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6 November 2018
San Jose Resident Sentenced to 80 Months in Prison for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Josue Rocha-Vallejo was sentenced today to 80 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced United States Attorney Alex G. Tse and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Edward J. Davila, United States District Judge.
Rocha-Vallejo, 27, of San Jose, Calif., pleaded guilty to the charge on November 30, 2017. In pleading guilty, Rocha-Vallejo admitted that he possessed firearms and that he was a convicted felon not legally permitted to possess the firearms.
In sentencing Rocha-Vallejo, Judge Davila found that the defendant possessed seven firearms, including two semi-automatic rifles, and a high capacity magazine—the magazine allowed the firearm to fire more than 15 bullets before having to be reloaded. In addition, Judge Davila found that defendant was in possession of a gun that had been reported stolen.
On May 18, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted Rocha-Vallejo, charging him with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). Rocha-Vallejo pleaded guilty to the charge.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Davila sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release. The defendant will begin serving the sentence immediately.
The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force with assistance from the San Jose Police Department and the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office.
Roslindale Man Sentenced for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Roslindale man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a cocaine distribution operation on the South Shore.
Roberto Fonseca-Rivera, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to one year and one day in prison and three years of supervised release. On Sept. 11, 2017, Fonseca-Rivera pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine
From January 2015 through July 18, 2016, Fonseca-Rivera and four co-defendants, Angel Morales, of Stoughton; Pablo Santiago-Cruz, of Roslindale; Carlos Reyes, of Framingham; and Jorge Montalvo, of Roxbury, received in the mail more than 30 suspicious packages believed to be cocaine. The packages were sent from Puerto Rico to various addresses in Canton, Stoughton, Quincy, and Framingham, where Fonseca-Rivera and Montalvo retrieved the packages for Morales and Montalvo, and Reyes retrieved the packages for Santiago-Cruz.
On July 18, 2018, a law enforcement officer stopped a vehicle driven by Reyes and seized a kilogram of cocaine that was hidden inside a toy oven that was in the trunk of Reyes’ vehicle. The next day, agents executed a search warrant at Santiago-Cruz’s apartment in Roslindale. Upon hearing the agents knock and announce their presence, Santiago-Cruz attempted to flush approximately 93 grams of cocaine down the toilet. When agents attempted to subdue Santiago-Cruz, he physically resisted and struck several of the officers.
Agents also executed a search warrant at Morales’ apartment in Stoughton and seized approximately $11,000 in cash, more than 100 grams of cocaine, a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and two magazines containing 15 rounds of ammunition each, a box containing an additional 10 rounds of ammunition, and various drug trafficking paraphernalia.
All five defendants have been convicted as part of the investigation. Morales was sentenced on Sept. 17, 2017, to eight years in prison. Montalvo pleaded guilty on Oct. 26, 2018, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 24, 2019. Pablo Santiago-Cruz, pleaded guilty on Sept. 25, 2018, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 14, 2019. Carlos Reyes, was convicted by a federal jury on Oc. 2, 2018, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 8, 2019.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph W. Cronin, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Colonel Kerry Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Norfolk County District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey; and Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James E. Arnold and Craig E. Estes of Lelling’s Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Rochester Man Sentenced for Escaping from Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Abdul Rasheed, 36, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted after a jury trial of escaping from federal custody, was sentenced to 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Rossi, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that on March 27, 2016, the defendant, following a federal felony conviction in the Western District of New York, was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Rasheed served his prison sentence at United States Penitentiary Lee, located in Jonesville, Virginia. Near the end of his prison term, the defendant was offered the opportunity to complete the incarceration portion of his sentence at the Volunteers of America Residential Reentry Center, commonly referred to as a “halfway house,” located at 175 Ward Street in Rochester. After being released from USP Lee, Rasheed absconded and never appeared at the Volunteers of America. The defendant remained at large until he was arrested on October 29, 2016, in Pittsburgh, PA.
Following his escape but prior to his apprehension, Rasheed shot two individuals, killing one, during an attempted robbery. The defendant pleaded guilty to homicide in Allegheny County, PA, and was sentenced to serve 23 to 46 years in Pennsylvania State Prison. Rasheed will serve his federal sentence following the conclusion of his state sentenced in Pennsylvania.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service in Rochester, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina, and the United States Bureau of Prisons, USP Lee.
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Record Breaking 29,992 Pounds of Prescription Drugs Collected in North Carolina During 16th National Take-Back DayRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced today that 29,992 pounds of unwanted, unused or expired medications were collected across North Carolina during the 16th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which was held on Saturday, October 27, 2018. This is the highest total collected in North Carolina since the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began the take-back initiative in 2010.
“The record number of prescription medications collected in North Carolina underscores the importance of the take-back campaign, as an opportunity to safely get rid of dangerous prescription drugs, and to raise awareness about their link to drug addiction and overdose deaths. We all need to do our part to stem the tide of prescription drug abuse in our communities, and clearing our homes of leftover prescription medicines for safe disposal is an important first step,” said U.S. Attorney Murray.
During the semiannual collection event, the DEA and state, local and tribal law enforcement partners collected nearly 11 million pounds of unused pills nationwide. This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to 10,878,950 pounds, or 5439.5 tons.
Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Atlanta Field Division, which oversees the Carolinas, said, “DEA’s 16th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day was a success locally and nationally. I would like to thank the multitude of partners, both law enforcement and non-law enforcement, who worked tirelessly to make this event another great success.”
Since the DEA launched the biannual take-back events, permanent prescription drug collection boxes have been installed by law enforcement agencies, pharmacies, and others throughout North Carolina, for convenient and safe drug disposal. The DEA’s next official Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is April 27, 2019. For the complete results of this year’s fall collection event please visit: https://takebackday.dea.gov/#initiative-results.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the DEA encourage parents, along with their children, to educate themselves about the dangers of legal and illegal drugs by visiting the DEA’s interactive websites at https://www.justthinktwice.gov, https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov and http://www.dea.org.
Providence Woman Detained on Fentanyl Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE - A Providence woman has been ordered detained in federal custody by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond after federal agents seized from her home nearly 200 grams of fentanyl and nearly 2 kilograms of a substance consistent in appearance with heroin.
Marleni Difo, 26, was ordered detained on a federal criminal complaint charging her with possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch and Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New England Field Division Brian D. Boyle.
On Friday, DEA and Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force agents executed a court-authorized search of Difo’s residence, and sized nearly 200 grams of fentanyl, cutting agents, four digital scales, gloves and masks, and other items used in the packaging and distribution of fentanyl and fentanyl-laced products.
Additionally, agents seized nearly 2 kilograms of a brown material consistent in appearance with heroin. DEA safety protocols encourage agents not to handle materials found in close proximity to fentanyl. Consequently, the brown material has not been field-tested. Analysis of that material will be conducted by DEA's forensic laboratory.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Milind M. Shah and Paul F. Daly, Jr.
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Project Safe Neighborhoods Case Results in Tulsa Man Pleading Guilty to Six Armed Robberies of Local BusinessesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Trent Shores announced that Treveon Montrell Vaughn, 27, of Tulsa, pleaded guilty today to obstructing commerce by robbery and to brandishing a firearm during six different robberies at local donut and Dollar General stores.
Vaughn committed the armed robberies between June 24, 2018, and August 17, 2018, and at one point committed three robberies in one day. In each of the robberies, Vaughn wore a mask and brandished a firearm, threatening store employees and stealing cash from registers. Vaughn’s crime spree ended when Tulsa police officers were called to the scene of a robbery in progress at a Dollar General store on August 17, 2018, and Vaughn became trapped inside the store. At one point during the resulting stand-off with officers, the defendant started a small fire, trying to destroy evidence. He eventually surrendered and was taken into custody. He eventually admitted to influencing and leading a group of juveniles into his criminal activity, stating they would do anything for money.
“Treveon Vaughn was a brazen, violent criminal. He instilled fear in his victims by making threats and using physical violence. During one robbery, he slapped a customer and fired his gun at the business owner. The Tulsa Police Department is to be commended for stopping Vaughn before his actions resulted in severe injury or death,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Project Safe Neighborhoods is an initiative reinvigorated to target those criminals who repeatedly use violence and create instability and danger within neighborhoods. Vaughn is one of those perpetrators, and he was held accountable today for his criminal actions. This initiative is most successful when law enforcement, prosecutors, community groups and citizens work together to keep our communities safe.”
As part of the plea agreement, Vaughn will pay restitution to the businesses.
Vaughn will be sentenced in United States District Court on February 11, 2019, by U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell. Vaughn faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine of $250,000.
The Tulsa Police Department and the FBI are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Roberts is the prosecuting attorney.
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.
Prison Sentences for Defendants in $1.8 Million Tax FraudRead the Press Release
PEORIA, Ill. –Senior U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm today sentenced the fifth and final defendant to prison for a tax fraud scheme that claimed more than $1.8 million in refunds from false tax returns.
On Oct. 30, Judge Mihm sentenced the leader of what the court described as a “remarkable conspiracy,” Clifton “Ty” Robinson, to 99 months (eight years, three months) in prison. Robinson’s sentence consists of 63 months for the fraud scheme to be followed by 36 months for aggravated identity theft charges to be served consecutive to the underlying offense.
