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Tuesday 2 October 2018
Three Individuals Indicted on Hobbs Act Robbery, Related Gun Charges, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – On September 9, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a seven count indictment against Paul Girard, 30, Shaquan Prentice, 33, and Etherneal Simon, 48, charging Girard and Prentince with two Hobbs Act robberies, conspiracy, and related gun charges, and Girard and Simon with money laundering, United States Attorney Gretchen C. F. Shappert announced. Girard, Prentice and Simon made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller. Girard and Prentice were detained pending trial.
The seven count indictment is the result of an investigation into Hobbs Act robberies of two jewelry stores on St. Thomas: Signature Jewelers on August 19, 2015, and 3G’s Jewelry and Repair on September 14, 2015. According to the indictment, Girard, Prentice, and other co-conspirators conspired to rob the stores and brandished weapons to threaten and intimidate store employees. The robbers used duct tape to bind and gag the victims and then fled the store with cash and merchandise. According to the indictment, Simon assisted Girard to launder money obtained from these robberies.
If convicted, these individuals face up to 20 years on each of the Hobbs Act robbery and money laundering; a mandatory 7- and 25-year consecutive sentences for each brandishing of a firearm charge; and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virgin Islands Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.
United States Attorney Shappert reminds the public that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Texarkana Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Cocaine BaseRead the Press Release
Texarkana, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Aundra Deon Holmes, age 38, of Texarkana, was sentenced today to 130 months on one count of Distribution of Cocaine Base, and a consecutive 15 months for violating the conditions of his supervised release on a previous conviction for methamphetamine distribution. The Honorable Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Texarkana.
According to court records, during July 2017, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a controlled purchase for cocaine base utilizing a confidential source from Holmes. The substance purchased from Holmes was determined by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory to be 26.02 grams of cocaine base.
Holmes was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2017 and entered a guilty plea in February 2018.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Graham Jones prosecuted the case for the United States.
Ten Individuals Indicted on Federal Conspiracy Charges for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
St. Louis, MO – Ten individuals were indicted in St. Louis on charges of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and gun charges.
Indicted were the following individuals:
Nathaniel Hill, a/k/a “BJ,” 37, St. Louis;
Lamar McDonald, a/k/a “Mike,” “Marty,” 36, O’Fallon, MO;
Maurice Love, a/k/a “Reece,” “Peanut,” “Fat Boy,” 37, San Diego, CA;
Candace Hill, 35, St. Louis;
Earl Murray, a/k/a “E,” 37, St. Louis;
Timothy Wright, 22, San Diego, CA;
Jeffrey Will, a/k/a “Skinny,” 37, St. Louis;
Victor Parker, a/k/a “Blu,” 23, Granite City, IL;
Doug Kelsay, 42, Granite City, IL; and
Myron Coffee, 26, Creve Coeur.
Defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury on September 6, 2018 charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Nathaniel Hill was also indicted for distribution of methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm; and money laundering. Maurice Love was also indicted for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and money laundering. Candace Hill was also indicted on four counts of money laundering charges. Earl Murray was also charged with felon in possession of a firearm. Timothy Wright was also charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and money laundering. Jeffrey Will was also charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Myron Coffee was also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
If convicted of the conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine charge, this carries a penalty of 10 years to life. If convicted of the distribution of methamphetamine charge, this carries a maximum penalty of 20 years. If convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime charge, this carries a minimum penalty of 5 years in prison. If convicted of the felon in possession of firearm charge, this carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. If convicted of the money laundering charge, this carries a maximum penalty of 20 years and with fines up to $1,000,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and St. Louis County Police Department.
As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Taunton Man Charged with Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Taunton man was charged yesterday in federal court in Boston with bank robbery.
Philip L. Campanirio, 52, was charged in an Information with one count of bank robbery. On Aug. 31, 2018, Campanirio was arrested and has been detained in federal custody since.
According to court documents, on April 28, 2018, while on supervised release for a previous bank robbery conviction, Campanirio robbed approximately $4,680 from a branch of the Citizens Bank in Allston.
Campanirio faces a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years 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; and Boston Police Chief William Gross made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for sexually abusing a child and taking sexually explicit photographs of his victim.
Anthony Cotter, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 30 years in federal prison without parole.
On June 18, 2018, Cotter pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet. Cotter also admitted that he had a substantial amount of child pornography on his computer and cell phone.
Cotter told investigators he had been sexually abusing a minor female, identified in court documents as Jane Doe #1, and taking sexually explicit photographs of Jane Doe #1. Depictions of Cotter sexually abusing the child victim were recovered from his digital storage devices.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
South Carolina U.S. Attorney Sherri Lydon Adds More Federal Prosecutors in Columbia, Greenville, and FlorenceRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina---- Quickly focusing her efforts on providing local, state, and federal law enforcement more resources in the collective effort to secure communities across the state, United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon has added four new Assistant United States Attorneys to her staff within a matter of weeks. A fifth is slated to start in mid-October. “Following Attorney General Sessions’ lead on our renewed efforts to combat violent crime, we have quickly responded to the call. With, soon to be, five new federal prosecutors in three of our four offices in a span of just weeks underscores our dedication to the safety of South Carolinians.”
Sloan P. Ellis joined the Greenville US Attorney’s office on August 20, 2018. Ellis will focus on Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Taskforce cases (OCDETF). On October 1, 2018, Tina M. Cundari joined the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) housed within the Civil Division of the US Attorney’s Office in Columbia. Justin W. Holloway and Derek A. Shoemake, both sworn in just this morning in a ceremony in federal court in Florence, officially joined the Florence office also on October 1. Holloway and Shoemake will focus their efforts on violent crime prosecutions in the greater Pee Dee and Myrtle Beach region.
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Social Circle Resident Pleads Guilty to Possessing A Firearm with an Obliterated Serial NumberRead the Press Release
ATHENS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Mikail Anthony Walker, age 24, of Social Circle, Georgia, pled guilty on October 1, 2018 to Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number before U.S. District Court Judge Hugh Lawson in Athens, Georgia.
In entering his plea, Mr. Walker admitted that officers with the Social Circle Police Department (SCPD) had conducted an investigation after complaints that drug sales were taking place at his home. Ultimately, the SCPD obtained a search warrant for Mr. Walker’s home and recovered a Taurus, 9mm Parabellum caliber semi-automatic pistol with the serial number scratched off, a loaded Taurus, .357 Magnum caliber revolver, marijuana, and digital scales.
Mr. Walker faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years’ imprisonment, a maximum $250,000 fine, or both, to be followed by three (3) years of supervised release.
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 case was investigated by the Social Circle Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Leary is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Seven Charged in Telemarketing Sweepstakes Scheme that Victimized People in the United States, Including the ElderlyRead the Press Release
Seven U.S. citizens were charged in an indictment unsealed today for their roles in a Costa Rica-based telemarketing scheme that allegedly defrauded victims in the United States, including the elderly, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney R. Andrew Murray of the Western District of North Carolina announced.
Roger Roger, 34, previously of Hialeah, Florida and currently residing in Costa Rica; Paul Andy Stiep, 26, of Miami, Florida; Manuel Mauro Chavez, 27, also of Miami; David Michael Nigh, 49, previously of Oklahoma and currently residing in Costa Rica; Mark Raymond Oman, 33, of Long Beach, Washington; Cole Anthony Parks, 33, of Pompano Beach, Florida; and Nicholas Richer, 24, of Nashua, New Hampshire, were charged in a 20-count indictment filed in the Western District of North Carolina with one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, nine counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and nine counts of international money laundering.
“According to the allegations in the indictment unsealed today, Roger Roger and his codefendants ran a telemarketing call center in Costa Rica that duped victims—including senior citizens—into sending money to claim bogus ‘sweepstakes prizes,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “This indictment further demonstrates that the investigation and prosecution of individuals who victimize seniors and other vulnerable populations are among the highest priorities for the Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners.”
“Scamming elderly people out of their life’s savings is deplorable,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Most older Americans live on a fixed income, so when scammers come along and steal these elderly victims’ limited financial resources, our mission is to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”
The indictment alleges that the defendants worked for a telemarketing sweepstakes call center located in Costa Rica, which was supervised by Roger. Telemarketers in the call center, including Roger, Parks, Nigh and other co-conspirators, allegedly called intended victims in the United States – including elderly persons – convincing them that they had won a substantial sweepstakes prize, but, to claim the prize, they needed to send funds, such as insurance or customs fees or taxes. If a victim sent money, telemarketers called back seeking more money, telling the victims that there was a clerical error, or the prize had increased due to the disqualification of the grand prize winner, requiring payment of additional insurance, fees, taxes and customs duties, the indictment alleges. Victims sent the funds either directly to Costa Rica, where they were retrieved by co-conspirators, including Oman and Parks, or, for victims reluctant to send money to Costa Rica, to co-conspirators in the United States, including Stiep, Chavez and Richer, who, for a portion of the victim proceeds, retrieved the funds and forwarded them to Costa Rica. The promised sweepstakes prize did not exist, and the defendants and their co-conspirators kept the victims’ money to fund the call center operations and for their personal benefit, the indictment alleges.
The named defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly used a variety of techniques to conceal their identities and perpetrate the fraud, including use of “phone names” (i.e., aliases) when communicating with victims and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to make it appear that they were calling from Washington, D.C. or other places in the United States. They also allegedly often misrepresented that they were government agents or representatives, including from the IRS, Treasury Department or Federal Trade Commission.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI, with assistance from the Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Interpol, the Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service and the Department of Justice’s international partners in Costa Rica. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys William Bowne and Jennifer Farer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina provided substantial assistance with this matter.
Santa Rosa Doctor Indicted for Unlawfully Prescribing Fentanyl and OxycodoneRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO –A federal grand jury indicted Santa Rosa doctor Thomas Keller, charging him with distributing Schedule II and IV controlled substances outside the scope of his professional practice and without a legitimate medical need, announced United States Attorney Alex G. Tse, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Chris Nielsen, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan. Keller was also charged with two counts of health care fraud related to billing.
According to the indictment filed September 27, 2018, and unsealed yesterday, in June of 2017, Keller, 72, of Santa Rosa, was a licensed physician when he knowingly distributed Oxycodone to a person knowing that the distribution was outside the scope of his professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Further, in March of 2018, Keller allegedly distributed Tramadol to another person, again knowing the distribution was outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Then, in July of 2018, the indictment alleges, Keller distributed fentanyl to a different person knowing the distribution was outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. In addition, Keller is accused of submitting two fraudulent health care claims for payment as follows: one to Anthem Blue Cross of California in March of 2018, and the other to Medi-Cal in July of 2015.
