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Monday 3 December 2018
Honduran National Charged with Making a False Statement to a Federal AgencyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that LEOPOLDO RODRIGUEZ-AGUILERA, age 24, of Honduras, was charged on Friday, November 30, 2018 by Bill of Information with making a false statement to the government.
According to documents filed in federal court, LEOPOLDO RODRIGUEZ-AGUILERA provided a false statement related to his identity to federal immigration officials after entering the country.
The maximum penalty for making a false statement is five years imprisonment, followed by up to 3 years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person, and a $100 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.
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Honduran National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that LENIS PADILLA RUIZ, age 31, a citizen of Honduras, was charged Friday, November 30, 2018 in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ' 1326(a).
According to the indictment, LENIS PADILLA RUIZ was previously removed from the United States on or about April 1, 2016. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on November 19, 2018 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.
If convicted, LENIS PADILLA RUIZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
Home Healthcare Worker Pleads Guilty to Billing Medicaid While on a Cruise ShipRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Demagio Smith, 28, of St. Louis, Missouri, pled guilty to conspiracy to make false statements to Medicaid. In his plea agreement, Smith admitted that he repeatedly submitted false time sheets to Medicaid that suggested that he was working as a home health care aide during 2013-17, and was taking care of two women inside their homes. In reality, Smith was actually working at another job or traveling outside of Missouri on the dates and times indicated in his time sheets. Smith’s out of town trips included travel to California, New Jersey, the Virgin Islands, and a voyage on a Caribbean cruise ship. Sentencing for Mr. Smith is set for March 6, 2019.
Smith’s co-defendant in this case, Nova Paden, also pled guilty and was sentenced in December 2017. In her plea agreement, Paden admitted to working out of her home as a nursing aide at the same time as she was signing Medicaid time sheets indicating that she was receiving home health care in her residence.
Previously convicted in this same investigation were Nova Paden, Regina Brown, James Smith, Benita Bell, and Tammara Bell, who all pled guilty to making false statements to Medicaid or related charges.
"Home health care is a more convenient alternative to skilled nursing facilities and it saves tax dollars because it is less expensive," said Richard Quinn, Special Agent in Charge, FBI St. Louis Division. "People who abuse and cheat the system take money away from those who truly need the services."
Steve Hanson, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations-Kansas City Region, stated, “Our office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue those individuals who seek to defraud our programs and deprive our beneficiaries of the services they so need to ensure a good quality of life.”
Each conspiracy or false statement charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Offices of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Social Security Administration, and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.
Henrietta Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Mark Buechler, 45, of Henrietta, NY, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography involving two prepubescent minors before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. The charges carry a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a maximum of 60 years, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that on May 3, 2018, an 11-year-old boy, minor victim 1, disclosed to his school counselor that the defendant performed various sexual acts on him on an ongoing basis at Buechler’s home in Henrietta. The counselor contacted Child Protective Services (CPS) to report the alleged incidents. A Monroe County CPS Investigator and a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Investigator interviewed the minor victim and Buechler was arrested that day.
Also on May 3, 2018, a state search warrant was executed at the defendant’s Stone Road residence. Multiple digital and storage devices were seized, including computers, tablets, phones, SD cards, thumb drives, and digital cameras.
On May 7, 2018, Sheriff’s Office Investigators interviewed minor victim 2, an 18 year old boy who had visited Buechler’s residence when he was younger. Minor victim 2 also disclosed that he was sexually abused by the defendant over an extended period of time. A second state search warrant was executed on May 7, 2018, at which time additional digital devices were seized.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation was contacted, and on May 24, 2018, a federal search warrant was obtained to review the items seized during the execution of the state search warrants. A review of some of the items seized uncovered approximately 8,700 images and two videos of child pornography produced by Buechler, some of which depicted the defendant abusing the minor victims. Buechler’s federal conviction follows a state court conviction secured by the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office in October 2018.Today’s plea is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Major Crimes Unit, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter; the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, Special Victims Unit, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley; Monroe County Child Protective Services, under the direction of Amy Natale-McConnell; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; and the Bivona Child Advocacy Center, under the direction of Executive Director Deb Rosen.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 27, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Wolford.
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Hartford Man Who Pointed Gun at Undercover Officers Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ENRIQUE LUCIANO, 31, of Hartford, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 4, 2018, Luciano approached a car on Cabot Street in Hartford and pointed a gun at the car. The car was occupied by two undercover Hartford Police detectives investigating drug activity on Cabot Street. After the detectives identified themselves as police officers, Luciano fled and discarded the gun. Luciano was apprehended and the firearm, a loaded 9mm Taurus PT 908 handgun with an obliterated serial number, was recovered.
Luciano has a previous federal conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and, in May 2010, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment for that offense. He also has prior convictions in state court for drug offenses.
Luciano is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden on February 28, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
Luciano has been detained since his arrest.
This investigation has been conducted by the Hartford Police Department and the FBI’s Connecticut Violent Crime Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
This prosecution 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 neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Hamden Man Will Return to Federal Prison for Violating Supervise ReleaseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JAMES DICKERSON, also known as “Jim Jim,” 35, of Hamden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 21 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release.
According to the evidence presented during his trial in April 2013, a joint law enforcement investigation conducted in 2010 by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force, DEA New Haven Task Force, New Haven Police Department and Hamden Police Department identified and dismantled a large drug trafficking organization centered in the Newhallville section of New Haven and Hamden. During the investigation, Dickerson was intercepted multiple times over a court-authorized wiretap arranging to purchase distribution quantities of crack cocaine. Dickerson also sold crack cocaine to an undercover police officer.
On April 25, 2013, Dickerson was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. On January 24, 2014, he was sentenced to 168 months of imprisonment. After an appeal, Dickerson was resentenced, on February 29, 2016, to approximately 63 months of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release.
After his release from prison, Dickerson violated multiple conditions of his supervised release. On August 18, 2017, he was arrested in Hamden for larceny based on his possession of a stolen motorcycle. On December 12, 2017, he was arrested in Hamden for possessing cocaine and marijuana. On May 6, 2018, he was arrested in Cheshire for a variety of offenses stemming from a car chase. These cases were resolved in state court on September 11, 2018.
Dickerson is currently incarcerated in state custody and has a maximum release date of April 30, 2020.
Judge Meyer ordered Dickerson to begin serving the 21-month federal sentence after his release from state prison.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Nardini.
Getaway Driver in Armed Robbery Spree of Allegheny and Beaver County Banks Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to four years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his convictions on federal firearms and bank robbery charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United Stated District Judge Cathy Bissoon, imposed the sentence last Friday on Daymon Ottey, 31. Ottey was detained at his initial appearance and will remain detained as he begins to serve his sentence.
According to information presented to the court, Ottey conspired to rob the S & T Bank in Plum, Pa., on March 7, 2017, the First National Bank in Verona, Pa., on May 1, 2017, and the Huntington Bank in Baden, Pa., on July 22, 2017 with his co-defendant Bryan Campbell. Ottey acted as the getaway driver for the first robbery and the third attempted bank robbery. Ottey used his girlfriend’s car in the March 7, 2017 robbery and used a Jeep Cherokee bought with the proceeds of the second robbery in order to attempt to rob the Huntington Bank in Baden, Pa.
On March 7, 2017, Campbell, wearing a ski mask and using a silver revolver, robbed the S & T Bank of $7,707.00 dollars and placed the money into pillowcase before fleeing the bank and entering a car registered to Ottey’s girlfriend.
On May 1, 2017, Campbell, wearing a windbreaker with the hood drawn, robbed the First National Bank of $84,200 while using a silver handgun. Campbell hopped the counter of the bank and was able to enter the vault, collecting the $84,200. Campbell filled the pillowcase with money and left the scene, fleeing in the same car used in the March 7, 2017 robbery.
Subsequent to the May 1 robbery, FBI Special Agents discovered that Campbell’s girlfriend posted numerous photographs and videos on social media websites detailing expensive shopping sprees, vacations, and jewelry purchased. FBI Special Agents also discovered that the day after the May 1, 2017 robbery, Ottey purchased a Jeep Grand Cherokee. This Jeep Grand Cherokee was seen leaving the scene of the attempted bank robbery in Baden, Pa., on July 22, 2017. An Economy Borough Police officer entered the drive through portion of the Huntington Bank while Campbell was attempting to rob it, causing Campbell to flee on foot before Ottey picked him up in the Cherokee and drove away from the scene.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
The FBI Pittsburgh’s Violent Crimes Task Force, with assistance from the Plum Police Department, Verona Police Department, Economy Borough Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, and Shaler Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
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. The Department of Justice 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, the Attorney General 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.
Four Red River County Men Indicted for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – Four Red River County men have been indicted for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.
Brian Bradley Beers, 47, of Avery, Texas; Kevin Wayne Guess, 45, of Annona, Texas; James Wayne Johnson, 30, of Kemp, Texas; and Billy Carl Webb, Jr., 51, of Clarksville, Texas, were named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Nov. 14, 2018. Beers, Guess, and Webb were arrested on Nov. 30, 2018, in Red River County. Johnson was taken into federal custody on Nov. 19, 2018.
