Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
Tuesday 18 September 2018
Federal Inmate at Fort Dix Sentenced to Additional 10 Years for Possessing Images and Videos of Child Sexual Abuse While in PrisonRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Fredericksburg, Virginia, man was sentenced today to an additional 120 months in prison for possessing images of child sexual abuse while imprisoned at Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix for a previous offense involving the distribution of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Jacob S. Good, 26, previously pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez to an information charging him with one count of possession of child pornography. Judge Rodriguez imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Good admitted that he possessed a micro SD Card which contained numerous images of child sexual abuse, some of which depicted prepubescent children. In connection with his plea, Good also admitted that he used a smart phone and access to the dark web to view and possess child pornography.
Good and seven other inmates were arrested in April 2017 and February 2018 following an FBI investigation involving multiple covert recordings and several cooperating inmates. The investigation revealed that Good and other inmates utilized contraband cellphones, micro SD cards, and access to the internet to obtain, view, and distribute child pornography within the prison. A co-defendant organized and helped facilitate this criminal activity by maintaining cloud accounts that were used as repositories for child pornography.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Rodriguez sentenced Good to lifetime supervised release.
Six other inmates – all of whom were serving sentences for prior child pornography offenses while committing the alleged crimes in this case – have pleaded guilty: Erik M. Smith, 36, of Iron Mountain, Michigan: Anthony C. Jeffries, 32, of Orange, Virginia; Jordan T. Allen, 31, of Plain City, Ohio; Brian J. McKay, 47, of Brookhaven, Pennsylvania; Christopher D. Roffler, 30, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Charles Wesley Bush, 38, of Knoxville, Tennessee. Smith was sentenced to 151 months in prison; the other five defendants are awaiting sentencing.
William H. Noble, 52, of Lowell, Massachusetts, was indicted on May 23, 2018, and is scheduled for trial next year. The charges and allegations against Noble are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, with the investigation. He also thanked officials of the Bureau of Prisons at Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gabriel J. Vidoni and Alyson M. Oswald of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: David M. Simon Esq., Camden
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Indiana Man for String of Twin Cities Drugstore RobberiesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal indictment charging MICHAEL IMAN WHITE, 19, with robbery and attempted robbery of multiple Walgreens pharmacies.[1] WHITE, who was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on August 22, 2018, will be arraigned tomorrow afternoon before a Magistrate Judge in U.S. District Court.
According to the indictment, between April 3, 2018 and July 17, 2018, WHITE used force, violence, and fear of injury to commit two robberies and two attempted robberies of Walgreens pharmacies located in St. Paul and Edina, Minnesota. In total, WHITE stole approximately $69,000 worth of narcotics and other controlled substances.
The Hobbs Act, passed by Congress in 1946, allows federal prosecutors to prosecute individuals who commit armed robberies of businesses engaged in interstate commerce. If convicted, WHITE faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Edina Police Department, the Saint Paul Police Department, and the Bloomington Police Department. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Paulsen is prosecuting the case.
Defendant Information:
MICHAEL IMAN WHITE, 19
Muncie, Ind.
Charges:
- Attempted interference with commerce by robbery, 2 counts
- Interference with commerce by robbery, 2 counts
###
Additional news available on our website.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal Authorities Respond to Violent Crime in Mayfield with Announcement of Project Safe Neighborhoods OperationRead the Press Release
MAYFIELD, Ky. – United States Attorney Russell M. Coleman, joined by Louisville Field Division Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Stuart L. Lowrey, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Darrell Christopher Evans, Kentucky State Police Commissioner Rick Sanders, Mayfield Police Department Chief Nathan Kent, and other partners announced the initial arrests related to an operation cracking down against violent criminal activity within Graves County, Kentucky.
A federal grand jury in Paducah, Kentucky, returned 14 charges in five indictments leading to the arrests of five people connected to the sale of guns and drugs in Mayfield, Kentucky. All of the defendants are in federal custody following initial appearances in U.S. District Court.
“The feds have come knocking in Mayfield along with our law enforcement partners from across the Purchase,” stated U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman, “To send a message that this lawlessness will not be tolerated. Stay tuned as there is more to come.”
“All too often, drug dealers use guns to further their violent criminal activities,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Stuart Lowrey, of the Louisville Field Division. “ATF is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to assist in identifying, arresting and prosecuting armed and violent criminals.”
Gabriel Vejar, 21, Keith Holliman, 26, Ahmad Perry, 28, Getrudis Vargas, 42, and Kevin Gray, 45, all from the Mayfield, Kentucky area are charged in the indictments.
- Gabriel A. Vejar is charged in a one count indictment of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a Smith and Wesson, model SD40VE, .40 caliber pistol. If convicted at trial, the maximum sentence for unlawfully possessing a firearm is no more than 10 years in prison a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
- Keith A. Holliman is charged in a six count indictment. According to the charges, Holliman knowingly possessed a firearm, a Clerke Technicorp, model Clerke 1st, .22 long rifle caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number; the defendant also faces two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; two counts of carrying a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking; and one count of being an illegal recipient of a firearm by a person under indictment. If convicted at trial, the maximum sentence on counts 1 and 4 is no more than five years; counts 2 and 5 carry no more than 20 years in prison; count 3 carries a minimum of five years in prison; and count 6 is no less than 25 years in prison.
- Ahmad Perry is charged with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a Jennings, model J-22, .22 caliber pistol and a SIG Sauer, model 238, .380 Auto caliber pistol. If convicted at trial, the maximum sentence for unlawfully possessing a firearm is 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
- Getrudis Vargas is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, a SCCY Industries, model CPX-2, 9 millimeter pistol. If convicted at trial, Vargas faces no less than 10 years for possession with intent to distribute, and no more than 10 years for being an illegal alien with a firearm.
- Kevin Gray is charged in a three count indictment. Gray was previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence in 2011, prohibiting him from owning a firearm; on or about March 9, 2018, Gray possessed a Hi-Point 9 millimeter, model C-9 pistol, which he sold to a felon, according to the indictment. Gray is charged with two counts of a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and one count of sale of a firearm to a felon; all counts carry no more than 10 year sentence, if convicted at trial.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Hancock and Madison Sewell and Special Assistant United States Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, and are being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Kentucky State Police, Mayfield Police Department, Graves County Sheriff’s Office, McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, Murray Police Department, and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to specifically identify criminals responsible for significant violent crime in the Western District of Kentucky. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that rings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Today’s indictments are part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative in the Western District of Kentucky.
The indictment of a person by a Grand Jury is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
######
Essex County, New Jersey, Woman Admits Role in Illegal Food Stamps SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, woman admitted today that she took part in a food stamps fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Maria Teresa Venegas, 25, of Newark, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John Michael Vazquez to an information charging her with one count of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:From November 2011 to March 2018, Venegas was the owner of Jenny’s Deli, a small grocery store in Newark, which was authorized to accept benefits provided by SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Retail food stores approved for participation in SNAP may sell food in exchange for SNAP benefits, but may not exchange SNAP benefits for cash. Venegas allegedly exchanged more than $885,000 in SNAP benefits for cash between 2011 and 2018.
Every SNAP recipient receives an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, similar to a debit card, to use to make purchases. Every retailer authorized to accept SNAP benefits has an EBT terminal. Food purchases are made by swiping the card at the terminal. After the customer enters a Personal Identification Number (PIN), the EBT terminal verifies the PIN, determines whether the customer’s account balance is sufficient to cover the proposed transaction, and informs the retailer whether the transaction should be authorized or denied. The amount of the purchase is deducted electronically from the SNAP benefits reserved for the customer and the purchase amount is credited to the retailer’s designated bank account.
In addition to the high volume of SNAP benefits redemptions for Jenny’s Deli, indicating fraud, law enforcement agents verified the fraudulent exchange of SNAP benefits for cash through the use of an undercover law enforcement agent who engaged in approximately 20 “purchases” at Jenny’s Deli where she exchanged money for SNAP benefits.
The SNAP fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross pecuniary gain/loss. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 25, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Bethanne M. Dinkins, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason S. Gould of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.
Defense counsel: Linda Foster Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender (Newark)
Delta Sonic Employee Sentenced in Connection with Oil Discharge into Cayuga Creek; Company to Pay Civil PenaltiesRead 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 Michael Yount, 47, of Lancaster, NY, who was convicted of making a materially false statement, was sentenced to serve two years probation by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Judge Wolford also ordered the defendant to perform 100 hours of community service “that directly contributes to the betterment of this community’s environment.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that on July 18, 2016, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) responded to an alleged oil spill in Cayuga Creek in Niagara Falls, NY. The NYS-DEC Spills Unit found a significant amount of suspected waste oil in the creek along Niagara Falls Boulevard near Tuscarora Road and in a large storm sewer water pipe along Niagara Falls Boulevard.
As part of a subsequent investigation, a DEC Environmental Programs Technician began looking into potential sources of the oil discharge—which the Technician estimated to be between 300 and 500 gallon oil spill—and whether a violation of the Clean Water Act had occurred. The Technician contacted the defendant, who was the Environmental Compliance Officer for Delta Sonic Car Wash Systems, Inc., which has a location on Niagara Falls Boulevard, approximately a half a mile from Cayuga Creek. During a meeting at the Delta Sonic location on Niagara Falls Boulevard, the Technician learned that Delta Sonic was renovating the oil change and lube shop garage, which involved the removal of concrete floors by a subcontractor. At that time, Yount stated that there had not been any problems except for a minor spill of approximately two gallons of oil which was immediately cleaned up.
The Technician returned to Delta Sonic the following day and observed an absorbent boom with oil on it in a storm sewer receiver located in the parking lot outside of the oil change garage. While the Technician was looking into the storm sewer receiver with the defendant, Yount, sought to mislead the Technician by stating that booms were often left in sewers and that the boom in question may have been in there for some time. However, the defendant knew that booms were not often left in the sewers at Delta Sonic and that this boom had been placed in the storm sewer receiver approximately six days earlier. Such boom had been placed in the storm sewer receiver as a result of a complaint by another Delta Sonic employee that oily wastewater was being pumped into it as a result of the renovation of the Delta Sonic oil change and lube shop garage.
In addition, U.S. Attorney Kennedy also noted that Delta Sonic recently entered into consent agreements with both the DEC and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding violation of the Clean Water Act. Pursuant to the terms of those consent agreements, Delta Sonic agreed to pay the $25,363.62 in clean-up costs and an additional $25,000 as a civil penalty to the DEC. In addition, the company agreed to pay $30,000 to the EPA as a civil penalty.
“Today’s sentencing together with these consent orders and civil penalties make clear that this Office, together with our federal and state partners, take seriously our obligation to protect our community from all threats,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “The quality of our environment is inextricably intertwined with the quality of life for our citizens. We will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect and preserve the precious natural resources with which we here in Western New York have been so richly blessed.”
Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-In-Charge Tyler Amon; the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police, BECI, under the direction of Captain John Burke; and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief Bryan DalPorto.
# # # #
Cuyler Brownsville Heroin Dealer Sentenced to 160 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A convicted heroin dealer and career criminal was sentenced to 160 months in federal prison during a hearing in United States District Court on Monday.
United States District Judge William T. Moore Jr. sentenced Tyrone Williams, 43, of Savannah, to serve 160 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Williams was arrested as part of the coordinated federal, state and local law enforcement investigation into violence and drug dealing in the historic Cuyler Brownsville, or CBV, community of Savannah under the U.S. Department of Justice Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. A federal grand jury indicted Williams and 31 other defendants as part of this operation. All of those arrested have been convicted, including Williams, who pled guilty on April 3 to distributing heroin in CBV, resulting in the sentence of more than a decade in prison.
As noted in court records and stated in court hearings, Williams has a documented criminal history spanning more than 25 years, with at least 10 felony convictions that include drug and firearms offenses.
“The basic premise behind the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods is to make neighborhoods safer,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “Removing drug dealers makes neighborhoods safer, and the very real possibility of hard jail time warns any other criminals who would attempt to take their place. This operation in Cuyler Brownsville also reassures law-abiding citizens of their vital role in helping to clean up their neighborhoods by reporting the criminals who seek to profit from their misery.”
