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28 February 2019
Two Chinese Nationals Indicted on Federal Kidnapping and Extortion Charges in Scheme Involving $2 Million Ransom DemandRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Two Chinese nationals have been indicted on federal charges that allege they kidnapped another Chinese national and attempted to collect $2 million in ransom from the victim’s family in exchange for the victim’s life.
Guangyao Yang, 25, and Peicheng Shen, 33, whose last known U.S. residences were in West Covina, were charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on February 22. The indictment charges the two defendants with conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, attempted extortion in violation of the Hobbs Act, and threat by foreign communication.
According to court documents, Shen, using an alias, met the victim, a Santa Ana resident, several times on the pretense that Shen would help the victim collect a debt from another individual. During their third meeting, at a San Gabriel shopping center on July 16, 2018, Shen allegedly kidnapped the victim and then, along with Yang, held the victim hostage at a house in Corona. At that house, Shen and Yang allegedly confined the victim by binding his legs together, taping his eyes shut, restraining his arms behind him, and confining him in a closet.
The day after the kidnapping, the victim’s father received a demand for a $2 million ransom in exchange for the victim’s life, with the money to be deposited into three Chinese bank accounts within three hours, court documents allege. The victim’s father also received photographs of the victim, who was physically restrained in a closet, according to court documents.
Investigators believe the victim died during the course of the kidnapping, and they are seeking the public’s assistance in locating his body.
The indictment further alleges that on July 18, defendants Shen and Yang attempted to conceal evidence of the crime. Specifically, defendants Shen and Yang drove to the area of Mojave, California, to bury or otherwise dispose of the victim’s body or other physical evidence involved in the crime. Further, on that same day, Shen allegedly had the closet of the Corona house re-carpeted. Yang also performed an Internet search to determine, in effect, how fast a corpse decomposes in soil, court papers state.
Shen and Yang currently are believed to be in China.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The two kidnapping-related charges carry a statutory maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The extortion and threat by foreign communication charges each carry a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The investigation into the kidnapping and extortion is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julia Choe of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section and Special Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Adams of the General Crimes Section.
The FBI is seeking information regarding the suspects charged in this case and to determine the whereabouts of the victim. While search efforts are focused in the Mojave Desert, the FBI would like to hear from anyone who may have information about this alleged crime or about associated suspicious activity. Anyone with information may call the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office at (310) 477-6565.
Tarentum Man Charged with Bank FraudRead the Press Release
PITTBURGH - A resident of Tarentum, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of bank fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The one-count Indictment, returned on February 19 and unsealed today, named David Linder, 40, as the sole defendant.
According to the Indictment, Linder participated in a scheme to defraud S&T Bank by opening accounts with a false Social Security number, depositing fraudulent checks into those accounts, and then making transactions drawing on the accounts.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Department of Homeland Security and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tampa Pastor and Daughter Plead Guilty to Tax Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Luckner Stimphil (55, Brandon) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States. His daughter, Elwolfine Dufort (31, Riverview), pleaded guilty on February 21, 2019, for her role in the conspiracy. Stimphil and Dufort each face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Pursuant to their plea agreements, Stimphil and Dufort have agreed to pay more than $11 million in restitution to the U.S. Department of the Treasury relating to the conspiracy. Stimphil also consented to pay all taxes, interest, and penalties found to be owed and due to the IRS relating to his personal tax returns for years 2012 and 2013. Stimphil and Dufort have also agreed to be permanently enjoined from preparing or assisting in the preparation or filing of federal tax returns for any other person or entity; from maintaining any association with a tax return preparation business; and from instructing, teaching, or otherwise training any person in the preparation of federal tax returns.
According to court documents, Stimphil, the then-pastor at First Calvary Family Life Ministry located on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in Tampa, created and operated Top Popular Tax, a tax return preparation business with offices in Tampa, Winter Haven, and elsewhere. The business operated from 2011 through at least mid-2015. There, Stimphil, his daughter (Dufort), and others working under Stimphil’s supervision, routinely assisted in and advised clients in the preparation and presentation of tax forms to the IRS, which included materially false and fraudulent information on client-taxpayers’ Schedule C Forms (business income or loss) and Forms 8863 (associated with a claim for the American opportunity credit). Some of the information submitted on Forms 1040 also included a false and fraudulent claim for a credit for federal tax on fuels on Form 4136.
This case was investigated by IRS - Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay G. Trezevant and Craig Gestring.
Stockton Man Indicted for Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Joseph Flowers, 29, of Stockton, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on January 16, 2019, Flowers was found in possession of a Pietro Beretta model 92F semi-automatic pistol. Flowers has three prior felony convictions, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Stockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Spencer is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Flowers faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Spokane Valley Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing over $88,000 from Greater Spokane County Meals on WheelsRead the Press Release
Spokane – Today, Joseph H. Harrington, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Michelle Susan Ferrell, age 59, of Spokane Valley, Washington, pled guilty to wire fraud. Senior United States District Judge Robert H. Whaley accepted Ferrell’s guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 14, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. in Spokane, Washington.
According to court documents and information disclosed during the court proceedings, between May 2013 and April 2018, Ferrell was a bookkeeper at Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels (Meals on Wheels). Meals on Wheels, which is part of the nationwide Meals on Wheels America organization operating throughout the United States, relies on government funding and private donations to provide over 1,000 meals each day to elderly and disabled residents of Spokane County. As a bookkeeper for Meals on Wheels, Ferrell had access to Meals on Wheels’ bank accounts, debit cards, and payroll system.
While employed at Meals on Wheels, Ferrell frequently used Meals on Wheels funds and bank accounts to pay for her unauthorized personal expenses, including mortgage, utility, and property tax payments on Ferrell’s residence, and to electronically transfer funds to herself and her businesses. Ferrell frequently disguised these transfers in Meals on Wheels’ internal accounting system to make them appear as though they were legitimate Meals on Wheels expenses. In this manner, between May 2013 and April 2018, Ferrell stole $88,800 in Meals on Wheels funds for her own personal use.
Additionally, Ferrell, who was responsible for paying Meals on Wheels’ quarterly payroll taxes to the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS), frequently underpaid the Meals on Wheels’ payroll taxes, or failed to file tax returns at all, and then falsified Meals on Wheels’ internal accounting records to reflect that it had paid the full amount due. Ferrell did this in order to ensure that Meals on Wheels would have funds in its account that Ferrell could use to pay her personal expenses without drawing attention to herself. When Meals on Wheels discovered this fraud, it was required to file corrected returns with the IRS, resulting in Meals on Wheels owing the IRS an additional over $120,000 in back payroll taxes, not including penalties or interest for late payment, which are still being assessed by the IRS.
United States Attorney Harrington said that “every day, more than one thousand elderly and disabled Spokane County residents rely on Meals on Wheels to provide food so that they don’t go to bed hungry or undernourished. Stealing from an organization that provides a crucial service to so many of the most vulnerable members of our community is simply beyond the pale.” Harrington continued, “I want to especially commend the stellar investigative work done by the FBI in making this result possible. This case demonstrates that our office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure that our tax dollars and charitable donations do not fall prey to fraud and embezzlement.”
The wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of court supervision after release, and restitution. Additionally, as part of the plea agreement, Ferrell has agreed to the United States’ forfeiture of her residence in Spokane Valley, because it represents the proceeds of the fraud.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Tyler H.L. Tornabene.
Snohomish County Resident Convicted of Violating the Arms Export Control Act and Three Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
A 35-year-old resident of Tulalip, Washington was convicted late yesterday in U.S. District Court in Seattle on four federal felonies related to illegal gun possession and trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. HANY VELETANLIC, a citizen of Bosnia legally residing in the United States, was found guilty of violating the Arms Export Control Act, illegally possessing two unregistered silencers, and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The jury deliberated nearly three hours following two days of testimony. U.S. District Judge James L. Robart scheduled sentencing for May 20, 2019.
According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, in February 2017, Swedish law enforcement seized a part of a Glock firearm from a residence in Fagersta, Sweden. The serial number on the Glock firearm had been filed off, but Glock Inc. was able to trace the sale of the firearm using a specialized company code imprinted on the part. The gun had been purchased by a resident of the Seattle area. When contacted by law enforcement, the resident said he had privately sold the gun to VELETANLIC. In May 2017, VELETANLIC contacted Homeland Security agents when he learned they had been asking about the firearm. VELETANLIC told agents about his activity selling firearms on eBay and in direct sales. After being advised of his Miranda rights, VELETANLIC ultimately admitted shipping packages of firearms overseas – as many as 20 different shipments to two different customer groups in Sweden. He also shipped gun parts to a person in France.
In the course of a July 2017 interview with law enforcement, VELETANLIC admitted that the customer in France had shipped him two silencers in exchange for the firearms parts. VELETANLIC claimed the silencers had been destroyed. However, when agents received permission to look in VELETANLIC’s gun safe, they found one of the silencers. The second silencer was turned over by VELETANLIC to agents in August 2017.
In May 2018, VELETANLIC was arrested on federal charges. At the time of his arrest he was carrying a Ruger pistol with an obliterated serial number. VELETANLIC admitted the weapon had an obliterated serial number because it had been stolen.
Violating the Arms Export Control Act is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Possession of as unregistered firearm is punishable by up to ten years in prison. Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number is punishable by up to five years in prison. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. The sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF) with assistance from the Swedish National Police.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Diggs and Marie Dalton.
Shreveport man pleads guilty to possessing pistol at an apartment complexRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Recardo Catrell Pierce, 22, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced.
According to the guilty plea, a Shreveport police officer observed Pierce exit an apartment and noticed a black handgun tucked in the front waistband of his shorts as he walked toward a parked car. When the officer approached the vehicle, Pierce attempted to exit the vehicle. As Pierce was climbing out of the vehicle through the door window, the firearm fell out of his pants. After chasing Pierce for about 300 yards, the officer apprehended him and took him back to the scene where the car had been and secured the dropped weapon, a Springfield Armory, Model: SA-XD, 9 by 19-caliber pistol, loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Pierce is a felon who was convicted of simple burglary on February 10, 2016 in Bossier Parish and was sentenced to six years in prison and five years of probation. Under federal law, felons are not allowed to possess firearms.
Pierce faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for June 18, 2019.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford is prosecuting the case.
San Jose Resident Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Embezzlement of an Emeryville CompanyRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Dinesh Shankar was sentenced today to 33 months in prison and ordered to pay $2,618,000 in restitution as result of his mail fraud conviction for embezzling from an East Bay medical device company, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, United States District Judge.
Shankar, 41, of San Jose, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud on November 1, 2018. According to the plea agreement, from March 2013 until January 2018, Shankar was an employee of an Emeryville-based medical device company. Beginning in July 2013 until December 2017, the defendant submitted false expense reports and false invoices to the company’s finance department, causing the company to pay more than half a million dollars in excess of the legitimate expenses and expenditures for services provided to the company. In addition, Shankar admitted he created false invoices that appeared to be issued by six different entities. The entities were actually fictitious business names for entities that Shankar controlled. Shankar prepared the false invoices to make it appear the entities had provided testing and quality assurance services to his employer when, in fact, they had not provided the services. Shankar admitted he caused a total loss to the company of about $2,576,384.
A federal grand jury indicted Shankar on April 12, 2018, charging him with six counts of mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1341. Shankar pleaded guilty to one count and the remaining counts were dismissed.
