony Waters, 51, was sentenced today to life in prison with no possibility of release on a charge of first-degree murder while armed, with aggravating circumstances, in the 2010 killing of a government witness, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Waters, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty by a jury in October 2018 of the murder charge and related weapons offenses, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Waters initially was found guilty of these charges in 2012 and sentenced at that time to life in prison with no possibility of release. The judge who heard the case in 2012 subsequently granted a defense motion by Waters seeking a new trial. The retrial resulted in the same outcome before the Honorable Craig Iscoe, who sentenced him today.
According to the government’s evidence at trial, Waters and the victim, Derrick Harris, 37, knew each other from the 2600 block of Birney Place SE, and were part of a crew in a neighborhood known as Parkchester. In June 1998, Mr. Harris testified against a member of that crew regarding a 1996 murder that occurred in the Barry Farm area of Southeast Washington. Afterward, Mr. Harris was shunned and marked as a snitch in the neighborhood by many people he knew, including Waters, for cooperating with the authorities.
For many years, Mr. Harris avoided the neighborhood where he knew that people considered him a traitor, but on June 14, 2010, he returned to the 2600 block of Birney Place to meet a friend. At this time, Waters and Mr. Harris got into an argument because Waters believed that Mr. Harris was being disrespectful by returning to the neighborhood. Waters punched Mr. Harris in the face and threatened to kill him if he was still there when Waters returned. Both men left the scene, but Waters returned and hid behind a building, waiting for the victim to come back to his car.
Shortly thereafter, at about 9 p.m., when Mr. Harris returned to the neighborhood, Waters came out from his hiding place, wearing a ski mask, and repeatedly shot Derrick Harris. Mr. Harris died on the scene from his injuries, which included one gunshot wound to the head and five to the back.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Liu and Chief Newsham commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department.
They also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Margaret J. Chriss, Chief of the Special Proceedings Division; Chrisellen Kolb and John Mannarino, Deputy Chiefs of the Appellate Division, Laura Bach, Deputy Chief of the Homicide Section; Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Lucas; Paralegal Specialists Alesha Matthews Yette and Meridith McGarrity; Victim/Witness Advocates Marcia Rinker and Yvonne Bryant; Victim/Witness Services Coordinator LaJune Thames; Supervisory Victim/Witness Services Coordinator Katina Adams-Washington; Litigation Technology Specialists Anisha Bhatia, Paul Howell, and William Henderson; Supervisory Litigation Technology Specialist Leif Hickling, and Investigative Analysts Zachary McMenamin and William Hamann.
Finally, they praised the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Vinét Bryant, who indicted the case and prosecuted it at both trials.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in Hold-Up of Northwest Washington DinerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Willie Quinones, 28, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty today to federal robbery and firearms charges stemming from a hold-up that took place in October 2016 at a diner in Northwest Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Quinones pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to charges of interference with interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act) and using, carrying, brandishing, and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. The robbery charge carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison and the firearms offense carries a mandatory minimum of seven years and a potential sentence of life imprisonment. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Quinones faces a likely range of 57 to 71 months in prison for the robbery charge and at least seven additional years on the weapons offense.
The Honorable Tanya S. Chutkan scheduled sentencing for May 21, 2019.
According to plea documents, on Oct. 17, 2016, at approximately 3:12 a.m., Quinones and an accomplice entered the Steak-N-Egg restaurant in the 4700 block of Wisconsin Avenue NW. Quinones approached employees to gain access to the cash register while his accomplice pointed a gun at them. The employees raised their hands into the air and kneeled on the floor. Quinones then took money from the cash register before demanding access to a safe.
When an employee insisted that they did not have a key to the safe, Quinones yelled to his accomplice to shoot them. The accomplice, meanwhile, held the gun and pointed it around the room at people inside the restaurant. The accomplice asked which person to shoot, and Quinones responded that the accomplice could shoot all of them.
No shots were fired, and Quinones then approached and robbed three customers in the establishment. The two then fled the diner.
At the time of the robbery, Quinones was on probation for an armed robbery in Prince George’s County, Md., and was wearing a GPS tracking device. He was located at 11 a.m., hours after the crime, by MPD officers at an apartment building in Northeast Washington. He was arrested and has remained in custody ever since. No others have been arrested in the case.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory P. Rosen, with assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kara Traster.