In addition, Robinson, 44, and the four co-conspirators were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1.2 million to the IRS for refunds paid as a result of false income tax returns filed for tax years 2012, 2013, and 2014. As a result of more than 300 false returns filed, Robinson and others claimed more than $1.8 million in refunds. Of the $1.8 million claimed, approximately $1.2 million was paid by the U.S. Treasury.
Robinson, of Chicago, was convicted in May 2018, following a bench trial before Judge Mihm. The government presented evidence at trial that established that Robinson and others were responsible for filing false federal income tax returns. While some individuals knowingly provided their identifying information for use in preparing the false returns, others had no idea how their information had been obtained. Evidence also established that some individuals sold their dependents’ information to Robinson for use on other individuals’ tax returns. Robinson used other members of the conspiracy to obtain identifying information of others and to provide “safe” addresses for the returns. Refunds from the fraudulent returns were deposited to bank accounts and prepaid debit cards controlled by members of the conspiracy.
As identified by the IRS, the majority of the returns identified in the scheme exhibited similar characteristics including false information as to income, dependents, addresses, education and occupation.
The four co-conspirators charged pleaded guilty to their respective roles in the conspiracy to defraud the government. Each was ordered to pay the full amount of restitution together and separately with their co-defendants. The defendants were sentenced to prison terms by Judge Mihm as follows:
Brieanna Kinney-Bonner, 31, of the 1900 block of S. Griswold St., Peoria, Ill., sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison;
Monique Bonner, 42, of the 1800 block of N. Manchin, Peoria, Ill., 26 months in prison;
Tawanda Davis, 37, of the 1700 block of N. New York Ave., Peoria, 22 months in prison; and,
Velma Robertson, 42, of La Grange, Ill., 16 months in prison. Bonner, Davis and Robertson were each sentenced on Sept. 4, 2018.
The charges were investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darilynn Knauss, Segev Phillips, and Kate Legge represented the government in the prosecution.
Owasso Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing More than 100 Kilograms of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Trent Shores announced that Andrew Wade Wyrrick, 24, of Owasso, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
As part of his plea agreement, Wyrrick admitted to traveling to Pueblo, Colorado, in April 2018, to purchase marijuana for the purpose of selling it in northeastern Oklahoma. Wyrrick was charged with possession with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana and for possessing a firearm to aid in his drug trafficking crimes.
“Wyrrick admitted transporting approximately 200 pounds of marijuana for sale in northeastern Oklahoma. Like other drug traffickers, he possessed a firearm to further his illicit activity, exponentially increasing the danger he presented to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
Wyrrick will be sentenced in United States District Court on February 11, 2019, by U.S. District Judge John E. Dowdell. Wyrrick faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for the possession of marijuana with intent to distribute charge, as well as a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the second charge, which must be served consecutively to any other penalty imposed
The Tulsa and Owasso Police Departments and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Roberts is prosecuting the case.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Mark Harrell, age 35, was sentenced in federal court Monday in Omaha, Nebraska, for one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false return. The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Harrell to 5 years’ probation and ordered him to pay $43,058 in restitution.
For tax year 2012, Harrell prepared tax returns for friends and family members. On several of the U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, Forms 1040 and 1040A, there were false and fraudulent statements that caused the I.R.S. to refund more money to the taxpayer than they were legally entitled to get. The false statements related to wages, wage withholding, and claims for American Opportunity Credit. In total, $43,058 was involved in Mr. Harrell’s scheme.
“Combatting refund fraud continues to be a priority for this office,” said Karl Stiften, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
North Charleston Man Sentenced to 50 Months for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Derrick Joy, Jr., 30, of North Charleston, South Carolina, was sentenced to over four years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on December 26, 2017, a North Charleston police officer saw Joy rolling a marijuana blunt in his vehicle in the parking lot of a convenience store. The officer surprised Joy, removed him from the vehicle, and placed him under arrest. A 9mm pistol loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition was discovered between the driver's seat and the driver's side door of Joy’s car. The gun had been reported stolen. Because Joy has previously been convicted of multiple felonies and crimes of domestic violence, federal law prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Joy pled guilty to the firearm count, and United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced him to 50 months in federal prison to be followed by a 3-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the North Charleston Police Department. It was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project CeaseFire initiative, 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 Chris Schoen of the Charleston office prosecuted the case.
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New York Man Sentenced for Drug and Gun ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Brooklyn, New York man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for a long-term heroin, methamphetamine, and gun-running conspiracy.
According to court documents, Shannon Poulson, 40, imported heroin and methamphetamine into Hampton Roads from out-of-state sources over a three-year period, and sold the drugs or traded them for guns. Poulson trafficked dozens of guns back to New York, where he sold them illicitly for a substantial profit.
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.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Thomas L. Chittum, III, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Washington Field Division, and James A. Cervera, Chief of Virginia Beach Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. Bosse prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-49.
Moss Point Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Michael Todd Ward, 52, of Moss Point, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 151 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Derryle Smith, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
In 2016, Ward supplied co-defendants living in an area known as “the Hill” in Vancleave, Mississippi with more than 5 kilograms of methamphetamine and a half a kilogram of cocaine. He pled guilty on January 26, 2018 to an indictment that named him as a co-conspirator.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Morgan County man indicted for failure to update his sex offender registrationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Great Capacon, West Virginia man was indicted today on a failure to register as a sex offender charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Douglas Brett Bishop, age 51, is charged with one count of “Failure to Register.” Bishop is accused of failing to register as a sex offender in Morgan County, West Virginia from May to September 2018. Bishop was convicted of a crime in Union County, South Carolina that required him to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Bishop faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 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 Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshal Service and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
More than 22 tons of prescription medication were returned in Ohio as part of DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back events last monthRead the Press Release
More than 22 tons of prescription medication were returned in Ohio as part of DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back events last month.
The DEA’s Detroit Field Division, servicing Michigan and Ohio collected a total of 69,584 pounds of unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs. The state of Ohio collected 45,206 pounsd, while Michigan collected 24,378 pounds. Each state collecting larger amounts than the previous event.
Nationally, DEA and federal, state and local partners disposed of more than 900,000 pounds of prescription medications collected at nearly 6,000 sites across the country during the 16th semiannual event on Oct. 27. Together with almost 5,000 local, state and federal partners, DEA collected and destroyed more than 457 tons of potentially dangerous leftover prescription drugs.
With the robust participation of Americans nationwide, DEA and its law enforcement partners have now surpassed its 10 million pound goal and collected nearly 11 million pounds of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications over the course of 16 successful DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back events.
This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to 10,878,950 pounds, or 5,439.5 tons.
“The results of our most recent Take Back Day clearly demonstrate a need for this initiative as a tool in the fight against America’s opioid crisis,” said Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon. “The success of this event is a direct reflection of DEA’s commitment to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths in the U.S. Together, we are all helping to make a difference to keep our friends and families safe.”
“We know of many cases where leftover pain pills have led to an opioid addiction,” said U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio Justin Herdman said. “Properly disposing of these pills is one important step anyone can take to get involved in turning the tide on the opioid epidemic that has caused so much pain here in Ohio.”
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events continue to remove opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they could be stolen and abused by family members and visitors, including children and teens.
DEA began putting on Take Back Day events when the public had no other way to appropriately dispose of their leftover painkillers and other potentially dangerous drugs. These events have been extremely successful not only in getting unused drugs out of the house, but also in raising awareness of their link to addiction and overdose deaths. Since DEA launched this program nine years ago, doctors are prescribing fewer painkillers, and law enforcement agencies, pharmacies and others have installed permanent prescription drug drop boxes on-site, making drug disposal even more convenient.
Helping people to dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way DEA is working to reduce the addiction and overdose deaths plaguing this country due to opioid medications.
Complete results for DEA’s fall Take Back Day are available at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#initiative-results. DEA’s next Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 27, 2019.
Mineral County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Michael Martin, of Keyser, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms violation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Martin, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Sale or Transfer to a Prohibited Person.” Martin admitted to selling a 12-gauge shotgun to Nathan E. Carpenter, who was known to have been convicted of a crime, in April 2018 in Mineral County.
Martin faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 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.
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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Marion County man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Fairmont, West Virginia man was indicted today on a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Brian K. Griffey, age 48, is charged with one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.” Griffey, having been previously convicted of multiple felonies, is accused of having a 12-gauge shotgun and shotgun shells in Harrison County in June 2018.
Griffey faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. 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.
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 Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Nutter Fort Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Marion County man indicted on drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Fairmont, West Virginia man was indicted today on drug possession and firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sanford Austin Mays, age 39, is charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms.” Mays is accused of possessing methamphetamine in Marion County in June 2018. Mays, having been previously convicted of multiple felonies, is also accused of having a .45 caliber pistol in Marion County in June 2018.
Mays faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the methamphetamine count and faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms 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.
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 Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the White Hall Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Manchester Man Indicted for Impersonating A Deputy U.S. Marshal in Order to Commit Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that John B. Snow, age 26, of Manchester, Pennsylvania, was indicted on October 31, 2018, by a federal grand jury on child exploitation charges and the offense of personation of a federal official, specifically a Deputy U.S. Marshal. The indictment was unsealed following Snow’s initial appearance. Snow was temporarily detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for November 16, 2018.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that between January 2017 and April 2017, Snow impersonated a Deputy U.S. Marshal and claimed he was running a training program for the U.S. Marshals Service in the York, Pennsylvania area. The indictment also alleges between February 18 and 24, 2017, Snow used a minor to produce sexually explicit images and between January 2017 and April 2017, coerced a sixteen-year-old minor online to engage in other sex acts.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Northern York County Regional Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith A. Taylor is prosecuting the case.