In addition to the prison sentence and restitution, Judge Gonzalez Rogers also sentenced the defendant to serve a three-year term of supervised release. The defendant will begin serving the sentence on May 1, 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lloyd Farnham is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Bridget Kilkenny and Claudia Hyslop. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.
San Fernando Valley Brothers Arrested in Stolen Refund Check Scheme that Allegedly Involved International Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Federal authorities have arrested two brothers from Woodland Hills who are charged in a stolen tax refund check scheme involving hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulently obtained federal income tax refunds, some of which were then laundered through bank accounts held in the United Kingdom.
Victor A. Ohiri, 50, and Stephen O. Danielson-Ohiri, 49, were arrested late Tuesday pursuant to a 13-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on January 29 that charges them with conspiracy, theft of government property, and international money laundering.
The Ohiri brothers were arraigned on the indictment Wednesday afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Both defendants pleaded not guilty and were ordered to stand trial on April 23.
The indictment alleges that between March 2014 and March 2015, Victor and Stephen Ohiri, together with two unidentified co-conspirators, conspired to use bank accounts to launder hundreds of thousands of fraudulently obtained federal income tax refunds. During the course of the conspiracy, at least $294,000 in federal income tax refunds was deposited into accounts controlled by the Ohiris.
According to the indictment, the unidentified co-conspirators filed fraudulent federal income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service in the names of taxpayers who were identity theft victims. The co-conspirators used fake documents, such as bogus Forms W-2, and information from the Ohiris’ bank accounts to file the fraudulent returns, which sought large tax refunds, often between $8,000 and $10,000.
Based on the false and fraudulent returns, the IRS issued tax refunds, which were electronically transmitted not to the named taxpayers, but instead to the bank accounts controlled by Victor and Stephen Ohiri, and others. Victor and Stephen Ohiri then withdrew the funds and/or transferred the funds to other bank accounts. In relation to most of the tax refunds, the majority of the funds were wired overseas to the unidentified co-conspirators in the United Kingdom.
During the investigation, IRS investigators seized approximately $181,000 in 2014 from two of Stephen Ohiri’s bank accounts – money that came from just one fraudulently obtained tax return.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
If the Ohiris were to be convicted of the charges alleged in the indictment, each defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of 145 years in federal prison.
During Wednesday’s arraignment, a United States Magistrate Judge ordered Victor Ohiri detained without bond pending trial, while Stephen Ohiri was ordered released on a $75,000 bond.
The case against the Ohiris is part of an ongoing investigation being conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristen A. Williams of the Major Frauds Section.
Salvadoran National Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Salvadoran national, illegally present in the United States, was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for failure to register as a sex offender as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
Melvin Velasquez, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to eight months in prison and five years of supervised release. In November 2018, Velasquez pleaded guilty to one count of failure to register as a sex offender. Velasquez was charged by criminal complaint in August 2018 and has been in federal custody since his arrest.
In 2007, Velasquez was convicted in New York of one count of rape in the third degree and sentenced to eight months in prison and eight years of probation. As a condition to his probation, Velasquez was required by SORNA to register as a sex offender in any jurisdiction where he resided or worked. Velasquez, who was also determined to be illegally present in the United States, was deported to El Salvador following the completion of his sentence.
Sometime thereafter, Velasquez returned to the United States, assumed a false identity, and was living and working in East Boston. In May 2018, Velasquez, using his alias, was arrested and charged with various motor vehicle violations. Velasquez’s fingerprints were obtained and found to match the prints in his alien file stemming from his 2007 New York rape conviction. Law enforcement subsequently discovered that Velasquez had not registered, as required by law, with the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; United States Marshal John Gibbons of the District of Massachusetts; and Todd M. Lyons, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Puerto Rican man Sentenced for His Role in Rochester Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Freddie Silva Otero, 49, of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that between January 12, 2018, and January 29, 2018, the defendant conspired with others to distribute cocaine in the Rochester area.
In furtherance of the conspiracy, Otero communicated via telephone with co-defendants Leitscha Poncedeleon and Carlos Javier Figueroa regarding the shipment of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Rochester, via the United States Postal Service. Leitscha Poncedeleon would provide the defendant with addresses. Otero then mailed packages containing approximately two kilograms of cocaine each.
Between January 16 and January 24, 2018, the defendant shipped a total of six packages from Puerto Rico to Rochester via the United States Postal Service.
A total of 10 defendants have been charged in connection with this conspiracy, five have been convicted.
Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Violent Crime Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Simmons; the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Patrick Phelan; the Brighton Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Henderson; and U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Gregory Johnson.
Princeton Man Sentenced on Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that a Princeton man was sentenced in federal court on his conviction for distributing cocaine. Jermaine Jones, 30, was sentenced to 21 months in prison.
“Cocaine, guns, and selling drugs,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Another drug dealer is off the streets, away from our families and communities and headed to a federal prison. Our drug task forces are working with a sense of urgency to keep our citizens safe and free from the drug demons that thrive on the innocent and vulnerable.”
Jones pled guilty in October, admitting that on March 30, 2018, he distributed a quantity of cocaine to a confidential informant near Bluewell in Mercer County. He further admitted that he sold cocaine in Mercer County on four other occasions in March and April of 2018, and that he possessed an additional amount of cocaine on April 4, 2018, at his residence in Princeton. Finally, he admitted that when authorities searched his residence, they found his two pistols.
This case was investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.
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President and Vice President of South Florida Construction Company Convicted at Trial of Defrauding Low-Income Housing Development ProgramRead the Press Release
Following a six-day jury trial, the president and vice president of a South Florida construction company were convicted of defrauding a low-income housing development program.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Rafiq Ahmad, Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Nadine Gurley, Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG), and Mary T. Cagle, Inspector General, Miami Dade County Office of the Inspector General, made the announcement.
Javier Estepa, 48, of Davie, Florida and Diego Alejandro Estepa Vasquez, 37, of Boca Raton, Florida, were convicted yesterday of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, and three counts of Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 (Case No. 18-CR-20530). In addition, Javier Estepa was convicted of three counts of making a false statement to a federal agency and Diego Alejandro Estepa Vasquez was convicted of one count of making a false statement to a federal agency, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001. The defendants face a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison as to each count of wire fraud and a statutory maximum penalty of 5 years in prison for each count of making a false statement. Sentencing is scheduled for May 10, 2019, at 2 p.m. before U.S. District Court Judge Ursula Ungaro.
The evidence at trial established that, between June 2014 and December 2016, Javier Estepa and Diego Alejandro Estepa Vasquez engaged in a scheme to unlawfully enrich themselves by securing Miami-Dade Public Housing and Community Development (PHCD) bid awards and causing payments on those contracts by making materially false and fraudulent representations, and by the concealment of material facts concerning, among other things, the utilization of subcontractors, the number of workers employed on the construction projects, the hours worked, and the status of those workers as employees of Aaron Construction Group, Inc.
Javier Estepa and Diego Alejandro Estepa Vasquez, the president and vice president, respectively, of Aaron Construction Group, submitted bids to PHCD, on behalf of Aaron Construction, for specific renovation and repair of low-income housing in various locations throughout Miami-Dade County. In the bids, Javier Estepa and Diego Alejandro Estepa Vasquez falsely and fraudulently represented that no subcontractors would be utilized in connection with the contract, that each worker would be paid for each hour worked, including for overtime, according to the Davis Bacon prevailing wage rates, and that Aaron Construction would obtain workers’ compensation insurance, in accordance with state laws. However, immediately after being awarded the contracts, Aaron Construction entered into agreements with subcontractors which set a fixed payment at very low amounts for their work, regardless of the number of hours worked. In addition, Aaron Construction required subcontractors to provide the information of two or three subcontractor employees so that they could be placed on Aaron Construction’s certified payroll to appear as if they were Aaron Construction employees. The evidence at trial established that Aaron Construction failed to accurately report the hour employees worked on the job sites or the specific categories of work performed.
In order to obtain payment from PHCD, Javier Estepa and Diego Alejandro Estepa Vasquez submitted Periodic or Final Estimate for Payment packets to PHCD containing false and fraudulent certified payroll records that listed fewer workers than were actually employed on the project and falsified the number of hours worked. In addition, the evidence at trial established that the workers were not paid the appropriate wages under the Davis Bacon Act, nor were the workers paid overtime. Javier Estepa and Diego Alejandro Estepa Vasquez falsely and fraudulently stated that they had no subcontractors working on the project, falsely characterizing the workers as employees of Aaron Construction, when in fact they were subcontractors and subcontractor employees. In addition, Javier Estepa and Diego Alejandro Estepa Vasquez submitted with the Periodic or Final Estimate for Payment packets sworn statements of compliance that falsely and fraudulently certified that the information submitted was true and correct. As a result of these false and fraudulent submissions, PHCD transferred over $3.9 million dollars in funds to bank accounts controlled by Javier Estepa and Diego Alejandro Estepa Vasquez.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of the DOL-OIG, HUD-OIG and the Miami Dade County Office of the Inspector General. She thanked the Miami-Dade Police Department for their assistance. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua S. Rothstein and John Gonsoulin.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Poplar Grove Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Theft of More Than $160,000 in Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Poplar Grove man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Kapala for theft of government funds.
JONATHAN GORZELA, 56, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Gorzela, who pleaded guilty to the charge on Oct. 12, 2018, was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $160,858.
The sentencing was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Tracey Thanos, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General in Chicago. The Illinois Department of Rehabilitative Services assisted in the investigation. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret J. Schneider.
According to a written plea agreement, between April 1991 and December 2015, Gorzela received disability benefits from funds administered by the Social Security Administration that he was not entitled to receive. Gorzela began receiving Social Security Income disability benefits in July 1984 after he sustained a gunshot wound to his back that left him a paraplegic. Gorzela was required to immediately report to the SSA any changes in income, family size or composition, family income, benefits from other sources, improvement in medical condition, or return to work. In multiple documents submitted to the SSA, Gorzela acknowledged he understood his responsibility to report any such changes to the SSA. Gorzela married in April 1991 and from that date through October 2015 did not disclose his marriage, nor the fact that his spouse was employed throughout the time of the marriage, or his spouse’s income.
In February 1998, Gorzela used false documentation to obtain a second Social Security number under another name. From 2000 through 2014 Gorzela obtained various jobs using the second social security number and the other name. None of the income obtained from that employment was reported to the SSA. As a result of Gorzela’s failure to report his marriage, his wife’s income, and the income he earned using his second identity to the SSA, Gorzela was overpaid approximately $160,858 in SSI disability benefits.
Gorzela also used his second identity to falsely obtain payment from the Illinois Dept. of Rehabilitative Services for the use of a paid personal assistant for which he qualified due to his injury. Between April 2006 and June 2008, Gorzela billed the IDRS approximately $28,566 for services purportedly provided to him under his alias identity. In addition, Gorzela billed the IDRS for services purportedly provided to the defendant by his son during the time periods that his son was incarcerated and during periods that Gorzela was working full time. Those billings resulted in the IDRS paying the defendant’s son approximately $21,382 for services that were not performed. In total, Gorzela caused the IDRS to overpay $49,948 for services that were not performed.
Pinellas Men Plead Guilty in Telemarketing ScamRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Troy Cater (30) and David Bell (55), both of St. Petersburg, have pleaded guilty to a money laundering conspiracy. Each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Pursuant to their plea agreements, Cater has agreed to pay $145,961.35 and Bell has agreed to pay $268,356, in restitution to the scheme’s numerous victims. In addition, Cater and Bell have consented to forfeiture money judgments in the amounts of $15,000 and $26,000, respectively, which represent the proceeds of the fraud.