In sum, Keller is charged with three counts of distributing drugs outside the scope of professional practice, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), and two counts of health care fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1347.
This prosecution is the result of investigations by the DEA, FBI, HHS-OIG, and the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and Keller, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Keller faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000, for the distribution of fentanyl and Oxycodone. If convicted, Keller faces a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison and $250,000 for the distribution of Tramadol. In addition, if convicted, Keller faces 10 years in prison and $250,000 (or twice the gain or loss) for each violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. Additional fines, restitution, and additional periods of supervised release also could be ordered at sentencing. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Keller made an initial appearance before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero yesterday. Keller is scheduled to appear next before the Honorable Judge Vince Chhabria on Tuesday October 16, 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shailika Kotiya is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Rawaty Yim. This case was investigated and prosecuted by member agencies of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a focused multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force investigating and prosecuting the most significant drug trafficking organizations throughout the United States by leveraging the combined expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
San Francisco Resident Indicted for Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury indicted Timothy Wayne Phillips today for allegedly committing three bank robberies and attempting a fourth robbery in the San Francisco Bay Area, announced United States Attorney Alex. G. Tse and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett.
According to the indictment, between August 29, 2018, and September 7, 2018, Phillips, 51, of San Francisco, used force, violence, and intimidation, to commit three bank robberies. The robberies occurred on the following dates and locations:
- August 29, 2018 – U.S. Bank in San Bruno, Calif.
- September 6, 2018 – Wells Fargo Bank in San Francisco, Calif.
- September 7, 2018 – Wells Fargo Bank in Berkeley, Calif.
Phillips allegedly stole a total of $7,335.90 from the banks. In addition, Phillips allegedly attempted to rob City National Bank in Walnut Creek on September 7, 2018. In sum, Phillips was charged with three counts of bank robbery and one count of attempted bank robbery. Each count is a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a).
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison for each charge. Additional fines, forfeitures, restitution, and special assessments also may be imposed. However, any sentence will be imposed by the court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The defendant currently is in federal custody and is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Westmore on October 4, 2018 for arraignment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Springsteen is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Marina Ponomarchuk. The prosecution is the result of investigations by the FBI with significant assistance from the police departments of Daly City, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, San Francisco, and San Bruno.
Sacramento Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Vincene R. Jones, 69, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to theft of government property, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Jones’s mother received Social Security retirement benefits beginning in 1988. Jones and her mother held a joint bank account where the Social Security Administration deposited the mother’s monthly benefits. The mother was entitled to these benefits until her death on August 16, 1999. Jones did not report her mother’s death to SSA, and SSA continued to deposit the mother’s benefit funds to the joint account from September 1999 to January 2014. Over this 14-year period, SSA paid approximately $114,796 to the joint account. During this period, Jones maintained control of the account and stole the Social Security benefits for her own use. Jones did this knowing she was not entitled to the benefits and that doing so would prevent SSA from using or benefitting from the money.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz is prosecuting the case.
Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on January 8, 2019, by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez. Jones faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Poplar Bluff and Illinois Men Sentenced for Burglarizing Poplar Bluff Firearms Dealer and Clayton, Missouri Carjacking Crime by Use of a FirearmRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney's Office announced that Demarlon Richardson, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Germonde Brunner, Arlandus Howard, Norlando Jackson and Antywan Seawood, of East St. Louis, Illinois, were sentenced for the burglary of a federally licensed firearms dealer known as Instapawn, which is located near Poplar Bluff, Missouri and for a carjacking crime that occurred in Clayton, Missouri.
The burglary of Instapawn occurred on February 28, 2017, when the five men stole over 60 firearms. Howard was found guilty by a jury and the other four men entered guilty pleas. During Howard’s trial, the evidence disclosed that the five men committed the Instapawn burglary by breaking a window and entering the store. Around twelve of the firearms were recovered. The remainder of the firearms are still missing.
Brunner, Howard, Jackson and Seawood were also found guilty of committing Carjacking and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence for a carjacking crime that occurred in Clayton, Missouri, on February 27, 2017. The men used the stolen car during the commission of the firearms theft. During Howard’s trial, the evidence disclosed that Brunner, Howard, Jackson and Seawood approached a young woman sitting in her car in Clayton, Missouri, late one night. The men had just finished breaking into several parked cars in the neighborhood and needed a vehicle to get back to their home in Illinois. Jackson and Seawood pointed pistols at the woman and threatened to harm her if she did not open her car door. When she did, Jackson reached in, grabbed the victim by her arm and threw the victim to the street. Brunner and Howard acted as lookouts during the carjacking.
Demarlon Richardson was sentenced on May 1, 2018 to 12 months imprisonment for Possession of Stolen Firearms. Germonde Brunner was sentenced on May 15, 2018 to 48 months imprisonment for Possession of Stolen Firearms, Carjacking, and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Norlando Jackson was sentenced on May 29, 2018 to 300 months imprisonment for Possession of Stolen Firearms, two counts of Carjacking, and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Antywan Seawood was sentenced on September 18, 2018 to 240 months imprisonment for Possession of Stolen Firearms, Carjacking, and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Arlandus Howard was sentenced on October 2, 2018 to 240 months imprisonment for Possession of Stolen Firearms, Carjacking and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. All five men were sentenced by United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. All five men were ordered to make restitution for the firearms theft in the amount of $57,169.10.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Butler County Sheriff’s Office; the Poplar Bluff Police Department; the Clayton, Missouri Police Department and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Keith D. Sorrell handled the prosecution for the Government.
Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 90 Months in Prison for Repeat Firearm and Drug Trafficking ConvictionsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Pittsburgh, PA has been sentenced in federal court to 90 months in jail, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his convictions on federal firearms and narcotics charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Mark Hornak imposed the sentence on Eric Clancy, age 30. Clancy was detained after his initial appearance and will remain detained as he begins to serve his sentence.
According to information presented to the court, on May 13, 2015, Mount Oliver Police stopped Eric Clancy in a Gold Chevy Impala for traffic violations. A search of the car revealed approximately 21 bricks of heroin and one bundle with different stampings. The Allegheny County Forensic Lab confirmed that the bricks were composed of heroin. The Forensic Lab confirmed that the bundle was a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. Clancy was also in possession of a large amount of United States currency.
On August 25, 2016, Allegheny County Probation Officers went to Clancy’s registered address, in Pittsburgh, to arrest Clancy on an outstanding warrant for violating conditions of his home detention. When officers arrived they encountered Clancy outside of the house and took him into custody. Officers then went inside the house to retrieve the monitoring software for Clancy’s electronic monitoring while on pretrial release. Officers then observed and recovered a handgun near the couch and a Crown Royal bag full of bricks of heroin. The Forensic Lab confirmed that the substances seized were heroin.
Clancy has a prior federal firearms conviction and is prohibited from possessing a weapon. He also has prior state convictions for possessing a weapon and crack cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Mount Oliver Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
Peter John Zayas Sentenced to 15 Years for Conviction on Child Abuse Resulting in Great Bodily Harm Charge that Resulted in the Death of his Two-Month InfantRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Senior U.S. District Judge Robert C. Brack sentenced Peter John Zayas, 33, this afternoon in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to 15 years of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release for his conviction on a child abuse resulting in great bodily harm charge. Peter Zayas’ conviction arose out of conduct occurring between Aug. 2007 and Oct. 2007, resulting in the death of his two-month-old daughter. Judge Brack sentenced Peter Zayas based on a guilty plea entered on Feb. 19, 2014. Judge Brack sentenced Sophia Zayas, Peter Zayas’ wife, on Sept. 27, 2018, to 15 years of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release for her conviction for child abuse resulting in great bodily harm and death.
U.S. Attorney John C. Anderson, Special Agent in Charge James C. Langenberg of the FBI’s Albuquerque Division, and Special Agent in Charge Nicholas J. Dorval of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 814, announced Peter Zayas’ sentence.
The FBI and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations arrested Peter Zayas and his wife Sophia Monique Zayas, 36, in April 2012 on charges that between Oct. 21, 2007 and Oct. 22, 2007, the couple caused the death of their two-month-old infant daughter. In Nov. 2012, a 16-count superseding indictment was filed charging the couple with second-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death, child abuse resulting in great bodily harm, and other child abuse-related offenses. At the time of the offenses alleged in the superseding indictment, Peter Zayas was a sergeant with the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Holloman Air Force Base.
Peter Zayas pleaded guilty to negligent child abuse on Feb. 19, 2014. In his plea agreement, Peter Zayas admitted that from Aug. 16, 2007 through Oct. 22, 2007, he permitted his infant to be in a situation that endangered her life knowing that there was a foreseeable risk that she would be physically harmed or killed by leaving her in Sophia Zayas’ care knowing that Sophia Zayas had a history of alcohol abuse. Peter Zayas acknowledged that the infant died on Oct. 22, 2007, as a result of his negligence because it was foreseeable to him that leaving the infant in Sophia Zayas’ care could lead to harm given her alcohol consumption and binge drinking during the Oct. 14, 2007 through Oct. 22, 2007.
On Feb. 24, 2014, Sophia Zayas pleaded guilty to child abuse resulting in great bodily harm and admitted that from Aug. 16, 2007 through Oct. 22, 2007, she placed her daughter in a situation, which endangered the infant’s life. In her plea agreement, Sophia Zayas admitted that the infant suffered posterior transverse skull fractures, rib fractures, and radius and ulna fractures as a result of her conduct. The infant died of her injuries on Oct. 22, 2007.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Y. Armijo and John A. Balla of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
North Suburban Psychologist Indicted for Allegedly Billing Medicare and Private Insurers for Services Not RenderedRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A north suburban psychologist has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly submitting false claims to Medicare and private insurers.
PAMELA ANTELL, also known as Pamela Gruenhut, operated a psychology practice in Glenview. From 2011 to January 2018, Antell submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare and private insurers for mental health services that were not rendered, the indictment states. In some instances, Antell was out of the state on the dates she claimed to have provided the services, the charges allege. Antell also used some of her patients’ names and dates of birth without their knowledge to create fictitious claim forms for the purported services, the charges allege.
The indictment charges Antell with five counts of health care fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft.
