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Wednesday 14 November 2018
Laguna Pueblo Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Assault ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Phillip J. Pedro, 35, an enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo who resides in Acoma Pueblo, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to assaulting his intimate partner by strangling or suffocating. Pedro pled guilty under a plea agreement that recommends that he be sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release.
The BIA arrested Pedro on July 18, 2018, on a criminal complaint charging him with assaulting an Acoma Pueblo woman by strangulation on June 27, 2018, on the Acoma Pueblo Indian Reservation in Cibola County, N.M. According to the complaint, Pedro assaulted the victim, his intimate partner, while she was eight-months pregnant. The victim suffered scratches on her neck and back, red spotting on her left eye and inside her bottom lip, and bruising and swelling on her left finger as the result of the assault. The victim was transferred to a hospital in Albuquerque due to the seriousness of the strangulation.
During today’s proceedings, Pedro pled guilty to a felony information charging him with assault of an intimate partner by strangling and suffocating. In entering the guilty plea, Pedro admitted that on June 27, 2018, he assaulted the victim by grabbing her by the throat and strangling her so she could not breathe.
Pedro remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Laguna/Acoma Agency of the BIA Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa C. Dimas is prosecuting the case as part of the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) Pilot Project in the District of New Mexico which is sponsored by the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women under a grant administered by the Pueblo of Laguna. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project seeks to train tribal prosecutors in federal law, procedure and investigative techniques to increase the likelihood that every viable violent offense against Native women is prosecuted in either federal court or tribal court, or both. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project was largely driven by input gathered from annual tribal consultations on violence against women, and is another step in the Justice Department's ongoing efforts to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in tribal communities.
Lackawanna County Woman Found Guilty of Drug Distribution Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
SCRANTON—The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, announced that Holly Kaszuba, age 45, of Dickson City, was found guilty of unlawfully distributing a controlled substance resulting in the death of another person after a five-day trial before Senior U.S. District Court Judge A. Richard Caputo.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, jurors deliberated for approximately two hours before rendering the guilty verdict against Kaszuba for the December 13, 2015 death of Christopher Graff, age 30, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania.
Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office presented the testimony of Dr. Gary Ross, Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Michael Coyer, Forensic Toxicologist, and Dr. Stacey Hail, an expert in Emergency Medicine and Medical Toxicology. All three opined that fentanyl laced heroin caused the death of Christopher Graff. Additional testimony was provided by Dunmore Police Detectives and other individuals related to the investigation who testified that Kaszuba arranged and facilitated the distribution of the fentanyl laced heroin to Christopher Graff that ultimately caused his death.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration – Scranton Office, the Dunmore and Scranton Police Departments, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, the Lackawanna County Office of Probation/Parole, and the Coroner’s Office of Lackawanna County. Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Olshefski and Daryl Bloom prosecuted the case.
This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin and other opioids. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin and opioid traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The maximum penalty under federal law is life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. The drug distribution resulting in death charge also carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Kansas City, Kan., Man Sentenced After DNA Found on GunRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas City, Kan., man whose DNA was found on a handgun was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jason M. Trevillion, 33, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The investigation began when members of the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department’s Violent Crime Task force heard shots fired in the area of 8th and Parallel Avenue. Police attempted stop a Dodge Caravan but the vehicle fled. When police blocked the car from the front and behind, the van rammed both police cars. Trevillion was one of the defendants who eventually got out of the van.
In the van, police found a .40 caliber pistol with a 50-round drum magazine, two .223 caliber pistols, a 9 mm pistol, and a .45 caliber pistol, as well as spent shell casings and live rounds. Trevillion’s DNA was found on the 9 mm pistol. He had a 2015 conviction in Wyandotte County for aggravated assault.
Co-defendant Ernest A. Jones was sentenced to 12 months and a day. Co-defendant Taurez L. Adams is set for sentencing Nov. 13.
McAllister commended the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department, the FBI, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Zabel for their work on the case.
KC Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for a series of armed robberies following his arrest after a head-on collision with a police vehicle in a Quik Trip parking lot.
Roy L. House, Jr., 38, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 30 years in federal prison without parole.
On March 20, 2018, House pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and to brandishing a loaded firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. Co-defendant Curlie Pruitt, III, 40, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to the same charges and was sentenced on Sept. 13, 2018, to 10 years and nine months in federal prison without parole.
House and Pruitt both admitted they participated in a conspiracy to rob four businesses at gunpoint in December 2016. They stole $500 and at least one carton of cigars (as well as $150 from an employee) from Road Star Gas Station, 11100 E. US 40 Hwy., Independence, Mo. They stole $200 and an undetermined amount of cigars (as well as an employee’s wallet) from Beeline Mini-Mart, 1005 Isley Blvd., Excelsior Springs, Mo. They stole $300 (as well as $200 from an employee) from Discount Smokes, 4718 N.E. Vivion Rd., Kansas City, Mo. They also robbed the Phillips 66 Gas Station at 3636 Randolph Road, Randolph, Mo.
House and Pruitt also admitted they used an American Tactical .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun during those robberies.
House and Pruitt were arrested on Dec. 20, 2016. Independence police officers were contacted by an employee at the Super 8 Hotel, 4031 S. Lynn Court Drive, in regard to two men – later identified as Pruitt and House – who were acting suspiciously. The employee feared the men were going to rob the hotel. They left the hotel but returned at approximately 9:05 p.m.
When officers arrived at the hotel, House and Pruitt were in a blue Ford 500 and were leaving the area, with Pruitt driving. A police officer activated the emergency equipment on his patrol vehicle to initiate a traffic stop, however, Pruitt accelerated the vehicle and drove through the parking lot of the Quik Trip at 4024 S. Noland Road. As Pruitt’s vehicle continued at a high rate of speed through the parking lot, traveling toward S. Noland Road, it collided head-on with the patrol vehicle of another officer who was responding to assist. The collision was severe enough to disable both vehicles.
Pruitt immediately attempted to exit his vehicle and flee, but was trapped by a third police vehicle that pinned the driver’s side door closed. Pruitt and House were placed under arrest. Officers found the loaded American Tactical .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun on the floor board of the front passenger seat area.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Excelsior Springs, Mo., Police Department.
Justice Department, Department of Agriculture Host Inaugural Rural and Tribal Elder Justice SummitRead the Press Release
Today, the United States Department of Justice and Department of Agriculture hosts the first Rural and Tribal Elder Justice Summit in Des Moines, Iowa. Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Secretary Sonny Perdue for the Department of Agriculture announced the summit in a joint statement on June 15, 2018. The Summit will focus on supporting the efforts of elder justice professionals to combat elder abuse and financial exploitation in rural and tribal communities.
“Exploitation of our seniors is a despicable crime,” Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker said. “Under this administration, the Department of Justice has taken sweeping action to stop crimes of elder fraud and abuse, and we are working to do more. Unfortunately, such crimes pose a special challenge in rural communities like the one where I grew up, in which law enforcement agencies can be spread thin and where there often are fewer support services available. Today’s summit reflects the Department’s commitment to ensuring that our state and local partners have the most current resources and robust support to combat elder fraud and abuse in their communities. We all have a role to play in this fight and I am grateful for the support of Secretary Perdue and all of our federal, state and local partners who made this summit possible as we advance the goal of elder justice in rural America.”
“We often talk about wanting to leave this country in better shape than we found it for the benefit of future generations, but too often the care of those from older generations is overlooked," said Secretary Perdue. "The abuse and neglect of senior citizens is something that no civilized society should tolerate. President Trump has prioritized increasing the quality of life in rural America, including in tribal communities, and that encompasses caring for our elderly as well. Elder justice means protecting seniors from all forms of abuse and we cannot achieve true prosperity in every corner of America without it.”
Over the course of two days, elder justice professionals serving and working with older adults in rural and tribal communities around the country will come together to: (1) gain a better understanding of the challenges rural and tribal communities face in responding to elder abuse; (2) identify promising practices, resources, and tools available to rural and tribal communities; and (3) foster greater collaboration at the tribal, local, state, and federal levels in order to serve elders from rural and tribal communities.
Following opening remarks, the first day of the Summit will feature a plenary session that will explore the unique challenges and opportunities associated with addressing elder abuse in rural and tribal communities. Subsequent panels will highlight federal efforts to support rural and tribal communities, as well as innovative practices and initiatives currently being used in rural communities and tribal communities to support elder abuse victims. The second day of the Summit, which falls on National Rural Health Day, will feature two panel sessions. The first will focus on harnessing the power of technology to respond to elder abuse in rural and tribal communities, and the second will highlight tools and resources available to combat and report elder financial exploitation. All of the elder justice resources and tools highlighted at the Summit will be available at the Department’s Elder Justice Website.
The Summit was spearheaded by the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, in close collaboration with members of the Elder Justice Coordinating Council, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Federal Communications Commission. The Department of Justice also worked closely with the ABA Commission on Law and Aging, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and the National Adult Protective Services Association.
Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law, The Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. In particular, this past February the Attorney General announced the largest elder fraud enforcement action in American history, charging more than 200 defendants in a nationwide elder fraud sweep. The Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act.
Elder justice refers to a society’s response to elder abuse, which includes physical abuse, caregiver neglect, financial exploitation, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and abandonment.
Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov. Additional elder justice resources, training, and outreach materials can be found at the Elder Justice Website (at www.elderjustice.gov).
Jury Convicts Teesto Man for First Degree Murder, Assaulting Tribal Police Officers, and Other Violent CrimesRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Yesterday, Giordano Jackson, 39, of Teesto, Ariz., was convicted by a jury on all charges, including first degree murder, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and kidnapping. Jackson will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa in February 2019.
Jackson had a history of repeated acts of domestic violence against the victim, his girlfriend. In July 2017, Jackson beat the victim and dragged her by her hair with enough force to pull out chunks of hair. Then, in September 2017, Jackson brutally beat the victim to death outside his house in Teesto. Jackson was lying in wait when Navajo Nation Police Officers arrived to investigate the murder, and assaulted two officers with a machete. Both Jackson and the victim are members of the Navajo Nation, as are the responding Navajo Nation Police Officers that Jackson assaulted, and the crimes all occurred on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William G. Voit and Sharon K. Sexton, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-08242-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018_155_ Jackson
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Jury Convicts Man of Sex Trafficking Children, Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A jury has convicted Ismail Salaam, 36, of Cincinnati, of sex trafficking children and producing child pornography.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Herb Stapleton, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, and Springdale Police Chief Michael Mathis announced the verdict reached today after a trial that began November 5 before U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black.
According to court documents and testimony at trial, Springdale officers responded to the La Quinta Motel in Springdale in September 2016 in response to a report of a juvenile runaway in the motel. Officers discovered Salaam there with the 16-year-old juvenile runaway.
It was further discovered that Salaam and the minor girl had been together for the previous three weeks. Salaam paid for food, hairstyling, manicures and clothing for the victim.
Salaam took explicit photographs of the girl and attempted to have the victim post an advertisement on Backpage.com in the escorts section.
Salaam coordinated encounters with at least two men, in which the victim was to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for money. In one instance, an adult male had vaginal intercourse with the victim and provided $100, which the girl provided to Salaam.
In text messages, Salaam instructed the victim to flirt with the men, offer sexual acts, and collect money and marijuana.
Salaam was convicted of one count of sex trafficking children, a crime punishable by 10 years to life in prison, and two counts of producing child pornography. Each count of production carries a potential sentence of 15 to 30 years in prison.
He was charged by a criminal complaint in September 2016 and indicted by a grand jury in October 2016 and January 2017.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by the FBI and Springdale Police Department, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Singer and Christy Muncy, who tried the case, and Kyle Healey, who is also representing the United States in this case.
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Judge Sentences Pittsburgh Man to 7-Year Prison Term in Cross-Country Crack Cocaine Distribution SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced in federal court to 7 years and one month in prison on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on John Alexander, age 53.