According to the plea agreements, from 2015 through 2018, Cater and Bell conspired with others to take money from victims throughout the United States who wanted to sell their timeshare properties or other parcels of land. Other conspirators placed telephone calls to these victims impersonating real estate professionals and misleading the timeshare owners to believe that the conspirators had identified buyers for the victims’ timeshares and other properties. The conspirators further advised the victims that the sales could be consummated if the victims made one or more advanced payments to the conspirators for various fees purportedly associated with the sales, such as closing costs, courier services, title searches, transfer fees, and legal fees. Once the victims agreed to pay the bogus advance fees, the conspirators directed the victims to send funds via wire transfers to Cater and Bell, who then withdrew the fraud proceeds or hired others to retrieve the proceeds and shared them among the conspirators based on each conspirator’s role in the fraudulent transaction. The conspirators also continued to contact their victims, fraudulently advising them that additional funds were needed in order to complete the sales, and they continued to dupe the victims into sending bogus advance fees until the victims ran out of money or became aware of the scam.
The scam then evolved into a second stage where the conspirators re-contacted the victims via email and, now posing as helpful attorneys, told the victims that they had been defrauded in a timeshare scam. They offered to “represent” the victims against the “first attorneys,” and to obtain settlements on their behalves. Once the conspirators had gained the trust of the timeshare victims in their new roles, they directed the victims to forward additional bogus fees to Cater, Bell, and others. Some victims paid the conspirators several hundreds of thousands of dollars for the purported “litigation,” which Cater and Bell retrieved or had others retrieve at their direction.
Cater and Bell were initially recruited into the scheme by others, including several defendants who have pleaded guilty to related charges. Mark Boring previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. His sentencing hearing is set for March 7, 2019. Martin Steele has pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. His sentencing hearing has not yet been set. Gary Kinard has been sentenced to seven years and eleven months in federal prison for wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft for his role in the scheme.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel K. Jones.
Pinellas Man Sentenced to Nearly Eight Years in Prison for Telemarketing ScamRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Susan Bucklew has sentenced Gary Kinard (40, St. Petersburg) to 7 years and 11 months in federal prison for his role in a telemarketing scheme. As part of his sentence, the court also entered a money judgment of $75,000, the proceeds of the wire fraud conspiracy. In addition, Kinard was directed to pay a total of $2,244,735.66 to 43 identified victims of the scheme.
According to court records, from 2016 through at least 2018, Kinard conspired with others to take money from victims throughout the United States who wanted to sell their timeshare properties or other parcels of land. Kinard and others placed telephone calls to these victims impersonating real estate professionals. They misled the timeshare owners to believe the conspirators had identified buyers for the victims’ timeshares and other properties. The conspirators further advised the victims that the timeshare and property sales could be consummated if the victims made one or more advanced payments to the conspirators for various fees purportedly associated with the sales, such as closing costs, courier services, title searches, transfer fees, and legal fees. Once the victims agreed to pay the bogus advance fees, the conspirators directed the victims to send funds via wire transfers to one of the conspirators. That coconspirator then withdrew the fraud proceeds and shared them with the others, based on each conspirator’s role in the fraudulent transaction. The conspirators often repeatedly re-contacted their victims and fraudulently advised them that additional fees were needed in order to complete the sales, and they continued to dupe the victims into sending bogus advance fees until the victims either ran out of money or became aware of the scam.
After the victims depleted their assets or recognized that they had been defrauded, Kinard and other conspirators evolved the scheme. In this second stage, Kinard and/or other conspirators re-contacted their victims via email and, now posing as helpful attorneys, told the victims that they had been defrauded in a timeshare scam. They then offered to “represent” the victims against the “first attorneys,” and to obtain settlements on their behalves. Once Kinard had regained the trust of the timeshare victims, he directed the victims to forward additional bogus fees purportedly associated with the cost of litigation, settlement expenses, and other related expenses. Some victims paid the conspirators hundreds of thousands of dollars for the purported “litigation.” Over the course of the conspiracy, many victims lost their retirement savings and their homes.
Mark Boring, Martin Steele, David Bell, and Troy Cater previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this scheme. Their sentencing hearings are pending.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel K. Jones.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PurchasesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that on February 27, 2019, Elias K. Davie, age 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Andrews to 24 months incarceration. Davie pled guilty to making false statements to a licensed firearms dealer in the acquisition of firearms.
According to court filings, over a two-month period, Davie straw purchased three handguns for drug dealers, falsely representing that he was the actual purchaser when, in fact, he intended to transfer the firearms to drug dealers. Thereafter, Davie attempted to straw purchase two additional guns for individuals that were prohibited from owning them.
Following the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “It is a violation of law to straw purchase firearms. It is even more egregious to supply those firearms to drug dealers. This is a lethal combination and we will do our best to ensure that such defendants are held fully accountable for their conduct.”
“Our mission is to protect communities from anyone using firearms to commit illegal and violent acts,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Cekada. “Those who aid felons by supplying them with guns and who criminally abuse the process of purchasing firearms must be held accountable for their role in threatening the safety of our communities.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whitney Cloud and Laura D. Hatcher.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District of Delaware for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 18-CR-4-RGA.
Peter Mazza Sworn in as Second-in-Command at U.S. Attorney’s OfficeRead the Press Release
Kelly Thornton 619-546-9726
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – February 28, 2019
SAN DIEGO – Peter J. Mazza, a trial lawyer and former federal prosecutor, rejoined the U.S. Attorney’s Office today as second-in-command of one of the busiest federal districts in the nation.
Mazza, who was selected by U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer, was sworn in by Chief U.S. District Judge Larry Burns during a ceremony this morning. As First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Mazza will oversee the day-to-day operations of the office and serve as a trusted advisor to the U.S. attorney.
During his eight years as a prosecutor in the San Diego office beginning in 2006, Mazza worked in the General Crimes Section, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Section and the Major Frauds and Special Prosecutions Section, handling a wide variety of complex and significant cases. Mazza led many investigations involving crimes such as multi-million dollar tax and bank fraud schemes, public corruption, racketeering, extortion, money laundering and fraud.
Mazza left the office in 2014 to become a partner at Jones Day, specializing in business and tort litigation.
Brewer, who was sworn in as U.S. Attorney on January 16, previously worked at Jones Day, where he met Mazza briefly before moving to another firm. The two overlapped for a couple of months in 2014. Brewer said he was impressed by Mazza’s work experience.
“I am excited that the office will once again benefit from the depth and breadth of Pete’s expertise and knowledge related to our work and our mission,” U.S. Attorney Brewer said. “His sterling reputation, trial experience, and our shared vision for the office made him the clear choice. We and the entire Department of Justice are tremendously fortunate that he has decided to bring his legal skill, extraordinary judgment and professional experience back to our office.”
Mazza received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Yale University, graduating cum laude, and was captain of the varsity football team. He received his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, graduating with distinction.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office enforces federal criminal laws in the Southern District of California, which includes San Diego and Imperial counties, and represents the federal government in civil litigation. The office is composed of approximately 140 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and 145 staff members.
Page County Woman Sentenced for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced that on February 27, 2019, Devon Miller, age 28, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substances namely, Oxycodone, Adderall, and Hydrocodone, while in possession of a firearm. Miller was sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 66 months to be followed by a term of supervised release of three years.
On July 14, 2017, a Mills County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a car driven by Miller. Miller did not have a driver’s license and provided a false name. Subsequent to her arrest, a search of the car located over 100 different pills, all of which were controlled substances. Located with the pills was a loaded .45 caliber handgun. An Investigation by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement found Miller was selling the pills in Southwest Iowa.
This case was investigated by the Mills County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
Page County Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on February 27, 2019, Timothy Dean Curphey, age 35, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Curphey was sentenced to 204 months in prison to be followed by a seven-year term of supervised release.
In April 2016, a concerned citizen presented a suspicious package to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement examined the package, and discovered it had been sent from Mexico and contained methamphetamine disguised as candy. This investigation led to Curphey and others that had distributed over fifty pounds of methamphetamine in Southwest Iowa.
This case was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Page County Sheriff’s Office, Adams County Sheriff’s Office and Taylor County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
PROJECT CHARLESTON UPDATE: Federal Jury Finds Charleston Meth Dealer Guilty of Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A federal jury sitting in Charleston returned a guilty verdict today in the trial of a Kanawha County woman for distributing methamphetamine and conspiring to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.
“Project Charleston is working,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We have removed hundreds and hundreds of grams of meth from our city. In this case, more than 150 grams of methamphetamine were recovered in Charleston as a result of this operation. We are working with a sense of urgency to throw the drug dealers in prison and away from our families. West Virginia has paid too high a price due to the greed of those that prey on our communities. I want to commend the work of my prosecutors and MDENT officers for their work in this case. We are pleased that as a result of this verdict Charleston’s West Side will have one less meth dealer peddling poison on city streets.”
On June 18, 2018, Juanita Carrie Haynes, 54, of Charleston, sold about 3.5 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Based in part on that controlled purchase, police acquired a search warrant for the residence where the sale occurred. Officers executed that warrant on July 3, 2018, and recovered over 150 grams of methamphetamine.
Over the course of two days of testimony, witnesses for the United States described the extent of Haynes’ methamphetamine sales, most of which occurred out of a trailer located on Sissonville Road in Charleston. At the conclusion of the trial, the jury convicted Haynes on one count of distributing methamphetamine on June 18, 2018, and one count of conspiring to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine in June and July of 2018.
Haynes faces a minimum of sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of forty years in prison when she is sentenced on May 31, 2019.
Haynes was one of several individuals arrested in November 2018 as a result of a long-term investigation into a drug trafficking organization on Charleston’s West Side.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Monica D. Coleman and Matt Davis are in charge of the prosecution and tried the case before a federal jury. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., presided over the trial.
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Omaha Man Sentenced for Threatening Judge and AttorneyRead the Press Release
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced on February 19, 2019, Andrew Simet, 41, of Omaha, was sentenced to nineteen months in prison by United States District Court Chief Judge John A. Jarvey for Interstate Communication of a Threat. Simet was ordered to serve three years of supervised release to follow his prison term.
Simet entered a guilty plea to using social media, sending voice messages, and e-mails to an Iowa District Court Judge and an Iowa Public Defender that contained language that would knowingly be perceived as legitimate threats.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.
New York Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York man was sentenced in federal court in Springfield yesterday for failing to register as a sex offender.
Jose Dones, 43, of Schenectady, N.Y., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to two years in prison and seven years of supervised release. In October 2018, Dones pleaded guilty to one count of failure to register as a sex offender. Dones received an additional six months in prison for violating the conditions of supervised release from a 2016 failure to register conviction. Dones has been in custody since his arrest on Jan. 10, 2018.
In 1994, Dones was convicted of second degree rape, and in 2008, he was convicted of forcible touching. As a result, Dones is required to register as a sex offender and has received many notices informing him of his obligation. He has been convicted four times in New York state court of failure to register as a sex offender, and in 2016, he was convicted in federal court in Massachusetts of failing to register as a sex offender.
In November 2017, Dones was released from a halfway house in Boston, and, while on supervised release in connection with his 2016 federal conviction, he lived in Boston without registering as a sex offender. In December 2017, he moved to Schenectady, N.Y., where he again failed to register.
United States Andrew E. Lelling and John Gibbons, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Monongalia County woman admits to role in a drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Haley Hunt, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to her involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hunt, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Hunt admitted to using a phone to help distribute a controlled substance in April 2018 in Monongalia County.Hunt faces up to four years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. 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.