Detroit man admits to roles in a drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Juan Holmes, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to his involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Holmes, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Holmes admitted to selling heroin in May 2017 in Monongalia County.Holmes faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Des Moines Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Des Moines, IA—On March 8, 2019, Joseph Marchesini, age 35, of Des Moines, Iowa, appeared before United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger and was sentenced to 188 months imprisonment for distribution of child pornography, with eight years of supervised release to follow. Marchesini pleaded guilty in October 2018 to distribution of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(2).
As a part of his plea agreement, Marchesini admitted in July 2016 he distributed child pornography over the internet. The child pornography he distributed included visual depictions of children being sexually assaulted. Marchesini possessed images and videos of the sexual assault of prepubescent children as young as preschool. Marchesini was ordered to pay $3,000 to an identified victim depicted in the child pornography he possessed.
The investigation was conducted by the Des Moines Police Department, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and FBI Child Exploitation Task Force. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Defendants Sentenced for Bribery Scheme at IDOC PrisonRead the Press Release
BOISE - Three defendants have been sentenced for their roles in a bribery scheme uncovered by an FBI investigation at Idaho Department of Correction’s (“IDOC”) request to address concerns of corruption among IDOC correction officers, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. On March 7, 2019, Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge sentenced former IDOC correctional officer Joshua Barney, 44, to 15 months in prison for smuggling in contraband to former IDOC inmate Collin McIntyre. Also on March 7, 2019, Judge Lodge sentenced McIntyre, 27, to 12 months in prison. Judge Lodge ordered that Barney and McIntyre be placed on supervised release for three years following their prison sentences.
The third defendant was sentenced on March 6, 2019. Judge Lodge sentenced Tiffany Culbertson, 23, who, at the time, was McIntyre’s girlfriend and who gave Barney the bribe money from McIntyre, to a three‑year term of probation with six weekends to be spent in jail.
All three defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion under official color of right. According to court records, Culbertson agreed with McIntyre to pay Barney, a correctional officer at IDOC, to bring in contraband in exchange for money. The defendants then followed through with the plan. On one occasion, Culbertson purchased smokeless tobacco and delivered it to Barney, along with a bribe payment. Barney then brought the tobacco into the prison and delivered it to McIntyre, which was prohibited under IDOC policies. At a later date, Culbertson provided a cell phone to Barney, who brought it into the prison and gave it to McIntyre.
This case was investigated by the FBI and IDOC’s Special Investigations Unit.
# # #
Convicted Felon Arrested for Fraud Scheme Involving Local NewspaperRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A previously convicted felon was arrested last night on charges related to defrauding investors of a local newspaper, unlawful possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon, and making false statements to the FBI.
According to allegations in the indictments, Brian Thomas Reynolds, 52, of Leesburg, defrauded both investors and lenders to a company that he controlled that operates a local newspaper in Loudoun County. As alleged in that indictment, Reynolds made several materially false and fraudulent representations to actual and potential investors and lenders regarding the existence and value of advertising contracts held by the company, and created fake advertising contracts when no such agreements existed. Reynolds also allegedly made materially false and fraudulent representations regarding the company’s historical advertising revenues and the amount of money that Reynolds and others had invested in the company, falsely claimed that another individual had agreed to “match” the investments of certain investors, falsely claimed to at least one investor that the company lacked any debt, understated the amount of debt owed by the company to other investors, and materially overstated the amount of money held by the company in its bank accounts.
The indictment further alleges that Reynolds created altered loan documentation to defraud an individual who had lent money to the company by changing the language of the loan agreement to conditions that were materially more favorable to Reynolds and his company than had actually been agreed to by the lender. According to the indictment, Reynolds also made materially false representations regarding the number of issues previously distributed by the newspaper, and falsely claimed that a prominent businessperson served on the company’s advisory board, when in fact that individual held no position on the board and played no role in the operation of the business.
A second indictment charges Reynolds, who is a convicted felon, with unlawfully possessing eight firearms and associated ammunition, and with making false statements to the FBI regarding his use of firearms.
