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Friday 7 September 2018
Department of State Contractor Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Charleston, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon announced today that Mauricio Andulo Hidalgo, age 43, of Costa Rica, was sentenced to a term of 30 months in prison by the United States District Court in Charleston for stealing from the United States Government.
Hidalgo previously pled guilty to Theft of Government Funds, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641. United States District Judge Patrick Michael Duffy, of Charleston, imposed the sentence, which also includes three years of supervised release and mandatory restitution.
Evidence presented at a change of plea hearing established that Hidalgo used his position as President of SafetyPay-Central America to steal over $293,832 of government funds that were supposed to be transferred to a bank account maintained by the Department of State's Global Financial Services Center in Charleston. SafetyPay-Central America had been hired as a subcontractor to handle the processing of visa application fees for the United States Embassy in Costa Rica. As part of the scheme, Hidalgo diverted the funds from a SafetyPay bank account in Costa Rica to another Costa Rican account under his sole control.
The case was investigated by special agent Katherine Kovacek of the Department of State/Office of Inspector General, which is led by Inspector General Steve A. Linick. Assistant United States Attorneys Marshall "Matt" Austin and Nathan Williams both of the Charleston Office prosecuted the case.
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Denham Springs Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of Disaster Assistance FundsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin, who also serves as the Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud, announced today that LISA ELIZABETH CORONA, 37, of Denham Springs, Louisiana, pled guilty to theft of $30,644 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds in relation to the 2016 flooding that affected numerous local areas, to include Livingston Parish. As a result of her conviction, CORONA faces a significant term of imprisonment, fine, and period of supervised release.
Following the 2016 flooding that affected 12 parishes in south Louisiana, FEMA funds were available to people who had emergency needs for food, shelter, and clothing because of the flood. In order to qualify for assistance based on home ownership, an individual must have, among other things, resided in the home at the time of the storm.
According to the indictment, CORONA is alleged to have submitted a false application for FEMA assistance for a Denham Springs residence where she did not reside at the time of the August 2016 flooding. In her application, she is also alleged to have lied in asserting that, because of the damage to the Denham Springs residence, she had emergency needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “The acts of this defendant, and those like her, are despicable and likely deprived honest, hard-working victims of the flood of benefits and services they so desperately needed. This conviction should send a strong message to would-be fraudsters who target victims of natural disasters and federal funding that they too will become targets. My office along with the National Center for Disaster Fraud and our federal, state, and local partners will continue our already robust efforts to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who seek to steal disaster assistance funds from the Federal Government or from our people. I am especially grateful to our prosecutors and staff and to the investigators at DHS-OIG who made today’s conviction possible.”
Special Agent in Charge David Green, Houston Field Office, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, stated, “The DHS OIG will not tolerate those who attempt to exploit natural disasters. False claims like these slow the process for those who actually need help and the false claim is stealing money from the hardworking US Taxpayer. The DHS OIG will continue to investigate these false claims.”
Members of the public who suspect fraud involving disaster relief efforts, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to [email protected]. Learn more about the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at http://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.
This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana and the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.
Convicted Felon found Guilty of Possession of Firearm, Multiple Drug Charges, and Aiding and AbettingRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Richard Winn, 35, of Philadelphia, PA, was found guilty after a jury trial for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, heroin, and marijuana; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
During the course of an unrelated homicide investigation, police learned of the address of a house at 1208 West Venango Street in Philadelphia where Winn and his co-defendant, Ameen Green, supplied drugs to other drug dealers and stored weapons to further their drug trafficking. The charges in this case stemmed from items found during the execution of a search warrant on September 15, 2017.
The defendant is a felon and qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal. Co-defendant Green previously pleaded guilty.
“Convicted felons have no business possessing deadly firearms for any reason, let alone to facilitate drug crimes that plague our community,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Drugs and gun crimes decimate millions of lives every year, and as today’s verdict demonstrates, my Office will do everything in its power to fight for safer streets in our District.”
“Today’s verdict confirms the FBI’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to take back our communities from violent offenders and make our streets safer,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Harpster.
This case was investigated by Special Agent Will Becker of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with substantial assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nancy Winter.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to over Six Years in Prison for Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Ulric S. Crossland, 27, of Hattiesburg, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to a term of 78 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of two stolen firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Crossland was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. He pled guilty before Judge Starrett on May 14, 2018.
On July 17, 2017, in Lamar County, Mississippi, law enforcement officers conducted a search of Crossland’s apartment. In his apartment, officers found Crossland in possession of a Romarm/Cugir 7.62x39 mm caliber rifle (with a high capacity magazine), a Taurus 9mm pistol, and a Glock .40 caliber pistol. Both the Taurus and Glock pistols were stolen. On November 2, 2017, in Forrest County, Mississippi, law enforcement officers again found Crossland in possession of a Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol. Crossland was previously convicted of possessing a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Southeast Mississippi Safe Streets Task Force, which consists of FBI agents and officers from the Mississippi State Auditor’s office, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Hattiesburg Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.
Canadian Woman Arrested for Slapping A CBP OfficerRead 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 Tianna Natasha McPherson, 40, of Kitchener, Ontario, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with assaulting, resisting, or impeding an officer of the United States. The charge carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison and a $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on September 2, 2018, the defendant was dropped off at the Rainbow Bridge port of entry by a taxi cab. McPherson stated she intended on visiting the Niagara Falls State Park for a few hours. Due to derogatory information related to the defendant’s previous attempted crossings into the United States, McPherson was referred for a secondary inspection, denied admittance into the United States, and advised that she would be returned to Canada.
At this point, the defendant became verbally combative and uncooperative, indicating she did not want to go back to Canada, and stating that she was an American citizen. However, McPherson offered no credible or verifiable information to support her claim to U.S. citizenship. The defendant stated that she wanted to go before an American judge, and grabbed her baggage, and began walking towards the exit of the lobby. A Customs and Border Protection officer positioned herself in front of the exit and informed McPherson she was not to leave and to sit down. The defendant asked the officer, “What if I punch you in the face?” The officer again ordered McPherson to sit down. The defendant then stated that she wanted to be charged criminally. At this time, McPherson open-hand slapped the officer on the left side of her face. The defendant was subsequently restrained and escorted to a holding cell.
The defendant made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and is being held. A detention hearing is scheduled for September 13, 2018, at 1:30 p.m.The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Bronx Man Convicted in White Plains Federal Court in Connection with Fatal Carjackings of Two Livery Cab DriversRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that TYRONE FELDER, a/k/a “Man Man,” was found guilty of participating in the fatal carjackings of two livery cab drivers: Maodo Kane, who was killed in the Bronx on August 5, 2014, and Aboubacar Bah, who was killed in the Bronx on August 12, 2014. FELDER was also found guilty of participating in two armed robberies in Yonkers on August 5, 2014, as well as firearms offenses related to the carjackings and the robberies. The jury convicted FELDER yesterday on all nine counts of the Indictment following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Vincent L. Briccetti.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “Tyrone Felder’s days of reckless and deadly violence are over. This unanimous verdict means that Felder will spend the rest of his life in prison, but it will not bring back the two men that Felder murdered.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and the evidence presented in court during the trial:
On August 5, 2014, FELDER participated in the armed carjacking of Maodo Kane. During the course of the carjacking, FELDER shot and killed Mr. Kane in the vicinity of Hunter Avenue, in the Bronx. FELDER then used the stolen car to participate in two gunpoint robberies of businesses in Yonkers. Subsequently, on August 12, 2014, FELDER participated in the carjacking of Aboubacar Bah. During the course of the carjacking, FELDER shot and killed Mr. Bah in the vicinity of Bryant Avenue, in the Bronx.
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FELDER, 29, was found guilty of two counts of carjacking resulting in death, two counts of robbery, four counts of firearms possession, and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery. FELDER faces a maximum potential sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 100 years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed. FELDER is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Briccetti on January 18, 2019.
FELDER’s co-defendants, Kareem Martin, a/k/a “Jamal Walker,” Takiem Ewing, a/k/a “Mulla,” and Tommy Smalls, a/k/a “Tommy Guns,” previously pled guilty to participating in the fatal carjackings described above.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, the City of Yonkers Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force.
The case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Hagan Scotten, Anden Chow, Scott Hartman, Michael Gerber, and Celia Cohen are in charge of the prosecution.
Braintree Man Sentenced for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Braintree man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston on drug trafficking charges.
Vaughn Lewis, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to nine years in prison and three years of supervised release. In April 2018, Lewis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine.
During an investigation into a network of street gangs trafficking illegal firearms and drugs, investigators identified Lewis as a Brockton-based drug dealer. Lewis was a customer of, and distributor for, Luis Rivera, a/k/a “Fat Louie,” a major cocaine supplier in the Brockton area. Lewis was arrested and charged on June 9, 2016, at which time a search warrant was executed on his property. During the search, drugs, drug trafficking paraphernalia and a loaded handgun were recovered.