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CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Haley Hunt, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to her involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hunt, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Hunt admitted to using a phone to help distribute a controlled substance in April 2018 in Monongalia County.Hunt faces up to four years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. 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.
he 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.
Methamphetamine Drug Trafficking Organization Leader and Three-Time Federally Convicted Felon SentencedRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida– U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced James Lester Calloway, Jr. (49, Jacksonville) to 24 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Calloway had pleaded guilty on September 12, 2018, his third federal felony conviction. Calloway was previously convicted in August 2010, in the Middle District of Florida, for conspiracy to manufacture 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, during the execution of a search warrant at Calloway’s home, DEA agents seized approximately 112 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a firearm, and $70,960 in cash. The total amount of pure/actual methamphetamine attributed to Calloway in the conspiracy was at least 4.5 kilograms.
Jason Jed Morris (51, Palatka), another member of the drug trafficking organization, previously pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Morris was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison. According to the plea agreement, Morris traveled to Jacksonville to meet with Calloway, his source of supply, and purchased 28.25 grams of methamphetamine (99% purity) in order to distribute it to his customers in the Palatka area.
Two other members of the drug trafficking organization have also been charged for their roles in this case. On January 9, 2019, Samuel Trevor Martin (36, Jacksonville) pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 15, 2019. Anthony Donta Jones (39, Atlanta, GA) has been charged with possessing with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. His case is scheduled for trial in April 2019.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beatriz Gonzalez.
Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Importation of Chemicals to Manufacture Synthetic Cannabinoid and Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Bilal Hamid Love, 35, of Meridian, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III, to 168 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for importing the controlled substance AB-PINACA and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans.
On March 22, 2015, agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service found two packages that were coming from Hong Kong to a resident in Meridian, Mississippi. Inside the packages was AB-PINACA, a powder that is used in making synthetic cannabinoid. Love lives in Meridian and was also the manager at a local sporting goods store in Meridian. Agents searched the sporting goods store and found 3 firearms and numerous packages of synthetic cannabinoid for sale. Agents also searched Love’s home and found numerous items that are used in making synthetic cannabinoid, such as sprayers, AB-PINACA, flavoring, and dryers. Agents also found more firearms, cocaine and marijuana plants.
Love was charged in a multi-count federal indictment on March 7, 2018. He pled guilty on October 16, 2018.
The case was a joint investigation by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the East Mississippi Drug Task Force, the Mississippi State Crime Laboratory, and the United States Marshal Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
Members, Associates of Norteño Street Gang Charged in Heroin, Methamphetamine Drug CaseRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Thirty-three members and associates of the Norteño street gang allegedly responsible for distributing drugs around the Salt Lake City area are facing federal charges in recently unsealed complaints filed in federal court. During the investigation, agents seized methamphetamine and heroin headed to Salt Lake City from drug cartels in Mexico and drug proceeds from Utah headed south to cartels in Mexico.
U.S. Attorney for Utah John W. Huber, DEA District Agent in Charge Brian S. Besser, ATF Special Agent in Charge Debbie Livingston, IRS-Criminal Investigation Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tyler R. Hatcher, Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera, and U.S. Marshal Matt Harris announced the charges today. The Salt Lake Area Metro Gang Unit assisted with the case.
The arrests in this case follow a coordinated investigation involving federal and local law enforcement partners, including the ATF, the DEA, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Salt Lake Area Metro Gang Unit, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service’s VFASTTwenty-seven individuals are charged in one complaint. Six other individuals are charged in five separate complaints.
The charges are the result of an investigation that started in June 2018 when the Metro Gang Unit and the ATF began targeting drug and firearms trafficking activities of Salt Lake City gang members, specifically Norteños. DEA joined the investigation in August 2018, according to the complaint.
As noted in the complaint, gang investigators documented Utah’s first Norteño group in the mid-1980s, followed by several other sub-sets in the early 1990s. Unaligned or independent street gangs began associating under the Norteño umbrella in the early 2000s. According to the complaint, the Salt Lake Valley has approximately 10 active Norteño sub-sets, with approximately 100-150 active Norteño gang members. Norteños in the Salt Lake Valley have been responsible for drive-by shootings, aggravated assaults, robberies, and homicides, the complaint says.
As a part of this proactive investigation, agents used court-authorized investigative tools to learn that Joe Gomez aka Norte Joe, age 32, and Denny Kandt aka Casper, age 41, were working with Mexican drug cartel members to distribute drugs originating from cartels in Mexico in and around the Salt Lake Valley, the complaint alleges.
The complaint alleges Gomez received shipments of methamphetamine and heroin sent by Mexico-based drug traffickers identified as Pedro LNU (Last Name Unknown) and Luis LNU and a Los Angeles-based drug trafficker referred to as UM4192 in the complaint.
The complaint also alleges Kandt, a Salt Lake City-based drug trafficker, supplied Gomez with methamphetamine. Gomez and Kandt supplied drugs to various Salt Lake City-based sub-distributors. Other Salt Lake City distributors, on occasion, supplied Gomez with drugs, the complaint alleges.
During the investigation and the execution of search warrants at several locations, agents seized approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine, 2 pounds of heroin, and more than 19 firearms.Investigators have identified 26 distributors or couriers involved in Gomez’s organization. Many of these distributors are known gang members or gang affiliates. Many are associated with sub-sets of the Norteño gang.
Throughout the investigation, agents intercepted communications indicating that representatives for the Mexico-based drug traffickers stayed at Gomez’s residence, while drugs were being distributed, to ensure that proceeds were collected and turned over to Pedro LNU and Luis LNU. Agents conducted a number of controlled drug purchases from Gomez and Kandt.
During the course of the investigation, agents seized both drugs and money from this alleged drug trafficking organization. Agents have seized drug proceeds headed to cartels in Mexico, as well as heroin and methamphetamine headed to Salt Lake County originating from cartels in Mexico.
For example, during the investigation, agents learned that on October 17, 2018, Gomez sent Jessica Rice and Angel Cordova to Los Angeles to pick up 20 pounds of methamphetamine and half a kilogram of heroin provided by Pedro LNU sand Luis LNU. Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, agents seized this delivery of 20 pounds of methamphetamine and a half-kilogram of heroin. Gomez received drug quantities of this level with some regularity throughout the investigative time period, sometimes on a monthly basis.
On another occasion, agents seized drug proceeds in the form of cash that was destined to arrive in the hands of the Mexican cartel. Some $19,820 in drug proceeds were interdicted on November 1, 2018, near Nephi, Utah. Investigators believe these seizures represent a fraction of the drug trafficking carried out by Gomez and his associates during the course of this investigation.
The complaint alleges the defendants were engaged in a typical drug trafficking scheme involving:
- Importation of drugs from Mexico into the United States
- Transportation of drugs to a destination area (Salt Lake City)
- Distribution of drugs to a re-distributors who distribute the drugs throughout the community
- Collection and transportation of drug proceeds
27 DEFENDANTS CHARGED IN US v GOMEZ, ET AL CONSPIRACY COMPLAINT
Count 1: Conspiracy to distribute Methamphetamine
Potential sentence of life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum, $10 million fine, and 5 years of supervised release
(These individuals are charged in both conspiracy counts)
Joe Gomez aka Norte Joe, age 32
Denny Kandt aka Casper, age 41
Leticia Chidester, age 48
Trevor Marsh, age 55
Jessica Rice, age 43
Angel Trudy Cordova,age 37
David Calderon aka Menace, age 29
Joshua Lee Kendall aka Criminal, age 32
Melquiadez Ramirez aka Thumper, age 26
Michele Vincent Gatti aka Mike, age 45
Sulayman Sarr aka Africa, age 32
Zachariah Matthew Coles aka Zig Zag, age 43
Lisa Nicole Valdez Garcia, age 31
Steven Edward Manolito, age 32
Patrick Austin, age 50
Danial Movahhed aka Maniac, age 32
Jerry Lewis Jackson, age 56
Mark Russell Cordova, age 36
Tony Devaughn Linam aka Hoodlum, age 36
David Soto-Acosta aka Droops, age 23
Nicholas Dean MacNeil aka Nico, age 28
Ashley Marie Rodriquez, age 30
Roy Pearson, age 42
Dee Dee Cordova, age 47
(These two individuals are charged in this count only)
Sarah Ruth Gordon, age 31
Mayra Alejandra Gomez, age 35
Count 2: Conspiracy to distribute heroin
Potential sentence of life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum, $10 million fine, and 5 years of supervised release
(These individuals are charged in both conspiracy counts)
Joe Gomez aka Norte Joe, age 32
Denny Kandt aka Casper, age 41
Leticia Chidester, age 48
Trevor Marsh, age 55
Jessica Rice, age 43
Angel Trudy Cordova,age 37
David Calderon aka Menace, age 29
Joshua Lee Kendall aka Criminal, age 32
Melquiadez Ramirez aka Thumper, age 26
Michele Vincent Gatti aka Mike, age 45
Sulayman Sarr aka Africa, age 32
Zachariah Matthew Coles aka Zig Zag, age 43
Lisa Nicole Valdez Garcia, age 31
Steven Edward Manolito, age 32
Patrick Austin, age 50
Danial Movahhed aka Maniac, age 32
Jerry Lewis Jackson, age 56
Mark Russell Cordova, age 36
Tony Devaughn Linam aka Hoodlum, age 36
David Soto-Acosta aka Droops, age 23
Nicholas Dean MacNeil aka Nico, age 28
Ashley Marie Rodriquez, age 30
Roy Pearson, age 42
Dee Dee Cordova, age 47
(This individual is charged in this count only)
Colton McBride aka Lil Bandit, age 26
SIX INDIVIDUALS CHARGED IN FIVE INDIVIDUAL COMPLAINTS
Rudy Garcia aka Rascal, age 29, is charged in a complaint with distribution of methamphetamine and felon in possession of firearm. He faces up to 40 years in prison for the drug count with a five-year mandatory minimum and up to 10 years for the firearm count.
Billie Len Collins, age 34, is charged in a complaint with distribution of methamphetamine. She faces up to 40 years in prison with a five-year mandatory minimum sentence.
Davis Toki aka T-Down, age 38, is charged in a complaint with distribution of methamphetamine. He faces up to 40 years in prison with a five-year mandatory minimum sentence.
Rex Myers aka Lazy, age 39, is charged in a complaint with felon in possession of a firearm. He faces up to 10 years in prison.
Travis Benjamin Torres aka Shorty, age 41, and Tessie Shallamar Montoya, age 37, are charged in a complaint with distribution of methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm. They face up to 40 years in prison with a five-year mandatory minimum sentence for the drug count. The firearm count has a potential 10 years sentence.
(Indictments will being filed in these five cases later today.)
Arrest warrants are pending for Coles and Jackson. Austin, Dee Dee Cordova, Mayra Alejandra Gomez and Sarr have been released. All other defendants are in custody pending trial.
The defendants are from the Salt Lake County area.
Complaints are not findings of guilt. Individuals charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in court.
Member of the Violent “Murdaland Mafia Piru” Bloods Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering and Drug ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Devon Dent, age 28, of Baltimore, Maryland pleaded guilty on February 27, 2019, to racketeering and drug conspiracies related to his participation in the gang activities of the Murdaland Mafia Piru (MMP), a subset of the Bloods gang. As part of his gang activities, Dent admitted that he distributed crack cocaine for the gang and that he was present when a MMP co-defendant attempted to kill a victim outside a Baltimore nightclub, shooting that person multiple times in the head and torso.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Acting Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department; Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby; and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger.
