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Wednesday 31 October 2018
Tonawanda Man, Convicted at Trial, Sentenced on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal jury convicted Michael Elder, 38, of Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted following a jury trial of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, butyryl fentanyl, and furanyl fentanyl, and maintaining a drug-involved premises, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan T. Cullinane and Seth T. Molisani, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that on November 3, 2016, the United States Probation Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration searched the defendant’s residence at 143 Edgewood Avenue in Tonawanda. Officers recovered crack cocaine, fentanyl, drug presses, and other drug paraphernalia. At that time, Elder was on federal supervised release for a previous bank robbery conviction.
Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the United States Probation Department, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Anthony SanGiacomo, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.
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Tonawanda Man Admits Receiving Child PornographyRead 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 Steven Brzezinski, 34, of Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Lamarque, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant, who was on probation for an unrelated offense, was in possession of a tablet containing child pornography. A forensic examination of the tablet revealed that Brzezinski received child pornography from a 15 year old over Facebook Messenger. The defendant has a previous conviction for endangering the welfare of a child.Today’s plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Gary A. Loeffert, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 8, 2019, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
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Statement on the death of James “Whitey” BulgerRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – The United States Attorney’s Office and the FBI are investigating the death of James Bulger as a homicide. To protect the integrity of the investigation, no further details will be released at this time.
Statement by U.S. Attorney John F. Bash Relating to November 2018 ElectionsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney John F. Bash announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Matthew B. Devlin will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election. AUSA Devlin has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Texas, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Bash said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and the election process must be free from fraud and manipulation. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Bash stated that AUSA/DEO Devlin will be on duty while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (210) 384-7188.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The FBI San Antonio field office can be reached by the public at (210) 225-6741. The FBI El Paso field office can be reached by the public at (915) 832-5000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney Bash said, “Ensuring free and fair elections requires prompt reporting of any irregularities in the election process. It is imperative that those who have specific information about voter discrimination, voter intimidation, or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
St. Augustine Man Charged with Using the Internet to Entice and Meet A Child to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Brian Ray Dunlap (age 66, St. Augustine) has been arrested and charged by a federal criminal complaint with using the internet to attempt to entice a child to engage in sexual activity. Dunlap faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. He is currently detained pending a detention hearing.
According to the
criminal complaint , on October 6, 2018, a detective with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, who was posing online as a custodial family member of two children, ages 9 and 12, received an email message from Dunlap, who identified himself as “Brian.” Between October 6 and October 9, 2018, Dunlap and the undercover detective exchanged emails and text messages about Dunlap meeting the “children” for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with them. Dunlap provided the undercover detective with specific details about the sexual acts that he wished to perform on the two “children.”According to the complaint, on October 9, 2018, Dunlap traveled to a shopping area in St. Johns County to meet the undercover detective, and sent a photo of himself so that he could be recognized. After his arrival there, he was arrested.
This case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Romanian National Sentenced and Two Others Plead Guilty in Connection with ATM Skimming SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – One Romanian national was sentenced and two Romanian nationals pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with an ATM skimming scheme operating throughout Massachusetts and other states including Connecticut, New York and South Carolina.
Nicusor Bonculescu, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to three years in prison and three years of supervised release. Judge Young also ordered Bonculescu to pay restitution of $72,922. In March 2018, Bonculescu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, conspiracy to use counterfeit access devices and aggravated identity theft.
During separate hearings, Suedin Chiciu, 28, and Florinel Vaduv, 22, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity and conspiracy to use counterfeit access devices. Vaduva also pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. Judge Young scheduled sentencing hearings for Jan. 19, 2019. In May 2017, Bonculescu, Vaduva, and twelve others were indicted in connection with the ATM skimming scheme. In August 2018, Chiciu was added to the case by superseding indictment.
The defendants, except for one, were members of the Hornea Crew (“the Crew”), led by Constantin Denis Hornea and Ludemis Hornea, and engaged in ATM skimming – obtaining debit card numbers and PINs from unsuspecting bank customers, creating counterfeit cards, and making unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts.
Over a period of 18 months, the Crew installed skimming devices and made unauthorized withdrawals in seven states, including Massachusetts. In particular, members of the Crew installed skimming devices in the following locations: Amherst, Bellingham, Billerica, Braintree, Chicopee, Quincy, Southwick, Waltham, Weymouth, and Whately, Mass.; Enfield, Conn.; Columbia, Greenville, Greenwood, Mauldin, and Saluda, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; and Yadkinville, N.C. The Crew made unauthorized withdrawals at ATMs in approximately 29 Massachusetts towns; seven Connecticut towns; six New York towns; Salem, N.H.; and Sumter, S.C.
Members of the Crew transferred money throughout the United States and to Romania and the People’s Republic of China. Some of those transfers were for the purchase of skimming devices and related components from abroad.
In May 2018, the leaders of the conspiracies, Constantin Denis Hornea, 23, and his brother Ludemis Hornea, 21, were sentenced by Judge Young. Constantin Hornea was sentenced to 65 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $242,141 in restitution and a money judgment of $54,260. Ludemis Hornea was sentenced to 42 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $57,422 in restitution and a money judgment of $11,124. Of the 15 defendants charged in the case, seven have been convicted and sentenced, three have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing, three are awaiting trial and two have not been arrested.
The charge of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering conspiracy provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to use counterfeit access devices provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory, consecutive sentence of two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. Assistance with the investigation was also provided by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Service; Massachusetts Department of Correction; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Amherst, Billerica, Braintree, Boston, Quincy, Southwick, Waltham, Whately, and Westwood Police Departments; Connecticut State Police; Greenwich Police Department; the New York City Police Department; Houston Police Department; South Carolina Law Enforcement Division; Richland County (South Carolina) Sheriff’s Department; Florence and Saluda (South Carolina) Police Departments; and the Solicitor’s Offices of Greenville and Saluda Counties. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy E. Moran of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Rochester Woman Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Bonnie Hughes, 34, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to production of child pornography. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a maximum of 30 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who is handling the case, stated that prior to March 19, 2018, the defendant’s friend, John Kohlmeier, was having sexually explicit conversations with a 10-year female known to the defendant. On March 19, 2018, Hughes, at Kohlmeier’s request, took two sexually explicit photographs of the minor and sent them to Kohlmeier’s cell phone. Kohlmeier then went to the defendant’s residence where Hughes permitted the 10-year minor to engage in sexual conduct with Kohlmeier. The sexual contact between the minor and Kohlmeier occurred on several occasions beginning in February 2018.Charges remain pending against Kohlmeier. The defendant and Kohlmeier are also facing related charges in state court. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Patrick D. Phelan; and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on January 31, 2019, before Judge Siragusa.
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Rochester Men Convicted of Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal jury has returned a verdict convicting Juan Sampel, 48, and Jose Gonzalez, 40, both of Rochester, NY, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Because of their prior drug felony convictions, Juan Sampel faces a mandatory life sentence, and Jose Gonzalez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years, and a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean C. Eldridge and Robert A. Marangola, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that the evidence presented at trial demonstrated that between 2015 and April 27, 2016, Sampel and Gonzalez were part of a cocaine distribution network that distributed kilograms of cocaine in Rochester. During the investigation, law enforcement officers obtained court ordered wiretaps on several phone numbers related to this conspiracy. Calls involving Sampel, Gonzalez, and other co-conspirators were recorded. During those calls, the defendants used coded references to refer to their cocaine trafficking. Other intercepted communications revealed discussions about identifying undercover police vehicles and encouraging co-conspirators to utilize encrypted forms of communications over their phones. Investigators also utilized video surveillance to record meetings and the transfer of cocaine and cash between co-conspirators.
On April 27, 2016, several search warrants were executed, including at the residences of the defendants. Law enforcement officers recovered multiple cellular telephones, including Sampel’s phone, drug paraphernalia such as scales and baggies, and over $11,000 in cash from Gonzalez’s residence, and over $17,000 from Sampel’s residence. As part of the overall investigation, investigators seized over 11 kilograms of cocaine.
The trial verdict is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Simmons.
Sentencings are scheduled for January 29, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa, who presided over the trial of the case.
# # # #Roanoke Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Enticement, Receipt, and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ROANOKE – A Roanoke, Virginia man was sentenced to 360 months in prison today, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for enticement of a minor, receipt or attempted receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen for the Western District of Virginia made the announcement.
Scott Curtiss Pieritz, 57, pleaded guilty on June 19, before Chief U.S. District Judge Michael F. Urbanski of the Western District of Virginia to one count of enticement of a minor, one count of receipt or attempted receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, in July 2017, law enforcement agents were notified that Pieritz, who had a duty to register as a sex offender as a result of three prior child pornography convictions, was using social media applications to communicate with minors and ask them for nude images of themselves. Forensic examination of Pieritz’s electronic devices seized pursuant to a search warrant confirmed that he was in possession of numerous images and videos of child pornography, had used applications such as Omegle and Musical.ly to entice minors to produce and send him child pornography, and had posed as a minor online. At times, Pieritz also exchanged money and gifts for child pornography images from minors. At the time of his arrest, Pieritz was employed as a cashier and dishwasher at K&W Cafeteria, in Roanoke.
The case was investigated by the Virginia State Police. Trial Attorney Nadia Prinz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy Healey of the Western District of Virginia prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Raleigh Man Sentenced to More Than 14 Years for Robbery and Carjacking OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, JAMES DANIEL BLOODWORTH, 60, of Raleigh, was sentenced by United States Senior District Judge W. Earl Britt for robbery and carjacking offenses. Judge Britt sentenced BLOODWORTH to 175 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
BLOODWORTH was charged in a six-count indictment on January 31, 2018, and pled guilty on July 9, 2018 to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and carjacking.