Reynolds is charged with 11 counts of wire fraud, one count of unlawful possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and one count of making false statements. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the unlawful possession of firearms, and a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison for making false statements. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Matthew J. DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge, Criminal Division, FBI Washington Field Office, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Burke and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell L. Carlberg are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:19-cr-70 and 1:19-cr-71.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Concord Man Sentenced to 77 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Jason Sfara, 44, of Concord, was sentenced to 77 months in prison for possession of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, parole officers attempted to conduct a parole inspection of Sfara's apartment in Concord on May 15, 2018, and Sfara fled to the roof of the building. The Concord Police Department responded to provide assistance and arrested Sfara on the roof. Officers ultimately obtained a search warrant for Sfara's apartment and found an array of illegal drugs including 107.8 grams of fentanyl, 32 grams of cocaine, and 20 grams of methamphetamine, along with digital scales and other drug distribution paraphernalia.
Sfara previously pleaded guilty on November 26, 2018.
“In New Hampshire, drug trafficking has created the most serious public health hazard in living memory and also the greatest challenge for law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “I commend the Concord Police Department for its efforts to remove these deadly substances from the streets of our Capital City. We continue to work closely with all of our law enforcement partners to identify, prosecute, and incarcerate those who choose to endanger our community by selling dangerous illegal drugs.”
This matter was investigated by the Concord Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarad Hodes.
###
Buffalo Man Charged with Selling Fentanyl and HeroinRead 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 Brandon Barclay, 30, of Buffalo, NY, with distribution of fentanyl, and distribution of heroin and butyryl fentanyl. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Volkert, Jr., who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, on two separate occasions in May and June 2018, the defendant sold fentanyl and a mixture of heroin and butyryl fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer.
Barclay was released on conditions following a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Edward Kennedy; Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood.
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.
# # # #
Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to money laundering.
Juan Peguero, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts of money laundering. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for May 29, 2019. Peguero was charged in August 2018 and was released on conditions.
On two occasions in 2015, Peguero transferred almost $500,000 worth of drug proceeds - over $398,000 in April and $90,000 in June.
The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the laundered funds. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division; and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren A. Graber of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
Baldwin County Man Sentenced to Time Served for Possession of a Firearm after Conviction for Misdemeanor Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Eli Edwin Moran, a 21 year old resident of Daphne, Alabama was sentenced to “time served” for possession of a Taurus pistol after being convicted Domestic Violence 3rd Degree.
On May 20, 2018, Moran entered a guilty plea pursuant to a plea agreement and admitted in open court that on February 27, 2018, he was the only passenger in a vehicle stopped by Daphne, Alabama police officers for no visible tag. During the traffic stop, Moran was asked to identify himself and he did. When officers learned that the driver would be arrested for outstanding warrants and he could not show ownership of the vehicle, Moran was asked to exit the vehicle. Officers conducted a safety pat of Moran’s person. A loaded firearm was seized from Moran’s waistband. Moran acknowledged possession of the firearm and told officers that he did not have a conceal carry permit for the firearm. The firearm is described as a Taurus, model PT 24/7 G2C pistol, At that time, Moran had been convicted of misdemeanor Domestic Violence 3rd , on March 21, 2017, in the Municipal Court, City of Daphne, State of Alabama, case number, MC15-0000422.
Officers of the Daphne, Alabama Police Department along with special agents of the FBI investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Baldwin County Man Receives Five Years Probation for Possession of a Firearm After Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Allen Rocky Joiner, a 58 year old resident of Bay Minette, Alabama was sentenced to five years of probation for possession of a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun after being convicted of Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance.
On September 19, 2018, Joiner entered a guilty plea pursuant to a plea agreement and admitted in open court on February 28, 2018, Baldwin County deputies were investigating a stolen vehicle complaint by victim, J. H,. and made contact with Joiner at his residence as part of the investigation. While at Joiner’s residence the stolen vehicle was discovered parked on the property. Deputies asked Joiner how he obtained the vehicle. Joiner said he bought it from J. H.’s wife. While Joiner was retrieving the Bill of Sale from the vehicle, officers saw a Mossberg. 500A. 12 gauge shotgun on the front passenger seat. Deputies asked Joiner who owned the firearm. Joiner said he bought the firearm from a “guy in Perdido so he could shoot possums in his yard.” At that time Joiner, was previously convicted of a Controlled Substance on August 24, 2006, in the Circuit Court of Baldwin County, Alabama, case number CC-05-2369.