According to court documents, Lewis had a lengthy criminal record, including convictions for drug trafficking in Massachusetts in 1997 and 2009.
Lewis is one of 53 defendants indicted in June 2016 on federal firearms and drug charges following an investigation into a network of street gangs that created alliances to traffic weapons and drugs throughout Massachusetts and to generate violence against rival gang members. According to court documents, the defendants, who are leaders, members, and associates of the 18th Street Gang, East Side Money Gang and the Boylston Street Gang, were responsible for fueling a gun and drug pipeline across a number of cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts. During the course of the investigation, over 70 firearms were seized.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Maura Healey, Attorney General of Massachusetts; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner William Gross; Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes; and Brockton Police Chief John Crowley made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also acknowledges the assistance of the Suffolk and Middlesex County Sheriff Departments and the Malden, Revere and Everett Police Departments.
Biotech Officer Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud and Obstruction of SEC ProceedingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The former Vice President of Investor Relations for PixarBio Corp., a Boston-based biotech company, pleaded guilty today to charges of securities fraud in connection with a scheme to manipulate trading in the company’s shares and obstruction of proceedings before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Kenneth Stromsland, 46, of Rumson, N.J., pleaded guilty today to one count of securities fraud through manipulative trading and one count of obstructing an agency proceeding. On April 24, 2018, Stromsland was arrested and charged.
At his plea, Stromsland admitted that beginning in or about November 2016, he engaged in manipulative trades in PixarBio stock that simulated market interest in the stock and artificially pushed up the trading price. These trades included orders to buy at a price much higher than the price of the preceding market transaction.
Stromsland also admitted that during a 2017 SEC investigation into manipulative trading in PixarBio’s stock, he testified falsely before the SEC. In his testimony on three different days, Stromsland falsely denied that he had purchased shares of PixarBio to affect the share price and falsely denied that he had been instructed to do so by PixarBio’s then Chief Executive Officer.
The charge of securities fraud provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. The charge of obstruction of an agency proceeding provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. 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; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Carl W. Hoecker, Inspector General of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Inspector General, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Lelling’s Economic Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Auto Sales Office Manager & Bookkeeper Charged with Bank Fraud, Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A South Kingstown woman was arrested and made her initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Providence today on charges that she allegedly forged business checks and stole as much as $400,000 from a Cranston auto dealership where she was employed as an office manager and bookkeeper.
Michelle Saritelli, 45, appeared before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond on a criminal complaint charging her with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. It is alleged that Saritelli employed several schemes to defraud the owners of Stamas Auto and Truck Center.
Saritelli’s arrest and initial appearance in U.S. District Court are announced by United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Harold H. Shaw, and Cranston Police Chief Colonel Michael J. Winquist.
According to court documents, on September 27, 2017, the owners of Stamas Auto were notified that their bank accounts had been frozen. An internal review of the accounts by the business owners was begun which determined that several check ledgers were missing, funds were unaccounted for, and that numerous checks had been forged and/or fraudulently cashed. The owners notified Cranston Police detectives who sought the assistance of the FBI.
The majority of missing bank ledgers were located during a court-authorized search of Saritelli’s residence on June 7, 2018.
A forensic audit conducted by the FBI determined that for several years, Saritelli, who was employed at Stamas Auto Center from April 2008 to October 2018, allegedly fraudulently wrote, signed, and cashed and/or deposited Stamas Auto Center non-payroll checks into her own personal bank accounts; pocketed substantial portions of checks written and cashed on a weekly basis to fund the dealership’s petty cash fund; provided fraudulent checks to her husband for auto repair services and parts sales not provided; and stole portions of cash payments made by customers to Stamas Auto Center.
The forensic audit revealed hundreds of bank transactions of cash deposits and withdrawals from Saritelli’s personal bank accounts which often coincided with the issuance of fraudulent Stamas Auto Center business checks and unaccounted for cash. The majority of cash withdrawals from Saritelli’s accounts were made from ATMs at banks located near Saritelli’s South Kingstown residence and at casinos in Newport, Lincoln, and at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Saritelli was released on unsecured bond following her initial appearance today in U.S. District Court.
According to court documents, Saritelli was convicted in Rhode Island State Court in May 2004 on charges that she embezzled approximately $30,000 from a Johnston auto dealership.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee H. Vilker.
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Ashtabula man with a history of violence sentenced to 10 years in prison for firearms and drug crimesRead the Press Release
An Ashtabula man with a history of violence was sentenced to 10 years in prison for firearms and drug crimes.
Michael Thomas, 51, was sentenced to 120 months of incarceration by U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver. Thomas pleaded guilty earlier this year to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“This is a defendant with a history of violent crime who was dealing drugs and illegally had a firearm,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Ashtabula is a safer place because law enforcement worked together to remove this threat from the community.”
Thomas was arrested in Ashtabula on Nov. 26, 2017, and found to be in possession of Ruger Model P95 pistol and more than 32 grams of crack cocaine. He was prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions for felonious assault, assault on a peace officer, possession of crack cocaine, possession of cocaine with a firearm specification, and other crimes, according to court documents.
Thomas was ordered to forfeit the firearm.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Burke following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office, the Ashtabula Police Department, and the Trumbull/Ashtabula County Narcotics Task Force (TAG).
Arrests Made on San Antonio’s Eastside Based on Federal Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
Federal and state authorities have arrested nine individuals for their alleged roles in narcotics distribution and money laundering activities on San Antonio’s Eastside, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash; Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Will Glaspy, Houston Division; San Antonio Police Chief William McManus; Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar; and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw.
A two-count federal grand jury indictment unsealed today charges the defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Defendants, who were arrested yesterday and charged in this indictment, include: 44-year-old Leroy Sarpenter; 38-year-old Roy Perkins; 37-year-old Demetrius Goode (aka “Dale Wilkins”); 44-year-old Andre Johnson; 28-year-old Jacob Cavazos (aka “J-Dawg”); 44-year-old Kenneth Brown (aka “Bean”); 41-year-old Terrance Stevenson; 39-year-old Damaneion Goode (aka “D-Down”); and, 46-year-old Larry Johnson (aka “Skull”).
The indictment alleges that these defendants distributed multi-kilograms of cocaine since January 2015.
All of the defendants remain in federal custody pending detention hearings expected to occur next week in U.S. Magistrate Court in San Antonio. Upon conviction, the defendants face between ten years and life in prison on the drug conspiracy charge and up to 20 years in federal prison on the money laundering conspiracy charge.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the San Antonio Police Department, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety are investigating this case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Castle Hills Police Department, Live Oak Police Department, Leon Valley Police Department, Hollywood Park Police Department, and Comal County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell Leachman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
“SAPD is pleased with the success of the recent collaborative operations with our law enforcement partners. We want to thank all the taskforces involved for their dedication. The recent arrests takes us a step closer to making our community safer. We will continue to work to bring justice to those who threaten the safety of our great city,” stated SAPD Chief McManus.
“The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office is proud of our ongoing relationship with our area Law Enforcement partners. This operation’s success is a direct testament to what happens when we all work together for the greater good of our community,” stated Bexar County Sheriff Salazar.
“This cocaine distribution investigation is a great example of the valuable partnerships between local, state and federal law enforcement in Texas, which is critical to combatting crime in our communities,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts during this investigation, the community is safer today with these suspects behind bars.”
The principal mission of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering operations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Armed Robber Sentenced to Prison for Multiple Tidewater RobberiesRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man was sentenced today to 14 years in prison for committing a series of armed robberies of convenience stores.
“Violent criminals, especially those carrying firearms, represent a serious danger to our communities,” said G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We remain steadfast in our fight against violent crime, and together with our local law enforcement partners we are zeroing in on violent criminals like Mr. Roscoe, who are carrying firearms and driving crime in Tidewater.”
According to court documents, Lorenzo Roscoe, 30, committed five armed robberies of various convenience stores in Portsmouth, Norfolk and Chesapeake, including 7-Eleven and Dollar General stores. Roscoe would enter the stores wearing a disguise and brandishing a firearm while demanding money and cartons of Newport cigarettes. After Roscoe’s vehicle was identified on surveillance video, law enforcement setup surveillance on Roscoe’s vehicle. They followed Roscoe as he drove to another Dollar General store wearing the same clothing he wore for the other robberies. As Roscoe was about to enter the store the police apprehended him. In a bag that he carried with him to all the robberies, the police found a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith. Assistant U.S. Attorney William D. Muhr prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by a multi-agency team including the Portsmouth Police, Chesapeake Police and the FBI’s Tidewater Violent Crime Task Force.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-57.
Alien Indicted on Illegal Reentry ChargesRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned an indictment charging JOSE GUADALUPE BURGOS-SOTO, age 33, of Mexico, with illegal reentry.