Antell, 66, of Deerfield, was arrested this morning. She pleaded not guilty at an afternoon arraignment and was ordered released on a personal recognizance bond. A status hearing is set for Oct. 24, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Jeffrey S. Sallet, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Each count of health care fraud is punishable by up to ten years in prison. Conviction of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory prison sentence of two years, which must be served consecutively to the sentence for the underlying offense. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Greening.
North Shore Pastor Admits to Fraudulently Obtaining over $200,000 in Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that OTHO SCHILLING (“SCHILLING”), age 59, of Mt. Hermon, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to court records, SCHILLING, while the pastor of a church in Bush, LA between 2005-2016, required the church to pay his personal expenses, such as his health and car insurance premiums, car payments, and personal land note in lieu of the church paying him a salary directly. During this period, SCHILLING was receiving Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance (“RSDI”) from the Social Security Administration in the amount of $1,728 a month. SCHILLING concealed both his earnings and employment from the Social Security Administration. Accordingly, SCHILLING fraudulently received over $200,000 in RSDI benefits he was not entitled to due to his employment with the church.
U. S. District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey will sentence SCHILLING on January 8, 2019. SCHILLING faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.
New York City Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Heroin and Crack Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that United States District Judge Christina Reiss today sentenced Michael Brockenbaugh, 37, of the Bronx, New York, to a 14-year term of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, following Brockenbaugh's guilty plea to conspiring to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin and more than 280 grams of crack cocaine. The 14-year term of imprisonment was part of a negotiated plea agreement, which Judge Reiss approved.
Court filings indicate that Brockenbaugh, whose nickname in Vermont was “J.D.,” was the leader of the conspiracy that distributed crack cocaine and heroin on Mallets Bay Avenue in Winooski from 2013 to 2015. The conspiracy utilized group text messaging to customer lists that featured, “Hump Day Specials,” “TGIF Specials,” and “Happy Hour Specials,” during which customers could get a free hit of, or a discounted price for, the drugs being sold by the conspiracy. Brockenbaugh, the boss of the conspiracy, set the price to be charged and directed others to manage distribution from various residences on Mallets Bay Avenue in Winooski.
Twenty persons have been convicted in Vermont Federal Court for crimes relating to their role in this conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Vermont and Connecticut, the Vermont State Police, the police departments of Winooski, Burlington, South Burlington, St. Albans, Williston, and Milton, Vermont, as well as the United States Marshals Service and the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan praised the collaborative effort of law enforcement at all levels, which led to the dismantling of a significant drug trafficking organization that sold large quantities of deadly narcotics in Chittenden County. She noted that the U.S. Attorney’s Office would continue to prioritize combatting the drug trade in partnership with federal, state, local, and county investigators.
Brockenbaugh was represented by Michael Shklar, Esq. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Drescher and Kunal Pasricha.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Heroin Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HERSON GONZALEZ, also known as “Titi,” 39, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven to 48 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in a New Haven drug trafficking ring.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad targeted a New Haven-based heroin trafficking organization led by Herson Gonzalez’s brothers, Bienvenido and Antonio Gonzalez. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics and physical and video surveillance, revealed that Bienvenido and Antonio Gonzalez purchased bulk quantities of heroin from individuals in New York and sold the heroin through a network of redistributors, including Herson Gonzalez, in New Haven and elsewhere.
The investigation resulted in federal charges against 24 individuals.
Herson Gonzalez was arrested on March 16, 2017. On January 16, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin.
Bienvenido Gonzalez and Antonio Gonzalez pleaded guilty to related charges. On March 28, Bienvenido Gonzalez was sentenced to 144 months of imprisonment. Antonio Gonzalez awaits sentencing.
Herson Gonzalez’s criminal history includes 13 criminal convictions. After pleading guilty in this federal case and while released on bond pending sentencing, he was arrested on state charges in Bristol. He subsequently pleaded guilty to criminal trespass and assault in the third degree.
The DEA’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad includes officers from the Bristol, Hamden, Milford, Monroe, New Haven, Shelton, Wallingford and Wilton Police Departments. The New Haven, East Haven and West Haven Police Departments, together with the U.S. Coast Guard, provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha M. Freismuth and Patrick F. Caruso.
Navajo Man from McKinley County Pleads Guilty to Federal Sexual Abuse ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Wesley Lawless, 41, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Tohatchi, N.M., pled guilty yesterday in federal court to sexual abuse charges. Lawless’ plea agreement recommends that he be sentenced to a term of imprisonment within the range of 17 to 20 years followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court. Lawless will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Lawless and his co-defendants, John B. Henry, 50, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Albuquerque, and Robert Henry Jr., 52, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Mexican Springs, N.M., were charged in a 12-count indictment filed on June 15, 2016. The co-defendants were charged with two counts of kidnapping, two counts of conspiracy to commit a kidnapping, seven counts of aggravated sexual abuse, and one count of child abuse. According to the indictment, the defendants committed the offenses on June 18 and 19, 2011, on the Navajo Indian Reservation in McKinley County, N.M.
During yesterday’s proceedings, Lawless pled guilty to a two-count felony information charging him with aggravated sexual abuse and attempted aggravated sexual abuse.
According to Lawless’ plea agreement, on June 18, 2011, Lawless, two other men, and two female victims was driving around the Navajo Indian Reservation while drinking alcohol. At some point that evening, the female victims wanted to return to town but Lawless did not allow it. During a vehicle stop, Lawless sexually abused one victim and during another stop, he attempted unsuccessfully to sexually abuse the other victim.Lawless remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Co-defendants John B. Henry and Robert Henry have entered pleas of not guilty to the charges against them. Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the Gallup office of the FBI and the Crownpoint office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Rozzoni is prosecuting the case as part of the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) Pilot Project in the District of New Mexico, which is sponsored by the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women under a grant administered by the Pueblo of Laguna. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project seeks to train tribal prosecutors in federal law, procedure and investigative techniques to increase the likelihood that every viable violent offense against Native American women is prosecuted in either federal court or tribal court, or both. The Tribal SAUSA Pilot Project was largely driven by input gathered from annual tribal consultations on violence against women, and is another step in the Justice Department's on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in tribal communities.
Myrtle Beach Felon who Threatened Police on Facebook Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal Prison on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Anthony Scott Hunt, age 38, of Myrtle Beach, SC, was sentenced in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell, of Florence, sentenced Hunt to 60 months in federal prison with 3 years of supervised release to follow.
The evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing established that on February 19, 2018, a complainant met with an officer at the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) regarding some disturbing Facebook posts by Anthony Scott Hunt, which were directed toward Horry County Police and Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU). In the Facebook posts, Hunt referenced DEU in Horry County and stated he was “taking these…cops to war” and that he had automatic weapons, ammunition, and body armor. He also stated he is “stalking my guns up” and that he had a “Beretta 45,” along with other specific guns, so he is “Ready for War.” HCPD located, on the Facebook account, a picture of Hunt wearing what appeared to be a “Raiders” jersey and hat, bandana mask, and beaded bracelets while holding what appeared to be a Beretta pistol.
Horry County detectives obtained a search warrant for the property where Hunt lived and located, in Hunt’s living quarters, a Beretta .45 caliber handgun, loaded with rounds of ammunition, along with the jersey, hat, bandana, and bracelets Hunt was depicted wearing in his Facebook picture. Prior to his possession of the firearm, Hunt had been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Horry County Police Department, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, the Horry County Myrtle Beach Violent Crimes Task Force, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Bomb Team and was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is 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 Lauren Hummel of the Florence office handled the case.
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Monongalia County woman sentenced for firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Margaret Parker, of Dellslow, West Virginia, was sentenced to three years probation* for her involvement in an illegal firearms operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Parker, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Violate Federal Firearms Laws” in June 2018. She admitted to being involved in a conspiracy that included making false statements to purchase firearms, trading firearms for controlled substances, and transporting and selling the firearms in New York. The crime occurred in Morgantown, Monongalia County and elsewhere from May 2017 to June 2017.
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 U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
*Defendant was re-sentenced on March 5, 2019 and press release was updated.
Mississippi Entities Receive Federal Grant Funding to Combat Opioid CrisisRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – On the first day of National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it is awarding almost $320 million to combat the opioid crisis in America. This unprecedented funding will directly help those most impacted by the deadliest drug crisis in American history, including crime victims, children, families, and first responders.
In Mississippi, two grant recipients were named:
• The Mississippi State Department of Health was awarded $1 million as part of the "Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program" to help jurisdictions plan and implement programs aimed at reducing opioid abuse and mitigating its impact on crime victims, including training and technical assistance.
• The Rankin County Board of Supervisors was awarded $352,611 under the "Drug Treatments Courts Program - Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Guidelines" to provide service support delivery and programming enhancements aligned with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Guidelines.
"President Trump has made ending the opioid crisis a priority for this administration, and under his leadership, the Department of Justice has taken historic action," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "Today we are announcing our next steps: investing $320 million into all three parts of the President’s comprehensive plan to end the epidemic: prevention, treatment, and enforcement. We are attacking this crisis from every angle—and we will not let up until we bring it to an end."
"This incredible deployment of resources to fight the largest and deadliest drug epidemic of our time is a testament to this Administration’s mission to keep Americans safe. I commend the Mississippi Department of Health and Rankin County for seeking these federal funds in order to tackle this lethal scourge that affects us all. This money will go towards helping Mississippians break their addiction to opioids and assist our youth by giving them the treatment and services they need and deserve," said Mike Hurst, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi.
In 2017, more than 72,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses, an increase from the 64,000 overdose deaths in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of these deaths can be attributed to opioids, including illicit fentanyl and its analogues. October marks two important anti-drug events: Red Ribbon Week and National Prescription Drug Takeback Day. Red Ribbon Week takes place every year between October 23-31 and encourages students, parents, schools, and communities to promote drug-free lifestyles. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 27 aims to provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent overdose deaths and drug addictions before they start. DOJ expanded on DEA's Drug Takeback Days and collected more than 2.7 million pounds of expired or unused prescription drugs since April 2017.
