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Tuesday 13 November 2018
Two Delano Residents Sentenced for Unemployment Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Raul Oropeza Lopez, 51, and Ana Maria Oropeza, 45, both of Delano, were sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill. Raul Oropeza Lopez was ordered to serve three years and one month in prison and to pay $1,283,160 in restitution. Ana Maria Oropeza was sentenced to three years of probation, and ordered to serve eight months on house arrest. The defendants were also ordered to forfeit over $167,00 in seized cash.
According to court documents, Raul Oropeza Lopez obtained social security numbers, names, and other personal identifying information of U.S. citizens and legal residents and then fraudulently used such information to provide undocumented workers with false identities required to work in the United States as farm laborers. Then, when the undocumented workers were laid off at the end of the growing season, Raul Oropeza Lopez and his wife filed fraudulent unemployment insurance claims in the names of the assumed identities, relying on the work performed by the undocumented workers to fraudulently claim unemployment insurance benefits. Over a period of six years, the couple submitted more than 520 fraudulent unemployment insurance claims on behalf of over 70 individuals.
This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General; Homeland Security Investigations; Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the California Employment Development Department, Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant United States Attorney Mark J. McKeon prosecuted the case.
Tualatin, Oregon Man Pleads Guilty to Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Ronald Eugene Stover, 64, of Tualatin, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property criminally derived from wire fraud and a scheme to defraud investors.
According to court documents, beginning in 2010, Stover began soliciting short-term loan investments to fund various Xtreme Iron capital projects. Stover claimed to have a long track records of success in real estate development, business and banking and relied heavily on investor introductions made by other professional intermediaries to establish his credibility. Xtreme Iron owned a heavily-leveraged fleet of Caterpillar and John Deere heavy equipment in Frisco, Texas and maintained an office in Wilsonville, Oregon.
At Stover’s urging, investors sent funds to Tri-Core Funding Group, an entity wholly owned and controlled by Stover. Stover falsely claimed the company had a sound business model, strong growth opportunities and manageable debt exposure. In addition to Stover’s many false claims about the business’s health and viability, he advanced many falsehoods about the nature of the investment opportunity including, but not limited to: investor funds would be used exclusively for business purposes, Stover himself would provide additional capital sourcing from his own funds and investors would receive short-term repayment of their loan notes plus interest.
As alleged in the count of conviction, Stover emailed a victim in May 2012, soliciting funds to purchase heavy equipment from Caterpillar. In response to the solicitation, Stover executed a 30-day loan note promising repayment plus interest. The victim wired $175,000 to Tri-Core Funding Group the next day. Unbeknownst to the victim, Stover never intended to use the money as promised. Immediately after receiving the funds, Stover used the funds to make over a year’s worth of mortgage payments on his residence in Tualatin, which was on the brink of foreclosure. Stover never repaid his victim.
Stover faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on February 25, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken. As part of the plea agreement, Stover has agreed to pay more than $3.2 million in restitution and nearly $169,000 to satisfy a forfeiture money judgement.
The IRS and FBI investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Donna Brecker Maddux and Julia E. Jarrett, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
Trader Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for Misappropriating $1.1 Million in CryptocurrenciesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — In the first criminal prosecution in Chicago involving the cryptocurrency trading industry, a federal judge has sentenced a trader to 15 months in prison for misappropriating $1.1 million in Bitcoin and Litecoin.
Over a two-month period in the fall of 2017, JOSEPH KIM, 24, of Phoenix, Ariz., misappropriated at least $600,000 of his trading firm’s Bitcoin and Litecoin cryptocurrency for his own personal benefit. At the time, Kim worked in Chicago as an assistant trader for Consolidated Trading LLC, a proprietary trading firm that had recently formed a cryptocurrency group. After being terminated by Consolidated, Kim engaged in another fraud scheme in which he incurred $545,000 in losses by trading cryptocurrencies on behalf of at least five investors, including friends and friends of friends who had invested retirement savings. Four of Kim’s victims testified about their losses at the sentencing hearing Friday before U.S. District Judge Andrea R. Wood in Chicago.
When Kim was charged earlier this year, the federal prosecution marked the first criminal case in Chicago involving the cryptocurrency trading industry. Kim pleaded guilty in May to one count of wire fraud.
The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Substantial assistance was provided by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which filed its own enforcement action against Kim.
“It is important that the public know that despite the complexity of cryptocurrency trading, the criminal justice system will hold traders and investment professionals accountable for cheating and stealing,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sunil Harjani and Sheri Mecklenburg argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.
According to the charges, Kim transferred large sums of Consolidated’s Bitcoin and Litecoin to personal accounts to cover his losses trading cryptocurrency futures on foreign exchanges. In order to conceal the transfers, Kim lied to the firm’s management about the location of the company’s cryptocurrency and his trading of the company’s cryptocurrency.
After Consolidated’s management team discovered the misappropriation and terminated him, Kim solicited funds from friends and friends of friends to trade cryptocurrencies. Kim told these investors that he had voluntarily left Consolidated, and he concealed the fact that he was fired for misappropriation. He also sent investors false account statements that showed his initial trading of their funds was profitable, when, in reality, Kim’s trades were experiencing substantial losses.
Three from Akron indicted for having nine firearms and ammunitionRead the Press Release
Three Akron residents were indicted on federal firearms charges after they were found to have nine firearms and ammunition.
Ronald Black, 43, Jeremy Willard, 36, and Lotus Evans, were each indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of firearms.
The trio were found on June 27 to be in possession of five rifles, four handguns and ammunition. None of the defendants were permitted to possess firearms because of previous convictions: Black and Willard for domestic violence, Evans for attempted aggravated drug trafficking, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Daly, following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Akron Police Department.
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.
Three Richland County Men Indicted on Methamphetamine-Related chargesRead the Press Release
Three men from Richland County, Illinois, have been indicted on federal methamphetamine-related charges, Steven D. Weinhoeft, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today.
Michael F. Jones, 41, of Olney, Illinois, was indicted in a five-count indictment. Count 1 charges that from April 2018, until on or about October 27, 2018, in Richland County, Jones conspired to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Counts 2 through 5 charge that Jones knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine in Richland County on four separate dates in October 2018. With respect to Count 1, Jones faces a penalty of 10 years to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and supervised release of not less than 5 years. With respect to Counts 2 through 5, Jones faces on each count up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than 3 years.
Brian E. Jordan, 51, of Olney, Illinois, was indicted in a three-count indictment. Counts 1 and 2 charge Jordan with knowingly and intentionally distributing methamphetamine in Richland County on two dates in October 2018. Count 3 charges that Jordan knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine on October 27, 2018. With respect to all three counts, Jordan faces on each count up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than 3 years.
Bradley J. Williams, 33, of Olney, Illinois, was indicted in a three-count indictment. Count 1 charges that Williams knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute more than 5 grams of methamphetamine on July 2, 2018, in Richland County. Counts 2 and 3 charge that Williams knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine in Richland County on two dates in October 2018. With respect to Count 1, Williams faces 5 to 40 years in prison, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than 4 years. With respect to Counts 2 and 3, Williams faces on each count up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and supervised release not less than 3 years.
All three indictments were returned on November 6. Jones, Jordan, and Williams all appeared in federal district court today for initial appearances and arraignments. All three are scheduled for separate jury trials in Benton, Illinois, on January 14, 2019.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
The investigations of these cases were conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.
The Guardians Project provides grant administration training to Montana communitiesRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the Guardians Project, a task force to fight federal program fraud, is providing grant administration training to Montana’s Native American community and will be in Harlem on Nov. 19.
The Harlem training will start at 10 a.m. in the Planning Department Conference Room. The session is open to the public.
The Guardians Project joins federal agencies together to prosecute those attempting to take federal funds for private gain. The agencies include the U.S. Attorney’s Office, several Offices of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division.
Since 2013, the project has resulted in more than 100 felony convictions, more than $15 million in restitution, more than $3.5 million in fines and a $1 million civil judgment. Prosecuted crimes include conspiracy, bribery, fraud, embezzlement, extortion, obstruction of justice, money laundering, blackmail, and tax evasion.
The Guardians Project is reaching out to the communities to train individuals working with federal grants and funding. These trainings are presented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon, and Christopher Wood, a special agent with the Department of Interior, Office of Inspector General.
In the past several months, trainings have been provided in Browning, Poplar, Box Elder, Lame Deer, Crow Agency and Harlem.
U.S. Attorney Kurt G. Alme said, “We are committed to ensuring that federal funds are used for their intended purpose for the benefit of all of the intended recipients. However, we want to ensure that those who work with federal grants are trained on how to handle them correctly, and those who discover misuse know how to report such misuse and be protected under whistleblower statutes.”
“When misuses are discovered, they will continue to be investigated by the Guardians Project and prosecuted by our office,” Alme said.
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Texas Receives 84 Months for Use of Firearm in Robbery Affecting Interstate CommerceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Patrick Miller, a 25 year old resident of Kaufman, Texas was sentenced to 84 months incarceration, ordered to pay $387.20 restitution after being convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to a factual statement Miller signed in connection with his guilty plea, on Christmas Day, 2017, Spanish Fort Police Department received a 911 call from a store clerk at Circle K Convenience Store located at 6490 Old Spanish Trail in Spanish Fort, Alabama in reference to a robbery. Almost immediately another 911 call came in from a patron of the store who told police that the robber ran across Spanish Trail to a vehicle that was parked behind Rite Aid Drug Store. The patron advised police dispatch that the robber got into the passenger side of the vehicle. The patron described the vehicle as an older model grey truck with blue writing on the side.