If convicted of Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien, BURGOS-SOTO, previously deported four times and found in Johnston County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Albuquerque Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Bank Robbery ChargeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Jesus Manuel Almanza, 23, of Albuquerque, N.M., pled guilty yesterday in federal court to a bank robbery charge. Almanza entered the guilty plea without the benefit of a plea agreement.
The FBI arrested Almanza in April 2018, on a criminal complaint charging him with robbing the Wells Fargo bank branch located at 7827 4th Street NW, in Albuquerque on April 24, 2018. According to the complaint, Almanza jumped over the teller station in the bank, demanded money, opened the bank teller’s drawer, and took its contents. Almanza then stole money from another bank teller before casually walking out of the bank and departing the area in a vehicle.
According to the complaint, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) was able to obtain a residential address in Albuquerque, based on the registered owner of the vehicle in which Almanza left the scene of the bank robbery. Later that day, BCSO deputies arrested Almanza at the Albuquerque residence. Thereafter, the FBI executed a consensual search at the residence with the homeowner’s consent and seized a large sum of cash and found the vehicle in the garage.
Almanza was indicted on May 9, 2018, and was charged with bank robbery on April 24, 2018, in Bernalillo County, N.M.
Almanza was remanded into custody after entering his guilty plea; he will remain detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. At sentencing, Almanza faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the FBI and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard Thomas is prosecuting the case.
2 Shreveport felons plead guilty and another sentenced on firearm chargesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that one Shreveport felon was sentenced and two other felons pleaded guilty this week to possessing firearms prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.
Shreveport felon sentenced to 30 months in prison for illegally possessing firearm in car at Quail Creek Road apartment
Charles M. Thomas, 21, of Shreveport, was sentenced Tuesday to two and a half years in prison by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of felon in possession of a firearm. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the February 21, 2018 guilty plea, a Shreveport Police officer observed a vehicle idling in the parking lot of an apartment complex on Quail Creek Road. When the officer approached the vehicle, he observed Thomas, the driver, placing a handgun under his seat. The firearm was loaded with four rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. Thomas had previously been convicted of three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm in 2016. The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.
Shreveport felon pleads guilty to possessing pistol at Monkhouse Drive hotel
Kevin Summerfield, 26, of Shreveport, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. According to the guilty plea, a Shreveport Police officer encountered Summerfield at a hotel on Monkhouse Drive. The officer observed that Summerfield had a firearm in his waistband, and he was subsequently arrested. The firearm was a Hi-Point, Model CF380, .380-caliber pistol and was loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. Summerfield was previously convicted of two burglary felonies in 2011 and was not allowed to possess a firearm according to federal law. Summerfield faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set sentencing for December 19, 2018. The ATF and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan is prosecuting the case.
Shreveport felon pleads guilty to possessing pistol in car at Dickinson Street
Kenneth W. Robinson, 33, of Shreveport, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. According to the guilty plea, law enforcement officers observed Robinson on January 25, 2018 sitting in a vehicle on Dickinson Street. When officers approached, Robinson fled the vehicle on foot to a nearby apartment. Officers saw a Smith & Wesson SW9VE, 9 mm pistol on the driver’s side floorboard where Robinson had been sitting. They also located Robinson’s mobile phone next to the firearm. He was later arrested and admitted that the firearm was his. Robinson was previously convicted of illegal use of a weapon in 2004, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in 2008 and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in 2013. The felonies restricted him from possessing a firearm under federal law. Robinson faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set sentencing for December 20, 2018. The ATF, Caddo-Shreveport Narcotics Unit and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg is prosecuting the case.
These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
15 Defendants and Five India-Based Call Centers Indicted in Phone Scam Targeting U.S. VictimsRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – An indictment was unsealed yesterday charging 20 individuals and entities for their alleged involvement in a transnational criminal organization that victimized over 2,000 people in the United States through a fraudulent India-based call-center scheme, resulting in over $5.5 million in losses. In connection with the scheme, seven individuals were arrested yesterday in the United States. Seven defendants and five call centers in India were also charged for their alleged involvement.
“IRS and payday loan phone schemes seek to profit by exploiting United States citizens, including the most vulnerable members of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “This indictment and yesterday’s arrests demonstrate our commitment to identifying and prosecuting those who hide behind these types of phone scams.”
“This indictment makes clear that the IRS impersonation scam has risen to a new level, with indictments against five call centers and seven co-conspirators in India who allegedly directed their employees to participate in the scam,” said J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “I wish to congratulate my investigative team, who labored many long hours to untangle the intricate web of financial transactions that the defendants allegedly completed as part of a transnational conspiracy to extort money from taxpayers and conceal and disguise the proceeds of their unlawful activities. Since 2013, the IRS impersonation scam has been on a relentless path, claiming more than 14,000 victims who have lost upwards of $71 million to the scammers,” the Inspector General noted. “TIGTA will continue to be just as relentless in our pursuit of individuals who fraudulently represent themselves as IRS officials in order to extort money from taxpayers. We will not back down from our pursuit of these criminals, and will continue to work with all law enforcement partners to bring them to justice.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: The indictment alleges that the defendants were involved in a sophisticated scheme organized by co-conspirators in India, including a network of call centers in Ahmedabad, India. Using information obtained from data brokers and other sources, call center operators allegedly called potential victims while impersonating officials from the Internal Revenue Service or individuals offering fictitious payday loans.
The call center operators would then threaten potential victims with arrest, imprisonment, or fines if they did not pay taxes or penalties to the government. If the victims agreed to pay, the call centers allegedly would immediately turn to a network of U.S.-based co-conspirators to liquidate and launder the extorted funds by purchasing prepaid debit cards or through wire transfers, including through MoneyGram and Western Union, to the attention of fictitious names and U.S.-based defendants and their co-conspirators.
The indictment charges the following defendants and entities with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering:
- Excellent Solutions BPO,
- ADN Infotech Pvt. Ltd.,
- Infoace BPO Solutions Pvt. Ltd.,
- Adore Infosource, Inc.,
- Zurik BPO Services Pvt. Ltd.,
- Shylesh Kumar Sharma,
- Dilipkumar Kodwini,
- Radhishraj Natarajan,
- Shubham Sharma,
- Nirav Janakbhai Panchal,
- Athar Parvez Mansuri,
- Mohmmad Samir Memon,
- Mohamed Kazim Momin,
- Palak Kumar Patel,
- Mohmed Sozab Momin,
- Rodrigo Leon-Castillo,
- Devin Bradford Pope,
- Nicholas Alezander Deane,
- Drue Kyle Riggins, and
- Jantz Parrish Miller
Mohamed Kazim Momin, Patel, Mohmed Sozab Momin, Pope, Deane, Riggins and Miller were arraigned yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Janet F. King.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Assistant U.S Attorney Jeffrey A. Brown, Deputy Chief of the Complex Frauds Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolee Porter are prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Thursday 6 September 2018
Woman Pleads Guilty to Hoax Bomb Threat Against Claremore SchoolsRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. — United States Attorney Trent Shores announced that Stephanie Louise Montgomery pleaded guilty Thursday to providing False Information about Bombs in Schools, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
As part of the plea agreement, Montgomery will pay restitution totaling approximately $12,000 to law enforcement agencies and first responders, including the Claremore Police and Fire Departments, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, for costs incurred when responding to and investigating the false threat.
On March 27, 2018, Montgomery made a threatening phone call to Claremore High School, indicating there were five bombs in backpacks at the high school and ten more bombs located at elementary schools. Students and staff from all Claremore schools were evacuated or sheltered in place until being transported to alternate safe locations. Law enforcement performed sweeps of the seven area schools but found no explosive devices. The threat followed shortly after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting in Parkland, Florida.
“Our schools should be safe havens for students and teachers, not places where they feel threatened. People like Montgomery exploit school shooting tragedies and the resulting fear in communities. Their threats create undo anxiety in our children and worry among parents. Hoax threats cause the use of significant law enforcement resources. We take every school threat with the utmost seriousness and will respond accordingly,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
Montgomery’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 11, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. Chief Judge Gregory K. Frizzell presided over the case in U.S. District Court, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert T. Raley prosecuted the case. AUSA Raley is the National Security Anti-Terrorism (ATAC) Prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Investigative agencies handling in the incident include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rogers County Sheriff’s Department, the Rogers County District Attorney’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Bomb Squad, the Claremore Police Department, and the Tulsa Police Department.
Waterbury Resident Pleads Guilty to Violating Sex Offender Registration LawsRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ISMAEL SANCHEZ COLON, 44, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2001, SANCHEZ COLON was convicted in the State of Wisconsin of the felony offense of causing a child between the ages of 13 and 18 to view sexual activity. He was sentenced to 60 days of incarceration and five years of probation. He also was ordered to comply with sex offender registration requirements for a period of 15 years after completion of his term of probation.