Tim Graden, Resident Agent in Charge of the Savannah Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said “This prosecution is another example of ATF’s commitment to ensure the public’s safety by removing violent drug traffickers from our communities. These results could not have occurred without the outstanding partnerships that we have with our law enforcement partners and the community.”
Lindsay Smith, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, said “The investigation into the criminal elements within the CBV neighborhood, along with the successful prosecutions of multiple defendants, can be attributed to the collaborative efforts among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. These partnerships are a valuable asset to combating crime in all areas within the state of Georgia.”
Roy Minter, the Savannah Police Department Director of Police Services, said “Identifying and removing dangerous criminals from our community is a top priority for the Savannah Police Department. The arrest, conviction and sentencing of Tyrone Williams is another example of our strong partnership with our local, state and federal law enforcement officials. We will continue to work collaboratively with these officials to remove dangerous criminals and drugs from our community.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Savannah Police Department, with assistance from the United States Marshals investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Gilluly, Tania Groover, and Matthew Josephson prosecuted this case.
For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Cleveland man indicted on federal firearms chargesRead the Press Release
A Cleveland man was indicted on federal firearms charges.
Deontae Walker, 22, is charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Walker on June 20 had a Taurus .45-caliber pistol and ammunition, despite a previous conviction for burglary, according to the indictment.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cleveland Division of Police and Ohio Adult Parole Authority. Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Kane is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Clearwater Doctor Pleads Guilty to Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Dr. Jayam Krishna Iyer (66, Clearwater) today pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, or 20 years, if her offense involves serious bodily injury. As part of the plea, Iyer has agreed to surrender both her DEA registration number that she used to prescribe controlled substances and her Florida medical license, and to a permanent exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
According to the plea agreement, Iyer owned and operated Creative Medical Center located on Druid Road East in Clearwater. The center functioned as a pain management clinic. Iyer billed Medicare and Medicaid for office visits, tests, and services provided to patients using her National Provider Identification (NPI) number, and wrote prescriptions for controlled substances, including oxycodone. She used Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 99213, which was used to bill for office visits for the evaluation and management of established patients, and required an in-person examination with the actual patient. As an approved Medicare provider, Iyer also agreed to provide truthful information and to not make any materially false statements or representations in connection with the delivery of or payment for health care benefits.
Beginning at least as early as July 2011, and continuing through December 2017, Iyer executed and carried out a scheme to defraud Medicare by billing for face-to-face office visits with Medicare beneficiaries, when, in fact, certain patients did not go to Iyer’s office and were not examined by her on the claimed dates; instead, family members of the patients went to Iyer’s office with notes requesting that Iyer issue and provide prescriptions, including for Schedule II controlled substances like oxycodone, to the family members, and in the beneficiaries’ names—and Iyer issued those prescriptions. Iyer thereby violated a Florida law requiring doctors to perform an in-person office visit and examination of each patient before issuing Schedule II controlled substance prescriptions. Iyer also falsified her electronic medical records, including vital statistics, to make it appear that the actual patient was present in her office for an office visit, when the patient was not. Iyer submitted at least $51,500 in these types of false and fraudulent Medicare claims.
This case was investigated by the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit. On August 2, 2017, Attorney General Jeff Session announced the formation of the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, a Department of Justice pilot program to utilize data to help combat the devastating opioid crisis that is ravaging families and communities across America. The unit focuses specifically on opioid-related health care fraud using data to identify and prosecute individuals that are contributing to the prescription opioid epidemic. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Florida Office of Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen.
Clairton Drug Dealer’s Sister Gets Probation for Allowing Her House to be Used for His Drug OperationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to three years’ probation, the first 90 days of which are to be served under home detention, on her conviction of maintaining a drug-involved premises, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Jalea Carter, 26.
According to information presented to the court at the time of her guilty plea, Carter, from March through June 2017, occupied and made her residence, located on Third Street, in Clairton, Pennsylvania, available for her brother and codefendant, Skyler Carter, to store, package, and distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine. She was held responsible for approximately 4.5 grams of heroin seized from her home during the execution of a federal search warrant in June 2017. Jalea Carter is the 10th of 21 defendants charged in the conspiracy to be sentenced.
Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Bloch prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 46 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Carlos Tate, 45, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced before District Court Judge Joseph Van Bokkelen on his plea to distribution of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Kirsch.
Tate received a sentence of 46 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to documents filed in this case, in September of 2016, a confidential informant with the ATF performed two controlled buys of heroin from Tate in Gary, Indiana. Lab results showed that the heroin purchased during the second controlled buy also contained fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is considered to be fifty times more potent than heroin.
This case was investigated by the ATF and was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. McGrath.
###
Career Drug Dealer Sentenced to 140 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
STATESBORO, GA: A Swainsboro, Ga., man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking operation that distributed cocaine and crack cocaine in Emanuel and Richmond counties.
Tony Lanard Williams, 43, received the sentence of 140 months in federal prison from United States District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood. The leader of a drug trafficking organization that involved numerous other individuals, Williams was subject to enhanced penalties after the court determined he was a career offender under the United States Sentencing Guidelines. Williams pled guilty on Nov. 30, 2017 to one count of distributing cocaine.
Six other defendants were named in the indictment in which Williams was charged. Because he was a fugitive from the time the indictment against him was unsealed in June 2016 until his arrest in May 2017, Williams was the final defendant in the case to be sentenced. He has been in custody since his arrest in Statesboro on May 16, 2017, and evidence presented during numerous hearings revealed that Williams and his drug organization was actively trafficking in cocaine and crack cocaine from at least 2012 until his arrest.
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine noted that the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force pursued the investigation that dismantled Williams’ operation. “Battling these criminal operations requires coordination and teamwork from law enforcement and prosecutors,” Christine said. “Getting drug dealers off the streets makes our neighborhoods safer, and our office will be unwavering in our pursuit of career criminals like Williams.”
Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division, said “The successful results of this investigation should let career criminals like Williams know that those who flood the drug market with menacing drugs like cocaine and cocaine base (crack) will ultimately be brought to justice by DEA, its law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office.”
“Tony Williams was one part of a larger criminal organization that disrupted lives and communities in rural Georgia,” said Jamie Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Southeastern Regional Drug Enforcement Office. “He will now spend a lengthy part of his life behind bars. The GBI will continue to work closely with other agencies to make our communities better places for law-abiding citizens and much harder places for drug dealers to ply their trade.”
The investigation was led by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Swainsboro Police Department, Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, and the Middle Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karl Knoche prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
For questions, please contact the U. S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
Canton Police detective among 25 law enforcement officers honored as recipients of the Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service in PolicingRead the Press Release
Canton Police Detective Michael Rastetter was among 25 law enforcement officers and deputies from 12 jurisdictions across the country honored today by Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Justice Department leadership today as recipients of the second annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing, recognizing the exceptional work.
“The Trump Administration supports law enforcement at all levels—and we always will,” said Attorney General Sessions. “Today’s awards honor the incredible work that is being done across this country every day. This Department of Justice takes pride in announcing today’s winners of the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing.”
“These honorees are exceptional because they each thought outside the box to come up with new ways to tackle persistent law enforcement problems,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Detective Rastetter leads an effort that creates new partnerships to address an epidemic that has caused so much pain and suffering in Ohio. They each represent the best of our community and further the mission of the Justice Department.”
Canton Police Lt. John Gabbard said: “The Stark Outreach Support team is effective because of Detective Rastetter and our community partners. Their dedication cannot be measured by the number of hours they work or homes they visit. The impact they have on individuals and families struggling with addiction can only be attributed to their compassion, patience and sense of duty. As part of this team, Detective Rastetter has improved lives in our community and that is the essence of our mission as a law enforcement agency.”
The Justice Department has been committed to supporting law enforcement and continues to back the “women and men in blue,” as directed by President Trump’s February 2017 Executive Order. The Department has recently awarded grants to assist law enforcement and first responders who supported mass shootings in Las Vegas, Nevada, Parkland, Florida, and Santa Fe, Texas. In addition, the Department has helped police departments across America to hire hundreds more police officers through the COPS grant program.
The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and tribal sworn rank-and-file police officers and deputies for exceptional efforts in policing. The awarded officers and deputies have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations or innovations in community policing. The Department received 207 nominations for 469 individuals ranging from state police departments, to local police, to campus public safety agencies. This award highlights the work that officers and deputies do to prevent, intervene in, and respond to crime and public safety issues. The individuals recognized today are listed below:
INNOVATIONS IN COMMUNITY POLICING
Sergeant Sean Crotty of the Little Egg Harbor Police Department, New Jersey:
Sergeant Sean Crotty is the school resource officer at the local high school. His main responsibility is the protection of the school community. However, he also takes on the arguably greater role of getting involved with students, shaping the way they view law enforcement, and helping mold them into productive community members. While Sergeant Crotty’s “beat” is the high school, this does not limit him to creating relationships with the younger students in the community. In his years with the department, Sergeant Crotty started a Junior Police Academy for middle school students, enhanced free Police Athletic League (PAL) programs, and added a Junior Police Explorers program.
Detective John Rastetter of the Canton Police Department, Ohio:
Detective Michael Rastetter’s work with those suffering from opioid addiction has set him apart among a department full of dedicated officers continuously looking for innovative ways to serve their community. Detective Rastetter became the point person for the newly created Stark County Outreach Support (SOS) team, a quick response team made up of a nurse, a social worker and a vice detective. SOS has engaged 70 overdose survivors and 33 family members, connected 30 individuals with rehabilitation services and provided 19 Naloxone kits, leading to a reduction of nearly 60 percent in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2017. Detective Rastetter is a large part of the success of the program and decline in the overdose deaths.
Officer Laurie Reyes of the Montgomery County Police Department, Maryland:
Officer Laurie Reyes noticed that repeated searches for the same critically missing people (individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities [IDD], and Alzheimer’s disease) demanded a large portion of departmental resources, both in money and in officers’ time. She created the nationally recognized “Autism, Intellectual, Developmental Disabilities, and Alzheimer’s Outreach Program” as a way to promote awareness and safety through education, outreach, follow-up, empowerment and response. Officer Reyes identified a problem and developed a creative solution, which had a significant impact on public safety and public trust, all at no additional fiscal cost to the agency.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Officer Megan Freer of the Middleton Township Police Department, Pennsylvania:
In the summer of 2017, a 19-year-old man went missing near Middletown Township. Officer Freer began an intensive investigation into the missing person case, which eventually led to the discovery of a horrific quadruple homicide in Solebury Township, about 20 miles away. Officer Freer’s incredible investigative efforts led to the arrest of two 20-year-olds charged with murder of the four young men, and providing closure for the families of those missing young men. This was a tremendous effort of policing and police investigation, and Officer Freer has received several awards for her investigative effort, including the Philadelphia National Liberty Museum Award of Valor in September 2017.
Detective Andrew Beuschel, Jr. of the Evesham Township Police Department, New Jersey:
In December 2017, a father called the police when he found his 15-year-old daughter unresponsive due to a possible drug overdose; an ambulance transported the victim to the hospital, where she subsequently died from a heroin overdose two days later. Detective Beuschel investigated the case, including interviews and evidence from numerous warrants on cell phones, computers, and social media accounts, and was able to locate the suspected seller. Detective Beuschel’s persistence led to arrest warrants for possession of heroin, distribution of heroin, and ultimately, strict liability of the suspect for the drug-induced death of the 15-year-old victim.
Trooper Joel D. Follmer of the Pennsylvania State Police:
State Trooper Joel D. Follmer’s determined efforts and innovative policing techniques on an 18-month series of kidnapping and rape investigations throughout Pennsylvania led to the arrest of a serial rapist with assaults dating back as far as 1994. Trooper Follmer arrested the suspect in December of last year, who immediately confessed to several cases, and provided information on many others that he had attempted in the past and was planning in the future. The suspect is currently awaiting trial.