Deputies of the Baldwin County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office along with special agents of the FBI investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Baldwin County Man Receives 12 Months and a Day for Possession of a Firearm After Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Travis L. McCryndle, a 33 year old resident of Bay Minette, Alabama was sentenced to 12 months and a day for possession of a Ruger .22, semi-automatic rifle after being convicted of Burglary 2nd Degree.
On November 21, 2018, McCryndle entered a guilty plea pursuant to a plea agreement and admitted in open court that on August 9, 2018, a Daphne, AL police officer observed McCrydle driving a vehicle that was reported to be displaying a stolen license plate that was taken at gunpoint in Prichard, AL. The officer initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle. When the vehicle stopped, the officer immediately began to issue commands to McCryndle. First, he ordered McCryndle to put both of his hands outside of the vehicle and he complied. The officer then asked McCryndle if there were weapons in the vehicle and McCryndle replied, “just my knife.” McCryndle was then ordered to exit the vehicle and he did. A safety pat of McCryndle’s person discovered the knife and it was seized. McCryndle was then read his Miranda Rights and he said he understood them and agreed to talk to the officer. After a brief discussion about the ownership of the vehicle, McCryndle told the officer that there was a Ruger rifle behind the seat in the vehicle. At that time, McCryndle had been convicted of a felony, Burglary 2nd Degree, on August 12, 2015, in the Circuit Court of Baldwin County, Alabama, case number CC-04-728.
Officers of the Daphne, Alabama Police Department along with special agents of the FBI investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Alcorn County Man Sentenced in AG’s Largest Counterfeit InvestigationRead the Press Release
An Alcorn County man who attempted to sell millions in counterfeit goods was sentenced Thursday in state court for charges following a major state and federal joint investigation, announced Attorney General Jim Hood.
Russell W. Haynie, 45, a native of Stantonville, TN, pleaded guilty in Alcorn County Circuit Court to one count of possession of counterfeit goods with intent to distribute. Alcorn County Circuit Judge John R. White sentenced Haynie to serve five years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections with two years suspended and leaving three years to serve. Judge White ordered Haynie to pay $1,000 in fines in addition to AG investigative costs. Haynie pleaded guilty last November in federal court to trafficking of counterfeit goods and received a federal sentence of 32 months, which he must serve day for day. Additionally, Haynie must pay $152,930 in federal restitution for Louis Vuitton products and $167,295 for Michael Kors products. The state and federal sentences will be served concurrently.
Haynie and a second defendant were arrested in September 2016 at their Corinth business, Discount Wallet Outlet. The joint investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, the Corinth Police Department and the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division uncovered more than $1.5 million in counterfeit goods and coins the defendants were selling to the general public from their store and online.
Haynie was arrested for the second time in September 2017 at his home by investigators with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection and Cyber Crime Divisions, where investigators found over $2 million worth of counterfeit goods. Items discovered included Yeti-brand products, Life Proof and Otter Box phone cases, Ray Ban sunglasses, Beats by Dre, and Apple and Bose products. Investigators also found multiple high-end bags by Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Coach, MCM, and Tory Burch. This case was part of General Hood’s Knock Out Knock Offs (KOKO) Taskforce, and it was the largest undercover counterfeit operation since the KOKO’s inception 10 years ago. Multiple agencies assisted in this investigation, including the Alcorn County Sheriff’s Department, United States Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Postal Service.
“We have formed strong partnerships with state and federal agencies through our Knock Out Knock Offs Task Force, and this case demonstrates there is a higher price to pay when you are caught selling counterfeit goods in our state,” said General Hood. “We extend our thanks and appreciation to all of the participating agencies in this case for their dedication and hard work. Selling or buying counterfeit goods poses serious health and safety risks to consumers, not to mention loss of revenue to businesses. You won’t get away with it in our state.”
“Criminal networks are working daily to fool the public with illegally imported counterfeit goods they use the profits from to fund other large-scale criminal activity,” said Jere T. Miles, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans. “The same criminal groups behind counterfeit luxury goods also sell counterfeit medical devices, and safety items such as car airbags, that directly threaten public safety for profit. HSI will continue to work with the attorney general and other law enforcement partners to identity and prosecute these criminal enterprises, and to defend legitimate businesses that pay taxes, employ workers and contribute to the health of the legitimate economy.”