In March 2009, SANCHEZ COLON advised the State of Wisconsin that he had moved to Puerto Rico.
SANCHEZ COLON began residing in Connecticut in approximately April 2016, based on evidence that he obtained food stamps and Husky healthcare benefits at that time, and did not register as a sex offender in this state, as required by law. He subsequently began working at a restaurant in Waterbury, and he obtained a Connecticut driver’s license. Between April 2016 and March 2018, SANCHEZ COLON was registered in Puerto Rico, and he traveled to Puerto Rico to update his registration. At no time did SANCHEZ COLON advise Wisconsin and Puerto Rico of his Connecticut residence.
SANCHEZ COLON’s non-compliance with sex offender registration requirements in Connecticut was discovered when he used his Waterbury address in the process of renewing his U.S. passport.
SANCHEZ COLON has been detained since his arrest on April 12, 2018.
Judge Bolden scheduled sentencing for November 29, at which time SANCHEZ COLON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.
This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Slater.
Urbandale Man Convicted of Transporting and Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DES MOINES, IA – On September 5, 2018, following a two-day trial, a jury found Nedzad Juhic, age 46, of Urbandale, Iowa, guilty of receipt of child pornography and transportation of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum. Sentencing will be at a later date before United States District Court Judge Stephanie M. Rose. Juhic was ordered detained pending sentencing.
According to evidence at trial, in June 2015, a law enforcement investigation discovered an unknown person who made available for download fifty-two child pornography files via the Internet. This activity was traced to Juhic’s residence in Urbandale, Iowa. After a search warrant at the residence, Juhic agreed to turn over a laptop computer to law enforcement officers, and a forensic examination of this laptop found over 1,500 videos of child pornography, saved in his personal user directory.
Both receipt and transportation of child pornography carry a potential sentence of between five and twenty years in prison, five years to life of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund. Also, Juhic will be required to forfeit his laptop, and may be ordered to pay restitution. He will be required to register as a sex offender.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—Homeland Security Investigations, and assisted by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, the Urbandale Police Department, the Pleasant Hill Police Department, and the Perry Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Childhood” initiative, which was started in 2006 as a nation-wide effort to combine law enforcement investigations and prosecutions, community action, and public awareness in order to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children.
Any persons having knowledge of a child being sexually abused are encouraged to call the Iowa Sexual Abuse Hotline at 1-800-284-7821.
Two Men Given Federal Prison Sentences for Trafficking Drugs into OregonRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – In separate criminal cases, two men have been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking illegal narcotics into Oregon for distribution in the Portland and Salem, Oregon metropolitan areas.
Marcial Aguirre, 55, was sentenced today to 135 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Aguirre previously pleaded guilty on March 19, 2018.
Christian Jensel Chaidez, 33, of Salem, was sentenced on September 4, 2018 to 120 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chaidez previously pleaded guilty on May 31, 2018.
U.S. v. Marcial Aguirre
According to court documents, Aguirre led a drug trafficking organization responsible for shipping distribution quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from California for sale in Oregon and Washington state. Aguirre employed three drug runners or “mules” that would transport drugs between states in hidden vehicle compartments. He directed the runners where to pick up the loaded vehicles and where to deliver them.
At times, Aguirre would drive ahead or follow the loads into Oregon and meet the runners at local convenience stores in Salem. He would exchange his vehicle with the runner’s vehicle and transfer the loads to various co-conspirators for delivery. Using intercepted wire calls, investigators began to piece together the organizational structure of Aguirre’s network, identifying his co-conspirators and runners.
On September 24, 2016, on a return trip to California, agents stopped the van Aguirre was traveling in, executed an arrest, and seized approximately $74,000 in cash. Over the course of a year-long investigation, investigators seized approximately $229,000 in cash, two vehicles, three firearms, more than one hundred pounds of methamphetamine, and ten pounds of cocaine.
U.S. v. Christian Jensel Chaidez
Chaidez was a local affiliate of a drug trafficking network responsible for importing methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana from Los Angeles to Salem. Using intercepted wire calls, investigators learned that a co-defendant would provide Chaidez with quantities of heroin that Chaidez would, in turn, sell in and around Salem. In November and December 2016 investigators used an undercover informant to purchase one half pound of methamphetamine from Chaidez on two different occasions.
By June 2017, when federal prosecutors unsealed a 12-person indictment, the network, which began primarily as a methamphetamine and cocaine distribution organization, was rapidly expanding into the heroin market. The arrests of Chaidez and others have significantly disrupted the distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, and other narcotics in the Salem area.
Both cases were investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and prosecuted by Kemp L. Strickland, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Two Indiana Men Plead Guilty to Insider Trading in Advance of 2014 AcquisitionRead the Press Release
Two Indiana men pleaded guilty to conspiracy and other charges today, in relation to a 2014 scheme to trade in options ahead of SAP SE’s acquisition of Concur Technologies, which netted them hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Criminal Investigations Group Inspector in Charge Daniel Adame of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey S. Sallett of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office made the announcement.
Douglas M. Miller, 42, of Dyer, Indiana, and Edward M. Miller, 45, of Munster, Indiana, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Philip P. Simon of the Northern District of Indiana. Douglas Miller also pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement. Edward Miller pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice.
According to admissions made in connection with their guilty pleas, Douglas and Edward Miller obtained material, non-public information about SAP’s September 2014 acquisition of Concur from Christopher Salis, a global vice president at SAP. Douglas and Edward Miller and others then purchased securities in Concur based on this information for the purposes of profiting from these transactions and returning a portion of the profits to Salis. Following the acquisition, the Millers and their co-conspirators sold the securities and earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits.
The Millers also admitted to taking further steps to conceal their scheme by structuring financial transactions and using “burner” phones to communicate with their co-conspirators. Upon learning of federal investigations into the insider trading scheme, Edward Miller took steps to hinder and impede the investigation, including by destroying electronic data found on the “burner” phones. Doug Miller also admitted to lying to federal investigators.
The Millers are the second and third individuals to plead guilty as a result of the investigation into insider trading ahead of SAP’s acquisition of Concur. In February 2017, Salis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud in connection to the scheme. Sentencing for the Millers is scheduled for Jan. 11, 2019. Salis is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 25, 2019.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Mail Fraud Team and the FBI’s Chicago Field Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Justin D. Weitz and Trial Attorney Jennifer L. Farer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. Trial Attorneys Gary Winters, Jennifer Ballantyne of the Fraud Section and former Fraud Section Trial Attorney L. Rush Atkinson previously worked on this matter. The Department appreciates the substantial assistance of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Potential victims of the scheme can find information about their rights under relevant law at the following website: https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/salis-miller-concurtrading
Tulsa Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. — United States District Court Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Tracy Allen Crawford, 32, of Tulsa, Wednesday, to a term of 30 years imprisonment for robbing a local fast food restaurant.
On June 5, 2018, Crawford pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Crawford and another individual stole $900 from a Burger King located at 3242 E. 11th Street, on February 13, 2017. He pointed a hand gun at one of the employees and demanded she open the safe. When the employee could not open the safe, Crawford was directed to an office that contained cash register drawers. Crawford and the other individual took the money from the drawers before leaving.
The court further ordered Crawford to pay more than $19,000 in restitution, in part, to Burger King. As part of a plea agreement, Crawford will also pay a portion of the restitution to local establishments he admitted to robbing between February and May 2017, including No. 1 Kitchen, Family Dollar, and Cash America Pawn.
“Any gun crime means hard time. Federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies are together focused on combatting violent crime in Tulsa. In close partnership with the Tulsa Police Department, we will make this community safer,” said U.S. Attorney Shores.
The United States Attorney’s Office consistently works to improve collaboration between federal and local law enforcement in order to help identify cases that can be prosecuted in federal courts. Through Project Safe Neighborhoods and the Public Safety Partnership initiatives, U.S. Attorney Shores hopes to bring more resources, best practices, and enforcement strategies to northeastern Oklahoma to help reduce violent crime.
This prosecution resulted from an investigation by the Tulsa Police Department Robbery Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis A. Fries prosecuted the case.
Tuba City Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting Navajo Nation OfficerRead the Press Release
PHOENIX – This week, Raymond Wilson Jr., 25, of Tuba City, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Wilson, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, had previously pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer.
On Nov. 21, 2017, a Navajo Nation police officer was dispatched to Wilson’s residence after receiving reports that Wilson was intoxicated and acting disorderly. When the officer attempted to place Wilson under arrest, he resisted, swung his fist at the officer, and wrestled the officer to the ground. After being handcuffed, Wilson pushed, kicked, and head-butted the officer.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Samuels, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-08064-PCT-SPL
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-117_Wilson
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Three More Defendants Arrested and Charged in Investigation of an Open Drug Market from a D.C. BarbershopRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Three additional area men have been arrested on federal narcotics charges as part of an ongoing investigation into a drug market that was operated out of a barber shop in Southeast Washington. A total of eight men have now been charged in the case, including two who earlier pled guilty to federal offenses.