According to the indictment, in June and July of 2018, Beers, Guess, Webb, and Johnson conspired to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Additionally, the indictment alleges that during that time, Johnson possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and that Beers, Guess, and Webb used communication facilities in facilitating the conspiracy.
If convicted, Beers, Guess, Johnson, and Webb face a minimum of ten years and as much as life in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Red River County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mt. Pleasant Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan R. Hornok.
Four Guyanese Men Plead Guilty to Possession of 3,769 Kilograms of Cocaine on Board a VesselRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today that Mohamed Hoseain, age 70, and Richard La Cruz, age 51, both of Guyana, pleaded guilty on November 28, 2018 in federal court to possession of cocaine on board a vessel. Attorney Shappert further announced that Neville Jeffrey, age 66, and Mark Anthony Williams, age 32, also of Guyana, pleaded guilty on November 29, 2018 and December 3, 2018 respectively, in federal court to the same offense.
According to plea agreements filed with the court, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Napier, on February 16, 2017, intercepted a suspicious vessel in a joint operation with the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard approximately seventy nautical miles north of Paramaribo, Suriname, in international waters. The vessel, later identified as the LADY MICHELLE, was located in a known drug trafficking route and registered with St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The U.S. Coast Guard boarded the vessel pursuant to a bilateral agreement between the United States and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They discovered 185 bales containing numerous rectangular shaped packages of cocaine in the vessel’s fish hold weighing 3,769 kilograms. The drugs had a street value in the U.S. Virgin Islands of approximately 71 million dollars. Hoseain was identified as the captain and claimed that they were in search of a missing vessel for two months. La Cruz was identified as the engineer and Jeffrey and Williams as crew members.
Hoseain, La Cruz, Jeffrey and Williams face up to life imprisonment for the offense and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Sentencing dates for Hoseain and La Cruz have been set for March 28, 2019 and March 29, 2019 respectively; and for Jeffrey and Williams for April 3, 2019.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso Andrews, Jr.
Former Owner of Fulton County Tannery Plant Pleads Guilty to Felony Storage of Hazardous WasteRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Robert Carville, age 56, formerly of Johnstown, New York, pled guilty today to storing hazardous waste without a permit at the former Carville National Leather Corporation building in Johnstown.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Tyler Amon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) in New York.
Carville National Leather Corporation was a family owned tannery business that operated in Johnstown from 1976 until it closed for financial reasons in September 2013. Robert Carville owned and operated Carville National Leather for approximately 10 years leading up to its closing.
In pleading guilty, Carville admitted that as the owner and manager of the tannery, he was responsible for the materials inside the tannery when it closed. Carville ultimately moved to another state and left behind, in the tannery building, hundreds of containers of hazardous chemicals, including some that had labels on them such as “corrosive,” “acidic,” and “hazardous.” Carville admitted that he did not have a permit to store hazardous materials at the tannery (or anywhere else). Carville also admitted that he stored these chemicals illegally for more than 2 years.
Carville will be sentenced on May 20, 2019 by Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. He faces up to 5 years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $50,000 per day of violation. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
This case was investigated by EPA-CID and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
Former Manager at Pace Bus Service Sentenced to a Year and a Day in Federal Prison for Pocketing Nearly $300,000 in KickbacksRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A former manager for the suburban bus agency Pace has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for pocketing nearly $300,000 in gratuities and kickbacks from contractors.
From 2010 to 2014, RAJINDER SACHDEVA used his position as a department manager at Pace to corruptly demand and accept nearly $300,000 in gratuities and kickbacks from IT contractors. In exchange, Sachdeva exerted his influence to hire or continue to engage the contractors at Pace. Sachdeva concealed this arrangement from Pace by having the payments flow through companies that he controlled.
Sachdeva, 54, of Schaumburg, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of solicitation of bribes and gratuities by an agent of a federally funded organization. U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis on Friday sentenced Sachdeva to a year and a day in federal prison.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Andrea M. Kropf, Regional Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General. Pace provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
“Public corruption is a significant problem in this district, and the defendant’s corrupt behavior is the type that erodes the public’s confidence in public agencies,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew F. Madden and Erika Csicsila argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “The defendant repeatedly used his position at a transportation agency to line his own pockets.”
Sachdeva served as the Department Manager of Applications for Pace, which is the suburban bus division of the Regional Transportation Authority. In that role, he oversaw the implementation of information technology used by Pace to support its various business units, such as human resources, accounting, purchasing, payments, and grant writing. Pace contracted with outside vendors who provided on-site and remote IT support to Pace, and Sachdeva ultimately supervised those contractors and reviewed and approved their timesheets. In exchange for the influence he exerted in placing or maintaining certain IT contractors at Pace, Sachdeva solicited and received $292,708 in gratuities and kickbacks from the contractors.
Former CEO of Detroit-Based Technology Company Sentenced to One Year in Prison for BriberyRead the Press Release
The former chief executive officer of FutureNet Group Inc., an information technology company, was sentenced today to 12 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release and a fine in the amount of $10,000 for his role in orchestrating a scheme to bribe an official from the City of Detroit to obtain benefits for FutureNet.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Timothy Slater of the FBI’s Detroit Division made the announcement.
Parimal D. Mehta, 55, of Northville, Michigan, previously pleaded guilty to one count of federal program bribery before U.S. District Judge Robert H. Cleland of the Eastern District of Michigan.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea, from 2009 through August 2016, Mehta hand-delivered more than $6,500 to Charles L. Dodd, the former Director of Detroit’s Office of Departmental Technology Services, including two cash bribes paid in the restroom of a Detroit-area restaurant in 2016. Dodd previously pleaded guilty to bribery and was sentenced to 20 months in prison on Sept. 11, 2018.
Mehta admitted that he sought preferential treatment for FutureNet in exchange for the bribes he paid to Dodd. Among other things, Mehta asked Dodd to cause FutureNet to be selected to fill open positions for contract personnel and to implement particular technological projects in various city departments. Mehta also asked Dodd to supply him with confidential information regarding Detroit’s internal operations, including information regarding Detroit’s internal budgets for particular technology projects and personnel, which would benefit FutureNet in its dealings with Detroit.
The FBI’s Detroit Division investigated the case. Deputy Chief Robert J. Heberle and Trial Attorney James I. Pearce of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
Florida Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Surreptitiously Producing and Distributing Pornographic Audio and Video Recordings of Himself Engaged in Sexual Activity with at Least 80 OthersRead the Press Release
A Homestead, Florida man was sentenced today in federal court in Miami to 36 months in prison for surreptitiously producing and distributing pornographic audio and video recordings of himself engaging in sexual activity with multiple men.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan for the Southern District of Florida, and Special Agent in Charge Mark Selby of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami Field Office, made the announcement today. Deneumostier was arrested in July 2018 and has been held in custody since then.
Bryan Deneumostier, 34, a national of Peru, also known by the screen name “susanleon33326,” was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonga of the Southern District of Florida. Judge Altonga also ordered Deneumostier to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Deneumostier pleaded guilty in September 2018 to two counts of illegal interception of oral communications.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Deneumostier assisted in the operation of a subscription-based pornography website called “straightboyz.net.” The site offered for streaming approximately 619 “hook up” videos that depicted sexual activity between Deneumostier and other men. The defendant had surreptitiously made audio and video recordings of the sexual encounters, without the victims’ knowledge or consent. In many of the videos, the individuals, at Deneumostier’s direction, wore a blindfold and restraints and could not see the defendant or the room (or recording equipment) in which they were located. Deneumostier later sold the “hook up” videos to a third party located overseas and caused them to be posted onto the website.
In many cases, in order to find men for his surreptitious recordings, Deneumostier would use social media accounts or Craigslist to post that he would be hosting sexual parties or encounters at his residence. In several of these advertisements, Deneumostier would state he was either a man looking for men (m4m), a transvestite looking for men (t4m), or a woman looking for men (w4m). In most advertisements he stated he was looking for “young sexy guys.”
The indictment and plea agreement refer to four known victims whose identities are being withheld to protect their privacy. Deneumostier admitted that he recorded himself engaging in sexual activity with approximately 150 men whom were featured on his website and that approximately 80 of those did not know that he was recording them; one of the victims recorded was a blindfolded 16-year-old male.
The investigation was conducted by HSI. Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cary Aronovitz of the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case.
Florida Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Surreptitiously Producing and Distributing Pornographic Audio and Video Recordings of Himself Engaged in Sexual Activity with at Least 80 OthersRead the Press Release
A Homestead, Florida man was sentenced today in federal court in Miami to 36 months in prison for surreptitiously producing and distributing pornographic audio and video recordings of himself engaging in sexual activity with multiple men.
U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan for the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Mark Selby of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami Field Office, made the announcement today. Deneumostier was arrested in July 2018 and has been held in custody since then.
Bryan Deneumostier, 34, a national of Peru, also known by the screen name “susanleon33326,” was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonga of the Southern District of Florida. Judge Altonga also ordered Deneumostier to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Deneumostier pleaded guilty in September 2018 to two counts of illegal interception of oral communications.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Deneumostier assisted in the operation of a subscription-based pornography website called “straightboyz.net.” The site offered for streaming approximately 619 “hook up” videos that depicted sexual activity between Deneumostier and other men. The defendant had surreptitiously made audio and video recordings of the sexual encounters, without the victims’ knowledge or consent. In many of the videos, the individuals, at Deneumostier’s direction, wore a blindfold and restraints and could not see the defendant or the room (or recording equipment) in which they were located. Deneumostier later sold the “hook up” videos to a third party located overseas and caused them to be posted onto the website.