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."
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is lifetime imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Lowell Man Indicted on Fentanyl Trafficking Charge as Part of Operation Synthetic Opioid SurgeRead the Press Release
CONCORD - United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Kyle Decologero, 24, of Lowell, Massachusetts was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 17, 2018, for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
The defendant is scheduled to appear in court on November 6, 2018.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). In July, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the District of New Hampshire and nine other federal districts. The goal of S.O.S. is to combat the record number of overdoses and deaths related to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
In New Hampshire, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is focusing its efforts on Hillsborough County, including Manchester and Nashua, where the highest number of overdose deaths occur. As part of this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute cases from Hillsborough County involving the distribution of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and other synthetic opioids, regardless of drug quantity.
“Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids have caused grave damage in the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Through S.O.S., we will work in partnership with our federal, state, and local law enforcement colleagues, including the Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office, to focus our resources on stopping fentanyl trafficking in Hillsborough County”.
This matter was investigated by the Nashua Police Department, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cam T. Le.
The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Long Island MS-13 Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Murder and Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Mario Aguilar-Lopez, a member of the Sailors Locos Salvatruchas Westside (Sailors) clique of the La Mara Salvatrucha street gang, also known as the MS-13, pleaded guilty to murder and assault charges relating to his participation in the January 30, 2017 murder of Esteban Alvarado-Bonilla, whom he suspected of being a rival 18th Street gang member, and shooting of an innocent bystander, “Jane Doe.” The guilty plea was entered before United States District Judge Joseph F. Bianco. When sentenced, the defendant faces up to life imprisonment for the murder, 20 years for the assault and deportation from the United States.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Geraldine Hart, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), and Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), announced the guilty plea.
“Aguilar-Lopez committed a deliberate, cold-blooded broad daylight murder in the name of MS-13, shooting a suspected rival gang member from behind and seriously wounding an innocent bystander who was simply working her job,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “The Eastern District of New York and our law enforcement partners will continue to relentlessly investigate and prosecute MS-13 and other gangs until our communities are rid of this menace.”
“Global criminal enterprises like MS-13 thrive by terrorizing communities with fears of violence, intimidation, and retribution,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “When Aguilar-Lopez decided to serve as judge, jury, and executioner in carrying out MS-13’s version of vigilante justice in killing a rival gang member, he also put the lives of innocent bystanders at risk. As today’s conviction demonstrates, the FBI’s Long Island Safe Streets Gang Task Force will continue to hold violent gangs and murderers fully accountable for their actions, and work to ensure safety and peace of mind for our citizens and communities.”
“This guilty plea will ensure that yet another violent member of MS-13 will be imprisoned for his senseless crimes,” stated SCPD Commissioner Hart. “The Suffolk County Police Department will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and combine resources to aggressively target gang members who have no regard for human life. I would like to thank the Eastern District of New York for their unwavering commitment to prosecute gang members and our partners at the FBI Long Island Gang Task Force as we work together to eradicate MS-13 in Suffolk County.”
“The guilty plea of defendant Aguilar-Lopez to charges of the murder of Esteban Alvardo-Bonilla and the shooting of another victim is a clear example of how law enforcement has been instrumental in removing MS-13 members from our streets and incarcerating them,” stated NCPD Commissioner Patrick Ryder. “Our residents and communities are safer due to all associated agencies working side by side to combat gang violence and I would like to congratulate all of the investigators who dedicated themselves to this case.”
According to prior court filings and statements made during today’s guilty plea, on the day of the murder, a member of the Sailors clique saw Alvarado-Bonilla inside El Campesino Deli in Central Islip. Believing that Alvarado-Bonilla was a rival 18th Street gang member, the Sailors decided to kill him. Aguilar-Lopez and two MS-13 associates drove to the deli. Aguilar-Lopez entered, approached Alvarado-Bonilla from behind and shot him multiple times, killing him. One of the bullets traveled through Alvarado-Bonilla’s head and hit a deli employee standing directly in front of him, seriously injuring her. Aguilar-Lopez and the other gang associates then fled the scene. The wounded store employee was taken to a local hospital for treatment and survived.
Today’s guilty plea is the latest in a series of federal prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York targeting members of the MS-13, a violent international criminal organization. The MS-13’s leadership is based in El Salvador and Honduras, but the gang has thousands of members across the United States, comprised primarily of immigrants from Central America. With numerous branches, or “cliques,” the MS-13 is the largest and most violent street gang on Long Island. Since 2003, hundreds of MS-13 members, including dozens of clique leaders, have been convicted on federal felony charges in the Eastern District of New York. A majority of those MS-13 members have been convicted on federal racketeering charges for participating in murders, attempted murders and assaults. Since 2010, this Office has obtained indictments charging MS-13 members with carrying out more than 45 murders in this district, and has convicted dozens of MS-13 leaders and members in connection with those murders. These prosecutions are the product of investigations led by the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force, comprising agents and officers of the FBI, SCPD, NCPD, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Nassau County Sheriff’s Department, Suffolk County Probation, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, Rockville Centre Police Department and the New York State Police.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys John J. Durham, Paul G. Scotti, Raymond A. Tierney, Justina L. Geraci and Michael T. Keilty are in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
MARIO AGUILAR-LOPEZ (also known as “Cuchumbo” and “Flexible”)
Age: 20
Brentwood, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-403 (S-6) (JFB)
Little Rock Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charges Following Online InvestigationRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—A federal investigation into certain online child exploitation chatrooms has resulted in the arrest of Harold "HL" Moody, Jr. Cody Hiland, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans Field Division, announced today the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging Moody, 39, of Little Rock, with distribution and possession of child pornography. Moody worked as the special events coordinator for Pulaski County Youth Services.
Moody was arrested Monday evening and appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Joe J. Volpe on Tuesday morning, at which time he was remanded to federal custody. A trial date will be set at a later time. Law enforcement officers also executed a search warrant at Moody’s residence on Monday.
HSI was conducting an undercover investigation into child exploitation chatrooms when agents discovered an individual later identified as Moody distributing child pornography. The undercover agents involved in the investigation observed Moody in these chatrooms on at least five occasions.
According to the complaint affidavit, on August 29, 2018, Moody was present in a chatroom when child pornography was being displayed. Agents observed Moody in the chatroom, via his webcam. Moody’s face was clearly visible and the undercover agent observed what appeared to be an office setting in the background.
That same day, undercover agents again observed Moody in a chatroom where child pornography was being displayed. Moody appeared to be in the same office.
On September 7, 2018, Moody was again visible on camera and observed in the chatroom actually distributing child pornography. Among the images that Moody distributed was a video that depicted a nude, adult, male performing oral sex on two nude, pre-pubescent males. According to the complaint, Moody then follows the video with the following chat message sent to all participants of the chatroom: "not the version i thought." Another user requests, via chat message, that Moody play more videos. Moody responds via chat message, "I’ve heard of White privilege but never Perv privilege – i am not the Juke Box at Waffle House...I do not play on demand..."
On September 9, 2018, and October 12, 2018, Moody was again in the chatroom distributing child pornography.
Distribution of child pornography carries a penalty of not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years imprisonment, not less than 5 years to life of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Possession of child pornography carries a penalty of not more than 10 years imprisonment, not less than 5 years to life of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
This investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Allison Bragg.
A complaint or indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available on-line at
http://www.justice.gov/edar
Twitter:
@EDARNEWS
Jury Finds Five Central South Dakota Women Guilty of Retaliating Against a WitnessRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that five individuals from Central South Dakota were found guilty for Conspiracy to Retaliate Against a Witness, following a four-day jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned the evening of November 2, 2018.
Tally Colombe, age 43, Fort Thompson, South Dakota; Elnita Rank, age 81, Fort Thompson, South Dakota; Kristal Hawk, age 58, Fort Thompson, South Dakota; Ronda Hawk, age 60, Fort Thompson, South Dakota; and Tiffany Monteau, age 43, Chamberlain, South Dakota, were found guilty for Conspiracy to Retaliate Against a Witness as a result of the trial. Stefen Monteau, age 26, Fort Thompson, South Dakota, was acquitted of the same charge at the same jury trial.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury on February 6, 2018. The charge stems from an incident that occurred between September 8, 2017, and continuing through September 12, 2017, in Fort Thompson.
In June 2017, Colombe pled guilty to Wire Fraud and Program Fraud related to her prior crimes of defrauding Hunkpati Investments, where she served as Executive Director. She was using business debit cards to make personal purchases. By the Fall of 2017, Colombe was facing sentencing on those charges, when the victim, who also later worked for Hunkpati Investments, contacted law enforcement authorities to report continuing program fraud. On September 19, 2017, the victim testified at a sentencing hearing in federal court.
Between September 8, 2017 and September 12, 2017, Tally Colombe, Elnita Rank, Kristal Hawk, Ronda Hawk, and Tiffany Monteau conspired to knowingly take harmful action against this witness, in an attempt to retaliate against the individual for providing truthful information relating to the commission and possible commission of a federal offense, namely program fraud and wire fraud to law enforcement. The retaliation included interfering with the lawful employment and livelihood of the witness when Elnita Rank, Kristal Hawk, Ronda Hawk, and Tiffany Monteau went to Hunkpati Investments and forcibly removed the victim from her office, and blocked her from performing her work.