The Attorney General has been resolute in the fight against the drug crisis in America. The Department assigned more than 300 federal prosecutors to U.S. Attorneys’ offices and hired more than 400 DEA task force officers, announced the formation of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge, a new program to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas, and created a new data analytics program called the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit to assist 12 prosecutors sent to drug "hot spot districts." In addition, the Department charged more than 3,000 defendants with trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, or prescription drugs in FY 2017, announced the first-ever indictments of Chinese nationals for fentanyl trafficking, and scheduled variants of fentanyl to prevent illicit drug labs from circumventing the law. In addition, DOJ executed the largest ever health care fraud enforcement action charging more than 600 defendants and proposed rules consistent with President Trump's "Safe Prescribing Plan," requiring a reduction of ten percent in 2019 in manufacturing quotas. The Department dismantled AlphaBay, the largest criminal marketplace on the Internet and has already generated prosecutions in the fight against online drug trafficking through the Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement Team (J-CODE).
OJP provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP has six bureaus and offices: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking. More information about OJP and its components can be found at: www.ojp.gov
Mexican and Honduran Men Sentenced for their Roles in Smuggling and Transporting Fourteen Illegal Aliens in Derby, VermontRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that two persons have been sentenced for their respective roles in the smuggling and transporting of fourteen illegal aliens who traveled on foot from Quebec to Derby, Vermont in October 2017. The two defendants are Alberto Alvarado-Castro, 30, a Mexican citizen, and Hector Perez-Alvarado, 26, a Honduras citizen. Pursuant to plea agreements reached between the Government and the defendants, United States District Court Chief Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford sentenced Alvarado-Castro to three years imprisonment and Perez-Alvarado to time-served, which amounted to about one-year imprisonment.
Alberto Alvarado-Castro previously pled guilty to smuggling aliens for financial gain, which carries a three-year mandatory minimum sentence and a ten-year maximum sentence. Hector Perez-Alvarado pled guilty to transporting aliens for financial gain, which carries a ten-year maximum sentence.
According to the complaint affidavit and the statements made at the recent hearings, late in the evening of October 7, 2017, Alberto Alvarado-Castro guided the fourteen aliens through the woods on the border to a van parked in Derby, which was driven by Hector Perez-Alvarado. In multiple trips, Perez-Alvardo drove the aliens to a motel in Derby, where, on the last trip, they were all apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol. Eleven of the smuggled illegal aliens were Guatemala citizens and three were Mexican citizens.
According to the Government’s sentencing memorandum, both defendants were lower-level couriers in the smuggling operation, but Alvarado-Castro was the leader between the two. In addition, Alvarado-Castro had a significant criminal record, including multiple illegal entries into the United States and burglary convictions. The Government’s sentencing memorandum stated that Alvarado-Castro’s “typical pattern was to illegally enter the United States, commit felony property crimes shortly after re-entry, get convicted of the felonies, be removed from the United States, and then repeat the cycle.” The Government stated that the higher sentence for Alvarado-Castro was justified in light of his significant criminal record and his leadership role in the offense.
This matter was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations. “This case is an excellent example of the dedication and hard work put forth by Border Patrol agents to keep our country and communities safe,” said U.S. Border Patrol Swanton Sector Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia. “Our agents did an outstanding job thwarting this smuggling attempt.”
U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan commended the Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations for interdicting this significant smuggling event, one of the largest in recent memory. She added: “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners in the U.S. and Canada to uphold the integrity our northern border and dismantle criminal organizations that operate on both sides of the boundary.”
The Assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuting this matter is Joe Perella. Elizabeth Quinn, Esq., of the Federal Public Defender’s Office represents Perez-Alvarado. David Watts, Esq., of Burlington represents Alvarado-Castro. Robert Sussman, Esq., of Burlington represents Perez-Ramirez.
Mexican National with Nine Prior Deportations Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Mexican national with nine prior deportations was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after being deported. The defendant has pending state charges for domestic assault and battery, and prior convictions for drunk driving and drug possession. After being charged with illegal reentry in April 2018, he was released from federal custody in June 2018, during which time he violated conditions of release by testing positive for drugs.
Bulmaro Enriquez, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to eight months in prison and two years of supervised release. The government sought a sentence of 16 months in prison. Enriquez will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. In July 2018, Enriquez pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien.
Enriquez was arrested in Framingham on Nov. 23, 2017, and charged with domestic assault and battery and released by the state. That case is still pending. On April 30, 2018, immigration officers located Enriquez in Framingham and determined that he was illegally present in the United States. Enriquez was charged with illegal reentry in federal court and was ordered detained. However, on June 7, 2018, he was released from federal custody after agreeing to post the equity in his girlfriend’s home. Enriquez subsequently violated conditions of federal pretrial release by testing positive for cocaine and buprenorphine. On July 25, 2018, U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley revoked Enriquez’s prior order of release and ordered him detained pending sentencing.
In 2015, Enriquez was arrested in Framingham following the execution of a state search warrant, which resulted in the seizure of one and a half pounds of marijuana, electric scales, and other drug distribution paraphernalia. In October 2015, Enriquez was convicted in state court and sentenced to prison. Upon completion of his sentence, Enriquez was charged in federal court with illegal reentry. Enriquez pleaded guilty, was sentenced, and subsequently transferred into immigration custody. On Feb. 4, 2016, he was ordered removed to Mexico. At some point after his removal, Enriquez returned to the United States.
According to court records, Enriquez, who has a lengthy criminal record with convictions for drunk driving and drug possession, has been deported a total of nine times; Oct. 12, 2004; Nov. 22, 2004; Jan. 10, 2005; Nov. 7, 2005; March 6, 2006; April 18, 2006; Nov. 27, 2007; April 1, 2008; and Feb. 2016.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Todd M. Lyons, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Memphis Man Sentenced to 188 Months Imprisonment for Possession of over 100 Grams of Heroin with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A local man has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for possession of over 100 grams of heroin with intent to distribute. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on April 10, 2017, Shelby County Sheriff Narcotics Deputies obtained a search warrant for the residence at 832 Annie to look for heroin, drug paraphernalia, drug proceeds and documents belonging to Robert Spencer, 44. Officers also witnessed hand-to-hand transactions with Spencer outside the home.
Later the same day, officers observed Spencer depart 832 Annie in a gold Volvo and drive to 3662 Vivia. Upon arrival back to the location at 832 Annie, officers converged on Spencer’s vehicle and detained him. Approaching the vehicle, officers saw a clear plastic bag containing 7 smaller bags of heroin totaling 14.4 grams and 1 gram of marijuana. The drugs were located in the pocket of the driver’s side door.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "We are on a mission to reduce overdose injuries and deaths caused by heroin in West Tennessee, and we will aggressively prosecute any cases that involve suppliers of deadly narcotics in our communities. If you are a drug dealer selling poison to our children, your days are numbered."
The officers obtained a search warrant at 3662 Vivia, the residence of Christie Spencer; Robert Spencer’s sister. Law enforcement recovered 271.8 grams heroin; 101.7 grams in the attic and 170.1 grams in a large box. When officers executed the search warrant, Christie who was at the address, fled the home upon seeing officers, despite being ordered to stop. That night, officers set up surveillance at several residences where they thought she might be and saw her arrive at approximately 5:45 p.m.
Officers advised her of the heroin found at her house and obtained a signed consent to search the residence. The narcotics detective K-9 alerted to the odor of drugs in the home, inside a black umbrella sleeve, which contained $7,600.
On August 30, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., sentenced Spencer to 188 months imprisonment and 4 years supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney J. William Crow prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
Maryland Men Plead Guilty to Charges Relating to Dark Web Drug Distribution and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland –Ryan Farace, age 34, of Reisterstown, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to drug distribution and money laundering conspiracies. The charges arose from a scheme to manufacture and distribute alprazolam tablets, which are typically sold under the brand name “Xanax,” through sales on the dark web in exchange for Bitcoin. Farace and his co-conspirator, Robert Swain, laundered the drug proceeds through financial transactions designed to conceal the source and ownership of the illegal funds. Robert Swain, age 34, of Freeland, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to the money laundering conspiracy.
The guilty pleas were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don Hibbert of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington; Acting Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Postal Inspector in Charge Peter R. Rendina of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Washington Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Criminal Investigation; Maryland U.S. Marshal Johnny Hughes; and Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department.
“Federal law enforcement and our international partners are working together to find and prosecute those who use the dark web to sell drugs and launder the proceeds of their drug dealing,” said U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur. “This case is an excellent example of what can be accomplished through that cooperation.”
“The dark web is the new frontier for drug dealing,” stated Don Hibbert, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Drug Enforcement Administration Baltimore District Office. “DEA will find and arrest drug traffickers wherever they are, whether it be in the coca fields of Colombia, the alleys of Baltimore, or in the dark corners of the internet.”
According to their plea agreements, from November 2013 through June 2017, Farace purchased narcotics manufacturing equipment, including pill presses and counterfeit “Xanax” pill molds, which he used to press loose alprazolam powder into tablet or pill form, to resemble genuine Xanax pills. Farace solicited orders for the alprazolam pills on dark web marketplaces and sold alprazolam pills directly to buyers in exchange for Bitcoin.
The dark web is the part of the World Wide Web that requires specific software, configurations or authorization to access, allowing users and website operators to remain anonymous. Dark web marketplaces typically use Bitcoin or other digital currency as the means of payment for their transactions.
Bitcoin is a form of digital currency that does not exist in any physical form. It is not issued or controlled by any government, bank, or company, but is generated and controlled automatically through computer software operating on a decentralized peer-to-peer network. Bitcoin can be exchanged for conventional currency, with the exchange rate determined on the open market.
Farace admitted that he communicated with his customers through encrypted electronic messages and shipped the completed pill orders through the U.S. mail. Farace admitted that the postage for these packages was usually paid using pre-paid debit cards that Farace obtained in the names of, and with the personal identifying information of, other people. Law enforcement also recovered fake driver’s licenses in the names of those individuals but with Farace’s photograph when they executed a federal search warrant at Farace’s home on January 16, 2018. Based on data recovered from dark web marketplaces seized by law enforcement, between December 2013 and March 2017, Farace distributed more than 920,000 alprazolam pills.