In many cases, in order to find men for his surreptitious recordings, Deneumostier would use social media accounts or Craigslist to post that he would be hosting sexual parties or encounters at his residence. In several of these advertisements, Deneumostier would state he was either a man looking for men (m4m), a transvestite looking for men (t4m), or a woman looking for men (w4m). In most advertisements he stated he was looking for “young sexy guys.”
The indictment and plea agreement refer to four known victims whose identities are being withheld to protect their privacy. Deneumostier admitted that he recorded himself engaging in sexual activity with approximately 150 men whom were featured on his website and that approximately 80 of those did not know that he was recording them; one of the victims recorded was a blindfolded 16-year-old male.
The investigation was conducted by HSI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cary Aronovitz of the Southern District of Florida and Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section prosecuted the case.
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.
Flathead County man admits illegal possession of a machine gun, short barreled rifle, silencer and grenadeRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – Flathead County resident Bruce Boone Wann admitted in federal court today to firearms violations after an investigation found he illegally possessed a number of weapons and made an effort to hide them from law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Kurt G. Alme said.
Wann, 61, of Kila, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a machine gun, an unregistered silencer, a short barreled rifle and a destructive device, specifically, a grenade. Wann is facing a maximum 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch presided at the hearing.
If the case had gone to trial, the government would have presented the following information as evidence:
During an investigation that began in June, law enforcement learned that Wann had kept buried or hidden firearms, ammunition, a grenade, dynamite, and other items on various properties in the Marion area. Wann claimed he had stolen some of the items from a government bunker in California many years earlier.
Wann later broke into a Flathead County residence where he had previously arranged for a number of his other firearms to be stored. Wann then took not only his firearms, but also stole other firearms that did not belong to him. Investigators also learned Wann had made various threats of violence against people in Flathead County.
Judge Lynch set sentencing for April 12. Wann is detained.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Elliott and Taryn Meeks, a trial attorney with the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, prosecuted the case. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Secret Service and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.
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Felon Pleads Guilty to over $464,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Fraud Committed While on ProbationRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – December 3, 2018 – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that today in federal court, FERNAN SANCHEZ, 51, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to SNAP fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering charges.
SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federally funded, national program established by the United States Government to alleviate hunger and malnutrition among lower income families. The United States Department of Agriculture administers the SNAP through its agency, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). FNS is responsible for the authorization and disqualification of retail food establishments participating in the redemption of SNAP benefits. Social service agencies from each state share responsibility with FNS for administration of the program by authorizing and revoking distribution of SNAP benefits to individual recipients.
According to the Criminal Information and information in the public record, SANCHEZ previously pleaded guilty to making material false statements in connection with the on-going federal crop insurance fraud investigations in EDNC. On April 9, 2010, the Court granted the government’s motion for a departure based on substantial assistance and sentenced SANCHEZ to 5 years’ probation.
Mr. Higdon stated, “This prosecution reflects our Office’s commitment to protecting the integrity of important federal programs like SNAP as well as holding accountable felons who continue to engage in criminal conduct.”
SANCHEZ’s 2010 felony conviction made him ineligible to participate in the SNAP program as a vendor and in fact, the FNS-Retailer Operations Division permanently withdrew his authorization to participate in the program. Notwithstanding his debarment, SANCHEZ recruited another person who, at SANCHEZ’s direction, created a business entity known as Selena’s Mexican Bakery & Store, opened a bank account in the name of Selena’s Mexican Products, and submitted an electronic SNAP vendor application which contained false and misleading information. Based on the application, the unindicted co-conspirator received authorization to be a SNAP vendor in August 2013. The unindicted co-conspirator opened up a bank account, listing SANCHEZ on the account.
From August 30, 2013, through September 24, 2017, Selena’s Mexican Bakery & Store received approximately $464,385.60 in SNAP benefits. During that time frame, SANCHEZ trafficked SNAP EBT benefits, allowing individuals to exchange benefits for cash or ineligible purchases.
SANCHEZ and/or another person, through Selena’s Mexican Products, also caused to be transferred the $464,385.60 SNAP funds to Selena’s Mexican Products business account at First Bank. SANCHEZ transferred a portion of the money to an account controlled exclusively by him. He withdrew or otherwise spent the remaining SNAP funds in the Selena’s Mexican Products business account.
Investigation of this case was conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations. Special thanks to the Warsaw Police Department for their assistance in the investigation.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Discharging Firearm at PoliceRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Demetrius Richmond, 46, of St. Louis, pled guilty to one count of being a felon in the possession of a firearm. He appeared in federal court on Monday, December 3, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel.
According to court documents, on December 22, 2016, two Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers were patrolling in an unmarked police vehicle when the officers observed Richmond’s 2006 Lexus. Richmond was the driver. A female passenger was also inside Richmond’s vehicle. As the unmarked police vehicle pulled behind Richmond’s vehicle, Richmond fired two shots from inside his vehicle.
Officers activated their vehicle’s emergency lights. Richmond sped away leading officers on a roughly 17-minute vehicle pursuit. Among other reckless actions, Richmond drove at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. Richmond eventually crashed his vehicle, injuring the female passenger. Prior to the crash, Richmond threw his weapon from the vehicle.
Richmond was apprehended. Richmond’s semi-automatic firearm was located and seized by the police. It was loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition.
Richmond faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both for being a felon in possession of a firearm. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives.
Federal Jury Convicts Chicago Doctor on Fraud Charges for Billing Insurance Companies for Nonexistent TreatmentRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal jury has convicted a Chicago doctor on fraud charges for billing insurance companies for purported chiropractic manipulations that were never performed.
DR. PAUL MADISON, an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, owned Watertower SurgiCenter LLC, an outpatient surgical center on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago. From 2005 to 2009, Dr. Madison directed Watertower’s billing staff to submit false bills to insurers for manipulation-under-anesthesia of body parts that chiropractors at Watertower had not actually performed. As part of the scheme, Dr. Madison and others falsified patient records to support the fraudulent health insurance claim forms. Dr. Madison then caused these fraudulent claims to be submitted to patients’ insurance companies for payment.
The jury in federal court in Chicago on Thursday convicted Dr. Madison, 65, of Chicago, on all eleven counts against him. The conviction includes six counts of health care fraud, three counts of making false statements in connection with the delivery of health care services, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Robert M. Dow, Jr., set sentencing for March 25, 2019.
The verdict was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and James Vanderberg, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General in Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward G. Kohler and Jennie Levin.
Watertower SurgiCenter was an outpatient surgical center where a variety of medical and chiropractic procedures were performed, including manipulations-under-anesthesia. An MUA involves chiropractic adjustments on patients who had been anesthetized. Evidence at trial revealed that Dr. Madison disguised Watertower’s fraudulent billing by creating false medical and billing records. In at least two instances, Dr. Madison included in the fraudulent billings the names, addresses and dates of birth of patients without their knowledge.
Each count of health care fraud is punishable by a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, while the false statement counts each carry a maximum penalty of five years. Each aggravated identity theft count carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years. The Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man for Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced on Friday, November 30, 2018 that HERBERT WILLIAMS, age 50, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged in a one-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
If convicted, WILLIAMS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and a maximum fine of $250,000, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 safe for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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, then 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 was launched in 2001.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Drug Dealer Gets 30 Years for Fentanyl Related DeathRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hampton Roads man was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for distributing fentanyl, which resulted in death. During the sentencing hearing, the Court noted that Burgess had appeared in court on various criminal charges at least 43 times during his life.
According to court documents, in November 2016 a man was found dead in his home as the result of a fentanyl overdose. Based on telephone records and eyewitnesses, Arnold Burgess, 50, was identified as the drug dealer who provided the victim with fentanyl. Five months after the death, Burgess was arrested in Stafford County with 1/4 kilogram of fentanyl. Burgess was connected to the William Joe drug trafficking organization, which was responsible for selling heroin on the Virginia Peninsula for many years prior to the arrest of its senior members in 2017.
The case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Broken Finger. The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Raymond A. Jackson. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric M. Hurt prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:17-cr-65.
Dominican Man Sentenced to 45 day for Illegal EntryRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Juan Lorenzo Matias Peralta, 38 of the Dominican Republic was sentenced today 45 days for illegal entry, announced United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller also ordered Peralta to pay a $10 special assessment.
According to court documents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) stopped a vessel in the area of North Haulover Bay, St. John after agents observed that the vessel had no lights. After the boat was stopped, AMO agents observed five male individuals onboard. Peralta was one of the five persons onboard and it was determined he was not a U.S. citizen, but a national of the Dominican Republic. Peralta did not have permission to enter the United States and the area where the boat was stopped was not a designated port of entry.
The case was investigated Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Unit (AMO) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
District Court Issues Order to Prevent Michigan Company and its Owners from Distributing Adulterated Ready-To-Eat FoodsRead the Press Release
A federal court permanently enjoined a Saranac, Michigan company and its owners from preparing, processing, and distributing adulterated ready-to-eat food, the Department of Justice announced today.