Spanish Fort police officers responded to the location at approximately 5:00 pm., they were told that a white male entered the store, went to the cooler and selected a six pack of Bud light beer and then returned to the register. The clerk stated that, after the robber pulled out a camouflage wallet and asked for a pack of Camel Turkish Royal Blend cigarettes in a box, he lifted his shirt and showed her a handgun located in his waist band. The store clerk stated that the robber then stated, “this is no joke, and I want all the money in the register." The store clerk then opened the register, and gave the robber all the money in the register. The store clerk described the robber as very tall and wearing a grey hoodie with a brown neck warmer. The total amount in cash stolen was approximately $387.20.The patron stated that after entering the store and going to the coolers, he heard a large amount of change hitting the counter, and it got his attention. The patron stated that when he looked, he could see money in the bag the robber was carrying. He advised police that he could tell something was wrong, and followed the robber out of the store. Once in front of the store, the robber began to walk toward the south of the building. The patron said that the robber showed him the butt of the handgun he was carrying. The patron then stopped following the robber and returned to his vehicle to retrieve his phone.
Still shots taken from the surveillance video showing the robber and his weapon were placed on the Spanish Fort Police Department Facebook page and given to Channel 15 News and Channel 10 News to broadcast.Three days later, on December 28, officers received a call from Miller’s employer who said he saw a TV broadcast and he identified the robber as Patrick Miller. Miller’s employer stated that he had also been in touch with the family Miller was living with in Spanish Fort. He provided a telephone number for Miller and advised his office was closed for the day. He said that he told his staff not to come in because he feared for their safety. Miller’s employer stated that Miller was currently driving a company truck which was described as an older Chevrolet with blue emblems on the door. He also advised that Miller was currently living with a family in Spanish Fort.
Also on December 28th, member of the family Miller lived with called with additional information. He stated that he had seen the broadcast from the Circle K, and that the robber was Miller. He stated that Miller had lived with his son at Auburn, and was currently living with him at his home in Spanish Fort. The family member stated that Miller was wearing a Broncos pull over that his son had given Miller and a neck warmer used when duck hunting by his son. The family member also stated that the handgun Miller used in the robbery belonged to his son as well. The family member stated that his son had brought Miller to live with them because of a drug problem, and was attempting to help him recover from addiction. The family member also stated that Miller was currently occupying a Chevy pickup that belonged to his boss. He advised that the truck was silver or grey with blue emblems on the doors. The family member also advised that Miller had shaved his beard earlier in the day.
Miller was located and arrested. At the time of arrest, Miller was in possession of a green camouflage wallet. He was also in possession of $267.00 in cash.
Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with officers of the Spanish Fort, Alabama Police Department investigated the case and brought it to the U. S. Attorney's Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
Sussex County, New Jersey, Tax Preparer Admits Failing to Pay Payroll Taxes and Make Personal Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Lafayette, New Jersey, tax preparer today admitted he did not pay payroll taxes and failed to make a personal income tax return, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Thomas Kurczewski, 71, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas to an information charging him with one count of failing to pay payroll taxes and one count of failing to make personal income tax returns, resulting in a total loss of $338,204.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Kurczewski was the sole owner and manager of a tax return preparation business that used the names “Tom K – The Tax Consultant” and “Tom K and Associates – The Tax Consultants.” During the years 2011 through 2014, the tax return preparation business employed two individuals, but Kurczewski failed to pay payroll taxes for them. He also failed to file an individual tax return and pay federal income taxes for calendar years 2011 through 2015.
The failure to pay payroll taxes count carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The failure to file personal income tax returns count carries a maximum potential penalty of up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John R. Tafur in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Stephen Ferketic of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Stockton Man Sentenced to over 4 Years in Prison for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Timothy Stout, 31, of Stockton, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill to four years and nine months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, on March 6, 2018, Stout unlawfully possessed four firearms, including a stolen handgun and an AR-15-style .223-caliber rifle with a barrel less than 16 inches in length that was not registered to Stout in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Stout also possessed two 30-round, high-capacity rifle magazines, and more than 160 rounds of rifle and handgun ammunition. Stout cannot lawfully possess firearms because he previously was convicted of felony offenses, including in Alameda County in May 2016 for grand theft and in June 2016 for exhibiting a firearm in the presence of an officer.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher D. Baker prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN was reinvigorated in 2017 as part of the Department of Justice’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.
St. Thomas Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling 23 Kilograms of Cocaine with the Intent to Distribute through the Cyril E. King AirportRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Shahime Ludvig, Jr., 20, of St. Thomas pleaded guilty today in District Court before District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez to possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Sentencing is set for March 14, 2019.
According to court documents, Ludvig attempted to smuggle twenty-three kilograms of cocaine through the Cyril E. King Airport to Atlanta, Georgia on Delta Flight #307. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agents at the airport discovered that Ludvig’s checked suitcase contained white brick-like objects that field tested positive for cocaine and weighed approximately twenty-three kilograms.
Ludvig faces a term of imprisonment of not less than ten years and not more than life and a fine of $10,000,000.00.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
St. John Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Illegal Aliens and Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – Brice Todman, 36, of St. John, and Jose Alfredo Rondon Castro, 40, of the Dominican Republic, both pleaded guilty today in District Court before District Court Judge Curtis V. Gomez. Todman pleaded guilty to bringing aliens into the United States and Castro pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry into the United States, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Todman’s sentencing is set for February 13, 2019 and Castro’s sentencing is set for March 14, 2019.
According, to court documents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) apprehended a vessel in the area of North Haulover Bay, St. John after agents observed the vessel operating with no lights. After the vessel was stopped, AMO agents observed five male individuals on board. The ensuing investigation identified Todman as the captain and the other four male individuals, including Castro, as persons who were not U.S. citizens. Castro had been previously ordered deported in February 2018 and did not have permission from the Department of Homeland Security to re-enter the United States.
Todman and Castro both face sentences of up to ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Unit and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
St. Croix Man Convicted at Trial is Sentenced to 240 Months for Conspiracy and Possession of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis, on November 8, 2018, sentenced Jose R. Hodge, age 38, of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, to 240 months in prison for conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute, attempted possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Judge Lewis also sentenced Hodge to five years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay a fine of $10,000.000 and a special assessment of $200.00.
On June 26, 2018, a federal jury convicted Hodge along with five co-defendants on cocaine related charges. Evidence at trial revealed that a transnational drug trafficking organization planned the retrieval from the high seas of over 300 kilograms of cocaine during the period of the conspiracy which existed from January 2014 to March 2016. Hodge functioned as a manager in the organization. He managed the mid-sea retrieval of 35 kilograms of cocaine in August 2014, 71 kilograms of cocaine in October 2014, 80 kilograms of cocaine in November 2014, 30 kilograms of cocaine in December 2014 and 87 kilograms of cocaine in November 2015. Except for the November 2014 shipment, all other shipments were successfully retrieved and transported, via boat, to St. Croix. On November 14, 2015, law enforcement agents seized the 87 kilogram shipment which was packaged in four suitcases on a beach at Knight’s Bay on St. Croix. They apprehended four members of the organization including Hodge.
Fourteen individuals were originally charged as part of the drug trafficking organization. Prior to trial six defendants entered guilty pleas and were sentenced. Of the six defendants that went to trial one other besides Hodge, that is, Jesus Burgos-Montanez, was sentenced to 68 months of incarceration for his role in the offense.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr. and Everard E. Potter.
Spokane Man Sentenced to 46 Months for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE – Donovan Gomez, 23, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced last Tuesday to 46 months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. Gomez was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge David C. Nye. Judge Nye also sentenced Gomez to three years supervised release after he is finished serving his prison term. Gomez was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 17, 2018.
According to court records, on April 3, 2018, Gomez illegally possessed a firearm at the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Casino Hotel. Gomez was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his 2017 felony conviction for vehicle theft and 2018 felony conviction for second degree robbery, both out of Spokane. Law enforcement learned about Gomez’s illegal firearm possession when Gomez photographed himself in one of the hotel rooms holding a gun and posted it on social media. Someone alerted casino security, who called the tribal police, who called Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The FBI, Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police and Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office are credited with the investigation.
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 and directed 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.
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South Euclid man indicted for brandishing a firearm during Painesville bank robberyRead the Press Release
A South Euclid man was indicted for using a firearm to rob a bank in Painesville.
Clark brandished a firearm on Aug. 13 when he robbed the Northwest Bank on Richmond Street, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Kane and Robert J. Patton following an investigation by the FBI and Painesville Police Department
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.
Solon woman indicted for laundering drug profits through her company through the purchase and sale of homes around Northeast OhioRead the Press Release
A Solon woman was indicted for laundering drug profits through her company through the purchase and sale of homes around Northeast Ohio.
Jennifer Harrison, 36, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to launder money.