From at least July 2015 until February 2017, Farace and Swain conspired with others to launder the proceeds of the illegal drug sales by conducting financial transactions designed to conceal and disguise the nature, source, ownership and control of the illegal drug proceeds. Specifically, Farace used pseudonyms to contact a co-conspirator through dark web marketplaces and encrypted messages in order to exchange Bitcoin he received from his drug trafficking for cash. The co-conspirator would then mail or ship packages of U.S. currency equivalent to the value of the Bitcoin received, less a fee, to mailing addresses provided by Farace. To conceal the fact that he was receiving cash, Farace, and later Swain, opened post office boxes at U.S. Post Offices and private rental mailboxes in fake names. Swain knew that Farace was receiving cash and drugs at these mailboxes and that the cash was the proceeds of Farace’s drug trafficking. During the course of the conspiracy, Farace received cash totaling more than $5 million, through the mails, which he had exchanged for Bitcoin earned from drug trafficking. In addition, Farace and Swain drove to New Jersey so that Swain could collect $200,000 in cash that Farace had exchanged for Bitcoin. During the in-person meeting on February 16, 2017, Swain provided a fictitious name to the individual he met and falsely stated that the Bitcoin and cash were his own. Farace and Swain later tried unsuccessfully to exchange Bitcoin for $400,000 in cash with the same individual.
As part of his plea agreement, Farace must forfeit assets traceable to the conspiracies, which Farace agrees is at least $5,665,000, as well as 4,000 Bitcoin. Farace must also forfeit his residence, cash, digital currency, bank accounts, vehicles, electronics, jewelry, and other items seized by law enforcement during the execution of search warrants on January 16, 2018, at locations associated with the conspiracies. Swain must also forfeit at least $30,000, including digital currency and cash held in his name
Farace faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute alprazolam. Farace and Swain face a maximum of 20 years in prison for money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake has scheduled sentencing hearing for Farace and Swain on November 30, 2018, and January 25, 2019, respectively.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA, HSI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the IRS-Criminal Investigation; the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dana J. Brusca and Zachary B. Stendig, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case.
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Marshall County residents indicted on drug distribution chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles J. Chambers and Samantha J. Simmons, both of Moundsville, West Virginia, were indicted today by a federal grand jury on drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Chambers, age 44, is charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.”
Simmons, age 27, is charged with one count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine” and two counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.”
Chambers and Simmons are accused of distributing methamphetamine in Marshall County from June to August 2018.
Chambers and Simmons face up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Marshall County man indicted on drug distribution chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Mark Simms, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Simms, age 63, is charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone,” one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone,” and three counts of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Oxycodone.” Simms is accused of distributing oxycodone in Marshall County from July 2017 to December 2017.
Simms faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
MS-13 Member Sentenced to Life in Prison for RICO Conspiracy Involving MurderRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of MS-13 was sentenced today to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy and murder.
Hector Enamorado, a/k/a “Vida Loca,” 39, a Honduran national, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to life in prison. In April 2018, Enamorado was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy, and of committing or knowingly participating in murder as part of the racketeering conspiracy.
Co-defendants Noe Salvador Perez Vasquez, a/k/a “Crazy,” 27, a Salvadoran national, and Luis Solis Vasquez, a/k/a “Brujo,” 27, a Salvadoran national, were also convicted of RICO conspiracy and of committing or knowingly participating in murder. Perez was sentenced in July 2018 to life in prison and Solis is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 17, 2018.
At trial, Enamorado was identified as a homeboy with the Chelsea Locos Salvatrucha (CLS) clique. In furtherance of its mission, MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence, specifically against rival gang members; kill informants; and support and defend fellow MS-13 members in attacks. MS-13 rewards members who commit acts of violence with promotions within the gang and punishes members who break gang rules.
On Dec. 14, 2014, Enamorado, Perez Vasquez and Solis Vasquez, murdered a 29-year-old male victim at an apartment in Chelsea. Enamorado and the victim had engaged in a gang-related fight the night before the murder, and when Enamorado encountered the victim again the following night, Enamorado called Perez Vasquez to ask him for a gun. Perez Vasquez delivered the murder weapon, a .380 caliber pistol, to Enamorado in Chelsea. Solis Vasquez armed himself with a gun and went with Enamorado into the apartment to provide backup and support for the attack. Enamorado used Perez Vasquez’s gun to fatally shoot the victim three times. Enamorado also shot and wounded a second victim who was inside the apartment at the time of the murder.
Enamorado was one of 49 defendants convicted as part of this case. All nine defendants who went to trial were convicted and 40 others pleaded guilty. In all, 16 defendants, including Enamorado, were found to have committed or knowingly participated in murders.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Commissioner Thomas Turco of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections; Essex County Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger; Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Thompkins; Suffolk County District Attorney John P. Pappas; Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; Boston Police Commissioner William Gross; Chelsea Police Chief Brian A. Kyes; Everett Police Chief Steven A. Mazzie; Lynn Police Chief Michael Mageary; Revere Police Chief James Guido; and Somerville Police Chief David Fallon made the announcement today. The U.S. Marshals Service has provided crucial assistance with the case.
Limestone Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of 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 Kevin James Fox, 62, of Limestone, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to receipt of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney, Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that in May 2016, the defendant persuaded an adult female, identified as T.M., to find a minor male and engage in sexual activity with him for the purpose of producing a visual depiction. T.M. met a 16-year-old male (Victim 1) through Craigslist and began communicating with Victim 1 via text messaging that was sexual in nature. On June 1, 2016, T.M. picked up Victim 1 and drove to her residence, where she engaged in sexual activity with Victim 1. T.M. used her cellular telephone to take approximately five photographs. T.M. then drove Victim 1 home and texted the images to a telephone number controlled by Fox.
The defendant also persuaded T.M. to engage in sexual activity with a 17-year-old minor male (Victim 2) who was known to T.M. Between May 26, 2016, and June 21, 2016, T.M. engaged in sexual activity with Victim 2, at Fox’s request. T.M. also took photographs once again and sent the images to the defendant.
The criminal complaint is the culmination of an investigation by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Gary Loeffert, Special Agent-in-Charge along with the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Timothy Whitcomb.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 12, 2019, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Vilardo.
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Levant Woman Pleads Guilty to Lying to Federal Firearms Dealer and Federal AgentRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Amy Bingaman, 34, of Levant, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiring to make false statements to a federal firearms licensee and making false statements to a federal law enforcement officer.
According to court records, in late February 2018, the defendant conspired with two others to lie to a Brewer federal firearms licensee in connection with the purchase of a .380 caliber handgun. In connection with that purchase, the defendant falsely represented that she was buying the handgun for herself, when, in fact, the actual buyer was another conspirator who was paying her to make the purchase. The handgun was recovered during the execution of a narcotics trafficking search warrant in Brewer.
When the defendant was interviewed by federal agents about purchasing firearms for others, she falsely stated that she had not purchased other firearms for anyone else, when, in fact, she had done so several times previously.
The defendant faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release on each count. She will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Brewer Police Department, with assistance provided by the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office. 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.
Levant Man Pleads Guilty to Lying to Federal Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
Bangor, Maine: United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank announced that Zachary Morneault, 34, of Levant, Maine, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to conspiring to make false statements to a federal firearms licensee.
According to court records, in late February 2018, the defendant conspired with two others to lie to a Brewer federal firearms licensee in connection with the purchase of a .380 caliber handgun. In connection with that purchase, the defendant convinced Amy Bingaman to falsely represent that she was buying the handgun for herself, when, in fact, the actual buyer was another conspirator who was paying to make the purchase. The defendant drove Bingaman and the other conspirator to the firearms dealer and then directed Bingaman to purchase the handgun. The handgun was recovered during the execution of a narcotics trafficking search warrant in Brewer.
The defendant faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Brewer Police Department, with assistance provided by the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office. 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.
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Cross Country Marijuana Trafficking Scheme that Supplied Local College CampusesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH -A Nevada resident has been sentenced in federal court to 71 months’ imprisonment on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and money laundering, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Ryan Schanck, age 30, of Las Vegas, NV.
According to information presented to the court, the Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies conducted a multi-year investigation of the marijuana trafficking conspiracy of Schanck and his co-conspirators. From 2012 through 2017, Schanck and his co-conspirators arranged for marijuana to be supplied from the West Coast and mailed to the Pittsburgh area through the United States Postal Service. Schanck and his co-conspirators would then distribute the marijuana in the Western District of Pennsylvania, primarily on college campuses, such as Indiana University of Pennsylvania. During the operation of the conspiracy, Schanck conspired to distribute from 700 to 1000 kilograms of marijuana. He also conspired to launder approximately $258,404 in proceeds from marijuana trafficking.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cercone stated that the sentence was sufficient, but not greater than necessary, to achieve the goals of sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Indiana Borough Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Schanck. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Las Cruces Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Guy Bell, 29, of Las Cruces, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court to 120 months in prison for his conviction on drug trafficking and firearms charges. Bell will be on supervised release for six years after completing his prison sentence.
Bell was arrested on Aug. 16, 2017, on an indictment charging him with distributing methamphetamine near a school, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. According to the indictment, Bell committed the offenses on Nov. 2, 2016, in Dona Ana County, N.M. Bell was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he previously has been convicted of larceny of a firearm and tampering with evidence.
On Jan. 25, 2018, Bell pled guilty to a felony information charging him with distribution of methamphetamine near a school, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. In entering the guilty plea, Bell admitted that on Nov. 2, 2016, he facilitated the sale of approximately 27 grams of pure methamphetamine between an undercover law enforcement agent and his (Bell’s) source of supply, by driving the agent to the residence of the source of supply, which was located approximately 500 feet away from an elementary school. Bell also admitted carrying a loaded pistol during the drug transaction for his protection. Bell acknowledged that he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of his status as a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Balla and Dustin Segovia of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
Lake Charles felon sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing sawed-off shotgun, drugsRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a Lake Charles man previously convicted of a felony was sentenced Monday to 120 months in prison for possessing a sawed-off shotgun in addition to other firearms and trafficking drugs.
Mark Washington, 46, of Lake Charles, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James on one count of possession of a shotgun with a barrel of less than 18 inches in length and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the June 5, 2018 guilty plea, members of the Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Taskforce responded to a report of drug activity at a home on April 18, 2017 at Hinton Drive in Lake Charles. Upon arriving at the scene, agents found Washington standing in the driveway of the residence near two men who were inside a car. Agents searched the residence and found one Sigarms Model 250 semi-automatic pistol with a magazine containing 12 live rounds; one Glock Model 36, .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol containing a magazine with four live rounds; one sawed-off Stevens Model 940E, .410-gauge break-action shotgun; and one sawed-off 20-gauge break-action shotgun of unknown make and model. They also found loose synthetic marijuana on the television stand in the living room, and they located 936 pills, two pink plastic bags of synthetic marijuana, a cigarette pack containing a glass vile with drug residue, a cellophane baggie with five ecstasy pills and $1,145. Washington said he lived at the residence and had bought the guns on the street. Washington also admitted to being a convicted felon, and that he was not allowed to be around firearms.
