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31 October 2018
United States Attorney Mike Stuart Implements Election Day Program to Stop Fraud and Protect Voting RightsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Philip Wright will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election. AUSA Wright has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of West Virginia, 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.
“Voting is the most fundamental right to the preservation of liberty,” said United States Attorney Stuart. “The sanctity of the vote must be protected. Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Stuart stated that AUSA/DEO Wright will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 1-800-659-8726 ext. 12381 or 304-345-2200.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 304-346-2300.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Stuart 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.”
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U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office Announce New Initiative to Prevent the Use of U.S. Post Office Boxes for Illegal Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI – U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector in Charge James V. Buthorn and U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced a new initiative to combat the use of U.S. Post Office Boxes for the distribution of illicit drugs in the U.S. Virgin Islands. When U.S. mail destined for delivery at a Virgin Islands post office box is found to contain illegal drugs or contraband, the Post Office Box customer will be notified by mail and advised of the incident, with instructions to contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Failure to contact USPIS within ten days will result in the Post Office Box being locked or closed. The 10-day window of time will enable citizens to resolve any issues regarding misuse of their boxes by other persons or any mistakes in delivery.
"The United States Post Office is not a delivery service for the illegal drugs or contraband," said U.S. Attorney Shappert. "The illicit use of the U.S. mails to transport illegal drugs and contraband threatens the safety of U.S. postal employees and undermines public safety in the Territory. It is also a violation of federal law. We have seen far too many abuses of the mail service, and we are working to stop these illegal practices." Shappert noted that the trafficking and distribution of narcotics through the U.S. mails violates the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. Use of a Post Office Box in connection with a scheme to violate federal, state or local law also contravenes the U.S. Postal Service Domestic Mail Manual.
Shappert praised the U.S. Virgin Islands Post Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their dedication to public service and to public safety. "Everyone in the U.S. Virgin Island relies on the Postal Service for mail and packages that are a part of our daily lives. We are grateful for their hard work and their determination to uphold the law."
U.S. Attorney’s Office Reminds New Jersey Voters about Election Day Hotline for Complaints of Voting Irregularities or AbusesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today that Senior Trial Counsel Allen B.K. Urgent will lead the office’s efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the Nov. 6, 2018, general election.
Urgent, Senior Trial Counsel Mark McCarren and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel Vidoni have been appointed to serve as District Election Officers (DEOs) for the District of New Jersey, and are responsible for handling complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “Every voter must be free to cast a ballot without being intimidated or harassed, and their votes must be counted accurately and without being subjected to fraud of any kind.”
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. Actions 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. 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).
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on Nov. 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Carpenito said the DEOs will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. They can be reached by the public at: (888) 636-6596.
The FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (973) 792-3000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, by phone at (800) 253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI to Host Community Meeting to Discuss Hate Crimes in the Wake of the Tragic Events in Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Minneapolis Division Jill Sanborn will convene a community meeting in response to the tragic shooting that took place this past week at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Leaders of the interfaith community, representatives of houses of worship, and other community stakeholders are encouraged to attend to discuss federal hate crimes laws, identifying and reporting hate crimes, and best practices for creating safe and secure houses of worship. The meeting will take place on Monday, November 5, 2018, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Dakota County Western Service Center in Apple Valley, Minnesota. For more information, please email [email protected]
“Here in Minnesota and across the nation, we stand united against the violent and hateful events that have recently taken place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Jeffersontown, Kentucky. These attacks are reprehensible and antithetical to our values as a nation,” said U.S. Attorney MacDonald. “The safety and security of all Minnesotans is my highest priority and these events serve as a solemn reminder that law enforcement and community leaders must remain vigilant in our shared work of building public safety awareness around the issue of hate crimes. As U.S. Attorney, I will not tolerate hateful acts from any individual or group that seeks to threaten another’s civil rights.”
“The attacks in Pittsburgh show that evil does exist, but we can find hope in the response and solidarity of an entire nation, which mourns the senseless and tragic loss of life,” said SAC Sanborn. “Every American has the right to live, love and worship how they choose and the FBI stands shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners to protect those rights. We are looking forward to this meeting and being a part of the solution in our community.”
Steve Hunegs, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC) said, “The JCRC is proud to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in Minnesota to assist with educating about civil rights and community security. We look forward to our continued work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI to organize community forums that provide critical security guidance and address community concerns. In the wake of hate incidents impacting the Muslim and Jewish communities in 2017, the JCRC joined with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI to provide security assistance to a diverse group of community organizations and houses of worship. In the aftermath of the Etz Chaim (Tree of Life) murders, we are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and the outpouring of support to the Jewish community.”
On October 29, 2018, the Department of Justice announced the launch of a new comprehensive hate crimes website designed to provide a centralized portal for the Department’s hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other related organizations and individuals. The resources include training materials, technical assistance, videos, research reports, statistics, and other helpful information from all of the Department components working on hate crimes. For more information, please visit https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes
NOTE: This event is open press. All media must RSVP to [email protected] and present valid media credentials at the event.
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
U.S. Attorney's Office to Monitor Election Day ComplaintsRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – October 31, 2018 - Unites States Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee announced today that Assistant United States Attorneys Steve Jordan and Sara Beth Myers will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election. AUSAs Jordan and Myers have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEOs) for the Middle District of Tennessee, and in that capacity are 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 Cochran. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSAs Jordan and Myers will be on duty in this district while the polls are open. They can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 615-736-2083 or 615-828-0616.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI Resident Agency can be reached by the public at 615-232-7500.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Don Cochran further stated, “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.”
U.S. Attorney announces Election Day Program informationRead the Press Release
WHEELING - United States Attorney Bill Powell announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Stephen D. Warner will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election. AUSA Warner has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of West Virginia, 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. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process,” said Powell.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Powell stated that AUSA/DEO Warner will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at by calling (304) 636-1739.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (412) 432-4000.Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Powell 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.”
U.S. Attorney Pak Announces Election Monitoring in Conjunction with Nationwide Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
ATLANTA –The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, Byung J. “BJay” Pak, announces that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) William Toliver will lead the efforts of this office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming general election on November 6, 2018. AUSA William Toliver has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO), and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
“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 Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “On election day, federal observers will be located at certain polling locations throughout the Northern District of Georgia, including Fulton and Gwinnett Counties, to monitor voting procedures. Free and fair elections depend on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about potential discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.”
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 promotes public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA William Toliver will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number (404) 581-6001.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (404) 216-3000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
U.S. Attorney Minkler announces Election Day security precautionsRead the Press Release
Assistant United States Attorney on call for Election Day problems
PRESS RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS-United States Attorney Josh Minkler announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Tiffany Preston will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election. AUSA Preston has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Indiana, 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.
United States Attorney Minkler said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Minkler stated that AUSA/DEO Preston will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (317) 226-6333.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (317) 595-4000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, D.C. by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Minkler 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.”
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U.S. Attorney Lelling Appoints District Election Officer to Monitor Integrity of PollsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Eugenia M. Carris will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 6, 2018, general election. AUSA Carris has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Massachusetts, 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 in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Lelling said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
Voting is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on Nov. 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Lelling stated that AUSA/DEOC Carris will be available while the polls are open. She can be reached at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston at (617) 748-3100.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The Boston FBI Field Office can be reached by the public at (857) 386-2000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney Lelling 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 authorities.”
U.S. Attorney Announces Process to Report Election Fraud and Voting Rights Abuses for November 2018 ElectionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Gregory D. Burris will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018, general elections. AUSA Burris has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, 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, D.C.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted. Votes stolen as a result of fraud is an offense against the voter and against our country,” said United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester. “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. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to make their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy. Those who seek to corrupt the election process must be brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Brian Kuester stated that AUSA/DEO Burris will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 918-684-5100.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 918-687-7500.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, D.C. by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester concluded, “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 this Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
U. S. Attorney Appoints Election Day Officer, Utah Joins Justice Department Efforts to Protect Right to Vote and Prosecute Ballot FraudRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY – In anticipation of Tuesday’s general elections, United States Attorney John W. Huber announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Lake Dishman will serve as the election day officer for the District of Utah. He will coordinate with election officials at the Department of Justice to ensure that all qualified voters in Utah have the opportunity to cast their ballots and have their votes counted free of discrimination, intimidation or fraud in the election process.
"Although Utah has a history of conducting problem-free elections, we want to make sure residents of Utah know that reports of fraud or abuse will be taken seriously," Huber said today. “Election fraud and voting rights abuses dilute the worth of votes honestly cast. They also corrupt the essence of our representative form of government. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my office or the FBI,” Huber said.
“Voting rights are constitutional rights, and they’re part of what it means to be an American,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “The Department of Justice has been entrusted with an indispensable role in securing these rights for the people of this nation. This year we are using every lawful tool that we have, both civil and criminal, to protect the rights of millions of Americans to cast their vote unimpeded at one of more than 170,000 precincts across America. Citizens of America control this country through their selection of their governmental officials at the ballot box. Likewise, fraud in the voting process will not be tolerated. Fraud also corrupts the integrity of the ballot.”