FIELD OPERATIONS
Sergeant Girard Tell III and Sergeant Ryan VanSyckle of the Pleasantville Police Department, New Jersey:
Since 2016, Sergeants Tell and VanSyckle have consistently led the department in arrests and drug seizures by their dogged persistence to seek out and dismantle criminal street gangs, including a regional investigation, which netted more than 100 felony indictments against the South Side Mob street gang. Their tireless drive to remove the most dangerous and violent offenders has had a significant impact on the criminal operating environment within the community, including a steady downward trend of gun violence and a 55 percent decrease in confirmed shooting calls for service.
Corporal Richard White III of the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, West Virginia:
In June 2017, dispatchers notified law enforcement and fire department agencies regarding several people who had flipped over their boats while kayaking and got caught in the swift current in Wheeling Creek. Corporal White arrived on the scene and waded into the heavy current, rescuing two females caught in the downstream. Corporal White was instrumental in preventing a possible tragic incident while putting himself in harm’s way. About a year earlier, a little boy had died after falling into the creek. Corporal White’s quick and selfless action helped ensure that those circumstances were not repeated.
Deputy Ned Nemeth of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada:
Deputy Nemeth has demonstrated active exceptional performance in field operations. As a full time K-9 handler, he works highway interdiction and has successfully reduced illegal operations in the past year along the I-80 corridor, including seizing 206 pounds of illegal marijuana, 359.42 grams of methamphetamine, and 43 contraband prescription opioid pain pills. Deputy Nemeth is known for providing high quality information about his interstate contacts to other agencies across the country. His efforts as a part of the HIDTA task force in northern Nevada not only have positive effects on his own community but also make meaningful contributions to other jurisdictions working to disrupt and dismantle organized drug trafficking operations nationwide.
Detective Thomas Curley of the Wilmington Police Department, Delaware:
Over the past 14 years, Wilmington Detective Thomas Curley has provided outstanding efforts in conducting criminal investigations to protect the people of Wilmington from gangs and violent crime, including the first successful illegal gang prosecution in the State of Delaware, which was later upheld by the Delaware Supreme Court. He possesses the ability to seek out and successfully talk with witnesses to develop leads and works tirelessly coordinating complex investigations. Detective Curley is dedicated to his job and strives for justice for the victims of violent crimes.
Officers Jeremiah Beason, Patrick Burke, Monty Fetherston, and Steve Morris, Jr., of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Nevada:
On October 2017, at approximately 10:05 p.m., a lone gunman fired into a crowd of 22,000 concertgoers attending a country music festival in Las Vegas, killing 58 innocent people and injuring more than 850. Las Vegas Metropolitan Officers Beason, Burke, Fetherston, and Morris were the first four first responders to react during this active shooter situation. These four officers rescued injured civilians, cleared the surrounding rooms near the shooter, and secured the perimeter. By running towards the danger, they saved countless lives.
Officers Jose Arriaga, Ruben Avalos, Carlos Escobar, Randy Jreisat, Arthur Meza, Ashley Mitchell, David Nick, Jr., Adrian Nuñez, Christina Salas, and Solly Samara of the Los Angeles Police Department, California:
In September 2017, the Los Angeles Police Department created the MacArthur Park Task Force to conduct uniform patrol in and around MacArthur Park and other surrounding areas. This team worked to restore order to the community around MacArthur Park by applying constant law enforcement and community involvement to the area to combat all crime and quality of life issues. These ten officers made 1,125 arrests in 32 weeks, issued 980 citations and offered services to hundreds of individuals. Their work is directly responsible for a 40 percent reduction of Part 1 crimes and a 46 percent reduction of violent crimes in the zone. These 10 officers helped transform this park and its surrounding neighborhood from its former blight, turning it into a clean, beautiful park.
Cambria County Resident Admits Dealing HeroinRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Arvell D. Brandon, 40, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on May 10, 2016, Brandon distributed less than 100 grams of heroin.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 5, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Brandon.
Brooklyn Man Conspired to Purchase $90K in Gift Cards and Merchandise Using Counterfeit Credit CardsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Brooklyn, New York, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Corey W. Howard, 25, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in June 2016, Corey W. Howard and conspirators used counterfeit credit cards at multiple Giant Eagle stores in Western Pennsylvania to purchase gift cards and merchandise, which totaled approximately $90,000.
Judge Fischer scheduled the sentence for January 31, 2019 at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both at each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Western Pennsylvania Financial Crimes Task Force (WPFCTF) conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of this defendant. The WPFCTF was established as a collaborative, multi-agency effort to effectively combat financial crimes, including identity fraud, in Western Pennsylvania. Partnering in this effort are the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Robinson Township Police Department.
Brazilian National Pleads Guilty and Another Sentenced in Card-Skimming SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RUBENS ELEUTERIO DE ALMEIDA JUNIOR (“DE ALMEIDA”), age 30, a citizen of Brazil, pleaded guilty on September 18, 2018, to aggravated identity theft before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance. In the same case, Judge Vance sentenced ANDRE LION GONCALVES PEREIRA (“PEREIRA”), age 29, also a citizen of Brazil, to two years of imprisonment for aggravated identity theft.
According to the court documents, Pereira and three other Brazilian nationals were arrested by members of the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force at a hotel in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans on August 3, 2017. Federal and state law enforcement officers found the defendants in possession of re-encoded credit cards that contained stolen debit card information from actual customers. These individuals also possessed embossers, encoders, ATM skimmers, false identification, and other contraband.
In a coordinated investigation with the U.S. Secret Service Oklahoma City Field Office, federal and state law enforcement agents arrested DE ALMEIDA on the same day in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Agents determined that DE ALMEIDA had been mailing skimmers, pinhole cameras, and other tools for credit card fraud to the four New Orleans-based members of this conspiracy. DE ALMEIDA was likewise in possession of stolen debit and credit card information.
U.S. District Judge Vance sentenced PEREIRA to two years in prison and one year of supervised release. PEREIRA was ordered to pay restitution, and he faces deportation.
As a result of DE ALMEIDA’S plea to aggravated identity theft, he faces a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine or a fine equal to the greater of twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss caused by this offense. Judge Vance scheduled DE ALMEIDA’S sentencing for January 9, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the agencies that contributed to this investigation, which was a coordinated effort among federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force. The Task Force includes representatives from the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department, and the New Orleans Police Department. U.S. Attorney Strasser thanked the U.S. Secret Service Oklahoma City Field Office and the Midwest City, OK Police Department for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.
* * *
Boston Woman Sentenced for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Boston woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for robbing two banks in the greater Boston area.
Tamea Chambers, 37, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to two years in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,958 in restitution. In May 2018, Chambers pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery. Chambers was arrested on Oct. 24, 2017, and has been in custody since.
On Oct. 17, 2017, a branch of the East Boston Savings Bank in Roxbury was robbed. The tellers stated that a black female entered the bank, demanded money and stated that she had a gun. The tellers gave the robber cash from their drawers and the robber exited the bank. Information, including pictures of the robber, was disseminated on various public websites and provided to local media. Two days later, on Oct. 19, 2017, a branch of Bank of America in Brookline was robbed. The tellers described the robber as a black female wearing a dark wig and reported that the robber entered the bank, stated that she had a gun and demanded cash. Based on the similar descriptions by the tellers at both banks, law enforcement suspected that the same individual was involved in both robberies.
Video footage from a business adjoining one of the banks captured images of the female robber, later determined to be Chambers, in the company of a man. The man was later determined to be Paul Landrum, previously dubbed by law enforcement as the “Route 128 Bandit,” and responsible for eight other bank robberies in the Greater Boston area. On Oct. 24, 2017, Chambers and Landrum were arrested and admitted their involvement in the various bank robberies. In May 2018, Landrum pleaded guilty to bank robbery and was sentenced in August to 57 months in prison.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office, made the announcement today. The Massachusetts State Police, and the Boston, Brookline, Medford, Somerville, and Wellesley Police Departments assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Boise Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – Kristopher Douglas McKay, 36, of Boise, was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court to 108 months in prison followed by five years supervised release, for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. McKay pleaded guilty on May 2, 2018.
According to court records, in March 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified McKay as the user of a yahoo e-mail account that had accessed a cloud storage account containing images of child pornography. Agents obtained a search warrant for the account and discovered evidence that McKay traded images of child pornography via e-mail with other individuals, including images depicting infant and toddler-age children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and images depicting sadistic and masochistic conduct. The e-mail account contained approximately 3,472 still images and 271 videos depicting child pornography.
In September 2017, FBI agents served a search warrant at McKay’s residence in Boise. They seized and searched McKay’s laptop computer, where they discovered approximately 2,941 images and 1,113 videos depicting child pornography. McKay admitted to agents that he used his laptop computer to access his e-mail account and traded images of child pornography with other individuals. As part of the sentence, U.S. District Court Judge David C. Nye also ordered McKay to forfeit his laptop computer.
This case was investigated by the FBI, and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
# # #
Bloods Gang Members Arrested for Opioid Distribution Conspiracy on Staten IslandRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Keith Wyche, Allen O’Neil and Kyron Graham, alleged members of the Bloods street gang, with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl on Staten Island. Wyche and O’Neil were also charged with distribution of narcotics that caused death and serious bodily injury. The defendants were arrested today and are scheduled to make their initial appearances this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Gregory W. Ehrie, Special Agent-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Field Office (FBI), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrests. Mr. Donoghue thanked the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey for their substantial assistance in the investigation, as well as the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office.
“As alleged, the defendants sold large amounts of dangerous narcotics, including pure fentanyl to unsuspecting buyers, for their own profit and without concern for the deadly consequences of their actions,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “Together with the FBI and the NYPD, our Office is working tirelessly to identify and prosecute those drug traffickers responsible for the opioid crisis.”
“Today's arrests are a direct result of the hard work and dedication shared between state, local and federal authorities in their efforts to combat gang members who distribute dangerous drugs like heroin and fentanyl in our communities,” stated FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Ehrie. “This was a tragic incident which caused the death of one individual and seriously injured another. The FBI and our partners will continue to pursue investigations into individuals and groups who have furthered the scourge of opioids in our communities.”
“Abuse of heroin and the deadly additive fentanyl has cut a wide swath across our nation, affecting neighborhoods throughout New York City and people in every walk of life,” stated NYPD Police Commissioner O’Neill. “To combat this scourge, we look to not just make arrests, but to shut down the supply and, ultimately, to save lives. NYPD detectives investigate every overdose to determine how the drugs were obtained, and it was those efforts that led to today’s charges. I commend the investigators in this case, and the strong collaboration of the NYPD and our law enforcement partners, all of whom are helping stem the opioid crisis.”
As alleged in court documents, between February 2017 and the present, Wyche and O’Neil sold heroin and fentanyl on Staten Island almost daily. Wyche and Graham shared a cell phone from which they sent messages to buyers in the morning notifying them who was selling narcotics that day. In some instances, even though the buyer had sought to purchase heroin, Wyche and O’Neil sold glassine envelopes containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl and, on occasion, only fentanyl. They regularly traveled to the Bronx to meet Graham to pick up supplies of narcotics
Wyche and O’Neil sold drugs to at least two victims who experienced overdoses shortly after purchasing the drugs, including an April 2017 sale that resulted in the death of a Staten Island resident and the near fatal overdose of a second victim in October 2017 in which medical personnel resuscitated the victim who had stopped breathing.
The arrests were the result of a series of long-term investigations by the NYPD’s Drug Overdose Task Force.
The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted, Wyche and O’Neil face a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and Graham faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney James P. McDonald is in charge of the prosecution.
The Defendants:
KEITH WYCHE
Age: 34
Union, New JerseyALLEN O’NEIL
Age: 27
Somerset, New JerseyKYRON GRAHAM
Age: 27
Bronx, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-MJ-862
Armed Drug Dealer SentencedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Tamiez Antwan Weeks, 22, of Mobile, was sentenced this morning in federal court on the charge of using, carrying or possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking felony. Weeks pled guilty to the charge in June of 2018.
Court documents reflect that Weeks was arrested by Summerdale Police after they were called to investigate a domestic disturbance between Weeks and a female passenger in a vehicle which was parked at a gas station. The passenger had called the police from the restroom in the business. Weeks was in the driver’s seat of the vehicle, and in the ensuing investigation, he was found in possession of the gun, marijuana, scales and cash, which was scattered in the vehicle.