Between June 14 and June 16, 2017, BLOODWORTH committed a series of armed robberies and carjackings in Wake and Durham counties. Specifically, on June 14, 2017, BLOODWORTH entered a CVS in Raleigh, approached an employee at the cash register, brandished a handgun and demanded money. He threatened to shoot her if she did not comply. BLOODWORTH ultimately stole $200. On June 15, 2017 BLOODWORTH entered a Walgreens in Cary, NC, approached an employee and asked for a pack of cigarettes. When the employee reached the cash register, BLOODWORTH retrieved a gun, pointed it at the employee and then stole $400 from the cash register and cigarettes.
On June 16, 2017, BLOODWORTH approached a woman getting out of her vehicle. He pressed a gun to her back, threatened to kill her if she screamed, ordered her to drop her keys, and stole her Toyota Camry. Later that night, BLOODWORTH was caught fleeing the scene of another carjacking in Durham. After a short chase, he crashed the stolen vehicle and was arrested.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Erin Blondel handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Puerto Rico Man Sentenced to 68 Months for Conspiracy and Possession of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis, on October 29, 2018, sentenced Jesus Burgos-Montanez, age 31, of Puerto Rico, to 68 months in prison for conspiracy to possess 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 Burgos-Montanez to three years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay a fine of $2,000.000 and a special assessment of $200.00.
On June 26, 2018, a federal jury convicted Burgos-Montanez along with five co-defendants on cocaine related charges. Evidence at trial revealed that the organization planned for the retrieval of over 300 kilograms of cocaine during the period of the conspiracy. Approximately 223 kilograms of cocaine were actually distributed. Law enforcement efforts to interdict the drug shipments were successful, beginning in 2015. On November 14, 2015, law enforcement agents apprehended four members of the organization, including Hodge and Burgos, on a beach at Knight’s Bay on St. Croix and seized 87 kilograms of cocaine packed in four suitcases.
Fourteen individuals were originally charged as part of the drug trafficking organization. Prior to trial six defendants entered guilty pleas and were sentenced. Evidence at trial revealed that Burgos-Montanez, a Puerto Rico resident, and two co-conspirators traveled on a boat from St. Croix on November 13, 2015 to retrieve cocaine mid-sea. At about 2:00 a.m. on November 14, 2015, law enforcement agents apprehended Burgos-Montanez, along with three co-conspirators, on a beach at Knight’s Bay on St. Croix and seized 87 kilograms of cocaine packed in four suitcases.
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.
Press Release by United States Attorney Relating to November 2018 ElectionsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Kelly Cavanaugh will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 6, 2018, general election. AUSA Cavanaugh has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Alaska, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Schroder said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on Nov. 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Schroder stated that AUSA/DEO Cavanaugh will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 907-271-5071.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 907-276-4441.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney Schroder said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Pennsylvania Man Charged with Federal Hate Crimes for Tree of Life Synagogue ShootingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A federal grand jury sitting in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania charged a Pennsylvania man with federal hate crimes, including the murder of 11 people, for his actions during the Oct. 27, 2018 shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Scott W. Brady, and FBI-Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones made the announcement.
Robert Bowers, 46, of Baldwin, Pa., was charged in a 44-count indictment returned today.
According to the indictment, on Oct. 27, 2018, Bowers drove to the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where members of the Tree of Life, Dor Hadash, and New Light Jewish congregations gathered to engage in religious worship. Bowers entered the building armed with multiple firearms, including Glock .357 handguns and a Colt AR-15 rifle. The indictment alleges that while inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, Bowers opened fire, killing and injuring members of the three congregations, as well as injuring multiple responding public safety officers. While inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, Bowers made statements indicating his desire to “kill Jews.”
Specifically, the indictment charges:
- Eleven counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death;
- Eleven counts of use and discharge of a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a crime of violence;
- Two counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury;
- Eleven counts of use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence;
- Eight counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon, and resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer; and
- One count of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer.
“Hatred and violence on the basis of religion can have no place in our society,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “Every American has the right to attend their house of worship in safety. The defendant in this case allegedly murdered 11 innocent people during religious services and injured four law enforcement officers. These alleged crimes are incomprehensibly evil and utterly repugnant to the values of this nation. Therefore this case is not only important to the victims and their loved ones, but to the city of Pittsburgh and the entire nation. I want to express my thanks and admiration for the courage and professionalism of those officers who so quickly responded to this event, and especially to those that suffered wounds in the process. Our thanks is also extended to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the FBI, and the ATF for their outstanding response to this violent and deadly attack. The Department of Justice, working with our state and local partners, will bring the full force of the law against anyone who would violate the civil rights of the American people and we are resolutely determined to achieve justice in this case.”
“A federal grand jury in western Pennsylvania returned a 44-count indictment against Robert Bowers for the killing of 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue on Saturday, October 27, 2018," U.S. Attorney Brady stated. “Today begins the process of seeking justice for the victims of these hateful acts, and healing for the victims’ families, the Jewish community, and our city. Our office will spare no resource, and will work with professionalism, integrity and diligence, in a way that honors the memories of the victims. This is what the public expects from the US Department of Justice. And truly we, as Pittsburghers, can do no other. It is time to go to work.”
“I want to assure everyone that the FBI has teams of professionals working toward a single goal: to piece together the facts, answer the questions and ensure justice is served,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. “We, as a community, are all united. I also want to thank local law enforcement and first responders for their heroic work. They showed professionalism and extraordinary bravery and their quick actions no doubt saved the lives of many other people that day. We are very lucky that such good people choose lives of service in law enforcement.”
The victims include 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue who were killed, 2 members of the congregation who were critically injured by Bowers and 9 other members of the congregation who escaped unharmed. Additionally, the victims include 4 law enforcement officers who were seriously injured in the line of duty while trying to stop Bowers’ rampage.
Assistant United States Attorneys Troy Rivetti and Soo C. Song, along with DOJ Trial Attorney Julia Gegenheimer, are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government, with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy Chung, Eric Olshan and Rebecca Silinski.
The FBI, with the valuable assistance of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Allegheny County Police, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. The United States Attorney also recognized and thanked the dozens of federal, state and local law enforcement officers who assisted in the investigation and response to this tragedy.
The defendant faces a maximum possible penalty of death, or life without parole, followed by a consecutive sentence of 535 years’ imprisonment.
An indictment is a formal accusation of conduct, not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Link to WDPA Robert Bowers IndictmentPennsylvania Man Charged with Federal Hate Crimes for Tree of Life Synagogue ShootingRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania charged a Pennsylvania man with federal hate crimes, including the murder of 11 people, for his actions during the Oct. 27, 2018 shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore for the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Scott W. Brady, and FBI-Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones made the announcement.
Robert Bowers, 46, of Baldwin, Pa., was charged in a 44-count indictment returned today.
According to the indictment, on Oct. 27, 2018, Bowers drove to the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where members of the Tree of Life, Dor Hadash, and New Light Jewish congregations gathered to engage in religious worship. Bowers entered the building armed with multiple firearms, including Glock .357 handguns a Colt AR-15 rifle. The indictment alleges that while inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, Bowers opened fire, killing and injuring members of the three congregations, as well as injuring multiple responding public safety officers. While inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, Bowers made statements indicating his desire to “kill Jews.”
Specifically, the indictment charges:
- Eleven counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death;
- Eleven counts of use and discharge of a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a crime of violence;
- Two counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury;
- Eleven counts of use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence;
- Eight counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon, and resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer; and
- One count of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer.
“Hatred and violence on the basis of religion can have no place in our society,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “Every American has the right to attend their house of worship in safety. The defendant in this case allegedly murdered 11 innocent people during religious services and injured four law enforcement officers. These alleged crimes are incomprehensibly evil and utterly repugnant to the values of this nation. Therefore this case is not only important to the victims and their loved ones, but to the city of Pittsburgh and the entire nation. I want to express my thanks and admiration for the courage and professionalism of those officers who so quickly responded to this event, and especially to those that suffered wounds in the process. Our thanks is also extended to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the FBI, and the ATF for their outstanding response to this violent and deadly attack. The Department of Justice, working with our state and local partners, will bring the full force of the law against anyone who would violate the civil rights of the American people and we are resolutely determined to achieve justice in this case.”
“A federal grand jury in western Pennsylvania returned a 44-count indictment against Robert Bowers for the killing of 11 worshipers at the Tree of Life synagogue on Saturday, October 27, 2018,” stated U.S. Attorney Brady. “Today begins the process of seeking justice for the victims of these hateful acts, and healing for the victims’ families, the Jewish community, and our city. Our office will spare no resource, and will work with professionalism, integrity and diligence, in a way that honors the memories of the victims. This is what the public expects from the US Department of Justice. And truly we, as Pittsburghers, can do no other. It is time to go to work.”
“I want to assure everyone that the FBI has teams of professionals working toward a single goal: to piece together the facts, answer the questions and ensure justice is served,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. “We, as a community, are all united. I also want to thank local law enforcement and first responders for their heroic work. They showed professionalism and extraordinary bravery and their quick actions no doubt saved the lives of many other people that day. We are very lucky that such good people choose lives of service in law enforcement.”
The victims include 11 worshipers at the Tree of Life Synagogue who were killed, 2 members of the congregation who were critically injured by Bowers and 9 other members of the congregation who escaped unharmed. Additionally, four law enforcement officers were injured trying to stop Bowers’ rampage.
Assistant United States Attorneys Troy Rivetti and Soo C. Song, along with Trial Attorney Julia Gegenheimer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The FBI conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
The defendant faces a maximum possible penalty of death, or life without parole, followed by a consecutive sentence of 535 years’ imprisonment.
An indictment is a formal accusation of conduct, not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Sale of Counterfeit Sports Trading CardsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Thomas Beatty Jr., 45, was sentenced on Monday, October 29, 2018, in Omaha, Nebraska, by Chief United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp, for the crimes of mail fraud and money laundering. Chief Judge Smith Camp sentenced Beatty to 30 months’ imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and ordered Beatty to make restitution in the amount of $142,000.