Election-crime complaints related to election fraud or voting rights abuses in Utah should be referred to Dishman. He can be reached at 801-325-1409 while the polls are open and until one hour after the polls close. He can also be contacted in the days following the election.
In addition, the FBI in Salt Lake City will have special agents available throughout the day to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses. The FBI can be reached at 801-579-1400.
Complaints related to violence, threats of violence, or intimidation at a polling place should always be reported immediately to local law enforcement authorities. They should also be reported to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI after local authorities are contacted.
The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, and with the criminal provisions of federal statutes prohibiting discriminatory interference with that right.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of a wide range of federal statutes that protect the right to vote including the Voting Rights Act, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act, and the Civil Rights Acts. Among other things, these laws:
• prohibit election practices that have either a discriminatory purpose based on race or membership in a minority language group or a discriminatory result such that members of racial or language minority groups have less opportunity than other citizens to participate in the political process; • prohibit intimidation of voters; • provide that voters who need assistance in voting because of disability or illiteracy can obtain assistance from a person of their choice (other than agents of their employer or union); • provide for accessible voting machines for voters with disabilities; • provide for provisional ballots for voters who assert they are registered and eligible but whose names do not appear on poll books; • provide for absentee registration and ballots for uniformed service members, their family members and U.S. citizens living abroad; • provide that citizens can register to vote through drivers’ license, public assistance or disability services offices, and through the mail; and
• include requirements regarding maintaining voter registration lists.The Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin or religion.
The administration of the election process is primarily a state rather than a federal function. States have the power to establish the place, time, and manner for holding elections.
Mistakes by election administrators, violations of state laws governing how elections are to be conducted, the accuracy of campaign literature, campaigning too closely to voting locations, the process by which candidates qualify for ballot status and events that occur in the course of political campaigns generally are not appropriate for federal prosecution, although such matters may violate state election laws.Anyone with questions about local voting procedures should call their county clerk’s office.
Two Springfield Police Officers Indicted for Unreasonable Force Against Two JuvenilesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Springfield Police Officers – one current and one former - were arrested today and charged in federal court in Springfield, Mass., in connection with using unreasonable force against two Latino juveniles during an arrest in 2016. One of the officers is also charged with threatening two juveniles during an interrogation and falsifying subsequent reports regarding the incident.
Gregg A. Bigda, 48, of Wilbraham, was charged in an indictment unsealed today with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law – excessive force, two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law – abusive interrogation, and one count of obstructing justice by writing a false report.
Steven M. Vigneault, 48, of East Longmeadow, was charged in the same indictment with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law – excessive force. Bigda and Vigneault will appear in federal court in Springfield later today.
“Even in the face of adversity, law enforcement officers are expected to conduct themselves professionally, respectfully, and with integrity,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling. “They are ambassadors for the rule of law, and when they themselves break those laws, they violate not just the rights of their victims, but compromise the public’s trust in law enforcement. My office is committed to holding our public servants accountable under the law and prosecuting those who abuse their positions of power.”
“Most law enforcement officers are dedicated, honest, and fully committed to building trust within their communities, but those who break the law stain the reputation of the law enforcement profession,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division. “Badges and guns do not come with the authority to ignore the Constitution or the rights of others, and those who violate it will be held accountable.”
It is alleged that on Feb. 27, 2016, Bigda used unreasonable force against a juvenile, spat on him, and said, “Welcome to the white man’s world,” and that Vigneault used unreasonable force against a second juvenile. According to the indictment, both officers’ use of unreasonable force involved a dangerous weapon, resulting in bodily injury.
After the arrests, Bigda allegedly interrogated two juveniles without their parents present, without reading them their Miranda rights, and by issuing various threats. For example, Bigda made the following threats against one juvenile: to “crush [the juvenile’s] skull and “fu----- get away with it;” “fu----- bring the dog back [and] let him go after” the juvenile; “fu----- kill [the juvenile] in the parking lot;” “charge [the juvenile] with killing Kennedy and fu----- make it stick;” “stick a fu----- kilo of coke in [the juvenile’s] pocket and put [the juvenile] away for fu----- 15 years;” and “kick [the juvenile] right in the fu----- face as soon as [they] cross the Springfield line.” Bigda made the following threats against a second juvenile: to “beat the fu-- out of [the juvenile]..;” “tune [the juvenile] the fu—up;” and “bloody [the juvenile’s] body.”
The indictment further alleges that Bigda subsequently attempted to obstruct the investigation into the assaults of the juveniles by falsifying his reports to the Springfield Police Department Internal Investigations Unit, writing that he did not kick anyone or see any officer kick anyone during the course of the arrests of the juveniles. Bigda filed a second report in which he denied spitting on anyone or yelling “welcome to the white man’s world” during the arrest of the juveniles.
The charges of deprivation of civil rights under color of law resulting in injury or using or threatening to use a dangerous weapon provide for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of deprivation of civil rights under color of law provides for a sentence of no greater than one year in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $100,000. The charge of falsifying a police report provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Acting Assistant Attorney General John M. Gore of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deepika Bains Shukla and Katharine Wagner of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office and Trial Attorney Christopher J. Perras of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
UPDATE: Gregg Bigda was acquitted by a federal jury in December 2022.
Two Sentenced in Federal Court on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney announced today that two men were sentenced in federal court in Bluefield for distributing hydromorphone. Lansen Waugh, 38, of Columbus, Ohio, and Jerome Brown, 45, of the Bluefield area, were sentenced to 21 and 16 months in prison, respectively. Stuart commended the work of the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
“Illegal sale of prescription drugs remains a significant problem in our southernmost counties,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We will continue to prosecute those that divert and traffic pills, whether they are a street dealer, cartel leader or wear a lab coat.”
Waugh pled guilty in June, admitting that he distributed hydromorphone to a confidential informant in Princeton on August 8, 2017. He also admitted that he sold hydromorphone to a confidential informant on August 9, 2017, in Green Valley and on August 28, 2017, in Bluefield.
Brown pled guilty in May, and admitted that he distributed hydromorphone to an informant on August 18, 2016, in Bluefield. He also admitted that he sold hydromorphone to an informant on August 17 and August 22, 2016, in Bluefield.
Assistant United States Attorney John File prosecuted the cases. The sentences were imposed by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
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Two Rockford Men Charged with Stealing Firearms from Licensed DealersRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — Two Rockford men have been charged by a federal grand jury with firearms offenses.
KYLAND WILLIS, 20, and MARTAEVIEN Q. STEVENSON, 20, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to steal firearms from a licensed firearms dealer and to possess stolen firearms, one count of stealing firearms from a licensed firearms dealer, and one count of possessing stolen firearms. The indictment alleges that on Jan. 3, 2018, Willis, Stevenson, and a third individual broke into the store of a firearms licensee in Belvidere and stole approximately 29 firearms. The indictment further alleges that Willis, Stevenson, and a third individual attempted to break into the firearms licensee’s store again on Jan. 8 and Jan. 10, 2018.
Willis was also charged in a separate case with one count of conspiracy to steal firearms from a licensed firearms dealer and to possess stolen firearms, two counts of stealing firearms from the licensed firearms dealer, and two counts of possessing stolen firearms. The indictment in that case alleges that on Dec. 15, 2017, Willis broke into the store of a firearms licensee in Loves Park and stole approximately 11 firearms. The indictment further alleges that on Dec. 27, 2017, Willis and another individual broke into the store of the same firearms licensee and stole an additional 13 firearms. The indictment further alleges that Willis and the other individual also attempted to break into the store of another firearms licensee in Loves Park on Dec. 26, 2017.
The charges were announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Celinez Nunez, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The investigation was conducted by ATF, the Loves Park Police Department, the Belvidere Police Department, and the Rockford Police Department. The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Talia Bucci.
Each conspiracy count carries a maximum potential penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment, followed by up to three years’ supervised release. Each count of possessing stolen firearms and stealing firearms from a licensed dealer carries a maximum potential penalty of up to ten years’ imprisonment, followed by up to three years’ supervised release. Each count alleged in the indictments also carries a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines, and order full restitution.
Stevenson was arrested and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Iain D. Johnston on Oct. 30, 2018, and pleaded not guilty. Stevenson’s detention hearing is scheduled for Nov. 1, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. Willis is currently in state custody on other charges and is scheduled to appear for arraignment on Nov. 15, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Johnston.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Two People Arrested for Trafficking Guns in Camden AreaRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A man and woman from Fayetteville, North Carolina, who were arrested for conspiring to engage in illegal gun-trafficking in South Jersey will be making their initial appearances in court in New Jersey today, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Anthony Doyle, 27, and Anastacia Thomas, 26, are charged by complaint with conspiring to illegally traffic firearms. Doyle is also charged with being a felon in possession of firearms.
The defendants appeared in federal court in North Carolina following their arrest earlier this month and were detained. They are scheduled to appear in New Jersey this afternoon; Doyle will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel Schneider in Camden federal court and Thomas will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven C. Mannion in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On Jan. 25, 2018, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a car registered to Doyle, who was riding as the front seat passenger while Thomas was driving. The officers observed a Glock handgun in plain view on the front seat passenger floor. Doyle told the officers the gun, which was loaded with 14 hollow tip bullets, belonged to a friend. The officers also observed a firearm box in the backseat of the car, next to a backpack. A search of the car and backpack revealed four additional handguns and two additional firearm boxes.