In a complaint filed on November 29, 2018, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States alleged that defendants Saranac Brand Foods, Inc., and the company’s owners, Dennis M. Nowak and Daniel R. Nowak, violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by introducing or delivering for introduction into interstate commerce ready-to-eat food that was adulterated. The complaint alleged that Saranac prepared and distributed approximately 35 different ready-to-eat foods, including prepared salads, dips, and sauces such as coleslaw, macaroni salad, spinach dip, and enchilada sauce.
“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that processors and distributors of ready-to-eat food products comply with laws designed to protect consumers,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to work with the FDA to ensure that consumers are protected from potentially unsafe food.”
“We all reasonably expect that ready-to-eat foods are, in fact, ready to eat — that they have been prepared in a clean environment and in a way that does not potentially expose the food to dangerous bacteria,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Birge for the Western District of Michigan. “Saranac Brands fell short of that reasonable expectation, so the Department of Justice, including my office, put a stop to their practices.”
The complaint alleged that analysis of environmental samples collected from defendants’ facility during numerous inspections showed that the facility contained a resident strain of Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono). FDA most recently inspected the facility in late 2017. According to the complaint, FDA’s inspection established that the ready-to-eat food products that defendants manufactured and distributed were adulterated in that they have been prepared, packed or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have become contaminated with filth or rendered injurious to health. As alleged in the complaint, FDA collected environmental sub-samples that tested positive for L. mono, and also observed that the flooring in defendants’ facility’s food processing area was in poor repair with exposed aggregate, chipped areas, ponded water and debris.
Defendants agreed to settle the complaint and be bound by a consent decree for permanent injunction. The consent decree entered by the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan permanently enjoins the defendants from violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. As part of the settlement, defendants represented that they have discontinued all operations related to receiving, preparing, processing, holding, or distributing any articles of food at or from their business location and any other locations. Under the permanent injunction, if defendants intend to resume such activity, they must notify FDA in writing in advance, comply with specific remedial measures set forth in the injunction, and allow FDA to inspect their facility, including the buildings, sanitation-related systems, equipment, utensils, all articles of food, and relevant records.
“Taking steps to keep potentially unsafe food out of the U.S. food supply is a core responsibility of the FDA,” said Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs Melinda K. Plaisier. “When a company fails to follow current good manufacturing practices and processes food under insanitary conditions, the FDA will take action to protect the public health and safety of Americans.”
Trial Attorney Claude Scott of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Cobb of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan represented the United States, along with the assistance of Associate Chief Counsel Joshua Davenport of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the General Counsel’s Food and Drug Division.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi.
Columbus Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Heroin and Crack OffensesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Columbus, Ohio man who helped set up multiple drug deals in Huntington in August and September of 2016 was sentenced today to 96 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Carl Keylow Jackson, 38, previously pled guilty in May 2018 to two counts of aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin, as well as aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine base, also known as “crack.” United States Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“Another dangerous drug dealer from Ohio taken off the streets of Huntington,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “He won’t be back for a while and he definitely won’t be “dotting the I” at an Ohio State football game.”
On September 13, 2016, law enforcement used a confidential informant to contact Jackson and arrange a crack deal. When the informant called Jackson, the informant was directed to go to the area of the Little Caesar’s on 1st Street in Huntington. Jackson also confirmed how much crack the informant wanted to purchase and the price for the crack. Another individual subsequently met the informant and distributed 6.5 grams of crack to the informant in exchange for $850. Jackson also admitted to assisting in the sale of heroin in Huntington on at least two occasions in August 2016. On one occasion, the heroin purchased by an informant was tested by a chemist and found to be mixed with fentanyl, a powerful prescription painkiller.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Man Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Deal in Firearms Without A LicenseRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Cherry Hill, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 40 months in prison his role in conspiring to sell at least 100 handguns without a federal firearms license, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Fr’Neil Hickson, a/k/a “Philly,” 38, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler to Count Two of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to deal in firearms without a federal firearms license. Judge Kugler imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court. Hickson has been in federal custody since his arrest in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 29, 2014. In a separate case in Atlanta, investigated jointly by ATF agents from the Atlanta office and the District of New Jersey, Hickson was arrested for illegal possession of 12 firearms. He pleaded guilty in Atlanta federal court to possession of firearms by a convicted felon and on Oct. 25, 2016, he was sentenced to four years in prison by U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones. Hickson completed his sentence in that case in August 2017, but remained in federal custody on the indictment that resulted in today’s guilty plea.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Hickson admitted that between December 2009 and April 2013 he sold or brokered the sale of at least 100 handguns obtained from sources outside of New Jersey. The investigation showed that Hickson obtained many of the weapons from Joshua Jackson, a/k/a “Apple,” a/k/a “Trent,” and that Jackson obtained most of the firearms through purchases at gun shows from unlicensed gun sellers without background checks. Some of the firearms were also purchased at Ohio gun stores by straw purchasers working for Jackson, who transported the handguns to New Jersey and resold them to Hickson and Terrance Laboo, a Camden drug dealer. Hickson admitted some of the weapons were equipped with extended magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition.
Hickson also sold handguns directly to Terrance Laboo. At the time of the gun sales, Laboo was engaged with others in drug trafficking, including the sale of PCP and cocaine at the corner of 4th and Chestnut streets in Camden. Hickson and Laboo sold, directed or brokered the sale of many of the firearms to other drug dealers and felons in Camden and surrounding areas.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Kugler sentenced Hickson to three years of supervised release.
This case was part of a long-term investigation of illegal gun trafficking referred to as “Operation Buckeye,” as the bulk of the illegal guns recovered from felons in the Camden, Philadelphia and surrounding areas were originally purchased in Ohio.
On July 21, 2016, Laboo, who had previously pleaded guilty to dealing in firearms without a license, conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and distribution of a controlled substance, was sentenced by Judge Kugler to six years in prison. On Oct. 25, 2016, Jackson, of Willingboro, New Jersey, who had previously entered a guilty plea to dealing in firearms without a license, conspiracy to deal in firearms without a license, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon, was sentenced to six years in prison.
The ATF investigation showed that the conspiracy involved the illegal acquisition, interstate transfer, and illegal sale of approximately 300 handguns to drug dealers and others.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the ATF Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John B. Devito; the N.J. State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Mary Eva Colalillo; and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Scott A. Coffina, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Askin and Alyson Oswald of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
Defense counsel: Michael Huff Esq., Philadelphia
Broward County Resident Sentenced to over Thirteen Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Drugs and Personal Identifying InformationRead the Press Release
On November 28, 2018, Trenard Caldwell, 27, of Broward County, was sentenced to 161 months in prison by U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas, after previously pleading guilty to being a felon unlawfully in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of unauthorized access devices, and aggravated identity theft.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and Ari C. Shapira, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Office made the announcement.
According to the court docket, including the criminal complaint and several search warrant applications, on September 19, 2015, Caldwell was found in a stolen car. His cellular phones were seized by local police and searched pursuant to a search warrant. A large amount of personal identifying information, including credit/debit card and social security numbers, was located in his phones. The phones’ web history included almost 800 visits to sites on which you can purchase credit card details in bulk. Between October 28, 2016, and September 3, 2017, Caldwell posted several photos on social media in which he was pictured in possession of a firearm. In his posts, he also indicated he was “the plug,” a slang term for the source of illegal narcotics. During another traffic stop in early 2017, Caldwell was found in possession of two cellular phones which were later searched pursuant to a search warrant. The phones contained photographs of Caldwell in possession of a firearm, including some of the same pictures that were posted on his social media account. Caldwell was living at a home in Lauderhill he had rented using another person’s identity. On May 4, 2018, a search warrant was executed on the Lauderhill residence. Inside the home, agents located Caldwell and a .40 caliber Glock 22 pistol fitted with an extended magazine and laser sight. Caldwell had previously been convicted of several felonies, and was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Agents also recovered approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine, counterfeit credit and identification cards, and a number of cellular phones, laptop computers, and notebooks, which all contained the personal identifying information of dozens of individuals.
This case stems from Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The PSN program was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigatory efforts of the ATF in this matter. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anita G. White.
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.
Brockton Man Convicted by Federal Jury of Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man was convicted today in federal court in Boston of firearm and drug charges.
Douglas Norris, 39, was convicted by a federal jury of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Norris was arrested and charged in July 2017, and has been in custody since. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for March 28, 2019.
On June 20, 2017, a search warrant was executed at Norris’s home where a backpack containing a fully loaded Smith & Wesson, model 6906, 9 mm pistol; 21 additional rounds of assorted ammunition; plastic baggies containing over 32 grams of cocaine and over 46 grams of crack cocaine; and two digital scales were recovered. Elsewhere in the house, police found an additional 25 grams of cocaine and cocaine base, a kilo press, an electronic money counter, calibration weights, and five additional scales. Norris is prohibited from possessing a firearm based on a prior 2005 conviction.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a mandatory minimum of four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 in prison, a minimum of three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a minimum mandatory sentence of five years - consecutive to any other sentence imposed - and up to a lifetime in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz; and Brockton Police Chief John Crowley made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert E. Richardson and Elianna Nuzum of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
Brazilian Citizen Sentenced for Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ozeias Teixeira-De Souza, age 33, and a citizen of Brazil, was sentenced on Friday to time served (151 days in jail) for illegally re-entering the United States.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Thomas E. Feeley, Director of the Buffalo Field Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
As part of his guilty plea, Teixeira-De Souza admitted that he was removed from the United States to Brazil on October 9, 2005. On July 2, 2018, ICE Officers encountered Teixeira-De Souza in Watervliet, New York, determined that he was in the country illegally, and arrested him.