Colombe was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing. The four other defendants were released on conditions pending sentencing, the dates of which have not been set.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, Crow Creek Agency also responded to the incident. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Elmore and Ann Hoffman prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
For additional information about The Guardians Project, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (605) 330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.
Jury Convicts Plattsburgh Woman of Conspiring to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – A jury voted yesterday to convict Danielle Conners, age 33, of Plattsburgh, New York, of conspiring to distribute heroin, following a 6-day trial. Nine other defendants in the case previously pled guilty.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith; Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith Kruskall, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and Clinton County Sheriff David Favro.
The evidence at trial established that Kyle Touchstone, Melissa Kusalonis and others sold heroin in Plattsburgh. On May 21, 2017, Conners gave Touchstone and Kuslaonis $700 to purchase heroin, with the understanding that Touchstone and Kusalonis would double her money by selling the heroin. Conners’s co-conspirators referred to her as an “investor” in the heroin trafficking conspiracy. In addition to providing Touchstone and Kuslonis with $700 to purchase heroin, Conners loaned her car to them so that they could pick up the heroin in Schenectady, New York. She also drove Touchstone and Kusalonis to sell the heroin in Plattsburgh. At the time of her arrest on May 25, 2017, Conners possessed $1,033 in cash, which was proceeds from the sale of heroin.
At sentencing scheduled for March 5, 2019, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino, Conners faces up to 20 years in prison, a term of post-release supervision of at least 3 years and up to life, and a maximum fine of $1 million.
Conners was charged along with nine other people in two related indictments pertaining to a heroin distribution ring that transported heroin from Schenectady and Annapolis, Maryland, and sold it in the Plattsburgh area. These nine other defendants have pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin:
- Kyle Touchstone, age 31, of Plattsburgh;
- Melissa Kusalonis, a.k.a. “Mel,” “Liss,” age 36, of Plattsburgh;
- Jimolo Coates, a.k.a. “Lo,” Marlo,” “Brodie,” age 25, of Annapolis;
- Tynaejah Thompson, a.k.a. “Naee,” age 20, of Annapolis;
- Kiara Scott, age 29, of Annapolis;
- Anthony DeFilippo, a.k.a “Flip,” age 37, of Schenectady;
- Charles Adams, a.k.a. “Chuck,” age 33, of Peru, New York;
- Travynn Ippolito, a.k.a “Trav,” age 30, of Plattsburgh; and
- Luke Kiroy, age 33, of Saranac, New York.
The convictions are the result of a nearly yearlong investigation led by the DEA Task Force in Plattsburgh, which consists of law enforcement officers from the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Border Patrol, New York State Police, Clinton County Sherriff’s Office, Essex County Sheriff’s Office, and the Plattsburgh Police Department. The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, as well as the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, also assisted in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus P.W. Rieck and Katherine Kopita.
Jury Convicts Los Fresnos Woman of Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 41-year-old resident of Los Fresnos has been convicted of transporting illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. The jury deliberated for less than an hour before convicting Dianna Garza of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and two counts of transporting illegal aliens following a two-day trial.
During the trial, the jury heard testimony that on Aug. 22, 2018, U.S. Border Patrol (BP) agents observed a vehicle parked on the side of Highway 77 just north of the Sarita Border Patrol checkpoint. The agents then observed multiple subjects running out of the brush towards the parked vehicle. After the vehicle started moving, agents conducted a traffic stop, at which time two undocumented aliens fled but were apprehended in the brush. The aliens admitted to paying smugglers to avoid detection while traveling from Matamoros, Mexico, to Houston.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos presided over the trial and set sentencing for Jan. 30, 2019. At that time, Garza faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a possible $250,000 fine.
She has been and will remain in in custody pending that hearing.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Hess and Reid Manning are prosecuting the case.
Jacksonville Rolling 20s Gang Members and Affiliates Indicted on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of indictments charging Jacksonville residents Natario Bernard Peterson, Dashawn Leon Rose, Jacoby Devonta Hartley, Kirkland George Lawrence, Bruce Marcell Wilson, Keron Jodan Taylor, and Bryant Lloyd Wright with federal drug and firearms charges. The indictments also notify the defendants that United States intends to forfeit the firearms used in these offenses and any proceeds traceable to the offenses. If convicted on these charges, these defendants face the following minimum and maximum penalties:
Name (age)
Charges
Maximum Penalties
Natario Bernard Peterson,
a/k/a “Nite Ryda”
(24)
- Sale of a firearm to a convicted felon.
- Distribution of crack cocaine (3 counts).
- Up to 10 years in federal prison.
- Up to 20 years in federal prison per count.
Dashawn Leon Rose, a/k/a “Whop”
(21)
- Distribution of crack cocaine.
- Possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime.
- Up to 20 years in federal prison.
- Minimum mandatory 5 years, and up to life in federal prison.
Jacoby Devonta Hartley, a/k/a “Lil’ Coby”
(22)
Distribution of crack cocaine.
Up to 20 years in federal prison.
Kirkland George Lawrence, a/k/a “Killa”
(33)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Up to 10 years in federal prison.
Bruce Marcell Wilson
(38)
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2 counts).
- Distribution of a controlled substance analogue.
- Up to 10 years in federal prison, per count.
- Up to 20 years in federal prison.
Keron Jodan Taylor
(33)
Distribution of a controlled substance analogue.
Up to 20 years in federal prison.
Bryant Lloyd Wright
(29)
- Distribution of cocaine (2 counts).
- Distribution of heroin.
- Up to 30 years in federal prison, per count.
- Up to 30 years in federal prison.
According to the indictments, at various times in 2018, these individuals distributed controlled substances and controlled substance analogues and were illegally in possession of firearms or illegally disposed of firearms to a convicted felon.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and David Mesrobian.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Indictment: Man Tossed Guns and Meth as He Ran from Salina PoliceRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. –A convicted felon arrested after he ran from police in Salina was indicted today on federal drug and gun charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Jason P. Briscoe, 41, Minneapolis, Minn., is charged in a superseding indictment with one count possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count one), one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count two), one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count three), two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction (counts four and five) and four counts of unlawful possession of ammunition following a felony conviction (counts six through nine).
Documents filed in the case allege Briscoe got out of a 2004 Chevrolet Impala and ran when police stopped the car in March for a traffic violation. During the chase, he discarded a 9 mm Beretta handgun and a nylon bag containing a 9 mm Taurus handgun, brass knuckles, methamphetamine and marijuana.
If convicted, he faces the following penalties:
Count one: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $4 million.
Count two: Not less than seven years and a fine up to $250,000.
Count three: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Counts four through nine: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Salina Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting. This case is being prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
Illinois Man Sentenced to 57 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Michael Cruz, 39, of Wheeling, Illinois, was sentenced before District Court Judge Philip P. Simon on his plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Cruz received a sentence of 57 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, DEA agents used a confidential source to negotiate with Michael Cruz and co-defendant Rigoberto Ortiz-Dominguez, for the purchase of kilograms of heroin on November 16, 2017. Cruz informed the confidential source that a courier would deliver the heroin later that same day. The courier was Ortiz-Dominguez. Hammond Police stopped both Cruz and Ortiz-Dominguez on their way to deliver the heroin. During a search of Ortiz-Dominguez’s car, police found 3.06 kilograms of heroin in a hidden compartment. Co-defendant Ortiz-Dominguez was sentenced to 51 months in prison on July 2018.
This case was investigated by the DEA Indiana HIDTA Task Force with the assistance of the Hammond Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
Illegal alien admits to misuse of a social security numberRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A citizen of Mexico has pled guilty to a fraud charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Irineo Aroldo Matias-Gomez, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Misuse of a Social Security Number.” Matias-Gomez admitted to using a social security number that isn’t his to open a bank account in Berkeley County in October 2017.
Matias-Gomez faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Grand Jury Indicts Hartford Man for Carjacking OffenseRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a grand jury sitting in Hartford returned an indictment today charging ARNO SMITH, 56, of Hartford, with carjacking.
The indictment alleges that, on July 26, 2018, Smith used threats of violence to steal a 2006 Honda Accord from a victim in Hartford.
Smith was arrested on related state charges on September 20, 2018, and has been detained since his arrest.
If convicted of the charge of carjacking, Smith faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Gustafson.
This prosecution has been brought through Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Gangster Disciple Members Indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine in Carroll CountyRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Nine members of the Gangster Disciples have been indicted for distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today.
Marlon Jazz Taylor, a known Gangster Disciple member, was the main subject of an investigation of a drug trafficking organization that shipped narcotics from California to distribute in West Tennessee.
The nine defendants currently in custody are:
Marlon Jazz Taylor, 33, McKenzie, Tennessee
Nicholas Rodgers, 37, Willows, California
Tarus Taylor, 37, McKenzie, Tennessee
Elizabeth Espey, 35, McKenzie, Tennessee
Terry Weathers, 35, McKenzie, Tennessee
Richie Henderson, 48, Paris, Tennessee
Derrick Howard, 38, McKenzie, Tennessee
Duane Smith, 46, McKenzie, Tennessee
Bobby Joe Kemp, Jr., 35, Huntington, Tennessee
If convicted, each defendant will face a possible sentence of not less than 10 years imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.