Law enforcement officers learned that the four handguns in the backpack had been purchased by Thomas on Jan. 22, 2018, from a pawnshop in Jonesboro, Georgia. Thomas purchased several additional firearms from that same pawnshop over the course of multiple visits, and Doyle accompanied Thomas to the pawnshop on at least two of those visits.
The investigation revealed that from Nov. 30, 2017, to Jan. 25, 2018, Doyle and Thomas conspired and worked together to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license. Thomas was responsible for purchasing firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers; meanwhile, Doyle used social media to advertise firearms for sale, negotiate pricing for firearms, and arrange for firearm transactions. Doyle discussed the various firearm transactions in great detail over the course of hundreds of pages of online messages that were analyzed by law enforcement.
The charge of conspiring to engage in gun trafficking carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John B. Devito, Newark Field Division, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara A. Aliabadi of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Camden.
The charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and both Doyle and Thomas are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense counsel:
Doyle: Christopher O’Malley Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden
Thomas: Paul A. Sarmousakis Esq., Avalon, New Jersey
Two Ohio Men Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Unlawfully Export Firearms to LebanonRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that Abdul Majid Saidi, 42, and Walid Mounir Chehade, 38, both of metro Cleveland, Ohio, each pleaded guilty before a U.S. Magistrate Judge pursuant to a plea agreement to one count of conspiring to violate the Arms Export Control Act. The guilty pleas were accepted by U.S. District Court Judge Gordon J. Quist and both defendants were adjudicated guilty. Saidi and Chehade face a maximum of 5 years of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised released, and a $250,000 fine. The sentencing hearings will be held in February, 2019.
Saidi and Chehade admitted at their plea hearings that they conspired with Gilbert Elian in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area to conceal twenty semiautomatic pistols wrapped in felt and plastic inside automobile engine blocks and transmissions. Many of the firearms were purchased in West Michigan. Those engine blocks and transmission were then placed in a cargo shipping container addressed to a consignee in Beirut, Lebanon. The cargo container shipment was intercepted after a U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection in Virginia. Elian was convicted of the same offense in 2016.
“Abdul Majid Saidi and Walid Mounir Chehade flouted laws designed to control the export of defense articles and international arms trafficking. That conduct warrants the serious consequences they face for obvious reasons,” U.S. Attorney Birge said.
“The illegal proliferation of weapons is controlled by U.S. laws for an important purpose,” said Steve Francis, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) Detroit, which covers Michigan and Ohio. “Any weapons or firearms obtained by the wrong person or group could harm American interests either domestically or overseas. HSI is committed to bringing to justice any individual or organization willing to circumvent U.S. export laws.”
The case was jointly investigated by HSI Grand Rapids, IRS Criminal Investigations Grand Rapids, ATF Grand Rapids, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Grand Rapids Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay M. West prosecuted the case.
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Two Maryland Law Enforcement Teams Recognized by Attorney General Jeff Sessions for Their Service at the 66th Annual Attorney General Awards CeremonyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Two Maryland law enforcement teams were among 280 Department of Justice employees and others recognized by Attorney General Jeff Sessions for their distinguished public service at the 66th Annual Attorney General’s Awards Ceremony held on October 24, 2018. This annual ceremony recognizes employees and other individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements, leadership, and service to the Department of Justice and the American people.
U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division; Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Gahler; Interim Commissioner Gary Tuggle of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief Terrence B. Sheridan of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Chief Henry P. Stawinski III of the Prince George’s County Police Department commended the members of their own offices, and all the other award recipients for their dedication and hard work that have made our communities safer.
“Service in the Department of Justice is more than a normal job; it is a calling to the highest standards of professionalism,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “That is true for all of the 115,000 Department of Justice employees. But it is especially true for these award winners. And so I want to thank them and their families for their exemplary service to this Department and to the American people. They have made this Department proud.”
The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service was presented to the team from the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI Baltimore Field Office, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Baltimore County Police Department for their investigation and prosecution of corrupt police officers who were members of the Baltimore Police Gun Trace Task Force, who planted evidence, robbed citizens, protected drug dealers, sold drugs, and falsified police department records.
The William French Smith Award for Outstanding Contributions to Cooperative Law Enforcement was presented to a team from the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) for the collaboration of the Prince George’s Gun Intelligence Unit working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to form a task force that trained PGPD officers on firearms tracing and the use of National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) intelligence, and implemented a screening process for conducting follow-up investigations on every firearm recovered in Prince George’s County, in an effort to reduce violent crime.
This year’s program honors individuals across the Department and our federal, state, local, and tribal partners for their selfless efforts, protecting our national security and our civil rights, addressing rising violent crime in our communities, and pusuing gangs and those trafficking in dangerous narcotics and human beings. The awards also honor the work of civil and environmental litigation, which enforces the rule of law and upholds our Constitution. They also recognize employees whose ideas and efforts save taxpayer dollars and help our government operate more effectively and efficiently, among other contributions to public safety and good governance.
The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service was presented to the following recipients for Dedicated Service to Investigate Corrupt Behavior Within the Baltimore Police Department:
FBI Supervisory Special Agent Gregg C. Domroe; FBI Supervisory Special Agent Matthew T. Walsh; FBI Special Agent Kevin J. Bodmer; FBI Special Agent Heather H. Grow; FBI Special Agent Juan Carlos Guerra; FBI Special Agent Erika Jensen; FBI Intelligence Analyst Laura L. Schreiber; FBI Staff Operations Specialist Amanda Kae Sackett; Assistant U.S. Attorney Leo J. Wise; Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek E. Hines; Corporal David A. McDougall, Jr. of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office; Sergeant John V. Sieracki III of the Baltimore Police Department; Detective Matthew T. Smith of the Baltimore Police Department; Detective Jared E. Stern of the Baltimore Police Department; and
Detective Scott D. Kilpatrick of the Baltimore County Police Department.The William French Smith Award for Outstanding Contributions to Cooperative Law Enforcement was presented to the following members of the Prince George’s County Police Department, who are also ATF Task Force Officers:
Sergeant Shane M. Goudreau; Sergeant Jakob E. Wolford; Detective Ché L. Atkinson; Detective Chase M. Carter; Detective Ryan J. Cox; Detective Nicole M. McGowen; Detective Christopher V. Schultz; Detective Andre MJ Thompson; Detective Wayne R. Tracey; and
Detective Gregory M. Travis.
Tribal Access Program ExpansionRead the Press Release
The United States Department of Justice has announced the expansion of the Tribal Access Program for National Crime Information (TAP). TAP will allow the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapahoe Tribes of the Wind River Reservation to more effectively protect its citizens through the exchange of critical information across several national crime information systems. The program was launched in August of 2015 and served forty-seven tribes across the country.
The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes have been selected for TAP FULL access. The Wind River Indian Reservation will receive two kiosks to access NCIC and other national databases. The Northern Arapaho Tribe will place its kiosk in the Wind River Sex Offender Registration and Notification ("WRSORNA") Office, giving WRSORNA Director Kendra Smith the ability to retrieve background information about convicted sex offenders at the time of registration and enter the sex offender's information into the nationwide NCIC database. Director Smith stated that the Department of Justice’s Tribal Access Program (TAP) expansion will provide approved entities, such as tribal probation, human resources, child support, child protection services, and schools the ability to request information from the nationwide databases that is important to public and community safety.
The Eastern Shoshone Tribe will locate its kiosk within its Human Resources office. Council Member Leslie Shakespeare, of the Eastern Shoshone Business Council, stated, "The Eastern Shoshone Tribe is excited to be able to participate in the Department of Justice's Tribal Access Program. Having the ability to have access and share criminal information will undoubtedly enhance our human resource, family service, child support, and judicial departments for the safety and benefit of our tribal members and communities as a whole."
"I am pleased that the Northern Arapahoe and Eastern Shoshone tribes are planning to participate in the Tribal Access Program to allow sharing of national crime information databases," said United States Attorney Mark Klaassen. "My hope is that deployment of this program in the coming months will further strengthen our partnership with the tribes and promote safe and healthy communities in Indian country."
By the end of 2019, the Justice Department will expand the number of TAP participating tribes by more than 50 percent—from 47 tribes to 72. The Department of the Interior (DOI) will fund the instillation of TAP Kiosks at three locations where the BIA-Office of Indian Services (BIA-OIS) deliver direct service social services by the end of 2019 and DOI aims to expand TAP access at all 28 BIA-Office of Justice Services operated law enforcement agencies and detention service centers. These BIA locations will provide some degree of access to TAP for services delivered to more than 50 tribal communities that currently do not have any direct access.
TAP, offered in two versions, TAP-FULL and TAP-LIGHT, allows tribes to more effectively serve and protect their communities by fostering the exchange of critical data through several national databases through the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) network, including the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Next Generation Identification (NGI), National Data Exchange (N-DEx), National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), Law Enforcement Enterprise Portal (LEEP) as well as other national systems such as the International Justice and Public Safety Network (Nlets). TAP enhances tribal efforts to register sex offenders pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA); have orders of protection enforced nationwide; protect children; keep firearms away from persons who are disqualified from receiving them; improve the safety of public housing, and allow tribes to enter their arrests and convictions into national databases.