According to Dent’s plea agreement and court documents, MMP, also known as the “Mob” or “Mobsters,” is a violent subset of the Bloods gang that operates in Maryland and elsewhere. MMP was modeled after the Italian Mafia, and was organized hierarchically, with “the Don” at the top and various “Bosses,” “Underbosses,” “Capos,” “Lieutenants,” and “Mobsters” underneath. For many years, MMP has controlled the drug trade in large swaths of Northwest Baltimore City and neighboring Baltimore County, including Forest Park, Windsor Mill, Gwynn Oak, Howard Park, Woodlawn, and Walbrook Junction. The gang’s drug shop in the 5200 block of Windsor Mill Road was particularly lucrative due to its close proximity to Interstate 70, and it frequently attracted drug customers driving from Western Maryland and neighboring states. MMP’s members enriched themselves through drug trafficking and other criminal activities, and using violence and threats of violence to intimidate or retaliate against witnesses, protect the gang’s territories, enforce debts, and eliminate rivals.
Dent admits that he was a member of MMP and participated in the gang’s affairs through a pattern of racketeering activities, including murder, extortion, robbery, witness tampering and retaliation, money laundering, and drug distribution. Specifically, Dent admits that on October 15, 2012, he was present when a co-defendant attempted to murder a victim, shooting him multiple times in the head and torso with a .45 caliber firearm outside Club Mirage in downtown Baltimore. A closed-circuit television camera captured the incident, and showed Dent arriving at Club Mirage with four other MMP members, including one who was wearing a red shirt with the words “MOBB SQUAD” on the back and filmed the victim with a tablet device shortly before the shooting.
On November 4, 2012, Dent possessed with intent to distribute roughly 12 grams of heroin and 21 grams of crack cocaine, as well as MMP paperwork. The paperwork detailed the history and structure of the gang, as well as certain rules of conduct, including that “retaliation is a must,” and that “co-operation with authorities that lead[s] to incriminating others” is punishable by death.
On April 15 and April 22, 2015, Dent distributed crack cocaine on Gwynn Oak Avenue to an undercover officer who was wearing an audio-video recording device.
Including Dent, twenty of twenty-six defendants have pleaded guilty in the case. Trial is tentatively scheduled to begin on March 18, 2019 for the remaining defendants.
Dent and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement, Dent will be sentenced to between 10 and 15 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake has not yet scheduled sentencing for Dent.
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 its 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.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur praised the ATF, the Baltimore City and Baltimore County Police Departments, and the Baltimore City and Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Offices for their work in the investigation and prosecution. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Christina Hoffman and Lauren E. Perry, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
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Marstons Mills Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A federal grand jury in Boston indicted a Marstons Mills man today on charges of distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography.
Steven Carme, 30, was indicted on one count of distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. Earlier this month, Carme was arrested and charged by criminal complaint and released on conditions.
According to the charging documents, on Feb. 5, 2019, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Carme’s residence, where they seized a laptop computer, an external hard drive, and an iPhone X. An onsite forensic review of the external hard drive revealed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography.
The charges of distribution and receipt of child pornography each provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison. Each charge also provides for a mandatory minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Barnstable Police Chief Matthew Sonnabend made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna Nuzum of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Man with Violent History Involving Guns Sentenced to a Decade in Prison for Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
A convicted felon and domestic abuser who possessed a gun during a domestic incident was sentenced February 26, 2019, to the maximum sentence allowed, ten years in federal prison.
Kenneth Lamont Sanders, age 38, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 13, 2018, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Sanders was prohibited from possessing guns because he was a convicted felon and domestic abuser.
Evidence presented at an earlier hearing showed Sanders was in an argument with his then-girlfriend when a minor in the residence heard her yelling “Put the gun down! Put the gun down!” After police arrived on the scene, they recovered a gun in the couch at the residence. The girlfriend had visible injuries to her face and neck. During sentencing, the judge found that Sanders obstructed justice by trying to influence the testimony of the victim.
Sanders’s criminal history includes an adjudication for murder when he shot and killed another male. Sanders’s history also includes convictions for battery, aggravated unlawful use of weapons, carrying weapons, domestic assault, domestic battery, aggravated assault, battery, criminal mischief, interference with official acts, assault, assault of a peace officer, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of cocaine, resisting a peace officer, and numerous alcohol-related offenses. Both the prior domestic battery and the domestic assault convictions involved guns.
Sanders was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Linda R. Reade. Sanders was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment. This was the maximum sentence allowed by law. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Sanders 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 Emily K. Nydle and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 18-CR-1025.
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Malden Man Sentenced for Defrauding EmployerRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Malden man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a wide-ranging conspiracy to defraud his employer, a large facilities services company with offices in the Greater Boston area.
Vence Pires, 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge Rya W. Zobel to one year and one day in prison, one year of supervised release and restitution to be determined at a later date. In July 2018, Pires pleaded guilty one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Co-defendant Lou Amaral, 52, also of Malden, pleaded guilty on July 9, 2018, to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of money laundering and one count of tax evasion. Amaral is awaiting sentencing.
Pires and Amaral worked for the same facilities services company in the Greater Boston area. Amaral was the supervisor of the Special Services Department, and as such, he had the ability to hire employees and to contract with third-parties to provide temporary labor. Pires was an account manager who worked for Amaral in Special Services. Amaral first began taking bribes from a temporary labor company in order to steer contracts to that company. In 2014, Amaral opened up his own temporary labor company and, with the help of Pires, awarded himself the temporary labor contracts. Through this scheme, Amaral made approximately $10 million in revenue over a three-year period, resulting in harm to his employer of more than $4 million.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Rosen of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
Lower Brule Man Charged with Burglary, Larceny, and Aiding and AbettingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Burglary, Larceny, and Aiding and Abetting.
Alan Thompson, Jr., age 23, was indicted on February 13, 2019. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 20, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 25 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on May 25, 2017, Thompson entered an occupied structure at night with another individual with the intent to commit larceny and stole personal property that had a value in excess of $1,000.
The charges are merely accusations and Thompson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Thompson was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for April 30, 2019.
Long Island Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Assault and Murder Two United States SenatorsRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Ronald DeRisi pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Joseph F. Bianco to threatening to assault and murder United States senators in retaliation for their support of the nomination and confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. When sentenced, DeRisi faces up to 10 years in prison. As part of his plea agreement with the government, DeRisi will forfeit two rifles to the United States.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Matthew R. Verderosa, Chief of Police, United States Capitol Police, announced the guilty plea.
“This defendant threatened to assault and murder two sitting United States senators in an effort to intimidate them and interfere with their performance of official duties,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “Ours is a system of laws – not threats – and the Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute those who seek to undermine the integrity of our constitutional system through violence.” Mr. Donoghue extended his grateful appreciation to the United States Capitol Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Suffolk County Police Department for their investigative work and assistance in the case.
“The mission of the United States Capitol Police is to protect the Congress, the U.S. Capitol, and all who work and visit here. I want to thank our investigators for their excellent work as well as our law enforcement partners and Mr. Donoghue and his staff for bringing this investigation and trial to this satisfactory conclusion,” stated U.S. Capitol Police Chief Verderosa.
In September and October of 2018, DeRisi telephoned and left more than 10 threatening voice-messages at the offices of two United States senators in connection with the nomination and confirmation of Justice Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. When DeRisi was arrested on October 19, 2018, members of law enforcement recovered the prepaid cellular telephone that had been used to make the threatening calls, as well as live ammunition during the execution of a search warrant.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Justina L. Geraci is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
Ronald DeRisi
Age: 74
Smithtown, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-090 (JFB)
Liberty Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms and Methamphetamine Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Jevon Chrzanowski, age 44, of Liberty, South Carolina, was sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. United States District Judge Timothy M. Cain, of Anderson, sentenced Chrzanowski to 180 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
Evidence presented to the court established that the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) executed a search warrant at Chrzanowski’s residence and located: a 16 gauge shotgun; a .380 caliber pistol; a 12 gauge shotgun; over 50 grams of methamphetamine; $2,400; and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
The case was investigated by Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, SLED, DEA, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Assistant United States Attorney Jamie Lea Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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Law Enforcement Officials Announce Recent Results in Effort to Reduce Violent Crime in LexingtonRead the Press Release
Statistics Reveal Meaningful Drop in Violent Crime Reported during 2018
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Law enforcement officials announced today the results of coordinated efforts to reduce violent crime in Lexington, during 2018.
According to statistics recently released by the Lexington Police Department, violent crime in Lexington decreased by 13% in 2018, compared to 2017. This decrease included declines in homicides (down 21%), robberies (down 21%), aggravated assaults (down 11%), and shootings (down 23%). Additionally, shots fired calls decreased by 9%.
In January 2018, U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr.; Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney Lou Anna Red Corn; Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department; Stuart Lowrey, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division; Fayette County Sheriff Kathy Witt; and other local, state and federal law enforcement partners, including FBI and DEA, announced the creation of the Fayette County Violent Crime Task Force, a joint effort to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in Lexington. The Task Force was formed as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, which focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and coordinates with locally based prevention and reentry programs in an effort to achieve lasting reductions in crime.
“These results indicate that our law enforcement partnerships have been effective,” said U.S. Attorney Duncan. “They validate a valuable enforcement strategy moving forward and have led to the arrest and prosecution of numerous violent offenders. That benefits not only Lexington, but the entire Central Kentucky community. Through our collective efforts, I believe we are making a difference.”
“I especially commend the men and women of the Lexington Police Department for their outstanding work in helping to reduce violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Duncan. “Daily, these officers put their lives at risk to enforce the law and help keep our community safe. We are proud to partner with them.”
Mayor Linda Gorton said thanks to the work of the law enforcement community, Lexington is one of the safest cities of its size in the country. “We are happy that our overall numbers are declining,” Gorton said. “We know there’s more work to do, but we are moving in the right direction.”
“Across the department, each officer understands the importance of collaborative, proactive police work in identifying criminal offenders, especially those with guns and illegal narcotics. We can’t do this work alone,” Chief Weathers said. “Addressing crime trends is a never-ending process. From neighborhood meetings to strategic public safety task forces, we’ll continue to look for engaging and innovative methods to prevent crime from occurring and to hold criminals accountable.”
“Our Lexington Police Officers deserve much of the credit,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Red Corn. “The sharing of resources between local and federal partners has truly enhanced investigations and helped build successful prosecutions.”
“ATF strives to be ‘no better partner’ to other law enforcement agencies,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Stuart Lowrey of the Louisville Field Division. “During the past year, ATF and these agencies investigated illegal sources of crime guns and persons who illegally possessed or used guns to commit violent crimes in the Lexington area. Together, we pursued ‘traffickers and trigger pullers’ with every resource, including new ballistic technology and other crime gun intelligence to disrupt the shooting cycle. ATF and these efforts support the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods in making our communities safer for everyone.”
“The Fayette County Violent Crime Task Force is a force multiplier,” said Special Agent in Charge James Robert Brown, Jr., of the FBI’s Louisville Field Division. “The Task Force focused its efforts towards one goal - reducing violent crime. It is working.
Seeing ATF Agents, FBI Agents, and DEA Agents work side by side with the Lexington Police Department and other agencies has been remarkable to witness.”“The success of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the law enforcement professionals in the region working in a truly collaborative fashion,” said D. Christopher Evans, Special Agent in-Charge of DEA’s Louisville Field Division. "We could not ask for a better group of professionals to work with toward the shared goal of reducing violent crime in our communities around Lexington and throughout Central Kentucky.”