Harrison owned Priority Property Services LLC, a business that operates as a general contractor handling home repairs, inspections and maintenance. Harrison and a Maple Heights drug trafficker identified in the indictment as CC1 conspired between 2010 and 2014 to launder CC1’s drug profits, according to the indictment.
CC1 provided cash to Harrison to be used to purchase property and real estate. CC1 also provided cash to purchase supplies, appliances and other items to improve the value the of the property. Harrison sometimes re-sold the property and provided a portion of the proceeds to CC1, according to the indictment.
At times, Harrison deposited cash from CC1 into Priority Property Services LLC’s bank account, then wrote checks to CC1, giving the false impression she was paying CC1 for work and services performed at various properties such as landscaping and roofing, according to the indictment.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Riedl following an investigation by the ATF, Internal Revenue Service -- Criminal Investigations, U.S. Secret Service and the Northern Ohio Law Enforcment Task Force.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
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.
Seven people from Northeast Ohio indicted on federal firearms chargesRead the Press Release
Seven people were indicted on federal firearms charges.
Indicted are: Demond C. Smart, 29, of Akron; Eric S. Smith, 49, of Akron; Leighland Johnson, 33, of Youngstown; Russell Littlejohn, 31, of Cleveland; Howard Frost, 39, of Lorain; Edward Campbell III, 27, of Youngstown and Essence D. Williams, 23, of Youngstown.
Smart is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Smart was arrested on Aug. 29 with a TK firearm following a chase in which Smart was driving a stolen car. Smart has previous convictions that prohibit him from having a firearm, including for felonious assault and firearms crimes, according to the indictment.
Smith is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Smith possessed a J.P. Sauer and Sohn .357 Magnum Western Marshal revolver on June 17, despite previous convictions for assault with a deadly weapons, attempted battery with a deadly weapon and other crimes, according to the indictment.
Johnston is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He possessed a Glock .40-caliber pistol and ammunition despite a previous conviction for robbery, according to the indictment.
Frost on Sept. 17 possessed a Raven MP-25 pistol and ammunition, despite a previous conviction for drug trafficking. Frost also possessed 17 grams of fentanyl and 2 grams of crack cocaine, according to the indictment.
Campbell is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm while Williams is charged with aiding and abetting.
Campbell possessed a Smith & Wesson, 9mm pistol, a Taurus, 9mm pistol, and a Century Arms, 7.62 rifle on March 5, 2018, despite a previous federal conviction for racketeering. He was aided and abetted by Essence D. Williams in the possession of these firearms, according to the indictment.
Littlejohn is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Littlejohn possessed a Phoenix Arms, Model HP22A, .22 caliber pistol, and ten rounds of .22 caliber ammunition on Oct. 10, after having been previously convicted of robbery with a firearm specification in 2010 and felonious assault, according to the indictment.
If convicted, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
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.
The Smart and Smith cases were investigated by the ATF and Akron Police Department and are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Daly. The Littlejohn case was investigated by the Cleveland Metropolitan Housing Authority and ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad J. Beeson. The other cases were investigated by the ATF and are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer.
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.
Seven indicted on drug distribution chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Seven people from New York and West Virginia were indicted this month by a federal grand jury sitting in Clarksburg on drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The 14-count indictment alleges those named conspired with one another to distribute “crack” cocaine and cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “coke,” in Monongalia County and elsewhere from the Spring of 2018 until November 2018. Those named in the indictment are:
• Lemar Sheldon Conliffe, also known as “AB,” age 42, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Levon Williams, also known as “Slim,” age 36, of Bronx, New York
• Kenneth Buzzo, age 57, of Granville, West Virginia
• Sandra Riggleman age 58, of Granville, West Virginia
• Bonnie Jo Korzun, age 38, of Granville, West Virginia
• Tyler Hammack, age 20, of Westover, West Virginia
• Clifford “Mike” Nethken, age 45, of Morgantown, West VirginiaAssistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Serial armed robber found guilty in federal trialRead the Press Release
Indianapolis man robbed four retail stores at gunpoint in 2017
PRESS RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS - United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today the conviction of Kevin Ingram, 28, following a federal criminal trial. The jury found Ingram guilty of all charges, which stemmed from four robberies of retail stores in Indianapolis in October 2017, and using a firearm in each of the four robberies. The trial was held before U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.
“Hoosiers should feel safe in their daily lives and not have to fear violence when they go to the store or the salon,” said Minkler. “Those who choose to terrorize our community with violence, particularly those who use firearms, will feel the full weight of federal law enforcement brought to bear on their crimes.”
In mid-October 2017, Ingram robbed four Indianapolis stores at gunpoint in an eight-day spree. Two of the stores were beauty salons, where Ingram stuck a semi-automatic pistol in the faces and backs of store workers and customers. He demanded cash and threatened to shoot if they did not comply. The other two stores Ingram robbed were larger, one being a beauty supply shop and the other a dollar store. Ingram robbed both stores in the middle of the afternoon, with the stores full of patrons. In each case, he pretended to purchase an item and then leaned over the counter, drew his pistol, demanded money, and started counting down before threatening to shoot. In all, he stole approximately $3,000 in cash and threatened at least eight victims at gunpoint, all of whom were female.
Days after the fourth robbery, Ingram saw his face on the news from store security camera footage and fled to Houston, Texas. There, he is alleged to have committed at least three more robberies of individuals at knifepoint. He was apprehended in Indianapolis several weeks later.
At trial, the jury heard testimony from each of the women Ingram terrorized at gunpoint. In addition, the jury saw security video footage from each store Ingram robbed, which showed Ingram pointing the pistol and wearing distinct clothing that was also found on his Facebook page.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
“Mr. Ingram traumatized employees who were simply trying to do their jobs and customers who never thought someone would try to harm them while they were going about their daily lives," said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Indianapolis Division. "This conviction is a testament to the dedication of our agents and our partners whose hard work on this ensured this individual is no longer a threat to the community.”
“The collaboration required to finalize a case of this magnitude is indicative of the dedication and commitment of our local law enforcement and the trust forged with members of our community”, said IMPD Chief Bryan Roach. “Our collective law enforcement efforts (local, state, and federal) will continue to focus on those individuals who perpetrate violence in our community for a better Indianapolis and Marion County for all.”
According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nick Linder and Lawrence Hilton, who prosecuted the case for the government, Ingram faces a minimum of 82 years of imprisonment. His sentencing date has not yet been set.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s firm commitment to prosecuting those who commit violent crimes involving firearms. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan 2.3.
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Serial Bank Robber Pleads Guilty, Admits Knocking over Six Banks in Six WeeksRead the Press Release
The federal prosecution of a serial bank robber who briefly terrorized the St. Louis metropolitan area took an important step forward today. Dandre R. Brown, 30, of Godfrey, Illinois, pleaded guilty to a six-count federal indictment charging him with five counts of bank robbery and one count of transporting a stolen vehicle across state lines. The five charged robberies all took place in Madison County, Illinois, during a six-week span from November 2017 to January 2018:
As part of his guilty plea, Brown further admitted committing a sixth robbery involving the U.S. Bank in Florissant, Missouri, on December 11, 2017, and afterward fleeing in a stolen car back to Illinois. It is that conduct which formed the basis for Brown’s stolen vehicle conviction on count six.
All told, Brown stole nearly $37,000 from the six victim banks.
Brown’s bank robberies all followed the same basic modus operandi. Brown would enter the bank alone wearing something covering his head. He would present the teller with a note and then flee with the money to a vehicle parked a block or two away. On multiple occasions, when demanding money from the bank tellers, Brown would tell them he knew where they lived, intimating that he might come after them personally if they did anything to thwart his crimes.
Investigators were able to identify Brown because of outstanding police work at the local and federal level. After robbing the U.S. Bank in Alton, Brown dropped the demand note he had presented the teller. The note read, "Give me all the money NO Die Packs I have a weapon." Officers with the Alton Police Department found the note in the grass across the street from the bank and sent it to the FBI crime lab, where four latent fingerprints and one latent palm print were discovered and subsequently matched to Brown. After a federal arrest warrant was issued, the United States Marshals Service tracked Brown to Atlanta, Georgia, where they apprehended him on January 23, 2018.
During today’s plea hearing, the United States recounted additional evidence tying Brown to the crimes, including identifying characteristics visible in bank surveillance video and Brown’s connection to the various vehicles used in the robberies. One of those vehicles – a 2016 Chrysler 300 – Brown admitted stealing from a parking lot at the Gateway Regional Hospital in Granite City, Illinois, shortly before robbing the U.S. Bank in Florissant, Missouri. In exchange for Brown’s admission and guilty plea, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri agreed to forego prosecution of the Florissant robbery.
Brown is being held without bond pending his sentencing hearing, which is set for February 26, 2019, at 1:30 pm, at the federal courthouse in Benton, Illinois. He faces up to 20 years imprisonment on each of his five robbery convictions, and up to 10 years imprisonment on his conviction for transporting a stolen vehicle. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 and up to 3 years supervised release. Brown may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victims.
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. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address violent crime, the Justice Department announced the reinvigoration of PSN ("PSN 2.0") and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
"The prosecution of this serial bank robber demonstrates the success of the PSN program by the tremendous collaborative effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies," said United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. "The full weight of federal law enforcement must be brought to fight this type of violent crime."