The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Thomas L. Chittum III, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Peter Newsham, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Those arrested today include Lacy Hamilton, 41, of Camp Springs, Md., Lonnell Tucker, 41, of Temple Hills, Md., and Calvin Wright, 41, of Washington, D.C. They were indicted, along with two other defendants who were previously arrested, by a grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Previously arrested were Anthony Fields, 45, and Abdul Samuels, 44, both of Washington, D.C. Another indicted defendant is still being sought.
Hamilton, Tucker and Wright made their first court appearances today and were ordered held pending a detention hearing set for Sept. 11, 2018.
The indictment charges the six defendants with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of PCP, 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a detectable amount of buprenorphine (suboxone).
The first individuals were charged on Feb. 1, 2018, when law enforcement agents from ATF, MPD and the Prince George’s County, Md. Police Department executed search warrants on three locations and five vehicles, which led to the seizure of firearms, ammunition, and quantities of narcotics. Specifically, in addition to recovering three firearms from the barbershop and one firearm in a residence, law enforcement seized more than $7,000 in cash, and without packaging, more than 300 grams of PCP, more than 150 grams of heroin, more than 100 grams of fentanyl, boxes of suboxone strips, and more than 100 grams of a cutting agents.
The investigation earlier led to two guilty pleas. James Venable, 46, of Fort Washington, Md., pled guilty on Aug. 10, 2018 to narcotics and firearms charges stemming from his commission of two separate drug trafficking offenses while in the possession of loaded firearms. Venable’s sentencing has been scheduled for Oct. 16, 2018. Darryl Smith, 41, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on Aug. 15, 2018 on federal narcotics and firearms charges following two separate arrests in the 2400 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE, where Smith managed the Next Level Cuts barbershop that was used by multiple individuals to traffic narcotics.
The charges in an indictment are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
In announcing the recent arrests and unsealed indictment, U.S. Attorney Liu, Special Agent in Charge Chittum, and Chief Newsham commended the work of those involved in the case. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who are handled the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, including Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Macchiaroli of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Caruso of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, and Paralegal Specialists Candace Battle, Kim Hall, and Teesha Tobias, and Legal Assistant Aiesha Bynum.
Texas Woman Sentenced to Prison for Federal Cocaine Trafficking Conviction in New MexicoRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Candy May Gonzales, 34, of Canutillo, Texas, entered a guilty plea today in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., to cocaine trafficking charges arising from the seizure of 4.06 kilograms (8.95 pounds) of cocaine at the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint near Las Cruces. Immediately following the change of plea hearing, Gonzales was sentenced to 37 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release.
The DEA arrested Gonzales and co-defendant Carlos Ivan Todd, 31, also of Canutillo, Texas, in Oct. 2017, on a criminal complaint charging them with possession of 4.0 kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute in Dona Ana County, N.M. According to the complaint, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Todd and Gonzales at the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint on I-25 near Las Cruces after the agents seized three bundles of cocaine concealed in the vehicle in which Todd and Gonzales were traveling.
Gonzales subsequently was indicted and charged with participating in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy from Aug. 2017 through Oct. 8, 2017, and possessing cocaine with intent to distribute on Oct. 8, 2017. According to the indictment, Gonzales committed the offenses in Dona Ana County.
During today’s proceedings, Gonzales pled guilty to a felony information charging her with conspiracy and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. In entering the guilty plea, Gonzales admitted that on Oct. 8, 2017, she and her co-defendant drove a vehicle containing approximately 4.06 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a compartment in the vehicle into the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint on I-25 north of Las Cruces. Gonzales further admitted that she and her co-defendant agreed with others to drive the cocaine from El Paso, Texas to Albuquerque, N.M., where the drugs would be distributed further.
On Jan. 4, 2018, Todd pled guilty to similar charges, and was sentenced on May 16, 2018.
This case was investigated by the Las Cruces office of the DEA and the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Balla of the U.S. Attorney’s Las Cruces Branch Office prosecuted the case.
Texas Man Sentenced for his Involvement in Multi-Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. - Jose Luis Chavez a/k/a "Big Head," 47, of Edinburg, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 143 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, and 100 grams or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Chavez was also ordered to pay a $15,000 fine.
In March 2016, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration opened an investigation into the drug trafficking organization of Chavez. Agents learned and confirmed Chavez was a major source of supply of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and heroin for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. With the help of at least three others, Chavez conspired to traffic these narcotics from Texas to Mississippi. Agents arrested Chavez in Texas, and brought him to Mississippi for prosecution. Chavez pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge on January 26, 2018.
The case was investigated by the DEA and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Tahlequah Woman Sentenced to 8 Months for Uttering, Passing Counterfeit ObligationRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Alyssia Marie Jae Carey, age 26, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment and 2 years supervised release for two counts of Uttering A Counterfeit Obligation Of The United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 472; and for Passing A Counterfeit Obligation Of The United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 472. The charge arose from an investigation by the Tahlequah Police Department and the United States Secret Service.
The indictment alleged that on three different days in November 2017, the defendant, with the intent to defraud, passed and uttered counterfeited twenty-dollar and five-dollar Federal Reserve Notes to three different Tahlequah businesses, knowing the Notes were falsely made, forged and counterfeited. The businesses, Clear Creek 66, Hit-N-Run, and Dollar General, reported the receipt of the counterfeit money to the Tahlequah Police Department.
United States Attorney Brian J. Kuester said, “The local businesses discovered that they had received the counterfeit bills and reported it to the Tahlequah Police Department, which conducted a thorough investigation and with the assistance of the United States Secret Service brought Carey to justice. The prompt recognition and reporting of the counterfeit money was key to the successful investigation and prosecution of the defendant. I urge businesses to continue to keep a watchful eye out for counterfeit money and report it to your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible after you have discovered it.”
The Honorable Ronald A. White, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney John David Luton represented the United States. The defendant will remain in custody pending transportation to the designated federal facility at which the non-paroleable sentence will be served.
Stockton Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Sex Trafficking of a ChildRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Ricky Lee Richardson Jr., 42, of Stockton, was sentenced today my U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 11 years and three months in prison for sex trafficking of a child, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, in November 2011, Richardson recruited a minor victim to engage in sex acts for money. Between December 2011 and March 2012, Richardson caused the then 16-year-old victim to engage in commercial sex acts in Stockton and elsewhere in Northern California. Richardson arranged for photos to be taken of the victim and he posted prostitution advertisements on the internet that contained nude photos of the victim. Richardson drove the victim to motels and gave her false identification cards that she used to rent rooms for the prostitution activity. Richardson took the money that the victim obtained from that activity.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Stockton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet safety education.
South Florida Man Sentenced to Prison for Hate Crime by Threatening to Blow up MosqueRead the Press Release
U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno sentenced a Miami area man to four years in prison, three years’ supervised release, and $1,800 in restitution for obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by threatening, in a phone message, to detonate a bomb at a mosque in Pembroke Pines, Florida, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division John Gore, U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg, and Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Miami Field Office announced.
Dustin Allen Hughes, 26, pleaded guilty in June 2018 in the Southern District of Florida to one count of obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs for making the threatening call. During the plea hearing, Hughes admitted that on May 5, he called an emergency contact for the Jamaat Ul Muttaqeen Mosque of Pembroke Pines, Florida, and left a hate-filled and profanity-laden voicemail message denigrating Islam and threatening to blow up the mosque. Hughes further admitted that in his message he specifically stated that he had a detonator, that he was “going to blow your . . . temple up,” and that “you guys are all going to be up in flames after I’m done with you.”
Following the threatening voice message, law enforcement was contacted and immediately responded, but no bomb was uncovered after an extensive exterior and interior sweep of the mosque.
“The sentence handed down today reflects the seriousness of threats to places of worship, which can instill fear in whole communities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute hate crimes so that all people, no matter how they worship, can live their lives freely and without fear.”
“This prosecution sends a clear message that committing hate crimes has serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin Greenberg. “Along with our law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute those individuals who threaten members of our South Florida community because of their religious beliefs.”
“Freedom of religion is a fundamental right for every American,” said Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Miami Field Office. “The FBI and its partners will work tirelessly to ensure anyone who threatens those rights is held accountable.”
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Miami Area Corruption Task Force and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The Pembroke Pines Police Department, the Miami-Dade Police Department, and the City of Miami Police Department also provided assistance with this matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Davis of the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Samantha Trepel of the Civil Rights Division.