Fayette County Violent Crime Task Force
Participants in the Fayette County Violent Task Force developed investigations of violent offenders and significant drug traffickers, resulting in the prosecution of 88 defendants in 2018 (44 defendants in state court, and 44 defendants in federal court). Here are a few examples of successful prosecutions:
U.S. v. Andre Stackhouse - In January 2018, detectives with the Lexington Police Department executed a search warrant at Stackhouse’s Lexington residence, locating 244 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mix and two firearms. Stackhouse was arrested and admitted to the distribution of heroin and to possessing the firearms for protection during his drug trafficking. Stackhouse has six prior felony convictions, including drug trafficking, from Chicago.
Stackhouse pleaded guilty and on December 8, 2018, was sentenced to 190 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was also sentenced to a term of 8 years of supervised release.
U.S. v. Davion Bledsoe - On April 17, 2018, Bledsoe fled from police and was involved in an injury collision. During a search of Bledsoe’s vehicle officers located distribution amounts of heroin and crack cocaine, scales, and a handgun. The substances were submitted for testing and were found to contain 8.9 grams of heroin and 18.896 grams of cocaine base (crack cocaine). The firearm was a pistol that was reported stolen from Fayette County in February 2018. On September 4, 2018, Bledsoe pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On January 14, 2019, Bledsoe was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison, and 5 years of supervised release.
Commonwealth v. William Dixon: After observing a vehicle roll through a stop sign, Lexington patrol officers attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle fled, then the occupants jumped out of the vehicle and ran. One of the occupants, Dixon, threw down heroin, cocaine and a handgun as he ran. When arrested, Dixon has over $1,000 in cash. Dixon had been previously convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a convicted felon. At trial, a Fayette County jury convicted Dixon of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Fleeing/Evading Police. He was sentenced to ten years in prison in June of 2018.
Commonwealth v. Rodney Bell: Bell, who was on parole, was found to be in possession of cocaine, Xanax bars, and over $8,000 during a home visit by parole officers. Criminal records show he has prior convictions for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, Fleeing/Evading Police, and Tampering with Physical Evidence. He pled guilty to Trafficking in a Controlled Substance and Tampering with Physical Evidence and was sentenced to serve five years in prison in June of 2018.
Operation Triple Beam – Bourbon Trail
Additionally, personnel from the United States Marshals Service, the Kentucky State Police, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Lexington Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies participated in Operation Triple Beam – Bourbon Trail Initiative (OTB-Bourbon Trail). OTB-Bourbon Trail was a three-month law enforcement initiative that focused on reducing crime in central Kentucky cities, including Lexington, by identifying and arresting violent fugitives, collecting intelligence, and removing individuals who had committed – and were committing – crimes from the community.
OTB-Bourbon Trail was operational from October 15, 2018 to December 14, 2018. During that time, law enforcement arrested 132 defendants (including several wanted for crimes in other states), seized quantities of illegal drugs (including fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana), and recovered 37 firearms. U.S. Attorney Duncan and United States Marshal Norman Arflack jointly announced the results of this additional initiative.
“Operation Triple Beam is a nationwide initiative supported by the U.S. Marshals service,” said Marshal Arflack. “We in the Eastern District of Kentucky are extremely grateful for the support we received from the U.S. Attorney’s office, Kentucky State Police, Lexington Police Department and all other local agencies who worked in collaboration to make this operation one of the most successful in the nation. I am certain that this initiative has made great strides in providing a safer environment for the citizens of Fayette and surrounding counties.”
KSP Commissioner Rick Sanders offered accolades for the successful partnerships that culminated with multiple arrests. “It’s not about who gets the credit, it’s about coming together as law enforcement officers to reduce violent crimes in our communities” said Commissioner Sanders. “That is exactly what these agencies did and we will continue to do in the future.”
Community Outreach and Engagement
In addition to enforcement efforts aimed at removing the most violent offenders from our streets, law enforcement personnel have engaged in community outreach and education. “Our law enforcement partnerships have helped remove several violent offenders from our communities, while also helping to improve existing community relationships and create new ones,” said Chief Weathers. “This helps build trust and government accountability by letting everyone know that we are serious about public safety.”
“We all recognize that enforcement alone is not enough, and sustained success requires a comprehensive approach,” added U.S. Attorney Duncan. “As prosecutors, holding offenders accountable is always our first priority, which usually means incarceration in gun violence cases,” emphasized Commonwealth’s Attorney Red Corn. “But we are also very involved in prevention, intervention, and re-entry work. PSN’s partnership with the city’s ONE LEX initiative has resulted in the sharing of useful information with offenders re-entering the community, including information about the city and community resources available to them, such as library services, mental health services, and potential employment opportunities.”
“Combatting violent crime is a cornerstone priority of the Department of Justice and of our Office, said U.S. Attorney Duncan. While we are proud of the work we have done alongside our partners, we recognize there is more to do. We are committed to carrying our efforts forward, in 2019 and beyond.”
Learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Lanny Chris Carroll Sentenced to Serve 90 Months in Prison for Being Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On February 28, 2019, Lanny Chris Carroll, 53, of Morristown, Tennessee, was sentenced by the Honorable Leon Jordan, Senior U.S. District Court Judge, to serve 90 months in federal prison.
Carroll pleaded guilty in August 2018 to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On February 13, 2018, officers with the Morristown Police Department were dispatched to a domestic violence call. They encountered Carroll attempting to enter a residence where his wife and her elderly father lived. His wife later advised police Carroll had called and threatened to kill her prior to arriving at the residence. After officers ordered him to stop and show his hands, Carroll drew a loaded Walther semi-automatic pistol from his waistband. Officers with the Morristown Police Department shot Carroll in the chest.
Carroll had been convicted of at least six felony offences in Hamblen County Criminal Court at the time of this crime.
“The U.S. Attorney’s office will not tolerate armed violence against police officers. We will continue to work with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners and the state district attorneys, using every tool and asset available, to ensure that violent criminals like Carroll are prosecuted and the threat they pose to the police and public is eliminated,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey.
Agencies involved in this investigation included the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Morristown Police Department, Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Robert M. Reeves, Assistant U.S. Attorney, represented the United States in court proceedings.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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Kokomo Man ChargedRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE –A federal grand jury on February 27, 2019 returned a six count superseding indictment against Bradley M. Cox, 28, of Kokomo, Indiana, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
According to documents in this case, Mr. Cox allegedly gained access to a Facebook account which belonged to another person and then posed as the creator of that Facebook account to exchange explicit images with the owner of another Facebook account. Cox then threatened to publicly release the sexual pictures that the owner of that Facebook account sent to him unless the owner of that Facebook account gave Cox access to that Facebook account. Cox was given access to the second Facebook account, in which he found images depicting nude or partially nude individuals and sexually explicit material. Cox then contacted individuals depicted in that material and threatened to publicly release the nude, partially nude or sexually explicit images he had of them unless they agreed to give him additional nude, partially nude and/or sexually explicit photos and/or videos.
The superseding indictment alleges three counts of extortion; two counts of production or attempted production of child pornography; and one count of receipt or attempted receipt of child pornography. Mr. Cox has been detained pending trial since September of 2018 when he was initially charged with production of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Kirsch said, “Children are among our most vulnerable and innocent victims. My office will always aggressively prosecute cases that involve crimes against children. Cases such as this one, that allege the extortion of nude images, are particularly worthy of prosecution. I commend the FBI and local and county law enforcement agencies that worked hard and quickly to solve this crime.”
“This investigation highlights the tenacity and expertise of the FBI’s Crimes Against Children Task Force and was a top priority to be quickly resolved,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “Mr. Cox’s alleged victimization of these individuals is reprehensible and won’t be tolerated."
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an Indictment is merely an allegation and that all persons are presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in court.
If convicted, any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI with the assistance of the Rochester and Peru, Indiana Police Departments along with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Nokes.
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Kingsmen President and Nomad, Convicted by a Federal Jury of Murder and Racketeering, Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
A leader and member of the Kingsmen Motorcycle Club (KMC) who committed execution style murders were sentenced for their roles in a major racketeering operation that involved violence and murder.
David Pirk, 68, KMC National President, and Andre Jenkins, aka Little Bear, 40, a “nomad” which performed the role of “enforcer” within the KMC, were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to serve three consecutive life terms plus 10 years in prison for their convictions following a four-month jury trial of RICO conspiracy, possession of firearms in furtherance of crime of violence, murder in aid of racketeering, possession and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, using and maintaining premises for drug dealing and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Jenkins was also convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Pirk and Jenkins resided in Eustis, Florida prior to going to prison.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. for the Western District of New York, Special Agent in Charge Kevin Kelly of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo and Special Agent in Charge Gary Loeffert of FBI Buffalo Field Office made the announcement.
“While their roles within the brutally violent Kingsmen Motorcycle Club may have been different, David Pirk and Andre Jenkins today share the same well-deserved fate: a lengthy prison sentence for ordering and carrying out the execution of two fellow gang members, among other serious crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “Outlaw motorcycle gangs like the Kingsmen pose a significant threat to the safety and security of our communities, and I applaud the efforts of our prosecutors and our federal and local law enforcement partners in bringing these violent criminals to justice.”
“Through this prosecution, both the national president, who ordered the executions, as well as the trigger pulling member of an outlaw motorcycle club were finally brought to justice and held accountable for two senseless murders,” said U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “Those murders, together with numerous depraved and heinous acts of violence committed by defendants and others in the club, justify the sentences imposed and fittingly demonstrate that the defendants’ quest to become “1 percenters” ultimately cost them 100 percent of their freedom for 100 percent of the rest of their lives.”
“These life sentences handed down today are a clear and concise message that this criminal organization will be held accountable for their unruly and unjust actions” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Kelly. “HSI is committed to protecting the public and working with its law enforcement partners to combat organizations such as these.”
“Violent groups--whether a neighborhood street gang or a violent motorcycle gang--don't belong in our communities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Loeffert. “Our thoughts are with the Maue and Szymanski families today, and all those who have been impacted by the violence committed under the Kingsmen colors over the years.”
According to evidence presented by the government at trial, beginning in 2013, certain KMC members, including defendant David Pirk, wanted to establish the KMC as a one percent club. The one percent refers to a previous statement by a representative of the American Motorcycle Association that 99 percent of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens with the remaining one percent engaged in certain activities such as drug and firearm trafficking and acts of violence. The defendants, and others, participated in, directly and indirectly, acts of murder, assault, robbery, kidnapping, drug trafficking, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.
According to evidence presented at trial, acts of violence committed by the KMC include:
- In September 2014, Pirk told defendant Jenkins to “take care of it.” This was in reference to KMC members Paul Maue and Daniel “DJ” Szymanski who were murdered behind the North Tonawanda KMC Chapter clubhouse on Sept. 6, 2014;
- On June 7, 2013, KMC forcibly shut down the Springville Chapter and strip members of their colors because they were non-compliant members. Brandishing firearms, KMC members struck a victim in the head with a blunt object and stole items from the Springville clubhouse. They then used bleach to clean areas where the victim bled and cut and removed portions of the rug, which contained blood; and
- On Sept. 12, 2009, a female victim was punched repeatedly in the face by a KMC member and then held against her will for three days to conceal her facial injuries from police.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force. Assisting in the investigation were the FBI Knoxville, Tennessee and Jacksonville, Florida Field Offices; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office; the Buffalo Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the New York State Police; the Olean Police Department; the Lancaster Police Department; the Amherst Police Department; the Town of Tonawanda Police Department; the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police; the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department; the Hamburg Police Department; the North Tonawanda Police Department and the Niagara County Sheriff's Office. Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Tripi and Brendan Cullinane for the Western District of New York prosecuted the case.