William C. Lamar, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi, said, “Late last year, Russell Wayne Haynie was convicted and sentenced in federal court for importing and trafficking over $1,000,000 in counterfeit designer brand goods mainly from China. Trafficking in counterfeit goods not only causes tremendous damage to the legitimate manufacturers and businesses but also damages consumers who are not receiving the safe quality goods they believe are authentic. This is also another example of federal and state authorities working together for the good of the people of the State of Mississippi."
In addition to the assisting agencies, this case was investigated by Lee McDivitt and prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Patrick Beasley, both of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. Also prosecuting this case was Assistant United States Attorneys Jamiel Wiggins and Clay Joyner of the United States Attorneys Office.
7 March 2019
Wooster man indicted after making threats purporting to be from women associated with an adult websiteRead the Press Release
A Wooster man was indicted in federal court after making threats purporting to be from women associated with an adult website.
Christopher Smallwood, 25, was indicted on one count of interstate transmission of a threat and one count of willfully making a threat.
Smallwood made a series of reports to the online ATF tip website about threats to kill people with explosives and firearms, to destroy government buildings and declarations of allegiance to terrorist organizations. Smallwood purported these threats came from women associated with the website myfreecams.com, according to the indictment.
This took place between September 1 and November 14, 2018, according to the indictment
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Joyce.
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.
Windsor Woman Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for Accepting BribesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that in federal court, United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced ARLINDA HENDRIX LEE, 47, of Windsor, North Carolina, to 12 months and 1 day in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release.
An investigation revealed that LEE, a correctional officer at Rivers Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Winton, North Carolina, was accepting bribes and helping to smuggle contraband into the prison for inmates.
On July 23, 2018, LEE pleaded guilty to a Criminal Information that charged her with Receipt of Bribes by a Public Official from 2015 to January 27, 2017.
In December 2015, investigators became aware that an inmate at Rivers FCI was using contraband cell phones to facilitate the smuggling of contraband cigarettes and drugs into the prison, as well as to communicate with drug associates. A review of telephone records from September 22, 2015 through March 28, 2016 revealed that the inmate had 53 contacts with phone numbers associated with LEE. The inmate later obtained a new cell phone, and phone records revealed five additional contacts with LEE.
Investigators determined that between May 10, 2012, and August 18, 2016, LEE received $7,350 in wire transfers from known associates of Rivers FCI inmates in exchange for helping to smuggle contraband into the prison.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Lemmon.
Wilkinsburg Man Robbed 3 Banks and a Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -A former resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of bank robbery and Hobbs Act robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Glenn Ford, 60, pleaded guilty to four counts before Senior Judge Reggie B. Walton of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, on September 15, 2017, Ford robbed the Huntington Bank, on Smithfield St. wearing a long black curly wig, a long leather coat, and a sticker on his face covering his nose and mouth. He demanded $100 and $50 bills and received $2,340. On September 28, 2017, Ford robbed the same Huntington Bank. He attempted to conceal his face as he approached the same teller. Ford demanded $100, $50 and $20 bills and received $2,370. The teller recognized Ford from the prior bank robbery and placed a dye pack with the money, which exploded as he fled.
On September 20, 2017, Ford, wearing a hat, a dress, a trench coat and caramel-colored dress shoes, entered the Citizens Bank located on East Carson St. with a white plastic bag covering part of his face. He demanded money and received $2,950. He discarded his clothing after he exited the bank.
The Court was further advised that on October 4, 2017, wearing a Darth Vader mask and black hoodie, Ford robbed the CoGo’s on East Carson Street with a knife and took $186.
Ford confessed to committing the robberies to support his crack addiction. He told officers about his efforts to clean and use the money damaged from the dye pack explosion. Ford took officers to recover the damaged money, as well as clothing and shoes from an abandoned house in Wilkinsburg, a short distance from his house.
Judge Walton scheduled sentencing for May 2, 2019. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Ford remain detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Department, and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ford.