Following his sentencing, Teixeira-De Souza was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security for removal proceedings.
This case was investigated by ICE-ERO and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Bookkeeper Charged for Failing to Declare More Than $700,000 in Stolen Money on Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced Friday, November 30, 2018, the filing of a one count bill of information charging PEGGY NAGELE, age 65 of Thibodeaux, Louisiana with one count of violating Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206, making false statements on an income tax return.
The bill of information charged NAGELE with failing to declare more than $727,847.80 in funds she had stolen on her 2011 joint individual tax form 1040. NAGELE was employed as a bookkeeper with Law Firm A, a New Orleans law firm. Beginning in approximately 1996 and continuing through 2013, NAGELE stole more than $700,000 from the firm.
The maximum period of incarceration should NAGELE be convicted or pleads guilty to is 3 years incarceration, a $250,000 fine, the cost of the investigation, as well as restitution to the IRS. U.S. Attorney Strasser emphasized that a bill of information is simply an allegation. Each element of the offense must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt to convict NAGELE.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division for their thorough investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice Jr.
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Benicia Man Pleads Guilty to Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Steven Brian Homan, 62, of Benicia, pleaded guilty today to concealment of bankruptcy assets, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Homan sought protection from, and discharge of, more than $1.3 million in personal and business debt. In order to protect a non-exempt cabin in Redding from liquidation to pay his creditors, Homan arranged to sell it to a relative for $100,000. However, Homan concealed from the bankruptcy trustee that the cabin had been destroyed by fire before he offered the sale to the trustee and before the trustee accepted the offer.
After the fire, Homan filed an insurance claim that settled for more than $258,000 in losses associated with the cabin and personal property contained in the cabin at the time of the fire. That money constituted property of the bankruptcy estate, which Homan concealed from the trustee. After the sale was complete, the bankruptcy trustee learned of the fire and the insurance settlement.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney André M. Espinosa is prosecuting the case.
Homan is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller on March 11, 2019. Homan faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will 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.
Bangor Woman Sentenced to 1½ Years for Maintaining a Drug-Involved PremisesRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Sherri Chen, 55, of Hampden, Maine was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to 1½ years in prison and three years of supervised release for maintaining a drug-involved premises.
According to court records, between January 2016 and February 2017, Chen allowed her residence on the Main Road in Hampden to be used to distribute and use heroin and cocaine base, commonly known as “crack.”
Judge Woodcock described the defendant’s decision to provide a “safe haven” for drug dealers from Connecticut, as “deplorable.” Chen received drugs for allowing her residence to be used in this manner.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency. This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Strategy to Combat the Opioid Epidemic.
Armed Heroin and Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A New York City man living in Virginia Beach was sentenced today to over 11 years in prison for dealing heroin and fentanyl, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Michael Thomas Jamison, Jr., 34, was arrested during a joint HSI and Virginia Beach Police Department operation attempting to sell approximately 150 grams of heroin laced with fentanyl. A search warrant executed at Jamison’s home led to the recovery of an additional 620 grams of heroin laced with fentanyl, over $10,000 in cash, and two loaded handguns. Jamison is a convicted felon due to multiple previous drug convictions in New York and Maryland.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of a renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Michael K. Lamonea, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Norfolk, and James A. Cervera, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew C. Bosse and Joseph E. DePadilla prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-105.
Arizona Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking Charge in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Toni Baldonado, 25, of Tucson, Ariz., pled guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to methamphetamine trafficking. Baldonado entered her guilty plea without the benefit of a plea agreement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Baldonado after seizing approximately 1.55 kilograms (3.42 pounds) of methamphetamine from her luggage during an interdiction investigation in Albuquerque on June 17, 2016. Baldonado was indicted on July 12, 2016, and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
According to court documents, Baldonado admitted that she was transporting the methamphetamine from Phoenix, Ariz., to Denver, Colo., in exchange for payment. At sentencing, Baldonado faces a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of ten years and a maximum of life in federal prison. A sentencing has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the DEA and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul H. Spiers.
Saturday 1 December 2018
Two Charleston Men Sentenced to Prison for Their Roles in Federal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Charleston men were sentenced to prison for participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. United States District Judge Joseph Robert Goodwin sentenced Richard Sales, 40, and Eric Davison, 26, to 25 and 40 months in prison, respectively. Stuart praised the work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).
“MDENT does a tremendous job in removing drug dealers, their poisons and their guns from the streets of Charleston,” said United States Mike Stuart. “The partnership my team has with the various drug and violent crime task forces throughout the Southern District is vital in fighting the drug epidemic.”
Sales and Davison previously pled guilty to conspiring to distribute heroin in Kanawha County in March of 2016. They both admitted that they conspired to sell heroin in Charleston and St. Albans from March 1 to March 25, 2016. Sales admitted that during that time, he supplied Davison with heroin. Davison, in turn, admitted that he sold heroin to a confidential informant on three occasions in furtherance of the conspiracy. The investigation culminated with a search of Sales’ apartment, during which officers recovered over 80 grams of heroin and a loaded handgun from Sales’ bedroom.
Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis handled the prosecution.
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Friday 30 November 2018
Williamson County Man Sentenced to More than 16 Years for Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Jackie C. Buckner, 38, of Johnston City, Illinois, has been sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine conspiracy, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Steven D. Weinhoeft, announced today. Buckner previously pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
The indictment alleged that the offense occurred between December 2016 and May 2018, in Williamson County. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Buckner was involved with other persons in the distribution of ice. Ice is methamphetamine with a purity level of at least 80%. At sentencing, the district court found that Buckner was responsible for the distribution of approximately 615.30 grams of ice.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Energy Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
Western Michigan Man Receives 30 Months for Role in Dog-Fighting ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Western Michigan man was sentenced in federal court to 30 months in prison for his role in a dog fighting conspiracy based in the surrounding counties of Grand Rapids. His sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release.
Charles Deon Davis Jr., 34, of Wyoming, Michigan, pleaded guilty in June 2018 to one felony count of conspiracy to sponsor and exhibit a dog in a dog fight and unlawful possession of dogs intended to be used for the purpose of dog fighting, and one felony count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney Andrew Byerly Birge of the Western District of Michigan made the announcement.
Davis and four co-defendants were indicted in a superseding indictment on April 18, 2018, for one conspiracy count and multiple counts of unlawful possession of animals intended to be used for the purpose of dog fighting. Davis was also indicted in a separate case for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. Co-defendant Damiane Buehrer was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment in October 2018. The remaining co-defendants, including Charles Joseph Miller, Kian Maliak Miller, and Jarvis Jason-Roy Askew, have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Between at least December 2016 and December 7, 2017, Davis co-owned and operated, with defendant Charles Miller, “Stick Wit Me Kennels,” for the purposes of breeding, training, conditioning, and developing dogs for participation in dog fighting. Davis kept four dogs for those purposes, which, together with those owned by his co-conspirators, for a total of 37 dogs, were seized by law enforcement as part of the investigation. Davis was also found to possess medication for the purpose of treating dogs for wounds received during dog fighting, as well as equipment for training the dogs, including a “break stick,” and “spring poles.” The co-defendants frequently exchanged electronic communications for the purpose of sharing information about training and conditioning dogs for fighting, breeding fighting dogs, contracting for and sponsoring dog fights, collecting forfeited funds when a contracted dog fight resulted in a forfeit, and sharing results of dog fights.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Zell and Hagen Frank, and Senior Trial Attorney Jennifer Blackwell of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the Ingham County Animal Control Office. The ASPCA assisted with the care of the dogs seized by federal law enforcement.
Vinita Sex Offender Apprehended in Mexico Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
A 36-year old convicted sex offender has entered a guilty plea for failing to notify authorities of international travel, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
On Oct. 25, the U.S. Marshals Northern Oklahoma Violent Crimes Task Force apprehended Kaylynn Dee Meyer, of Vinita, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Today she pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to failure to report information required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act that she intended to and did, in fact, travel outside the United States.
In 2013, Meyer was convicted of enabling child sexual abuse in Pawnee County. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with all but the first six months suspended. A warrant for her arrest was subsequently issued in 2017 in Craig County for failure to register as a sex offender and for a new accusation of child abuse by injury. Authorities had been unable to locate Meyer until she was discovered in Mexico.
“Convicted sex offenders do not get to avoid registration. Communities should be aware when a convicted sexual predator is residing, working, or going to school in their neighborhood. The defendant in this case, Kaylynn Meyer, repeatedly violated her requirements to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Fleeing to Mexico could not stop the wheels of justice from turning. Thanks to the United States Marshals Northern Oklahoma Violent Crimes Task Force and our partners in the Craig and Pawnee County Sheriff’s Offices, Kaylynn Meyer will not escape accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Ensuring the timely and updated registration of sex offenders is an important duty to protecting our families and our community at large.”