Tonawanda Man, Convicted at Trial, Sentenced on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal jury convicted Michael Elder, 38, of Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted following a jury trial of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, butyryl fentanyl, and furanyl fentanyl, and maintaining a drug-involved premises, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan T. Cullinane and Seth T. Molisani, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that on November 3, 2016, the United States Probation Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration searched the defendant’s residence at 143 Edgewood Avenue in Tonawanda. Officers recovered crack cocaine, fentanyl, drug presses, and other drug paraphernalia. At that time, Elder was on federal supervised release for a previous bank robbery conviction.
Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the United States Probation Department, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Anthony SanGiacomo, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division.
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Tonawanda Man Admits Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y .- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Steven Brzezinski, 34, of Tonawanda, NY, pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Lamarque, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant, who was on probation for an unrelated offense, was in possession of a tablet containing child pornography. A forensic examination of the tablet revealed that Brzezinski received child pornography from a 15 year old over Facebook Messenger. The defendant has a previous conviction for endangering the welfare of a child.Today’s plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Gary A. Loeffert, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 8, 2019, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.
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Statement on the death of James “Whitey” BulgerRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – The United States Attorney’s Office and the FBI are investigating the death of James Bulger as a homicide. To protect the integrity of the investigation, no further details will be released at this time.
Statement by U.S. Attorney John F. Bash Relating to November 2018 ElectionsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney John F. Bash announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Matthew B. Devlin will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election. AUSA Devlin has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Texas, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Bash said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and the election process must be free from fraud and manipulation. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Bash stated that AUSA/DEO Devlin will be on duty while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (210) 384-7188.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The FBI San Antonio field office can be reached by the public at (210) 225-6741. The FBI El Paso field office can be reached by the public at (915) 832-5000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney Bash said, “Ensuring free and fair elections requires prompt reporting of any irregularities in the election process. It is imperative that those who have specific information about voter discrimination, voter intimidation, or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
St. Augustine Man Charged with Using the Internet to Entice and Meet A Child to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Brian Ray Dunlap (age 66, St. Augustine) has been arrested and charged by a federal criminal complaint with using the internet to attempt to entice a child to engage in sexual activity. Dunlap faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. He is currently detained pending a detention hearing.
According to the
criminal complaint , on October 6, 2018, a detective with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, who was posing online as a custodial family member of two children, ages 9 and 12, received an email message from Dunlap, who identified himself as “Brian.” Between October 6 and October 9, 2018, Dunlap and the undercover detective exchanged emails and text messages about Dunlap meeting the “children” for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with them. Dunlap provided the undercover detective with specific details about the sexual acts that he wished to perform on the two “children.”According to the complaint, on October 9, 2018, Dunlap traveled to a shopping area in St. Johns County to meet the undercover detective, and sent a photo of himself so that he could be recognized. After his arrival there, he was arrested.
This case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Romanian National Sentenced and Two Others Plead Guilty in Connection with ATM Skimming SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – One Romanian national was sentenced and two Romanian nationals pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston in connection with an ATM skimming scheme operating throughout Massachusetts and other states including Connecticut, New York and South Carolina.
Nicusor Bonculescu, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to three years in prison and three years of supervised release. Judge Young also ordered Bonculescu to pay restitution of $72,922. In March 2018, Bonculescu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, conspiracy to use counterfeit access devices and aggravated identity theft.
During separate hearings, Suedin Chiciu, 28, and Florinel Vaduv, 22, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity and conspiracy to use counterfeit access devices. Vaduva also pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. Judge Young scheduled sentencing hearings for Jan. 19, 2019. In May 2017, Bonculescu, Vaduva, and twelve others were indicted in connection with the ATM skimming scheme. In August 2018, Chiciu was added to the case by superseding indictment.
The defendants, except for one, were members of the Hornea Crew (“the Crew”), led by Constantin Denis Hornea and Ludemis Hornea, and engaged in ATM skimming – obtaining debit card numbers and PINs from unsuspecting bank customers, creating counterfeit cards, and making unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts.
Over a period of 18 months, the Crew installed skimming devices and made unauthorized withdrawals in seven states, including Massachusetts. In particular, members of the Crew installed skimming devices in the following locations: Amherst, Bellingham, Billerica, Braintree, Chicopee, Quincy, Southwick, Waltham, Weymouth, and Whately, Mass.; Enfield, Conn.; Columbia, Greenville, Greenwood, Mauldin, and Saluda, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; and Yadkinville, N.C. The Crew made unauthorized withdrawals at ATMs in approximately 29 Massachusetts towns; seven Connecticut towns; six New York towns; Salem, N.H.; and Sumter, S.C.
Members of the Crew transferred money throughout the United States and to Romania and the People’s Republic of China. Some of those transfers were for the purchase of skimming devices and related components from abroad.
In May 2018, the leaders of the conspiracies, Constantin Denis Hornea, 23, and his brother Ludemis Hornea, 21, were sentenced by Judge Young. Constantin Hornea was sentenced to 65 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $242,141 in restitution and a money judgment of $54,260. Ludemis Hornea was sentenced to 42 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $57,422 in restitution and a money judgment of $11,124. Of the 15 defendants charged in the case, seven have been convicted and sentenced, three have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing, three are awaiting trial and two have not been arrested.
The charge of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering conspiracy provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and fine of $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to use counterfeit access devices provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory, consecutive sentence of two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, made the announcement today. Assistance with the investigation was also provided by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston; U.S. Secret Service; U.S. Postal Service; Massachusetts Department of Correction; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Amherst, Billerica, Braintree, Boston, Quincy, Southwick, Waltham, Whately, and Westwood Police Departments; Connecticut State Police; Greenwich Police Department; the New York City Police Department; Houston Police Department; South Carolina Law Enforcement Division; Richland County (South Carolina) Sheriff’s Department; Florence and Saluda (South Carolina) Police Departments; and the Solicitor’s Offices of Greenville and Saluda Counties. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy E. Moran of Lelling’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Rochester Woman Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Bonnie Hughes, 34, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa to production of child pornography. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a maximum of 30 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard A. Resnick, who is handling the case, stated that prior to March 19, 2018, the defendant’s friend, John Kohlmeier, was having sexually explicit conversations with a 10-year female known to the defendant. On March 19, 2018, Hughes, at Kohlmeier’s request, took two sexually explicit photographs of the minor and sent them to Kohlmeier’s cell phone. Kohlmeier then went to the defendant’s residence where Hughes permitted the 10-year minor to engage in sexual conduct with Kohlmeier. The sexual contact between the minor and Kohlmeier occurred on several occasions beginning in February 2018.Charges remain pending against Kohlmeier. The defendant and Kohlmeier are also facing related charges in state court. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Greece Police Department, under the direction of Chief Patrick D. Phelan; and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Sandra Doorley.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on January 31, 2019, before Judge Siragusa.
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Rochester Men Convicted of Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal jury has returned a verdict convicting Juan Sampel, 48, and Jose Gonzalez, 40, both of Rochester, NY, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Because of their prior drug felony convictions, Juan Sampel faces a mandatory life sentence, and Jose Gonzalez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years, and a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean C. Eldridge and Robert A. Marangola, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that the evidence presented at trial demonstrated that between 2015 and April 27, 2016, Sampel and Gonzalez were part of a cocaine distribution network that distributed kilograms of cocaine in Rochester. During the investigation, law enforcement officers obtained court ordered wiretaps on several phone numbers related to this conspiracy. Calls involving Sampel, Gonzalez, and other co-conspirators were recorded. During those calls, the defendants used coded references to refer to their cocaine trafficking. Other intercepted communications revealed discussions about identifying undercover police vehicles and encouraging co-conspirators to utilize encrypted forms of communications over their phones. Investigators also utilized video surveillance to record meetings and the transfer of cocaine and cash between co-conspirators.
On April 27, 2016, several search warrants were executed, including at the residences of the defendants. Law enforcement officers recovered multiple cellular telephones, including Sampel’s phone, drug paraphernalia such as scales and baggies, and over $11,000 in cash from Gonzalez’s residence, and over $17,000 from Sampel’s residence. As part of the overall investigation, investigators seized over 11 kilograms of cocaine.
The trial verdict is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division, and the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Simmons.
Sentencings are scheduled for January 29, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa, who presided over the trial of the case.
# # # #Roanoke Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Enticement, Receipt, and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ROANOKE – A Roanoke, Virginia man was sentenced to 360 months in prison today, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for enticement of a minor, receipt or attempted receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Thomas T. Cullen for the Western District of Virginia made the announcement.