From June 2017 through November 2017, the Defendant advertised and sold on E-Bay rare and valuable sports trading cards including two of Mickey Mantle, and one each of Joe Namath and Bill Russell, worth $117,500. The cards were in fact not authentic but rather counterfeit and worth less than $10 each.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Oklahoma City Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – RICHARD SPILLANE, 30, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty today to producing child pornography, announced Robert J. Troester of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
According to a complaint filed on July 16, 2018, law enforcement officers determined that an internet user with an email address linked to Mr. Spillane was engaging in conversations and sharing photographs depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct on a network often used to receive and distribute child pornography. Mr. Spillane was arrested on July 17, 2018, and has remained in federal custody since his arrest.
On August 7, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging Mr. Spillane with two counts of producing child pornography and four counts of knowingly receiving child pornography. According to the indictment, between approximately October 15, 2017, and July 17, 2018, Mr. Spillane used two minors, "John Doe #1" and "John Doe #2," to produce photographs of the children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. It is also alleged that he received images via the internet on four specific days in June and July of this year of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
At his guilty plea hearing this morning, Mr. Spillane admitted to producing photographs of "John Doe #1" engaging in sexually explicit conduct and distributing them via the internet. At a sentencing hearing set for January 29, 2019, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, as well as a maximum $250,000 fine, along with a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. He also must pay restitution to the victims of his conduct in an amount to be determined by the court at sentencing.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry.
Reference is made to court records for further information.
North Lauderdale Resident Arrested and Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
A North Lauderdale resident was arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Ari C. Shapira, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Office, and Scott Israel, Sheriff, Broward County Sheriff’s Office, made the announcement.
Christopher Sergo Denis, 27, of North Lauderdale, was charged by indictment on October 30, 2018, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2) (Count 1); and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) (Count 2). Denis had previously been charged, by criminal complaint, with being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of both counts of the indictment, Denis faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
According to the court record, including facts alleged in the criminal complaint and indictment, on September 15, 2018, Denis posted a video recording that he labeled “Wild Wild West” on Facebook that depicted him firing three firearms at a local gun range. A BSO detective discovered the Facebook posting and brought it to the attention of ATF. An ATF Special Agent viewed the Facebook posting, went to the gun range, and recovered evidence documenting Denis’s presence at the gun range, including a video recording of Denis firing the firearms.
The court record further alleges that, on October 18, 2018, Denis was arrested at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale when he arrived to attend a hearing in a pending state criminal case. In his pocket, Denis had a small container with fourteen plastic zip-lock bags, each containing cocaine.
An indictment and criminal complaint contain formal charges against a defendant. Under the law, the charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This case stems from Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of ATF and BSO. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William T. Shockley.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
New Haven Man Charged with Federal Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging QIYON REED, also known as “Gutter,” 35, of New Haven, with one count of unlawful possession of firearms by a felon, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine.
As alleged in the indictment, on September 12, 2018, Reed possessed a Heritage Manufacturing Stealth C-2000 nine-millimeter, semi-automatic handgun and a Smith & Wesson MP9 Shield nine-millimeter, semi-automatic handgun. Prior to that date, it is alleged that Reed sustained several felony convictions, including state convictions for possession and sale of narcotics and for carrying a dangerous weapon, and a federal conviction for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment further alleges that, between October 2017 and September 2018, Reed possessed and distributed cocaine.
If convicted on the firearm charge, Reed faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. If convicted of the drug trafficking offense, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena L. Coronado.
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 neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Middle District Election Officer AppointedRead the Press Release
MACON: United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Charles E. Peeler, announced Wednesday, October 31, 2018 that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Todd P. Swanson will lead office efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018 general election. AUSA Swanson has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Georgia, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” said Charles E. Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
“The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice,” said United States Attorney Peeler.
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Peeler stated that AUSA/DEO Swanson will be on duty in the Middle District of Georgia while the polls are open. AUSA/DEO Swanson can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (478) 752-3511. This number is for reports of voting irregularities only. All press inquiries or requests for information should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603, or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in field offices and resident agencies throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The Albany FBI resident agency can be reached at (229) 434-1489; the Athens FBI resident agency can be reached at (706) 549-6477; the Columbus FBI resident agency can be reached at (706) 596-9603; the Macon FBI resident agency can be reached at (478) 745-1271; and the Valdosta FBI resident agency can be reached at (229) 247-2292.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
“To ensure a free and fair election, it is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice,” said U. S. Attorney Peeler.
Mexican citizen living in Marion sentenced to 54 months in prison for operating document mill that produced 1,000 false identification documents, as well as stealing the identity of anotherRead the Press Release
A Mexican citizen who had been living in Marion was sentenced to more than four years in prison for operating a document mill that produced more than 1,000 false identification documents, as well as stealing the identity of another.
Martha Buendia-Chavarria, 44, was sentenced to 54 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of false with intent to transfer false identity documents, possession of document-making implements, false claim of citizenship to obtain benefits and aggravated identity theft.
Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant in Willard in July 2017 related to an identity-theft investigation. The target of that investigation, Manuel Granados, eventually pleaded guilty to related crimes. Granados purchased false identity documents from Buendia-Chavarria in Marion, which he later resold.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Buendia-Chavarria’s residence in October 2017, where they located numerous false identification documents, five handwritten ledgers containing other peoples’ names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers, and in some cases, who the identity was sold to, according to court documents.
Forensic analysis of the printers and devices seized from Buendia-Chavarria’s residence indicated she produced more than 1,000 false identification documents, according to court documents.
Buendia-Chavarria also stole the identity of another person, which she used to make a false claim of citizenship.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah P. Hood following investigations by the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, in Sandusky and the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in Detroit.
Mexican National Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States Following DeportationRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Rogelio Mendez was sentenced by United States District Judge Sandra Feuerstein to 57 months’ imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported. After illegally reentering the United States for a second time following his conviction for possessing a loaded firearm, Mendez was convicted in the County Court of Suffolk County of rape. Judge Feuerstein ordered that the sentence imposed today would run consecutively to a 30-month term of imprisonment that Mendez received for his rape conviction.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William Joyce, Acting Field Office Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), New York, announced the sentence.
“Mendez repeatedly showed contempt for the rule of law by reentering the United States twice after he was first deported,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “The Department of Justice has made criminal immigration enforcement a priority, and today’s sentence should serve as a deterrent to others who would illegally return to the United States after having been deported.” Mr. Donoghue expressed his appreciation to the Town of Southampton Police Department and the United States Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, Long Island Division, for their assistance with the case.
“Mendez had a past criminal history in the U.S. and was removed twice, but then decided to illegally reenter the country only to commit a more heinous crime,” stated ERO Acting Field Office Diriector Joyce. “This man is already incarcerated for his recent rape conviction, and now, thanks for the proactive approach of the men and women of ICE, he will serve a lot more time behind bars for his felony reentry offense.”
According to court filings and facts presented during court proceedings, Mendez, a Mexican citizen, was initially deported from the United States in 2004, after he served a two-year New York State prison term for his conviction for possessing a loaded firearm in Queens, New York. Mendez illegally reentered the United States in 2005 and was deported in March 2009. Mendez again illegally reentered the United States from Mexico in 2010. On September 11, 2016, while he was employed at a restaurant in Southampton, New York, Mendez raped a woman at a home that the defendant shared with his co-workers. The defendant pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in February 2017 and was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Bradley T. King is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
ROGELIO MENDEZ (also known as “Rogelio Mendez-Puebla”)
Age: 38
Jackson Heights, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-83 (SJF)
Louisiana Race Horse Training Center Owner Will Pay Civil Penalties and Perform Corrective Measures to Resolve Pollution Discharge ViolationsRead the Press Release
Racehorse training-center operator Evangeline Enterprises LLC has agreed to pay $300,000 in civil penalties and to make changes in its handling of polluted wastewater at its Louisiana facility to settle Clean Water Act claims filed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), the Department of Justice and EPA announced today.
The settlement, contained in a proposed consent decree lodged today with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, resolves claims by EPA and LDEQ in a complaint filed on October 19, 2017. The complaint alleged that Evangeline is illegally discharging process wastewater, contaminated with horse manure, urine, and other biological materials, from its facility into the Vermilion River and its tributary, the Francois Coulee, in violation of the Clean Water Act and the Louisiana Environmental Quality Act.
“Louisiana is a beautiful state with a vast, diverse ecosystem that is rich in natural resources, including its rivers, bayous, and coastal waters,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “My office is committed to protecting these treasures from those who would illegally exploit or damage them. Today’s settlement is but one example of my commitment to aggressively prosecute, both civilly and criminally, those who poison Louisiana's environment and to seek restitution for any damages they inflict.”
“This agreement is the result of extensive cooperation between the state of Louisiana and EPA,” said Regional Administrator Anne Idsal for EPA Region 6. “Ensuring the lawful handling of wastes will mean cleaner streams and waterways in Louisiana, which is important for aquatic habitats, safe drinking water, and public recreation.”
Under the Clean Water Act, facilities like Evangeline’s that house more than 150 horses for 45 days or more in any 12-month period and discharge pollutants must obtain a permit and comply with rules to ensure that pollutants, including contaminated process wastewater, are not discharged to waters of the United States or waters of the State. Evangeline discharged process wastewater into drainage ditches and pipes at the facility that then flowed into the Francois Coulee and Vermilion River. To correct this, the retention control structure required under the settlement agreement will store all process wastewater at the facility and allow it to be routed for proper treatment to stop the unauthorized discharges to the Francois Coulee and Vermilion River.