According to information presented to the Court, in 2013, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies joined forces in a multi-agency wiretap investigation of drug trafficking and violence in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh, PA. The interception of wire and electronic communications began in December 2013 and continued through the end of August 2014. During that timeframe, John Alexander was intercepted over the wire conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute crack cocaine, which was shipped from California in powder form to the Western District of Pennsylvania through the United States Postal Service or commercial carrier.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to fulfill the purposes of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Brady commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Street Task Force, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Munhall Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Monroeville Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Alexander.
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Brother's Veteran's BenefitsRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man pled guilty yesterday to embezzling over $80,000 of his brother’s Veteran’s benefits. The case was investigated by the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
David Washington, 55, was appointed his brother's fiduciary to receive and manage benefits from the Department of Veteran's Affairs. Washington failed to submit accounting reports, which led investigators to question his management. Washington later admitted to mismanagement, including spending his brother's benefits for his own personal expenses. The total amount misappropriated was over $81,000.
“Our veterans have sacrificed enough and have earned every dollar this country provides them through benefit programs,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “It’s despicable to think that anyone, much less a family member, would steal benefits from a veteran for their own personal use.”
Washington faces up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced in February 2019. United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Gabe Wohl and R. Gregory McVey handled the prosecution.
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House Fitters, Inc.’s Vice President Sentenced for Unlawfully Employing an Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that House Fitters, Inc.’s Vice President, ROBERT B. JERNIGAN, age 52, of Kinston, North Carolina, was sentenced today to a 12-month probationary sentence by United States District Judge James C. Dever III after a guilty plea to unlawfully employing an illegal alien. JERNIGAN was also ordered to forfeit $9,649.00 in connection with the criminal conduct.
According to court records, JERNIGAN, in his role as House Fitters, Inc.’s Vice President, hired Oscar Obdulio Lopez-Garcia, a previously deported alien from Guatemala, knowing Lopez-Garcia was not authorized to undertake employment in the United States. In order to avoid detection, JERNIGAN and House Fitters, Inc. allowed Lopez-Garcia to reside in company property and reported Lopez-Garcia’s wages to the North Carolina Employment Security Commission under a fictitious name.
On September 7, 2018, Lopez-Garcia pleaded guilty in federal court to illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported on three (3) occasions subsequent to a conviction for sale of a controlled substance. Lopez-Garcia’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for the December 2018 term of court.
The case was investigated under the newly created framework of the Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF) in the Eastern District of North Carolina and is led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, and assisted by Enforcement Removal Operations, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, among other agencies. The investigation as to the unlawful employment of unauthorized aliens is ongoing.
Georgia Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Prison for Being Felon in Possession of 28 Illegal Firearms, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Georgia man with prior felony convictions was sentenced today to 210 months in prison for illegally possessing weapons and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Tyheed Jefferson, 36, a/k/a “Solo,” of Albany, Georgia, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler to an indictment charging him with six counts of being a felon in possession of a weapon and one count of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Judge Chesler imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Jefferson was arrested in July 2017 after a 10-month investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Georgia, Alabama and New Jersey. He admitted that on various dates between May 7, 2017, and July 18, 2017, he possessed 28 firearms in New Jersey. All of those firearms were recovered by the ATF during the course of the investigation. Jefferson also admitted that on May 24, 2017, a date on which he also possessed illegal firearms, he possessed 1,500 pills containing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Chesler sentenced Jefferson to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the ATF, under the direction of John B. DeVito, Newark Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge Wayne L. Dixie, Atlanta Field Division, as well as the N.J. Department of Corrections, under the direction of Commissioner Gary M. Lanigan and the N.J. State Parole Board, under the direction of Chairman James Plousis, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel Robert Frazer of the U.S. Attorney’s Violent Crime Unit in Newark.
Defense counsel: Howard Brownstein Esq., Union City, New Jersey
Four More Sentenced in Extensive Moultrie Meth RingRead the Press Release
ALBANY— Four individuals associated with a massive Methamphetamine ring operating out of Moultrie, Georgia were sentenced Tuesday, November 13, 2018, announced United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. The sentences were handed down by the Honorable Leslie J. Abrams. There have been a total of 25 sentencings related to the same illegal drug distribution ring.
Authorities estimate that the group was responsible for the distribution of more than 20 kilograms of the drug. From May until November 2016, an organization of 30 individuals distributed Methamphetamine in and around Moultrie, Georgia. According to court evidence, some of these transactions also occurred in Atlanta, GA and parts of Florida, including at the Georgia-Florida line.
The individuals sentenced Tuesday, November 13, 2018 are as follows:
Brenda Trimble age 32 of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty on February 14, 2018 to Distribution of Methamphetamine. Trimble was sentenced to 132 months to serve, 4 years supervised release.
Michael Stamper age 35 of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty on April 25, 2018 to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Stamper was sentenced to 180 months to serve, 5 years supervised release.
Christin Johnson age 33 of Coolidge, GA, pled guilty on April 25, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Johnson was sentenced to 90 months to serve, 5 years supervised release.
Will Barron age 30 of Monticello, FL, pled guilty on February 14, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances. Barron was sentenced to 96 months to serve, 5 years supervised release.
“These individuals are part of a large, illegal operation distributing one of the most deadly drugs today,” said Charles E. Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Each had a role in moving Methamphetamine across Georgia, into our smaller communities and larger cities. Dismantling this ring makes our state safer, and I credit the tenacious efforts of more than a dozen law enforcement agencies and our committed prosecutorial team that joined together to successfully end this meth operation.”
The following individuals were sentenced the week of October 22-26, 2018:
Borris Fuller age 41 of Moultrie, GA pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 360 months to serve, 10 years supervised release
Shundrez Fuller age 21 of Tallahassee, FL, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 144 months, 5 years supervised release
Walter Treanor age 36 of Pelham, GA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 228 months to serve, 5 years supervised release
Rebecca Lawrence age 47 of DeLeon Springs, FL, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to120 months, 5 years supervised release
Leory Valdez age 33 of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 180 months, 10 years supervised release
Artaviouis Williams age 33, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 180 months to serve, 5 years supervised release
Derrick Wright age 31, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 192 months to serve, 5 years supervised release
Heather Crawford age 36, of Cecil, GA, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 96 months to serve, 5 years supervised release
Cedric Butts age 29, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 200 months to serve, 5 years supervised release
Shaquese McIntyre age 22, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (Count 1), Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 2) and was sentenced to160 months to serve, 4 years supervised release
Marcus Andrews age 35, of Bristol, FL, pled guilty to Conspiracy to possess Meth with the Intent to Distribute and was sentenced to 145 months, 3 years supervised release
Sharon Blackwell age 46, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 100 months, 5 years supervised release
Samuel Butler age 56, of Crawford, FL, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 96 months, 5 years supervised release
Michael Dampier age 45, of Doerun, GA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 160 months to serve, 5 years supervised release and a $100 mandatory assessment
Devin Dorminey age 23, of Lake City, FL, pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Drug User and was sentenced to 18 months, 3 years supervised release
Leroy Haynes age 41, of Norman Park, GA, pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 180 months, 5 years supervised release
Michael Kulak age 45, of DeLeon Springs, FL, pled guilty to Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises and was sentenced to 24 months, 3 years supervised release
Stephanie McMurphy age 39, of Adel, GA, pled guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school and was sentenced to 102 months to serve, 6 years supervised release
Avery Norman age 37, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Use of a Communication Device in Furtherance of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and was sentenced to 24 months, 1 year supervised release
Cambrick Taylor age 22, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises, and was sentenced to 12 months and day to serve, 2 years supervised release
Melissa Valdez Williams age 30, of Moultrie, GA, pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute controlled substances and was sentenced to 180 months, 5 years supervised release
The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigations, Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Mid-South Narcotics Task Force, Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Tift County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Grady County Sheriff’s Office, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Leon County Florida Sheriff’s Office, Volusia County Florida Bureau of Investigation and Moultrie Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Four Alleged Members of Universal Aryan Brotherhood Charged with Federal CrimesRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JACE LEE McKITTRICK, 29, of Enid; ROSS TYSON PILKINGTON, 39, of Lawton; and JERRY JAMES KENDALL RITCHIE, 32, of Enid, have been charged with possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, while MICHAEL QUINTON SMITH, II, 48, of Oklahoma City, and McKittrick have been charged with possessing a firearm after a felony conviction, announced Robert J. Troester of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. A federal grand jury returned indictments yesterday that charge each defendant separately, based on different events in different places and at different times. All four are alleged to be members of the Universal Aryan Brotherhood.
According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed on November 1, 2018, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a red GMC driven by McKittrick for a traffic violation at about 12:30 a.m. on October 10. McKittrick allegedly failed to stop and instead drove through a residential area at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. The affidavit explains that McKittrick then turned around and rammed the pursuing police car. Continuing to attempt to evade the police, he is alleged to have eventually run into a tree and fled on foot. The pursuing officer was able to arrest him through the use of a taser, according to the complaint. McKittrick’s vehicle allegedly contained numerous one-gram-style baggies, 26.1 grams of a white crystalline substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, a marijuana cigar, and other items.
In addition to charging possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on October 10, the indictment charges McKittrick with three crimes on September 23, 2018: possession of methamphetamine and Oxycodone with intent to distribute, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted of possessing methamphetamine or Oxycodone with intent to distribute, he could be imprisoned for twenty years and face not less than three years of supervised release. A conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm would carry a maximum penalty of ten years, plus three years of supervised release. And a conviction for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking would lead to mandatory imprisonment of five years in addition to any other penalty, plus up to five years of supervised release.
According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed on October 31, 2018, a detective with the Lawton Police Department stopped Pilkington for a traffic violation on June 12, 2018, at approximately 10:13 a.m. The affidavit alleges the detective felt a crunchy substance in Pilkington’s pocket while conducting a pat-down for weapons. According to the affidavit, the substance was in a clear plastic bag and appeared to be methamphetamine. Further search of the vehicle allegedly yielded 331 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, and clear plastic baggies. If convicted of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, Pilkington would face imprisonment between five and forty years and not less than four years of supervised release. Court records show that at the time of arrest, Pilkington was on supervised release following a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed on November 1, 2018, Enid Police Department officers stopped a Buick SUV driven by Ritchie on October 19, 2018, at approximately 7:06 p.m. for a traffic violation. According to the affidavit, when officers apprehended Ritchie after he fled on foot, he refused to place his hands in the air and was pulled to the ground and handcuffed while yelling and cursing. It is alleged that officers ultimately discovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol in the SUV, along with bags with a white substance that tested positive for methamphetamine and two digital scales.
An indictment now charges Ritchie with possession of 3.9 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, illegal possession of a firearm after a felony conviction, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted on the drug count, he could be imprisoned up to twenty years, be fined up to $1,000,000, and be subject to three years of supervised release. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, he could be imprisoned for ten years and face up to three years of supervised release. The count charging possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking would carry a mandatory term of five years of imprisonment beyond any other sentence and three years of supervised release. If, however, the court were to determine he qualifies as an armed career criminal, he would be subject to a mandatory prison term of fifteen years and a maximum of life.
According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed on November 9, 2018, Oklahoma City Police Department officers found Smith on August 7, 2018, just after 3:00 a.m., asleep in a Toyota Tundra that was straddling lanes at the intersection of S.W. 59th Street and Blackwelder Avenue. The affidavit explains that after waking Smith up, an officer determined he had been driving under revocation, had five felony warrants out of Oklahoma County, and was a convicted felon. That officer allegedly saw a firearm later identified as a Bushmaster Firearms International, Model XM15-E2S, .223 caliber/5.56 rifle in plain view on the back floorboard. According to the affidavit, the gun had a loaded thirty-round magazine and had been stolen in Midwest City. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, Smith could be imprisoned for ten years and face up to three years of supervised release.
The charges against McKittrick and Ritchie are the results of investigations by the Enid Police Department, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office for Garfield County. The charge against Pilkington is the result of an investigation by the Lawton Police Department and the FBI, with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office for Comanche County. The charge against Smith is the result of an investigation by the Oklahoma City Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the District Attorney’s Office for Oklahoma County. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Patterson and Mark R. Stoneman, these four cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. In October 2017, the Department announced the reinvigoration of Project Safe Neighborhoods and directed U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop crime-reduction strategies that incorporate lessons federal law enforcement has learned since the program’s launch in 2001.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations and that each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Reference is made to public filings for further information.
Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A former Lebanon, Mo., teacher pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet.
Brandon Hileman, 25, of Lebanon, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to the charge contained in an Oct. 18, 2017, federal indictment.
Hileman, formerly a math teacher at Joel E. Barber Junior High School in Lebanon, admitted that he received and distributed child pornography over the internet between Jan. 1 and Sept. 29, 2017.
The investigation began when a Lebanon police detective was notified that Hileman had uploaded two videos of child pornography to his Google Drive account. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hileman’s residence on Sept. 29, 2017, and seized computers, an iPad, cell phones and digital storage devices. Investigators examined the devices and found images and videos of child pornography.
Under federal statutes, Hileman is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Lebanon, Mo., Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Former State Street Executive Sentenced for Scheme to Defraud Clients Through Secret Trading CommissionsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former senior managing director of State Street Corporation was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with engaging in a scheme to defraud at least six of the bank’s clients through secret commissions applied to billions of dollars of securities trades.
Edward Pennings, 47, of Surrey, England, a former senior managing director of State Street and the head of its Portfolio Solutions Group for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to six months in prison. In June 2017, Pennings pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud.
In October 2018, co-defendant Ross McLellan, 47, of Hingham, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and two years of supervised release after being convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiring to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, two counts of securities fraud and two counts of wire fraud. Richard Boomgaardt, 44, of Sevenoaks, England, a former managing director of State Street, who was charged separately for his involvement in the scheme, pleaded guilty in July 2017 to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud was sentenced in July 2018 to one year of probation.
Between February 2010 and September 2011, Pennings, McLellan, and Boomgaardt conspired to add secret commissions to fixed income and equity trades performed for six clients of the bank’s “transition management” business, which helps institutional clients move their investments between and among asset managers or liquidate large investment portfolios. The commissions were charged on top of fees that the clients had agreed to pay to the bank, and despite written instructions to the bank’s traders that generally reflected that the clients were not to be charged trading commissions. Pennings, McLellan, and Boomgaardt took steps to hide the commissions from the clients and others within the bank, including by directing that the commissions not be broken out in post-trade reports.
In June 2011, when one of the affected clients inquired about whether it had, in fact, been charged commissions in breach of its agreement with the bank, Pennings initially denied that any commissions had been charged. Later, at McLellan’s direction, Pennings acknowledged only that “inadvertent commissions” had been applied to securities traded in the United States, but did not disclose that they had, in fact, been intentionally charged in both the United States and in Europe. Pennings and McLellan sought to mislead the bank’s compliance staff into believing that the commissions had been charged in error and that the amount of the overcharges was limited to the commissions applied on U.S. securities.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Securities & Exchange Commission and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen E. Frank, Chief of Lelling’s Securities and Financial Fraud Unit, and Trial Attorney William Johnston of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
Former Philadelphia Police Officer IndictedRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Thomas O’Neill, 47, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged yesterday by indictment with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242.
According to the indictment, the defendant, while on duty as a Philadelphia Police Officer, sexually assaulted a woman on July 3, 2016. The indictment alleges that O’Neill used a dangerous weapon in the course of the offense.
“Reducing violent crime in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is a top priority of my Office,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “No matter who you are, if you commit a violent crime, we are committed to holding you accountable and keeping our community safe.”
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of a maximum of 10 years’ incarceration, a 3-year period of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department Internal Affairs Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle L. Morgan.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former IT Administrator Found Guilty of Federal Charges for Hacking into Computers of His Former Employer in IrvineRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Arizona man has been convicted of federal computer intrusion charges for deleting electronic files after hacking into computer systems operated by an Irvine-based company where he used to work.
Nikishna Polequaptewa, 36, of Phoenix, was found guilty Tuesday afternoon by a federal jury. Following a five-day trial, the jury convicted Polequaptewa of one count of unauthorized impairment of a protected computer and causing over $50,000 in loss.
Beginning in April 2014, Polequaptewa worked at Blue Stone Strategy Group, which provided consulting services to Native American tribal governments throughout the United States. In addition to his consulting responsibilities, Polequaptewa led information technology and marketing at Blue Stone.
In November 2014, Polequaptewa was relieved of IT and marketing duties after he began falling behind on work. Following this change in responsibilities, Polequaptewa was assigned to a consulting project in Florida for the Seminole Tribe. While on that project, Polequaptewa deleted Blue Stone’s website and marketing materials that the company had developed over eight years.
Polequaptewa resigned in Florida and continued to delete Blue Stone files, including client information, Blue Stone work product, and the company’s backup files held by a third-party. Polequaptewa’s final deletion was done by sending a “wipe” command to a Blue Stone desktop computer in Irvine.
In court documents, prosecutors described Polequaptewa’s actions as “a coordinated campaign to delete information and data.” Polequaptewa’s deletions cost Blue Stone over $50,000 to assess the damage and respond to the offense.
During the time of the criminal conduct in 2014, Polequaptewa lived in Garden Grove.
As a result the guilty verdict, Polequaptewa faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 25, 2019 by United States District Judge Cormac J. Carney.
The investigation into Polequaptewa was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office in Florida and the Irvine Police Department provided assistance.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vibhav Mittal and Bradley E. Marrett of the Santa Ana Branch Office.
Former Federal Contractors Plead Guilty to Federal Contract Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
George Patton and Henry Patton both pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to defraud the United States, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin for the Middle District of North Carolina. George Patton also pleaded guilty to evading payment of his individual income taxes.
According to documents filed with the court, George Patton owned businesses that were registered to do business with the federal government, but he was eventually debarred from conducting such business. During this time, George Patton, his wife, Lindsey Patton, and his brother, Henry Patton then conspired to form new contracting businesses for which Lindsey Patton and Henry Patton acted as nominee owners, but which George Patton controlled. Under this arrangement, the conspirators obtained federal contracts totaling over $10 million. In order to conceal the income that he earned from the businesses, George Patton instructed his co-conspirators first to deposit funds from the businesses into bank accounts in their names and then transfer the funds to him. George Patton further concealed his income by directing his co-conspirators to deposit the funds in amounts less than $10,000 to evade currency-reporting requirements.
George Patton and Lindsey Patton filed income tax returns for the 2006 through 2008 and 2013 tax years, which reported approximately $61,000 in taxes, which they have evaded paying. The total tax loss associated with their conduct, including penalties and interest, is over $107,000.
Lindsey Patton pleaded guilty on November 9, 2018 to conspiring to defraud the United States and to evading payment of her individual income taxes.
Sentencing for George Patton and Henry Patton is scheduled for March 18, 2019. Sentencing for Lindsey Patton is scheduled for February 27, 2019. George Patton and Lindsey Patton each face a maximum sentence of eight years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. Henry Patton faces a maximum of five years in prison, a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Martin commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, who investigated the case, and United States Assistant Attorney Anand Ramaswamy and Trial Attorney Alexander Effendi of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case.
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Former Federal Contractors Plead Guilty to Federal Contract Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
George Patton and Henry Patton both pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to defraud the United States, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin for the Middle District of North Carolina. George Patton also pleaded guilty to evading payment of his individual income taxes.
According to documents filed with the court, George Patton owned businesses that were registered to do business with the federal government, but he was eventually debarred from conducting such business. During this time, George Patton, his wife, Lindsey Patton, and his brother, Henry Patton then conspired to form new contracting businesses for which Lindsey Patton and Henry Patton acted as nominee owners, but which George Patton controlled. Under this arrangement, the conspirators obtained federal contracts totaling over $10 million. In order to conceal the income that he earned from the businesses, George Patton instructed his co-conspirators first to deposit funds from the businesses into bank accounts in their names and then transfer the funds to him. George Patton further concealed his income by directing his co-conspirators to deposit the funds in amounts less than $10,000 to evade currency-reporting requirements.
George Patton and Lindsey Patton filed income tax returns for the 2006 through 2008 and 2013 tax years, which reported approximately $61,000 in taxes, which they have evaded paying. The total tax loss associated with their conduct, including penalties and interest, is over $107,000.
Lindsey Patton pleaded guilty on November 9, 2018 to conspiring to defraud the United States and to evading payment of her individual income taxes.
Sentencing for George Patton and Henry Patton is scheduled for March 18, 2019. Sentencing for Lindsey Patton is scheduled for February 27, 2019. George Patton and Lindsey Patton each face a maximum sentence of eight years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. Henry Patton faces a maximum of five years in prison, a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Martin commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, who investigated the case, and United States Assistant Attorney Anand Ramaswamy and Trial Attorney Alexander Effendi of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Former Connecticut College Employee Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charge Stemming from Embezzlement SchemesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian C. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that MICHAEL KMEC, 40, of Marlborough, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in Hartford federal court to one count of wire fraud related to an embezzlement scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kmec began working at Connecticut College in New London in 2006. In 2014, Kmec was promoted to Director of Auxiliary Services of the college. In that position, he oversaw the print shop, bookstore, vending machines, transportation, laundry services and residence halls. He also oversaw the Camel Card program, which is an identification and debit card used at the college. As part of his responsibilities, Kmec oversaw approval of various third-party reimbursements for services to the college.
Beginning in approximately 2014 and ending when he was terminated by Connecticut College in April 2018, Kmec defrauded the college through various embezzlement schemes, including receiving funds from the college through fraudulent billing schemes, diverting checks to the college to a bank account he controlled, diverting money from the Camel Card program to bank accounts he controlled, and misappropriating a college laptop. He also fraudulently deposited more than 80 reimbursement checks that a contractor for the college had issued to Connecticut College students into a bank account he controlled.
Through these schemes, Kmec stole $173,010.
Kmec is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on February 12, 2019, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherry.
Former Canton Resident Extradited from Ireland Pleads Guilty to Mortgage Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A dual U.S.-Irish citizen pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to charges arising out of a multi-year mortgage fraud scheme.
Patrick Lee, 45, formerly of Canton and Easton, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and making an unlawful monetary transaction. Chief U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Feb. 28, 2019. Lee was extradited from Ireland to the United States last year to face the charges. It was Ireland’s first extradition to the United States since 2012.
Between July 2005 and May 2007, Lee engaged with others in a mortgage fraud scheme. Specifically, Lee or a relative bought five multi-family buildings in Dorchester and South Boston, financed those purchases with fraudulently obtained mortgage loans, and quickly converted the buildings to condominiums which facilitated the resale of individual units in the buildings to straw buyers. The straw buyers were recruited for this purpose and their purchases were financed with fraudulently obtained mortgage loans. The straw buyers were assured that they would not have to put any money down or pay the mortgages, and that they would get a fee at closing and/or a share of the profits when the properties were sold. The loans were funded with interstate wire transfers from the mortgage lenders to the closing attorneys’ conveyancing accounts, and the proceeds were then distributed to Lee and/or a family member, the recruiters, and others involved in the scheme. According to the government, mortgage lenders suffered losses of more than $1.5 million.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of unlawful monetary transactions provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of criminally derived property. 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; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; and Stephen A. Marks, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra S. Bower and Christine Wichers of Lelling’s Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Former Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office Employee Pleads Guilty to Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of obstruction of justice, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Erika Romanowski, 40, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, Romanowski admitted that while employed as a clerk with the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), she had access to sensitive law enforcement information, including information related to ongoing federal investigations with which ACSO assisted. Romanowski further admitted that, between in and around February 2018 and in and around April 2018, she disclosed non-public, sensitive law enforcement information to two personal associates, identified as Person A and Person B, in an effort to protect Person B from investigation and prosecution by federal authorities. The court was further advised that Person A and Person B were targets of an ongoing federal grand jury investigation focused on the criminal activities of a drug trafficking organization operating in the West End neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Romanowski further admitted that during the course of an interview with Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on June 20, 2018, she repeatedly lied about having disclosed non-public, sensitive law enforcement information to Person A and Person B.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for March 18, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s bond.