U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan scheduled Meyer’s sentencing for March 6. Meyer will remain in custody until that time when she potentially faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The U.S. Marshals Service and the Craig and Pawnee County Sheriff’s Offices are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A.S. Régal is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
U.S. Seeks to Recover over $73 Million in Proceeds Traceable to Bank Fraud to Conceal the Involvement of Jho Taek LowRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today the filing of a civil forfeiture action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia seeking to forfeit and recover more than $73 million in funds associated with an international conspiracy to defraud U.S. financial institutions and to launder funds controlled by Jho Taek Low, also known as “Jho Low,” an individual who is the subject of an indictment filed in the Eastern District of New York, alleging that Low and others conspired to launder billions of dollars embezzled from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), Malaysia’s investment development fund, and pay hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes to foreign officials, among other things.
The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. of the FBI New York Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Keith A. Bonanno of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) Cyber Investigations Office.
As alleged in the forfeiture complaint, multiple bank accounts were opened at U.S. financial institutions by Prakazrel (“Pras”) Michel and former Justice Department employee George Higginbotham in 2017 to receive tens of millions of dollars in funds from overseas accounts controlled by Jho Low. In opening these accounts, Michel and Higginbotham allegedly made false and misleading statements to U.S. financial institutions that housed the accounts in order to mislead these institutions about the source of the funds and to obscure Jho Low’s involvement in these transactions. Michel and Higginbotham allegedly intended to use these funds to attempt to influence the Justice Department’s investigation of Jho Low and 1MDB. As alleged in the complaint, Higginbotham, as a Justice Department employee, played no role in any aspect of the investigation and failed to influence any aspect of the Department’s investigation of Low or 1MDB.
“According to the allegations in the complaint, Michel and Higginbotham defrauded U.S. financial institutions and laundered millions of dollars into the United States as part of an effort to improperly influence the Department’s investigation into the massive embezzlement and bribery scheme involving 1MDB,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “The Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners will do everything we can to trace, seize, and forfeit the proceeds of foreign corruption that flow through the U.S. financial system.”
“Corruption is often at the root of national security, terrorism, and criminal threats, and those who seek to take advantage of our financial systems to perpetuate fraud and abuse will not be tolerated,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Sweeney. “The FBI is committed to investigating and uncovering corruption no matter where it occurs, in conjunction with our domestic and international partners.”
“Ensuring the integrity of Department of Justice employees is of paramount importance,” said DOJ-OIG Special Agent in Charge Bonanno. “An employee who facilitates or participates in this type of illicit activity will be thoroughly investigated by the OIG, including situations where attempts are made to influence the Department’s independence.”
This case was brought under the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative by a team of dedicated prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, working in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies to forfeit the proceeds of foreign official corruption and, where appropriate, return those proceeds to benefit the people harmed by these acts of corruption and abuse of office. Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to [email protected] (link sends e-mail).
The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI’s International Corruption Unit and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Woo S. Lee, and Trial Attorneys Joshua L. Sohn and Rebecca A. Caruso of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Statement on the Death of Deputy Marshal in TucsonRead the Press Release
“Today, we mourn the loss of a member of the federal law enforcement family,” stated First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange. “This death is a tragic reminder of the dangers our dedicated law enforcement partners willingly face daily in the line of duty. Our hearts go out to the Deputy Marshal’s family and friends, as well as the entire United States Marshals Service community.”
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-164_ USMS
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
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Two northwest Louisiana felons sentenced, one pleads guilty to firearms chargesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that two northwest Louisiana felons were sentenced and one pled guilty to firearms charges.
Felon from Many, Louisiana sentenced for possessing firearms after assault and police standoff at barbershop
Willie D. Carhee, 56, of Many, Louisiana, was sentenced Thursday to 84 months in prison by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the August 20, 2018 guilty plea, police responded to a 911 domestic assault call that occurred at a barbershop in Many on April 27, 2017. After the assault, Carhee ran inside the barbershop where he worked and refused to leave. The victim told the police dispatcher that Carhee had a firearm at the barbershop as well as firearms at his home. Law enforcement set up a perimeter and called SWAT. A Many police officer found and seized a loaded Hi-Point Firearms .45 caliber pistol in plain view in Carhee’s car, which was parked in front of the barbershop. After SWAT threw a telephone through the window of the barbershop, Carhee surrendered to authorities. A search of the barbershop yielded approximately 190 grams of marijuana. Police searched Carhee’s home and found a Marlin, Glenfield model 70, .22 caliber rifle, a Remington, model: 770, .308 caliber rifle, a Remington, model: 710, .30-06 caliber rifle, and several marijuana plants in the backyard. Carhee has a long criminal history involving drugs and firearms. He has at least six felony convictions, which include: possession of a Schedule II drug in the 10th Judicial District, Natchitoches Parish, on March 12, 2012, possession/introduction of contraband into a penal institution on July 10, 2008, manufacturing of a Schedule I drug and illegal carrying of a weapon in Sabine Parish, Louisiana, on September 14, 2006, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon in the 294th Judicial District, Dallas, Texas, and reckless injury to a child in Dallas, Texas. Being a convicted felon, Carhee is not allowed to possess a firearm.
The ATF and Many Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara prosecuted the case.
Shreveport felon sentenced to 26 months in prison for using relative’s pistol
Frank G. Pearson, 22, of Shreveport, was sentenced Monday to two years and two months in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the August 20, 2018 guilty plea, Shreveport police recovered a Zastava model PAP M92PV 7.62x39 mm pistol, 36 rounds of ammunition and two 7.62 magazines taped together at the home of Pearson’s relative. The firearm belonged to Pearson’s relative, but Pearson had access to the firearm and had borrowed it on several occasions between June 1, 2017 and August 23, 2017. Pearson is a felon who was previously convicted in 2016 for theft and illegal use of a weapon. He is restricted from possessing a firearm.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.
Shreveport man pleads guilty to drug, firearm charges
Ellis Harp III, 44, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty on Thursday before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to the guilty plea, law enforcement agents executed three warrants - one on Hollywood Avenue and two on Earl Street in Shreveport, Louisiana. Shreveport police and SWAT executed a warrant at one of Harp’s Earl Street residences. During a search of a shed on the property, police found 137.080 grams of powder cocaine, three sets of digital scales, a Ruger .44-caliber revolver and an Olympic Arms Inc. SGW & Safari Arms AR-15. Harp is a convicted felon and pleaded guilty in 2010 to one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Harp faces up to 20 years in prison for drug distribution and five years in prison for firearm’s possession. He also faces up to five years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. The court set the sentencing date for March 29, 2019.
The ATF, DEA, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath is prosecuting the case.
These cases were 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. The Justice Department 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, PSN was reinvigorated and all U.S. Attorney’s Offices were directed to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Two illegal aliens sentenced, one pleads guilty after arrests in Calcasieu, St. Mary parishesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE/LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that two illegal aliens were sentenced and one pleaded guilty after arrests that took place in Calcasieu and St. Mary parishes.
Illegal alien from Mexico arrested in St. Mary Parish pleads guilty to drugs, firearms charges
LAFAYETTE - Raymundo Pizano-Montes, 38, of Mexico, pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol Whitehurst to one count of possession with intent to distribute LSD and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to the guilty plea, a St. Mary Parish deputy pulled over a Mazda SUV for a traffic violation. Pizaono-Montes was one of five occupants in the vehicle. The deputy searched the vehicle and found $14,582; 319 dosage units of LSD; 82 Xanax pills; marijuana paraphernalia; a scale; and 12 firearms. The defendant stated he was a Mexican citizen who buys and sells firearms and drugs. Pizano-Montes was deported in 2010 after having been convicted in California for second degree battery and had re-entered the United States illegally.
Pizano-Montes faces 15 to 25 years in prison, four years of supervised release and a $5 million fine. The court set sentencing for March 1, 2019.
Homeland Security Investigations, ATF and St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo is prosecuting the case.
Illegal alien from Mexico arrested in Calcasieu Parish and sentenced for illegal re-entry
LAKE CHARLES - Alfredo Sanchez-Hernandez, 39, of Mexico, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien. According to the August 28, 2018 guilty plea, Sanchez-Hernandez was found in Calcasieu Parish on March 5, 2018 to be in the United States illegally. After further investigation, law enforcement agents discovered that Sanchez-Hernandez had been previously removed from the United States on four occasions with the most recent being on February 15, 2010 near San Ysidro, California. The defendant was convicted in California in May of 2000 for possession of heroin and was not allowed to re-enter the United States.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney T. Forrest Phillips is prosecuting the case. The defendant was remanded to the custody of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement for deportation proceedings.
Illegal alien from Honduras sentenced for illegally re-entering U.S. four times
LAKE CHARLES - Boney D. Cruz-Funez, 33, of Progresso, Honduras, was sentenced Tuesday to 10 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on one count of illegal re-entry of a previously deported alien. According to the June 20, 2018 guilty plea, on April 11, 2018, Sulphur police conducted a traffic stop on Cruz-Funez’s vehicle on Interstate 10. After the stop, he admitted to being in the country illegally. Cruz-Funez was removed from the United States previously on four occasions with the last removal taking place in May 2013 from San Antonio, Texas.