In addition, Taylor was also charged with two counts of being felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, he faces a sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release for each count.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Criminal enterprises that distribute harmful drugs into our rural communities can no longer hide. We are taking the fight to the gangs in order to dismantle their drug trafficking organizations and remove them from our streets."
Carroll County Sheriff Andy Dickson said, "I would like to thank the agents with the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, the 24th Judicial District Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force for their successful efforts in the dismantling of an illegal drug organization operating in our county. During the operation, the agents seized and gained intelligence on multiple pounds of marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine, which were being distributed in our local communities. Operations such as this are made possible through the strong working relationships being forged between the Sheriff's Office and the other agencies involved. These agents are progressively working the drug trade in our county by constantly gathering intelligence on transactions and drug organizations in an effort to rid our streets of the persons responsible for these illegal activities. "
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, the 24th Judicial District Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Former VA Field Examiner and OPM Investigator Kenneth Richard Devore Sentenced to Serve 96 Months in Prison for FraudRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. - On November 5, 2018, Kenneth Richard Devore, a/k/a Kenneth Waters, 44, of Jonesborough, Tennessee, was sentenced by the Honorable Pamela L. Reeves to serve 96 months in federal prison. In July 2018, following a six-day trial, Devore was convicted by a federal jury of wire fraud, mail fraud, financial conflict of interest, theft of public money, and making false statements in matters within the jurisdiction of the United States.
According to evidence presented at trial, in 2015, while acting as a Field Examiner for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Devore schemed to defraud an elderly and disabled veteran of over $680,000. Under the VA’s Fiduciary Program, Field Examiners are employed to help protect the financial assets of veterans who are unable to take care of themselves. As such, Field Examiners conduct on-site fact-finding examinations to ascertain the veteran’s income and assets and to observe his mental condition, living arrangement, and social adjustment. While assigned to a disabled veteran in Knoxville, Tennessee, Devore used his position to convince that veteran that he needed a Last Will and Testament (will). Devore then drafted the will and deceptively inserted his own name as the sole beneficiary of the veteran’s financial bank accounts and investments, which totaled over $680,000. Devore falsified the victim’s initials on the will and mailed it to his legal guardian, Regions Bank.
As a result of his conduct, Devore was forced to resign from the VA. Shortly thereafter, in early 2016, he applied for a position as an investigator for the National Background Investigations Bureau (NBIB), an agency within the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that conducts investigations for positions of public trust and security clearances. In his application for the job and security clearance, he lied about his own educational and employment history, intentionally withholding that he had been forced to resign from the VA for misconduct and falsely claiming that he had received a college degree from the so-called “Canterbury University.” By his misrepresentations and omissions, Devore was hired for the job and worked through 2017.
Additionally, in 2009 and 2010, Devore lied about his own purported disabilities in order to obtain a 100% “total and permanent” disability rating by the VA. While he claimed to be unemployed and unable to work because of service-connected ailments, he worked gainfully and almost continuously in various federal and private sector jobs from 2009 through 2017. During that period, he received monthly disability compensation from the VA to which he was not entitled.
“Protecting our seniors is a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee. While we take any fraud case against an elderly victim very seriously, this case was particularly disturbing as it involved an individual in a position of trust, employed by the VA, defrauding a disabled veteran. Our office will continue to vigorously prosecute these types of cases, when they are investigated and presented to our office by one of our local, state or federal law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey.
“VA officials are entrusted to make sure our veterans are taken care of,” said Kim R. Lampkins, Special Agent in Charge of the VA-OIG Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “Mr. Devore took advantage of one of our vulnerable heroes, and today justice was served.”
“It is essential that federal employees execute their duties with complete integrity,” observed Thomas W. South, OPM Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations. “This outcome is a testament to the excellent work performed every day by the Department of Justice, OPM OIG criminal investigators, and our law enforcement partners, as well as our collective commitment to holding accountable anyone who would seek to take advantage of federal employment.”
This case was investigated by the VA, Office of Inspector General, NBIB Integrity Assurance, and OPM, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David L. Gunn and T.J. Harker coordinated the investigation and represented the United States at trial.
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Former St. Martinville deputy chief found guilty of excessive force, obstruction and conspiracyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that the former St. Martinville, Louisiana, Police Department (SMPD) Deputy Chief of Investigations, Codi Dodge, 35, was found guilty today in the Western District of Louisiana of four felony counts, including a civil rights violation for using excessive force against an arrestee, and three counts of obstruction and conspiracy to cover up the incident.
After five days of trial, the jury convicted Dodge of using excessive force on an arrestee, in violation of the arrestee’s Fourth Amendment rights to be free from unreasonable force. The jury also convicted Dodge of obstructing justice by falsifying records related to the unlawful use of force incident, and by conspiring with other members of the St. Martinville Police Department to cover up his actions.
“Illegal conduct by officers who abuse their power and violate the civil rights of the citizens they promise to serve harms the public trust and will not be tolerated,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General John Gore. “The Department will continue to vigorously enforce our nation’s laws and hold officers who break the law accountable.”
“Law enforcement officers are sworn to uphold and defend the laws of our nation,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “When they themselves break those laws, they violate not just the rights of their victims, but also compromise the public's trust in law enforcement. My office will hold them accountable.”
Evidence presented at trial established that, on August 13, 2016, Dodge forced entry into the home of an individual he suspected had stolen from him. After unlawfully entering the individual’s home, Dodge threatened the individual before striking him in the face with a firearm, causing bodily injury. Dodge then arrested the individual, and brought him back to the St. Martinville Police Department, where Dodge continued to threaten him. After learning that the incident had been reported to the FBI, Dodge conspired with other members of the St. Martinville Police Department to falsify reports regarding the incident, and to mislead the FBI in its investigation of the matter.
Dodge faces a statutory maximum of 55 years in prison, though the actual sentence will be set by the court at a later date.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Lafayette, Louisiana, Resident Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Bobbi Bernstein and Trial Attorney Tim Visser of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker of the Western District of Louisiana. Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Civil Rights Division participated in the investigation of the case.
Former Resident of Litchfield Pleads Guilty to Possession of Stolen MailRead the Press Release
CONCORD - Nicholas Walker, 29, formerly of Litchfield pleaded guilty to possession of stolen mail, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Murray.
According to court documents, on February 20, 2018, the Litchfield, New Hampshire Police Department received several reports that the driver of a Chevrolet car was stealing mail from residential mailboxes on Windsor Drive, Chamberlain Drive, and Duck Pond Circle in Litchfield. Some witnesses were able to describe the driver of the car. One witness reported several digits of the New Hampshire license plate attached to the car. Several minutes later, a Litchfield Police Officer saw an unoccupied silver Chevrolet car with a license plate number containing several of the reported digits parked outside a gas station in Hudson, New Hampshire.
While looking into the car, the officer saw items of mail with different addresses printed on the outside. The defendant’s jacket and keys were on the roof of the car. When the defendant returned to the car, he told the officer that he drove to the gas station but would not state where he had been. The officer seized that car and obtained a warrant to search it. While executing the search, the officer found several envelopes that were stolen from the residential mailboxes in Litchfield.
Walker will be sentenced on February 12, 2019.
“The public needs to be confident in the integrity of the mail,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to sustain this confidence, we will prosecute those who steal from the Postal Service. I commend the work of the citizens and law enforcement officers in this case whose quick actions led to the arrest and prosecution of this defendant.”
“This investigation is an example of teamwork between our customers, the Litchfield Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge, Joseph W. Cronin, Boston Division. “Postal Inspectors will continue to work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to combat any reports of mail theft. The U.S. Mail remains one of the most secure means of transmitting personal information.”
The case was investigated by the Litchfield, New Hampshire Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert M. Kinsella.
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Former Precious Metals Trader Pleads Guilty to Commodities Fraud and Spoofing ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A former precious metals trader at a United States bank (Bank) pleaded guilty in a proceeding unsealed yesterday to commodities fraud and a spoofing conspiracy in connection with his participation in fraudulent and deceptive trading activity in the precious metals futures contracts markets.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut and Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. of the FBI’s New York Field Office made the announcement.
John Edmonds, 36, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty under seal on Oct. 9 in the District of Connecticut to an information charging him with one count of commodities fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, commodities fraud, commodities price manipulation and spoofing. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 19 before U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny of the District of Connecticut.
“For years, John Edmonds engaged in a sophisticated scheme to manipulate the market for precious metals futures contracts for his own gain by placing orders that were never intended to be executed,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “The Criminal Division is committed to prosecuting those who undermine the investing public’s trust in the integrity of our commodities markets through spoofing or any other illegal conduct.”
“This defendant was involved in manipulating the precious metals commodity markets for several years, and I thank the FBI for its diligent investigation of this matter and its commitment to hold accountable those who use technology to their advantage to cheat these markets.” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “The investigation of deceptive trading practices by others involved in this scheme is ongoing.”
"With his guilty plea, Edmonds admitted he intended to introduce materially false and misleading information into the commodities markets,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Sweeney. “By conspiring with his trading partners to place spoof orders, he blatantly attempted to profit off of an unfair market that he helped create. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to insure financial markets remain a level playing field for all investors."