South Florida Man Sentenced to Prison for Hate Crime by Threatening to Blow up MosqueRead the Press Release
U.S. District Judge Federico A. Moreno sentenced a Miami area man to four years in prison, three years’ supervised release, and $1,800 in restitution for obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs by threatening, in a phone message, to detonate a bomb at a mosque in Pembroke Pines, Florida, U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division John Gore, and Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Miami Field Office announced.
Dustin Allen Hughes, 26, pleaded guilty in June 2018 in the Southern District of Florida to one count of obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs for making the threatening call. During the plea hearing, Hughes admitted that on May 5, he called an emergency contact for the Jamaat Ul Muttaqeen Mosque of Pembroke Pines, Florida, and left a hate-filled and profanity-laden voicemail message denigrating Islam and threatening to blow up the mosque. Hughes further admitted that in his message he specifically stated that he had a detonator, that he was “going to blow your . . . temple up,” and that “you guys are all going to be up in flames after I’m done with you.”
Following the threatening voice message, law enforcement was contacted and immediately responded, but no bomb was uncovered after an extensive exterior and interior sweep of the mosque.
“This prosecution sends a clear message that committing hate crimes has serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin Greenberg. “Along with our law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute those individuals who threaten members of our South Florida community because of their religious beliefs.”
“The sentence handed down today reflects the seriousness of threats to places of worship, which can instill fear in whole communities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute hate crimes so that all people, no matter how they worship, can live their lives freely and without fear.”
“Freedom of religion is a fundamental right for every American,” said Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Miami Field Office. “The FBI and its partners will work tirelessly to ensure anyone who threatens those rights is held accountable.”
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Miami Area Corruption Task Force and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The Pembroke Pines Police Department, the Miami-Dade Police Department, and the City of Miami Police Department also provided assistance with this matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Davis of the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Samantha Trepel of the Civil Rights Division.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/ or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov/.
Sex Trafficker Pleads Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court to Victimizing Minor Girls and Adult Women for Nearly Two DecadesRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that GREVY GERARD PIERRE-LOUIS, a/k/a “Cadillac Slim,” a/k/a “Caddy,” pled guilty yesterday before Chief United States District Judge Colleen McMahon to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and conspiracy to transport minors interstate for the purpose of prostitution.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “The defendant spent most of his adult life profiting from his victimization of girls and women through extreme physical and psychological abuse. All the while, he bragged about being a pimp and a player. Thanks to the extraordinary work of the FBI, the defendant’s so-called game is now over, and he will face the consequences of his actions. We can only hope that the defendant’s guilty plea brings some measure of justice for the survivors of his vicious crimes.”
According to the Indictment, Superseding Information, publicly-filed documents, and statements made in court:
Starting in or about 1998 and continuing through 2016, PIERRE-LOUIS compelled his victims to engage in prostitution through extreme violence, psychological and verbal abuse, coercion, and threats of violence to them and their family members. PIERRE-LOUIS victimized girls and women in numerous states, all for his own profit.
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PIERRE-LOUIS, 46, of Queens, New York, was arrested on August 17, 2016, and has been in federal custody since. PIERRE-LOUIS pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; and one count of conspiracy to transport minors interstate for the purpose of prostitution, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
PIERRE-LOUIS is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge McMahon on December 12, 2018.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. Mr. Berman also thanked the New York City Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the Miami Field Office of the FBI, the United States Secret Service, the City of Miami Police Department, the Miami Beach Police Department, and the Miramar Police Department for their cooperation throughout the investigation.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Kramer and Jessica K. Fender are in charge of the prosecution.
Sentencings for September 4 & 5, 2018Read the Press Release
SPENCER RICH, 28, of Vernal, Utah was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 5, 2018 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Rich was arrested in Lander, Wyoming. He received one hundred months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $9,645.95 and a $100.00 special assessment. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
JASON ARNOLD MILLER, 41, of Cheyenne, Wyoming was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 4, 2018 for possession of child pornography. Miller was arrested in Laramie County, Wyoming. He received one hundred twenty months of imprisonment, to be followed by one hundred twenty months of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5000.00 and a $100.00 special assessment. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
RANDY ALAN MERRILL, 52, of Denver, Colorado was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson on September 5, 2018 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Merrill was arrested in Crowley County, Colorado. He received thirty months of imprisonment, to be followed by thirty-six months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated this case.
Sells Gang Member Convicted by a Jury of Shotgun Slaying of a WomanRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Warren Miles, 26, of Sells, Ariz., was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter by a federal jury in Tucson on Sept. 5, 2018. The case was tried before U.S. District Judge Raner C. Collins from Aug. 29, 2018 through Sept. 5, 2018. Miles, a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, is being held after trial. Sentencing is set before Judge Collins on Nov. 28, 2018.
The evidence at trial showed that on the day before Thanksgiving, on Nov. 22, 2017, in the early morning hours, a truck full of street-gang members accosted the victim and four other individuals, all of whom were also members of the Tohono O’odham Nation. They were in a wash area alongside a dirt road when the truck stopped and its occupants jumped out, brandishing firearms and yelling derogatory gang-related comments toward the group. A 12-gauge shotgun was used to fire two gunshots at close range, striking the victim in the face, neck, and chest area, which caused her death. The truck, with Miles as an occupant, fled the area and was later found at a residence east of Sells. Eyewitnesses identified Miles as the assailant. The incident occurred within the bounds of the Tohono O’odham Reservation.
A conviction for involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of eight years, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Jesse J. Figueroa and Raquel Arellano, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.
CASE NUMBER: CR-18-300-TUC-RCC (BPV)
RELEASE NUMBER: 2018-118_Miles
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Second Defendant Sentenced to Federal Prison in Case Involving the Shooting of a U.S. Mail CarrierRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, a federal judge sentenced 27-year-old Sarah Richford of San Antonio, to 20 years imprisonment in connection with the shooting of a U.S. Mail carrier last year in Spring Branch, TX, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash; Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Houston Division; and, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
In addition to the prison term, Chief U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia ordered that Richford pay $175,405.92 restitution and be placed on supervised release for a period of five years after completing her prison term.
On February 23, 2018, Richford pleaded guilty to five charges including aiding and abetting carjacking; aiding and abetting use of a firearm during a crime of violence; aiding and abetting robbery of U.S. Mail; and, two counts of aiding and abetting assault on a federal officer.
According to court records, on February 11, 2017, Richford’s co-defendant, 24-year-old Bradley Ahearn, shot a female U.S. Mail carrier as she was delivering mail to a cluster of mailboxes in Spring Branch, TX. The victim is still recovering from the gunshot that pierced both of her legs. Ahearn fled the scene in the Mail carrier’s vehicle followed by Richford in a separate vehicle.
On February 14, 2017, employees of a local motel notified investigators of the presence of a large amount of U.S. Mail and a handgun case in one of the motel rooms. Much of the discovered mail, originating from locations across the country, was destined for addresses in the Spring Branch, TX area. Motel surveillance footage showed a third co-defendant, 41-year-old Piper Lee, picking up Ahearn and Richford and leaving the motel in Lee’s yellow Volkswagen. Investigators requested San Antonio police to initiate a stop of the vehicle. While failing to yield to SAPD officers, Ahearn began shooting at the police officers and another high-speed pursuit ensued. Ultimately, the defendants abandoned their vehicle inside a parking garage of a local mall and managed to elude capture by law enforcement.
On February 15, 2017, San Antonio police officers, acting on information provided to investigators, arrested Ahearn, Richford and Lee without incident in a parking lot of a different local motel.
On July 12, 2018, Ahearn was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to seven charges including aiding and abetting carjacking; aiding and abetting use of a firearm during a crime of violence; aiding and abetting robbery of U.S. Mail; and, four counts of aiding and abetting assault on a federal officer.
Lee, who remains in federal custody, faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for November 1, 2018, before Chief Judge Garcia.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service together with the San Antonio Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers, Comal County Sheriff’s Office, Bulverde Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bettina Richardson and Christina Playton are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Second Bank Robber Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Allegheny County pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of bank robbery, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Matthew David Stanley, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty to all charges before United States District Judge David Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, on August 19, 2013, Stanley acted as the get-away driver while his co-defendant Raymond Zwibel went into the First Commonwealth Bank in New Alexandria with a demand note and stole $3700. The two switched roles four days later when, on August 23, 2013, Stanley entered the bank with a demand note and stole $2413 from the Citizens Bank in Latrobe, while Zwibel acted as the get-away driver. On January 30, 2014, Zwibel robbed the First Commonwealth Bank in West Mifflin without the assistance of Stanley. Zwibel previously pleaded guilty to all of his own charges and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Cercone on September 12, 2018, at 10 a.m.
Judge Cercone scheduled Stanley’s sentencing for Friday, February 1, 2019 at 11:30am. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of Stanley.
Pending sentencing, the court remanded Stanley back to state prison where he is serving a sentence on an unrelated drug offense.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of both Matthew Stanley and Raymond Zwibel, with valuable assistance from the Latrobe Police Department and the Westmoreland County Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Sacramento Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —Toni Teresi, 75, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to theft of government property, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.