United States District Court William H. Steele imposed a sentence of 60 months, the mandatory minimum sentence required by statute, which will be followed by a term of 5 years supervised release. The judge also ordered that Weeks will be required to undergo drug treatment while in prison and as a condition of his supervision. No fine was imposed in the case, but Weeks was ordered to pay the mandatory special assessment of $100.
The case was investigated by the Summerdale Police Department, the Daphne Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force. It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Gloria A. Bedwell.
Ariana Fajardo Orshan Sworn in as United States Attorney for the Southern District of FloridaRead the Press Release
This morning, Ariana Fajardo Orshan addressed the Office after being sworn in as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. She succeeds Benjamin G. Greenberg, who has been serving as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the district since March 4, 2017.
On September 17, 2018, the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, K. Michael Moore, administered the oath of office to Mrs. Fajardo Orshan, who was nominated by President Trump to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida on June 7, 2018. The U.S. Senate confirmed her nomination on August 28, 2018.
“I am honored to have been afforded the privilege to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, in an Office that is committed to public service and the pursuit of justice.” said U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan. “I look forward to partnering with our dedicated federal, state and local law enforcement allies to ensure that our community is safe and the rule of law is closely guarded.”
Prior to her appointment, Mrs. Fajardo Orshan served as a Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida and an adjunct professor at Florida International University College of Law. She was appointed to the bench in 2012 by Governor Rick Scott. Before becoming a judge, Mrs. Fajardo Orshan was a partner in a boutique law firm where she specialized in litigation. She began her legal career as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County, where she prosecuted a wide variety of crimes, specializing in narcotics and organized crime. Mrs. Fajardo Orshan was born and raised in Miami. She earned her B.S. from Florida International University and her J.D. from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center.
As U.S. Attorney, Mrs. Fajardo Orshan will lead the nation’s third largest U.S. Attorney’s Office to enforce and defend the laws of the United States of America through the prosecution of diverse federal criminal cases; pursue civil cases in which the United States is a party; and collect debts owed to the Federal government that are administratively uncollectible. The Southern District of Florida encompasses a geographical area of more than 15,000 square miles extending south to Key West, north to Sebastian and west to Sebring. The Southern District includes the counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee and Highlands. Mrs. Fajardo Orshan will supervise a staff of approximately 220 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and a similar number of support personnel, in the district’s offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Fort Pierce.
As she accepted the honor bestowed upon her, U.S. Attorney Fajardo Orshan thanked Mr. Greenberg for his dedicated service to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the South Florida community. Mr. Greenberg will remain with the Office as the First Assistant to the U.S. Attorney.
Another defendant pleads guilty in connection with labor trafficking of minors at Ohio egg farmRead the Press Release
Pablo Duran Ramirez, 50, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to encouraging the illegal entry of Guatemalan nationals, including unaccompanied minors, into the United States for financial gain, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division.
Duran Ramirez is the fourth defendant to plead guilty in connection with a labor trafficking scheme that forced Guatemalan minors to work at egg farms in central Ohio.
According to the defendant’s plea agreement and admissions in court, the defendant, through his company, Haba Corporate Services, contracted to provide labor to Trillium Farms, knowing that the workers were unlawfully present in the United States. He further admitted to knowing that some of the workers were unaccompanied minors who had been coerced or threatened to enter the United States and then housed in an isolated trailer park in Marion, Ohio. In 2013 and 2014, Trillim Farms paid the defendant’s company approximately $6 million for its labor services.
“Motivated by greed, the defendant violated the immigration laws and contributed to the exploitation of vulnerable children who lacked immigration status,” said Acting Assisting Attorney General Gore. “The Department of Justice will use its resources to prosecute individuals who unlawfully victimize others for their own monetary profit.”
“This defendant profited off the desperation of children and their parents and other relatives,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman for the Northern District of Ohio. “He knew some of the workers he delivered to Trillium Farms were underage, in the country illegally and were threatened or coerced. We will continue to work to eliminate human trafficking in all its forms.”
“This defendant, in conspiracy with three other previously convicted individuals, coerced and assisted individuals to enter the United States illegally, many of them children, forcing them to live in deplorable conditions and work for little to no wages,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Division. “These reprehensible actions are unacceptable and rest assured the FBI will continue to work with our partners to bring to justice those who engage in human trafficking.”
Duran Ramirez faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. His sentencing date has been set for Jan. 7, 2019.
Three other defendants—Aroldo Castillo-Serrano, of Guatemala, Ana Angelica Pedro-Juan, of Guatemala, and Conrado Salgado-Soto, of Mexico—previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the same labor trafficking scheme. Castillo-Serrano, the lead smuggler and primary enforcer, was sentenced to 188 months in prison; Pedro-Juan, who oversaw the victims in Ohio, was sentenced to 120 months; and Salgado-Soto, a subcontractor hired by Duran Ramirez, was sentenced to 51 months.
Those defendants admitted to recruiting workers from Guatemala, some as young as 14 or 15 years old, falsely promising them good jobs and a chance to attend school in the United States. The defendants then smuggled and transported the workers to a trailer park in Marion, Ohio, where they ordered them to live in dilapidated trailers and work at physically demanding jobs at Trillium Farms for up to 12 hours a day. The work included cleaning chicken coops, loading and unloading crates of chickens, de-beaking chickens and vaccinating chickens. During their sentencing, Senior United States District Judge James G. Carr found that they had threatened workers with physical harm and withheld their paychecks in order to compel them to work. Eight minors and two adults were identified as victims of the scheme.
Three additional defendants, including Duran Ramirez’s son, pleaded guilty for their roles in encouraging the workers’ illegal entry into the United States.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea Rice and Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
"The Drug Llama" Faces Federal Indictment and Mandatory Minimum Sentence for Distributing Fentanyl on Dark WebRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Shines a Light into the Dark Web
A San Diego resident has been indicted in the Southern District of Illinois for conspiring to distribute fentanyl throughout the United States via the "dark web," U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft announced today. The charges carry a mandatory minimum 10 year prison sentence.
The indictment alleges that Melissa Scanlan, 31, of San Diego, California, who is known on the dark web as "The Drug Llama," conspired to distribute misbranded fentanyl pills throughout the United States. Fentanyl is a highly addictive and oftentimes lethal opioid painkiller. According to the indictment, the fentanyl distribution conspiracy lasted from at least October 1, 2016, and continued until August 2, 2018. The indictment also alleges that Scanlan was part of an international money laundering conspiracy.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, that charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Scanlan was arrested in San Diego and made her first court appearance in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on September 6, 2018. At her detention hearing on Monday, September 17, 2018, prosecutors alleged that Scanlan was responsible for shipping over 50,000 fentanyl pills across the country, including into southern Illinois. Scanlan was ordered detained based on risk of flight and danger to the community pending her removal to the Southern District of Illinois to face charges.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is unreachable by traditional search engines and web browsers. Websites on the dark web have complex web addresses generated by a computer algorithm and must be accessed using special software that is capable of connecting to "The Onion Router" network, or "TOR" for short. The TOR network is encrypted and routes internet traffic dynamically through a series of computers around the world, concealing the true Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of the computers accessing the network and thereby making internet use virtually anonymous. This perceived anonymity has led to a proliferation of criminal activity on dark web
marketplaces, like "Dream Market," where users can find vendors offering illegal goods and services for sale.
The indictment against Scanlan alleges that she conspired with others to operate an illegal drug distribution business on one of those dark web marketplaces using the moniker "The Drug Llama." It is further alleged that Scanlan and her co-conspirators distributed more than 400 grams of fentanyl throughout the United States.
This case was part of a months-long, coordinated national operation involving the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security (HSI), United States Customs and Border Protection (CPB), the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois.
"The dark web is a dangerous underworld where anonymous web browsers and cryptocurrencies combine to create the perfect breeding ground for criminal activity," said United States Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. "We will continue to shine light into the dark web to expose those who lurk in the shadows of the internet." Weinhoeft credited the leadership of the Federal Drug Administration for dedicating technical resources to further this important opioid investigation.
"The dark web is a virtual marketplace for drug dealers and other criminals who are seeking the anonymity that only the digital world can provide," said U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman for the Southern District of California. "But there’s nowhere we won’t go to find them, particularly when fentanyl is involved and lives are at stake. The key to success is relentless pursuit and collaboration with our law enforcement partners around the country."
"Illegal opioid distribution and the resulting overdoses and deaths are an enormous national crisis," said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. "Our agency will continue to disrupt and dismantle illegal prescription drug distribution networks that misuse the internet at the expense of public health and safety."
"The Drug Enforcement Administration, along with our local, state and federal partners will continue to work relentlessly to track down those who traffic in pharmaceutical narcotics illegally," said Special Agent in Charge William J. Callahan of the DEA St. Louis Division. "Pharmaceutical narcotics are meant to be taken under the supervision and guidance of a medical professional and are not safe outside of that medical relationship. As a community we must work together to educate and prevent the misuse and abuse of pharmaceutical narcotics and as a law enforcement agency we will continue to track down traffickers who believe they can hide behind anonymity on the dark web."
U.S. Attorney Weinhoeft recognized the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, FDA, DEA, HSI, CPB, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and other state and federal partners for their work in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Derek J. Wiseman.
Monday 17 September 2018
Woman Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute OxymorphoneRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Westmoreland County woman was sentenced today to six years in prison for possession with intent to distribute Oxymorphone, which she had obtained with a valid prescription.
According to court documents, Kali Rose Provost, 29, obtained 90 Oxymorphone pills and 45 Oxycodone pills on Sept. 6, 2017, with a valid prescription. Later that evening, Provost offered to sell some of her pills to a friend, John Hile, and anyone else he knew. Provost then went to Hile’s house where she distributed Oxymorphone to Hile, who crushed the Oxymorphone and sniffed it. Hile died in the early morning hours of Sept. 7, 2017, of Oxymorphone toxicity.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, Colonel Gary T. Settle, Virginia State Police Superintendent, and C.O. Balderson, Westmoreland County Sheriff, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck. Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:18-cr-42.
Windham Nurse Practitioner Pleads Guilty to Healthcare Fraud and Prescription Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Kristen Khanna, 42, of Windham, pleaded guilty in federal court today to healthcare fraud and prescription fraud charges, United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Khanna is a nurse practitioner licensed to practice in the State of New Hampshire who operated Total Pain Care and Wellness, P.A. in Salem, New Hampshire, from October 2009 until December 2015. The charges focus on 2014 and 2015, when Khanna was the only licensed provider at Total Pain Care, but had an employee who was not a medical provider. The government’s investigation, which included patient interviews, a review of prescribing data and other investigative techniques, revealed that Khanna was often not present at Total Pain Care and allowed office visits to be conducted by the employee. On numerous occasions, Khanna would then bill Medicare for those office visits as if she had conducted them herself, causing Medicare to reimburse Total Pain Care for the services purportedly rendered. Medicare would not have paid for these sham office visits if it had known that the employee, and not Khanna, was providing the service.
Khanna also admitted that she would often leave the employee with a pad of pre-signed, but otherwise blank, prescription forms for the employee to fill out and issue to patients in what the two often referred to as “drive-by” visits. Patients would then take those prescriptions and fill them at local pharmacies, causing Medicare to pay for the prescriptions through the Part D prescription drug program. The government determined that more than 200 prescriptions for controlled substances were filled by more than a dozen Medicare patients in this manner in 2015. Had Medicare known that the employee, and not Khanna, had completed and issued these prescriptions, it would not have paid for them.
In addition, in 2015, Khanna provided a patient covered by private insurance with pre-signed but otherwise blank prescriptions for that patient to fill out for her own use. The patient completed the prescriptions, in some instances after exchanging text messages with Khanna, and then presented them at local pharmacies as if they had been written and provided by Khanna. The patient was able to obtain Oxycontin, Adderall and Percocet (all controlled substances) with these fraudulent prescriptions.