Assistant United States Attorneys Eric G. Olshan and Rachael L Dizard are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Romanowski.
Estranged Husband Charged in 7 Count Indictment with Murder of Ft. Campbell SoldierRead the Press Release
PADUCAH, Ky. – United States Attorney Russell M. Coleman today announced the charging of Victor E. Silvers, by a federal grand jury with seven counts relating to the premeditated murder of Sgt. Brittney N. Silvers, who was killed on base at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Defendant Silvers, of Clarksville, Tennessee was charged in the indictment with: one count of first degree murder (premediated), attempted first degree murder (premeditated), domestic violence, violation of a protection order, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and two counts of the use of a firearm during the commission of a violent offense.
Silvers was originally charged in a criminal complaint filed on October 15, 2018. According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, at approximately 10:00 pm CDT, a friend of Sgt. Silvers was socializing at her residence when someone later identified as Victor Silvers arrived at the residence and began banging on the door. The friend heard shouting between the individuals followed by a gunshot. A short time later, Victor Silvers entered a bathroom, where the friend had been during the altercation. The defendant, still armed with a handgun, entered the bathroom at which point a struggle ensued, and at least three times the firearm was discharged, and the friend was struck in the leg. A neighbor, who was walking his dog, heard gunshots and saw Victor Silvers shoot Brittney Silvers in front of her residence. Victor Silvers initially denied involvement in the crimes, but later confessed to investigators during an interview to shooting Brittney Silvers, according to the affidavit.
The charges carry a minimum sentence of no less than 25 years up to life imprisonment or death.
Silvers made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court on October 16, 2018 before United States Magistrate Judge Lanny King who ordered Silvers detained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending further proceedings of the Court.
Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Hancock, Leigh Ann Dycus, and U.S. Army Captain Tarik Downie, Special Assistant United States Attorney, are prosecuting the case. The investigation was conducted by the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
The indictment of a person by a Grand Jury is an accusation
only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless
proven guilty.Eight Indicted for $2.1 Million Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Eight defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury today for their roles in a $2.1 million conspiracy to distribute nearly 100 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Juan Guzman, also known as “Flaco,” 37, Luis Carlos Ramos Caraveo, 23, and Maria De La Cruz Nava, 22, all citizens of Mexico residing in the Kansas City, Mo, area; Chanthacone Senthavy, 44, a citizen of Laos residing in Independence, Mo.; Shelby Lanae Peterman, 26, Christopher Shawn Sharp, 40, and John Paul Gnat, 28, all of St. Joseph, Mo., and Jacob Dale Walsh, 32, of Denton, Kan., were charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Guzman and Senthavy on Oct. 19, 2018, and contains additional defendants and charges.
The federal indictment alleges that all eight defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and in a money-laundering conspiracy over a nearly four-year period from Jan. 1, 2015, to Nov. 14, 2018. In addition to the conspiracies, Guzman, Senthavy, Caraveo and Nava are charged together in one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Guzman is also charged with illegally reentering the United States after having been deported.
The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require the defendants to forfeit to the government $2.1 million, allegedly the proceeds of the drug-trafficking conspiracy (based on a sale price of $600 per ounce and distribution of more than 3,500 ounces – nearly 100 kilograms – of methamphetamine).
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement investigators had identified Guzman as the supplier for the conspiracy. He allegedly provided one person with three kilograms of methamphetamine every other day; and another person with five kilograms of methamphetamine at each purchase. Guzman and Senthavy were arrested at Guzman’s residence on Oct. 18, 2018. At the time of their arrest, officers seized two rifles, three handguns, ammunition, methamphetamine, cash and drug paraphernalia from Guzman’s residence.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the Buchanan County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Drug Supplier to Violent Street Gang Admits Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A long-time drug supplier to members and associates of the New Jersey Grape Street Crips today admitted his role in a conspiracy to distribute kilograms of heroin, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Hanee Cureton, a/k/a “City,” a/k/a “Fat Boy,” 34, of Newark, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin (Count Four) and possession with intent to distribute one kilogram of heroin (Count Five) in the seventh superseding indictment.
Cureton and 13 other defendants were previously charged with, among other crimes, RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, and possession with intent to distribute one kilogram of more of heroin. Thirteen of the 14 defendants charged in the indictment have been convicted and one is awaiting trial.
Another 66 members and associates of the Grape Street Crips who were arrested in a coordinated takedown in May 2015 were separately charged with drug-trafficking, physical assaults, and witness intimidation, and all have been convicted.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Beginning in 2003, Cureton was a major supplier of heroin to members of the Grape Street Crips at the James Baxter Terrace housing complex until it was demolished in 2009.
After Baxter Terrace was torn down, Cureton continued to distribute heroin, even while he was serving a prior federal prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute heroin. On Nov. 12, 2013, Drug Enforcement Administration agents searched one of Cureton’s heroin mills, seizing more than a kilogram of heroin, cutting agents, and packaging material. In 2014, Cureton sold to DEA confidential informants nearly $10,000 worth of heroin in one transaction alone. Cureton and his drug-trafficking organization were responsible for distributing hundreds of kilograms of heroin across Newark.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, if accepted by the Court, Cureton faces a sentence of 12 years in federal prison and a term of supervised release of five years. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 19, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, and special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Valerie A. Nickerson with the investigation. He also thanked the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, police officers and detectives of the Newark Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose, and the Essex County Sherriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura, for their work on the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Osmar J. Benvenuto, Chief of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard J. Ramsay of the Appeals Division in Newark.
This case was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. 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.
The charges and allegations in the indictment against the defendant who is awaiting trial are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense counsel: Troy A. Archie Esq., Cinnaminson, New Jersey
Dominican National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry of a Deported AlienRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty and was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
Rafael Alcantara, 45, a Dominican national residing in Dorchester, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien before U.S. District Court Senior Judge Rya W. Zobel, who sentenced Alcantara to time served (approximately three and a half months) and one year of supervised release. Alcantara will be subject to deportation proceedings.
On July 26, 2018, law enforcement encountered Alcantara and determined him to be illegally present in the United States. Alcantara was previously deported on June 5, 2010.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Todd M. Lyons, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Callahan of Lelling’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Indicted for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was indicted today in federal court in Boston for distribution of fentanyl.
Santo Eulgio Baez-Calbojal, 47, was indicted on one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Baez-Calbojal was arrested and charged by complaint in October 2018 during a federal law enforcement sweep in and around the City of Lawrence. He has been in custody since.
On Aug. 24, 2017, Baez-Calbojal is alleged to have sold 50 grams of fentanyl to an undercover officer working in Haverhill.
The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and no greater than 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew Lelling; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division; and Haverhill Police Chief Alan DeNaro made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Methuen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit 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.
Detroit Clinic Owner Sentenced to over 13 Years in Prison for $8.9 Million Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
The owner of two Detroit-area clinics was sentenced to 160 months in prison today for her role in a scheme involving approximately $8.9 million in fraudulent Medicare claims for home health care and other physician services that were procured through the payment of kickbacks, were not medically necessary, were not actually provided, or were provided by an unlicensed physician.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider of the Eastern District of Michigan, Special Agent in Charge Timothy Slater of the FBI’s Detroit Division and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Chicago Regional Office made the announcement.
Jacklyn Price, 34, of Shelby, Michigan, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert Cleland of the Eastern District of Michigan. Judge Cleland also ordered Price to pay $6,350,332 in restitution, jointly and severally with her co-conspirators, and to forfeit the same amount. Price pleaded guilty in April 2017 to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of health care fraud.
Price’s co-defendant, Millicent Traylor, M.D., 47, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to serve 135 months in prison on Sept. 27; her co-defendant Muhammad Qazi, 48, of Oakland Township, Michigan, was sentenced to serve 42 months in prison on Aug. 27; and her other co-defendant, Christina Kimbrough, M.D., 39, of Canton, Michigan, was sentenced to serve 27 months in prison on Sept. 26. Qazi and Kimbrough each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Traylor was convicted in May 2018 of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and five counts of health care fraud following a four-day trial.
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of Michigan. Trial Attorneys Stephen Cincotta and Steve Scott of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Unlawful Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A North Brookfield man was charged today in federal court in Worcester with unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition.
Seth Decoteau, 36, was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.
The indictment alleges that on June 8, 2018, Decoteau possessed a 20 gauge bolt action shotgun, a 12 gauge shotgun, a .22 caliber bolt action rifle, a short-barreled rifle, a silencer, and approximately 1,225 rounds ammunition. Decoteau is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of one year and no greater than three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of an unregistered firearm provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of one year and no greater than three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000. 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; Lawrence J. Panetta, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and North Brookfield Police Chief of Police Mark Smith made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elysa Q. Wan, of Lelling’s Criminal Division, and Greg A. Friedholm, Chief of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office, are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Columbus man indicted for illegally selling firearms, including guns used in drug trafficking, as well as laundering drug profitsRead the Press Release
A Columbus man was indicted for illegally selling firearms, including guns used in drug trafficking, as well as laundering drug profits.
Francisco Flores, 39, was indicted on one count of transfer of firearms for use in drug trafficking, three counts of sale of firearms to a felon, four counts of money laundering and one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.
Flores sold three firearms on Jan. 10 – a Smith & Wesson 5.56 mm semiautomatic assault rifle, a Glock 9 mm pistol and Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver – knowing the firearms would be used for drug trafficking, according to the indictment.
Flores on June 1 sold a Pietro Beretta 9 mm pistol and a Glock 9 mm pistol to a convicted felon, according to the indictment.
Flores on Aug. 31 sold two Glock 9 mm pistols to a convicted felon, according to the indictment.
Flores on Nov. 1 sold a Diamondback Firearms 5.56 mm semiautomatic assault rifle, a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol and ammunition to a convicted felon, according to the indictment.
On several occasions between August 2017 and January 2018, Flores made financial transactions to disguise proceeds that he believed were derived from drug trafficking. He also used his business, Flores Flooring, to engage in the unlicensed transmitting of money, according to the indictment.
Flores was arrested Wednesday morning.
“This is a man who put heavy firepower on the streets for drug dealers, and also helped them launder their drug money,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Ohio is a safer place with him behind bars.”
“Francisco Flores may be known to some in the community as a business owner but to law enforcement he is known as someone engaged in dangerous unlawful activities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony. “These actions will not be tolerated in our community. The FBI's Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force will continue to disrupt individuals that are a threat to our everyday lives.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Cronin and Elliot Morrison are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Columbus Man Sentenced to Prison for Selling Crack Cocaine Near Marshall UniversityRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Shawn Bryson, Columbus man, was sentenced yesterday to 37 months for selling crack cocaine within 1000 feet of Marshall University in July 2017, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation.
“Marshall University and its student population are the heart of the City of Huntington,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “To the parents of current and future students of Marshall University, please know that we are doing everything within our power to keep the criminal element away from campus. Drug dealers doing business on or near campus will be held accountable.”
On July 6, 2017, an individual told officers he had just purchased crack cocaine from “Shorty” at 1531 Rear Avenue, Apartment A in Huntington. Officers conducted a search warrant and recovered approximately 33 grams of crack cocaine. Bryson admitted that he intended to sell that crack cocaine as well.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
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Columbus Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Potential WitnessesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Michael J. Favors, 26, of Columbus, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to conspiring to murder two potential witnesses.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs announced the plea entered into today before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson.
Favors and Antwan L. Hutchinson, 27, also of Columbus, were both indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2017. According to court documents, Favors and Hutchinson possessed and distributed cocaine, heroin, oxycodone and marijuana. As part of their drug conspiracy, they used “trap houses” that were in others’ names as locations to store and sell the drugs. This included using threats of force and using the homes of drug-addicted individuals. It was further part of the conspiracy to intimidate, assault, threaten and torture individuals with serious physical harm who were perceived as owing money or drugs to the members of the conspiracy.
Favors pleaded guilty to his role in the murders of Sidney Campbell and Marie Stamp.