United States Border Patrol and the Sulphur Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti prosecuted the case.
Two Lancaster Residents Sentenced for Their Role in National Guard Armory Firearms TheftRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Austin Lee Ritter, age 23, and Kimberly Denise Cannon, age 40, both of Lancaster, South Carolina, each were sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty in June to being a felon in possession of firearms and to possession of machineguns and destructive device not registered to them.
Evidence presented in court established that in the early morning hours of November 26, 2017, an officer with the Lancaster Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Cannon after observing her littering. Further investigation during the traffic stop revealed the following inside the vehicle: a FNH, model M249, 5.56mm machinegun; two Colt, model M-16, 5.56mm machineguns; two Beretta, model M9, 9mm pistols; a Colt, model M203, 40mm grenade launcher (“destructive device”); night vision goggles; and various military items stolen from the Lancaster National Guard Armory.
After the traffic stop, Ritter and co-defendant Brandon Shane Polston, who has also pled guilty to federal charges and will be sentenced on December 14, 2018, were found in a Lancaster motel in possession of a small quantity of methamphetamine. A review of surveillance video from the motel showed Ritter, Cannon, and Polston bringing bags containing the firearms back and forth between the vehicle and the motel room. Searches of their cell phones revealed various photos and text messages relating to the firearms and sale of the firearms.
An investigation revealed that Polston stole the firearms from the Lancaster National Guard Armory and then directed Cannon to take him and Ritter to an area near the Armory, where they retrieved the firearms and other items from a ditch and placed them in their car, later transporting them to the motel. Some of the stolen firearms were later recovered in possession of other felons in the area, while other firearms remain missing.
Both Ritter and Cannon are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon their prior state convictions. Ritter has prior convictions for accessory after the fact of a felony, possession of a controlled substance, breach of trust, receiving stolen goods, and theft of a controlled substance. Cannon, who was on state probation from a North Carolina conviction at the time of this incident, has prior convictions for shoplifting, assault and battery, and obtaining property by false pretenses.
United States District Judge Michelle Childs of Columbia sentenced Ritter to 87 months in federal prison with 3 years of supervised release to follow. Cannon was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison with 3 years of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Lancaster Police Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and was prosecuted as part of Project CeaseFire, a joint federal, state and local initiative focused upon aggressively prosecuting firearm cases in an effort to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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Two Lake Charles residents sentenced for kidnapping Texas man after drug dealRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that two Lake Charles defendants were sentenced this week for kidnapping a Texas man after a failed drug deal. Justin Fry, 35, was sentenced to 292 months in prison, and James Coleman, 34, was sentenced to 242 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for interstate kidnapping. The defendants, both of Lake Charles, were also sentenced to five years of supervised release.
According to the guilty pleas, the defendants traveled to Liberty, Texas, on April 6, 2016 to buy methamphetamine from a contact. In order to complete the sale, the contact rode with the defendants to Houston on April 8, 2018 to meet a second contact who had the methamphetamine. Instead of selling the drugs, the Houston contact robbed the defendants, and the contact from Liberty left with him. Fry and Coleman followed them until they saw the Liberty man jump out of the moving car, at which time they retrieved the bloodied victim, duct taped his hands and covered his eyes. The defendants later beat and threatened to kill him in an attempt to force him to pay back the $1,300. After making several phone calls, the victim was unable to get the money. The defendants then decided to drive back to Louisiana, stopped at a gas station in Beaumont where they placed the victim in the trunk, and then drove on to a Vinton, Louisiana, casino where he escaped and called law enforcement. The defendants’ cell phones were searched and conversations about the drug deal were found in addition to videos of the beatings.
“This case is an example of the violence that results from illegal drug deals,” Joseph stated. “Thankfully no one was killed in this incident, but it demonstrates that drug trafficking often leads to all manner of violence. I want to thank the law enforcement agents who saved the victim in this case and brought the defendants to justice.”
“Methamphetamine is a highly addictive plague that routinely inflicts dramatic health and safety consequences upon communities where it’s introduced,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Jere T. Miles. “This case clearly illustrates the violence that often permeates illegal drug trafficking, and today’s sentencing is a testament to the excellent working relationship between HSI and its local law enforcement partners to protect the public from these violent criminal networks and the lawlessness they spread.”
Sarah Paxton, 25, of Lake Charles, was also charged with kidnapping. Her sentencing date is scheduled for December 17, 2018.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.
Two Freight Forwarding Executives Plead Guilty to Fixing PricesRead the Press Release
Roberto Dip and Jason Handal pleaded guilty today in Miami, Florida, for their roles in orchestrating a nationwide conspiracy to fix prices for international freight forwarding services, marking the first convictions in this investigation, the Department of Justice announced.
Dip and Handal were charged in the Eastern District of Louisiana on October 16, 2018, and the case was later transferred to the Southern District of Florida, where Dip and Handal entered their guilty pleas today. Dip, a citizen of Honduras, is the president and CEO of a Louisiana-based freight forwarding company, and Handal, a U.S. citizen, is the company’s manager. The pair conspired with their competitors to fix the prices for freight forwarding services provided in the United States and elsewhere from at least as early as September 2010 until at least March 2015. In addition to their guilty pleas, Dip and Handal have agreed to pay a criminal fine and cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
“Through these plea agreements, the Antitrust Division and the FBI hold accountable two senior executives who conspired to cheat American customers,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to prosecute individuals who target consumers in vital international industries.”
Freight forwarders arrange for and manage the shipment of goods, including by receiving, packaging, and otherwise preparing cargo destined for international ocean shipment.
The ongoing investigation into price fixing in the international freight forwarding industry is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal I Section, the FBI’s International Corruption Unit, and the FBI’s New Orleans Division. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation is urged to call the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal I Section at 202-307-6694, visit www.justice.gov/atr/contact/newcase.html or call the FBI tip line at 415-553-7400.
Two Border Patrol Agents Assaulted in Separate IncidentsRead the Press Release
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – November 30, 2018
SAN DIEGO – Franklin Adriel Rohac-Garci and Frazy Jiron were charged in separate complaints today with assault on a federal officer and illegal entry arising out of incidents that occurred last night.
As alleged in one of the complaints, the first incident occurred when Border Patrol Agent C. Nelson was conducting routine patrol in the Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station’s area of resonsibilitity. At approximately 9:30 p.m., Agent Nelson encountered five subjects, including one later identified as defendant Frazy Jiron. Agent Nelson approached the subjects, identified himself as a Border Patrol agent, and told the group to not move. Jiron began to stand up and was ordered to lie down. As Agent Nelson attempted to handcuff Jiron, Jiron made a statement that caused the rest of the group to begin to stand up. After a brief struggle, Jiron managed to get back to his feet and the rest of the group stood up and began to run. Jiron threw an elbow behind him that struck Agent Nelson in the chest. A brief struggle ensued, causing both Agent Nelson and Jiron to fall down a hill. Jiron was later arrested and admitted he is a Honduran citizen, with no legal right to be in the United States.
The second charging document alleges that at approximately 10:45 p.m., Border Patrol Agent Brian D. Cox was conducting routine patrol at the Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station. Agent Cox encountered an individual, later identified as defendant Franklin Ariel Rochac-Garcia, running towards his location. Agent Cox ordered him to stop. Rochac ignored Agent Cox’s command and instead continued running towards him. As Rochac approached Agent Cox, Rochac reached back with his arm and swung at Agent Cox. Agent Cox avoided the punch and grabbed Rochac’s sleeve in an effort to restrain him. Agent Cox and Rochac fell to the ground and Rochac got up and ran south towards the border. As Rochac attempted to jump over the fence, Agent Cox was able to detain him. Rochac was arrested after stating he was a citizen of El Salvador without any immigration documents allowing him to enter or remain in the United States legally.
“Assault on federal officers is one of the Department of Justice’s top priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Braverman. “Our office is committed to vigorously prosecuting these cases.”
The case against defendant Rohac-Garci is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Colin McDonald, and the case against defendant Jiron is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlos Arguello.
DEFENDANT Case Number 18 MJ 6082
Franklin Adriel Rohac-Garci
DEFENDANT Case Number 18 MJ 6085
Frazy Jiron
SUMMARY OF CHARGES (both defendants)
Assault on a Federal Officer, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 111 (a)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine
Illegal Entry, in violation of Title 8 U.S.C., Sec. 1325
AGENCIES
U.S. Border Patrol
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Transnational Methamphetamine-Trafficking Organization Dismantled, Leader Sentenced to More Than Nineteen YearsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven today sentenced Brian Quinonez-Soto (36, California) to 19 years and 7 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. The court also ordered Quinonez-Soto to forfeit $33,214, an amount traceable to proceeds of the offense.
Quinonez-Soto had pleaded guilty on February 12, 2018.
According to court documents and sentencing hearing evidence, Quinonez-Soto, while in California, led a methamphetamine-trafficking organization in the Middle District of Florida. He was held responsible for shipping more than 4.5 kilograms of high-purity methamphetamine, the highest quantity accounted for by the federal sentencing guidelines, into the Middle District of Florida. One of the co-conspirators admitted to receiving 15 pounds of methamphetamine from Quinonez-Soto.