Kingsmen President and Nomad, Convicted by A Federal Jury of Murder and Racketeering, Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, NY – One Kingsmen Motorcycle Club (KMC) leader and member who committed execution style murders were sentenced for their roles in a major racketeering operation that involved violence and murder.
David Pirk, 68, KMC National President, and Andre Jenkins, aka Little Bear, 40, a “nomad” which performed the “muscle” within the KMC, were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to serve life in prison for their convictions following a four-month jury trial of RICO conspiracy, possession of firearms in furtherance of crime of violence, murder in aid of racketeering, possession and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, using and maintaining premises for drug dealing and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Jenkins was also convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Pirk and Jenkins resided in Florida prior to going to prison.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr. for the Western District of New York, Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo, and Special Agent in Charge Gary Loeffert of the FBI Buffalo Field Office made the announcement.
“While their roles within the brutally violent Kingsmen Motorcycle Club may have been different, David Pirk and Andre Jenkins today share the same well-deserved fate: a lengthy prison sentence for ordering and carrying out the execution of two fellow gang members, among other serious crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “Outlaw motorcycle gangs like the Kingsmen pose a significant threat to the safety and security of our communities, and I applaud the efforts of our prosecutors and our federal and local law enforcement partners in bringing these violent criminals to justice.”
“Through this prosecution, both the national president, who ordered the executions, as well as the trigger pulling member of an outlaw motorcycle club were finally brought to justice and held accountable for two senseless murders,” noted United States Attorney Kennedy. “Those murders, together with numerous depraved and heinous acts of violence committed by defendants and others in the club, justify the sentences imposed and fittingly demonstrate that defendants’ quest to become “1 percenters” ultimately cost them 100% of their freedom for 100% of the rest of their lives.”
“These life sentences handed down today are a clear and concise message that this criminal organization will be held accountable for their unruly and unjust actions” said HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly. “HSI is committed to protecting the public and working with its law enforcement partners to combat organizations such as these.”
“Violent groups--whether a neighborhood street gang or a violent motorcycle gang--don't belong in our communities,” said FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert. “Our thoughts are with the Maue and Szymanski families today, and all those who have been impacted by the violence committed under the Kingsmen colors over the years.”
According to court documents and evidence presented by the government at trial, beginning in 2013, certain KMC members, including defendant David Pirk, wanted to establish the KMC as a one percent club. The one percent refers to a previous statement by a representative of the American Motorcycle Association that 99 percent of motorcyclists were law-abiding citizens with the remaining one percent engaged in certain activities such as drug and firearm trafficking and acts of violence. The defendants, and others, participated in, directly and indirectly, acts of murder, assault, robbery, kidnapping, drug trafficking, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.Acts of violence committed by the KMC include:
• In September 2014, Pirk told defendant Jenkins to “take care of it.” This was in reference to KMC members Paul Maue and Daniel “DJ” Szymanski who were murdered behind the North Tonawanda KMC Chapter clubhouse on Sept. 6, 2014;
• On June 7, 2013, KMC forcibly shut down the Springville Chapter and strip members of their colors because they were non-compliant members. Brandishing firearms, KMC members struck a victim in the head with a blunt object and stole items from the Springville clubhouse. They then used bleach to clean areas where the victim bled and cut and removed portions of the rug, which contained blood; and
• On September 12, 2009, a female victim was punched repeatedly in the face by a KMC member and then held against her will for three days to conceal her facial injuries from police.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force. Assisting in the investigation were the FBI Knoxville, Tennessee and Jacksonville, Florida Field Offices; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the North Tonawanda Police Department; the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office; the Erie County Sheriff’s Office; the Buffalo Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the New York State Police; the Olean Police Department; the Lancaster Police Department; the Amherst Police Department; the Town of Tonawanda Police Department; the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Police; the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department; and the Hamburg Police Department. Trial Attorney Marianne Shelvey of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Tripi and Brendan Cullinane for the Western District of New York prosecuted the case.
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Kentucky Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Waynesburg, Kentucky, man who was caught at a traffic stop with 10 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a spare tire was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Kevin Ray Wilson, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
On Oct. 31, 2018, Wilson was found guilty at trial of participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Wilson was driving a 2004 Toyota 4Runner SUV on May 19, 2015, on I-70 eastbound near Highway H. A Lafayette County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy saw Wilson commit a traffic violation by failing to use a turn signal and pulling in front of a semi-tractor trailer in a careless manner. The deputy also noticed that the Toyota displayed two different license plates.
The deputy stopped Wilson’s vehicle. Wilson and his passenger, co-defendant Kenneth W. Dowell, 50, also of Waynesburg, seemed nervous and gave inconsistent statements about their trip. A police drug detection dog indicated a positive alert for the odor of illegal drugs, and the deputy searched the vehicle.
During the search of the vehicle, the deputy discovered a blanket that was covering a spare tire. The tire was deflated and off the rim. In addition to the tire, there were several pry tools and a sledge hammer lying next to the tire. The rim of the tire was scraped up with large gouges and scrape marks along the outer edge. The deputy used a knife to cut into the tire and located a blue nylon bag concealed inside. Inside the nylon bag were 10 one-pound bundles of methamphetamine. The deputy also found $2,900 (all in $100 bills and wrapped with rubber bands around it) under the front seat; Wilson also had $1,622 in cash at the time of his arrest.
According to court documents, Wilson and others had picked up and transported an additional 10 pounds of methamphetamine shortly before his arrest.
This is Wilson’s fifth felony case overall, and his 35th felony charge. Wilson has an extensive prior criminal record over the past 28 years (since the age of 18) that includes felony convictions for two counts of second-degree robbery occurring on separate dates, first-degree fleeing from police, 24 counts of second-degree criminal possession of forged instrument (in two separate cases), complicity to second-degree burglary, theft by unlawful taking over $300 (four counts), and receiving stolen property over $300. Wilson was paroled for the robberies mere weeks before committing this federal offense, after having served approximately 11 years of his 17-year sentence.
Dowell pleaded guilty on Sept. 18, 2017, to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced to three years in federal prison without parole.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison D. Dunning and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney R. Pratten. It was investigated by the Lafayette County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Kenmore Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud for His Role in Debt Collection SchemeRead 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 Carmelo Collana, 49, of Kenmore, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maura K. O’Donnell, who is handling the case, stated that between January 2014 and February 2017, Collana conspired with others in a debt collection scheme that was spearheaded by co-defendant Joseph Ciffa.
Specifically, the defendant opened various corporations and bank accounts, used to process and facilitate payments used by debt collection agencies operating under various names, including Lakeside Mediations, Lincoln Mediation, Valentine Legal Mediation, First Point Mediation, State Filing and Legal Services and Elite Services. With the knowledge and assistance of Collana, these debt collection agencies placed fraudulent telephone calls to individuals throughout the United States, in an attempt to collect money, and utilized fraudulent tactics, including false threats of arrest, false claims that the callers/collectors were attorneys, and false claims as to criminal charges pending against the “debtors.”
In furtherance of this scheme, the employees of the debt collection agencies directed the individuals to make payment into or through bank accounts owned or operated by the defendant who then remitted the funds to the owners of the respective debt collection shops, in return for a percentage fee and/or salary.In addition, Collana maintained an account with TLO, an online commercial database, used to gather personal information as to individuals, such as address, employer, and date of birth. The defendant provided employees of the debt collection agencies with access to TLO, in order to assist the employees in contacting and collecting from the individuals to whom they placed calls. Collana also at times provided debt files to employees of the various debt collection agencies.
Between February 2015 and December 2016, approximately $788,961 from fraudulent collection activities was deposited into the defendant’s accounts.Collana was charged along with five other defendants. To date, three have been convicted, including Joseph Ciffa who is awaiting sentencing.
Today’s plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special-Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Jonathan D. Larsen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Office; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Inspector-in-Charge Joseph W. Cronin.Sentencing is scheduled for June 13, 2019. At 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
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Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County man pled guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Kyle Randolph Thompson, 31, of Cross Lanes, pled guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine. The South Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation.
“Pure methamphetamine - powerful and potent,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Drug dealers, drug traffickers and drug thugs have levied serious damage to our communities and families. Our goal is to remove the bad guys from our streets so that the good guys can build a state filled with thriving communities and families.”
Thompson admitted that on January 31, 2017, he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant. He told the court that he had met the informant, and sold over 12 grams of pure methamphetamine in exchange for $1,000 in U.S. currency. After the sale, Thompson was stopped and arrested, at which time he was found to be in possession of the currency, digital scales, and several cell phones.
Thompson faces a minimum of five years in federal prison and up to forty years when he is sentenced on May 22, 2019.
The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner is handling the prosecution.
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Justice Department Requires Divestiture of Thales’ General Purpose Hardware Security Module Business in Connection with its Acquisition of GemaltoRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced that it is requiring Thales S.A. to divest its General Purpose Hardware Security Module (GP HSM) business in order for Thales to proceed with its proposed $5.64 billion acquisition of Gemalto N.V. GP HSMs are secure encryption processing and key management devices that are most frequently included as components of complex encryption solutions used by government and private organizations to safeguard their most sensitive data. The proposed divestiture will fully resolve all competition concerns.
“This structural solution fully preserves competition in the sale of these critical machines used by corporations and governmental agencies to protect their most sensitive data,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “As a result, American consumers and taxpayers will continue to benefit from competition in this industry.”
The Department’s Antitrust Division today filed a civil antitrust lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to block the proposed transaction while simultaneously filing a proposed settlement that, if approved by the court, would resolve the Department’s competitive concerns.
According to the complaint, Thales and Gemalto are the world’s leading providers of GP HSMs and are significant direct competitors in the United States. Together they account for 66 percent of the U.S. market for the sale of GP HSMs. Thales and Gemalto are each other’s closest competitors and compete head to head in the development, marketing, service and sale of GP HSMs. Without the divestiture, the proposed acquisition would likely result in higher prices, lower quality, reduced innovation, and fewer choices for GP HSMs.
The proposed settlement requires Thales to divest, as a viable ongoing business, Thales GP HSM Products business. This includes all tangible and intangible assets primarily related to the production, operation, research, development, sale, or support of any GP HSM Product. Additionally, because Thales and Gemalto currently compete to develop new products and services, the settlement requires the divestiture of certain intellectual property and research capabilities for products under development. The settlement also includes several provisions designed to improve the effectiveness of the decree and the Division’s future ability to enforce it.
The Antitrust Division cooperated closely with its enforcement partners around the world, including the European Commission, throughout the course of their respective investigations.
Thales is an international company incorporated in France with its principal office in Paris. Thales is active globally in five main industries: (1) aeronautics; (2) space; (3) ground transportation; (4) defense; and (5) security, including data security products. In 2017, it had global revenue of approximately $19.6 billion.
Gemalto is an international digital security company incorporated in the Netherlands with its principal office in Amsterdam. Gemalto is active globally in providing authentication and data protection technology, platforms, and services in five main areas: (1) banking and payment; (2) enterprise and cybersecurity; (3) government; (4) mobile; and (5) machine-to-machine Internet of Things. In 2017, Gemalto had global revenue of approximately $3.7 billion.