Specifically, Favors pleaded guilty to five counts as charged against him in the indictment, which include conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, two counts of conspiracy to murder a witness, and two counts of murder through use of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Favors faces up to life in prison.
Hutchinson and Favors were arrested on March 27, 2017 and remain in custody.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by ATF and the Columbus Police, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys David M. DeVillers and Jessica W. Knight who are prosecuting the case.
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Colorado Springs Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distribution and Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of A Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
DENVER – Daniel Mata-Armendariz, age 23, of Colorado Springs, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Christine M. Arguello to serve 120 months in federal prison for distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn and HSI Denver Special Agent in Charge Steven Cagen announced. Following his prison sentence, Judge Arguello ordered the defendant to serve 4 years on supervised release. Defendant Mata-Armendariz appeared at the sentencing hearing in custody and was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals at the conclusion of the hearing.
Mata-Armendariz was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on February 6, 2018. A superseding indictment was obtained on March 20, 2018. The defendant pled guilty before Judge Arguello on June 5, 2018. He was sentenced on November 13, 2018.
According to the stipulated facts contained in the defendant’s plea agreement, between November 21, 2017, and December 14, 2017, the defendant sold quantities of methamphetamine as well as cocaine and heroin to an undercover law enforcement officer. Prior to November 16, 2017, the undercover officer learned about an individual who sold controlled substances in Colorado Springs. On November 16, 2017, the officer purchased approximately 15.2 grams of methamphetamine from that individual. On November 20, 2017, the officer contacted the individual in order to arrange another sale scheduled for the following day. On November 21, 2017 the individual stated to the officer that he wished to introduce him to the source of supply, who was the defendant.
On November 21, 2017, the defendant offered to sell the undercover officer an ounce of heroin for $1,250. He also asked the undercover officer if he wanted to purchase firearms, such as two AK-47s for $600 each, Glock pistol for $300 to $400, a Mack-10 capable of full automatic fire for $800 or another firearm. Eventually the defendant sold the undercover officer approximately 86.5 grams of methamphetamine. The defendant also showed the officer pictures of firearms on his phone. On November 27, 2017 the defendant sold the undercover officer approximately 14 grams of heroin, 22 grams of cocaine and a 9mm pistol all for $2,000. The officer met again with the defendant on December 6, 2017. The defendant sold him approximately 221.5 grams of methamphetamine for $2,550. Yet again on December 14, 2017 the defendant sold him approximately 113.5 grams of methamphetamine.
On January 1, 2018 the defendant was driving a car in Colorado Springs when he was pulled over by law enforcement. During the lawful traffic stop officers learned that the defendant had an outstanding felony arrest warrant. Officers observed a handgun in plain view between the driver’s seat and the center console. It had a full magazine and a round in the chamber and was readily accessible to the defendant when he sat in the driver’s seat. Officers ran the serial number on the handgun and determined it was reported stolen. Additionally, officers recovered the defendant’s backpack from the car. In the backpack there were several baggies containing controlled substances, including a bag containing approximately 15 grams of heroin, one containing approximately 4.9 grams of cocaine, and five separate baggies containing a total of approximately 69.4 grams of methamphetamine. On January 2, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s apartment. During the search numerous firearms and ammunition were recovered, including two AK-47s, and a .40 caliber pistol. The parties stipulated that the defendant sold or possessed with the intent to distribute a total of 490.9 grams of methamphetamine, 29 grams of heroin, and 26.9 grams of cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Colorado Springs Police Department and HSI Denver. The defendant was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel McIntyre.
College Student in Ithaca Pleads Guilty to Federal Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Maximilien R. Reynolds, age 21, of Rumson, New Jersey (currently residing in Ithaca, New York, while attending college), pled guilty yesterday to two federal felony firearms offenses, announced United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten; James N. Hendricks, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)-New York Field Division; Chief Peter Tyler-City of Ithaca Police Department; and Chief Kathy Zoner-Cornell University Police.
Reynolds pled guilty to one count of willfully causing false statements to be made to a licensed firearms dealer during the purchase of a firearm (a Savage MSR-15 Multi-Caliber .223/5.56mm Patrol Rifle) and one count of possessing firearms not registered in the National Firearms Registry and Transfer Record, related to his possession of a sawed-off Savage MSR-15 Multi-Caliber 223/5.56mm Patrol Rifle, a destructive device (bomb), and a silencer. Each offense has a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a term of supervised release of 3 years following any term of incarceration. 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.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 11, 2019 in Albany, New York, before Senior United States District Judge Thomas J. McAvoy.
As part of his guilty plea yesterday, Maximilien R. Reynolds admitted that on November 28, 2017, he gave another student money to purchase a Savage MSR-15 Multi-Caliber .223/5.56 mm Patrol Rifle. Reynolds later cut down the barrel of the rifle, making it illegal to possess. He also admitted that he possessed a destructive device (bomb) and a firearms silencer seized from his apartment in Ithaca by Federal Agents and Ithaca Police on March 7, 2018. In pleading guilty, he also admitted that he possessed a .25 caliber Bauer Arms semiautomatic pistol with an obliterated serial number that was recovered by New York State Police divers from a canal on the south end of Cayuga Lake.
At the time of his arrest on March 7, 2018, Reynolds was a part-time student at Tompkins-Cortland Community College. He was previously enrolled as a full-time student at Cornell University, but was on an academic leave of absence.
As part of his guilty plea yesterday, Maximilien R. Reynolds also agreed to the forfeiture of the destructive device (bomb) and silencer, as well as to the abandonment of the Bauer Arms .25 caliber semiautomatic pistol with obliterated serial number, 917 rounds of .223 caliber rifle ammunition, 135 rounds of 12 gauge shotgun ammunition, several .223 caliber magazine clips, 2 bullet-proof vests, a laser sight, ball bearings, a gas mask, chemicals of various kinds, a pipe section with one endcap, a flare gun, and other items seized during this investigation from his apartment and a storage unit. The Savage MSR-15 Multi-Caliber .223/5.56 mm Patrol Rifle was previously forfeited through an administrative proceeding.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the City of Ithaca Police Department, the Cornell University Police, the New York State Police and the Tompkins-Cortland Community College Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick and the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office.
Chevy Chase Man Who Secretly Videotaped Children in His Home Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges of Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Jonathan Mark Oldale, age 55, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to federal charges of production and possession of child pornography, arising from Oldale secretly filming children using hidden cameras in the bathrooms of his home.
The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; and Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
According to Oldale’s plea agreement, on May 5, 2017, the Montgomery County Police Department received a complaint from an employee at a children’s gymnastics facility that Oldale had placed a backpack containing a camera disguised to look like an automobile key fob in a bathroom at the facility. The employee also told officers about a prior incident in which Oldale had left a backpack in the same bathroom. A search of Oldale’s residence on May 9, 2017, recovered electronic media, including three laptop computers. A subsequent forensic review of the computers revealed that two of the computers had installations of browsers used to access the “dark web,” and some of the files accessed had titles consistent with child pornography. The dark web is the part of the World Wide Web that requires specific software, configurations or authorization to access, allowing users and website operators to remain anonymous. One of the laptops had previously connected to a dark web site used to exchange child pornography. The third computer contained image and video files of children with exposed genitalia, including in public bathrooms.
On July 5, 2017, Montgomery County Police officers executed a second search warrant at Oldale’s residence and seized a cell phone, three “spy cameras,” six MicroSD cards (small memory cards used in cameras and phones to store information), and six USB drives. All of the removable media, except one MicroSD card, contained videos created using surreptitious “spy” camera that had been placed by Oldale in bathrooms in his residence.
Videos recorded in the bathrooms show that the cameras were placed at waist height or lower, for example under the sink and in a basket in the shower, and that multiple cameras were placed in a bathroom. The videos show that Oldale would enter the bathroom to adjust the cameras just before children entered the bathrooms and just after the children left. Between May and July 2017, Oldale recorded more than 1,000 videos using the hidden cameras in his bathrooms. The videos depict minor children changing into and out of bathing suits, taking showers, and using the toilet.
Children were invited to “splash parties” at Oldale’s residence in June and July 2017, including by e-mailed invitations sent to their parents. Children would become covered with grass while playing on an inflatable structure in the back yard. Oldale encouraged the children to change clothes or take showers before they went home. Of the approximately 84 children who appear in the videos taken in the bathroom, approximately 60 are depicted nude at some point in the videos.
Forensic analysis of the USB drives revealed that Oldale stored videos in a nested file folder structure. Subfolders were named for the month and within those folders were additional subfolders with event names, like party or camp. On two of the USB drives there were subfolder that included lists of children’s names followed by a description of the swimsuit worn by the child. In all, there were nine subfolders with names indicative of events and containing videos of children in the bathrooms at Oldale’s residence.
As part of his plea agreement, Oldale must register as a sex offender in the place where he resides, where he is an employee, and where he is a student, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). In addition, Oldale has agreed to the entry of a $400,000 money judgment in lieu of forfeiture of Oldale’s interest in his residence, which Oldale used to facilitate his crimes.
Oldale and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Oldale will be sentenced to between 15 and 25 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has scheduled sentencing for April 1, 2019 at 10 a.m.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the Montgomery County Police Department, and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph R. Baldwin and Timothy F. Hagan, Jr., who are prosecuting the federal case.
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Career-Criminal Drug Trafficker Sentenced in Multi-State Cocaine, Marijuana Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Savannah man with an extensive felony record will spend more than 15 years in federal prison for his part in a cross-country drug-trafficking conspiracy.
United States District Court Judge William T. Moore Jr. sentenced Keith Jamal Brigham, a/k/a “Glock,” 44, to 188 months in federal prison after Brigham pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 500 grams or More of Cocaine and Marijuana, announced Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine.
Brigham has six previous felony narcotics-related convictions in state court. His latest sentence, however, is in federal court, and there is no parole in the federal system. His sentence will be served consecutive to a sentence for violating state parole. Upon release from federal prison, Brigham will be on federal supervised release for four years.
Brigham was part of a coast-to-coast drug trafficking organization that spanned from California to Savannah. As outlined in court records and in various hearings, marijuana sales were used to finance cocaine purchases, with cash proceeds hidden in candy machines and shipped to hubs in Atlanta and California. Co-conspirators in those areas shipped pounds of marijuana and kilograms of cocaine to Savannah via U.S. Mail and in vehicles with hidden compartments.
While on state parole for a previous drug conviction, Brigham served as a major cocaine dealer in Savannah for the drug trafficking organization. During the investigation, agents intercepted him on court-authorized wiretaps and seized more than 600 grams of cocaine from his residence as well as 1.5 kilograms of cocaine that was attached with magnets in the rear fender wells of a vehicle to thwart detection by law enforcement. Authorities also seized more than $17,000 in cash.
Brigham was in frequent phone contact with several co-conspirators, including Karteau Jenkins, who is alleged to be the main source of supply of cocaine for the drug trafficking organization. Jenkins is alleged to have coordinated with Eugene “Poncho” Allen, who is alleged to be a ringleader of the drug trafficking organization despite currently serving a life sentence for murder in a Georgia state prison. Allen is alleged to have run his organization using smuggled contraband phones.
Allegations and charges presume the defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A federal grand jury in August 2017 charged 20 defendants with drug trafficking offenses related to this investigation; most of them have pled guilty. During this investigation, agents seized eight firearms, more than 200 pounds of marijuana, multiple kilograms of cocaine, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash.
“It’s astonishing that a drug trafficker could continue to peddle poison in our communities despite multiple felony convictions – but for Keith Brigham, that ends today,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “Through coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, we are determined to take these criminals off our streets and out of our neighborhoods.”
“Despite six felony convictions, Brigham chose to continue to plague our streets with drugs and the crimes that result from it,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office. “It is our hope that after more than 15 years in federal prison, without any option for parole, he will come to the realization that his actions will not be tolerated by the FBI and our law enforcement partners.”