Western District of Washington Takes Part in Largest-Ever Nationwide Elder Fraud SweepRead the Press Release
Seattle – Attorney General William P. Barr and U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran today announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history, surpassing last year’s nationwide sweep. The cases during this sweep involved more than 260 defendants from around the globe who victimized more than two million Americans, most of them elderly.
In the Western District of Washington, three defendants operating various money‑transmitting schemes agreed to cease operation following civil complaints alleging that they were a critical part of tech support fraud schemes based in India. The operators, in Seattle, Shoreline, and Gold Bar, Washington, collected the fraud proceeds, kept a percentage, and forwarded the bulk of the money to the telemarketing centers in India. In one case, the Shoreline based conspirator sent more than $320,000 to India between December 2017 and May 2018. A fourth company sued civilly in the Western District of Washington is one of the fraudulent tech support companies using telemarketing centers to defraud seniors in Western Washington.
“Crimes against the elderly target some of the most vulnerable people in our society,” Attorney General William P. Barr said. “But thanks to the hard work of our agents and prosecutors, as well as our state and local partners, the Department of Justice is protecting our seniors from fraud. The Trump administration has placed a renewed focus on prosecuting those who prey on the elderly, and the results of today’s sweep make that clear. Today we are announcing the largest single law enforcement action against elder fraud in American history. This year’s sweep involves 13 percent more criminal defendants, 28 percent more in losses, and twice the number of fraud victims as last year’s sweep. I want to thank the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which led this effort, together with the Department’s Criminal Division, the more than 50 U.S. Attorneys’ offices, and the state and local partners who helped to make these results possible. Together, we are bringing justice and peace of mind to America's seniors.”
“Using our civil authority, we are stopping a key cog in the wheel of tech support fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. “By taking out those who process the payments for the fraudsters, we stop the flow of ill-gotten gain to those preying on our senior citizens. This is a warning shot–a return to this fraud could result in additional sanctions.”
The Department took action in every federal district across the country, through the filing of criminal or civil cases or through consumer education efforts. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of millions of more dollars than last year, putting the total alleged losses at this year’s sweep at over three fourths of one billion dollars.
The charges are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. The Justice Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act. The Western District of Washington also has formed an Elder Justice Taskforce. To file a complaint with the District, please do so on the Western District webpage.
The four cases filed in the Western District of Washington are:
U.S. v. Joy Emmanuel, 19-cv-309
U.S. v. Jasvit S. Tahim, 19-cv-307
U.S. v. Christine Reeves and VCARE USA LLC, 19-cv-325
U.S. v. Elagoon Business Solutions PVT LTD, 19-cv-00324
Assistant United States Attorney Kayla Stahman leads the Elder Justice Task Force in the Western District of Washington.
Western District of Tennessee Takes Part in Largest-Ever Nationwide Elder Fraud SweepRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Attorney General William P. Barr and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant today announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history, surpassing last year’s nationwide sweep. The cases during this sweep involved more than 260 defendants from around the globe who victimized more than two million Americans, most of them elderly.
As a result of investigative activities by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office, authorities in the Western District of Tennessee were able to effectuate a recovery of $100,000 for one elderly victim of an investment fraud scheme, and opened an investigation into another matter involving multiple victims and several million dollars.
In a separate case, following a four-day jury trial in federal court in August 2018, a Memphis man was convicted on two counts of wire fraud. Manzur Mazumder, 49, an insurance agent, started a hedge fund business, which defrauded several individuals of their retirement savings. Between 2014 and 2017, Mazumder obtained a total of $360,000. Mazumder is scheduled for sentencing on March 15, 2019, and faces 20 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 and three years supervised release.
"Crimes against the elderly target some of the most vulnerable people in our society," Attorney General William P. Barr said. "But thanks to the hard work of our agents and prosecutors, as well as our state and local partners, the Department of Justice is protecting our seniors from fraud. The Trump administration has placed a renewed focus on prosecuting those who prey on the elderly, and the results of today’s sweep make that clear. Today we are announcing the largest single law enforcement action against elder fraud in American history. This year’s sweep involves 13 percent more criminal defendants, 28 percent more in losses, and twice the number of fraud victims as last year’s sweep. I want to thank the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which led this effort, together with the Department’s Criminal Division, the more than 50 U.S. Attorneys’ offices, and the state and local partners who helped to make these results possible. Together, we are bringing justice and peace of mind to America's seniors."