According to court documents, Teresi’s mother received divorced-spouse Social Security benefits following the ex-husband’s death in 1963. Teresi and her mother held a joint bank account where the Social Security Administration (SSA) deposited the mother’s monthly benefits. The mother was entitled to these benefits until her death on February 24, 1987. Teresi did not report her mother’s death to SSA, and SSA continued to deposit the mother’s benefit funds to the joint account from February 1987 to March 2014. Over this 27-year period, SSA paid approximately $247,236 to the joint account. During this period, Teresi stole the Social Security benefits for her own use, knowing that she was not entitled to the benefits.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Artuz is prosecuting the case.
Teresi is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. on December 13, 2018. Teresi faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Rock Hill Gang Member Man Pleads to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Kenterius Dyshae Hinton, age 24, of Rock Hill, plead guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Chief United States District Judge Terry L. Wooten, of Columbia, accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after he has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court established that on November 29, 2017, at approximately 11:21pm, officers with the Rock Hill Police Department were on patrol in an unmarked patrol car when they observed a car, using their high beam front headlights, coming towards them. A traffic stop was conducted and Hinton found to be the driver. Officers smelled marijuana as they approached the car and when they asked Hinton, a known gang member, and the passenger about it, they stated that they had smoked marijuana earlier and that the odor was on their clothes. A search of car revealed a loaded Taurus .45 caliber handgun underneath the center console, a loaded Smith and Wesson .45 caliber handgun underneath the passenger seat, and a marijuana grinder with marijuana residue. Both Hinton and the passenger were arrested on state charges of unlawful carrying of a firearm and advised of their rights. After waiving their rights, Hinton admitted that the “black gun was mine” [the Taurus .45 caliber] and the passenger admitted that the silver gun [the Smith and Wesson .45 caliber] was his gun.
Hinton, who was on state probation at the time of the instant offense, is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon prior state convictions for burglary 2nd degree, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and attempted armed robbery. The passenger was not a convicted felon, so his firearm charge remained in state court.
Hinton faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release on the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Rock Hill Police Department and was prosecuted as part of Project CeaseFire, a joint federal, state and local initiative focused upon aggressively prosecuting firearm cases in an effort to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority and reinstituted PSN nationwide. Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey D. Haynes and Alyssa Richardson both of the Columbia office handled the case.
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Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Visa FraudRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051ROCHESTER, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Anjaneyulu Katam, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to visa fraud before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that between 2011 and 2017, Katam ran businesses in which he falsified immigration documents for Indian nationals to enter the U.S. and work in tech industries involving computer programming. The defendant manipulated the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. employers temporarily to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. Katam falsified visa applications, work experience documents, and work contracts, which he then submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor, Department of Homeland Security and Department of State, in order to secure illegal H-1B visas for Indian nationals. This resulted in the unlawful entry and employment of several Indian nationals within the United States.
As part of the investigation, federal agents identified multiple assets, including strip malls, and bank accounts, which were acquired by Katam utilizing proceeds of the visa fraud. The defendant will forfeit approximately $1,090,490.32 to the Government.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, under the direction of Michael C. Mikulka, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Region, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly, and the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office, Charles Brandeis.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 6, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. before Chief Judge Geraci.
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.Rhode Island Men Arrested for Alien SmugglingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Nicolas Tamayo, age 19, and Francisco Santos-Luna, age 23, both of Providence, Rhode Island, were arrested on August 29 in Plattsburgh for alien smuggling.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Robert N. Garcia, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
The charges in the complaints are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
According to the criminal complaints, a Border Patrol Agent observed a vehicle travelling east on New York State Route 11 near Chateaugay, New York, close to the border, at approximately 5:10 a.m. on August 29. The agent followed the vehicle until it pulled into a gas station and parked alongside a gas pump on New York State Route 3 in Plattsburgh. A Border Patrol Agent then pulled into the station parking lot and made contact with the occupants of the vehicle. The agent quickly established that the driver and registered owner of the car was Tamayo and that the passengers were five illegal aliens who had illegally crossed the border, near Chateaugay, earlier that morning. A second smuggler, Francisco Santos-Luna, was found and arrested on August 29 at a Plattsburgh motel.
The charges filed against Tamayo and Santos-Luna carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a post imprisonment term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The illegal aliens, four Romanian citizens and one Irish citizen, are each charged with the misdemeanor crime of illegal entry.
This case is being investigated by Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.
Previously Deported Alien Sentenced to 108 Months for Possession of Military-Style Semiautomatic RifleRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated today that Luis Cenobio Barrera, age 24, of Tamaulipas, Mexico, was sentenced to 108 months in prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). Senior United States District Judge Henry M. Herlong, of Greenville, sentenced Barrera and imposed a three-year term of supervised release.
Evidence presented at the change of plea hearing established that on January 26, 2018, the Greenville Police Department (GPD) received multiple calls for assistance regarding a firearm-related disturbance that originated at a gas station located on S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, S.C. The suspect in the incident was a Hispanic male, subsequently identified as Barrera, who possessed a handgun during the disturbance. The investigation identified Barrera as driving a dark Mazda sedan that was later located in a parking lot on Webster Road in Greenville.
Officers approached the black Mazda 6, which was backed into a handicap parking spot. The Mazda had dark window tint that precluded officers from seeing into the vehicle. As officers approached, Barrera jumped from the vehicle, ignored commands to stop, and fled the area. Officers then established a perimeter around the area and attempted to track and locate Barrera using a K-9, without success.
In the Mazda 6 from which Barrera fled, GPD officers observed an olive drab green and black in color, military style rifle wedged between the front passenger seat and center console of the vehicle.
Based on the information provided by GPD, the Department of Homeland Security identified Barrera as a citizen of Mexico who had been previously removed from the United States on multiple occasions. The prior crimes that led to his first removal were conspiracy robbery with a dangerous weapon, in violation of North Carolina General Statute § 14-87 and discharge of a weapon into an occupied property, in violation of North Carolina General Statute § 14-34.1(a). Following service of a state prison sentence, Barrera was removed to Mexico on May 28, 2013.
At some point, he returned to the United States without permission and on January 17, 2016, Barrera was arrested in Charlotte by local authorities for carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and hit and run. On October 21, 2016, Barrera was convicted of illegal reentry in the United States, served a sentence, and on March 2, 2017, Barrera was removed from the United States to Mexico afoot at Brownsville, Texas.
At some point, Barrera returned to the United States without permission and obtained a FEG Model SA 2000 7.62 mm rifle that he had in his possession when Greenville police officers encountered him in the Mazda. He was ultimately arrested on the weapons charges after fleeing to Charlotte, North Carolina, and was returned to Greenville where his case was adjudicated by Judge Herlong.
Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins of the Greenville office handled the case, which was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security/Office of Investigations, the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshals Service, and the Greenville Police Department and prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Operation “Real Time,” which seeks to fast track armed recidivists for federal prosecution. Operation “Real Time” is a part of the Project CeaseFire initiative, which aggressively prosecutes firearm cases. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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Portland Man Sentenced to 63 Months in Federal Prison for Extorting Child PornographersRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore. – Andre Eugene Shaw, 34, of Portland, was sentenced today to 63 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for extorting child pornographers for money and services.
Shaw previously pleaded guilty to extortion, transmitting extortionate communications in interstate commerce, money laundering and possessing an unregistered short-barreled assault rifle in May 2018. The victims of the extortionate acts and communications were people who produced, traded in or collected child pornography.
According to court documents, the investigation began in July 2014 when an individual arrested for producing and distributing child pornography told investigators that he had been blackmailed by an individual known to him as "Blackhands" for the preceding three years. Blackhands hacked into the victim’s computer, discovered evidence of his illicit activities and sent an email demanding payment of $10,000, or the victim’s life would be "over."
The victim reached an agreement with the extortionist under which the victim would send $1,000 per month via Western Union money transfers to someone known to the victim as "Joe." Joe was later identified as Shaw, who was using the alias Joe Stanis.
Over time, Blackhands began making additional demands of the victim. He directed the victim to recruit people to skim credit cards at restaurants; to buy things for Joe, including firearms, ammunition, credit card skimming equipment, and a ballistic vest; and to pick up extortion payments sent by other victims and give the money to Joe. Joe furnished the victim with false identification documents to use when picking up extortion payments, many of which were sent to the fictitious names via money transfers.
Two years prior to the unnamed victim’s arrest, Blackhands began demanding photos of the victim’s juvenile daughter and later demanded the victim give his daughter to Joe. On two or three different occasions, the victim turned his daughter over to Joe, knowing that Joe or others would use his daughter to produce child pornography. The victim drugged his daughter each time. On the most recent occasion, Blackhands directed the victim to bring certain props
including costumes, make-up, sex toys and a camera. Investigators later found the box of props in the victim’s garage and identified Shaw’s palm print on the outside of the box.