Under the settlement, Evangeline will pay the civil penalties and submit an application for a Louisiana National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, comply with best management practices for waste at the facility, and construct a waste retention control structure in compliance with federal and state regulations. In the event that Evangeline chooses to close the facility, the agreement provides alternative measures to require the company to eliminate further discharges of pollution into area waterways.
The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day federal public comment period, a 45-day Louisiana public comment period, and final court review and approval. A copy of the consent decree is available on the Department of Justice website at www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
For more information on the settlement visit: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/evangeline-enterprises-llc-settlement-information-sheet.
London Cardiologist Sentenced to 42 Months for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – Yesterday, London physician Dr. Anis Chalhoub was sentenced, by U.S. District Court Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, to serve 42 months in federal prison for health care fraud. In April 2018, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict, after hearing evidence that Dr. Chalhoub defrauded Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurers by implanting medically unnecessary pacemakers in his patients, and causing the unnecessary procedures and follow-up care to be billed to health insurance programs.
Between 2007 and 2011, Dr. Chalhoub implanted approximately 234 pacemakers in patients at St. Joseph London hospital. The evidence at trial showed that dozens of those patients’ pacemakers were medically unnecessary, under well-established national guidelines and Medicare coverage rules. A number of patients testified at trial that Dr. Chalhoub pressured them into getting the procedures and told them misleading information about their health conditions. For instance, several patients recalled Dr. Chalhoub telling them that they might die without a pacemaker. Sinus node dysfunction, the diagnosis Dr. Chalhoub gave the patients, is a non-fatal condition. The jury also heard evidence that Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurers suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses from Dr. Chalhoub’s unnecessary procedures.
“The evidence established that the defendant violated his medical oath and placed greed over patient care,” said United States Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr. “The defendant performed unnecessary medical procedures and needlessly put lives at risk so that he could submit false claims seeking reimbursement for the unnecessary medical procedures. Our Office, in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue medical professionals who are willing to so callously risk the health and safety of others.”
“This doctor violated his oath to do no harm,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in Atlanta. “His reckless behavior has earned him jail time for surgically implanting pacemakers that patients did not need in order to fatten his pocket.”
In addition to his term of imprisonment, Dr. Chalhoub must pay a $50,000 fine and must also repay $257,515 to Medicare, Medicaid, and other private insurers who were financial victims of his scheme. After Dr. Chalhoub is released from prison, he will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years, and the court has prohibited him from practicing cardiology during that time.
United States Attorney Duncan; Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Atlanta Division; and Michael A. Christman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisville Division, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew E. Smith and Paul C. McCaffrey represented the United States in the case.
Lisbon man arrested and charged for soliciting adults to have sex with childrenRead the Press Release
The FBI, Cleveland Division - Youngstown Resident Agency, members of the Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force, the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, and the United States Attorney’s Office – Northern District of Ohio, announce the arrest of David Grunden, 34, of Lisbon.
Law enforcement executed a federal search warrant on Oct. 30 at Grunden's residence in Lisbon following a nine-month investigation. Gruden is believed to have been engaging in the solitication and enticement of children, as well as soliciting male adults to have sex with children on film.
Grunden was taken into custody without incident upon conclusion of the executed search warrant. Grunden has been federally charged with solicitation and advertising for child pornography.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lea County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Marco Quiroga, 37, of Lovington, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to a methamphetamine trafficking charge. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Quiroga will be sentenced to 70 months in federal prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
Quiroga was arrested in June 2018, on a criminal complaint charging him with distributing methamphetamine to undercover law enforcement agents on Feb. 1, 2018, in Lea County, N.M.
During today’s proceedings, Quiroga pled guilty to a felony information charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In entering the guilty plea, Quiroga admitted that on Feb. 1, 2018, he distributed approximately 112.9 grams of pure methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement agent.
Quiroga remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Lea County Drug Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Terri J. Abernathy of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
The Lea County Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Lea County Sheriff’s Office, Hobbs Police Department, Lovington Police Department, Eunice Police Department the Tatum Police Department and the Jal Police Department, and is part of the NM HIDTA Region VI Drug Task Force. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.
Laser Pointed at Police Helicopter Results in Criminal ConvictionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – AARON DONACIANO CAMARILLO-MORALES, 25, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty today to pointing a laser at an Oklahoma City Police Department helicopter, announced Robert J. Troester of the United States Attorney’s Office.
According to a complaint filed on October 16, 2018, the Air Support Unit of the Oklahoma City Police Department contacted a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Transportation—Office of Inspector General on September 18, 2018, to report that a green laser had struck a police helicopter. According to an affidavit in support of the complaint, the pilot had been temporarily blinded by a laser that appeared to emanate from a silver van in the area of 29th and South Shields driven by Camarillo-Morales.
Today Camarillo-Morales pleaded guilty to pointing a laser at an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. He admitted to United States District Judge Robin J. Cauthron that he knew he had directed a beam at a police helicopter. His conduct violated a statute that specifically prohibits pointing lasers at aircraft. Congress enacted this criminal prohibition in 2012 to prevent pilots from losing control of their aircraft as a result of laser beams.
At sentencing, Camarillo-Morales faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and restitution to the Oklahoma City Police Department. He will be detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until imposition of sentence, which is scheduled for November 15. After he serves his sentence, he will be subject to deportation proceedings.
"In this district, we will do all we can to deter anyone who considers pointing a laser at an aircraft—especially an aircraft operated by law enforcement," said Mr. Troester. "It is against federal law and a public safety issue to point a laser at any aircraft because it endangers the lives of those in the aircraft and those on the ground if the aircraft loses control."
"The criminal charges and plea in this investigation demonstrate that ensuring the safety of the nation’s air transportation system remains a high priority for both the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Department of Transportation (DOT)," said Joseph Zschiesche, DOT-OIG Regional Special Agent in Charge. "We will continue working with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to pursue and apprehend individuals who violate the law and endanger public safety by intentionally aiming a laser pointing device at aircraft."
This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation—Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis D. Smith is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Lafayette felon sentenced to 57 months in prison for possessing stolen pistolRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that a Lafayette man was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison for possessing a stolen pistol he had purchased on the street.
Paul Sidney Breaux, 37, of Lafayette, Louisiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of possession of a stolen firearm. According to the August 2, 2018 guilty plea, Lafayette police arrested Breaux on May 1, 2018. At the time of his arrest, he possessed a Springfield Armory Model 1911 pistol and was aware it was stolen. He told officers he had purchased the firearm five days earlier on the street from some younger males. Breaux is also a felon who has been convicted of aggravated battery, possession of cocaine and aggravated robbery.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The ATF and the Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti prosecuted the case.
Justice Department Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office and the local Office of the FBI, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters, are prepared to receive and review allegations of election fraud and voting rights abuses related to the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election.
The Justice Department’s Election Day Program seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, submission of fraudulent votes, and voting for another person against his wishes or without his input. The law contains special protection for the rights of voters. Voters have a right to cast their own votes or to be assisted by a person of their choice. Additionally, voters have a right to vote free from acts of intimidation or harassment. For example, actions designed to intimidate or interrupt voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting, may violate federal voting rights law.
To report suspected election fraud or interference with the right to vote, members of the public can contact the United States Attorney’s Office at 225-389-0443 or, during polling hours on Election Day, at 225-955-8283. Members of the public can also make such reports to the FBI at 225-291-5159. Additionally, complaints regarding possible violations of voting rights laws can be made directly to the Justice Department’s Voting Section by phone to 800-253-3931 or 202-307-2767, by fax to 202-307-3961, by email to [email protected], or on the Internet at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index/php.
United States Attorney Fremin said, “Deeply embedded in our identity as Americans is the bedrock principle that our citizens must be free to exercise the right to vote without fear of interference and to have that vote counted without being compromised. The DOJ and this Office will work tirelessly to protect those principles and to protect our citizens’ voting rights to ensure our process is free from election fraud. Anyone with specific information about fraud, discrimination, or other interference with the integrity of our election process should immediately make that information available to my Office, the FBI or the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ.”
Jury Convicts Kentucky Man of Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Waynesburg, Kentucky, man who was caught at a traffic stop with 10 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a spare tire was convicted by a federal trial jury today of his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Kevin Ray Wilson, 46, was found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Wilson was driving a 2004 Toyota 4Runner SUV on May 19, 2015, on I-70 eastbound near Highway H. A Lafayette County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy saw Wilson commit a traffic violation by failing to use a turn signal and pulling in front of a semi-tractor trailer in a careless manner. The deputy also noticed that the Toyota displayed two different license plates.
The deputy stopped Wilson’s vehicle. Wilson and his passenger, co-defendant Kenneth W. Dowell, 50, also of Waynesburg, seemed nervous and gave inconsistent statements about their trip. A police drug detection dog indicated a positive alert for the odor of illegal drugs, and the deputy searched the vehicle.
During the search of the vehicle, the deputy discovered a blanket that was covering a spare tire. The tire was deflated and off the rim. In addition to the tire, there were several pry tools and a sledge hammer lying next to the tire. The rim of the tire was scraped up with large gouges and scrape marks along the outer edge. The deputy used a knife to cut into the tire and located a blue nylon bag concealed inside. Inside the nylon bag were 10 one-pound bundles of methamphetamine. The deputy also found $2,900 (all in $100 bills and wrapped with rubber bands around it) under the front seat; Wilson also had $1,622 in cash at the time of his arrest.
Dowell pleaded guilty on Sept. 18, 2017, to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and awaits sentencing.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for less than three hours before returning the guilty verdict to U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough, ending a trial that began Monday, Oct. 29, 2018.
Under federal statutes, Wilson is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison D. Dunning and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney R. Pratten. It was investigated by the Lafayette County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Jury Convicts KC Man of Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was convicted by a federal trial jury today of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
George S. Schrand, Jr., 36, was found guilty of the charge contained in a May 1, 2018, superseding indictment.
Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that on March 13, 2017, an Independence, Mo., police officer saw Schrand, who was driving a red 1996 Ford Mustang, rev the vehicle’s engine and accelerate from the intersection of East Golf Avenue and Home Street in a reckless manner. The officer activated his emergency equipment in order to conduct a traffic stop, but Schrand refused to stop and a high-speed chase ensued.
During the chase, Schrand’s vehicle traveled at speeds of 80 to 90 miles per hour throughout residential areas and on city thoroughfares. Schrand traveled into oncoming traffic and nearly collided with another vehicle. Schrand’s vehicle was eventually disabled by police stop sticks in Kansas City, Mo. Schrand exited the vehicle and fled on foot with officers in pursuit. Schrand attempted to elude officers by jumping over a fence near 18th Street and Bennington. A black backpack was located near the fence that Schrand jumped over during the foot pursuit.
A police service dog discovered Schrand hiding beneath a vehicle that was parked behind a residence on South Ewing Street.
Officers searched Schrand’s backpack and found several clear plastic zip lock bags that contained a total of 179 grams of pure methamphetamine. Schrand’s billfold, with his driver’s license and other identity documents, was also in the backpack, along with marijuana, eight tablets that were identified as controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. Upon his arrest, Schrand was in possession a clear plastic baggie that contained methamphetamine and $20,950.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for less than an hour before returning the guilty verdict to U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, ending a trial that began Monday, Oct. 29, 2018.
Under federal statutes, Schrand is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Moeder and D. Michael Green. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department.
Gates Man Arrested for Attempting to Have to Have Sex with A 14 Year Old ChildRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Dillon T. Boyington, 35, of Gates, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with the attempted online enticement of a minor, and attempted production of child pornography. The charges carry a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the defendant utilized a social media application in an attempt to meet a 14 year old child for sex. Boyington was intercepted by members of the New York State Police on October 24, 2018. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was found in possession of condoms and candy, which he intended to give to the child.The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson, and is being held pending a detention hearing on November 1, 2018.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Fullerton Man Arrested on Federal Charges Alleging Illegal Importation and Sale of Male Sexual Enhancement DrugsRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A Fullerton man was arrested this morning after being named in a federal grand jury indictment that accuses him of illegally importing and selling erectile dysfunction drugs that he falsely marketed as herbal supplements for men.
Nam Hyun Lee, 60, who is sometimes known as “Daniel Lee,” a South Korean national believed to be illegally residing in the United States, was arrested without incident at his residence.
The grand jury issued a 12-count indictment against Lee following an investigation by the United States Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA OCI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The indictment charges Lee with conspiracy, three counts of smuggling misbranded drugs into the United States, and eight counts of introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce.
In 2016 and 2017, Lee established a number of companies based in Buena Park and Cypress, but neither Lee nor his companies possessed licenses to distribute wholesale drugs or prescription medications, according to the indictment.
FDA OCI began investigating Lee in late 2015 for illegally smuggling Tadalafil and Sildenafil Citrate from China and Hong Kong into the United States. These compounds are the active ingredients in the brand name prescription drugs Cialis and Viagra.
The indictment specifically alleges that Lee arranged large shipments of Tadalafil and Sildenafil to be smuggled into the United States under manifests that falsely declared the drugs were products such as acrylic paint and glass bottles.
Viagra and Cialis can be prescribed only be licensed medical practitioners. “Due to toxicity and other potentially harmful effects (e.g., life-threatening drops in blood pressure; loss of vision; loss of hearing; and prolonged, painful erections that result in permanent injury to the penis), drugs similar to Viagra and Cialis were not safe for use except under the supervision of a practitioner licensed by law to administer them, and they were thus prescription drugs as well,” the indictment states.
According to court documents, Lee was illegally importing these controlled drugs in powder form, and then creating individual-dose capsules which he sold to distributers across the county as non-prescription herbal male sexual enhancement products. When Lee sold his products, “labeling stated that no prescription was necessary and did not disclose the presence of Tadalafil and Sildenafil.” The indictment details shipments of capsules to distributors in Baltimore and Beaumont, Texas.
Lee’s products were eventually sold by various online businesses and retail outlets, including at several Orange County convenience stores, under names such as “Rhino,” “Orgazen,” “Black Panther,” “libigrow,” “Black Stallion” and “Black Mamba.” The indictment alleges the illegal sales continued into 2018.
Lee is expected to be arraigned on the indictment this afternoon in United States District Court in Santa Ana.
An indictment complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
The conspiracy count in the indictment carries a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Each smuggling count could bring a sentence as high as 20 years. The charges alleging the introduction of misbranded drugs each carry a maximum sentence of three years.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of a $1.2 million residence in Fullerton that prosecutors allege was purchased with proceeds from the illegal activity charged in the indictment. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of funds contained in several bank accounts, an as-yet undetermined amount of cash seized during the execution of search warrants this morning, and all drugs illegally smuggled into the United States.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jake Nare of the Santa Ana Branch Office and Assistant United States Attorney Katharine Schonbachler of the Asset Forfeiture Section.
Hidden active pharmaceutical ingredients have been identified in products promoted not only for sexual enhancement, but also for weight loss, bodybuilding and pain relief. The FDA has issued hundreds of public warnings and recall announcements related to these types of fraudulent products. The FDA’s Tainted Products database can help consumers identify some of these potentially harmful products. Even if a product is not included in the list, consumers should be cautious about using certain products, especially those promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, bodybuilding and pain relief.
Fresno Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Commit Murder in Aid of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — William Lee, 41, of Fresno, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Lee conspired with other members of the Dog Pound Gangsters (DPG) enterprise to kill a rival gang member for the purpose of gaining or maintaining status within the DPG organization. DPG is a criminal street gang based in southwest Fresno. DPG engaged in criminal activities, including conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, prostitution, drug trafficking, and access device fraud. After DPG member and co-defendant Kenneth Wharry was shot by rival gang members, Lee and others conspired to conduct a retaliatory shooting against rival gang members. The conspiracy culminated in an April l7, 2018, shooting at Fink White Park in Fresno, where a DPG member opened fire in the park.
This case is the product of an investigation by the California Department of Justice, California Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit; Fresno Police Department; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation; the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC); the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office; and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly A. Sanchez, Jeffrey A. Spivak, and Christopher D. Baker prosecuted the case.
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 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.
Four Individuals Charged in White Plains Federal Court with Participating in A Scheme to Defraud Users of A Dating WebsiteRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Angel M. Melendez, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced today the filing of charges against DAVID JONES, DAVID DUWAYNE TAYLOR, KRISTIN KNIGHT, and DESTINY BISHOP for engaging in a scheme by which they fraudulently duped their victims into believing that they had sent sexually explicit images to underage children and faced criminal prosecution if they did not pay to avoid involvement by law enforcement.
TAYLOR, KNIGHT, and BISHOP were presented in federal court in South Carolina on October 18 and 19, 2018. BISHOP was presented on Friday, October 26, 2018, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison in White Plains federal court and released on a personal recognizance bond. KNIGHT was presented on October 29, 2018, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith McCarthy in White Plains federal court and released on a personal recognizance bond. JONES was presented this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy. TAYLOR is expected to appear in federal court in White Plains in the next several days.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, these defendants scared their victims into sending them money by fraudulently convincing them they were in peril of criminal prosecution for child exploitation. This alleged fraud was not only cruel, it was also profitable for the defendants – until they were arrested.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Angel M. Melendez said: “These individuals allegedly chose their targets specifically to create vulnerabilities, seeking simply to make a profit through deceit and extortion. Anyone can fall victim to a criminal scheme, so it is important to remain diligent in text messaging and online communications, and to contact law enforcement if criminal activity is suspected.”
As alleged in the Complaint unsealed October 18, 2018, in White Plains federal court[1]:
Beginning in August 2017, HSI began identifying various individuals who reported that they had been extorted after using a dating website (the “Website”). In general, each victim reported communicating on the Website with an individual the victim believed was an adult. Then, after the victim received and shared sexually-explicit photos with the person the victim believed was an adult, the victim was contacted by a person who claimed that the victim had communicated with an underage minor and needed to pay the minor’s family to prevent law enforcement involvement. The victims made payments via money transfers through Western Union and Walmart and/or through the purchase of Green Dot MoneyPak cards.
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JONES, 28, of Greenville, South Carolina, TAYLOR, 28, of Easley, South Carolina, KNIGHT, 28, of Greer, South Carolina, and BISHOP, 21, of Greenville, South Carolina, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants would be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations; the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Police Services Unit; and the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office in connection with this investigation.
Mr. Berman stated that the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Homeland Security Investigations at 866-DHS-2-ICE.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorney Marcia S. Cohen is in charge of the prosecution.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, as well as the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Former Pittsburgh Felon Pleads Guilty for Possessing 2 Firearms while on Parole for Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a federal firearms charge, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
LaRon Hollaman, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearm by a convicted felon before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on May 6, 2017, Robinson Police observed Hollaman engage in suspicious drug activity in the parking lot of the Hilltop Inn. Police then followed Hollaman to a nearby GetGo gas station where they approached the defendant to investigate further. According to additional information provided to the court, when asked for his license and registration, Hollaman told the officers, "I just did six up at State and this is going to (harm) me." Officers then asked Hollaman if he had any guns in the car. Hollaman told them, "There are two guns loaded underneath the front passenger seat." Hollaman was recovered from the car and handcuffed. Police then recovered two loaded Glock firearms. At the time of his arrest, Hollaman was on Pennsylvania State parole for committing two armed carjackings.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for March 12, 2019. The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior record of the defendant. Hollaman was detained at his initial appearance and will remain detained pending sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Robinson Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the guilty plea in this case.