Scott Curtiss Pieritz, 57, pleaded guilty on June 19, before Chief U.S. District Judge Michael F. Urbanski of the Western District of Virginia to one count of enticement of a minor, one count of receipt or attempted receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, in July 2017, law enforcement agents were notified that Pieritz, who had a duty to register as a sex offender as a result of three prior child pornography convictions, was using social media applications to communicate with minors and ask them for nude images of themselves. Forensic examination of Pieritz’s electronic devices seized pursuant to a search warrant confirmed that he was in possession of numerous images and videos of child pornography, had used applications such as Omegle and Musical.ly to entice minors to produce and send him child pornography, and had posed as a minor online. At times, Pieritz also exchanged money and gifts for child pornography images from minors. At the time of his arrest, Pieritz was employed as a cashier and dishwasher at K&W Cafeteria, in Roanoke.
The case was investigated by the Virginia State Police. Trial Attorney Nadia Prinz of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy Healey of the Western District of Virginia prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Raleigh Man Sentenced to More Than 14 Years for Robbery and Carjacking OffensesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced that today, JAMES DANIEL BLOODWORTH, 60, of Raleigh, was sentenced by United States Senior District Judge W. Earl Britt for robbery and carjacking offenses. Judge Britt sentenced BLOODWORTH to 175 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
BLOODWORTH was charged in a six-count indictment on January 31, 2018, and pled guilty on July 9, 2018 to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and carjacking.
Between June 14 and June 16, 2017, BLOODWORTH committed a series of armed robberies and carjackings in Wake and Durham counties. Specifically, on June 14, 2017, BLOODWORTH entered a CVS in Raleigh, approached an employee at the cash register, brandished a handgun and demanded money. He threatened to shoot her if she did not comply. BLOODWORTH ultimately stole $200. On June 15, 2017 BLOODWORTH entered a Walgreens in Cary, NC, approached an employee and asked for a pack of cigarettes. When the employee reached the cash register, BLOODWORTH retrieved a gun, pointed it at the employee and then stole $400 from the cash register and cigarettes.
On June 16, 2017, BLOODWORTH approached a woman getting out of her vehicle. He pressed a gun to her back, threatened to kill her if she screamed, ordered her to drop her keys, and stole her Toyota Camry. Later that night, BLOODWORTH was caught fleeing the scene of another carjacking in Durham. After a short chase, he crashed the stolen vehicle and was arrested.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Erin Blondel handled the prosecution of this case for the government.
Puerto Rico Man Sentenced to 68 Months for Conspiracy and Possession of CocaineRead the Press Release
St. Croix, USVI – District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis, on October 29, 2018, sentenced Jesus Burgos-Montanez, age 31, of Puerto Rico, to 68 months in prison for conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced. Judge Lewis also sentenced Burgos-Montanez to three years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay a fine of $2,000.000 and a special assessment of $200.00.
On June 26, 2018, a federal jury convicted Burgos-Montanez along with five co-defendants on cocaine related charges. Evidence at trial revealed that the organization planned for the retrieval of over 300 kilograms of cocaine during the period of the conspiracy. Approximately 223 kilograms of cocaine were actually distributed. Law enforcement efforts to interdict the drug shipments were successful, beginning in 2015. On November 14, 2015, law enforcement agents apprehended four members of the organization, including Hodge and Burgos, on a beach at Knight’s Bay on St. Croix and seized 87 kilograms of cocaine packed in four suitcases.
Fourteen individuals were originally charged as part of the drug trafficking organization. Prior to trial six defendants entered guilty pleas and were sentenced. Evidence at trial revealed that Burgos-Montanez, a Puerto Rico resident, and two co-conspirators traveled on a boat from St. Croix on November 13, 2015 to retrieve cocaine mid-sea. At about 2:00 a.m. on November 14, 2015, law enforcement agents apprehended Burgos-Montanez, along with three co-conspirators, on a beach at Knight’s Bay on St. Croix and seized 87 kilograms of cocaine packed in four suitcases.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alphonso G. Andrews, Jr. and Everard E. Potter.
Press Release by United States Attorney Relating to November 2018 ElectionsRead the Press Release
Anchorage, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Bryan Schroder announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Kelly Cavanaugh will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 6, 2018, general election. AUSA Cavanaugh has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of Alaska, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Schroder said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on Nov. 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, U.S. Attorney Schroder stated that AUSA/DEO Cavanaugh will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 907-271-5071.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 907-276-4441.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
U.S. Attorney Schroder said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Pennsylvania Man Charged with Federal Hate Crimes for Tree of Life Synagogue ShootingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH – A federal grand jury sitting in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania charged a Pennsylvania man with federal hate crimes, including the murder of 11 people, for his actions during the Oct. 27, 2018 shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Scott W. Brady, and FBI-Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones made the announcement.
Robert Bowers, 46, of Baldwin, Pa., was charged in a 44-count indictment returned today.
According to the indictment, on Oct. 27, 2018, Bowers drove to the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where members of the Tree of Life, Dor Hadash, and New Light Jewish congregations gathered to engage in religious worship. Bowers entered the building armed with multiple firearms, including Glock .357 handguns and a Colt AR-15 rifle. The indictment alleges that while inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, Bowers opened fire, killing and injuring members of the three congregations, as well as injuring multiple responding public safety officers. While inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, Bowers made statements indicating his desire to “kill Jews.”
Specifically, the indictment charges:
- Eleven counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death;
- Eleven counts of use and discharge of a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a crime of violence;
- Two counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury;
- Eleven counts of use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence;
- Eight counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon, and resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer; and
- One count of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer.
“Hatred and violence on the basis of religion can have no place in our society,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “Every American has the right to attend their house of worship in safety. The defendant in this case allegedly murdered 11 innocent people during religious services and injured four law enforcement officers. These alleged crimes are incomprehensibly evil and utterly repugnant to the values of this nation. Therefore this case is not only important to the victims and their loved ones, but to the city of Pittsburgh and the entire nation. I want to express my thanks and admiration for the courage and professionalism of those officers who so quickly responded to this event, and especially to those that suffered wounds in the process. Our thanks is also extended to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the FBI, and the ATF for their outstanding response to this violent and deadly attack. The Department of Justice, working with our state and local partners, will bring the full force of the law against anyone who would violate the civil rights of the American people and we are resolutely determined to achieve justice in this case.”
“A federal grand jury in western Pennsylvania returned a 44-count indictment against Robert Bowers for the killing of 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue on Saturday, October 27, 2018," U.S. Attorney Brady stated. “Today begins the process of seeking justice for the victims of these hateful acts, and healing for the victims’ families, the Jewish community, and our city. Our office will spare no resource, and will work with professionalism, integrity and diligence, in a way that honors the memories of the victims. This is what the public expects from the US Department of Justice. And truly we, as Pittsburghers, can do no other. It is time to go to work.”
“I want to assure everyone that the FBI has teams of professionals working toward a single goal: to piece together the facts, answer the questions and ensure justice is served,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. “We, as a community, are all united. I also want to thank local law enforcement and first responders for their heroic work. They showed professionalism and extraordinary bravery and their quick actions no doubt saved the lives of many other people that day. We are very lucky that such good people choose lives of service in law enforcement.”
The victims include 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue who were killed, 2 members of the congregation who were critically injured by Bowers and 9 other members of the congregation who escaped unharmed. Additionally, the victims include 4 law enforcement officers who were seriously injured in the line of duty while trying to stop Bowers’ rampage.
Assistant United States Attorneys Troy Rivetti and Soo C. Song, along with DOJ Trial Attorney Julia Gegenheimer, are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government, with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy Chung, Eric Olshan and Rebecca Silinski.
The FBI, with the valuable assistance of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Allegheny County Police, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. The United States Attorney also recognized and thanked the dozens of federal, state and local law enforcement officers who assisted in the investigation and response to this tragedy.
The defendant faces a maximum possible penalty of death, or life without parole, followed by a consecutive sentence of 535 years’ imprisonment.
An indictment is a formal accusation of conduct, not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Link to WDPA Robert Bowers IndictmentPennsylvania Man Charged with Federal Hate Crimes for Tree of Life Synagogue ShootingRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania charged a Pennsylvania man with federal hate crimes, including the murder of 11 people, for his actions during the Oct. 27, 2018 shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore for the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Scott W. Brady, and FBI-Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones made the announcement.
Robert Bowers, 46, of Baldwin, Pa., was charged in a 44-count indictment returned today.
According to the indictment, on Oct. 27, 2018, Bowers drove to the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where members of the Tree of Life, Dor Hadash, and New Light Jewish congregations gathered to engage in religious worship. Bowers entered the building armed with multiple firearms, including Glock .357 handguns a Colt AR-15 rifle. The indictment alleges that while inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, Bowers opened fire, killing and injuring members of the three congregations, as well as injuring multiple responding public safety officers. While inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, Bowers made statements indicating his desire to “kill Jews.”
Specifically, the indictment charges:
- Eleven counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death;
- Eleven counts of use and discharge of a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a crime of violence;
- Two counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury;
- Eleven counts of use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence;
- Eight counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon, and resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer; and
- One count of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer.