Khanna is scheduled to be sentenced on January 4, 2019. She has agreed to pay restitution to the Medicare program in the amount of $127,264.98. As part of her plea agreement, Khanna, who already surrendered her Drug Enforcement Administration license during the course of the investigation, has agreed to not seek a new DEA registration for a period of ten years. She will also face a minimum five year debarment from participating in the Medicare program.
“The battle against opioids is being waged on numerous fronts,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “One sad reality is that there are health care providers who have contributed to the opioid crisis by engaging in illegal conduct. As this case demonstrates, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners are working together to identify and prosecute health care providers whose prescribing practices violate the law.”
“As New Hampshire battles the opioid epidemic we simply cannot allow unqualified individuals to recklessly oversee blank, pre-signed prescription pads,” said Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “This investigation succeeded through joint teamwork with the Drug Enforcement Administration. And we look forward to working with local, state, and other federal law enforcement partners on future cases.”
This matter was a joint investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad and Office of Diversion Control. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau.
###
Winchester Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – September 17, 2018 – David Hamilton Soderbom, 51, of Winchester, Tennessee, was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison for producing child pornography and for possessing thousands of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, announced U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.
U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger also ordered Soderbom to be placed on lifetime supervision and to pay a total of $20,000 in restitution to the victims.
According to court records, in September of 2015, the FBI discovered that Soderbom had accessed an online child pornography website that was accessible only to those who were aware of its existence. After a search warrant was executed on his home in Lebanon, Tennessee, a forensic analyst determined that Soderbom had collected 3,953 images and 28 videos of child pornography, which he had stored on several computers and hard drives. The collection included depictions of young children, some of which involved sexual violence. During the investigation, agents also discovered that on three different occasions in July 2010, Soderbom had recorded sexually explicit images of a girl who was 7 years old.
Soderbom was charged on September 7, 2016 with three counts of production of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography and pleaded guilty to all counts of the indictment on October 20, 2017.
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 - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.
This matter was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Carran Daughtrey and Henry Leventis.
Whitman Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Whitman man was arrested and charged in federal court in Boston on Monday, Sept. 10, 2018, with child pornography offenses. On Friday, he appeared in federal court for a detention and probable cause hearing.
Matthew Kulikowski, 37, was charged with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. On Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, Kulikowski appeared in federal court for a detention hearing before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler, who has taken the matter under advisement. Kulikowski was remanded to custody until further notice.
According to the charging document, law enforcement learned that an internet user at Kulikowski’s Whitman home distributed child pornography using the Kik messenger application. A search of the home resulted in the seizure of a tablet located in Kulikowski’s bedroom that contained approximately 100 images and videos depicting child pornography, including the sexual assault of girls who appeared to be between four-and-eight-years-old. Kulikowski was subsequently arrested and charged in federal court. Forensic analysis of devices seized pursuant to the search warrant is ongoing.
According to court documents, at the time of his arrest, Kulikowski was on pretrial release from Plymouth County Superior Court, where he has a case pending for multiple child exploitation offenses, including possession of child pornography, disseminating obscene material to a minor, indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, and enticement of a child under 16.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in prison. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison. Both charges provide for a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $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 and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Whitman Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns, or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Wheeling man sentenced for drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tysaun A. Pugh, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months incarceration for drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Pugh, also known as “Chubbs,” age 20, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in July 2018. Pugh admitted to selling heroin near Jensen Playground in January 2018 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.U.S. Attorney Announces the Indictment of 11 Former FedEx Express Employees and Two Former Contractors for the U.S. Postal Service on Federal Mail Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – On September 11, 2018, a federal grand jury indicted 11 former FedEx Express employees and two former contractors for the U.S. Postal Service on federal mail theft charges. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the indictments today.
According to the indictments, the defendants targeted mail such as gift and greeting cards since there was a strong likelihood that they contained U.S. currency. The employees would search through the mail, remove some of the contents, and smuggle items off the premises.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This office takes very seriously our duty to protect the sanctity and security of the United States Postal Service and the U.S. Mail. We work very closely with the United States Postal Inspection Service to defend the nation’s mail system from illegal or dangerous use by mail theft, mail fraud and prohibited mailings; and to ensure public trust in the mail. These indictments show our collective commitment to hold accountable any persons who violate that sanctity and victimize innocent citizens for their own selfish gains. The citizens of the Western District of Tennessee are counting on us to maintain law and order, and uphold the rule of law in all cases."
"One of the primary duties of this office is also to protect interstate commerce. FedEx Express is a National and Global leader in logistics and shipping, and supports government, business, and commerce across the United States and all over the world. We thank FedEx Express for their responsible corporate citizenship and for their good working relationship with all federal law enforcement agencies, including the United States Postal Inspection Service."
The following defendants have been indicted on obstruction of correspondence or theft and receipt of stolen mail matter. The defendants face up to 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
- Braylon DeShaun Butler, 25, of Memphis, TN
- Posely Renard Jones, 25, of Memphis, TN
- Florence Lucinda Guy, 23, of Memphis, TN
- Shamika Shunta Coleman, 39, of Memphis, TN
- Jamal LaDarius Johnson, 39, of Memphis, TN
- Ronald Bernard Carter Jr., 32, of Memphis, TN
- Katrina Lasha Dunlap, 27, of Memphis, TN
- Yukelia Denise Brown, 31, of Memphis, TN
- Tekesha Brushay Henderson, 26, of Memphis, TN
- Craig Darnell Johnson, 26, of Memphis, TN
- Yolanda Matrice Barbee, 22, of Memphis, TN
- Jerome Timothy Pope, 26, of Memphis, TN
- Cortez B. Spencer, 28, of Memphis, TN
"Theft of mail by employees or outside contractors strikes at the very heart of the public’s confidence in the sanctity and security of the U.S. Mail. These indictments are the result of collaborative efforts between U.S. Postal Inspectors and FedEx Express Security personnel to investigate and apprehend individuals who violate the public’s trust while handling the mail," said David M. McGinnis, Inspector in Charge, Charlotte Division.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service in conjunction with FedEx Express security.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Washington County Women Charged with Crack DistributionRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Suzette Kenney, 41, of Barre, and Kim Kuncz, 49, of Montpelier, were charged on August 30, 2018 in separate indictments of multiple counts of cocaine base distribution (a.k.a. “crack cocaine”). Both women recently appeared before Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy and pled not guilty to these offenses. Magistrate Judge Conroy remanded both to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, though he ordered that Kuncz could be released to a residential drug treatment facility once a bed became available. Kenney has not submitted a proposal for release at this time.
The Kenney Indictment alleges that she sold cocaine base on three different occasions in June, July, and September of 2017. The Kuncz indictment alleges that she sold cocaine base on three occasions in March and April of 2018. The indictment is an accusation only and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, the actual sentences will be advised by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The maximum sentence for each of these charges is twenty years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release, to begin after any term of imprisonment is served.
This case is being investigated by the Vermont State Police Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Perella. Kenney is represented by Kevin Henry, Esq. of Burlington and Kuncz is represented by Tom Sherrer, Esq., of Burlington.
Two Pocatello Men Sentenced to Prison on Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Jamey Lynn Doshier, 34, of Pocatello, was sentenced last Wednesday to 42 months in prison for the theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. His co-defendant, Anthony Robert Mariani, 42, also of Pocatello, was sentenced to 28 months in prison for possessing a stolen firearm. U.S. District Court Judge David C. Nye ordered that upon completion of each of their sentences, Doshier and Mariani serve an additional three years of supervised release. A federal grand jury indicted Doshier and Mariani on October 24, 2017.
According to court records, on June 16, 2017, Doshier and a juvenile male broke into an auctioneering business located in Pocatello and stole two firearms. The auctioneering business is a federal firearms licensee who is permitted to import, manufacture or deal in firearms. Under cover of darkness, Doshier and the juvenile male stole a hunting rifle and an AK-47 rifle. After stealing the firearms, Doshier transferred them to his co-defendant, Mariani, for further resale. Mariani sold the AK-47, but was found in possession of the hunting rifle. A successful investigation led to the recovery of both firearms and prosecution Doshier and Mariani.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pocatello Police Department.
# # #
Two Defendants Sentenced, Third Awaiting Trial in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE, RI – Two of three Pawtucket residents indicted by a federal grand jury for their participation in a conspiracy to traffic heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine have been sentenced to federal prison.
Appearing today before U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., Brandon Querceto, 31, was sentenced to 72 months in prison to be followed by 4 years supervised release. He pleaded guilty on June 11, 2018, to possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.
On September 11, 2018, Jacqueline Caraballo, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 48 months in prison to be followed by 3 years supervised release. On June 8, 2018, Caraballo pleaded guilty to five counts of distribution of heroin, and one count each of conspiracy to distribute heroin; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; cocaine base and heroin; possession with intent to distribute heroin; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.
In the matter of Jacqueline Caraballo, as stipulated in a plea agreement filed with the Court, both the government and the defense recommended that the Court impose a sentence of 48 months of incarceration. The U.S. Sentencing Guideline imprisonment range in this matter is 57-71 months.
In the matter of Brandon Querceto, as stipulated in a plea agreement filed with the Court, both the government and the defense recommended that the Court impose a sentence of 72 months of incarceration. The U.S. Sentencing Guideline imprisonment range is 188-235 months.
The sentences imposed are announced by United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves and Mickey Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of ATF.
A third defendant, Michael Querceto, 33, is awaiting trial on four counts of distribution of heroin, and one count each of conspiracy to distribute heroin; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin; cocaine and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute heroin; possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base; felon in possession of a firearm; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
According to information presented to the Court, in September 2017, Pawtucket Police received information that an individual in Pawtucket was allegedly dealing heroin, arranging for the drug transactions via his cell telephone. Pawtucket Police linked the phone to Michael Querceto. The investigation also determined that Michael Querceto, his brother Brandon Querceto, and Jacqueline Caraballo shared the same residence.
According to information presented to the Court, a Pawtucket Police Department undercover officer allegedly called Michael Querceto several times to arrange for a series of purchases of heroin. Several purchases were made over a span of several weeks. On four occasions, Caraballo delivered the heroin, and on one occasion both Caraballo and Michael Querceto together delivered the heroin. On all but one occasion, the undercover officer contacted Michael Querceto to arrange the deliveries.
On October 11, 2017, a court-authorized search warrant was executed at the Pawtucket residence the three defendants shared. During the search, law enforcement seized from Brandon Querceto’s bedroom more than 5 grams of heroin and nearly 60 grams of crack cocaine packaged for distribution. Additionally, from other locations within the residence, law enforcement seized various amounts of heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, steroids and fentanyl, $6,796 in cash, and a handgun.
The indictment against Michael Querceto is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gendron.
The matter was investigated by the Pawtucket Police Department, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
###
Two Afghan Heroin Traffickers Sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court to 15 Years and 10 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Import Heroin into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that LAJBAR LAJAWARD KHAN, a/k/a “Haji Lajaward,” and AMAL SAID SAID ALAM SHAH, a/k/a “Haji Zar Mohammad,” were sentenced to 15 years and 131 months in prison, respectively, for conspiring to import large quantities of heroin into the United States, and for distributing heroin intending that the heroin would be imported into the United States. On September 12, 2018, LAJAWARD was sentenced to 15 years in prison, and on September 17, 2018, SAID was sentenced to 131 months in prison. LAJAWARD and SAID pled guilty to a Superseding Indictment on June 26, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood, who also imposed these sentences.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “The defendants conspired and attempted to import heroin into the United States from Afghanistan. Their ‘sample’ shipment alone was three kilograms of heroin, and they spoke of the ability to import a thousand kilos. We will continue to work with the DEA and international law enforcement partners to curb the importation of potentially lethal heroin.”
According to the Superseding Indictment, other documents filed in this case, and statements made during court proceedings:
LAJAWARD and SAID, two Afghan nationals, were part of a drug trafficking organization (the “DTO”) based in Afghanistan that produced and distributed large quantities of heroin. Between approximately May 2014 and June 2015, LAJAWARD and SAID worked together in an effort to import large quantities of heroin – in the range of 1,000 kilograms – from Afghanistan into the United States.