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 Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Taskforce conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog prosecuted the case.
Justice Department Awards Nearly $320 Million to Combat Opioid CrisisRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On the first day of National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, the Department of Justice announced it has awarded almost $320 million to combat the opioid crisis in America. The unprecedented funding will directly help those most impacted by the deadliest drug crisis in American history, including crime victims, children, families, and first responders.
Rhode Island has been awarded a total of $3,734,564 by the Department of Justice to combat the opioid crisis.
- Rhode Island State Police has been awarded $800,000 to support the development of partnerships between first responders and treatment providers who will respond to overdose calls as a team.
- Rhode Island State Police has been awarded $1,000,000 to assist local and state agencies leverage information from a variety of public health and public safety data sources to analyze substance abuse issues and identify potential solutions from public health, treatment, and public safety perspectives.
- Family Service of Rhode Island and Comprehensive Community Action Program have each been awarded $750,000 to expand programs to provide services to children and youth who are victimized as a result of the opioid crisis.
- The Rhode Island Superior Court’s Adult Drug Court diversion program for nonviolent first-time drug offenders has been awarded $434,564.
"President Trump has made ending the opioid crisis a priority for this administration, and under his leadership, the Department of Justice has taken historic action," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "Today we are announcing our next steps: investing $320 million into all three parts of the President’s comprehensive plan to end the epidemic: prevention, treatment, and enforcement. We are attacking this crisis from every angle—and we will not let up until we bring it to an end."
In 2017, more than 72,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses, an increase from the 64,000 overdose deaths in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of these deaths can be attributed to opioids, including illicit fentanyl and its analogues. October marks two important anti-drug events: Red Ribbon Week and National Prescription Drug Takeback Day. Red Ribbon Week takes place every year between October 23-31 and encourages students, parents, schools, and communities to promote drug-free lifestyles. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 27 aims to provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent overdose deaths and drug addictions before they start. DOJ expanded on DEA's Drug Takeback Days and collected more than 2.7 million pounds of expired or unused prescription drugs since April 2017.
The Attorney General has been resolute in the fight against the drug crisis in America. The Department assigned more than 300 federal prosecutors to U.S. Attorneys’ offices and hired more than 400 DEA task force officers, announced the formation of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge, a new program to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas, and created a new data analytics program called the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit to assist 12 prosecutors sent to drug “hot spot districts.” In addition, the Department charged more than 3,000 defendants with trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, or prescription drugs in FY 2017, announced the first-ever indictments of Chinese nationals for fentanyl trafficking, and scheduled variants of fentanyl to prevent illicit drug labs from circumventing the law. In addition, DOJ executed the largest ever health care fraud enforcement action charging more than 600 defendants and proposed rules consistent with President Trump's "Safe Prescribing Plan," requiring a reduction of ten percent in 2019 in manufacturing quotas. The Department dismantled AlphaBay, the largest criminal marketplace on the Internet and has already generated prosecutions in the fight against online drug trafficking through the Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement Team (J-CODE).
The approximately $320 million awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) will be distributed in order to maximize effectiveness over the country. A breakdown of the grant funding can be found here.
- Innovative Prosecution Solutions for Combating Violent Crime and Opioid Abuse ($2.8 Million)
- Help prosecutors develop strategies to address violent crime caused by illegal opioid distribution and abuse
- Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program ($162 Million)
- Help jurisdictions plan and implement programs aimed at reducing opioid abuse and mitigating its impact on crime victims, including training and technical assistance
- Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program ($5.9 Million)
- Address the treatment needs of people using opioids under the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program
- Helping Children and Youth Impacted by Opioids ($46.6 Million)
- Help children and youth impacted by the opioid crisis, including training and technical assistance
- Drug Courts ($81.2 Million)
- Assist adult, juvenile, and family drug courts and veterans treatment courts, including training and technical assistance
- Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program ($17 Million)
- Address the dramatic increase in deaths and the backlogs of seized drugs as a result of the opioid crisis
- Opioid-Related Research for Criminal Justice Purposes ($4.1 Million)
- Development of new tools to enforce the law, ensure public safety, prevent and control crime, and ensure fair and impartial administration of justice
OJP provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP has six bureaus and offices: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking. More information about OJP and its components can be found at: www.ojp.gov.
NOTE: A breakdown of the grants can be found here.
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Justice Department Awards Nearly $320 Million to Combat Opioid Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – To mark the beginning of National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams joined the Department of Justice in announcing grant awards of nearly $320 million to combat the opioid crisis in America. The awards will directly help those most impacted by the deadliest drug crisis in American history, including crime victims, children, families and first responders.
"President Trump has made ending the opioid crisis a priority for this administration, and under his leadership, the Department of Justice has taken historic action," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "Today we are announcing our next steps: investing $320 million into all three parts of the President’s comprehensive plan to end the epidemic: prevention, treatment, and enforcement. We are attacking this crisis from every angle—and we will not let up until we bring it to an end."
"The opioid addiction crisis cannot be solved by any one agency or jurisdiction. It requires a coordinated effort of governments, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and individual citizens, working together to solve problems, big and small," said U.S. Attorney Williams. "These awards are an important step in the right direction and will expand the reach of innovative programs across the state."
Approximately $6.3 million of the $320 million awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) will support local governments and a professional consortium in Oregon. A complete breakdown of the grant funding can be found here.
Summary of Oregon Awards
Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program ($162 million awarded)
Helps jurisdictions plan and implement programs aimed at reducing opioid abuse and mitigating its impact on crime victims
Marion County – $1,399,562
Clackamas County – $900,000
Helping Children and Youth Impacted by Opioids ($46.6 million awarded)
Helps children and youth impacted by the opioid crisis
Clackamas County – $1,000,999
Drug Courts ($81.2 million awarded)
Assists adult, juvenile and family drug courts and veterans treatment courts
City of Beaverton – $500,000
Washington County – $945,454
Lane County – $550,000
Northwest Professional Consortium Inc. – $856,308
Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program ($17 million awarded)
Addresses the dramatic increase in deaths and backlogs of seized drugs resulting from the crisis
Washington County – $156,000
Two important anti-drug events occur in October: Red Ribbon Week and National Prescription Drug Takeback Day. Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31, encourages students, parents, schools and communities to promote drug-free lifestyles. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 27 gives Americans and easy and anonymous way to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs, helping to prevent overdose deaths and drug addictions before they start.
In 2017, more than 72,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses, an increase from the 64,000 overdose deaths in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of these deaths can be attributed to opioids, including fentanyl. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of injury or death in the United States. In Oregon, the total number of deaths related to drug use increased 11 percent between from 2013 to 2017, with 546 known drug related deaths last year.
OJP provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP has six bureaus and offices: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking. More information about OJP and its components can be found at: www.ojp.gov.
Justice Department Awards Nearly $320 Million in Grants to Combat Opioid Crisis in AmericaRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month and the Department of Justice announced it has awarded nearly $320 million in federal grants to combat the opioid epidemic. A total of approximately $5.3 million was awarded to Nevada to assist in implementation efforts to respond to, treat, and support those impacted by the opioid epidemic. The unprecedented funding will directly help those most impacted by the deadliest drug crisis in American history, including crime victims, children, families, and first responders.
"President Trump has made ending the opioid crisis a priority for this administration, and under his leadership, the Department of Justice has taken historic action," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "Today we are announcing our next steps: investing $320 million into all three parts of the President’s comprehensive plan to end the epidemic: prevention, treatment, and enforcement. We are attacking this crisis from every angle—and we will not let up until we bring it to an end."
The approximately $320 million awarded by the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) will be distributed in order to maximize effectiveness across the country. In the District of Nevada, the following recipients will receive grant funding:
The Nevada State Board of Pharmacy will receive $633,733, for improving prescriber enrollment and use of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), integrating PDMP data with other data sets to identify geographic areas of concern, doctor shopping, and problematic prescribing, supporting interstate data sharing of PDMP data, and improving the analytics available based on PDMP data.
The Reno Police Department will receive $997,701, to support public safety, behavioral health, and public health information-sharing partnerships.
The Foundation for Positively Kids, Inc. will receive $746,937, the Children’s Cabinet, Inc. will receive $749,763, and the Washoe County Human Services Agency will receive $745,564, to help expand programs to provide services to children and youth impacted by the opioid crisis.
The City of Henderson will receive $299,880, to support the enhancement of fully operational drug courts that incorporate the evidence-based principles included in the National Association of Drug Court Professionals’ Adult Drug Courts Best Practice Standards.
The Judiciary Courts of the State of Nevada-Reno Municipal Court will receive $277,237, to implement a new Veterans Treatment Court, which would link veterans with services, benefits and program providers, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Organizations, and volunteer veteran mentors.
The Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County, Nevada, will receive $874,097, to support family drug court programs for juveniles in the justice system with substance abuse problems, specifically those related to opioid abuse, as well as those with co-occurring mental health disorders.
In 2017, more than 72,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses, an increase from the 64,000 overdose deaths in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of these deaths can be attributed to opioids, including illicit fentanyl and its analogues.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice and assist victims. OJP has six bureaus and offices: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. A comprehensive list of grant awardees may be found here.
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Justice Department Awards More Than $70 Million Dollars to Support Local School Safety Efforts NationwideRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced that the Department of Justice has awarded a total of $1,370,418 in grant funding to the Minneapolis Public School District, Hennepin County, and to the City of Duluth to support school safety efforts. The grants are authorized by the STOP School Violence Act, which are intended to improve school security by helping students and teachers reduce exposure to risks, prevent acts of violence, and quickly recognize and respond to violent attacks.
“When we send our children to school, a place intended to be full of opportunity for learning and development, safety is paramount,” said U.S. Attorney MacDonald. “This is the first year funding has been awarded under the STOP School Violence Act of 2018 and I am grateful to see these dollars directly supporting our children’s ability to learn and thrive in a safe environment.”
The Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) awarded the funds through three funding streams. The grants will provide new technology for reporting systems and other threat deterrent measures; create school safety training and education programs for school administrators, staff, students, and first responders; and support crisis intervention teams.
For additional information on these grants, visit: www.ojp.gov or www.cops.usdoj.gov.