“Hatred and violence on the basis of religion can have no place in our society,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “Every American has the right to attend their house of worship in safety. The defendant in this case allegedly murdered 11 innocent people during religious services and injured four law enforcement officers. These alleged crimes are incomprehensibly evil and utterly repugnant to the values of this nation. Therefore this case is not only important to the victims and their loved ones, but to the city of Pittsburgh and the entire nation. I want to express my thanks and admiration for the courage and professionalism of those officers who so quickly responded to this event, and especially to those that suffered wounds in the process. Our thanks is also extended to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the FBI, and the ATF for their outstanding response to this violent and deadly attack. The Department of Justice, working with our state and local partners, will bring the full force of the law against anyone who would violate the civil rights of the American people and we are resolutely determined to achieve justice in this case.”
“A federal grand jury in western Pennsylvania returned a 44-count indictment against Robert Bowers for the killing of 11 worshipers at the Tree of Life synagogue on Saturday, October 27, 2018,” stated U.S. Attorney Brady. “Today begins the process of seeking justice for the victims of these hateful acts, and healing for the victims’ families, the Jewish community, and our city. Our office will spare no resource, and will work with professionalism, integrity and diligence, in a way that honors the memories of the victims. This is what the public expects from the US Department of Justice. And truly we, as Pittsburghers, can do no other. It is time to go to work.”
“I want to assure everyone that the FBI has teams of professionals working toward a single goal: to piece together the facts, answer the questions and ensure justice is served,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. “We, as a community, are all united. I also want to thank local law enforcement and first responders for their heroic work. They showed professionalism and extraordinary bravery and their quick actions no doubt saved the lives of many other people that day. We are very lucky that such good people choose lives of service in law enforcement.”
The victims include 11 worshipers at the Tree of Life Synagogue who were killed, 2 members of the congregation who were critically injured by Bowers and 9 other members of the congregation who escaped unharmed. Additionally, four law enforcement officers were injured trying to stop Bowers’ rampage.
Assistant United States Attorneys Troy Rivetti and Soo C. Song, along with Trial Attorney Julia Gegenheimer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The FBI conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.
The defendant faces a maximum possible penalty of death, or life without parole, followed by a consecutive sentence of 535 years’ imprisonment.
An indictment is a formal accusation of conduct, not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Sale of Counterfeit Sports Trading CardsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Thomas Beatty Jr., 45, was sentenced on Monday, October 29, 2018, in Omaha, Nebraska, by Chief United States District Judge Laurie Smith Camp, for the crimes of mail fraud and money laundering. Chief Judge Smith Camp sentenced Beatty to 30 months’ imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and ordered Beatty to make restitution in the amount of $142,000.
From June 2017 through November 2017, the Defendant advertised and sold on E-Bay rare and valuable sports trading cards including two of Mickey Mantle, and one each of Joe Namath and Bill Russell, worth $117,500. The cards were in fact not authentic but rather counterfeit and worth less than $10 each.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Oklahoma City Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – RICHARD SPILLANE, 30, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty today to producing child pornography, announced Robert J. Troester of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
According to a complaint filed on July 16, 2018, law enforcement officers determined that an internet user with an email address linked to Mr. Spillane was engaging in conversations and sharing photographs depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct on a network often used to receive and distribute child pornography. Mr. Spillane was arrested on July 17, 2018, and has remained in federal custody since his arrest.
On August 7, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging Mr. Spillane with two counts of producing child pornography and four counts of knowingly receiving child pornography. According to the indictment, between approximately October 15, 2017, and July 17, 2018, Mr. Spillane used two minors, "John Doe #1" and "John Doe #2," to produce photographs of the children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. It is also alleged that he received images via the internet on four specific days in June and July of this year of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
At his guilty plea hearing this morning, Mr. Spillane admitted to producing photographs of "John Doe #1" engaging in sexually explicit conduct and distributing them via the internet. At a sentencing hearing set for January 29, 2019, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, as well as a maximum $250,000 fine, along with a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. He also must pay restitution to the victims of his conduct in an amount to be determined by the court at sentencing.
This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry.
Reference is made to court records for further information.
North Lauderdale Resident Arrested and Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
A North Lauderdale resident was arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Ari C. Shapira, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Office, and Scott Israel, Sheriff, Broward County Sheriff’s Office, made the announcement.
Christopher Sergo Denis, 27, of North Lauderdale, was charged by indictment on October 30, 2018, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2) (Count 1); and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) (Count 2). Denis had previously been charged, by criminal complaint, with being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of both counts of the indictment, Denis faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
According to the court record, including facts alleged in the criminal complaint and indictment, on September 15, 2018, Denis posted a video recording that he labeled “Wild Wild West” on Facebook that depicted him firing three firearms at a local gun range. A BSO detective discovered the Facebook posting and brought it to the attention of ATF. An ATF Special Agent viewed the Facebook posting, went to the gun range, and recovered evidence documenting Denis’s presence at the gun range, including a video recording of Denis firing the firearms.
The court record further alleges that, on October 18, 2018, Denis was arrested at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale when he arrived to attend a hearing in a pending state criminal case. In his pocket, Denis had a small container with fourteen plastic zip-lock bags, each containing cocaine.
An indictment and criminal complaint contain formal charges against a defendant. Under the law, the charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This case stems from Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan commended the investigative efforts of ATF and BSO. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William T. Shockley.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
New Haven Man Charged with Federal Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment today charging QIYON REED, also known as “Gutter,” 35, of New Haven, with one count of unlawful possession of firearms by a felon, and one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine.
As alleged in the indictment, on September 12, 2018, Reed possessed a Heritage Manufacturing Stealth C-2000 nine-millimeter, semi-automatic handgun and a Smith & Wesson MP9 Shield nine-millimeter, semi-automatic handgun. Prior to that date, it is alleged that Reed sustained several felony convictions, including state convictions for possession and sale of narcotics and for carrying a dangerous weapon, and a federal conviction for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment further alleges that, between October 2017 and September 2018, Reed possessed and distributed cocaine.
If convicted on the firearm charge, Reed faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. If convicted of the drug trafficking offense, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena L. Coronado.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Middle District Election Officer AppointedRead the Press Release
MACON: United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Charles E. Peeler, announced Wednesday, October 31, 2018 that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Todd P. Swanson will lead office efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018 general election. AUSA Swanson has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Georgia, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud,” said Charles E. Peeler, the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District. “The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
“The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice,” said United States Attorney Peeler.
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Peeler stated that AUSA/DEO Swanson will be on duty in the Middle District of Georgia while the polls are open. AUSA/DEO Swanson can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (478) 752-3511. This number is for reports of voting irregularities only. All press inquiries or requests for information should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603, or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in field offices and resident agencies throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The Albany FBI resident agency can be reached at (229) 434-1489; the Athens FBI resident agency can be reached at (706) 549-6477; the Columbus FBI resident agency can be reached at (706) 596-9603; the Macon FBI resident agency can be reached at (478) 745-1271; and the Valdosta FBI resident agency can be reached at (229) 247-2292.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
“To ensure a free and fair election, it is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice,” said U. S. Attorney Peeler.
Mexican citizen living in Marion sentenced to 54 months in prison for operating document mill that produced 1,000 false identification documents, as well as stealing the identity of anotherRead the Press Release
A Mexican citizen who had been living in Marion was sentenced to more than four years in prison for operating a document mill that produced more than 1,000 false identification documents, as well as stealing the identity of another.
Martha Buendia-Chavarria, 44, was sentenced to 54 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of false with intent to transfer false identity documents, possession of document-making implements, false claim of citizenship to obtain benefits and aggravated identity theft.
Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant in Willard in July 2017 related to an identity-theft investigation. The target of that investigation, Manuel Granados, eventually pleaded guilty to related crimes. Granados purchased false identity documents from Buendia-Chavarria in Marion, which he later resold.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Buendia-Chavarria’s residence in October 2017, where they located numerous false identification documents, five handwritten ledgers containing other peoples’ names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers, and in some cases, who the identity was sold to, according to court documents.
Forensic analysis of the printers and devices seized from Buendia-Chavarria’s residence indicated she produced more than 1,000 false identification documents, according to court documents.
Buendia-Chavarria also stole the identity of another person, which she used to make a false claim of citizenship.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Noah P. Hood following investigations by the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, in Sandusky and the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in Detroit.
Mexican National Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States Following DeportationRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Rogelio Mendez was sentenced by United States District Judge Sandra Feuerstein to 57 months’ imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported. After illegally reentering the United States for a second time following his conviction for possessing a loaded firearm, Mendez was convicted in the County Court of Suffolk County of rape. Judge Feuerstein ordered that the sentence imposed today would run consecutively to a 30-month term of imprisonment that Mendez received for his rape conviction.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William Joyce, Acting Field Office Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), New York, announced the sentence.
“Mendez repeatedly showed contempt for the rule of law by reentering the United States twice after he was first deported,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “The Department of Justice has made criminal immigration enforcement a priority, and today’s sentence should serve as a deterrent to others who would illegally return to the United States after having been deported.” Mr. Donoghue expressed his appreciation to the Town of Southampton Police Department and the United States Marshals NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force, Long Island Division, for their assistance with the case.