Former Omaha Tribal Council Member SentencedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that former Omaha Tribal Council Member Doran Morris, Jr. (age 44), was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. for his conviction of one count of conversion and misapplication of funds of a health care benefit program in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 669. Morris was sentenced to five years of probation and was ordered to perform 200 hours of community service. In addition, Morris was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $13,404.44 which was the amount he personally received.
According to the Indictment and Plea Agreements, the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska had filed Contract Disputes Act claims against the Indian Health Service, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. These claims were filed in 2005 and 2012, and concerned unpaid contract support costs covering the period of 1995-2011. The total amount of the claims was approximately $8.9 million. The Indictment alleges that the defendants converted and misapplied funds of a health care benefit program by paying and causing to be paid bonuses or incentives to themselves and several other tribal employees on account of the claim filings. These bonuses or incentives were paid in October of 2012 even though the claims against the Indian Health Service were not resolved and paid until late 2015. Funds used to pay the bonuses came from carryover funds from the fiscal year 2012 contract with IHS. These funds were supposed to be used for providing health care to members of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska through the Carl T. Curtis Health Education Center.
Previously, eight other former tribal council members and tribal employees were sentenced for their roles in this offense. All defendants charged in the Indictment have now been sentenced.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services.
Former Hoboken City Council Candidate and Campaign Worker Indicted for Conspiring to Use Mail to Promote Voter Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A former candidate for the Hoboken City Council and a campaign worker were charged today by a federal grand jury with conspiracy to promote a voter bribery scheme by use of the mail, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Francis Raia, 67, of Hoboken, New Jersey, was a candidate for city council in 2013. Dio Braxton, 43, of Hoboken, worked for Raia’s campaign. A federal grand jury charged them today with conspiracy to violate the federal Travel Act for causing the mails to be used in aid of voter bribery, contrary to New Jersey state law, during the 2013 election. Lizaida Camis, a conspirator, was charged by indictment on Oct. 17, 2018; her case is pending.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Under New Jersey law, registered voters are permitted to cast a ballot by mail rather than in-person. To receive a mail-in ballot, voters must complete and submit to their County Clerk’s Office an Application for Vote By Mail Ballot (VBM Application). After the VBM Application is processed by the County Clerk’s Office, voters receive a mail-in ballot.
From October 2013 through November 2013, Raia instructed Braxton and other conspirators to pay certain Hoboken voters $50 if those voters applied for and cast mail-in ballots in the November 2013 Hoboken municipal election. Conspirators provided these voters with VBM applications and then delivered the completed VBM Applications to the Hudson County Clerk’s office. After the mail-in ballots were delivered to the voters, the conspirators went to the voters’ residences and, in some cases, instructed the voters to vote for Raia and in favor of a ballot referendum that Raia supported relating to rent control. Conspirators promised the voters that they would be paid $50 for casting their mail-in ballots and told them that they could pick up their checks after the election at Raia’s office in Hoboken. Bank records show that voters living in Hoboken received $50 checks from an entity hired by Raia’s political action committee.
Raia and Braxton each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the conspiracy charge.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, and special agents of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christina Scaringi, with the investigation leading to today’s indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Farrell of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rahul Agarwal, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.
The charges and allegations in this indictment, and against Camis, are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Executive Director at Venezuelan State-Owned Oil Company, Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., Pleads Guilty to Role in Billion-Dollar Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A former executive director at the Venezuelan state-owned oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), pleaded guilty today for his role in a billion-dollar international scheme to launder funds embezzled from PDVSA.
U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan of the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Mark Selby of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami Field Office made the announcement.
Abraham Edgardo Ortega, 51, a Venezuelan national, who was PDVSA’s executive director of financial planning, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 9 by U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams of the Southern District of Florida, who accepted his plea today.
As part of his plea, Ortega admitted that in his position with PDVSA, he accepted $5 million in bribes to give priority loan status to a French company and a Russian bank, which were both minority shareholders in joint ventures with PDVSA. Ortega was paid for this bribery scheme with the proceeds of a currency exchange scheme, through which $1.2 billion was embezzled, through bribery and fraud from PDVSA. Ortega also admitted that in his position with PDVSA, he accepted $12 million in bribes for his participation in a PDVSA embezzlement scheme involving a loan and foreign-exchange contract.
Ortega admitted that he worked with a co-defendant to launder $12 million that he received as bribe payments. Ortega admitted that he and his co-defendant laundered $12 million through a sophisticated false-investment scheme that received money from a payment made to look like an investment into a fund, but, in fact, the payment was actually laundered out of the fund. Surrounding and supporting this false-investment laundering scheme were complicit money managers, brokerage firms, banks and real estate investment firms in the United States and elsewhere, operating as a network of professional money launderers, Ortega admitted.
Ortega’s co-conspirators indicted on Aug. 16 include former PDVSA officials, professional third-party money launderers and members of the Venezuelan elite, sometimes known as “boliburgués.”
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) “Operation Money Flight,” a partnership among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement.
HSI Miami, HSI London, HSI Rome and HSI Madrid investigated this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael B. Nadler of the Southern District of Florida’s Economic and Environmental Crimes Section and Trial Attorney David Johnson of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nalina Sombuntham of the Southern District of Florida is handling the asset forfeiture aspects of the case.
The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in this matter. The National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom and Italian, Spanish and Maltese law enforcement authorities also provided assistance.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Former Executive Director at Venezuelan State-Owned Oil Company, Petroleos De Venezuela, S.A., Pleads Guilty to Role in Billion-Dollar Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A former executive director at the Venezuelan state-owned oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), pleaded guilty today for his role in a billion-dollar international scheme to launder funds embezzled from PDVSA.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan of the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Mark Selby of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami Field Office made the announcement.
Abraham Edgardo Ortega, 51, a Venezuelan national, who was PDVSA’s executive director of financial planning, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 9, 2019 by U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams of the Southern District of Florida, who accepted his plea today.
As part of his plea, Ortega admitted that in his position with PDVSA, he accepted $5 million in bribes to give priority loan status to a French company and a Russian bank, which were both minority shareholders in joint ventures with PDVSA. Ortega was paid for this bribery scheme with the proceeds of a currency exchange scheme, through which $1.2 billion was embezzled, through bribery and fraud from PDVSA. Ortega also admitted that in his position with PDVSA, he accepted $12 million in bribes for his participation in a PDVSA embezzlement scheme involving a loan and foreign-exchange contract.
Ortega admitted that he worked with a co-defendant to launder $12 million that he received as bribe payments. Ortega admitted that he and his co-defendant laundered $12 million through a sophisticated false-investment scheme that received money from a payment made to look like an investment into a fund, but, in fact, the payment was actually laundered out of the fund. Surrounding and supporting this false-investment laundering scheme were complicit money managers, brokerage firms, banks and real estate investment firms in the United States and elsewhere, operating as a network of professional money launderers, Ortega admitted.
Ortega’s co-conspirators indicted on Aug. 16 include former PDVSA officials, professional third-party money launderers and members of the Venezuelan elite, sometimes known as “boliburgués.”
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) “Operation Money Flight,” a partnership among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement.
HSI Miami, HSI London, HSI Rome and HSI Madrid investigated this case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief David Johnson and Trial Attorney Gwendolyn A. Stamper of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael B. Nadler of the Southern District of Florida’s Economic and Environmental Crimes Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nalina Sombuntham of the Southern District of Florida is handling the asset forfeiture aspects of the case.
The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in this matter. The National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom and Italian, Spanish and Maltese law enforcement authorities also provided assistance.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
Former Correctional Officer Charged with Assaulting Handcuffed and Shackled Inmate at Elayn Hunt Correctional CenterRead the Press Release
A former correctional officer at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on charges of beating a handcuffed and shackled inmate, and conspiring with other officers to cover up their misconduct by falsifying official reports and lying to investigators. Two other correctional officers, Eric Norwood and Charles Philson, have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the assault of the inmate.
Today’s indictment accuses Adrian Almodovar of federal civil rights, conspiracy, and obstruction violations. According to the indictment, Almodovar and other members of the tactical team assaulted an inmate during the course of a cell extraction, during transportation to the medical unit, and inside the medical unit. The inmate was handcuffed and shackled during the course of the assaults.
It is alleged that the defendants then drafted false reports in which they intentionally omitted that they used force on the inmate. Days after the assault, the defendants met with another officer at the a local restaurant in which they agreed that, if questioned about the assault by investigators, they would stick to the false story they wrote in their reports and claim that they did not use unlawful force.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Baton Rouge Division of the FBI and the Office of Louisiana Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Christopher J. Perras and Zachary Dembo of the Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Former Correctional Officer Charged with Assaulting Handcuffed and Shackled Inmate at Elayn Hunt Correctional CenterRead the Press Release
A former correctional officer at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on charges of beating a handcuffed and shackled inmate, and conspiring with other officers to cover up their misconduct by falsifying official reports and lying to investigators. Two other correctional officers, Eric Norwood and Charles Philson, have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the assault of the inmate.
Today’s indictment accuses Adrian Almodovar of federal civil rights, conspiracy, and obstruction violations. According to the indictment, Almodovar and other members of the tactical team assaulted an inmate during the course of a cell extraction, during transportation to the medical unit, and inside the medical unit. The inmate was handcuffed and shackled during the course of the assaults.
It is alleged that the defendants then drafted false reports in which they intentionally omitted that they used force on the inmate. Days after the assault, the defendants met with another officer at the a local restaurant in which they agreed that, if questioned about the assault by investigators, they would stick to the false story they wrote in their reports and claim that they did not use unlawful force.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Baton Rouge Division of the FBI and the Office of Louisiana Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Christopher J. Perras and Zachary Dembo of the Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Former Brookline Man Pleads Guilty to Hiring Someone to Murder Relative in CaliforniaRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa – A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of using interstate commerce facilities in connection with a murder for hire, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Brad Lanese, age 52, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Brad Lanese and two associates – identified as C.B and his wife, L.D. - ran a large marijuana grow operation in Northern California. When Lanese and L.D. began having difficulties, Lanese was asked to leave the property. Back in Pittsburgh, Lanese contacted a confidential source for the Drug Enforcement Agency and asked that source to travel with him to Northern California in order to rob C.B. and L.D. of the profits from the marijuana grow operation.