As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed settlement, along with the Department’s competitive impact statement, will be published in the Federal Register. Any person may submit written comments concerning the proposed settlement within 60 days of its publication to Aaron D. Hoag, Chief, Technology & Financial Services Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Suite 7100, Washington, D.C. 20530. At the conclusion of the 60-day comment period, the court may enter the final judgment upon a finding that it serves the public interest.
Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against New London LandlordsRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney John H. Durham today announced that the Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have filed a lawsuit in the District of Connecticut alleging that female tenants and applicants of residential rental properties in and around New London, Connecticut, were subjected to sexual harassment, coercion, intimidation and threats, in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act.
The lawsuit alleges that from at least 2011 through 2016, Richard Bruno sexually harassed female tenants and applicants of rental properties owned or co-owned by Bruno, Domco LLC, and Domco II LLC. Bruno was an agent and property manager for Domco, which was owned by Bruno’s ex-wife. Domco II was owned by Bruno and his ex-wife. According to the complaint, Bruno engaged in harassment that included making unwelcome sexual advances and comments; engaging in unwanted sexual touching; demanding or pressuring female applicants to engage in sexual acts to obtain rental privileges; evicting or threatening to evict female tenants who objected to or refused sexual advances; entering the homes of female tenants without their consent; asking to take and taking pictures and videos of the bodies of his tenants and their female children; and establishing, maintaining and forcing his tenants and their minor female children to view “dungeons” or “sex rooms” in the rental properties.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, civil penalties and a court order barring future discrimination.
Bruno, a former resident of Waterford, Connecticut, has been incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institute at Otisville since 2017. On May 8, 2017, Bruno pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Sept. 28, 2017, to 16 years in federal prison in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut for producing child pornography in one of the properties owned by defendant Domco II, with one of the minors who resided in one of properties owned by defendant Domco.
“Female tenants should never be subjected to sexual harassment in a place that should be free from coercion and intimidation,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to enforcing the Fair Housing Act and taking action against landlords and property managers who prey on women and cause them to feel unsafe in their own homes.”
“This federal lawsuit represents a significant step toward achieving justice and compensation for vulnerable victims of civil rights violations,” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “Everyone has the right to be free from unwanted sexual harassment and intimidation by a landlord or property manager, loan officer or housing official, maintenance worker or security guard. Individuals who are being victimized as a condition of their housing have rights, and all are encouraged to report this type of reprehensible behavior to the Justice Department.”
In October 2017, the Justice Department launched an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing. In April 2018, the Department announced the nationwide rollout of the initiative, including three major components: a new joint Task Force with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to combat sexual harassment in housing, an outreach toolkit to leverage the Department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices, and a public awareness campaign, including the launch of a national Public Service Announcement.
Individuals who believe that they have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings previously owned or operated by Richard Bruno, Domco or Domco II, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, can contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Investigator John Sereno at 203-696-3036, or [email protected].
Victims of sexual harassment related to housing can also contact the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative by calling 1-844-380-6178, or through email at [email protected]. Individuals can also report sexual harassment and other forms of housing discrimination by e-mailing the U.S. Attorney’s Office at [email protected].
More information about the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt.
Justice Department Alleges Conditions at Boyd County Detention Center Violate the ConstitutionRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division concluded an investigation into conditions at the Boyd County Detention Center in Catlettsburg, Kentucky. The Justice Department concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe that conditions at the Jail violate the Fourth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution. Specifically, the Department concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe that Boyd County routinely subjects prisoners to excessive force through the use of chemical agents, electronic control devices, and restraint chairs. The Department also concluded that there is reasonable cause to believe Boyd County routinely violates prisoners’ rights to bodily privacy through its use of restraint chairs.
As required by the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), the Department provided the Jail written notice of the supporting facts for these alleged conditions and the minimum remedial measures necessary to address them.
“The Constitution guarantees all prisoners the reasonable expectation of personal privacy and the right to be free from excessive use of force,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Our investigation found reasonable cause to believe that the Jail inflicts punishment without justification and fails to protect its prisoners’ reasonable expectations of privacy. The Justice Department hopes to continue to work with the Jail to resolve the Department’s concerns.”
The Civil Rights Division initiated the investigation in November 2016 under CRIPA, which authorizes the Department to take action to address a pattern or practice of deprivation of constitutional rights of individuals confined to state or local government-run correctional facilities.
This investigation was conducted by attorneys with the Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.
Judge sentences Billings man to prison for firearms crimesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—A Billings man convicted at trial of firearms crimes was sentenced to five years in prison and three years of supervised release on Wednesday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jerome Lawrence Wigmore Jr., 49, was convicted in a two-day jury trial in October on all three counts, including felon in possession of firearms, possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of a firearm not identified by a serial number.
Prosecutors presented evidence that law enforcement officers served an arrest warrant on Wigmore in a Billings motel room on Jan. 4, 2018. Officers found that Wigmore possessed a .357-caliber revolver and a .22 caliber weapon made from a rifle, which was not identified by a serial number. Wigmore is prohibited from possession firearms because of a prior felony conviction for aggravated assault in Rosebud County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Marshals Service Montana Violent Offenders Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The 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.
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Joplin Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Meth, FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing more than 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and a firearm.
Keith K. Koile, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 25 years in federal prison without parole.
On Aug. 29, 2018, Koile pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, a confidential informant who had traveled with Koile on multiple occasions to Oklahoma City, Okla., to obtain methamphetamine, told investigators that Koile had agreed to deliver two pounds of methamphetamine to him. The confidential informant met Koile at a residence in Lawton, Kan., then followed him to the Cherokee Casino in Grove, Okla. While the confidential informant waited, Koile left to pick up the methamphetamine; when Koile returned, he placed a black backpack in the back seat of the confidential informant’s vehicle and got in the front passenger’s seat. They left the casino, traveling east on Interstate 44 towards Springfield, Mo.
A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped the vehicle for speeding in Lawrence County, Mo. The trooper ordered the confidential informant, who was driving, to get out of the vehicle. He complied, but Koile refused. The trooper observed Koile making furtive movements by reaching under the passenger seat. Koile then got out of the vehicle and began to walk towards the front of the vehicle, refusing to comply with commands to get on the ground; the trooper took Koile to the ground.
The trooper searched the vehicle and found a loaded Springfield Armory .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol underneath the passenger seat where Koile was reaching. The backpack contained approximately 1,416 grams of methamphetamine, which was 99 percent pure, and drug paraphernalia.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Koile has a prior felony conviction for being a drug user in possession of a firearm.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team.
Inver Grove Heights Cell Phone Store Robber Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced the sentencing of JAMAAL MARQUIE MAYS, 34, to 180 months in prison for the armed robbery of an Inver Grove Heights business. MAYS and his co-defendant, JAQUON KESHAWN MOMAN, 26, were charged in a superseding indictment on February 7, 2018. MAYS, who pleaded guilty on September 21, 2018, was sentenced yesterday before Chief Judge John R. Tunheim in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota. MOMAN pleaded guilty on August 1, 2018, and was sentenced on January 2, 2019, to 72 months in prison.
United States Attorney MacDonald said, “These defendants showed complete disregard for human life when they made the decision to commit armed robbery of a business establishment located in a busy suburban retail area. Such brazen acts of violence will not be tolerated in our communities and we, along with our law enforcement partners, are committing all necessary resources to bringing violent criminals to justice.”
According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on August 17, 2017, MAYS and MOMAN entered a Verizon Wireless store in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, armed with a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. After waiting for customers to leave the store, MAYS and MOMAN held the store employee at gunpoint while demanding money and cell phones. The employee pretended to comply, but then shot MAYS in self-defense with a firearm the employee was licensed to carry. MAYS’ firearm was also discharged. During the exchange of gunfire, a stray bullet grazed a worker in an adjacent restaurant. MAYS was wounded and remained at the scene, while MOMAN fled on foot.
The Hobbs Act, passed by Congress in 1946, allows federal prosecutors to prosecute individuals who commit armed robberies of businesses engaged in interstate commerce.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Inver Grove Heights Police Department. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that brings together federal, state and local law enforcement to combat violent crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Steinkamp prosecuted the case.
Defendant Information:
JAMAAL MARQUIE MAYS, 34
Unknown
Convicted:
- Hobbs Act robbery, 1 count
- Discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 180 months in prison
- Five years of supervised release
JAQUON KESHAWN MOMAN, 26
Unknown
Convicted:
- Hobbs Act robbery, 1 count
- Discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, 1 count
Sentenced:
- 72 months in prison
- Three years of supervised release
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
Internal Revenue Service Analyst IndictedRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO - A federal grand jury in San Francisco indicted John Fry today for illegally disclosing information from Suspicious Activity Reports, misusing his computer, and illegally using a social security number, announced United States Attorney David L. Anderson and United States Department of the Treasury, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), Special Agent in Charge Rod Ammari.
According to the indictment and a previously unsealed criminal complaint, Fry, 54, of San Francisco, unlawfully accessed and disclosed Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and SAR information pertaining to an individual taxpayer and a company owned by the taxpayer. Fry was an Investigative Analyst for the IRS’s law enforcement arm, the Criminal Investigation Division, in San Francisco. In this position, Fry had access to various law enforcement databases including the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), Palantir, and the Integrated Data Retrieval System.
The TIGTA investigation revealed that in May 2018, Fry logged on to FinCEN and Palantir from his work computer and conducted numerous searches related to the taxpayer who was a New York attorney. Fry then disclosed the SAR information to an attorney based in Newport Beach, Calif. On May 8, 2018, the attorney used a public Twitter account to circulate a dossier releasing confidential banking information related to the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s company. The SAR information that was passed to the Los Angeles attorney was published in the Washington Post on May 8, 2018. The Los Angeles attorney put Fry in contact with an investigative reporter in New York which led to confirmation of the confidential banking information and an interview, which was published in The New Yorker on May 16, 2018.
The indictment charges Fry with violations of 31 U.S.C. § 5322(a), unauthorized disclosure of suspicious activity reports; 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(2), misuse of a computer; and 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(8), illegal use of a social security number. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000, for each violation. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Fry was previously arraigned on a criminal complaint and released on a $50,000 bond. Fry’s next scheduled appearance is at 9:30 a.m. on March 13, 2019, for arraignment on the indictment before the Honorable Joseph Spero, U.S. Magistrate Judge.
Illegal possession of sawed-off shotgun sends Billings man to prisonRead the Press Release
BILLINGS—Billings resident Randy Dwayne Watts, who admitted to illegal possession of a sawed off shotgun, was sentenced on Wednesday to 57 months in prison and to three years of supervised release, said U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
Watts, 51, pleaded guilty in October to being a prohibited person in possession of firearms.
U.S. District Judge Susan Watters presided.
Watts was indicted after a traffic stop on Jan. 17, 2018 in which a Yellowstone County Sheriff’s deputy pulled over a vehicle that ran a red light. Watts was in the front passenger seat. A loaded, sawed off shotgun was visible between Watts and the door. The driver said the car belonged to Watts, and Watts claimed not to know there were any guns in the car. On the rear driver’s side floorboard was a loaded .22-caliber pistol. Watts was arrested on warrants. A K-9 dog altered to the car and a search warrant was obtained. Law enforcement officers found six baggies containing a total of about 12 grams of methamphetamine. Watts was prohibited form possessing firearms because of previous convictions in California and Montana.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Godfrey prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The 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.