“Mendez had a past criminal history in the U.S. and was removed twice, but then decided to illegally reenter the country only to commit a more heinous crime,” stated ERO Acting Field Office Diriector Joyce. “This man is already incarcerated for his recent rape conviction, and now, thanks for the proactive approach of the men and women of ICE, he will serve a lot more time behind bars for his felony reentry offense.”
According to court filings and facts presented during court proceedings, Mendez, a Mexican citizen, was initially deported from the United States in 2004, after he served a two-year New York State prison term for his conviction for possessing a loaded firearm in Queens, New York. Mendez illegally reentered the United States in 2005 and was deported in March 2009. Mendez again illegally reentered the United States from Mexico in 2010. On September 11, 2016, while he was employed at a restaurant in Southampton, New York, Mendez raped a woman at a home that the defendant shared with his co-workers. The defendant pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in February 2017 and was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorney Bradley T. King is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendant:
ROGELIO MENDEZ (also known as “Rogelio Mendez-Puebla”)
Age: 38
Jackson Heights, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-83 (SJF)
Louisiana Race Horse Training Center Owner Will Pay Civil Penalties and Perform Corrective Measures to Resolve Pollution Discharge ViolationsRead the Press Release
Racehorse training-center operator Evangeline Enterprises LLC has agreed to pay $300,000 in civil penalties and to make changes in its handling of polluted wastewater at its Louisiana facility to settle Clean Water Act claims filed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), the Department of Justice and EPA announced today.
The settlement, contained in a proposed consent decree lodged today with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, resolves claims by EPA and LDEQ in a complaint filed on October 19, 2017. The complaint alleged that Evangeline is illegally discharging process wastewater, contaminated with horse manure, urine, and other biological materials, from its facility into the Vermilion River and its tributary, the Francois Coulee, in violation of the Clean Water Act and the Louisiana Environmental Quality Act.
“Louisiana is a beautiful state with a vast, diverse ecosystem that is rich in natural resources, including its rivers, bayous, and coastal waters,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “My office is committed to protecting these treasures from those who would illegally exploit or damage them. Today’s settlement is but one example of my commitment to aggressively prosecute, both civilly and criminally, those who poison Louisiana's environment and to seek restitution for any damages they inflict.”
“This agreement is the result of extensive cooperation between the state of Louisiana and EPA,” said Regional Administrator Anne Idsal for EPA Region 6. “Ensuring the lawful handling of wastes will mean cleaner streams and waterways in Louisiana, which is important for aquatic habitats, safe drinking water, and public recreation.”
Under the Clean Water Act, facilities like Evangeline’s that house more than 150 horses for 45 days or more in any 12-month period and discharge pollutants must obtain a permit and comply with rules to ensure that pollutants, including contaminated process wastewater, are not discharged to waters of the United States or waters of the State. Evangeline discharged process wastewater into drainage ditches and pipes at the facility that then flowed into the Francois Coulee and Vermilion River. To correct this, the retention control structure required under the settlement agreement will store all process wastewater at the facility and allow it to be routed for proper treatment to stop the unauthorized discharges to the Francois Coulee and Vermilion River.
Under the settlement, Evangeline will pay the civil penalties and submit an application for a Louisiana National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, comply with best management practices for waste at the facility, and construct a waste retention control structure in compliance with federal and state regulations. In the event that Evangeline chooses to close the facility, the agreement provides alternative measures to require the company to eliminate further discharges of pollution into area waterways.
The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day federal public comment period, a 45-day Louisiana public comment period, and final court review and approval. A copy of the consent decree is available on the Department of Justice website at www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html.
For more information on the settlement visit: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/evangeline-enterprises-llc-settlement-information-sheet.
London Cardiologist Sentenced to 42 Months for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – Yesterday, London physician Dr. Anis Chalhoub was sentenced, by U.S. District Court Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, to serve 42 months in federal prison for health care fraud. In April 2018, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict, after hearing evidence that Dr. Chalhoub defrauded Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurers by implanting medically unnecessary pacemakers in his patients, and causing the unnecessary procedures and follow-up care to be billed to health insurance programs.
Between 2007 and 2011, Dr. Chalhoub implanted approximately 234 pacemakers in patients at St. Joseph London hospital. The evidence at trial showed that dozens of those patients’ pacemakers were medically unnecessary, under well-established national guidelines and Medicare coverage rules. A number of patients testified at trial that Dr. Chalhoub pressured them into getting the procedures and told them misleading information about their health conditions. For instance, several patients recalled Dr. Chalhoub telling them that they might die without a pacemaker. Sinus node dysfunction, the diagnosis Dr. Chalhoub gave the patients, is a non-fatal condition. The jury also heard evidence that Medicare, Medicaid, and other insurers suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses from Dr. Chalhoub’s unnecessary procedures.
“The evidence established that the defendant violated his medical oath and placed greed over patient care,” said United States Attorney Robert M. Duncan, Jr. “The defendant performed unnecessary medical procedures and needlessly put lives at risk so that he could submit false claims seeking reimbursement for the unnecessary medical procedures. Our Office, in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue medical professionals who are willing to so callously risk the health and safety of others.”
“This doctor violated his oath to do no harm,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in Atlanta. “His reckless behavior has earned him jail time for surgically implanting pacemakers that patients did not need in order to fatten his pocket.”
In addition to his term of imprisonment, Dr. Chalhoub must pay a $50,000 fine and must also repay $257,515 to Medicare, Medicaid, and other private insurers who were financial victims of his scheme. After Dr. Chalhoub is released from prison, he will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for three years, and the court has prohibited him from practicing cardiology during that time.
United States Attorney Duncan; Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Atlanta Division; and Michael A. Christman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisville Division, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew E. Smith and Paul C. McCaffrey represented the United States in the case.
Lisbon man arrested and charged for soliciting adults to have sex with childrenRead the Press Release
The FBI, Cleveland Division - Youngstown Resident Agency, members of the Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force, the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, and the United States Attorney’s Office – Northern District of Ohio, announce the arrest of David Grunden, 34, of Lisbon.
Law enforcement executed a federal search warrant on Oct. 30 at Grunden's residence in Lisbon following a nine-month investigation. Gruden is believed to have been engaging in the solitication and enticement of children, as well as soliciting male adults to have sex with children on film.
Grunden was taken into custody without incident upon conclusion of the executed search warrant. Grunden has been federally charged with solicitation and advertising for child pornography.
A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Lea County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Marco Quiroga, 37, of Lovington, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to a methamphetamine trafficking charge. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Quiroga will be sentenced to 70 months in federal prison followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
Quiroga was arrested in June 2018, on a criminal complaint charging him with distributing methamphetamine to undercover law enforcement agents on Feb. 1, 2018, in Lea County, N.M.
During today’s proceedings, Quiroga pled guilty to a felony information charging him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In entering the guilty plea, Quiroga admitted that on Feb. 1, 2018, he distributed approximately 112.9 grams of pure methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement agent.
Quiroga remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Lea County Drug Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Terri J. Abernathy of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office.
The Lea County Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Lea County Sheriff’s Office, Hobbs Police Department, Lovington Police Department, Eunice Police Department the Tatum Police Department and the Jal Police Department, and is part of the NM HIDTA Region VI Drug Task Force. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program was created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. HIDTA is a program of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) which provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States and seeks to reduce drug trafficking and production by facilitating coordinated law enforcement activities and information sharing.
Laser Pointed at Police Helicopter Results in Criminal ConvictionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – AARON DONACIANO CAMARILLO-MORALES, 25, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty today to pointing a laser at an Oklahoma City Police Department helicopter, announced Robert J. Troester of the United States Attorney’s Office.
According to a complaint filed on October 16, 2018, the Air Support Unit of the Oklahoma City Police Department contacted a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Transportation—Office of Inspector General on September 18, 2018, to report that a green laser had struck a police helicopter. According to an affidavit in support of the complaint, the pilot had been temporarily blinded by a laser that appeared to emanate from a silver van in the area of 29th and South Shields driven by Camarillo-Morales.
Today Camarillo-Morales pleaded guilty to pointing a laser at an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. He admitted to United States District Judge Robin J. Cauthron that he knew he had directed a beam at a police helicopter. His conduct violated a statute that specifically prohibits pointing lasers at aircraft. Congress enacted this criminal prohibition in 2012 to prevent pilots from losing control of their aircraft as a result of laser beams.
At sentencing, Camarillo-Morales faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and restitution to the Oklahoma City Police Department. He will be detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until imposition of sentence, which is scheduled for November 15. After he serves his sentence, he will be subject to deportation proceedings.
"In this district, we will do all we can to deter anyone who considers pointing a laser at an aircraft—especially an aircraft operated by law enforcement," said Mr. Troester. "It is against federal law and a public safety issue to point a laser at any aircraft because it endangers the lives of those in the aircraft and those on the ground if the aircraft loses control."
"The criminal charges and plea in this investigation demonstrate that ensuring the safety of the nation’s air transportation system remains a high priority for both the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Department of Transportation (DOT)," said Joseph Zschiesche, DOT-OIG Regional Special Agent in Charge. "We will continue working with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to pursue and apprehend individuals who violate the law and endanger public safety by intentionally aiming a laser pointing device at aircraft."