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Chatham County Narcotics Unit (CNT), the Savannah Police Department, the Chatham and Effingham County Sheriffs’ Offices, the United States Postal Inspector’s Office and the United States Marshals Service. This case is being prosecuted as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program, which is the premier law enforcement unit whose task is to dismantle multi-jurisdictional drug trafficking organizations. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney/Assistant District Attorney Noah Abrams, and Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Gilluly and Frank Pennington.
For any questions, please contact Barry Paschal at the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Career Offender Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison on Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Tony Washington, age 33, of Baltimore, today to 14 years in prison, followed by eight years of supervised release, for combining, conspiring, confederating, and agreeing to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
In July 2018, Washington was convicted on the sole charge of possession with intent to distribute heroin after a two-week trial.
Between July 2015 and April 2016, the defendant, and co-defendants, Jamal Carter, DeAndre Smith, Dymir Rhodes, and others managed a drug trafficking operation in and around an apartment complex in Baltimore known as “Pedestal Gardens.” Washington acted as a distributor for the organization and routinely distributed “packs” of heroin to customers. Typically, each “pack” contained approximately 50 gel capsules of the drug, or approximately 5 grams. Washington was one of thirteen defendants indicted in the case. Twelve of the defendants, including DeAndre Smith, pled guilty prior to trial.
The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Interim Commissioner Gary Tuggle of the Baltimore Police Department; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare; and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers obtained authorization to intercept communications over Carter’s cellular telephone, in which Washington communicated with other members of the conspiracy to coordinate the distribution of drugs.
In addition to distributing heroin, Washington and other members of the conspiracy stored and possessed firearms. Pedestal Gardens is located in close proximity to Mashburn Elementary School. During surveillance of the drug shop, law enforcement officers observed school children walking to school past Pedestal Gardens where Washington and other members of the conspiracy distributed heroin.
During a pre-trial motion’s hearing, Washington testified under oath concerning his waiver of his Miranda rights. In sentencing Washington, the Court concluded that Washington testified falsely and considered those false statements in determining Washington’s sentence.
Co-Defendants:
Deandre Smith, age 28, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy. Sentenced to 25 years in federal prison;
Garrion McCellan, age 30, pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy and using a firearm to murder two individuals in furtherance of the conspiracy. Sentenced to 25 years in federal prison.
Jamal Carter, age 24, of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy. Sentenced to 11 years in federal prison;
Dymir Rhodes, age 32, of Baltimore, pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy. Sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
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.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the Baltimore Police Department, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel C. Gardner and Christopher J. Romano who are prosecuted this case.
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California Resident Sentenced to Prison for Stealing over $7.5 Million of Taxpayer MoneyRead the Press Release
Norma Morfin, aka Norma Morfin Mandujano of Salinas, California, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and United States Attorney Alex G. Tse.
On July 18, 2018, Morfin pleaded guilty to conspiring to file fraudulent claims for income tax refunds. According to the plea agreement and documents filed with the court, Morfin admitted that, during 2012, she conspired with her co-defendants to obtain the personal identifying information of others, and to use that information to file more than 2,300 fraudulent income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service. These returns reported false wages, dependents, education expenses, and tax credits, and claimed fraudulent tax refunds of more than $9 million, of which more than $7.5 million were paid.
The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Lucy H. Koh, United States District Court Judge, in San Jose. In addition to the 30 month sentence and the $7,505,519 in restitution, Morfin was also sentenced to a three year period of supervised release. Co-defendants Jackie Ramos, Antonio Ahumada, and Ana Bajo have also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Tse commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Pitman and Trial Attorney Christopher Magnani are prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Bronx Man Pleads Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court to Attempting to Provide and Conspiring to Provide Material Support to IsisRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and John C. Demers, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, announced that ADAM RAISHANI, a/k/a “Saddam Mohamed Raishani,” pled guilty to attempting to provide and conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (“ISIS”). RAISHANI pled guilty today to a Superseding Information in Manhattan federal court before U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As he admitted in court today, Adam Raishani helped another man travel to Syria to join and train with ISIS, and he plotted to make that trip himself to carry out his own desire to wage violent jihad. Thanks to the excellent work of the FBI and the NYPD, Raishani’s trip to ISIS was canceled at the airport. This would-be ISIS terrorist now awaits sentencing for his crimes.”
According to the allegations in the Superseding Information, Complaint, other court filings, and statements made during court proceedings:
Beginning in at least the fall of 2015, RAISHANI conspired with another ISIS supporter (“CC-1”) to provide material support to ISIS by means of CC-1 traveling abroad to join and fight for ISIS. On or about October 30, 2015, CC-1 departed from JFK Airport for Istanbul, Turkey, where he planned to cross into Syria to join ISIS. RAISHANI arranged for CC-1’s transportation from the Bronx, New York, to John F. Kennedy International Airport (“JFK Airport”), and RAISHANI accompanied CC-1 from the Bronx to JFK Airport.
RAISHANI continued communicating with CC-1 following CC-1’s departure. For example, on or about January 2, 2016, RAISHANI sent an email to CC-1 stating: “Glad tidings brother. Its [sic] been some time since your voyage. I pray to Allah The ALL MIGHTY to grant you success. Until next time.”[1] On or about April 1, 2016, RAISHANI sent another email to CC-1 stating: “I hope Allah has bestowed you what you were seeking. . . . May Allah grant you sincere and clean intentions and make you among the righteous in Janatal Firdaus [a reference to Islamic paradise]. . . . Please return this email and respond to what we agreed upon before your departure. Until next time.” On or about May 3, 2016, CC-1 responded to RAISHANI, indicating that he had succeeded in joining the Islamic State. CC-1 informed RAISHANI that CC-1 was “fine and well,” that CC-1 “wished you [RAISHANI] were here with me,” and that “here we are living with izza [honor].”
Also in May 2016, CC-1 posted content on a particular social media application (“Application-1”) indicating that CC-1 was living in the Islamic State and fighting on its behalf. For example, CC-1 sent messages to another user of Application-1 stating: “I’m living in the Islamic state safely and secure by the permission of Allah,” “[h]ere we are fighting the kuffars [non-believers],” and “I left the land of kuffars now I’m living in the khilafah [the caliphate].” CC-1 also posted a photograph on Application-1 that shows CC-1 carrying an assault rifle and a flag representative of ISIS.
Between January and June of 2017, RAISHANI had a series of meetings with individuals who were, unbeknownst to RAISHANI, a confidential source working at the direction of law enforcement and an undercover law enforcement officer. In the course of those meetings, RAISHANI admitted that he had previously helped another person (CC-1) travel overseas to join the Islamic State, and stated that he intended to travel overseas to join ISIS himself. During those meetings, RAISHANI also downloaded and viewed violent ISIS propaganda videos, and indicated his desire to wage jihad and his belief that the Quran can be read to justify the violence, including beheadings, engaged in by ISIS.
By April 2017, RAISHANI was actively planning to travel abroad to join ISIS. RAISHANI indicated that he aspired to join ISIS in Syria and that he aimed to travel before the end of Ramadan, an Islamic holy month that ran from approximately May 26 through June 24 of 2017. In June 2017, RAISHANI made preparations to leave, including by paying off debts and purchasing clothing that he intended to wear for training with ISIS overseas. RAISHANI indicated his intention to meet an ISIS member in Turkey, who would facilitate RAISHANI’s joining the terrorist organization in Syria. On June 21, 2017, RAISHANI attempted to board a flight bound for Turkey (via Portugal) at JFK Airport, at which point law enforcement officers arrested him.
Following RAISHANI’s arrest, the FBI searched RAISHANI’s Bronx residence pursuant to a search warrant. Among the evidence recovered was a letter from RAISHANI addressed to members of his family, which the FBI found in a safe in RAISHANI’s bedroom. In the letter, RAISHANI – who left behind his wife and young son when he attempted to travel to Syria to join ISIS – advised his wife that she could still choose to “[j]oin” him in the Islamic State, and he expressed regret that she did not share his radical views and that he had been unable to convince her to accompany him to join ISIS. RAISHANI also wrote: “Do Not Divulge this document and other documents that I have giv[en] to you to the authorities. Do not believe their plots. Do not divulge my absences but instead say I went to do volunteering outside the country with my medical skills and health background.”
* * *
RAISHANI, 32, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, namely, ISIS, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiring to provide material support or resources to ISIS, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Sentencing is scheduled for March 8, 2019, at 3:00 p.m., before Judge Abrams.
Mr. Berman and Mr. Demers praised the outstanding efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which principally consists of agents from the FBI and detectives from the NYPD, and the NYPD’s Intelligence Division. Mr. Berman and Mr. Demers also thanked the New York Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sidhardha Kamaraju, Jane Kim, and George D. Turner are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Kevin Nunnally of the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
[1] Communications and conversations discussed herein are described in substance and in part.
Bakersfield Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Receiving and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — David John Cannon, 47, of Bakersfield, was sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to nine years in prison and a $5,100 penalty assessment for receiving and distributing child pornography, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Cannon received and distributed child pornography using a computer from approximately July 2012 until August 2016. He received and distributed over 1,016 images and 32 videos that depicted minors, some of which were prepubescent, engaging in sexual activity.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan A. S. Richards prosecuted the case.
Cannon was ordered to surrender to serve his sentence beginning on January 2, 2019.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet safety education.
Anchorage Man Sentenced for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that an Anchorage man has been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine intended for distribution.
Sergio Jauna Devoe, 28, of Anchorage, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess, to serve 10 years in prison, followed by eight years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
According to court documents, on May 24, 2017, APD’s Community Action Policing (CAP) and Vice units arranged to purchase heroin from Devoe at the Northway Mall, in front of the Carrs grocery store. Specifically, a call was placed to Devoe, and he agreed to sell two ounces of heroin for $1,850 each. Devoe arrived driving a Lexus sedan accompanied by another individual in the passenger seat, before officers immediately blocked in the vehicle. Officers observed a firearm in plain view located inside the vehicle. Upon being detained, a rolled up $5 bill containing .75 grams of cocaine fell out of Devoe’s hand. Devoe said he didn’t know about the gun, that he was not involved with drugs anymore, that he had $1,000 in his pocket, that he was borrowing his girlfriend’s car, and that he just picked up his passenger.
Located inside the vehicle was a stolen and loaded Smith & Wesson M&P Shield pistol, along with a lock box that contained 51.5 grams of methamphetamine and 25.27 grams of fentanyl, which was marketed as heroin. Fentanyl, sometimes known on the street as “Grey Death,” is a powerful opioid that is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin. Law enforcement officers also seized two cell phones, two digital scales, and 8.8 grams of marijuana.
The Anchorage Police Department (APD) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of this case. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James E. Stinson.
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.
9 Defendants Charged in Manhattan Federal Court with Massive Tax and Identity Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James D. Robnett, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (“IRS-CI”), announced charges today against nine individuals for their participation in a long-running scheme to file thousands of fraudulent tax returns using the stolen identities of children, resulting in millions of dollars in estimated loss to the United States Treasury. Eight of the defendants were arrested this morning and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara C. Moses today. MARCOS DE JESUS PANTALEON remains at large.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, these defendants used their experience as tax preparers to skirt U.S. tax laws by using the stolen identities of children to help increase their clients’ tax returns. All told, the defendants’ years’ long scheme resulted in tens of millions of dollars in questionable credits. Now the defendants’ businesses are shut down – literally – and the defendants face significant time in prison for tax fraud.”
IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge James D. Robnett said: “Stealing the identities of children to file false tax returns is reprehensible. These individuals allegedly demonstrated a blatant disregard of the integrity of the United States tax system and caused immeasurable hardship to innocent victims. IRS-CI special agents are determined to investigate these crimes and protect the honest taxpayers.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint[1] unsealed this morning and information in the public record:
Under federal law, taxpayers may be entitled to claim certain tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (“EITC”) available to qualifying low and moderate income working individuals and families. If the individual claims the EITC based on having a child, the individual must list the name and Social Security Number (“SSN”) of the child on his or her tax return, along with completing a separate schedule that contains the child’s name, SSN, year of birth, relationship to the taxpayer, and how many months the child lived with the taxpayer during the tax year.