This case is the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, and the Alton Police Department, in concert with the Illinois State Police, Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the following police departments: Granite City, St. Louis County, Godfrey, East Alton, Wood River, and Edwardsville. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James G. Piper, Jr.
Salvadoran Citizen Sentenced for Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Marvin Jeovanny Flores Escolero, age 37, and a citizen of El Salvador, was sentenced today to time served (30 days in jail), for illegal re-entry into the United States.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Thomas E. Feeley, Director of the Buffalo Field Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
As part of his guilty plea, Flores Escolero admitted that he was removed from the United States to El Salvador on February 13, 2010. On October 14, 2018, he was arrested by an ICE Officer in Walton, Delaware County, New York.
Following his sentencing, Flores Escolero was remanded to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security, for removal proceedings.
This case was investigated by ICE-ERO and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Round Rock Man Sentenced to 131 Months in Prison for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – Today, Rodrick D. Begay, 64, of Round Rock, Ariz., was sentenced by United States District Judge John J. Tuchi to 131 months in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release. The sentence reflects a downward adjustment of approximately four months to account for the time Begay served in tribal custody for the same incident. Begay had previously pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact with a minor.
On April 13, 2017, Begay, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, knowingly engaged in sexual contact with the minor victim, who is also an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Christina Covault, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-17-8164-PCT-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-153_Begay
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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.
Reputed Member of Mafia Insane Vice Lords Convicted for Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On November 13, 2018, after a five-day jury trial before the Honorable Curtis L. Collier, Senior U.S. District Judge, James Silas, 50, of the Chicago suburb of Dolton, Illinois, was convicted of conspiring to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.
Sentencing is set for 2:00 p.m., April 24, 2019 in U.S. District Court in Chattanooga. Based on a prior drug conviction and a corresponding notice of enhancement filed by the United States, Silas faces a statutory mandatory minimum of 20 years to life in prison, to be followed by no fewer than 10 years of supervision by U.S. Probation. He also faces a fine of up to $20,000,000.
Witnesses at trial testified that Silas, who is reputed to be a member of the nationwide street gang Mafia Insane Vice Lords and known by the moniker “the Prince,” served as a multi-kilogram source of supply to heroin distributors and fellow gang members based in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Knoxville, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; and elsewhere. Beginning in 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted a series of court-authorized wiretaps on a number telephones belonging to gang members as a component of the large-scale investigation. Through these wiretaps, they discovered the involvement of Silas in this interstate conspiracy. Silas was arrested in Illinois and brought to the Eastern District of Tennessee for trial.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA, in conjunction with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and with the assistance of local and federal law enforcement agencies in the Chicago area. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle Wilson and Scott Winne represented the United States at trial. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Porter indicted the case and handled pre-trial matters.
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Price Montgomery Convicted on Charges Relating to the Killing of a Federal WitnessRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – After deliberating for approximately five hours, a federal jury found Price Montgomery guilty of violating federal drug, firearms, witness tampering and money laundering laws and James Perrin guilty of violating federal drug and firearms laws. Montgomery’s conviction for killing a federal witness carries a mandatory life sentence.
"Today, justice has been served in the murder of federal witness Tina Crawford. Twelve citizens in western Pennsylvania found Price Montgomery guilty of the murder of Ms. Crawford and the attempted murder of Patsy Crawford in the same attack," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "The Department of Justice mobilized all available resources in the investigation of Ms. Crawford’s murder and today’s result is a testament to the tireless efforts of a team of prosecutors and law enforcement agents."
Montgomery and Perrin were also convicted of operating a drug conspiracy which distributed over a kilogram of heroin in the Pittsburgh area.
Montgomery, formerly of William Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Perrin, formerly of Sherman Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were tried before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak. Assistant United States Attorneys Shaun E. Sweeney and Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
According to evidence presented during the trial, from April 2013 until June 2014, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Montgomery and Perrin conspired to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. On June 8, 2014, Montgomery and Perrin, who both have prior felony convictions, possessed 16 firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. Montgomery also conspired to commit money laundering by using the proceeds of his illegal drug trafficking to purchases items, including cars and lease-to-purchase agreements on homes. Finally, the evidence proved that approximately an hour before Tina Crawford was scheduled to appear at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to discuss her role as a courier in the Montgomery drug distribution organization, Price Montgomery shot and killed her and wounded her mother, Patsy, in the garage area of the Hill District home they shared.
The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison for Montgomery. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000 or both for Perrin. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The Western Pennsylvania office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation led the investigation, assisted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation leading to the convictions in this case.
Pennsylvania fugitive Shawn Christy indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
A Pennsylvania man who was a fugitive was indicted on federal firearms charges.
Shawn Christy, 27, of Macadoo, Pennsylvania, was charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a fugitive from justice.
Christy had become a fugitive from justice fleeing from charges out of the Middle District of Pennsylvania for threats against the President and interstate communication of threats. Christy was located in Ohio after an extensive manhunt. Christy was found to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition when he was arrested on Sept. 21, 2018.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Riley following an investigation by the FBI and ATF.
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.
Paola Man Sentenced in Federal Meth Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Miles Joseph McWhorter, 34, Paola, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. McWhorter was yelling, moving erratically and acting aggressively toward law enforcement officers when they stopped his car in Ottawa, Kan. Investigators found almost a pound of methamphetamine in the car, as well as ammunition and $2,724 in cash. After McWhorter was arrested, McWhorter’s girlfriend was arrested with 200 grams of methamphetamine and a shotgun belonging to McWhorter.
McAllister commended the Franklin County Drug Enforcement Unit, the KBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania for their work on the case.
Otis, Oregon Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child Pornography Using DropboxRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – William Borges, 20, of Otis, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to one count of distributing child pornography.
According to court documents, investigators identified Borges in September 2016 as part of an ongoing investigation by the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office into the use of Dropbox, a cloud-based file sharing application, to distribute media depicting the sexual exploitation of children. A federal search warrant issued to Dropbox produced the email address Borges used to create a Dropbox account identified by investigators as containing child pornography. Investigators later matched three video uploads to Dropbox depicting the sexual abuse of young children to the IP address of Borges’ home in Otis. During a search of Borges’ home, he admitted to possessing child pornography and trading images and videos using Kik Messenger and Dropbox.
Borges faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and a lifetime term of supervised release. He will be sentenced on February 11, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken.
The FBI Sacramento Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) and FBI Salem Resident Agency investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Amy Potter, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The FBI’s CETF conducts sexual exploitation investigations—many of them undercover—in coordination with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering underage victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at www.fbi.gov/tips.
Ohio County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –Caveizz Cunningham, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years probation for heroin and cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cunningham, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base” in August 2018. Cunningham admitted to conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine base in January 2018 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.Northfield Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to Obtain Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Robert Gallagher Sr., 50, of Northfield, pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements to obtain Social Security disability insurance benefits, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Gallagher has managed and worked as a mechanic at since 2008. In May of 2012, Gallagher applied for disability insurance benefits and falsely claimed that he had been unable to work since January 1, 2011. To receive disability insurance benefits, an individual must have a medical disability that prevents the claimant from performing “substantial gainful activity”—that is, work activity that is the type ordinarily done for pay or profit. Social Security advised Gallagher that he was required to report whether he was working, regardless of his income, and that if he provided Social Security with “false information on purpose, [his] benefits will be stopped.” However, although Gallagher was managing and working when he applied for benefits, he concealed his work activity from Social Security. As a result, Gallagher began receiving Social Security disability insurance benefits in October of 2013.
In December 2016, during an in-person work activity review, Gallagher again told Social Security that he had not been working. In 2017, during an audit of Department of Motor Vehicle inspections by the New Hampshire State Police, Gallagher told the inspector that he worked approximately 47 hours per week as both a mechanic and state vehicle inspector. Gallagher subsequently admitted to an investigator from the Office of the Inspector General, that he had worked since 2008 and that he lied to Social Security when he claimed that he was not working. As a result of his concealment, Gallagher received Social Security disability insurance benefits that he was not entitled to receive from October 2013 through March 2017.
Gallagher is scheduled to be sentenced on February 21, 2018.
“Federal benefits programs provide important support for qualified individuals,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who use fraudulent means to obtain benefits are committing a serious federal crime. We work closely with federal agencies to ensure that federal benefits only go to those who truly deserve them.”
“Mr. Gallagher’s false statements allowed him to collect funds from the Social Security Administration’s Disability Trust fund that he was not entitled to,” said Scott Antolik, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General Boston Field Division. “I hope these charges will be a warning to those who might lie to the Social Security Administration to fraudulently obtain disability benefits to the detriment of those who are truly deserving. I thank our partners with the New Hampshire State Police for their assistance with this investigation.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to conduct investigations with our counterparts to combat fraud,” said U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge, Joseph W. Cronin Boston Division. “We will seek prosecution of those individuals who choose to use the U.S. Mail to facilitate crimes like these. Mr. Gallagher made fraudulent statements to financially gain from a system designed to support those in need.”
This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the New Hampshire State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.
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Nigerian National Indicted for Internet Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Nigerian national in St. Robert, Mo., has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his role in a conspiracy that used various internet scams to defraud victims.
Segun Prosper Otaru, 26, was charged in a 12-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. Otaru is a Nigerian citizen and a legal permanent resident of the United States.