In August 2014, LAJAWARD began communicating by telephone with an individual he understood to be a New York-based narcotics trafficker, who was in fact an undercover agent of the DEA (the “UC”). LAJAWARD, in sum and substance, told the UC that he was interested in supplying large quantities of high-quality heroin for importation into the United States, where it would be sold for millions of dollars. In the course of the calls between LAJAWARD and the UC, LAJAWARD introduced the UC to one of LAJAWARD’s heroin-trafficking associates, SAID.
On October 30, 2014, LAJAWARD and the UC met in person in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In the course of that recorded meeting, in sum and substance, LAJAWARD continued to express his interest in supplying large quantities of heroin to the UC for importation into the United States, and LAJAWARD offered to supply a sample of heroin to the UC, as a test shipment to be sold in the United States. In the months following that meeting in Dubai, in the course of recorded telephone calls with the UC, LAJAWARD and SAID arranged to supply a three-kilogram sample of heroin in Kabul, Afghanistan (the “Heroin Sample”).
During those recorded calls, LAJAWARD, SAID, and the UC agreed that the delivery of the three-kilogram Heroin Sample would occur in Kabul on or about January 15, 2015. On that day, an undercover Afghan law enforcement officer, acting at the direction of the DEA and posing as an associate of the UC, met with LAJAWARD and one of LAJAWARD’s associates in Kabul and received delivery of the three-kilogram Heroin Sample. In parallel, over 1,000 miles away in Dubai, the UC met with another associate of LAJAWARD to pay for the Heroin Sample, as had been arranged during recorded calls between the UC and LAJAWARD. At that meeting, which was recorded, the UC paid $10,500 to the associate, at the direction of LAJAWARD, for the Heroin Sample.
About two weeks later, on January 28, 2015, SAID met with the UC in Dubai. During that recorded meeting, in sum and substance, SAID discussed the Heroin Sample that the DTO had recently supplied for importation into the United States, stated that the DTO was prepared to supply 1,000 kilograms of heroin to the UC, and indicated that it would take the DTO only about 15 days to produce 100 kilograms of heroin for shipment to the United States.
On April 2, 2015, SAID met again with the UC in Dubai. During that recorded meeting, SAID and the UC negotiated additional details of the agreement for the DTO to supply massive quantities of heroin for importation into the United States, including that LAJAWARD and SAID would share in the profits generated from the sale of the heroin in the United States. SAID also agreed, in sum and substance, that he and LAJAWARD would meet the UC in Thailand, for purposes of finalizing the heroin deal, and for LAJAWARD and SAID to receive their share of the profits generated from the purported sale in the United States of the three-kilogram Heroin Sample previously supplied by the DTO.
In June 2015, LAJAWARD and SAID traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, to meet with the UC. On June 13, 2015, LAJAWARD and SAID were arrested in Bangkok by Thai authorities based on the charges in this case, at the request of U.S. authorities. LAJAWARD and SAID were later brought to the United States to face the charges against them.
* * *
In addition to the prison terms, LAJAWARD, 53, and SAID, 47, both of Afghanistan, were each sentenced to five years of supervised release.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Special Operations Division; the DEA’s Kabul, Dubai, Tokyo, and Bangkok Country Offices; the DEA’s New York Field Division; the CNP-A Sensitive Investigative Unit of the Afghan Ministry of the Interior; the Dubai Police Department and the Anti-Narcotics Unit of the Emirati Ministry of Interior; Japan’s National Police Agency and the Saitama Prefectural Police; Thailand’s Sensitive Investigative Unit of the Royal Thai Police Narcotics Suppression Bureau; Thailand’s Attorney General’s Office; Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; INTERPOL; the U.S. Department of State; and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebekah Donaleski and George D. Turner are in charge of the prosecution.
Three Area Postal Service Employees Indicted Separately for Violations Including Misappropriation of Postal Funds, Theft of Mail, and/or Delay or Destruction of MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced Friday, September 14, 2018 three indictments of United States Postal Service employees. JACQUELINE M. BATISTE, a/k/a/ JACQUELINE BATISTE FRANCOIS (“BATISTE”), age 47, of Harvey, Louisiana, was indicted for Misappropriation of Postal Funds. BRIA DAVIS (“DAVIS”), age 25, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted for Theft of Mail and Delay or Destruction of Mail. COURTNEY C. DUPLESSIS (“DUPLESSIS”), age 30, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted for Theft of Mail and Delay or Destruction of Mail.
According to the first indictment, BATISTE was employed by the United States Postal Service as a City Letter Carrier/Supervisor at the New Orleans Bywater Station Post Office. One of BATISTE’s responsibilities was to prepare and dispatch the Bywater Station Post Office’s daily remittances for deposit with the New Orleans Process and Delivery Center Registry Section. After an investigation by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Postal Service (“Postal agents”), it was determined that BATISTE stole approximately $1,214.00 from the Bywater Station Post Office.
According to the second indictment, DAVIS was a U.S. Postal Service Postal Support Employee/Sales Distribution Clerk at the Slidell Post Office, and worked at the retail window counter and performed a variety of tasks including Postal sales, delivering mail to customer P.O. Boxes, and assisting customers with P.O. Box related business. After an investigation by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Postal Service, it was determined that on various dates from September 2016 to January 2017, DAVIS stole several pieces of mail containing checkbooks, gift cards, cash, and checks. Postal agents also discovered approximately ten additional articles of stolen mail in DAVIS’s personal vehicle.
According to the third indictment, DUPLESSIS was employed by the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier originally assigned to the Carrolton Station Post Office and then to the Elmwood Station Post Office. After an investigation by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Postal Service, it was determined that on various dates from October 2017 to June 2018, DUPLESSIS stole several pieces of mail containing gift cards and cash. Postal agents also discovered approximately 54 articles of stolen mail in DUPLESSIS's personal vehicle.
“The indictments obtained are a reflection of the hard work of our special agents who vigorously investigated these theft schemes and should serve as a deterrent for those that abuse the position entrusted in them,” said U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Christopher Cave, Southern Area Field Office. “The USPS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue these investigations. Our agency will remain vigilant in enforcing these types of crimes.”
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of each defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, BATISTE faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine. DAVIS and DUPLESSIS face a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment as to each count, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine.
These cases were all investigated by special agents from the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”). Additionally, the Slidell Police Department assisted the USPS-OIG in the DAVIS matter. The prosecution of all three of these cases is being handled by Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
***
Terminix Virgin Islands Branch Manager Pleads Guilty to Four Counts of Illegally Applying Restricted-Use Pesticide to Multiple Residences in the U.S. Virgin IslandsRead the Press Release
Jose Rivera, 58, former Branch Manager of TERMINIX INTERNATIONAL USVI, LLC (TERMINIX USVI), pleaded guilty today to four counts of an indictment charging violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for illegally applying fumigants containing methyl bromide in multiple residential locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including the condominium resort complex in St. John where a family of four fell seriously ill in 2015, after the unit below them was fumigated, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced today.
According to the plea agreement, defendant Rivera was certified as a pesticide applicator by the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources and received pesticide applicator training from the University of the Virgin Islands. Based on his training, the defendant knew that he was required to read the pesticide label and follow all instructions when using any pesticide. In short, the defendant was instructed that federal law requires applicators to follow the pesticide use instructions on the label. The label on methyl bromide states that its use is restricted to the location and manner on the label, and the label does not authorize application of methyl bromide in a residential unit. Rivera applied methyl bromide, a registered restricted-use pesticide, in a manner inconsistent with the use instructions on the label at the residences named in the counts of conviction.
"This prosecution demonstrates the importance of complying with environmental laws and regulations," said United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands. "Tragically, the defendant’s failure to do what was required of him resulted in catastrophic injuries to the victims and exposed many others to similar harm. Here in the Virgin Islands, the United States Attorney’s Office is committed to the enforcement of environmental laws. We will take all necessary steps to hold those who violate these laws criminally accountable and to protect residents and visitors of the Virgin Islands."
In 1984, EPA banned the indoor use of methyl bromide products. The few remaining uses are severely restricted. Pesticides containing methyl bromide in the U.S. are restricted-use due to their acute toxicity, meaning that they must only be applied by a certified applicator. Health effects of acute exposure to methyl bromide are serious and include central nervous system and respiratory system damage. These pesticides can be very toxic, and it is critically important that they be used only as approved by EPA.
After the government began its investigation, TERMINIX LP voluntarily ceased its use of methyl bromide in the U.S. and in U.S. territories, except for one remaining supervised government contract.
On March 23, 2017, the companies TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX, USVI, Rivera’s employer, pleaded guilty and were sentenced on four counts charging violations of FIFRA. The companies paid a total of approximately $10 million in criminal fines, community service, and restitution payments. In addition, TERMINIX LP has discontinued using pesticides containing methyl bromide in the United States and U.S. Territories.
EPA worked cooperatively with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the Department of Justice in its investigation. U.S. Attorney Shappert expressed appreciation to Assistant United States Attorney Kim Chisholm and Senior Litigation Counsel Howard P. Stewart of the Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section who prosecuted the case with the assistance of Patricia Hick, EPA Region II Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel.
Terminix Virgin Islands Branch Manager Pleads Guilty to Four Counts of Illegally Applying Restricted-Use Pesticide to Multiple Residences in the U.S. Virgin IslandsRead the Press Release
Jose Rivera, 58, former Branch Manager of TERMINIX INTERNATIONAL USVI LLC (TERMINIX USVI), pleaded guilty today to four counts of an indictment charging violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) for illegally applying fumigants containing methyl bromide in multiple residential locations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including the condominium resort complex in St. John where a family of four fell seriously ill in 2015, after the unit below them was fumigated, the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today.
According to the plea agreement, defendant Rivera was certified as a pesticide applicator by the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources and received pesticide applicator training from the University of the Virgin Islands. Based on his training, the defendant knew that he was required to read the pesticide label and follow all instructions when using any pesticide. In short, the defendant was instructed that federal law requires applicators to follow the pesticide use instructions on the label. The label on methyl bromide states that its use is restricted to the location and manner on the label, and the label does not authorize application of methyl bromide in a residential unit. Rivera applied methyl bromide, a registered restricted-use pesticide, in a manner inconsistent with the use instructions on the label at the residences named in the counts of conviction.
“Toxic pesticides can have devastating human health consequences, and that’s why those who are certified to apply them must do so responsibly and lawfully,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The facts in this case show that the defendant, despite his training and experience, knowingly applied the pesticide methyl bromide in an illegal and unsafe manner, which tragically exposed a family of four to profoundly debilitating injuries.”
“This prosecution demonstrates the importance of complying with environmental laws and regulations,” said United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands. “Tragically, the defendant’s failure to do what was required of him resulted in catastrophic injuries to the victims and exposed many others to similar harm. Here in the Virgin Islands, the United States Attorney’s Office is committed to the enforcement of environmental laws. We will take all necessary steps to hold those who violate these laws criminally accountable and to protect residents and visitors of the Virgin Islands.”
“When you break a law that protects public health, there are real victims and real consequences, as this case tragically shows,” said Assistant Administrator Susan Bodine for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance at EPA. “This incident illustrates how important it is for EPA to enforce environmental laws and hold violators accountable for endangering human health and the environment. Today’s guilty plea should send a clear message to those entrusted with handling dangerous chemicals to take necessary steps to ensure this can’t happen again.”
In 1984, EPA banned the indoor use of methyl bromide products. The few remaining uses are severely restricted. Pesticides containing methyl bromide in the U.S. are restricted-use due to their acute toxicity, meaning that they must only be applied by a certified applicator. Health effects of acute exposure to methyl bromide are serious and include central nervous system and respiratory system damage. These pesticides can be very toxic, and it is critically important that they be used only as approved by EPA.
After the government began its investigation, TERMINIX LP voluntarily ceased its use of methyl bromide in the U.S. and in U.S. territories, except for one remaining supervised government contract.
On March 23, 2017, the companies TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX, USVI, Rivera’s employer, pleaded guilty and were sentenced on four counts charging violations of FIFRA. The companies paid a total of approximately $10 million in criminal fines, community service, and restitution payments. In addition, TERMINIX LP has discontinued using pesticides containing methyl bromide in the United States and U.S. Territories.