On October 31, 2017, Lanese and the confidential source traveled to California. The next day, Lanese and the confidential source met with "Deeds", a DEA operative acting in an undercover capacity who was to provide firearms and logistical support for the robbery. Lanese told "Deeds" that he no longer wanted to rob C.B., but wanted "Deeds" to murder someone instead. Lanese then hired "Deeds" to kill L.D. by injecting L.D. with a fatal dose of heroin/fentanyl mix in the marijuana fields, and pushing L.D.’s body and car over the cliffs and into the Pacific Ocean. Lanese told "Deeds" that once L.D. was dead, he would be able to return to the marijuana grow operation and pay "Deeds" for the murder.
On November 14, 2017, back in Pittsburgh, Lanese confirmed to "Deeds" that he wanted L.D. to be murdered and agreed to pay $30,000 for the murder.
On December 8, 2017, Lanese was charged via criminal complaint and investigators from the DEA and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police arrested him at his home in Brookline. Lanese was detained pending trial and will continue to be detained pending sentencing.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for March 13, 2019 at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior record of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Agency - Pittsburgh Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Pittsburgh Division, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration - Santa Rosa, California Division, conducted the investigation that led to the guilty plea in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California is also assisting in the prosecution of this case.
Florida Man Sentenced to Prison for Exporting Crab-Eating Macaque Skulls, Other Wildlife Without PermitRead the Press Release
Franz Karl Salon, 24, a resident of Miramar, Florida, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez in Miami, Florida, to five months in prison, to be followed by a two year period of supervised release, for illegally exporting a crab-eating macaque skull to France after he sold the skull on an online e-commerce marketplace. Salon previously pleaded guilty on August 17, 2018.
Federal law requires that persons in the United States who import or export wildlife file a completed United States Fish and Wildlife Service Declaration (Form 3-177) prior to the importation or exportation. This requirement applies to wildlife or wildlife products purchased online which enters the United States from abroad, including shipments made via the United States Postal Service or courier companies such as Federal Express and United Parcel Service.
Crab-eating macaques and additional macaque species are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement signed by the United States and 182 other countries to ensure that international trade in more than 35,000 species of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. International trade in these species is controlled by permits and quotas, or for some species, is completely prohibited except in exceptional circumstances.
According to court documents, Salon failed to obtain the required CITES permits and did not file the required documentation for wildlife, which he imported and exported between September 2013 and August 2016. Salon illegally sold more than $21,000 of foreign wildlife to purchasers in states other than Florida and illegally exported more than $7,000 of wildlife to purchasers in foreign countries. Salon also unlawfully possessed more than $14,000 of wildlife.
“As Attorney General Sessions asserted at last week’s forum on combatting wildlife poaching and trafficking in Washington, U.S. law enforcement is committed to prosecuting participants in the illegal wildlife trade,” said U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan for the Southern District of Florida. “In a District that represents a hub for commerce and recreation in the Americas, we are especially sensitive to being used as a center for illegal trafficking activities for both our domestic species and wildlife sourced from our neighbors. We will continue to work with our international, state, and local partners to hold wildlife traffickers accountable for their illegal conduct.”
“Wildlife trafficking is a serious crime that impacts imperiled species across the world," said Edward Grace, Acting Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. "We would like to thank the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Justice for their work on this case. We will continue to work with our partners to combat the illegal wildlife trade."
“We will work together with our U.S. and International partners to save threatened and endangered species being illegally trafficked into our country,” said Antonio J. Gomez, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. “The use of the mail to further the illegal activity of the traffickers will not be tolerated.”
The investigation was handled by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Watts-Fitzgerald of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and Senior Trial Attorney Georgiann Cerese of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section.
Information concerning Federal wildlife laws and regulations is available at http://fws.gov/le and contact information for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Wildlife Inspection Offices may be found at https://www.fws.gov/le/inspection-offices.html. A list of the animal and plant species protected by CITES may be found at https://www.cites.org/eng/disc/species.php.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Drug Trafficking and Immigration Laws in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Ruben Adrian Rubalcava, 36, of Dunedin, Fla., pled guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to methamphetamine trafficking and conspiracy to transport illegal aliens charges.
Rubalcava was arrested in Sept. 2018, and was charged in two separate federal criminal complaints. The first complaint, filed on Sept. 18, 2018, charged Rubalcava with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The second complaint, filed on Sept. 19, 2018, charged Rubalcava and co-defendant Keith Anthony Cummings, 35, of El Paso, Texas, with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. Both complaints alleged that Rubalcava committed the crimes in Dona Ana County, N.M.
According to court filings, on Sept. 16, 2018, while responding to a sensor activation during routine patrol, U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered three individuals sitting in a parking lot in Sunland Park, N.M. Subsequent immigration inspections of the individuals established that two of the individuals were aliens illegally present in the United States. The agents arrested the third individual, Cummings, on alien smuggling charges. The agents arrested Rubalcava on alien smuggling charges after he approached them and said the individuals were his friends. During a search incident to arrest, the agents found 408 grams of methamphetamine inside Rubalcava’s backpack.
During today’s proceedings, Rubalcava pled guilty to a felony information charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. In entering the guilty plea, Rubalcava admitted conspiring with another individual on Sept. 16, 2018, to drive to Sunland Park with the intention of picking up two illegal aliens who had unlawfully entered the United States. Rubalcava further admitted that the other individual walked the illegal aliens to Rubalcava’s vehicle and while waiting for Rubalcava to return to the vehicle, U.S. Border Patrol agents approached the vehicle and arrested the two illegal aliens and the other individual.
In his plea agreement, Rubalcava admitted that agents approached him while he was walking towards his vehicle and the agents found methamphetamine in his backpack. Rubalcava acknowledged that he intended to deliver the methamphetamine to others within the United States and that he participated in the conspiracy for financial gain.
At sentencing, Rubalcava faces a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. He remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Cummings pled guilty to conspiring to transport illegal aliens on Oct. 10, 2018, and will remain in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
These cases were investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol, the DEA and Homeland Security Investigations and are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clara Cobos of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
Felon with a Gun Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Edward Leonard Howard, Jr., was sentenced this morning on the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Howard, 22, of Mobile, Alabama, pled guilty to the charge in July. United States District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade imposed a sentence of 44 months imprisonment, and ordered that Howard serve three years of supervised release when he is discharged from prison. No fine was imposed but Howard was ordered to pay $100 in special mandatory assessments.
The case was investigated by the Mobile Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria A. Bedwell.
Felon Called to Say He Was in A Bind, Now He’s Charged with Escaping CustodyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A convicted felon who was under house arrest was indicted today on a federal charge of escaping custody, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Joaquin Florez, 42, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of escaping federal custody. According to documents filed in the case, Florez was sentenced to federal prison in 2015 after being convicted on a drug charge. He was transferred from federal prison to home confinement in Kansas City, Kan.
On Sept. 13, 2018, the Bonner Springs Police Department notified the U.S. Probation Office that Florez was involved in a police chase in Bonner Springs. On the same day, Florez called the Grossman Residential Reentry Center in Leavenworth to say he was in a bind. He said he had purchased a vehicle and allowed a friend to drive it. He said the friend was involved in a chase with police. The director of the center ordered Florez to return to the center immediately. Florez did not report as required.
If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt is prosecuting.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Joseph Holbrook, Jr., 34, Kansas City, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred July 26, 2018, in Johnson County, Kan.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictments Charging 6 IndividualsRead the Press Release
MACON— A grand jury has returned indictments during the month of October. Charles E. Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced Wednesday, October 31, 2018, that the grand jury true billed indictments charging 6 individuals. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The successful collaboration between law enforcement at every level helped bring these cases before a federal grand jury,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler. “I want to thank our local, state and federal law enforcement for their dedication and hard work.”
Indictment #1
JONATHAN M. JENSEN, age 32, of Springfield, Minnesota, is charged with the following:
1) Coercion and Enticement
2) Travel with Intent to engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Jensen faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to a maximum life sentence in prison, a $250,000 fine and 5 years-to-life supervised release. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Jensen faces a maximum 30 year prison sentence, a $250,000 fine and 5 years-to-life supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albany, Georgia, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Crane.
Indictment #2
MIGUEL BALTAZAR-PABLO, age 25, of Mexico, is charged with the following:
1) Illegal Reentry into the United States
If convicted, Mr. Baltazar-Pablo faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amelia G. Helmick.
Indictment #3
ANTONIO VEGA-HERNANDEZ, age 32, of Mexico, is charged with the following:
1) Illegal Reentry into the United States
If convicted, Mr. Vega-Hernandez faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amelia G. Helmick.
In addition, to the above indictments, the following individuals were indicted for firearms offenses. All of these cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Indictment #4
TRACY MITCHELL, JR., age 30, of Athens, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
If convicted, Tracy Mitchell, Jr. faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling.
Indictment #5
ERIC DAMON GRIER, age 38, of Sparta, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
If convicted, Eric Damon Grier faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both, on each count.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), Georgia Department of Community Supervision and Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis.
Indictment #6
JOHNNY FARROW, aged 62, of Macon, Georgia, is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
If convicted, Mr. Farrow faces a maximum sentence of ten 10 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis.
Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
Equine Insurance Agent Charged in $1.3 Million Dollar Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE - A Middletown insurance agent and agency owner who specializes in providing equine insurance coverage has been charged in U.S. District Court in Providence with allegedly orchestrating a scheme which defrauded customers, insurance companies, and finance companies of approximately $1.3 million dollars.