Awards: 1
FY 2018 STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program: funding will provide training and education on preventing violence and effectively responding to related mental health crises.
- Special School District No. 1 (Minneapolis) - $219,740
- Hennepin County – $500,000
FY 2018 STOP School Violence Threat Assessment and Technology Reporting Program: funding supports training to create and operate threat assessment and crisis intervention teams and to develop technology for local or regional anonymous reporting systems. This technology may be in the form of a mobile phone application, hotline, or website.- Special School District No. 1 (Minneapolis) - $181,928
FY 2018 COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program: funding is for school safety measures including coordination with law enforcement, training for law enforcement to prevent student violence against others and self, target hardening measures, and technology for expedited notification of law enforcement during an emergency.- The City of Duluth - $468,750
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
1 No funding awarded under the STOP School Violence Act may be used for the provision of a firearm to any person or training in the use of a firearm.
Justice Department Announces over $70 Million to Support School Safety and $64 Million to Improve State Criminal Record SystemsRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – United States Attorney Dayle Elieson joined the Department of Justice today in announcing more than $70 million in grant funding to bolster school security, educate and train students and faculty, and support law enforcement officers and first responders who arrive on the scene of a school violence incident. In Nevada, the Nevada Department of Education was awarded $1 million and the Lincoln County School District was awarded $13,846.
These grants are in addition to the funding to the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), announced by Attorney General Sessions last week, to expand and update their curriculum to better support training programs. These grants combined will better protect students, teachers, faculty, and first responders across the United States. Additionally, the Department is awarding more than $64 million to state agencies to improve the completeness, quality, and accessibility of the nation’s criminal record systems, which will help law enforcement and increase the effectiveness of background checks.
“President Trump and his administration will ensure the safety of every American school," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "Earlier this year he signed into law the STOP School Violence Act, which provides grant funding to develop anonymous school threat reporting systems, to implement school building security measures, and to train students, school personnel, and law enforcement on how to prevent school violence. Today I am announcing $70 million in these grants to hundreds of cities and states across America. These grants will go a long way toward giving young people and their families both safety and peace of mind.”
“Students should not fear going to school,” said U.S. Attorney Elieson. “These grants reflect the Department of Justice’s commitment to safe and secure learning environments for our students. The STOP School Violence grants will improve school security by providing students and teachers with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly to, and prevent acts of violence.”
The Nevada Department of Education will receive $500,000 to address the development and operation of school threat assessment and crisis intervention teams and the development of technology for local or regional anonymous reporting systems. This technology may be in the form of an app, hotline, or website. The proposed technology solutions may be those that could be used during an incident to assist in securing the safety of those involved, to include sharing information with first responders.
The Nevada Department of Education will receive $500,000 and the Lincoln County School District will receive $13,856, to address the training of school personnel and students, to include specialized training for school officials in responding to related mental health crises.
The Office of Justice Program’s (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) together are making more than 220 awards to jurisdictions across the country to help make schools more secure. The awards, granted through three funding streams, will provide new technology for reporting systems and other threat deterrent measures and create school safety training and education programs for school administrators, staff, students, and first responders. This includes the support for existing crisis intervention teams and the creation of new ones.
- BJA’s STOP School Violence Threat Assessment and Technology Reporting Program will provide 68 awards valued at more than $19 million. This funding supports training to create and operate threat assessment and crisis intervention teams and to develop technology for local or regional anonymous reporting systems. This technology may be in the form of a mobile phone application, hotline, or website.
- The STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program, also managed by BJA, will provide training and education on preventing violence and effectively responding to related mental health crises. This program will fund 85 awards at nearly $28 million.
- The COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) will provide nearly $25 million to 91 jurisdictions for school safety measures including coordination with law enforcement, training for law enforcement to prevent student violence against others and self, target hardening measures, and technology for expedited notification of law enforcement during an emergency.
The Department also announced that it has awarded more than $64 million to state agencies to improve the completeness, quality, and accessibility of the nation’s criminal record systems. These grants are administered by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, part of OJP. Approximately $43 million in funding will be administered through the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP), and nearly $21 million will be awarded under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Act Record Improvement Program. These grant programs help states automate and upgrade records accessed by the firearms background check system. This year, at the direction of the Attorney General, the Department prioritized funding for projects that improve accessibility of criminal history records, domestic violence convictions, and information on persons who are prohibited from possessing firearms for mental-health related reasons.
The Department is also investing over $1 million in research to better understand the factors behind mass shooting incidents. The grant awards, made by the Department’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ), part of OJP, support scientific investigations that will examine factors that contribute to mass violence, identify any patterns in mass shootings, analyze psychological and social life histories of mass shooters and community-level predictors of mass violence, and will examine firearm purchasing patterns of known mass shooters in order to create a risk prediction tool.
For addition information on today’s grant announcements, visit www.bja.gov or www.cops.usdoj.gov. The breakdown of the STOP School Violence Grants can be found here: STOP School Violence Threat Assessment and Technology Reporting Program, STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program, and COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program.
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Jury Convicts Career Criminal on Drug, Firearm CountsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Rodney Burke, age 56, of Mauk, Georgia, was found guilty by a jury this afternoon of one count of Possession With Intent to Distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine, and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Mr. Burke’s conviction after a two-day trial on both counts in his indictment follows a multi-agency undercover drug surveillance operation involving the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“Dangerous career criminals will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia,” said United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “Mr. Burke has a lengthy criminal record, and his conviction proves that our citizen jurors also do not tolerate behavior that endangers the safety of our communities in Middle Georgia. Thanks to the dedicated work of our law enforcement agencies, an armed career criminal is off the streets tonight.”
For Count One, Mr. Burke faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $8 million, plus a supervised release of at least 8 years. Count One is enhanced because of Mr. Burke’s prior convictions for felony drug trafficking offenses. For Count Two, Mr. Burke faces a mandatory 15 years, up to life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000 and up to 3 years of supervised release. Count Two is enhanced because Mr. Burke is considered an Armed Career Criminal due to a combination of at least three prior convictions for crimes of violence and/or serious drug offenses.
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.
This case was investigated by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Questions regarding this case should be addressed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, at
478-731-1824 or [email protected].Joplin Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Child Sexual ExploitationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of a minor.
Gary Stewart, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
On May 21, 2018, Stewart pleaded guilty to enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography.
According to court documents, an individual contacted the Joplin, Mo., Police Department on Dec. 27, 2016, regarding sexually explicit photographs being exchanged between his 16-year-old daughter and Stewart. The daughter was interviewed and said she and Stewart had engaged in sexual activity on several occasions. She also informed the interviewer that she and Stewart communicated via text messages, and that he asked her to send sexually explicit images of herself, which she did. Stewart also sent sexually explicit photos of himself to the victim.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Justice Department Awards Almost $320 Million to Combat Opioid CrisisRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS – In the first week of National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, the Department of Justice announced that it is awarding almost $320 million in new grants to combat the opioid crisis in America. The unprecedented funding will directly help those most impacted by the deadliest drug crisis in American history, including crime victims, children, families, and first responders.
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that of the $320 million awarded, the South Dakota Department of Health, through the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy, is scheduled to receive $749,972 to help strengthen its Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, and the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe was awarded $497,379 for an Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant.
"President Trump has made ending the opioid crisis a priority for this administration, and under his leadership, the Department of Justice has taken historic action," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "Today we are announcing our next steps: investing $320 million into all three parts of the President’s comprehensive plan to end the epidemic: prevention, treatment, and enforcement. We are attacking this crisis from every angle—and we will not let up until we bring it to an end."
“This is much needed, mission-critical funding to combat the opioid crisis in South Dakota,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “It will be put to good use.”
In 2017, more than 72,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses, an increase from the 64,000 overdose deaths in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of these deaths can be attributed to opioids, including illicit fentanyl and its analogues. October marks two important anti-drug events: Red Ribbon Week and National Prescription Drug Takeback Day. Red Ribbon Week takes place every year between October 23-31 and encourages students, parents, schools, and communities to promote drug-free lifestyles. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 27 aims to provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent overdose deaths and drug addictions before they start. DOJ expanded on DEA's Drug Takeback Days and collected more than 2.7 million pounds of expired or unused prescription drugs since April 2017.
The Attorney General has been resolute in the fight against the drug crisis in America. The Department assigned more than 300 federal prosecutors to U.S. Attorneys’ offices and hired more than 400 DEA task force officers, announced the formation of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge, a new program to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas, and created a new data analytics program called the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit to assist 12 prosecutors sent to drug “hot spot districts.” In addition, the Department charged more than 3,000 defendants with trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, or prescription drugs in FY 2017, announced the first-ever indictments of Chinese nationals for fentanyl trafficking, and scheduled variants of fentanyl to prevent illicit drug labs from circumventing the law. In addition, DOJ executed the largest ever health care fraud enforcement action charging more than 600 defendants and proposed rules consistent with President Trump's "Safe Prescribing Plan," requiring a reduction of ten percent in 2019 in manufacturing quotas. The Department dismantled AlphaBay, the largest criminal marketplace on the Internet and has already generated prosecutions in the fight against online drug trafficking through the Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement Team (J-CODE).
The approximately $320 million awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) will be distributed in order to maximize effectiveness over the country. A breakdown of the grants can be found here.
- Innovative Prosecution Solutions for Combating Violent Crime and Opioid Abuse ($2.8 Million)
- Help prosecutors develop strategies to address violent crime caused by illegal opioid distribution and abuse
- Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program ($162 Million)
- Help jurisdictions plan and implement programs aimed at reducing opioid abuse and mitigating its impact on crime victims, including training and technical assistance
- Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program ($5.9 Million)
- Address the treatment needs of people using opioids under the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program
- Helping Children and Youth Impacted by Opioids ($46.6 Million)
- Help children and youth impacted by the opioid crisis, including training and technical assistance
- Drug Courts ($81.2 Million)
- Assist adult, juvenile, and family drug courts and veterans treatment courts, including training and technical assistance
- Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program ($17 Million)
- Address the dramatic increase in deaths and the backlogs of seized drugs as a result of the opioid crisis
- Opioid-Related Research for Criminal Justice Purposes ($4.1 Million)
- Development of new tools to enforce the law, ensure public safety, prevent and control crime, and ensure fair and impartial administration of justice
OJP provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP has six bureaus and offices: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking. More information about OJP and its components can be found at: www.ojp.gov.