As part of his plea, Edmonds admitted that from approximately 2009 through 2015, he conspired with other precious metals traders at the Bank to manipulate the markets for gold, silver, platinum and palladium futures contracts traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange Inc. (NYMEX) and Commodity Exchange Inc. (COMEX), which are commodities exchanges operated by CME Group Inc. Edmonds and his fellow precious metals traders at the Bank routinely placed orders for precious metals futures contracts with the intent to cancel those orders before execution (the Spoof Orders), he admitted. This trading strategy was admittedly intended to inject materially false and misleading liquidity and price information into the precious metals futures contracts markets by placing the Spoof Orders in order to deceive other market participants about the existence of supply and demand. The Spoof Orders were designed to artificially move the price of precious metals futures contracts in a direction that was favorable to Edmonds and his co-conspirators at the Bank, to the detriment of other market participants. In pleading guilty, Edmonds admitted that he learned this deceptive trading strategy from more senior traders at the Bank, and he personally deployed this strategy hundreds of times with the knowledge and consent of his immediate supervisors.
This case is the result of an ongoing investigation by the FBI’s New York Field Office. Trial Attorney Matthew F. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry of the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case.
Individuals who believe that they may be a victim in these cases should visit the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness website for more information.
Former Precious Metals Trader Pleads Guilty to Commodities Fraud and Spoofing ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former precious metals trader at a United States bank (Bank) pleaded guilty in a proceeding unsealed yesterday to commodities fraud and a spoofing conspiracy in connection with his participation in fraudulent and deceptive trading activity in the precious metals futures contracts markets.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney John H. Durham of the District of Connecticut and Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. of the FBI’s New York Field Office made the announcement.
John Edmonds, 36, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty under seal on Oct. 9 in the District of Connecticut to an information charging him with one count of commodities fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, commodities fraud, commodities price manipulation and spoofing. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 19 before U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny of the District of Connecticut.
“For years, John Edmonds engaged in a sophisticated scheme to manipulate the market for precious metals futures contracts for his own gain by placing orders that were never intended to be executed,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “The Criminal Division is committed to prosecuting those who undermine the investing public’s trust in the integrity of our commodities markets through spoofing or any other illegal conduct.”
“This defendant was involved in manipulating the precious metals commodity markets for several years, and I thank the FBI for its diligent investigation of this matter and its commitment to hold accountable those who use technology to their advantage to cheat these markets.” said U.S. Attorney Durham. “The investigation of deceptive trading practices by others involved in this scheme is ongoing.”
"With his guilty plea, Edmonds admitted he intended to introduce materially false and misleading information into the commodities markets,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Sweeney. “By conspiring with his trading partners to place spoof orders, he blatantly attempted to profit off of an unfair market that he helped create. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to insure financial markets remain a level playing field for all investors."
As part of his plea, Edmonds admitted that from approximately 2009 through 2015, he conspired with other precious metals traders at the Bank to manipulate the markets for gold, silver, platinum and palladium futures contracts traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange Inc. (NYMEX) and Commodity Exchange Inc. (COMEX), which are commodities exchanges operated by CME Group Inc. Edmonds and his fellow precious metals traders at the Bank routinely placed orders for precious metals futures contracts with the intent to cancel those orders before execution (the Spoof Orders), he admitted. This trading strategy was admittedly intended to inject materially false and misleading liquidity and price information into the precious metals futures contracts markets by placing the Spoof Orders in order to deceive other market participants about the existence of supply and demand. The Spoof Orders were designed to artificially move the price of precious metals futures contracts in a direction that was favorable to Edmonds and his co-conspirators at the Bank, to the detriment of other market participants. In pleading guilty, Edmonds admitted that he learned this deceptive trading strategy from more senior traders at the Bank, and he personally deployed this strategy hundreds of times with the knowledge and consent of his immediate supervisors.
This case is the result of an ongoing investigation by the FBI’s New York Field Office. Trial Attorney Matthew F. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi M. Perry of the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case.
Individuals who believe that they may be a victim in these cases should visit the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness website for more information.
Foreign National Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter on the High SeasRead the Press Release
Lewis Bennett, 41, a dual citizen of Australia and the United Kingdom, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for killing his wife, Isabella Hellman, while on board a sailing vessel on the high seas.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of Florida, Tom Jones, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Zinnia P. James, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), Southeast Region, made the announcement.
Bennett pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him with one count of involuntary manslaughter of Ms. Hellman, a naturalized U.S. citizen, on the high seas, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1112 (Case No. 18-CR-20136). He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Federico A. Moreno in Miami, on January 10, 2019 at 9:45 a.m. Bennett faces a maximum statutory sentence of eight years in prison.
“Although nothing can ever erase the pain and suffering caused by Lewis Bennett’s criminal acts, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners hope that the defendant’s admission of guilt is a step toward justice for the victim, Ms. Isabella Hellman, and her family,” stated U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan. “The federal government remains committed to the safety and security of our U.S. citizens, whether they are at home in South Florida or traveling on the high seas.”
“Lewis Bennett will now be held accountable for his wife's death while on the high seas” said Tom Jones, acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami. "We commend the U.S. Coast Guard for their professionalism and close cooperation throughout this case."
“The arduous work by all key partners in this investigation demonstrates the impact of solid investigative effort and the strength of collaborative enforcement,” stated Zinnia James, Special Agent in Charge CGIS.
According to the court docket, including an agreed upon factual proffer, Bennett is an experienced sailor who received a certification from the Royal Yachting Association in the United Kingdom as a Coastal Skipper. This training included instruction on emergency procedures such as man overboard protocols and night sailing safety. Bennett also had hands-on sailing experience on the open water for extended periods of time, including a three month voyage from St. Maarten to Australia. In contrast to Bennett, his wife had not been trained in emergency sailing procedures, did not have a sailing certification and had substantially less sailing experience.
In late April 2017, Bennett and Ms. Hellman set sail from St. Maarten on board the vessel “Surf Into Summer,” with the intention of sailing to the United States. On May 14, 2017, Bennett and Ms. Hellman departed Cuba on Bennett’s catamaran (“the vessel”), bound for Florida. At approximately 8 p.m. that evening, Bennett had Ms. Hellman take over control of the vessel. Bennett did not require Ms. Hellman to wear a life jacket, harness, or personal locator beacon (“PLB”) while at the helm during this night watch.
In the early morning hours of May 15, 2017, Bennett was awoken by a loud noise, while the vessel was on the high seas. He climbed to the exterior of the boat and observed that the sails and rigging were loose. The helm of the vessel was unmanned, and his wife was not there. Bennett could not recall whether he called out for his wife. He did not deploy flares to illuminate the area in order to look for Ms. Hellman or to signal his position in the open water for safety and/or recovery. Additionally, Bennett did not search for Ms. Hellman with either the catamaran or the attached dinghy (a small boat). Further, Bennett did not immediately activate any emergency equipment or utilize the satellite phone to signal and/or call for help to locate Ms. Hellman. Bennett ultimately abandoned the vessel and boarded the life raft. When Bennett abandoned the vessel, the catamaran and the dinghy attached to it were inoperable. The factual proffer also states that the United States has evidence in the form of expert testimony that the catamaran was intentionally scuttled.
Before Bennett abandoned the catamaran and boarded the life raft, Bennett loaded various items from the vessel onto the life raft, including a suitcase, two duffle bags, a backpack, water, unexpended parachute flares, a radio transmitter, buoys, food, and silver coins. It was not until Bennett boarded the life raft that he called for help and reported his wife missing, approximately 45 minutes after he was awakened.
The U.S. Coast Guard received an emergency alert from Bennett when he was approximately 26 nautical miles west of Cay Sal Bank, Bahamas, upon the high seas and in international waters. A Coast Guard helicopter ultimately rescued Bennett shortly after 4:30 a.m. and transported him to the Marathon Jet Center, in Marathon, Florida, which is located in the Southern District of Florida.
In the following days, Coast Guard ships, planes, and helicopters searched over approximately 4,980 square miles. On the evening of May 18, 2017, the Coast Guard suspended the search. To date, Ms. Hellman has not been found and has not contacted any of her family. Based on all evidence, Ms. Hellman is dead.
According to the stipulated factual proffer, Ms. Hellman’s death occurred as a result of Bennett’s knowledge of circumstances that existed that could have reasonably enabled him to foresee the threat to life to which his acts or failures to act might subject another, namely Ms. Hellman; and his gross negligence, amounting to wanton and reckless disregard for human life, in acting or failing to act as a result of that.
Bennett was arrested in connection with criminal charges related to these events in Miami on February 20, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and CGIS in this matter. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kurt K. Lunkenheimer and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Rose.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Florida Tax Return Preparer Convicted of Filing False Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Port St. Lucie, Florida, man was convicted by a federal jury yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida of ten counts of aiding and assisting in the filing of false income tax returns and three counts of filing false income tax returns announced U.S. Attorney Ariana Fajardo Orshan and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from 2012 through 2015, Richard Maurival prepared income tax returns for clients that claimed false education credits and false business expenses, and other deductions to inflate by thousands of dollars refunds paid by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition to filing fraudulent income tax returns for his clients, Maurival falsified his own income tax returns, by not fully reporting the fees he earned in his tax preparation business for tax years 2012, 2013, and 2014.