"Criminals steal more than an estimated $3 billion from senior citizens every year. Those who target the elderly will receive the full attention of our office and law enforcement officials in West Tennessee. We will work with our senior citizens to empower them with knowledge and awareness so that they can defend themselves," said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant.
The Department took action in every federal district across the country, through the filing of criminal or civil cases or through consumer education efforts. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of millions of more dollars than last year, putting the total alleged losses at this year’s sweep at over three fourths of one billion dollars.
The charges are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act
(EAPPA) into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. The Justice Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act.
A fact-sheet with technical-support fraud case information can be found here.
A fact-sheet with cases on mass mailing fraud can be found here.
A fact-sheet with examples of a few elder fraud cases involving extradition in which the Office of International Affairs played a substantial role can be found here.
Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
Western District of New York Takes Part in Largest Ever Nationwide Elder Fraud SweepRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY – Attorney General William P. Barr and U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. today announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history, surpassing last year’s nationwide sweep. The cases during this sweep involved more than 260 defendants from around the globe who victimized more than two million Americans, most of them elderly.
Sheldon Hurley, 39, a citizen of Markham, Ontario, Canada, is charged in the Western District of New York. Hurley is alleged to have participated in a scheme beginning in May 2007 until July 2011 to obtain money from hundreds of victims, including some of whom were elderly. Hurley allegedly personally received in excess of $159,000. Scheme participants operated websites for fictitious financial services companies offering to arrange loans to individuals with credit problems. The victims provided personal information and were told they would be contacted by a lender for approval. When informed that a loan was arranged, applicants were instructed to sign and return a loan agreement, provide bank information, and pay an “insurance deposit.” Hurley is alleged to then have engaged individuals to act as Company payees and obtained the funds from the United States. Loan applicants never received the loans, but were often coerced into making multiple deposits. An extradition request was sent to Canada in December 2017, and Hurley was surrendered to the United States on January 15, 2019.
“Crimes against the elderly target some of the most vulnerable people in our society,” Attorney General William P. Barr said. “But thanks to the hard work of our agents and prosecutors, as well as our state and local partners, the Department of Justice is protecting our seniors from fraud. The Trump administration has placed a renewed focus on prosecuting those who prey on the elderly, and the results of today’s sweep make that clear. Today we are announcing the largest single law enforcement action against elder fraud in American history. This year’s sweep involves 13 percent more criminal defendants, 28 percent more in losses, and twice the number of fraud victims as last year’s sweep. I want to thank the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which led this effort, together with the Department’s Criminal Division, the more than 50 U.S. Attorneys’ offices, and the state and local partners who helped to make these results possible. Together, we are bringing justice and peace of mind to America's seniors.”
“Sheldon Hurley may have thought he was part of a sophisticated scheme taking advantage those who were struggling financially, including elderly victims, but let this prosecution serve as a warning,” said U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Our office will continue to work diligently to bring to justice all criminals, particularly those who target the elderly, no matter where those criminals may be.”
The Department took action in every federal district across the country, through the filing of criminal or civil cases or through consumer education efforts. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of millions of more dollars than last year, putting the total alleged losses at this year’s sweep at over three fourths of one billion dollars.
The charges are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. The Justice Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act.
Technical-Support Takedown 2019
As part of the sweep, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners announced a tech-support fraud takedown, designed to combat an increasingly common form of elder fraud in which criminals trick victims into giving remote access to their computers under the guise of providing technical support. In 2018, technical-support schemes generated over 142,000 consumer complaints to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network. Consumers 60 and over filed more loss reports on tech-support scams from 2015 to 2018 than on any other fraud category reported to the Consumer Sentinel Network.
The Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, the Criminal Division’s Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section, and 10 U.S. Attorney’s Offices brought cases against perpetrators of technical-support fraud. The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and HSI partnered with the Justice Department in investigating these cases, and the FTC, several state Attorneys General and the U.K.’s City of London Police joined the effort by initiating their own cases.
“We’re committed to investigating financial fraud schemes against the elderly,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We’ve dedicated additional resources to address a wide range of elder fraud threats, including technical-support fraud. Victims of these schemes often lose thousands of dollars or more apiece, which can cause significant harm to elderly victims and their caretakers. If anyone suspects that they – or a senior they know – may be a victim of fraud, we encourage them to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.”