Starting in 2009, and continuing for multiple years, ARIEL JIEMENEZ, a/k/a “Melo,” IRELINE NUNEZ, ANA YESSENIA JIMENEZ, EVELIN JIMENEZ, LEYVI CASTILLO, CINTHIA FEDERO, GUILLERMO ARIAS MONCION, MARCOS DE JESUS PANTALEON, a/k/a “Junior,” and JOSE CASTILLO, a/k/a “Jairo,” abused the EITC program with their knowledge of the tax system by using the stolen identities of numerous children to file thousands of fraudulent tax returns for their clients. These clients were not supporting, residing with, or related to the children they claimed as a dependent. Rather, they paid the defendants between $1,000 and $1,500 for each child falsely added to their returns. The inclusion of these false dependents allowed clients to claim tax refunds they were not entitled to, chiefly the EITC.
All of the defendants initially worked together at the same tax-preparation business. In approximately 2013, MONCION, PANTALEON, and JOSE CASTILLO started their own tax-preparation business. In approximately 2014, JOSE CASTILLO left to start his own, third tax-preparation business. All three businesses engaged in the same conduct of possessing stolen identities of children and adding those identities to clients’ tax returns in exchange for a fee.
The tax returns filed by the defendants’ associated businesses indicate markedly high rates of returns seeking the EITC. For example, for returns filed from tax year 2010 through 2017, between 56 percent and 74 percent of all returns prepared by the defendants’ businesses claimed the EITC. In contrast, between 34 percent and 39 percent of all tax returns filed in the Bronx, New York, and between 18 percent and 21 percent of all tax returns filed nationwide for the same time period sought the EITC.
In total, between 2009 and the present, the returns filed by the defendants’ businesses claimed more than $44 million in the EITC.
In addition to the fraud described above, EVELIN JIMENEZ, LEYVI CASTILLO, FEDERO, MONCION, and JOSE CASTILLO each fraudulently claimed dependents on their own personal tax returns.
* * *
A chart listing the defendants, and the charges and maximum penalties they face is attached. The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of IRS-CI. He also thanked the New York City Department of Investigation for its assistance.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel G. Nessim, Ni Qian, and Daniel C. Richenthal are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant
Charges
Maximum Penalties
Ariel Jimenez, a/k/a “Melo” (34, of New York, New York)
Conspiracy to defraud the United States with respect to claims
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Aggravated Identity Theft
32 years in prison
Mandatory minimum of two years in prison to be imposed consecutively to any other sentence
Ireline Nunez (36, of New York, New York)
Conspiracy to defraud the United States with respect to claims
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Aggravated Identity Theft
32 years in prison
Mandatory minimum of two years in prison to be imposed consecutively to any other sentence
Ana Yessenia Jimenez (36, of New York, New York)
Conspiracy to defraud the United States with respect to claims
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Aggravated Identity Theft
32 years in prison
Mandatory minimum of two years in prison to be imposed consecutively to any other sentence
Evelin Jimenez (32, of New York, New York)
Conspiracy to defraud the United States with respect to claims
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Aggravated Identity Theft
Subscribing to a false return
35 years in prison
Mandatory minimum of two years in prison to be imposed consecutively to any other sentence
Leyvi Castillo (35, of New York, New York)
Conspiracy to defraud the United States with respect to claims
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Aggravated Identity Theft
Subscribing to a false return
35 years in prison
Mandatory minimum of two years in prison to be imposed consecutively to any other sentence
Cinthia Federo (31, of New York, New York)
Conspiracy to defraud the United States with respect to claims
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Aggravated Identity Theft
Subscribing to a false return (two counts)
38 years in prison
Mandatory minimum of two years in prison to be imposed consecutively to any other sentence
Guillermo Arias Moncion (32, of New York, New York)
Conspiracy to defraud the United States with respect to claims (two counts)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud (two counts)
Aggravated Identity Theft
Subscribing to a false return (four counts)
74 years in prison
Mandatory minimum of two years in prison to be imposed consecutively to any other sentence
Marcos De Jesus Pantaleon, a/k/a “Junior” (28, of New York, New York)
Conspiracy to defraud the United States with respect to claims (two counts)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud (two counts)
Aggravated Identity Theft
62 years in prison
Mandatory minimum of two years in prison to be imposed consecutively to any other sentence
Jose Castillo, a/k/a “Jairo” (42, of New York, New York)
Conspiracy to defraud the United States with respect to claims (three counts)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud (three counts)
Aggravated Identity Theft
Subscribing to a false return
95 years in prison
Mandatory minimum of two years in prison to be imposed consecutively to any other sentence
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
2018 Holiday Travel ReminderRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – As the upcoming holiday travel season approaches travelers are reminded to take extra care to ensure they have not packed firearms in their carry-on bags before leaving home. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has led the nation in the number of guns detected at checkpoints for five of the last six years.
“As of November 12, 2018, 293 weapons have been recovered at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, of which 248 were found in the TSA passenger security lines, while 45 firearms were discovered in checked baggage,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Most passengers simply forget they have a gun in their possession until they reach the airport checkpoint. Unfortunately, the oversight is still a violation of the law.”
“The reason we are making this announcement today is because the message is clearly not hitting the mark,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Despite the fact that our enforcement policies have become more strict, incidents of guns detected at checkpoints have increased substantially. Don’t let your holiday travel plans be significantly disrupted for a simple mistake.”
“Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has led the nation in firearms detected by Transportation Security Officers at security checkpoints five of the last six years, and has already surpassed last year’s national record of 245,” said Mary Leftridge Byrd, TSA Federal Security Director for Atlanta. “We are urging passengers to thoroughly check their personal belongings for prohibited items like firearms, especially in carry-on bags, before leaving to the airport.”
Travelers who do not comply with firearm laws can expect a delay in their travel plans. Violators with a valid weapons permit will have their firearm confiscated and issued a federal citation. They will also be required to appear in court and will be subject to a $130 fine. Violators without a valid weapons permit will be arrested, charged and may face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. In addition, offenders are also subject to civil penalties levied by the TSA that can range between $2,000 to $13,000 per violation.
Travelers are advised to become familiar with TSA’s policy for transporting their guns prior to traveling to the airport, as firearms are permitted in checked baggage. (See TSA’s policy here). Don’t put a damper on your holiday travel – properly secure your firearms before your plans unravel.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
15 Defendants Arrested for Trafficking Crack Cocaine throughout the East End of Long IslandRead the Press Release
Earlier today, three separate indictments were unsealed in federal court in Central Islip charging 12 defendants as part of a coordinated federal and state takedown of several large-scale crack cocaine distribution operations in various areas of the East End of Long Island. In addition, one defendant was charged in a complaint with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession of crack cocaine. The defendants facing federal charges were arrested today, arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judges Anne Y. Shields and Steven I. Locke, and all ordered detained pending trial. Two additional defendants were arrested on related New York state drug charges by members of the East End Drug Task Force. Three federal defendants remain fugitives.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Timothy Sini, District Attorney, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (SCDA), Geraldine Hart, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), George P. Beach II, Superintendent, New York State Police (NYSP), David Heggermiller, Chief, Riverhead Police Department (RPD) and Ashan M. Benedict, Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Office (ATF), announced the charges.
“The toxic mix of street gangs, drug dealing and illegal firearms poses a direct threat to the safety of our citizens and our community,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “The Eastern District and our law enforcement partners in the FBI, ATF and Suffolk County will continue to target, penetrate and destroy criminal gangs that inflict addiction, violence and grief on the people of Suffolk County.” Mr. Donoghue expressed his grateful appreciation to the NYSP Troop L and its Commander, Major David C. Candelaria, for their assistance in the investigation.
“The epidemic of illegal drugs and associated criminal activity negatively affects individuals and communities across the country, from every background and walk of life,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “As these arrests today demonstrate, the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force, along with our federal, state and local partners, will not rest until the individuals and criminal networks responsible for creating this atmosphere of lawlessness and violence are held accountable for their alleged crimes.”
“The defendants as alleged, were part of a ring made up of gang members that spread dangerous narcotics throughout their communities, stated ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Benedict. “ATF stands with our law enforcement partners as a united front to prevent these illegal narcotics rings from harming our citizens. I would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office and the District Attorney’s office for their work in prosecuting the case.”
“Because of the great collaboration among federal, state and local law enforcement, the East End of Long Island is safer,” stated Suffolk County District Attorney Sini. “My office will continue to work tirelessly with all of our law enforcement partners to eradicate violent street gangs from our communities. I want to particularly applaud the outstanding work done by my office’s East End Drug Task Force and the prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York.”
“The importance of working with our law enforcement partners is evident in the results of the takedown of these crack cocaine distribution operations,” stated SCPD Commissioner Hart. “These individuals, many of whom are affiliated with the Bloods street gang, have spread narcotics in our communities and have preyed upon the addicted. We will continue to target dealers and dedicate resources to fighting this epidemic.”
“Today’s arrests are the result of an aggressive strategy to stop illegal drug trafficking and keep crack cocaine and other deadly drugs off our streets,” stated NYSP Superintendent Beach. “Together, with our partners in federal, local and state law enforcement, we can and will stop the infiltration of harmful narcotics into our communities and we will continue to work vigilantly to put dangerous individuals like these gang members behind bars.”
“The cooperation between agencies in this investigation is unparalleled,” stated RPD Chief Heggermiller. “Thanks to everyone for their dedication and relentless work protecting our communities here on the East End.”
As alleged in court filings, in early 2018, members of the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force and the Suffolk County East End Drug Task Force began conducting an investigation into street gangs and narcotics traffickers operating in and around Riverhead. The defendants, many of whom were members or associates of the Bloods street gang, were involved in the large-scale distribution of crack cocaine. Several of the defendants would “cook” powder cocaine into crack cocaine, to increase its potency and street value. In one instance, while a defendant was cooking cocaine, a child was present in the residence. Members of law enforcement executed search warrants at multiple locations today, recovering seven firearms, including an AR-15 rifle, three kilograms of cocaine, four pounds of marijuana, a quantity of crack cocaine and heroin and $10,000 in cash.
The charges in the indictments are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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 the its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The federal cases are being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Boeckmann and Michael Maffei are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
Terrill Latney (also known as “Motis” and “Mo”)
Age: 39
Riverhead, New YorkRomaine Hopkins (also known as “Foo”)
Age: 36
Riverhead, New YorkMatthew Pittma (also known as “Pearl”)
Age: 43
Southampton, New YorkKenneth Belcher (also known as “KB”)
Age: 31
Riverhead, New YorkKotarra jackson (also known as “Red”)
Age: 36
Riverhead, New YorkJohn Gamble (also known as “Bones”)
Age: 37
Shirley, New YorkRandy Smith
Age: 33
Riverhead, New YorkDeon Shorter
Age: 22
Mastic, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-606 (JS)
Tramaine Brown (also known as “Bootsie”)
Age: 29
Jamesport, New YorkQuandol Lewis
Age: 34
Riverhead, New YorkDemario Weston (also known as “MK”)
Age: 34
Riverhead, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-604 (JS)
Dayna Barrow (also known as “SI”)
Age: 35
Riverhead, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-605 (JFB)
Daniel Harris
Age: 25
Riverhead, New YorkE.D.N.Y. 18-MJ-1112
Tuesday 13 November 2018
Wisconsin Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Jewish Community CenterRead the Press Release
Chadwick Grubbs, who is currently in state custody on separate cases, pleaded guilty today to federal charges related to threatening letters he wrote on three separate dates in May to the Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Whitefish Bay. Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Krueger for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Special Agent-in-Charge Justin Tolomeo of the FBI’s Milwaukee Division made the announcement.
Grubbs, 33, pleaded guilty to two counts of mailing threatening communications and one count of threatening to injure and destroy property by fire and an explosive. Information presented during the plea hearing established that Grubbs sent three letters to the JCC in which he threatened to use firearms to cause “maximum carnage” and threatened to use explosives to destroy the JCC. In his letters, Grubbs used numbers and symbols associated with white supremacist ideology.