- Innovative Prosecution Solutions for Combating Violent Crime and Opioid Abuse ($2.8 Million)
Indiana, PA Career Criminal Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Second Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Indiana, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his convictions on a federal narcotics charge, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Walter Porter, age 46. Porter was detained after his initial appearance and will remain detained as he begins to serve his sentence. Porter was on federal supervised release for a drug crime when he committed the offense he was sentenced for today.
According to information presented to the court, On April 14, 2016, Walter Porter was stopped in a maroon Hyundai Elantra. Mr. Porter was seated next to a green bag. Inside the green bag, Indiana Police found a bag of a white material within a Big Puncture Seal Tire Repair hideaway can. The Pennsylvania State lab tested the substance and revealed that it was approximately 3 grams of a crack cocaine, Scheduled II controlled substance.
Porter had a previous state conviction for an armed robbery and a prior felony federal cocaine trafficking conviction. As a result, he faced sentencing as a Career Offender.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Indiana Borough Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
Huntsville Woman Arrested for Distributing Fentanyl That Caused a DeathRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM – Federal agents today arrested a Huntsville woman for distributing the synthetic opioid fentanyl that resulted in a death, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bret Hamilton.
DEA agents arrested ASHLEY DANIELLE SMITH, 30, at her Huntsville apartment on a one-count federal indictment charging her with distributing fentanyl on Nov. 15, 2017, that resulted in the death of a 25-year old male. The grand jury returned the indictment against Smith on Sept. 26.
“The Department of Justice has marshaled forces to fight the opioid crisis that continues to claim lives and ravage families in America,” Town said. “Fentanyl is lethal in minute doses, and as dealers add it to more and more drugs, it is causing both fatal and non-fatal overdoses. Our message to the drug dealers could not be more clear...cause an overdose and go to federal prison.”
“A very small amount of fentanyl is a lethal dose, whether it is ingested or absorbed through the skin. It is important that the public is aware of the danger of this powerful and potentially lethal drug,” Hamilton said. “DEA is committed to working with our local and federal law enforcement partners, investigating and arresting those who distribute this dangerous drug, especially when that distribution results in a death,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bret Hamilton.
The penalty for distributing a controlled substance that results in death is 20 years to life in prison and a maximum $1 million fine.
DEA investigated the case in partnership with the Huntsville Police Department and the Madison County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Becher Sr. is prosecuting.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Houston Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Racketeering Schemes that Involved the Attempted Capital Murder of State District Judge Julie KocurekRead the Press Release
In Austin today, a federal judge sentenced 31-year-old Chimene Hamilton Onyeri to life in federal prison for his leadership role in carrying out fraud and racketeering schemes that involved the attempted capital murder of State District Court Judge Julie Kocurek in November of 2015.
That announcement was made by U.S. Attorney John F. Bash; Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore; FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Richard D. Goss, Houston Field Office; Austin Police Chief Brian Manley; and, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez, Houston Division.
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel ordered Onyeri to pay $178,374.41 restitution.
“Today’s life sentence for Mr. Onyeri was about more than obtaining a measure of justice for Judge Kocurek—although we certainly did that. It was also about safeguarding the integrity of our judicial system. This office, along with our federal, state, and local law-enforcement partners, will be absolutely relentless in pursuing those who attack or threaten judges or court staff. Impartial, fearless judges are key to the rule of law. Today the rule of law was vindicated,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash.
On April 26, 2018, a jury convicted Onyeri of one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute, one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, seven counts of aggravated identity theft, and six counts of witness tampering.
Evidence presented during trial revealed that from January 2012 to November 2015, Onyeri, 28-year-old Marcellus Antoine Burgin of Cypress, TX, and 26-year-old Rasul Kareem Scott of Marrero, LA, all conspired to commit various fraudulent schemes for financial gain in Austin, Houston, the state of Louisiana and surrounding areas. Schemes included converting stolen debit card numbers obtained from skimming devices into cash, and Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF), through the use of the U.S. Mail. Their racketeering enterprise involved mail fraud, bribery of a public official, wire fraud, document fraud, access device fraud, money laundering and attempted murder.
According to testimony, when the existence of the criminal enterprise was threatened, Onyeri responded with violence. On the night of November 6, 2015, Onyeri attempted to murder State District Court Judge Julie Kocurek, whom Onyeri believed was going to sentence him to prison, by shooting Judge Kocurek while she sat in her car outside her home in Austin. As a result of the incident, Kocurek suffered serious bodily injury from multiple gunshots and resulting shrapnel.
Testimony also revealed that in September 2016, Onyeri attempted to contact six witnesses by smuggling a note out of the Travis County Jail and corruptly persuade them not to talk about Onyeri’s criminal activities to investigators in this case.
“I have watched Judge Kocurek and her family handle this ordeal with courage and grace. At long last, they see justice,” stated Travis County District Attorney Moore. “I commend Dayna Blazey from my office and AUSA Gregg Sofer, along with the host of federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, for their tireless efforts to reach this conclusion.”
“Today’s sentencing should send a clear message to those who threaten, injure or kill members of the judiciary – you will not escape the consequences of your actions. Justice will be served and you will be held accountable,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs. “It was an honor and privilege to work with Austin Police Department, and our law enforcement partners, to bring justice for a brave jurist and dedicated public servant whose life was changed forever by the defendant’s brazen and violent actions.
“Today’s sentencing proves that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with our local, state, and federal partners, will vigorously pursue individuals that attempt to circumvent justice,” stated USPIS Inspector in Charge Gonzalez.
“Thank you to all of our state, local and federal partners that helped bring justice for Judge Julie Kocurek against Chimene Hamilton Onyeri,” said APD Assistant Chief Joseph Chacon. “We respect the jury verdict in this case and the Court’s sentencing decision today. We hope Onyeri’s sentence continues to bring healing to Judge Kocurek and her family.”
Burgin and Scott both entered guilty pleas prior to jury selection. Burgin and Scott each pleaded guilty to the RICO conspiracy charge. Both remain in federal custody awaiting sentencing scheduled for sentencing at 9:00am on November 13, 2018, in Austin before Judge Yeakel.
The FBI, IRS-CI, USPIS, U.S. Secret Service, Austin Police Department and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office investigated this case. The 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in (Calcasieu Parish) Lake Charles, Louisiana; Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office; U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Texas and the Eastern District of Louisiana; the U.S. Marshals Service; Travis County Sheriff’s Office; and, the Houston Police Department provided valuable assistance during this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dayna L. Blazey of the Travis County District Attorney’s Office are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Houston Heroin Distributor Convicted after Taking over Family Drug Trafficking BusinessRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Mexican national has entered a guilty plea to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Victor Manuel Morales-Moreno, 35, admitted to conspiring to distribute heroin to street level dealers and users for more than two years.
According to court records, Morales relocated to Houston from California to take over a heroin trafficking ring following the arrests and incarceration of his relatives Jose Herrera-Alvarado and Pedro Herrera-Alvarado. The Herrera-Alvarado brothers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and later sentenced to life in federal prison.
Erasto Aguirre-Suarez, 52, a Mexican national, also pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. He admitted he moved to Texas with Morales-Moreno to assist him in the daily operations of the heroin business. A third co-defendant, Valentin Anthony Cardenas, 35, of Houston, previously entered his plea possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 5, 2019 before U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen. At that time, Morales-Moreno face a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine.
They have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey N. MacDonald is prosecuting the case.
Honduran National Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States and Selling Drugs Near A SchoolRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Olvin Didier Centeno-Gamez was sentenced to 84 months in prison for illegally re-entering the United States after deportation and possessing with intent to distribute drugs within 1000 feet of a school, announced U.S. Attorney Alex G. Tse and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Spradlin. The sentence was handed down today by the Honorable Susan Illston, U.S. District Judge.
Centeno-Gamez, 36, a citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty to the crimes on June 22, 2016. In pleading guilty, Centeno-Gamez admitted that on April 18, 2018, he was in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District and in possession of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine that he intended to distribute. At the time of his arrest, Centeno-Gamez was within 1000 feet of a local elementary school. Centeno-Gamez further admitted he illegally re-entered the United States after having been deported on five previous occasions between 2009 and 2017.
A federal grand jury indicted Centeno-Gamez on May 17, 2018, charging him with three counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 860(a), and one count of illegal re-entry into the United States after deportation, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1326(a) and (b)(2). Centeno-Gamez pleaded guilty to all counts in the indictment.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Illston ordered Centeno-Gamez to serve a six-year period of supervised release. Centeno-Gamez is currently in custody and will begin serving his sentence immediately.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Boome is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Marina Ponomarchuck. The prosecution is the result of an investigation led by HSI with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Hartford Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Heroin and Fentanyl to Overdose VictimRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE GONZALEZ, also known as “Montana,” “Beat Montana” and “Carl Montana,” 22, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 36 months of imprisonment, followed by three months of home confinement and four years of supervised release, for selling heroin and fentanyl to an East Hartford overdose victim.
This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.
According to court documents and statements made in court, at approximately 10:30 a.m., on April 26, 2017, East Hartford Police and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to a residence on Main Street in East Hartford on a report of an unconscious male who was not breathing. First responders located a 20-year-old male on the couch in the living room and pronounced him deceased. At the scene, investigators located and collected drug paraphernalia, several empty wax baggies, and the victim’s cellphone.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner subsequently determined that the victim’s death was caused by “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of alprazolam, fentanyl and heroin.”
The investigation, which included witness interviews and analysis of the victim’s cellphone, revealed that the victim traveled to Hartford the night before his death and purchased heroin/fentanyl from GONZALEZ. Analysis of another individual’s cellphone revealed that GONZALEZ sold heroin and fentanyl from at least December 2016 through April 2017.
GONZALEZ has been detained since his arrest on a federal criminal complaint on November 30, 2017. On May 22, 2018, he pleaded guilty to one count possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin and fentanyl.
This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force and the East Hartford and Monroe Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Courtney Kaoutzanis. The DEA Task Force includes participants from the Bristol, East Hartford, Hartford, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Willimantic and Windsor Locks Police Departments, and the Food and Drug Administration.
Harrison County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Wayne Wiles, Jr., of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 84 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Wiles, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in May 2018. Wiles, having previously been convicted of three felonies, admitted to having a 9mm pistol, a .380-caliber pistol, and .243 caliber rifle in January 2018 in Harrison County.
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 U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.