The federal indictment alleges that Otaru participated in wire fraud conspiracy that lasted from 2015 to Oct. 9, 2018, in Greene and Pulaski Counties. Conspirators defrauded their victims through various scams, according to the indictment, including posting internet advertisements on sites such as Craigslist.com, for goods, services and rental accommodations. Conspirators allegedly sought to induce individuals who responded to the advertisements to pay for the goods and services, which they had no intention to provide.
For instance, the indictment says, conspirators used existing pictures and descriptions of properties from legitimate websites to create fraudulent Craigslist postings under properties for rent. When victims responded to the advertisement, conspirators instructed them to send a deposit in order to hold the property, typically through a money service business such as MoneyGram or Western Union, to an account controlled by the conspirators, including accounts established and maintained by Otaru in Springfield, Mo., and Waynesville, Mo.
Conspirators allegedly defrauded business wholesalers by tricking them into wiring funds into accounts they controlled as purported “shipping fees” for merchandise they purchased using stolen credit card numbers. After using a stolen credit card number to purchase items from the victim businesses, the indictment says, conspirators told the victim the merchandise needed to be shipped to a foreign country. Conspirators insisted on using their own shipper, instructed victims to charge the full amounts for the merchandise plus shipping fees to the stolen credit card numbers, and instructed victims to send the shipping fees to “their shipper” at the provided bank account maintained by the conspirators, including Otaru’s accounts.
According to the indictment, Otaru also participated in a scheme to submit false and fraudulent federal income tax returns in order to receive refunds. Conspirators used stolen identities to file returns that listed false employers, wages, and employment taxes paid. At least 167 false and fraudulent federal income tax returns were designated for deposit to seven different bank accounts controlled by Otaru and another person. These 167 federal tax returns requested refunds totaling approximately $644,280. They actually received at least $24,356 in fraudulently-obtained tax refunds.
In furtherance of the schemes and conspiracy, Otaru and his co-conspirators opened and maintained a series of bank accounts. Some of Otaru’s accounts were in his name and some were in the names of various aliases. In order to open bank accounts using false names, Otaru obtained from his co-conspirators false identification documents, usually counterfeit passports and drivers’ licenses, purportedly issued by nations in Africa, such as Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. The false passports contained forged and counterfeit United States visas, as false evidence of the bearer’s evidence of authorized stay and employment in the United States.
In April 2017, the indictment says, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized a package sent to Otaru from Nigeria that was manifested as “local body scrub.” In addition to a container of soap, the package contained four counterfeit passports (purportedly issued by Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone) with four corresponding foreign driver’s licenses. All documents displayed Otaru’s picture but bore different names. All documents were fraudulent, and the passports further contained counterfeit United States visas.
In August 2017, the indictment says, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized a package sent to Otaru from Nigeria that was manifested as “native suite and sandals.” Hidden in the soles of the sandals were four counterfeit passports (purportedly issued by Nigeria, Gambia, South Africa, and Liberia) with four corresponding foreign driver’s licenses. All documents displayed Otaru’s picture, but bore different names. All documents were fraudulent, and the passports further contained counterfeit United States visas.
Otaru allegedly also possessed a fraudulent Kenyan passport and two fraudulent Nigerian passports.
Otaru kept some of the funds obtained from the alleged schemes for his own use. He transferred some of the funds to co-conspirators in the United States and in other countries. He sometime used the funds to purchase vehicles for export to co-conspirators in Africa.
In addition to the conspiracy, the indictment charges Otaru with four counts of wire fraud, four counts of bank fraud, one count of theft of public money, and two counts of fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents. The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Otaru to forfeit to the government any property derived from the proceeds of the alleged conspiracy.
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 Steven M. Mohlhenrich. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Newton Falls woman indicted for stealing $377,000 from healthcare plans she administered and using the money to pay personal and business expensesRead the Press Release
A 26-count indictment was filed today accusing a Newton Falls resident of stealing more than $375,000 from healthcare plans she administered and using the money to pay for personal and business expenses, said Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
Pamela S. Priddy, 58, was charged with 22 counts of bank fraud and four counts of theft from a health benefit program.
In 2010, Priddy started Health Plan Administrators LLC (“HPA”), a company that was a third-party administrator of healthcare plan benefits. It was located in Austintown. Priddy was HPA’s President, founder and owner majority owner.
HPA had several clients that were companies which sponsored self-funded health care benefit plans for their employees. These companies hired HPA and paid it a fee to administer their benefit plans. Priddy knew HPA was required by law and by contract to establish individual segregated bank accounts for each of the client companies to hold, in trust, the funds the companies sent to HPA to pay claims from medical service providers, according to the indictment.
From at least January 1, 2012 through November 13, 2013, Priddy diverted and used approximately $377,091.74 of HPA clients’ money in connection with a health care program as general assets of HPA and for Priddy’s personal benefit. Priddy did so through (a) Company Account Misappropriations and, (b) Health Care Service Provider Refunds Misappropriations.
From on or about January 4, 2012 through on or about January 10, 2013, Priddy obtained approximately $151,568.66 in funds from Company’s accounts. Priddy failed to disclose to the clients that following the termination of their business relationship with HPA the material fact that there were substantial remaining funds in the Company’s client claim accounts.
From on or about January 1, 2012 through on or about November 13, 2013, Priddy misappropriated approximately $225,523.08 of health care service provider refunds. Health care service providers sent approximately 178 checks representing refunds due to Companies to HPA. The refunds were due to multiple claim payments, payments made without accounting for network discounts, and payments paid in error by HPA, on behalf of HPA clients, with clients’ health plan assets, as evidenced by multiple Explanation of Benefit forms and refund request letters generated by HPA or refund forms generated by service providers. The majority of the refunds were due to former clients of HPA and were received after the clients had terminated services with HPA.
Instead of depositing those checks to Companies’ client accounts, crediting clients’ accounts, or refunding the money, Priddy caused those checks to be deposited in HPA accounts and the funds were used for HPA business expenses and Priddy's personal benefit. Priddy failed to disclose to the clients the material fact that HPA received refunds from providers, but those funds were not deposited into the client claims accounts or credited to the client’s bill with HPA.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Kall following an investigation by U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General and Employee Benefits Security Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.
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.
New York Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Producing Images of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Pearl River, New York, man was sentenced today to 300 months in prison for photographing and filming a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct and sharing those images online, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Richard Murphy, 33, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez to an information charging him with sexual exploitation of a minor. Judge Vazquez imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
Murphy admitted that in December 2016, he persuaded a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of taking photos and videos of that conduct. Murphy also admitted that he took video of the child performing a sex act on him. In addition, Murphy admitted that he shared the sexually explicit images with another individual online.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Vazquez sentenced Murphy to 15 years of supervised release. Restitution will be determined at a hearing within 90 days of today’s sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael, with the investigation.
The government is represented Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danielle Alfonzo Walsman, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Public Protection Unit, and Leticia Vandehaar, Chief of Staff to the U.S. Attorney.
Defense counsel: David I. Goldstein Esq., Chestnut Ridge, New York
Native of Mexico Sentenced for Illegally Re-entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Juan Felix Andres, 20, of Mexico, who was convicted of illegal reentry after deportation following conviction of an aggravated felony, and violation of supervised release, was sentenced to serve 14 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie P. Grisanti, who handled the case, stated that on April 16, 2016, the defendant was convicted in Texas of aiding and abetting the transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain, an aggravated felony. Following that conviction, Andres was ordered removed to Mexico from the United States.
On February 27, 2018, while an order of removal was still in effect, the defendant was found in the United States at the Lewiston Bridge Port of Entry in Lewiston, NY. An automated scan of the defendant’s fingerprints were obtained for comparison and matched the fingerprints on file with the FBI and confirmed that Andres was the same person who was convicted in Texas. The defendant did not obtain the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or his successor, the Secretary for Homeland Security, to re-enter the United States.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
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Mississippi Man Sentenced in Federal Court on Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Thomas Lee Ruffin, 57, of Meridian, Mississippi, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for his participation in the interstate transportation and sale of stolen firearms. Ruffin pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm and concealing a stolen firearm in July of 2018.
United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose imposed the 36-month sentence on November 9, 2018. Ruffin will serve 3 years on supervised release following the completion of his imprisonment, and the judge ordered that he would undergo testing and treatment for drug abuse while under supervision. The judge did not impose a fine but ordered the imposition of $200 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Lauderdale County (Mississippi) Sheriff’s Office, The Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.
Mexican National Indicted for Drug Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally selling more than a dozen firearms and a large amount of methamphetamine and heroin to an undercover federal agent.
Heladio Lezama-Palma, 33, a citizen of Mexico who was residing in Kansas City, Mo., was charged in an eight-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Lezama-Palma on Nov. 8, 2018, and contains additional charges.
The indictment charges Lezama-Palma with two counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of distributing heroin, two counts of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, two counts of being an illegal alien in possession of firearms, and one count of illegally reentering the United States after having been deported.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Lezama-Palma sold a confidential informant three firearms on July 2, 2018. After the sale, the affidavit says, Lezama-Palma said he currently possessed 20 kilograms of methamphetamine and offered to sell it for $7,500 per kilogram.