U.S. District Judge James Ivan Cohn for the Southern District of Florida set sentencing for January 17, 2019. The defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 3 years in prison on each count, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman commended special agents of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana Acosta and Tax Division Trial Attorney Grace Albinson, who prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Five Mobile County Merchants Charged with Trafficking in Contraband CigarettesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, of the Southern District of Alabama announces that five area merchants and an employee of one of the merchants were indicted for violations of Title 18 United States Code, Section 2342(a), trafficking in contraband cigarettes. They include, Thy Touch, a 45 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama; Reginald Lyons, a 43 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama; Sakhoeuth Khan, a 33 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama; Khalil N Al-Mashni, a 51 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama; Shahid Abassi, a 42 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama; and Shameka Mallory, a 39 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama. Upon conviction, each would face a maximum penalty of five years of incarceration, a fine of $250,000 and a supervised release term of three years.
United States Attorney Moore stated, “We appreciate the very aggressive and thorough job done by both the ATF and the Mobile, Alabama Police Department in making these cases. Our prosecutor, Gina Vann, has coordinated the prosecution efforts on these cases which I very much appreciate. Trafficking in illegal contraband of any kind hurts honest businesses that follow the law. I am encouraging all our law enforcement partners to be on the lookout for these kinds of crimes that undermine our economy. We will prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge, Marcus Watson, also remarked, “ATF’s partnerships with law enforcement and the community are an effective tool in enforcing our mission.”
An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until and unless he or she is proven guilty at trial.
Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement, Regulatory Agencies to Hold Event in Ogden to Highlight Ways to Recognize and Avoid Financial Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – Residents of Weber County, Ogden, and neighboring communities are invited to attend a free consumer education seminar in Ogden Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018, to learn how to recognize and avoid financial fraud schemes.
The seminar will provide information on key questions to ask before making investment decisions, where to find free and unbiased information, how to spot financial scams, and how to report suspected fraud.
The event will be in the Commission Chambers at the Weber Center at 2380 Washington Boulevard in Ogden. It will go from 5 p.m.to 8 p.m. There is no cost to attend and a free light dinner will be provided. Parking is available east of the Weber Center. Those who would like to attend should register at www.utfraud.com or call 801-579-6191 as soon as possible.
U.S. Attorney John W. Huber is encouraging residents in the Weber County area to take advantage of the seminar. “Utah is a wonderful place to live. Unfortunately, however, Utah is known as a hotbed for fraud and white-collar crime. We see a variety of schemes in Utah – from Ponzi schemes, securities fraud, affinity fraud schemes targeting family or church members to telemarketers convincing our residents that they have won a multi-million dollar lottery prize. Residents of our state are trusting people – which can make us easy targets for fraudsters,” Huber said.
The Ogden event is part of a collaborative effort called the Utah Financial Fraud Institute. Agencies participating in the initiative are providing free seminars around Utah to help Utahns avoid becoming victims of fraud schemes.
Agencies involved in the effort include the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Weber County Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the Utah Division of Securities, the Financial Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, the Utah Attorney General’s Office, and the IRS. Other sponsors include the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the Utah Retirement Systems, Utah Adult Protective Services, the Better Business Bureau, and the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs.
The evening will include an opportunity to enjoy a light dinner and browse informational booths from 5-5:30 p.m. The seminar will start at 5:30 p.m. Chief Magistrate Judge Paul M. Warner from federal court in Salt Lake City will give the keynote address at 5:40 p.m.
Two panel discussions will follow the keynote address starting at 6 p.m. The first panel will focus on investor fraud and will highlight ways to recognize and avoid investment fraud. The second panel will highlight consumer fraud issues and ways to avoid these of fraud schemes. Representatives from several of the sponsoring agencies are joining the two panel discussions.
Federal Court Holds West Palm Beach Tax Preparer in ContemptRead the Press Release
Court Finds that Tax Return Preparer Assisted in Preparing Returns in Violation of an October 2016 Injunction and Orders Him to Reimburse the United States for Its Investigation Expenses
WASHINGTON – On Friday, November 2, 2018, a federal court in West Palm Beach, Florida, held that Renel Herard violated a permanent injunction entered against him on October 18, 2016, which barred him from preparing, filing, or assisting in the preparation or filing of federal tax returns for others.
In March 2017, following an investigation of Herard’s activities, the United States filed a Motion for Order to Show Cause asking the court to hold Herard in civil contempt based on evidence that he was assisting a business located three doors down from his own to prepare returns for his former customers in violation of the injunction against him. That investigation was undertaken by the Tax Division as part of its effort to monitor the conduct of return preparers who have been enjoined from preparing returns, and hold those who have continued to do so accountable for violating that ban.
Faced with the evidence against him, Herard admitted that he assisted others to prepare returns in 2017 and agreed to reimburse the United States for the cost of its investigation into his activities. Based on those admissions, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida found that Herard violated the injunction entered in October, 2016, and held him in civil contempt. For that contempt, the court ordered Herard to pay the United States $52,654 to reimburse the government for the costs that it incurred to investigate Herard’s post-injunction conduct.
Additionally, the court further enjoined Herard from maintaining any interest in, working at, or providing any direct or indirect assistance to an individual or entity that provides tax preparation services.
The injunction barring Herard from preparing tax returns remains in effect, and the court authorized the United States to continue to monitor his compliance with its orders.
In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers and tax scheme promoters. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found here. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
Elkton Woman Sentenced for TheftRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that an Elkton, South Dakota, woman convicted of Theft in Connection with Health Care was sentenced on November 5, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Sheryl Vaske, age 53, was sentenced to one year probation, restitution in the amount of $15.80, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Vaske was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2018. She pled guilty on August 2, 2018.
The conviction stems from an incident in January 2016, when the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations (HHS-OIG-OI) began investigating a shortage of Promethazine with Codeine Syrup at the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe (FSST) Clinic Pharmacy. Investigators reviewed video footage from the FSST Clinic Pharmacy on January 8, 2016. The footage from that day shows pharmacist Vaske removing a large bottle from the safe on the counter, empty the bottle into a smaller bottle, throw the large bottle into the trash, dump some trash on top of that, take the smaller bottle (without having placed a label on it) and leave the pharmacy for a couple of minutes. Vaske returned without the smaller bottle.
On November 30, 2017, an interview of Vaske was conducted and she said that in April 2016, the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy called her and told her that the pharmacy needed to do a perpetual inventory for schedule V drugs. According to Vaske, the Board told her she needed to inventory Promethazine with Codeine Syrup because another FSST Clinic Pharmacy employee was known to have a problem with it.
Agents played the January 8, 2016 security video footage. She identified herself and the “Promethazine with Codeine” in the footage. When agents asked her what she did with the substance, Vaske responded, “I took it.” She also admitted that she took it for personal use, and that she had “poor judgment.”
This case was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
The case was brought pursuant to The Guardians Project, a federal law enforcement initiative to coordinate efforts between participating agencies, to promote citizen disclosure of public corruption, fraud, and embezzlement involving federal program funds, contracts, and grants, and to hold accountable those who are responsible for adversely affecting those living in South Dakota’s Indian country communities. The Guardians Project is another step of federal law enforcement’s on-going efforts to increase engagement, coordination, and positive action on behalf of tribal communities. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include: Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Offices of Inspector General for the Departments of Interior, Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration, Agriculture, Transportation, Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Postal Inspector Service; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.
For additional information about The Guardians Project, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (605)330-4400. To report a suspected crime, please contact law enforcement at the federal agency’s locally listed telephone number.
Effingham Woman Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to Obtain Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Valerie Rondeau, 59, of Effingham pleaded guilty in federal court to making false statements to obtain Social Security disability benefits, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced today.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Rondeau received Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits for over 16 years prior to her marriage in May 2013. Rondeau continued to receive these benefits after she wed, but Rondeau did not report her marriage or her shared living arrangement to the Social Security Administration. Instead, Rondeau took active steps to conceal her marriage and living arrangement. For example, Rondeau changed her last name to that of her husband, writing in the petition “we live as a married couple.” But, when Social Security inquired about the name change, Rondeau advised Social Security that she was not married and does not present herself as married. Rondeau continued to conceal her marriage and living arrangement until November 2017, when she admitted to investigators that she did not obtain a marriage license or report her marriage to Social Security because she knew she could lose her disability benefits.
Rondeau’s marriage or shared living arrangement, if properly reported, would have disqualified her from receiving benefits. Applicants for certain disability benefits must have limited income and resources in order to qualify for assistance. The incomes of all members of a household are considered when determining an individual’s eligibility for SSI benefits. As a result of her concealment, Rondeau received over $37,000 in disability benefits that she was not entitled to receive.
Rondeau is scheduled to be sentenced on February 14, 2019.
“Social Security and other government programs provide important income support for those who are entitled to receive benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Those who attempt to defraud the system by lying in order to obtain benefits are committing a serious federal crime. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify fraudsters and protect the integrity of federal benefit programs.”
Scott Antolik, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General’s Boston Field Division said, “Rondeau’s lies and deceitful conduct undermined the integrity of a system that provides cash assistance and health care coverage to people with low-income and limited assets who are either aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled. I thank our partners with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Attorney Murray for their assistance in bringing Rondeau to justice and helping to protect the safety net program that provides benefits to approximately eight million Americans each year. “
“Today’s plea is an example of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s commitment to defend the U.S. Mail from criminal misuse,” said U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Inspector in Charge, Joseph W. Cronin, Boston Division. “By working with our federal law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and take action against those who take part in this type of behavior.”
This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter.