The methamphetamine trafficked by Quinonez-Soto was extremely pure. For instance, the drugs from one of his shipments weighed nearly 450 grams and lab-tested to be 100% pure.
Eight of Quinonez-Soto’s subordinates in his drug-trafficking organization have pleaded guilty and were previously sentenced:
- Crystal Romine sentenced to 4 years’ imprisonment on August 10, 2017;
- Toni Lee Platt sentenced to 5 years, 10 months’ imprisonment on November 7, 2017;
- Lovenia Wilson sentenced to 11 years, 3 months’ imprisonment on November 20, 2017;
- Charles Johnson III sentenced to 5 years, 10 months’ imprisonment on April 23, 2018;
- Tea Robert Vandugteren sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment on May 23, 2018;
- Henry Eugene Smith sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment on June 1, 2018;
- Reyandra Camorlinga sentenced to 3 years’ imprisonment on July 26, 2018; and
- William Piper sentenced to 8 years, 1 month’s imprisonment on September 17, 2018.
This case was investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory T. Nolan.
Three Men Charged with Narcotics Conspiracy for Selling Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Donte Walker, a/k/a Slim, 27, Clayton Williams, a/k/a Dee, 29, and Kevin Hinca, 27, all of Buffalo, NY, with narcotics conspiracy. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and a $10,000,000 fine. In addition, defendants Walker and Williams are also charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin, using and maintaining a drug premises, and possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin. Those charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul C. Parisi and Charles J. Volkert, Jr., who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2015 and October 2018, the defendants conspired to distribute heroin, butyryl fentanyl, and furanyl fentanyl. Defendants Walker and Williams are also accused of using a residence at 410 Northland Avenue in Buffalo to manufacture, distribute, and use heroin, and butyryl fentanyl.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Tampa Man Charged with Enticing Children on Video Game System to Create and Send Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Kyle Wallace (22, Tampa) has been arrested and charged by a federal criminal complaint with production and attempted production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. If convicted, Wallace faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to 30 years in federal prison, and a potential lifetime of supervision.
According to the
complaint , on November 29, 2018, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Wallace’s home in Tampa. On Wallace’s phone, agents found at least four child-pornography images depicting two different male minors. Wallace admitted that he had persuaded those minors to send him child pornography by, among other things, offering them money and gift cards or credits for games on the Xbox Live video game system. Wallace further admitted to sexually molesting one of the two boys, when the child was only eleven or twelve years old.This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Jennifer L. Peresie.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Southwick Man Arrested for Sending Threatening Letters and White Powder to Federal Agencies in Springfield, Mass.Read the Press Release
BOSTON – A Southwick man was arrested today and charged in federal court in Springfield, Mass., for sending four packages, two of which contained white powder, to federal agencies.
Kevin A. Johnson, 47, was charged by criminal complaint with two counts of conveying false information and hoaxes and two counts of mailing threatening communications. Johnson was detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield.
According to the charging document, between July and November 2018, the FBI’s Springfield Office and the Springfield Social Security Administration Office (SSA Springfield), received collectively three packages containing either threatening communications and/or suspicious substances. The Springfield Branch Office of the United States Attorney’s Office received a letter from an individual claiming responsibility for sending the packages. All of the packages contained a piece of white-lined paper with a hand-drawn logo that appeared to combine the “anarchist A” symbol (the capital letter “A” surrounded by the letter “O”) and the symbol for ISIS. Two of the packages contained suspicious white powder.
As alleged in court documents, on July 23, 2018, security cameras at the FBI Springfield Office captured an individual throwing a manila envelope at the front door. The package contained a handwritten note saying: “Death to TRUMP.”
On Oct. 23, 2018, SSA Springfield received a package containing white powder and a handwritten letter stating, among other things: “FOR ALLAH YOU DIE, ATHENA KNOWS YOUR LIES, DEATH TO YOU TRAITORS, AND THE FU----- FBI.”
On Oct. 24, 2018, the FBI Springfield Office received a package through the mail addressed to “AGENT UNCLE HAM.” The package contained white powder and a handwritten note stating: “FOR ALLAH YOU DIE, ATHENA KNOWS YOUR LIES, DEATH TO THE N.O.R.A.D SPIES, AND THE FBI.” Laboratory testing later determined that the white powder in the packages did not contain hazardous material.
On Nov. 13, 2018, the Springfield Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts received a letter through the mail addressed to the U.S. Attorney. The return address stated: “WANTED FOR TERRORISM.” The package included a handwritten letter and two newspaper articles. One of the newspaper articles was a report that the SSA Springfield building closed after receiving a suspicious package. The article noted that the powder was found to be onion salt. The words “onion salt” were circled in pen on the article. The second article was about the death of James “Whitey” Bulger Jr. The phrase “5 finger Freddy” was written in pen next to the name “Freddy Geas” on the article. News media outlets have reported Geas as Bulger’s suspected killer.
The charges of false information and hoaxes provide for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of mailing threatening communications provide for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Stephen A. Marks, Special agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Division; and Southwick Police Chief Kevin A. Bishop, made the announcement today. Assistance was provided by the Western Massachusetts Joint Terrorism Task Force, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, and Holyoke Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deepika Bains Shukla of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Sixth Defendant Sentenced in Credit Card and ID Theft Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to four and a half years in prison for his involvement in a scheme that resulted in 19,000 stolen credit and debit cards that were used to obtain over $490,000 in unauthorized ATM cash withdrawals and money order purchases.
According to court documents, Mushegh Melkonyan, 28, participated in a multistep conspiracy involving at least six other individuals. Specifically, conspirators attached electronic devices known as “skimmers” to gas pump payment systems, collected the information captured when payment cards were swiped at the compromised gas pumps by unwitting customers, and encoded the stolen card numbers onto physical payment cards. Thereafter, conspirators used the physical cards encoded with stolen card information throughout Northern Virginia and elsewhere, making fraudulent ATM withdrawals and U.S. Postal Service money order purchases. Court documents show that Melkonyan furthered the conspiracy by traveling to the Eastern District of Virginia in August 2017, reserving a Falls Church hotel room that was used to store the proceeds and tools of the conspiracy, and using physical cards encoded with stolen payment card numbers to withdraw funds on August 8 from area ATMs.
As reflected in court documents, in addition to Melkonyan, the five individuals listed in the table below have been charged with participating in the same conspiracy, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud and/or aggravated identity theft, and have been sentenced.
Name, Age
Hometown
Convictions
Sentence
Mushegh Melkonyan, 28
Las Vegas, Nev.
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud; Aggravated Identity Theft
4.5 years
Rudolf Mekhakian, 31
Van Nuys, Calif.
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud; Aggravated Identity Theft
7.5 years
Radik Karapetyan, 25
North Hollywood, Calif.
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud; Aggravated Identity Theft
6.5 years
Siranush Yengibaryan, 24
Van Nuys, Calif.
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud; Aggravated Identity Theft
5.5 years
Armen Saplekchian, 37
Tarzana, Calif.
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud; Aggravated Identity Theft
5 years
Anatoly Zinchenko, 47
Philadelphia, Pa.
Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud
3 years
Court documents indicate that some of the above-listed defendants may face immigration consequences as a result of their convictions. For instance, Karapetyan and Yengibaryan are citizens of Armenia and green card holders, and Saplekchian is an illegal alien.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Nancy McNamara, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Patrick J. Lechleitner, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., Peter R. Rendina, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Washington Division, and Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Berrang and Kellen S. Dwyer prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:18-cr-149.
Sex Trafficker of Minors Found Guilty by Federal JuryRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – After a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves, a federal jury in Jackson found Willie Charles Blackmon, Jr., 36, of Jackson, guilty on Thursday of two counts of sex trafficking minors through force, fraud, maintaining and harboring the minors for commercial sex acts, and two counts of advertising and promoting prostitution, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
Beginning in July 2014 and continuing through March 2016, agents with the Jackson FBI, Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, FBI New Orleans Violent Crimes against Children Task Force, Clinton Police Department and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated Willie Charles Blackmon, Jr.’s prostitution ring. Blackmon purchased a runaway minor for $500 and recruited runaway minors for prostitution. Blackmon knew the minors would engage in commercial sex acts with men for money. Blackmon would rent rooms at local hotels in Jackson and Vicksburg for the minors for days at a time. Blackmon kept most, if not all, of the money earned by the minors from the sex acts. The evidence showed that Blackmon would physically harm the minors and threaten them by holding a gun to their heads if they did not perform or if they disrespected him. He also provided drugs to the minors.
"This criminal deserves the harshest punishment under the law for harming, threatening and drugging children to do unspeakable things for money. I commend our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, as well as our prosecutors and support staff, for bringing this monster to justice and rescuing these victims. I would ask the public to help us by continuing to be vigilant to these crimes that occur all around us and promptly reporting any suspicious activity to law enforcement," said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
Judge Carlton Reeves will sentence Blackmon on March 4, 2019 at 9:00 am. He faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, and fines of up to $1 million.
This case was investigated by the FBI Jackson Division’s Child Exploitation Task Force, with assistance from the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, FBI New Orleans Child Exploitation Task Force, Clinton Police Department and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Glenda R. Haynes and Keith French prosecuted the case.
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.