On July 31, 2018, Lezama-Palma met the confidential informant and an undercover law enforcement agent. Lezama-Palma allegedly sold the undercover agent one kilogram of methamphetamine.
Lezama-Palma contacted the undercover agent in October, the affidavit says, and told him he had more firearms for sale. Lezama-Palma met the undercover agent and the confidential informant on Oct. 30, 2018, and allegedly sold the agent five firearms (a HiPoint 9mm semi-automatic pistol, an Intratect 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a HiPoint 9mm semi-automatic rifle, and two Spike’s Tactical AR-15 .223 variant rifles), several magazines and 22.7 grams of heroin. Lezama-Palma met the undercover agent again later the same day, the affidavit says, and gave him a Taurus 9mm handgun, which he said he could pay for later.
The next day, on Oct. 31, 2018, Lezama-Palma contacted the undercover agent and allegedly offered to sell seven more firearms for $4,800. The undercover agent asked Lezama-Palma to add two kilograms of methamphetamine to the sale. Lezama-Palma agreed, the affidavit says, and they arranged to meet a few days later.
On Nov. 7, 2018, the undercover agent met Lezama-Palma at a grocery store parking lot, where he was arrested by Kansas City, Mo., police officers. Officers searched the Cadillac Escalade Lezama-Palma was driving and found a black duffel bag that contained approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine and seven firearms (a Taurus 9mm pistol, a Mellennium .40-caliber pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, a Glock .40-caliber pistol, a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, a Mac 90 Sporter 7.62mm rifle, and a DTI-15 5.56mm rifle).
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 Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberlee L. Moore. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Metairie Man Sentenced for Manufacturing and Selling Explosive Devices and Possessing Anabolic Steroids in Federal CaseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced on Thursday, November 8, 2018, that BRAD MILLIGAN, age 39, of Metairie, has been sentenced to credit for time served and 2 years supervised release by the Honorable Nannette Jolivette Brown for manufacturing and distributing explosive materials without a license and possessing anabolic steroids with the intent to distribute. MILLIGAN did not possess a license to distribute either the explosives or anabolic steroids.
According to court documents, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating the shipment of explosive precursor chemicals which are used to manufacture explosive devices, such as M-type explosive devices. ATF agents learned that MILLIGAN was purchasing large quantities of the precursor materials, all of which were ordered over the internet and delivered to his Metairie residence. A Crimestoppers tipster anonymously provided information to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) which stated that MILLIGAN was selling explosive devices and anabolic steroids from his residence. Members of the JPSO and the ATF began a joint investigation into the information provided.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed was in charge of the prosecution.
Merriam Restaurant Owner Sentenced for Faking Proof He Was Paying Minimum WageRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Merriam restaurant owner was sentenced Tuesday to 10 months in federal prison for falsifying records he submitted to prove he was paying his workers minimum page, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Yong Lin, 39, Overland Park, Kan., who owned the China Garden restaurant at 5860 Antioch in Merriam, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of falsifying records submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor.
In his plea, the defendant admitted that a federal investigation determined he was not complying with the Fair Labor Standards Act because he did not pay employees overtime after 40 hours. After he agreed to pay employees back wages, a subsequent investigation revealed he was feigning compliance by paying his servers with paychecks to bring their hourly pay up to minimum wage. In fact, however, he was requiring the servers to cash their payroll checks and turn the money back over to him.
McAllister commended the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, Office of Solicitor General, Office of Inspector General and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble for their work on the case.
Members of Venezuelan Crime Syndicate Sentenced for Multistate ATM "Jackpotting" SchemeRead the Press Release
Christian Zerpa-Ruiz and Ragde Pinto-Coronado Stole From Bank and Credit Union ATMs By Infecting Them With Malicious Software That Forced the ATMs to Dispense Cash
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that Christian Eduardo Zerpa-Ruiz, 32, and Ragde Hussein Pinto-Coronado, 24, both of Venezuela, were sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank larceny. Zerpa-Ruiz was sentenced to 51 months in prison, Pinto-Coronado was sentenced to 15 months in prison, and both were ordered to pay restitution. U.S District Judge Janet T. Neff imposed the sentences.
Zerpa-Ruiz and Pinto-Coronado are members of a Venezuelan crime syndicate who, in a sophisticated hacking scheme known as "jackpotting," robbed bank and credit union automated teller machines by infecting their hard drives with malware that allowed them to take command of the machines and force them to dispense all the cash they contained in a relatively short period of time – somewhat like hitting a jackpot on a casino slot machine. This type of crime was first reported in the United States in January 2018.
Zerpa-Ruiz and Pinto-Coronado successfully jackpotted four ATMs in Indiana, Kentucky, and Wisconsin, and stole approximately $125,000 in cash. They were arrested on March 15, 2018, while attempting to jackpot an ATM in St. Joseph, Michigan containing more than $43,000. Pinto- Coronado is in the United States illegally. Zerpa-Ruiz came to the United States on a tourist visa in late January 2018, and began jackpotting in February 2018.
In imposing the sentences, Judge Neff characterized the crime as a "chillingly sophisticated" use of technology that "strikes at the integrity of the financial system of the entire country." She said she was "astounded" and "troubled" that Zerpa-Ruiz and Pinto-Coronado were able to "come into the country and attack the financial system in this way."
"Criminals continue to exploit new types of technology to attack our nation’s financial institutions," Birge said. "But one thing remains the same: they will be caught, and they will go to prison. We will vigorously prosecute these cases, and continue to work with law enforcement to develop countermeasures to prevent these types of crimes in the future."
"Today’s sentencings demonstrate that attempts to attack our nation’s financial systems through technological exploitation will be met by the full force of federal law enforcement," said Timothy R. Slater, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Division of the FBI. "The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to protect the integrity of our banking institutions against schemes to compromise it, and bring to justice those who perpetrate these crimes."
"This case demonstrates the Secret Service’s commitment to ensure the integrity of our nation’s financial infrastructure by collaborating with our local and federal partners to aggressively pursue those who commit these types of crimes," said Steve McMahon, the Resident Agent in Charge of the Secret Service’s Grand Rapids field office.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Secret Service, and the St. Joseph Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Stiffler handled the prosecution.
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Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Travelling Interstate to Engage in Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Brockton, MA, man was sentenced today to 90 months in federal prison for traveling from Massachusetts into Rhode Island on multiple occasions to engage in illicit sex with a 15-year-old minor he met on the Internet in an online chat forum.
At sentencing, U.S. District Court Chief Judge William E. Smith also ordered Andy J. Joseph, 26, to serve 10 years supervised release upon completion of his term of incarceration.
Joseph pleaded guilty on April 24, 2018, to two counts of traveling interstate with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines range of imprisonment in this matter is 63-78 months. As stipulated in a plea agreement filed in this matter, the government and the defendant recommended the Court impose a sentence of 90 months of incarceration.
Joseph’s sentence is announced by United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh, and Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves.
At the time of his guilty plea, Joseph admitted to the Court that in June 2016, after meeting the victim in an online chat forum, he traveled from Massachusetts to Rhode Island on multiple occasions to engage in sex acts with the minor victim, and that he caused her to become engaged in commercial sex acts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Joseph posted advertisements for commercial sexual purposes on the website Backpage.com. These ads, paid for by Joseph, contained pictures of the 15 year-old victim and a cell phone number to call for the sexual services. This activity continued until Joseph’s arrest on December 1, 2016.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Terrence P. Donnelly.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Pawtucket Police Department.
Man Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court to More Than 13 Years in Prison for Illegally Trafficking Assault Rifles and Other Firearms, as Well as NarcoticsRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ARIEL ACOSTA, a/k/a “A-Loc,” a/k/a “Blue,” a/k/a “True Blue,” was sentenced today to 160 months in prison for firearms and narcotics trafficking. ACOSTA and his co-conspirators sold seven guns, including an AK-47 assault rifle and a SKS assault rifle, a silencer, ammunition, and a bulletproof vest to undercover officers. ACOSTA pled guilty in Manhattan federal court in April 2018 to one count of conspiring to distribute crack cocaine and one count of unlicensed firearms dealing. United States District Judge Kimba M. Wood imposed today’s sentence.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Ariel Acosta sought to put illegal guns and drugs on the streets of New York City. For his crimes he will serve over 13 years in prison. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who would put the people of our city in danger.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and statements made in related court filings and proceedings:
From at least 2016 to August 2017, ACOSTA and other members of a drug trafficking organization sold narcotics near Hughes Avenue and East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx, New York (the “Hughes Avenue DTO”). ACOSTA personally sold crack cocaine to undercover officers on several occasions. Members of the Hughes Avenue DTO are also members and associates of the “Rolling 30s” neighborhood set of the nationwide Crips street gang.
From about October 2016 to May 2017, ACOSTA and two other men, who were both members of the Hughes Avenue DTO, sold firearms to undercover officers. Over the course of six sales, undercover officers purchased seven firearms, including an AK-47 assault rifle, a SKS assault rifle, a shotgun, and several handguns. One of the firearms ACOSTA sold had a defaced serial number. ACOSTA and his co-conspirators also sold a silencer for a gun, ammunition, and a bulletproof vest to the undercover officers.
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In addition to the prison term, ACOSTA, 24, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to four years of supervised release. Of the nine members of the Hughes Avenue Crew charged in this case, eight have pled guilty. Charges against one defendant are currently pending before United States District Judge Victor Marerro.