“Mr. Grubbs’ violent threats against the Whitefish Bay Jewish community attempted to undermine the safety and security of all community members,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Justice Department will continue to prosecute these cases vigorously so that all people, no matter their religious beliefs, can live their lives freely and without fear.”
“The freedom of religion is among our most cherished rights,” said U.S. Attorney Krueger. “No one should be afraid to exercise his or her religious beliefs in this country. The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting anyone who threatens harm to someone because of their faith.”
“Protecting civil rights is one of the highest priorities of the FBI,” said SAC Justin Tolomeo. “We will vigorously investigate those who seek to intimidate with threats of violence motivated on bias against race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity, and bring them to justice.”
Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker released a statement on the FBI’s 2017 Hate Crimes Statistics report, published this morning. The Acting Attorney General’s full statement reflects on the troubling increase in anti-Semitic religious hate crimes in 2017, outlined in the report. Last month, the Justice Department launched a new comprehensive hate crimes website designed to provide a centralized portal for the Department’s hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other related organizations and individuals. More information on the website and an update on Justice Department hate crimes prosecutions can be found here.
Grubbs faces a maximum statutory penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the explosives threat charge and a penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the mailed threats charges.
The FBI is leading the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Haanstad of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Kathryn Gilbert of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting this case.
Wilson Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing CrackRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court, United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan, sentenced MICHAEL EUGENE BLAKENEY, 29 from Wilson, North Carolina, to 37 months in prison, followed by 6 years of supervised release. Additionally, as the defendant had his supervised release revoked he was sentenced to 30 months custody.
BLAKENY was named in a 6-count Indictment filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina on November 29, 2017. On May 15, 2018, pursuant to a written Plea Agreement, BLAKENEY pled guilty to Distribution of a Quantity of Cocaine Base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1).
Investigation was initiated by the Wilson Police Department (WPD) in Wilson, North Carolina, as part of an on-going investigation into drug trafficking in Wilson, North Carolina. Officers of the Wilson Police Department received information that BLAKENEY was involved in the distribution of cocaine base in the Wilson area. At the time of the investigation, BLAKENEY was under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina due to a prior federal conviction for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession With Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base. Following his arrest on September 8, 2017, BLAKENEY provided a statement to agents reporting that he had been selling crack cocaine between May and August of 2017.
The case is a federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) criminal matter investigated by the Wilson Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Assistant United States Attorney Edward Gray prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Wetzel County man sentenced for connection to a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler CountiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Alex King, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 37 months incarceration for his involvement in methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
King, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” in August 2018. King admitted to working with others to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine from 2016 to April 2018 in Wetzel County and elsewhere.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., and Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol; Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office; the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office; the Sistersville Police Department; the Paden City Police Department; and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated. The Columbus, Ohio, Police Department Gang Crimes Unit assisted in the case.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Hawaii Moves to Dismiss Charges Against Isaiah McCoyRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Earlier today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii moved to dismiss the Second Superseding Indictment against Isaiah McCoy. The dismissal was deemed appropriate in light of information the U.S. Attorney’s Office became aware of in the past several days. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Susan Oki Mollway granted the motion during a hearing held this morning. In announcing the dismissal, Kenji M. Price, U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii, stated: “Despite today’s dismissal, this office will continue the important work of investigating and prosecuting human trafficking crimes in Hawaii. We remain committed to tirelessly pursuing those who break the law, all the while vigilantly upholding the fundamental principles of integrity and justice that govern everything we do.”
U.S. Attorney Byung “BJay” Pak Issues a Progress Report on Fighting the Opioid EpidemicRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia remains resolute in fighting the opioid epidemic that has plagued communities throughout the United States. According to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, more than 140 Americans die daily from an opioid overdose, and in 2017, nearly 1,050 Georgians died from an opioid overdose. It is imperative that all levels of law enforcement, community organizations, policy makers, and citizens remain firmly committed to battling this epidemic.
“Earlier this year, President Trump declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency and set a goal to reduce opioid prescriptions by one-third over the next three years,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “In our District, the results are promising. There were approximately 20 percent fewer opioid prescriptions written and filled in Fiscal Year 2018 than in Fiscal Year 2016, and the total Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MME) decreased over 18 percent for that same period. But our work is far from done. We are committed to further reducing the excess supply of prescription opioids which has unintentionally fueled the epidemic.”
“The DEA is committed to continuing the progress that has been made against the opioid epidemic by collaborating with local, state and federal law enforcement counterparts and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in an effort to decrease the growing prescription drug abuse problem in our state,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Through this collaborative effort, we will continue to target those criminals in Georgia and elsewhere who illegally distribute prescription drugs in our communities.”
In 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia launched Operation SCOPE (Strategically Combatting Opioids through Prosecution and Enforcement). Operation SCOPE is designed to identify and prosecute those who illegally distribute opioids in our community through a collaborative partnership with state and local law enforcement. The initiative takes a three-fold approach to fighting the opioid crisis and focuses on:
●Identifying medical practitioners who overprescribe opioids, and those who defraud our health care system. For example, our office recently identified and sent approximately 30 medical professionals notification letters who were prescribing opioids in higher quantities or does than their peers. The letters provided prescribers with information pertaining to their opioid practices relative to their peers and referred them to educational materials to assist them in adopting safe opioid practices. Read more here.
●Investigating and prosecuting drug traffickers who illegally distribute opioids within the District, particularly those suppliers who are responsible for overdose deaths and non-fatal overdoses resulting in serious bodily harm caused by their product. For example, in
United States v. Edward Culton and Hubert Nathans: These defendants were charged with distributing fake Roxicodone pills that actually contained fentanyl. The distribution of the fake pill resulted in one overdose death and one non-fatal overdose in October 2017 and January 2018, respectively. Nathans pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl on August 13, 2018, and has a sentencing hearing scheduled for November 13, 2018. Read more on this case here;
United States v. Donquell Weddington: Donquell Weddington was charged with distributing heroin April 2017, which resulted in the death of a 33-year old student who suffered and was treated for a drug overdose. The student later collapsed and died at Hartfield-Jackson International Airport the morning after being treated for the heroin overdose. Weddington’s case is currently in the pretrial phase. Read more on this case here; and
United States v. Michelle Dawn Dorsey, et al: Michelle Dawn Dorsey, Nigel Alan Waddell, Derrik Omar Frazier, and Tyler Josiah Matthews were charged with trafficking heroin. Dorsey is charged with distributing heroin, resulting in serious bodily injury in February 2016 and February 2017. Frazier is charged with aiding and abetting Dorsey’s distribution of heroin in February 2017, resulting in serious bodily injury. Waddell was sentenced to three years in federal prison on February 7, 2018. Matthews pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and is awaiting sentencing. Read more on this case here.
●Targeting online suppliers, mainly from China and Mexico, who traffic opioids that can be purchased anonymously through the Dark Net.
The following are other opioid-related cases relating to traffickers, medical professionals, and others who committed serious drug crimes in the District:
United States v. Dr. Joseph L. Burton: Dr. Burton, a pathologist and former county medical examiner, and his conspirators were charged in a scheme to prescribe controlled substances outside of the scope of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. In return for sexual favors, Dr. Burton supplied opioids to women who sold the pills. Dr. Burton was sentenced to eight years in federal prison on August 30, 2018. Read more on this case here.
United States v. Dr. John Michael Gowder, et al: John Michael Gowder, Dr. David Gowder, and Dr. James Heaton, were charged with illegally distributing oxycodone and other controlled substances outside the usual course of professional medical practice and for no legitimate medical purpose. They also allegedly directed employees of the Union General Hospital to assist them in distributing the drugs. Read more on this case here.
United States v. Elgin Demarco Jordan: Elgin Jordan was convicted of trafficking heroin and cocaine in the English Avenue area, along with money laundering. He used the proceeds from his drug activity to purchase several properties in the English Avenue area. Jordan was sentenced to eight years in prison and ordered to forfeit 14 properties, some of which were transferred to the Atlanta Police Department and the Atlanta Police Foundation to be used for police recruit housing. Read more on this case here.
United States v. Bernard Stokley, et al: Bernard Stokley, a/k/a Big Pat, Tobias Ellison, Alvin Hughley, a/k/a Alvin Beasley, and Vance Hoard, a/k/a Bernard Hoard, a/k/a Vance Holland were charged with conspiracy to import and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and money laundering. The defendants advertised their heroin on Facebook, and accepted orders over the telephone and through social media, including Facebook and Snapchat. Read more on this case here.
While the war to defeat the opioid crisis is far from over, the battle is being fought on several fronts. Specifically,
In August 2018, the Department of Justice and the DEA announced a proposal to decrease the in manufacturing quota for the six most frequently misused opioids by 10% in 2019. To learn more about the proposed plan click here.
On October 1, 2018, the Department of Justice awarded approximately $320 million to combat the opioid crisis in the United States, of which $5,791,356 was awarded to support programs here in Georgia. In the Northern District of Georgia, $2,240,783 was specifically awarded to support drug programs, youth-mentoring programs, and local agencies in Cobb and Douglas Counties. A breakdown of the awards can be found here.
On June 15, 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia partnered with the Atlanta-Carolinas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Office to create a public service announcement (PSA) to raise awareness of the devastating effects of opioids. On June 15, 2018, the PSA started airing for five weeks in 17 movie theaters across the District, featuring Joseph Abraham, a 19-year old from Gwinnett County, GA, who lost his battle with drug addiction minutes after taking a fatal mixture of heroin and fentanyl. The PSA ran a total of 76,887 times and was seen by over one million viewers. To view the PSA click here.
For the referenced cases, members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Two Sentenced to Federal Prison for Roles in Fraud and Racketeering Schemes that Involved the Attempted Capital Murder of State District Court Judge Julie KocurekRead the Press Release
In Austin today, a federal judge sentenced 29-year-old Marcellus Antoine Burgin of Cypress, TX, and 27-year-old Rasul Kareem Scott of Marrero, LA, to 300 months and 210 months in federal prison, respectively, for carrying out fraud and racketeering schemes that involved the attempted capital murder of State District Court Judge Julie Kocurek in November of 2015.
That announcement was made by U.S. Attorney John F. Bash; Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore; FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs; IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Richard D. Goss, Houston Field Office; Austin Police Chief Brian Manley; and, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez, Houston Division.
In addition to the prison terms, U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel ordered that Burgin and Scott be placed under supervised release for a period of five years and pay restitution, joint and severally, in the amount of $22,315.80.
In November 2017, Burgin and Scott pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) statue. Evidence presented during trial earlier this year for their co-defendant--31-year-old Chimene Hamilton Onyeri--revealed that in November 2015, all three defendants conspired to commit various fraudulent schemes for financial gain in Austin, Houston, the state of Louisiana and surrounding areas. Schemes included converting stolen debit card numbers obtained from skimming devices into cash. The Onyeri racketeering enterprise involved mail fraud, bribery of a public official, wire fraud, document fraud, access device fraud, money laundering and attempted murder.
According to testimony, when the existence of the criminal enterprise was threatened, Onyeri responded with violence. On the night of November 6, 2015, Onyeri attempted to murder State District Court Judge Julie Kocurek, whom Onyeri believed was going to sentence him to prison, by shooting Judge Kocurek while she sat in her car outside her home in Austin. As a result of the incident, Kocurek suffered serious bodily injury from multiple gunshots and resulting shrapnel.
On October 2, 2018, Judge Yeakel sentenced Onyeri to life in federal prison after a jury found him guilty of one count of conspiracy to violate the RICO statute, one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, seven counts of aggravated identity theft, and six counts of witness tampering.
The FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service, Austin Police Department and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office investigated this case. The 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in (Calcasieu Parish) Lake Charles, Louisiana; Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office; U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Texas and the Eastern District of Louisiana; the U.S. Marshals Service; Travis County Sheriff’s Office; and, the Houston Police Department provided valuable assistance during this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dayna L. Blazey of the Travis County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.