EPA worked cooperatively with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the Department of Justice in its investigation. Senior Litigation Counsel Howard P. Stewart of the Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim L. Chisholm of the District of the Virgin Islands prosecuted the case with the assistance of Patricia Hick, EPA Region II Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel.
For more information about EPA’s pesticide program and its requirements, visit www.epa.gov/pesticides/.
Stamford Man Guilty of Federal Offenses in Connection with Surgical Glove Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal jury in Bridgeport today found THOMAS J. CONNERTON, 66, of Stamford, guilty of numerous offenses stemming from an investment scheme that defrauded individuals, including several women he met on a dating website, of more than $2 million.
The trial before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill began on August 28.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, CONNERTON was the founder, president, and CEO of Safety Technologies, LLC (“Safety Tech”), a Connecticut company that had its principal place of business at various times in Simsbury, Madison, Westport and Stamford. Safety Tech was founded in 2006, purportedly for the purpose of developing and commercializing what was represented to be a highly durable puncture and cut resistant material that was to be used in the surgical glove market and other related markets. Safety Tech has not yet obtained any patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and CONNERTON did not register Safety Tech’s securities with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Beginning in approximately June 2009, CONNERTON induced victim-investors to provide him funds and to purchase Safety Tech securities by falsely representing that the valuation of Safety Tech was realistically in the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, that a lucrative deal to sell or license his glove technology was imminent, and that he would use their funds for research and development, product testing, and to bring the product to market. CONNERTON offered his investors small amounts of equity in Safety Tech through “Subscription Agreements” or investments contracts through which he sold what he described as “Units.”
Several of the victim-investors were women who were drawn into the scheme after CONNERTON met them on a popular dating website.
CONNERTON made numerous other false representations to victim-investors, including stating in September 2015, “I will go on the record to state that there is not a single investor that will lose one dollar invested in Safety Technologies.”
Even though CONNERTON represented to victim-investors and potential victim-investors that the funds they invested would be used to fund research and development, for product testing, for business expenses and for legal fees, he used invested funds to pay personal expenses including, on two separate occasions, to purchase two diamond engagement rings from Tiffany & Co. CONNERTON also used funds to repay loans to an earlier investor.
Through this scheme, CONNERTON defrauded more than 50 victim-investors of more than $2.2 million.
The investigation also revealed that CONNERTON engaged in monetary transactions in an attempt to conceal from the FBI and the SEC the nature and source of funds received by Safety Tech from the sale of Safety Tech securities. CONNERTON negotiated checks and purchased bank checks in order to move the fraudulent proceeds from one account to another.
The investigation further revealed that CONNERTON willfully failed to pay $293,033 in federal income taxes between 2003 and 2015.
The jury found CONNERTON guilty of 12 counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud and 16 counts of securities fraud, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count. CONNERTON also was found guilty of four counts of money laundering, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count, and one count of tax evasion, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years.
The government is seeking full restitution for the victim-investors and forfeiture of the two engagement rings that CONNERTON purchased with proceeds of the fraud scheme. CONNERTON also owes more than $490,000 in back taxes, interest and penalties.
A sentencing date is not scheduled.
CONNERTON has been detained since his arrest on March 9, 2017.
This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.
U.S. Attorney Durham also acknowledged the important assistance of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael S. McGarry and Lauren C. Clark.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Distributing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for distributing crack cocaine.
Kayvon Lovejoy, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 17 months in prison and six years of supervised release. In May 2018, Lovejoy pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of crack cocaine. Lovejoy was arrested in February 2018 and has been in custody since.
Lovejoy distributed crack cocaine on Aug. 9, 2017, and Aug. 15, 2017. On each occasion, Lovejoy sold approximately two grams of crack cocaine for $160 to a government witness.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Office; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri; and Holyoke Police Chief Manny Febo made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN 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.
Shrewsbury Man Arraigned on Federal Gun Charges Involving Unlawful Possession of Machine GunRead the Press Release
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that Frank Weir, 56, of Shrewsbury, appeared in federal court today for an arraignment on a two-count indictment charging him with possessing a machine gun without a permit in February 2016. According to the government’s allegation, the firearm in question was a Thompson U.S. Navy 1928 submachine gun, .45 caliber (manufactured by Colt). The second charge alleges that this same firearm had an obliterated serial number.
Weir pleaded not guilty in federal court today before Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy, who ordered that Weir be held in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service until trial. Until recently, Weir was in the custody of the State of Vermont pursuant to the State’s second-degree murder charge against Weir for the shooting death of Donna Marzilli on February 15, 2016. The machine gun at issue in this federal case is not alleged to be related to the State’s murder charge.
Pursuant to a plea agreement between Weir and the State of Vermont filed today, the State of Vermont dismissed, without prejudice, its charge against Weir to permit the federal charges to proceed first. Under the State plea agreement, it is contemplated that Weir will first resolve the federal case and the State will then refile its Second Degree Murder charge.
The United States Attorney emphasizes that the charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. Under the National Firearms Act, a person may not possess a machine gun unless it is registered to that person in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. A violation carries a maximum penalty of ten years. Under the Gun Control Act, it is unlawful to possess a firearm with an obliterated serial number. This offense carries a maximum sentence of five years. If Weir is convicted, the Court would determine the actual sentence after consideration of the advisory sentencing guidelines.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Vermont State Police. The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Perella and Frank Weir is represented by Peter Langrock, Esq. of Middlebury.
Sarasota Felon Pleads Guilty to Largest Explosives Seizure in FloridaRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Marc Jason Levene (57, Sarasota) has pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of explosives by a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has been set for December 12, 2018.
According to the plea agreement, in 2016, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating Levene for selling explosives without a federal license or permit. Based on Levene’s multiple prior felony drug convictions, he was prohibited from possessing or selling any explosive materials. In January 2016, the ATF and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office seized various explosive fuses from a shed behind Levene’s home in Sarasota.
In late 2017, ATF learned that Levene was selling explosive fuses online, notwithstanding the prior seizure and prohibition. The ATF initiated an undercover investigation that confirmed Levene was selling the fuses online through a website called ThePyroPro.com. Agents also learned that Levene was maintaining a storage unit at a self-storage facility in Sarasota. An explosives detection K-9 alerted to the presence of explosives in the storage unit.
In February 2018, special agents and explosives specialists with ATF, bomb technicians and detectives with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and hazardous devices technicians with the Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives Investigations executed multiple search warrants at Levene’s residence and his storage unit. During the searches, law enforcement personnel seized thousands of pounds of explosive fuses and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. In total, during this investigation, the ATF, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives Investigations seized approximately 7,733 pounds of explosive fuses from Levene.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Gaugush.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Salem County, New Jersey, Man Admits Dealing Guns Without A LicenseRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A Salem County, New Jersey, man with a previous felony record today admitted illegally possessing guns and selling guns without a license, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Corey Moore, 32, of Salem, pleaded guilty before U.S. district Judge Noel L. Hillman in Camden federal court to two counts of an indictment charging him with dealing in firearms without a license and unlawfully possessing firearms after having been convicted of a felony offense.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From July 20, 2016, through Dec. 20, 2016, Moore sold firearms. On Oct. 24, 2016, Moore sold two loaded firearms – an Intratec, Model AB10, 9 millimeter Luger pistol, and a Smith & Wesson, Model 642 (marked LadySmith), .38 caliber revolver – to a man who was a confidential informant working with federal law enforcement officers. Moore, who did not have a license, sold the firearms to the informant at a convenience store in Logan Township, New Jersey. He also unlawfully possessed two additional loaded firearms: an Iberia Firearms Inc. (Hi-Point), Model JCP, .40 caliber pistol, and a Ruger, Model Security-Six, .357 magnum caliber revolver. Both of those firearms were fully operable and had been transported in interstate commerce prior to Moore’s possession of them.
Moore faces a maximum potential term of imprisonment of up to five years in prison for on the count of dealing in firearms without a license, and up to 10 years in prison on the count of being a felon in possession of a weapon. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 4, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of John B. Devito, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana Vondra Carrig of the Criminal Division in Camden.
Defense counsel: Anne C. Singer Esq., Haddonfield, New Jersey
Rhode Island Woman Convicted at Trial Following Her Involvement in International Lottery Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
On Sept. 14, a federal jury in North Dakota convicted a Providence, Rhode Island woman after a week-long trial, on all 15 counts for her participation in a Jamaican lottery fraud scheme, which has affected about 100 identified victims with reported losses totaling more than $6.7 million.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Christopher Myers of the District of North Dakota, and Special Agent in Charge Jill Sanborn of FBI Minneapolis Division, made the announcement.
Melinda Bulgin, 28, was convicted on conspiracy and substantive mail fraud and wire fraud charges, as well as one count of money laundering conspiracy. According to the evidence presented at trial, Bulgin worked with members of a Jamaican lottery fraud conspiracy in the United States and Jamaica, and had multiple roles in the scheme. The scheme’s conspirators located in Jamaica purchased lists containing information about U.S. citizens, and contacted them over the phone. They told victims they had won large cash prizes and cars, but would need to pay taxes and fees in order to receive the prize. The scammers deliberately targeted victims over the age of 55. Victims were first courted with the lure of prizes, and additional scam callers would then also identify themselves as FBI, IRS or other trusted authorities that falsely confirmed that the prize winnings were real. Some victims lost their savings, their life insurance and their homes before running out of money and turning to public or family assistance. Victims lost anywhere from $200 to more than $100,000.
Evidence presented at trial further showed that Bulgin participated in the scheme via several roles - by buying the names of future victims to call, by collecting checks and cash from victims at her home address, and via wire transfers victims sent to her bank accounts. She also sent fraudulent mailings, such as letters and photos of the fake checks, to victims to convince them of their prize. She was caught while carrying $14,800 to Jamaica to share with her conspirators, money from an elderly woman in Arizona, who testified that she wired the money to Bulgin as advance fees for a large prize she had been told she won.
“Melinda Bulgin and her coconspirators deliberately targeted senior citizens as part of a lottery fraud scheme that affected dozens of victims, some of whom lost their life savings, life insurance, and even their homes,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “The conviction in this case is the result of the hard work and determination of our domestic and foreign law enforcement partners, along with the prosecutors in the District of North Dakota and Criminal Division—and it demonstrates our firm commitment to stopping those who exploit senior citizens and other vulnerable populations.”
“This case involves a unique kind of victimization,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “It is an assault of victims’ trust and dreams, in addition to their pocket books. Victims are targeted because their age or personal circumstances make them particularly vulnerable; the resulting harm is financial, psychological, and physical. Until recently, these scammers operated with impunity. We are helping to find them and hold them accountable for their crimes.”
“The bedrock of the FBI lies in protecting our most vulnerable, including older Americans who often find themselves on fixed incomes and tight budgets,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanborn. “While nothing can fully replace the victimization felt by those who fell prey to this scheme, we hope that this conviction ensures the defendants will never be able to harm anyone again. I’m grateful to all of our law enforcement partners who worked beyond borders to ensure the defendants could not hide and that justice was done.”
The government’s case included testimony by an FBI case agent who traced victim money from around the country to Bulgin, several American and Jamaican cooperators, one of whom was extradited from Jamaica, multiple banks, Fedex, and remitters such as Western Union. A Jamaican law officer who questioned Bulgin when she landed in Jamaica from the United States with $14,800 in cash also testified at trial. In addition, multiple victims testified to the financial devastation, fear and emotional toll caused by the scammers; several victims who testified had sent money directly to Bulgin, via cash, check or wire, totaling over $100,000.
In addition to Bulgin, 14 other defendants from Jamaica and the United States were charged in the same indictment, many of whom have pleaded guilty. The FBI led investigation of Bulgin and others has led to the successful prosecution of more than 30 defendants in related cases and the extradition of 14 Jamaican nationals.