Mr. Berman praised the work of the New York City Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in this investigation.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Drew Skinner and Anden Chow are in charge of the prosecution.
Laurel Man Pleads Guilty to Committing Five Armed Robberies of Pharmacies in Howard, Anne Arundel, and Prince George’s CountiesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Arthur Raymond Prince, age 19, of Laurel Maryland, pleaded guilty today to aiding and abetting robbery involving controlled substances, and aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in connection with the armed robberies of five pharmacies.
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 Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Annapolis Police Chief Scott Baker; Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare; Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department; Chief Gary Gardner of the Howard County Police Department; and Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams.
According to Prince’s plea agreement, between May 5, and November 29, 2017, Prince participated in five armed robberies of pharmacies. In each robbery, Prince’s co-conspirator pointed a gun at the clerk and Prince and the co-conspirator demanded opioid narcotics such as Oxycodone, OxyContin, Percocet, and Codeine. In most of the robberies, Prince and the co-conspirator also stole money from the cash register and/or robbed the clerk.
Specifically, Prince admitted that he robbed: the Howard Pharmacy in Columbia, Maryland on May 5, 2017; the Lorven Pharmacy in Laurel Maryland on June 19, 2017; the Pasadena Pharmacy in Pasadena, Maryland on August 25, 2017; and the Annapolis Professional Pharmacy in Annapolis, Maryland on November 29, 2017. Prince also attempted to rob the Pace Wellness Pharmacy in Pasadena on August 25, 2017, but was not able to steal narcotics when the clerk didn’t know where the drug were located. Instead, Prince and his co-conspirator stole $180 from the cash register and robbed the clerk of her purse, which contained $50 and credit cards, among other things.
In each robbery, cell site records showed that Prince’s phone was in the immediate area of the pharmacy at the time of the robbery, and his fingerprints were found on a stolen vehicle used as a getaway car after the Pasadena robberies. In addition, law enforcement recovered photos and images of Prince handling weapons; photos of Prince, who is unemployed, holding large amounts of money; and text messages between Prince and his co-conspirator.
Prince was arrested after the robbery on November 29, 2017, in Odenton, Maryland, not far from where law enforcement located the stolen narcotics. After his arrest and while he was detained, Prince attempted to obstruct justice. After learning that his girlfriend was scheduled to testify before a federal grand jury, Prince coached her regarding her testimony, telling her in a recorded jail call, “you don’t know nothing, nobody, OK? Get that through your fxxxing skull. Get that through your melon, OK? Nada.”
Prince faces a maximum of 25 years in prison for aiding and abetting robbery involving controlled substances; and a mandatory minimum of seven years and up to life in prison for aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Chief U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar has scheduled sentencing for April 9, 2018 at 10 a.m.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the FBI, the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Annapolis Police Department, the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Howard County Police Department, and the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Riley and Brandon K. Moore, who are prosecuting the case.
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Kings County Woman Pleads Guilty to Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. —Nancy Lopez Perez, 44, of Lemoore, pleaded guilty today to distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Perez obtained and delivered methamphetamine and two assault rifles during an undercover transaction on the side of the road in rural Fresno County. Three additional firearms were seized from Perez’s residence during a follow-up search. As a convicted felon, Perez was prohibited from possessing firearms.
This case is the product of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Kings County Narcotic Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar is prosecuting the case. The mission of the OCDETF Program is to reduce the supply of illegal drugs in the United States and diminish the violence and other criminal activity associated with the drug trade. To accomplish this mission, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its federal law enforcement agency members, including the FBI and ATF.
Perez is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill on February 4, 2019. Perez faces a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
KC Man in Skeleton Mask Indicted for Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man who wore a skeleton mask while disrupting traffic was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing a sawed-off shotgun.
Daniel A. Robertson, 54, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Robertson on Oct. 29, 2018.
The indictment charges Robertson with being a felon in possession of a firearm and with possessing an unregistered firearm.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Kansas City, Mo., police officers responded to a call at 152 Highway and N. Indiana on Oct. 28, 2018. A caller had reported a suspicious man (later identified as Robertson) walking on the entrance ramp of the highway wearing a black skeleton mask over his face. The caller said the man walked toward her car, causing her to nearly hit him.
When officers arrived, they contacted Robertson. Robertson allegedly was carrying a loaded sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun concealed in the front of his jacket. He had additional ammunition in his jacket and pants pockets, the affidavit says.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Robertson has prior felony convictions for burglary, possession of a controlled substance, endangering the welfare of a child, child molestation, failure to appear in court, and failure to register as a sex offender.
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 Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Justice Department Requires Six Broadcast Television Companies to Terminate and Refrain from Unlawful Sharing of Competitively Sensitive InformationRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that it has reached a settlement with six broadcast television companies — Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc.; Raycom Media Inc.; Tribune Media Company; Meredith Corporation; Griffin Communications; and Dreamcatcher Broadcasting LLC — to resolve a Department lawsuit alleging that the companies engaged in unlawful agreements to share non-public competitively sensitive information with their broadcast television competitors.
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division filed a civil antitrust lawsuit today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to challenge the unlawful exchange of competitively sensitive information among these six broadcast television companies, their sales representatives, and other broadcast television groups. At the same time, the Department filed proposed settlements that, if approved by the court, would resolve the lawsuit’s alleged competitive harm alleged in the complaint.
“The unlawful exchange of competitively sensitive information allowed these television broadcast companies to disrupt the normal competitive process of spot advertising in markets across the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Advertisers rely on competition among owners of broadcast television stations to obtain reasonable advertising rates, but this unlawful sharing of information lessened that competition and thereby harmed the local businesses and the consumers they serve.”
According to the complaint, the six broadcast television companies agreed in many metropolitan areas across the United States to exchange revenue pacing information, and certain defendants also engaged in the exchange of other forms of non-public sales information in certain metropolitan areas. Pacing compares a broadcast station’s revenues booked for a certain time period to the revenues booked in the same point in the previous year. Pacing indicates how each station is performing versus the rest of the market and provides insight into each station’s remaining spot advertising for the period.
By exchanging pacing information, the broadcasters were better able to anticipate whether their competitors were likely to raise, maintain, or lower spot advertising prices, which in turn helped inform the stations’ own pricing strategies and negotiations with advertisers. As a result, the information exchanges harmed the competitive price–setting process.
The proposed settlement prohibits the direct or indirect sharing of such competitively sensitive information. The Department has determined that prohibiting this conduct would resolve the antitrust concerns raised as a result of the conduct of these defendants. The proposed settlement further requires defendants to cooperate in the department’s ongoing investigation, and to adopt rigorous antitrust compliance and reporting measures to prevent similar anticompetitive conduct in the future. The settlement has a seven year term, and it will continue to apply to stations currently owned by defendants, even if those stations are acquired by another company.
Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., a Maryland corporation with headquarters in Hunt Valley, Maryland, owns or operates 130 television stations across 87 markets. In 2017, it reported revenue in excess of $2.7 billion.
Tribune Media Company is a Delaware corporation; its headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois. It owns or operates 41 television stations in 31 markets and had over $670 million in revenue in 2017.
Raycom Media Inc., a Delaware corporation, has its principal place of business in Montgomery, Alabama. It owns or operates 55 television stations in 43 markets and had over $670 million in revenue in 2017.
Meredith Corporation, an Iowa corporation, has its principal place of business in Des Moines, Iowa. It owns or operates 17 television stations in 12 markets and had over $1.7 billion in revenue in 2017.
Griffin Communications is an Oklahoma corporation; its principal place of business is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It owns or operates four television stations in two markets and exceeded $60 million in revenue in 2017.
Dreamcatcher Broadcasting, LLC, a Delaware corporation, has its headquarters in Santa Monica, California. It owns or operates three television stations in two markets and had over $50 million in revenue in 2017.
As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed settlement, along with the department’s competitive impact statement, will be published in the Federal Register. Any person may submit written comments concerning the proposed settlement within 60 days of its publication to Owen Kendler, Chief, Media, Entertainment, and Professional Services Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Suite 8700, Washington, D.C. 20530. At the conclusion of the 60-day comment period, the court may enter the final judgment upon a finding that it serves the public interest.
Jamestown Man Pleads Guilty to Being A Felon in Possession of A GunRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Douglas Wood, 38, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Molisani, who is handling the case, stated that on March 6, 2018, the Jamestown Police Department was actively engaged in a narcotics investigation operation. Investigators conducted video and audio surveillance of the defendant and learned that Wood was in possession of a silver handgun. Investigators maintained surveillance on the defendant and alerted uniformed patrol officers who approached Wood and spoke with him briefly before he attempted to flee. Following a brief struggle, the defendant was restrained and officers recovered a loaded revolver and 14 additional rounds of ammunition.
Wood was previously convicted: in 2000, in the Nottoway County Circuit Court, Nottoway, Virginia, of Grand Larceny, Unlawful Possession or Use of a Sawed-Off Shotgun, and Burglary; in 2001, in Chautauqua County Court, of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree; in 2004, in Chautauqua County Court, of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree; and in 2007, in Chautauqua County Court, of Robbery in the Third Degree. As a result, the defendant is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 13, 2019, before Judge Arcara.