This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation—Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis D. Smith is prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to court filings for further information.
Lafayette felon sentenced to 57 months in prison for possessing stolen pistolRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that a Lafayette man was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison for possessing a stolen pistol he had purchased on the street.
Paul Sidney Breaux, 37, of Lafayette, Louisiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of possession of a stolen firearm. According to the August 2, 2018 guilty plea, Lafayette police arrested Breaux on May 1, 2018. At the time of his arrest, he possessed a Springfield Armory Model 1911 pistol and was aware it was stolen. He told officers he had purchased the firearm five days earlier on the street from some younger males. Breaux is also a felon who has been convicted of aggravated battery, possession of cocaine and aggravated robbery.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The ATF and the Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti prosecuted the case.
Justice Department Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office and the local Office of the FBI, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters, are prepared to receive and review allegations of election fraud and voting rights abuses related to the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election.
The Justice Department’s Election Day Program seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, submission of fraudulent votes, and voting for another person against his wishes or without his input. The law contains special protection for the rights of voters. Voters have a right to cast their own votes or to be assisted by a person of their choice. Additionally, voters have a right to vote free from acts of intimidation or harassment. For example, actions designed to intimidate or interrupt voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting, may violate federal voting rights law.
To report suspected election fraud or interference with the right to vote, members of the public can contact the United States Attorney’s Office at 225-389-0443 or, during polling hours on Election Day, at 225-955-8283. Members of the public can also make such reports to the FBI at 225-291-5159. Additionally, complaints regarding possible violations of voting rights laws can be made directly to the Justice Department’s Voting Section by phone to 800-253-3931 or 202-307-2767, by fax to 202-307-3961, by email to [email protected], or on the Internet at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index/php.
United States Attorney Fremin said, “Deeply embedded in our identity as Americans is the bedrock principle that our citizens must be free to exercise the right to vote without fear of interference and to have that vote counted without being compromised. The DOJ and this Office will work tirelessly to protect those principles and to protect our citizens’ voting rights to ensure our process is free from election fraud. Anyone with specific information about fraud, discrimination, or other interference with the integrity of our election process should immediately make that information available to my Office, the FBI or the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ.”
Jury Convicts Kentucky Man of Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Waynesburg, Kentucky, man who was caught at a traffic stop with 10 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a spare tire was convicted by a federal trial jury today of his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Kevin Ray Wilson, 46, was found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Wilson was driving a 2004 Toyota 4Runner SUV on May 19, 2015, on I-70 eastbound near Highway H. A Lafayette County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy saw Wilson commit a traffic violation by failing to use a turn signal and pulling in front of a semi-tractor trailer in a careless manner. The deputy also noticed that the Toyota displayed two different license plates.
The deputy stopped Wilson’s vehicle. Wilson and his passenger, co-defendant Kenneth W. Dowell, 50, also of Waynesburg, seemed nervous and gave inconsistent statements about their trip. A police drug detection dog indicated a positive alert for the odor of illegal drugs, and the deputy searched the vehicle.
During the search of the vehicle, the deputy discovered a blanket that was covering a spare tire. The tire was deflated and off the rim. In addition to the tire, there were several pry tools and a sledge hammer lying next to the tire. The rim of the tire was scraped up with large gouges and scrape marks along the outer edge. The deputy used a knife to cut into the tire and located a blue nylon bag concealed inside. Inside the nylon bag were 10 one-pound bundles of methamphetamine. The deputy also found $2,900 (all in $100 bills and wrapped with rubber bands around it) under the front seat; Wilson also had $1,622 in cash at the time of his arrest.
Dowell pleaded guilty on Sept. 18, 2017, to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and awaits sentencing.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for less than three hours before returning the guilty verdict to U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough, ending a trial that began Monday, Oct. 29, 2018.
Under federal statutes, Wilson is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison D. Dunning and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney R. Pratten. It was investigated by the Lafayette County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Jury Convicts KC Man of Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was convicted by a federal trial jury today of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
George S. Schrand, Jr., 36, was found guilty of the charge contained in a May 1, 2018, superseding indictment.
Evidence introduced during the trial indicated that on March 13, 2017, an Independence, Mo., police officer saw Schrand, who was driving a red 1996 Ford Mustang, rev the vehicle’s engine and accelerate from the intersection of East Golf Avenue and Home Street in a reckless manner. The officer activated his emergency equipment in order to conduct a traffic stop, but Schrand refused to stop and a high-speed chase ensued.
During the chase, Schrand’s vehicle traveled at speeds of 80 to 90 miles per hour throughout residential areas and on city thoroughfares. Schrand traveled into oncoming traffic and nearly collided with another vehicle. Schrand’s vehicle was eventually disabled by police stop sticks in Kansas City, Mo. Schrand exited the vehicle and fled on foot with officers in pursuit. Schrand attempted to elude officers by jumping over a fence near 18th Street and Bennington. A black backpack was located near the fence that Schrand jumped over during the foot pursuit.
A police service dog discovered Schrand hiding beneath a vehicle that was parked behind a residence on South Ewing Street.
Officers searched Schrand’s backpack and found several clear plastic zip lock bags that contained a total of 179 grams of pure methamphetamine. Schrand’s billfold, with his driver’s license and other identity documents, was also in the backpack, along with marijuana, eight tablets that were identified as controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. Upon his arrest, Schrand was in possession a clear plastic baggie that contained methamphetamine and $20,950.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for less than an hour before returning the guilty verdict to U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, ending a trial that began Monday, Oct. 29, 2018.
Under federal statutes, Schrand is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Moeder and D. Michael Green. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo., Police Department.
Gates Man Arrested for Attempting to Have to Have Sex with A 14 Year Old ChildRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Dillon T. Boyington, 35, of Gates, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with the attempted online enticement of a minor, and attempted production of child pornography. The charges carry a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, the defendant utilized a social media application in an attempt to meet a 14 year old child for sex. Boyington was intercepted by members of the New York State Police on October 24, 2018. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was found in possession of condoms and candy, which he intended to give to the child.The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson, and is being held pending a detention hearing on November 1, 2018.
The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Eric Laughton, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Fullerton Man Arrested on Federal Charges Alleging Illegal Importation and Sale of Male Sexual Enhancement DrugsRead the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A Fullerton man was arrested this morning after being named in a federal grand jury indictment that accuses him of illegally importing and selling erectile dysfunction drugs that he falsely marketed as herbal supplements for men.
Nam Hyun Lee, 60, who is sometimes known as “Daniel Lee,” a South Korean national believed to be illegally residing in the United States, was arrested without incident at his residence.
The grand jury issued a 12-count indictment against Lee following an investigation by the United States Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA OCI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The indictment charges Lee with conspiracy, three counts of smuggling misbranded drugs into the United States, and eight counts of introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce.
In 2016 and 2017, Lee established a number of companies based in Buena Park and Cypress, but neither Lee nor his companies possessed licenses to distribute wholesale drugs or prescription medications, according to the indictment.
FDA OCI began investigating Lee in late 2015 for illegally smuggling Tadalafil and Sildenafil Citrate from China and Hong Kong into the United States. These compounds are the active ingredients in the brand name prescription drugs Cialis and Viagra.
The indictment specifically alleges that Lee arranged large shipments of Tadalafil and Sildenafil to be smuggled into the United States under manifests that falsely declared the drugs were products such as acrylic paint and glass bottles.
Viagra and Cialis can be prescribed only be licensed medical practitioners. “Due to toxicity and other potentially harmful effects (e.g., life-threatening drops in blood pressure; loss of vision; loss of hearing; and prolonged, painful erections that result in permanent injury to the penis), drugs similar to Viagra and Cialis were not safe for use except under the supervision of a practitioner licensed by law to administer them, and they were thus prescription drugs as well,” the indictment states.
According to court documents, Lee was illegally importing these controlled drugs in powder form, and then creating individual-dose capsules which he sold to distributers across the county as non-prescription herbal male sexual enhancement products. When Lee sold his products, “labeling stated that no prescription was necessary and did not disclose the presence of Tadalafil and Sildenafil.” The indictment details shipments of capsules to distributors in Baltimore and Beaumont, Texas.
Lee’s products were eventually sold by various online businesses and retail outlets, including at several Orange County convenience stores, under names such as “Rhino,” “Orgazen,” “Black Panther,” “libigrow,” “Black Stallion” and “Black Mamba.” The indictment alleges the illegal sales continued into 2018.
Lee is expected to be arraigned on the indictment this afternoon in United States District Court in Santa Ana.
An indictment complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
The conspiracy count in the indictment carries a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Each smuggling count could bring a sentence as high as 20 years. The charges alleging the introduction of misbranded drugs each carry a maximum sentence of three years.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of a $1.2 million residence in Fullerton that prosecutors allege was purchased with proceeds from the illegal activity charged in the indictment. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of funds contained in several bank accounts, an as-yet undetermined amount of cash seized during the execution of search warrants this morning, and all drugs illegally smuggled into the United States.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jake Nare of the Santa Ana Branch Office and Assistant United States Attorney Katharine Schonbachler of the Asset Forfeiture Section.
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