Transnational Criminal Organizations Committing Elder Fraud
“The sweep announced today brings the Postal Inspection Service to a landmark point in its battle against transnational criminal organizations committing mass mailing elder fraud,” said Chief Postal Inspector Barksdale. “In a recently unsealed case, two Canadians pled guilty and, thanks to the Spanish National Police, another was arrested in Spain for an alleged mail fraud scheme involving $180 million in losses to over one million victims. The Inspection Service has been at the forefront of protecting customers from fraud schemes for many years and we will continue to investigate and stop those who exploit older Americans for their own illegal gains.”
Many of the cases brought as part of the elder fraud sweep announced today – including many of the technical-support fraud cases – allegedly involved transnational criminal organizations. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs worked with numerous countries to secure evidence and capture defendants. During the sweep period, defendants in elder fraud cases were extradited from Canada, The Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Poland.
Money Mule Initiative
In addition, in a novel approach, the Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners took comprehensive action against the money mule network that facilitates foreign-based elder fraud. Generally, a money mule is someone who transfers money acquired illegally in person, through the mails, or electronically, on behalf of others. Across the country, money mules receive fraud proceeds directly from victims and forward proceeds to perpetrators and ringleaders of fraud schemes—individuals who often reside in other countries. As part of the sweep, the FBI and the Postal Inspection Service took action against over 600 alleged money mules nationwide by conducting interviews, issuing warning letters, and bringing civil and criminal cases. Secret Service agents aided these efforts by seizing and forfeiting elder fraud proceeds in transit from victims to perpetrators.
“Homeland Security Investigations is committed to the fight against elder fraud in conjunction with the Justice Department, and our other law enforcement partners,” said Executive Associate Director Derek Benner. “HSI Special Agents across the country have worked to address illegal fund transfers, fraudsters operating technical-support schemes, and elder fraud of all varieties. We will continue to use creative solutions to protect our nation’s seniors from fraud; financial security is critical to homeland security.”
“The Secret Service is committed to aggressively investigating and disrupting organized criminal groups who prey on our most vulnerable citizens,” said Secret Service Director Randolph “Tex” Alles. “The results of the elder fraud sweep announced today demonstrate what can be achieved though incredible partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.”
Public Education
The Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners focused the sweep’s public education campaign on technical-support fraud, given the widespread harm such schemes are causing. The FTC and State Attorneys General had an important role in designing and disseminating messaging material intended to warn consumers and businesses.
Public education outreach is being conducted by various state and federal agencies, including Senior Corps, a national service program administered by the federal agency the Corporation for National and Community Service, to educate seniors and prevent further victimization. The Senior Corps program engages more than 245,000 older adults in intensive service each year, who in turn, serve more than 840,000 additional seniors, including 332,000 veterans.
Global Efforts
Exceptional assistance from foreign law enforcement partners amplified the effectiveness of the Department’s initiative. The sweep announced today benefited greatly from the work of the International Mass-Marketing Fraud Working Group (IMMFWG), a network of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies from Belgium, Canada, Europol, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. The IMMFWG is co-chaired by the Department of Justice and the FTC, and law enforcement in the United Kingdom, and serves as a model for international cooperation against specific threats that endanger the financial well-being of each member country’s residents. Due to the IMMFWG’s network of law enforcement, simultaneous technical-support fraud consumer education campaigns are being released in Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Elder Fraud Complaints
Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin and CrackRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JASON BROCKETT, 45, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 14 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking heroin and crack cocaine
According to court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2017, the FBI, ATF and Waterbury Police Department began an investigation into drug trafficking by suspected members of “Addicted to Money,” also known as “ATM,” a violent street gang operating in Waterbury. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, physical surveillance and controlled purchases of heroin and crack cocaine, resulted in federal charges against 11 individuals.
Intercepted communications revealed that Brockett purchased and sold distribution quantities of heroin and crack cocaine.
Brockett was arrested on July 17, 2018. On December 20, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin and cocaine base (“crack”).
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Waterbury Police Department’s Gang Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick F. Caruso and Natasha M. Freismuth.