U.S. v. Melinda Bulgin, et al. arises from the investigation of Sanjay Williams, Lavrick Willocks and others who led and operated criminal advance fee lottery telemarketing fraud organizations, with operations in the United States, Jamaica, Canada, United Kingdom, Israel, Costa Rica and elsewhere. The Jamaican lottery fraud scheme is listed in the United States as a Top International Criminal Organization Target (TICOT). Nationwide, the number of Jamaican Lottery Fraud victims is in the millions, with some estimates of annual losses in excess of $1 billion. The lottery scam victims in the United States are not the only victims of Melinda Bulgin’s crimes. Top Jamaican law enforcement officials emphasize that lottery scamming has directly led to a dramatic increase in violent crime – including murder, shootings, and extortion - in Jamaica, as rival scammers battle one another over the names of potential victims and profits.
The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and a host of state and local authorities throughout the United States, along with foreign enforcement authorities, including Jamaican Constabulary Force (JCF) Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and Jamaican Operations Linked to Telemarketing (JOLT) task force, have assisted in the investigation and the extradition of the defendants in the indictment. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in the extraditions. Trial Attorney Leila E. Babaeva of the Criminal Division Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clare Hochhalter, James Patrick Thomas, Nick Chase and Jonathan O’Konek of the District of North Dakota are prosecuting the case.
Portland Marijuana Business Owner Receives Federal Prison Sentence for Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – Matthew Price, 32, of Portland, was sentenced today to seven months in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $262,000 for willfully failing to file federal income tax returns in four consecutive years.
“Matthew Price attempted to live a double life—advising OLCC officials on how to regulate state-legal marijuana sales, while privately evading his personal and business tax obligations,” said Billy J. Williams, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Marijuana businesses and business owners are subject to the same federal tax laws as every other business and will be scrutinized for criminal wrongdoing. Tax cheaters will not be tolerated in any industry.”
According to court documents, in 2010, Price, then 25 years old, came to Portland with the financial backing of a business partner in Colorado to start a state-legal marijuana business in anticipation of Oregon’s full retail legalization. Price had previously been working in a marijuana store in Colorado owned by his business partner. In December 2010, Price began operating a marijuana farmers market in Portland called Cannabliss. In mid-2013, Price and his business partner converted the business to a medical marijuana dispensary. In 2014, the pair opened two additional Cannabliss dispensaries, a second in Portland and one in Eugene, Oregon.
Price failed to file personal income tax returns in four consecutive years between 2011 and 2014, despite retaining the services of three different certified public accountants. Price’s taxable income steadily grew from $42,000 in 2011 to $590,000 in 2014. In 2015, Price was a member of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission’s (OLCC) Recreational Marijuana Technical Advisory Retail Subcommittee. In this capacity, Price, with other retailers, advised the OLCC in its rulemaking process for Oregon Measure 91, the Control, Regulation, and Taxation of Marijuana and Industrial Hemp Act.
Price previously pleaded guilty to four counts of willfully failing to file personal income tax returns in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7203 on May 31, 2018. Upon completion of his prison sentence, Price will be on supervised release for three years with six months of home detention.
The IRS Criminal Investigations investigated this case. It was prosecuted by Seth D. Uram, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthetist Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A Penn Hills, Pennsylvania resident pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of income tax evasion, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
According to documents and information provided to the court, Loren Pulliam, 53, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, pleaded guilty to one count of evasion of payment and one count of evasion of assessment. Between 2002 and 2005, Pulliam earned over $500,000 in income, and over $1.2 million in additional income between 2008 and 2016, working as a nurse anesthetist at medical facilities in the Pittsburgh area. In 2008, the U.S. Tax Court entered an order against Pulliam finding over $280,000 in tax and penalties due and owing for tax years 2002 through 2005. Pulliam evaded these tax liabilities by establishing a nominee entity called LJP Enterprises in 2006, directing her employers to pay compensation to a bank account for that entity, and then using the LJP Enterprises bank account to pay personal expenses. These actions also prevented the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from assessing the amount of Pulliam’s tax liability for tax years 2011 through 2014. The total tax loss resulting from Pulliam’s conduct for tax years 2002 through 2006 and 2008 through 2014 is approximately $766,624.67.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose scheduled sentencing for January 8, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. Pulliam faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count of tax evasion, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Brady thanked agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorney Brittney N. Campbell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam N. Hallowell, who are prosecuting the case.
Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthetist Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A Penn Hills, Pennsylvania resident pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of income tax evasion, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
According to documents and information provided to the court, Loren Pulliam, 53, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, pleaded guilty to one count of evasion of payment and one count of evasion of assessment. Between 2002 and 2005, Pulliam earned over $500,000 in income, and over $1.2 million in additional income between 2008 and 2016, working as a nurse anesthetist at medical facilities in the Pittsburgh area. In 2008, the U.S. Tax Court entered an order against Pulliam finding over $280,000 in tax and penalties due and owing for tax years 2002 through 2005. Pulliam evaded these tax liabilities by establishing a nominee entity called LJP Enterprises in 2006, directing her employers to pay compensation to a bank account for that entity, and then using the LJP Enterprises bank account to pay personal expenses. These actions also prevented the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from assessing the amount of Pulliam’s tax liability for tax years 2011 through 2014. The total tax loss resulting from Pulliam’s conduct for tax years 2002 through 2006 and 2008 through 2014 is approximately $766,624.67.
Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose scheduled sentencing for January 8, 2019. Pulliam faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count of tax evasion, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Brady thanked agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Tax Division Trial Attorney Brittney N. Campbell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam N. Hallowell, who are prosecuting the case.
Peekskill Narcotics Trafficker Sentenced in White Plains Federal Court to 135 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Donald Halmy, the Chief of the Peekskill Police Department, announced that EDWARD HOLLIMAN was sentenced to 135 months in prison for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine in Peekskill, New York, between 2013 and 2017. Holliman pled guilty on April 24, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge Cathy Seibel, who imposed today’s sentence.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Edward Holliman used a housing project in Peekskill as his personal market, peddling his drugs with no regard to their addictive destruction. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the FBI and the Peekskill Police Department, Holliman’s marketplace is closed for good.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “The malignant creep of illegal drugs and violence into the once peaceful suburbs is a major focus of our FBI Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force. Our goal is to build strong and lasting partnerships with local law enforcement agencies like Peekskill Police to be a force multiplier, stopping the dealers and pushers from further infecting the community.”
Peekskill Police Chief Donald Halmy said: “Edward Holliman has been a persistent threat to the public safety of Peekskill residents and a major distributor of crack cocaine in Bohlmann Towers for the past 15 years. His arrest and successful prosecution will surely serve to improve the quality of life of residents of the building. I’d like to praise the City of Peekskill detective division, FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Office of the United States Attorney for their tireless efforts in this investigation.”
According court filings and statements made at public court proceedings:
Over the course of many years, HOLLIMAN supplied and distributed crack cocaine in and around Bohlmann Towers, a large housing project in Peekskill, New York. To facilitate his narcotics distribution business, HOLLIMAN had several “workers,” co-conspirators whom Holliman managed and supervised, and who distributed crack cocaine that HOLLIMAN supplied to them to users. HOLLIMAN used his mother’s apartment in Bohlmann Towers to store crack cocaine. During the execution of a search warrant at that apartment on the day of HOLLIMAN’s arrest in October 2017, law enforcement recovered more than 50 grams of cocaine belonging to HOLLIMAN. Between 2013 and 2017, HOLLIMAN sold and distributed between 2.8 and 8.4 kilograms of crack cocaine as part of the charged conspiracy.
* * *
In addition to the prison term, HOLLIMAN, 63, of Peekskill, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $30,000.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Peekskill Police Department.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorney Olga I. Zverovich is in charge of the prosecution.
Oregon Military Department Employee Charged with Wire Fraud and Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – Dominic Caputo, 46, of Clackamas County, Oregon, was indicted today on allegations that, as a civilian program manager for the Oregon National Guard Oregon Sustainment Maintenance Site (OSMS), he submitted false reimbursement requests to the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) and misrepresented the operational status of equipment used to maintain a war-ready posture.
The court unsealed a five-count indictment alleging Caputo falsely certified that the refurbishment of equipment was complete or in-process. Caputo’s certifications prompted CECOM to remit payment for more than 1,300 pieces of equipment at a cost of more than $6 million to OSMS with the expectation the equipment was ready to be shipped to other military installations and put back into service, when it was not.
Caputo faces four counts of wire fraud, and one count of false statements in a document.
Caputo made his initial appearance in federal court today before U.S Magistrate Judge Beckerman and was released pending trial. A 7-day jury trial is scheduled for November 20, 2018 before U.S. District Court Judge Anna J. Brown.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Okemah Man Pleads Guilty to False StatementRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Steven Paul Buie, age 57, of Okemah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to False Statement Or Fraud To Obtain Federal Employees’ Compensation, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1920, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine or both.
The Information alleged that beginning in or about September 2015 and continuing through May 2017, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the defendant, knowingly and with intent to defraud, did willfully falsify, conceal and cover up a material fact, to-wit: his true medical condition and that he was physically capable to perform work, such concealed fact caused the payment of federal employees compensation in excess of $1,000.00.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Department of the Army U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Wilson represented the United States.
Okemah Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Sexual Abuse of A MinorRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Johnny Wayne Harjo Jr., age 41, of Okemah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to Aggravated Sexual Abuse, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1153, 2241(a) and 2246, punishable by a term of imprisonment of any number of years up to life, a fine of up to $250,000.00, or both; and to Sexual Abuse Of A Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1153, 2243(a) and 2246, punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about January 25, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did knowingly cause and attempt to cause the victim to engage in and attempt to engage in a sexual act as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2246, to wit, the penetration, however slight, of the genital opening of the victim by a hand or finger and the intentional touching, not through the clothing, of the genitalia of the victim, a person who has not attained the age of 16 years, with an intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person, accomplished by the use of force against the victim.
The Indictment further alleged that on or about January 25, 2018, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Indian Country, the defendant, an Indian, did knowingly engage and attempt to engage in a sexual act as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2246 with the victim, a person who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years and was at least four years younger than the defendant, to-wit, the penetration, however slight, of the genital opening of the victim by a hand or finger and the intentional touching, not through the clothing, of the genitalia of the victim, a person who has not attained the age of 16 years, with an intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.The charges arose from an investigation by the Creek Nation Lighthorse Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Kimberly E. West, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Sarah McAmis represented the United States.
Ohio physician sentenced to nearly five years for fraudulently distributing controlled substancesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dr. Tod Hagins, of Wintersville, Ohio, was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration for writing fraudulent prescriptions to be sold on the streets from his Weirton, West Virginia practice, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
“This case should send a clear message to all those who practice medicine that neither their medical license nor their white lab coat will protect them from enormous consequences of illegal drug distribution and medical fraud. This doctor violated both our laws and his solemn oath as a physician. He will now pay for those violations.” said Powell.
Hagins, age 52, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice,” one count of “Healthcare Fraud,” and one count of “Money Laundering” in April 2018.
Hagins operated a general medical practice, as well as the Weirton Suboxone Clinic, on Washington Street in Weirton, West Virginia. Hagins admitted to prescribing oxycodone to several individuals without a legitimate medical purpose to be sold on the streets for a share in the profits. Hagins also admitted to writing the prescriptions for oxycodone in a manner that would allow the individual filling said prescriptions to be paid for by West Virginia Medicaid. As a part of the conspiracy, Hagins deposited $4,000 into a business equity line of credit to be used in the scheme, with the intention of concealing the criminal activity.
Hagans was also ordered to pay $130,160 in a money judgement, and pay $809.62 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Office of the Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner Fraud Division; the West Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; the Office of Ohio Attorney General Health Care Fraud Unit; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Jefferson County, Ohio Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.
Oakland, California Man Sentenced for Credit Union FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced today that on September 14, 2018, United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Sherman Clemons, age 36, of Oakland, California, for his conviction for Credit Union Fraud. Clemons was sentenced to twenty-four months’ imprisonment, a five-year term of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $33,000.
Clemons and others unjustly enriched themselves by obtaining cash advances from various financial institutions in Nebraska and Kansas through the use of insufficiently funded Visa prepaid debit cards and counterfeit identification documents. As a result of the defendant’s fraudulent scheme, various financial institutions, including Centris Credit Union in Bellevue, Nebraska, suffered losses of approximately $33,000.
This case was investigated by Bellevue Police Department.