Randall N. Levesque, 57, of Middletown, owner of Equine Insurance Services, LLC and Randall Levesque Agency, has been charged by way of a federal criminal complaint with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service Stephen Marks, and Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Ann C. Assumpico.
According to court documents, it is alleged that Levesque overbilled and double-billed customers when billing their credit cards for premiums due on policies, some of which the client did not request or did not agree to finance, at times forging the customers’ signature; collected premiums on insurance policies issued by at least two insurance companies but, upon receipt from customers, did not forward the payments to the insurance companies; and, at times, financed premiums and received funds on behalf of customers without the customers’ consent or knowledge, and submitted financing agreements to finance companies for fictitious customers, for whom there were no policies.
It is alleged in Court documents that Levesque collected but did not remit to insurance companies over $800,000 in premiums; fraudulently obtained over $500,000 in financed premiums from at least two finance companies; and charged customers’ credit cards at total of approximately $80,000 for premiums that he failed to provide to insurance companies.
Levesque made an initial appearance on Tuesday in U.S. District Court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan, and was released on $10,000 unsecured bond.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation 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.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Hebert. The matter was investigated by the United States Secret Service and Rhode Island State Police.
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El Abogado de los Estados Unidos John F. Bash Anuncia Sobre las Elecciones de Noviembre 2018Read the Press Release
El Abogado de los Estados Unidos John F. Bash anunció hoy que Matthew B. Devlin, Assistente Abogado del los Estados Unidos (AUSA, por sus siglas en inglés) se encarga del esfuerzo de la Oficina en conexión con el Programa Nacional del Día de Elecciones del Departamento de Justicia para las elecciones generales del 6° de noviembre, 2018. AUSA Devlin ha sido designado de servir como el Oficial del Distrito de Elecciones (DEO, por sus siglas en inglés) para el Distrito Oeste de Tejas, y será responsable de supervisar las quejas sobre fraude electoral y abusos de derechos de votar en consulto con el Departamento de Justicia Central en Washington.
Abogado Bash dijo, “Todos ciudadanos deben de poder votar sin interferencia o discriminación y el proceso electoral debe de estar libre de fraude y manipulación.”
El Departamento de Justicia tiene el rol importante de disuadir fraude electoral y discriminación en las urnas, y de combatir las violaciones cuando y donde quiera ocurren. Más, el objetivo del Programa Nacional del Día de Elecciones del Departamento busca aseguración de la confidencia del público de la integridad del proceso electoral por proporcionando contactos locales dentro el Departamento para que el público pueda reportar actos de fraude electoral y violaciones de derechos de votar mientras estén disponibles las urnas el Día Electoral.
La ley federal protege en contra crímenes de intimidación o sobornar votadores, comprando y vendiendo votos, imitar votador, modificar la cuenta de votaciones, votar en urnas múltiples, y marcar la boleta de votación por votadores sin su permiso o sin los deseos del votador. También contiene protecciones para los derechos de los votadores, y provee que pueden votar libre de cualquier acto de intimidación o acoso. Por ejemplo, actos de personas tratando de interrumpir, o intimidar votadores en lugares de votación o de poner en duda, o tomar fotos o vídeo, bajo el pretexto que las acciones son para revelar votación ilegal podrá violar las leyes federales. Más, las leyes federales protege los derechos de los votadores para marcar su propio boleta de votación o de ser asistido por la persona de su elección (cuando votadores necesitan asistencia por medio de discapacidad o analfabeto).
El derecho es el centro de la democracia Americana. Todos demos de asegurar que los que tienen el derecho de votar, pueden si gustan, y los quienes buscan corromper el proceso se llevan a justicia. Para responder a reclamos de fraude electoral o abuso de los derechos de votar el 6° de noviembre, 2018, y para asegurar que los reclamos se dirigen a los propios autoridades, Abogado Bash dijo que AUSA/DEO Devin estará de servicio mientras estén disponibles las urnas en el Día de Elección. El público puede contactarlo al (210) 384-7188.
Más, el FBI tendrá agentes especiales disponibles en todas las oficinas dentro el país para recibir acusaciones de fraude electoral y otros abusos electorales en el Día de Elección. El FBI de San Antonio estará disponible al público al (210) 225-6741. El FBI de El Paso estará disponible al público at (915) 832-5000.
Reclamos sobre violaciones de las leyes federales de votación se dirigen directamente a la División de Derechos Civiles Sección de Votación en Washington, DC al (800) 253-3931 o al (202) 307-2767, por fax al (202) 307-3961, y por correo electrónico al [email protected] o por forma de reclamo al http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
Abogado Bash dijo, “Asegurando elecciones justos requiere reportando cualquier irregularidad en el proceso electoral lo más pronto posible. Es imprescindible que los que tienen información especifica de discriminación de votador, intimidación de votador, o fraude electoral, que reporten la información inmediatamente a mi oficina, al FBI o a la División de Derechos Civiles Sección de Votación.”
Eight Maryland TTG Members and Associates Convicted on Federal Racketeering and Drug Conspiracy Charges, Including Nine Murders and Witness IntimidationRead the Press Release
A federal jury today convicted eight Baltimore, Maryland men for conspiring to participate in a violent racketeering enterprise known as Trained To Go (TTG), a subset of the Black Guerrilla Family (BGF) gang, including nine murders, drug trafficking, and witness intimidation, as well as on conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, marijuana, and cocaine. Several of the defendants were also convicted of related drug and firearms charges.
The defendants convicted today are: Montana Barronette, aka “Tana,” and “Tanner,” 23; Terrell Sivells, aka “Rell,” 27; John Harrison, aka “Binkie,” 28; Taurus Tillman, aka “Tash,” 29; Linton Broughton, aka “Marty,” 25; Dennis Pulley, aka “Denmo,” 31; Brandon Wilson, aka “Ali,” 24; and Timothy Floyd, aka “Tim Rod,” 28.
The convictions were announced by Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur for the District of Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the FBI Baltimore Field Office; Interim Commissioner Gary Tuggle of the Baltimore Police Department; Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don A. Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Baltimore District Office and Anne Arundel County Police Chief Tim Altomare.
“For six years, Trained To Go terrorized the Sandtown neighborhood, committing murders, robberies, and other violence as they sold their poison on the streets of Baltimore,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “Today’s convictions ensure that Montana Barronette and the other seven defendants in this vicious gang now will be held accountable for their horrible crimes.”
“Federal, state and local law enforcement joined together to target the leaders and key members of one of the most violent gangs operating in Baltimore City,” said U.S. Attorney Hur. “Today’s convictions prove our continuing commitment to removing armed, violent criminals from our neighborhoods and bringing them to justice in the federal system, which has no parole—ever.”
“This investigation represents the epitome of law enforcement agencies working together to target and dismantle violent street gangs that threaten the safety and stability of our neighborhoods,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Johnson. “The citizens of Baltimore City and Maryland have the FBI’s commitment that we will work with our local, state and federal partners to attack these dealers and remove violent criminals from their neighborhoods.”
According to the evidence presented at their 24-day trial, the defendants are all members of TTG, a criminal organization and subset of the Black Guerrilla Family (BGF) gang that operated in the Sandtown neighborhood of West Baltimore, whose members engaged in drug distribution and acts of violence including murder, armed robbery, and witness intimidation. Members and associates of TTG sold heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, and worked to defend their exclusive right to control who sold narcotics in TTG territory. As part of the conspiracy, each defendant agreed that a conspirator would commit at least two acts of racketeering activity for TTG.
Specifically, the evidence proved that between May 20, 2010 and May 25, 2016, the defendants and other members of TTG committed acts of violence, including nine murders, shootings, armed robbery, and witness intimidation. The violent acts were intended to further the gang’s activities, protect the gang’s drug territory, and maintain and increase a member’s position within the organization. Murders were committed in retaliation for individuals robbing TTG members of drugs and drug proceeds, or while TTG members robbed others of their drugs and drug proceeds, as well as in murder-for-hire schemes. Further, the defendants engaged in witness intimidation through violence or threats of violence, to prevent individuals from cooperating with law enforcement.
The defendants all face a maximum sentence of life in prison on the racketeering and drug conspiracies. Pulley and Wilson each also face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for being felons in possession of a firearm; and a mandatory minimum of five years, consecutive to any other sentence imposed, and up to life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Tillman and Sivells also face up to 20 years in prison for distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake has scheduled sentencing. The defendants remain detained.
Three other TTG members, all of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty. Brandon Bazemore, aka Man Man, 25, pleaded guilty to the racketeering conspiracy, including three murders and an attempted murder, as well as to the drug conspiracy. Bazemore and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea, Bazemore will be sentenced to 25 years in federal prison at his sentencing on Nov. 13. Co-defendants Hisaun Chatman, 31, and James Woodfolk, 20, pleaded guilty to the drug conspiracy and were each sentenced to five years in prison, to be served concurrent to the state sentence each is currently serving.
Co-defendant Roger Taylor, of Baltimore, is still a fugitive, and the charges against him are pending. Anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of Roger Taylor is asked to contact the FBI Baltimore Field office at (410) 265-8080.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Baltimore Police Department, the ATF, the DEA and the Anne Arundel County Police Department, including the FBI Baltimore Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force, which includes FBI special agents and task force officers from the Baltimore, Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County Police Departments. FBI Baltimore Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force is responsible for identifying and targeting the most violent gangs in the Baltimore metropolitan area, to address gang violence and the associated homicides in Baltimore. The vision of the program is to use federal racketeering statutes to disrupt and dismantle significant violent criminal threats and criminal enterprises affecting the safety and well-being of our citizens and our communities.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Hanley of the Justice Department’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Romano and Daniel Gardner of the District of Maryland prosecuting the case.