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Hillsborough Resident Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Role in Scheme to Illegally Export Components for Production of Night Vision and Thermal Devices and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Naum Morgovsky was sentenced to 108 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to illegally export components for the production of night-vision and thermal devices to Russia in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and related crimes. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Alex G. Tse, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Demers, and Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Francisco Field Office. The sentence was handed down this morning by the Honorable Vince Chhabria, United States District Judge.
“Export controls keep us safe and prevent dangerous technologies from falling into the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Tse. “The defendant pleaded guilty to knowingly violating the Arms Export Control Act when he tried to make money by shipping night vision and thermal components to Russia. Today’s nine-year sentence should send a clear message to deter others who are tempted by profits to violate the export laws of this country.”
“The FBI will continue to tirelessly investigate those who violate export controls that protect our country's sensitive technologies from American adversaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Bennett. “I would like to thank the dedicated work and collaborative efforts of our Federal partners in this case.”
Morgovsky, 69, of Hillsborough, Calif., pleaded guilty to the charges on June 12, 2018, which was to be the second day of jury selection for the proceedings at which Morgovsky would be tried on the charges. In pleading guilty, Morgovsky, 69, admitted that from at least April 2012 until August 25, 2016, he conspired with his wife, Irina Morgovsky, 67, to export without the necessary license, numerous night and thermal vision components, including image intensifier tubes and lenses. The couple conspired to export the components to a company called Infratech in Moscow, Russia, and used their U.S. business, Hitek International, to purchase the components. They misrepresented to the sellers that the products would not be exported and then shipped the products to Russia using a variety of front companies and shipment methods. Further, Mr. Morgovsky admitted he conspired with another employee of Infratech to export the components. He also admitted he knew the night and thermal vision components they exported were on the U.S. Munitions List and that they therefore were not permitted to export the items without a license from the Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, which he never sought.
Judge Chhabria found that, in addition to exporting the components, Mr. Morgovsky had taken steps to conceal his crimes so that the couple could continue to operate the illegal export business undetected, and that Mr. Morgovsky laundered the proceeds of the export crimes. In addition, Mr. Morgovksy used numerous front companies and the identity of at least one deceased person in furtherance of the scheme. In handing down the sentence, Judge Chhabria stated that Mr. Morgovsky committed a “very serious crime” and that “people who export night vision . . . need to know that there is a penalty.”
On April 27, 2017, a federal grand jury issued a superseding indictment charging the Morgovskys for their respective roles in the illegal export scheme. As to Naum Morgovsky, the grand jury charged him for the illegal export scheme with conspiracy to violate the Armed Export Control Act, in violation of 22 U.S.C. § 2778, and with two counts of money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)(B)(i) and (2)(A). He pleaded guilty to all these export-related charges without a written plea agreement.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Chhabria assessed a fine against Mr. Morgovsky of $1 million and ordered forfeiture of $222,929.61 and three Infratech night vision devices seized in connection with the investigation.
For her part in the scheme, the grand jury charged Irina Morgovsky with conspiracy to violate the Armed Export Control Act and with misuse of a passport, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1544. She pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge and on October 31, 2018, Judge Chhabria sentenced her to 18 months in prison for her role in the scheme. The passport charge was dismissed pursuant to the plea agreement.
The Court has ordered Naum and Irina Morgovsky to self-surrender on January 4, 2019, to begin serving their respective sentences.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Sampson and Erin Cornell of the Northern District of California and Trial Attorney Jason McCullough of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the Department of Justice prosecuted this case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the counterintelligence squad of the FBI’s San Francisco Field Office, with assistance from IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security.
Hawthorne Man Charged in Federal Case Alleging Scheme to Collect Insurance Proceeds by Intentionally Killing His Two Autistic ChildrenRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Hawthorne man is due in court this afternoon after being arrested last week on federal charges that allege he intentionally drove his domestic partner and two severely autistic children off a pier into the ocean to collect proceeds on accidental death insurance policies he had purchased on their lives.
Ali F. Elmezayen, 44, is scheduled to appear before a United States Magistrate Judge, who will consider a motion by prosecutors to have him held in jail without bond.
Elmezayen was arrested on November 7 by special agents with the FBI after being charged with defrauding insurance companies. Elmezayen made his initial appearance on November 8, when he was ordered held without bond pending this afternoon’s detention hearing.
According to a criminal complaint, Elmezayen purchased several accidental death insurance policies providing more than $6 million in coverage on himself, his domestic partner and his children in 2012 and 2013. Elmezayen allegedly paid nearly $6,000 a year for these policies – even though he was earning less than $30,000 a year – and he called at least two of the insurance companies to confirm they would not investigate claims made two years after the policies were purchased.
On April 9, 2015 – two years and 12 days after he bought the last of his insurance policies – Elmezayen drove a car with his partner and two youngest children off a wharf at the Port of Los Angeles. Elmezayen swam out the open driver’s side window of the car. His partner, who did not know how to swim, survived when a nearby fisherman threw her a flotation device. The two children, ages 8 and 13, were unable to escape the car and drowned.
Elmezayen then collected more than $260,000 in insurance proceeds from American General Life Insurance and Mutual of Omaha Life Insurance on the accidental death insurance policies he had taken out on the children’s lives, according to the complaint. In addition to posing as his domestic partner in communications with the insurance companies without her knowledge, Elmezayen allegedly made several false statements, including stating that the cause of his children’s deaths was accidental and that he had no other insurance policies on his children.
“This case alleges a calculated and cold-hearted scheme to profit off the deaths of two helpless children,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “The alleged conduct shocks the conscience, and we will use every tool available to us to ensure that justice is done.”
“The defendant is accused of orchestrating a scheme to defraud insurance companies by taking the lives of his vulnerable young sons,” said Paul Delacourt, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The defendant faces serious consequences as we seek justice on their behalf.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to flex our financial fraud expertise in bringing this alleged killer to justice,” stated R. Damon Rowe of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Would-be fraudsters should be warned that it is very difficult to profit from death and steal from life insurance companies with impunity.”
The criminal complaint specifically charges Elmezayen with mail fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for posing as his domestic partner in calls to the insurance companies.
A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
During last week’s court hearing, a preliminary hearing was scheduled for November 23, and Elmezayen was ordered to appear for an arraignment on November 29.
If he were to be convicted of the charges in the complaint, Elmezayen would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each of the fraud counts. The charge of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation. The federal investigators received substantial assistance from the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Port Police and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alex Wyman and David Ryan.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sew Hoy of the Asset Forfeiture Section obtained a seizure warrant that led to the seizure Thursday of approximately $80,000 from an Elmezayen bank account.
Haverhill Man Sentenced for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Haverhill man was sentenced to probation today in federal court in Boston for robbing a branch of Santander Bank in Boston. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was on probation for a prior bank robbery conviction in federal court. The Government sought a sentence of more than 12 ½ years in prison.
Gregory Carter, 61, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to five years of probation and ordered to pay $6,129 in restitution. The Government had recommended a sentence of 151 months in prison. In August 2017, Carter pleaded guilty to one count of unarmed bank robbery. Carter was arrested and charged in May 2017. Since 1974, Carter has been sentenced to prison 10 times.
On March 25, 2017, an individual, later determined to be Carter, dressed in a black hat, ski mask, sunglasses, and wearing blue latex gloves entered a branch of the Santander Bank on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. Once inside the bank, Carter passed a note to a teller indicating that he had a gun and demanded the bank’s money. The teller handed Carter $6,127, and Carter fled the bank.
Law enforcement collected the bank’s various surveillance camera footage and determined that Carter was the individual involved in the robbery. Carter, who, at the time of the robbery was on federal supervised release stemming from a 2003 bank robbery conviction, for which he received a 151 month federal prison sentence, has multiple prior criminal convictions and has been sentenced to prison 10 times since 1974.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Somerville Police Chief David Fallon; Haverhill Police Chief Alan DeNaro; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Harrison County man sentenced for selling methamphetamineRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeremiah R. Dodrill, of Spelter, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 36 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dodrill, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in July 2018. Dodrill admitted to selling methamphetamine in February of 2017 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Harrison County man sentenced for his role in a heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Hunter Queen, of Nutter Fort, West Virginia, was sentenced to 21 months incarceration for his role in a heroin distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Queen, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin in Proximity to a Protected Location” in July 2018. Queen admitted to distributing heroin from January to May 2016 in various locations in Harrison County, including near Simpson Elementary School.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Guilford Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Report to PrisonRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that BRIAN PAGE, 44, of Guilford, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of failure to surrender for service of his federal sentence.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 17, 2017, Judge Thompson sentenced Page to 97 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a scheme to distribute oxycodone that was obtained through fraudulent prescriptions. Judge Thompson ordered Page, who was released on a $200,000 bond, to surrender for service of his sentence on November 17, 2017.
Page was subsequently designated by the Bureau of Prisons to the Federal Correctional Institute at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
Page did not surrender to FCI Fort Dix on November 17, 2017. The U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested Page at a hotel in Branford on December 7, 2017.
The charge of failure to surrender for service of a federal sentence carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, which must be imposed consecutively to the underlying sentence. Judge Thompson scheduled sentencing for February 5, 2019.
Page has been detained since his arrest.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis and Anthony E. Kaplan.