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Driving Prostitutes, Robbing Customers Were Part of the Job for Wichita ManRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man pleaded guilty Monday to carrying a gun during a robbery of a man who was going to meet with a prostitute, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Christian L. Dixon, 28, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. In his plea, he admitted he worked with another man who was running a prostitution business. Dixon’s job included obtaining drugs and driving prostitutes to meetings with customers. In a meeting in a vacant apartment in the 1200 block of Longfellow, Dixon and the other man robbed a customer of his wallet, money and cell phone at gunpoint. Dixon carried a gun during the robbery.
Sentencing is set for Jan. 28. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of five years in federal prison.
Co-defendant Johnell Carter, 22, Wichita, Kan., is set for a change of plea hearing Nov. 26. McAllister commended the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for their work on the case.
Driver of SUV with 11 Illegal Immigrants Pleads Guilty to Federal ChargeRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Mexican citizen pleaded guilty Monday to unlawfully driving himself and 10 other illegal aliens from Arizona to Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Alex They Maya-Dimas, 37, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of transporting illegal aliens. In his plea, he admitted he was driving a 2002 GMC Yukon when a Ford County deputy stopped him. Maya-Dimas and 10 other occupants of the vehicle were Mexican citizens who were in the United States illegally. The passengers told investigators Maya-Dimas drove them from Arizona to Kansas City through Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Sentencing is set for Jan. 24. He faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. McAllister commended the Ford County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind for their work on the case.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Dominican national pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
Yerinaldo Arias Guzman, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Feb. 6, 2019.
Law enforcement officers encountered Guzman on March 16, 2018, and determined him to be illegally present in the United States. Guzman was previously deported on June 20, 2017.
Guzman faces a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. 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 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 Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Deridder man sentenced to 10 years in prison for second conviction of child pornographyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a DeRidder man was sentenced last week to 120 months in prison for possessing child pornography after previously being convicted of that same crime.
Edward Lee Daughenbaugh, 51, of DeRidder, Louisiana, was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of possession of child pornography. The defendant was also sentenced to supervised release for the rest of his life. According to the July 26, 2018 guilty plea, a U.S. Probation and Parole agent conducted an unannounced visit May 9, 2018 on Daughenbaugh, who had previously been convicted of possession of child pornography and was on supervised release. The agent found Daughenbaugh with a cell phone that had access to the internet, which the defendant was barred from possessing. The agent took possession of the cell phone, analyzed it forensically and found approximately 40 child pornography videos of young children under the age of 12. A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s home, and law enforcement found a notebook that contained key word searches that could be used to find prepubescent child pornography. Daughenbaugh later admitted in an interview to downloading the child pornography.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) 347-2423. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone application www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Probation and Parole, Louisiana State Police and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.
Department of Justice Works to Deter Election Fraud and Discrimination at the PollsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Tara Lyons will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for today’s Nov. 6, 2018, general election. AUSA Lyons has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Georgia, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on Election Day, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Christine stated that AUSA/DEO Lyons will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by filling out a complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Christine said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
For any questions, please contact Barry Paschal at the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
DEA achieves significant milestone during 16th National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – With the robust participation of Americans nationwide, DEA and its law enforcement partners have now surpassed its 10 million pound goal and collected nearly 11 million pounds of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications over the course of 16 successful DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back events. During the 16th semiannual event on Oct. 27, DEA and federal, state and local partners disposed of more than 900,000 pounds of prescription medications collected at nearly 6,000 sites across the country. Together with almost 5,000 local, state and federal partners, DEA collected and destroyed more than 457 tons of potentially dangerous leftover prescription drugs.
This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to 10,878,950 pounds, or 5439.5 tons. Within DEA’s Louisville Field Division, which encompasses Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, nearly 50,000 pounds of medications were collected at sites throughout the three states. Tennessee took in the most, with residents turning in almost 29,000 pounds of medications; followed by Kentucky, which collected just over 13,000 pounds; and West Virginia, with just over 7,500 pounds collected.
"The results of our most recent Take Back Day clearly demonstrate a need for this initiative as a tool in the fight against America’s opioid crisis," said Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon. "The success of this event is a direct reflection of DEA’s commitment to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths in the U.S. Together, we are all helping to make a difference to keep our friends and families safe."
"We’re very pleased with the amount of narcotics we’re keeping off the streets with the Take-Back initiative," said D. Christopher Evans, Special Agent In Charge of DEA’s Louisville Field Division. "We’ve seen a steady increase in the amount of medications we’re collecting with each Take-Back and I am heartened by the amount of public support we receive," Evans added. "The opioid crisis is bigger than one agency and it’s going to take everyone working together to find a solution."
"Successfully defeating the prescription opioid crisis requires a multi-faceted approach that includes prevention, education, treatment, and enforcement," said D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. "The DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a crucial part of our collective prevention efforts, and I know that our communities are safer today because of this important and successful initiative," Dunavant added.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events continue to remove opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they could be stolen and abused by family members and visitors, including children and teens.
DEA began putting on Take Back Day events when the public had no other way to appropriately dispose of their leftover painkillers and other potentially dangerous drugs. These events have been extremely successful not only in getting unused drugs out of the house, but also in raising awareness of their link to addiction and overdose deaths. Since DEA launched this program nine years ago, doctors are prescribing fewer painkillers, and law enforcement agencies, pharmacies and others have installed permanent prescription drug drop boxes on-site, making drug disposal even more convenient.
Helping people to dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way DEA is working to reduce the addiction and overdose deaths plaguing this country due to opioid medications.
Complete results for DEA’s fall Take Back Day are available at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#initiative-results. DEA’s next Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 27, 2019.
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Corvallis Attorney Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – Pamela S. Hediger, 55, of Corvallis, Oregon, pleaded guilty today to one count each of attempting to evade or defeat taxes and engaging in monetary transactions with property derived from specified unlawful activity.
“Pamela Hediger used her position of trust to steal large sums of money from her business associates, clients and investors. Her lavish lifestyle and spending reflected her complete disregard for the interests of those she stole from,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Not only did Hediger steal from those she knew, she stole from the U.S. Treasury and her fellow citizens by shamelessly evading her tax obligations.”
“No matter what the source of income, including embezzlement, all income is taxable,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Troy Burrus. “Pamela Hediger’s failure to file income tax returns and evading her tax liability is not a victimless crime since all Americans pay when others swindle the government.”
According to court documents, between 2010 and 2017, Hediger was an attorney, president, and managing shareholder of a law firm in Corvallis. Hediger focused on personal injury cases and independently managed her own client relationships. During her association with the firm, Hediger systematically embezzled funds from the firm’s client trust and business operating accounts, both of which she had signing authority over. The embezzled funds came from insurance proceeds payable to Hediger’s clients.
During 2011, 2012, and 2014, Hediger also knowingly devised a material scheme to defraud two investors in shopping center projects in Seaside, Oregon and Astoria, Oregon. Hediger falsely promised high rates of return and short terms in exchange for their investments. Rather than invest the money as promised, Hediger converted the investment funds to her own use in order to support her lavish lifestyle.
Hediger used the stolen funds for a variety of purposes, including: to pay her mortgage, to fund construction and landscaping projects at her home, to repay individuals who had loaned her money to purchase her share of the law firm and to fund lavish vacations, a timeshare, plastic surgery, automobile expenses and a Hawaiian band for a party. Stolen funds were even used to pay credit card accounts Hediger had opened in the names of relatives and an unsuspecting associate.
To conceal her schemes, Hediger falsified the law firm’s accounting records by mischaracterizing the identity of payees and the purpose of payments, submitted false documentation to support the expenditures and lied to firm employees when questioned about expenditures.
Hediger failed to file income tax returns on nearly $2.2 million between 2011 and 2017, evading more than $471,000 in taxes due.
Hediger faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $500,000 fine and three years of supervised release. She will be sentenced on January 10, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Anna J. Brown.
This case was investigated by IRS-CI. It is being prosecuted by Claire M. Fay, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Conway Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug Charges in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Florence, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Eron Jordan, 27, of Conway, South Carolina, pled guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
According to court documents, on May 22, 2018, an officer with the Conway Police Department was on patrol in the City of Conway when he observed a vehicle with tinted windows so dark that he could not see the driver through the front side window. The officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, and upon approaching the vehicle, smelled an odor of marijuana. The officer explained the window tint violation to the driver, identified as Eron Joran, asked Jordan to step out of the vehicle, and asked about the odor of marijuana. Jordan disagreed about the odor and advised he had no objections to the officers looking in the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and discovered two bags of crack cocaine and two bags of heroin in the center console; a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun in the glove compartment, loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition; a silver scale in the front passenger door; several cell phones; a glass jar with a small amount of suspected marijuana; $335.00 in cash in the driver’s door; and $5,762.00 in cash in a book bag on the rear passenger seat. A search of a passenger in the vehicle revealed 70 Hydrocodone pills, 69 Oxycodone pills, and 10 Buprenorphine pills. Jordan admitted that everything in the car was his and nothing belonged to the passenger. Federal law prohibits Jordan from possessing firearms and ammunition because he has two prior state convictions for pointing and presenting a firearm.
Jordan faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. United States District Judge R. Bryan Harwell accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Jordan after receiving and reviewing a presentencing report prepared by the United States Probation Office.
The charges against Jordon were the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), assisted by the Conway Police Department, the Horry County Police Department, and the Horry County Sheriff’s Office. The case 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 is prosecuting the case.
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