On December 18, 2014, Shaw was arrested on an outstanding state misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear. That same day, FBI agents and task force officers executed a federal search warrant at the residence Shaw shared with his girlfriend in Southeast Portland. Agents seized numerous items including counterfeit driver’s licenses from multiple states; holographic overlays for multiple state driver licenses; a counterfeit "Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act Non-Resident National" identification card that purportedly bore the seal of the U.S. Department of State; supplies and equipment for manufacturing high-quality false identification documents; books on creating a new identity; encrypted compact discs labeled with the names of multiple state departments of motor vehicles as well as the Social Security Administration and U.S. Department of Defense; compact discs labeled with the initials of numerous known extortion victims; numerous firearms, magazines, ammunition, and homemade silencers; and cash and precious metals, including silver coins and bars, gold coins, and $13,344 in U.S. currency.
In total, Shaw extorted more than $100,000 from various victims. Often, the pattern of conduct was similar: Shaw would hack into the victims’ computer, find evidence of their illegal activity and threaten to expose them unless they paid. The full extent of Shaw’s criminal activities remains a mystery, however, because his computer equipment and the discs found in his residence were all heavily encrypted. To date, the government’s attempts to defeat the encryption have been unsuccessful and, as a result, investigators have been unable to definitively say whether Shaw was Blackhands.
At least two of Shaw’s victims are now dead, having taken their own lives after they were contacted by law enforcement officers. At least one young girl—the victim’s daughter—was victimized by Shaw or someone he knew.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Gary Y. Sussman and Julia E. Jarrett, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) conducts sexual exploitation investigations – many of them undercover – in coordination with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The Portland FBI’s CETF consists of agents and task force officers from the Beaverton Police Department, Portland Police Bureau, Tigard Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. The FBI’s CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering underage victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at www.fbi.gov/tips.
Perry County Man Pleads Guilty to Crimes Related to Illegal Sale of Moonshine, OpioidsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio –William D. Merckle, 57, of Corning, Ohio, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to violating the Federal Alcohol Administration Act and distributing hydrocodone.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and officials from the United States Treasury Department Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and Ohio Department of Safety Ohio Investigative Unit announced the plea offered today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King.
The Federal Alcohol Administration Act establishes national rules governing the distribution, production and importation of alcohol.
According to an affidavit filed in support of criminal charges, the Ohio Department of Public Safety Ohio Investigative Unit received a complaint in October 2015 that Merckle was selling illegal moonshine at the local flea market known as “Reinersville Trader Days.”
Investigators then witnessed Merckle selling moonshine from his camper at Reinersville Trader Days. At this time, Merckle stated he owned Straitsville Special Moonshine, LLC in New Straitsville, Ohio, but that this moonshine is made “on the side” at his house.
In his plea agreement, Merckle agreed that he had sold oxycodone or hydrocodone on three occasions in 2016 and 2017. He also agreed that he had unlawfully sold moonshine on eight occasions from 2015 through 2017.
Some of the moonshine purchased by the undercover agents was contaminated with copper, which is consistent with home distilling. At least one batch had an abv percentage of 71.8.
The spirits were typically sold to the agents in glass quart jars and were not properly sealed or labeled as required by the Federal Alcohol Administration Act.
Merckle pleaded guilty to one count of distributing controlled substances and one count of selling distilled spirits in an improper container.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by law enforcement, and Assistant United States Attorney Peter K. Glenn-Applegate, who is prosecuting the case.
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Owner of Defense Firm Charged with Conspiracy to Defraud Department of Defense of $7 Million, Violate Arms Export Control ActRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Turkish man who owns a New Jersey defense contracting business has been charged in a scheme to fraudulently acquire lucrative manufacturing contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), and for conspiring to export military technical drawings to Turkey without a license from the State Department, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced today.
Ferdi Murat Gul, a/k/a “Fred Gul,” 42, of Turkey, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sept. 5, 2018, on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, six counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act, and one substantive count of violating the Act. He is believed to be currently at large in Turkey.
According to the indictment:
Gul is the principal owner, chief executive officer, and general manager of two companies located in the United States: Bright Machinery Manufacturing Group Inc. (BMM), a defense contracting company located in Paterson, New Jersey; and FMG Machinery Group (FMG), a purported manufacturing company in Paterson and Long Island City, New York. Gul also maintains an ownership interest in HFMG Insaat (HFMG), a manufacturing company in Turkey.
Over approximately five years, BMM fraudulently obtained hundreds of contracts with the DoD by falsely claiming that the military parts it contracted to produce would be manufactured in the United States. From October 2010 through June 2015, the value of the contracts fraudulently awarded to BMM was approximately $7 million.
Gul routinely submitted electronic bids for DoD contracts that contained false representations about BMM’s purported domestic manufacturing operations. He falsely submitted quotes claiming that BMM would provide military goods manufactured in the United States, when in fact the company relied almost exclusively on Gul’s Turkish-based production facilities. In acquiring contracts, Gul routinely and unlawfully exported drawings and technical data, some of which was subject to U.S. export control laws, in order to secretly manufacture military parts in Turkey. Gul and his conspirators then fraudulently supplied those foreign-made parts to unwitting DoD customers in the United States.
Gul and his conspirators concealed their illicit manufacturing activities and ongoing fraud by routinely submitting forged certifications and fabricated information by e-mail to DoD representatives in New Jersey. They falsely represented that BMM and its U.S.-based subcontractors performed necessary quality control procedures in their purported domestic manufacture of military parts. BMM fraudulently acquired 346 contracts from the DoD to domestically manufacture military parts, including parts for torpedoes for the U.S. Navy, bomb ejector racks and armament utilized in U.S. Air Force aircraft, and firearms and mine clearance systems used by U.S. military personnel abroad. Testing by the DoD revealed that some parts had numerous design flaws and non-conformities and were unusable.
The wire fraud counts each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The Arms Export Control Act violations each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
The Arms Export Control Act prohibits the export of defense articles and defense services without first obtaining a license from the U.S. Department of States.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service Northeast Field Office, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Leigh-Alistair Barzey and special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Counter Proliferation Investigations, under the supervision of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael, with the investigation leading to the indictment.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean C. Sovolos of the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Unit, along with assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice, National Security Division, in Washington, D.C.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Orangeburg Man Pleads to Federal Firearm Charge Stemming from Shooting of OfficersRead the Press Release
Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney Sherri A. Lydon stated that Eugene Jonathan James, age 20, of Orangeburg, plead guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). United States District Judge J. Michelle Childs, of Columbia, accepted the guilty plea and will impose sentence after she has reviewed the presentence report, which will be prepared by the United States Probation Office.
Evidence presented in court established that at approximately 12:36am on May 27, 2017, officers with the Cayce Department of Public Safety were running radar on Knox Abbott Drive when they observed a car traveling 15-20 mph over the speed limit. After activating their blue lights and siren in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop, a chase ensued across the Blossom Street Bridge into Columbia. At one point, the driver of the car appeared to stop, but when officers approached, the car sped off again. Ultimately, the car stopped near the Riverwalk and the sole occupant/driver, later identified as James, fled on foot, disregarding officers’ commands for him to stop. James fled into the woodline off the Riverwalk and assumed a crouched position, which appeared to the officers to be lying in wait for them. After threatening to use his taser to get James to comply, one officer heard gunshots and felt pain. That officer, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, was shot in the chest and leg and the other officer was shot in his leg. Officers returned fire and called for backup assistance.
Responding officers located James in the woodline with a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson lying at his feet. James had also been shot. Further investigation revealed that the car driven by James had been stolen during a carjacking in Orangeburg on May 14, 2017. The serial number of the firearm had been burned in an attempt to obliterate it; however, law enforcement was able to restore the serial number and determined that it had been stolen during the theft of a car in Orangeburg on May 15, 2017. A ballistics examination of the firearm matched it to the fired bullet recovered from one of the officer’s bulletproof vest and to a May 16, 2017, shooting incident in Orangeburg.
James is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon an April 2017 Orangeburg conviction for burglary 3rd degree for which he received a probationary sentence. At the time of the instant offense, James was on state probation and out on state bond for an unrelated Richland County state charge stemming from a March 2017 incident.
James faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release on the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition charge.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Cayce Department of Public Safety, the Columbia Police Department, and the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and was prosecuted as part of Project CeaseFire, a joint federal, state and local initiative focused upon aggressively prosecuting firearm cases in an effort to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. Project CeaseFire is South Carolina’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a crime reduction strategy originally launched in 2001. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority and reinstituted PSN nationwide. Assistant United States Attorney Stacey D. Haynes of the Columbia office handled the case.
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Ohio Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, today announced that a federal grand jury in Hartford has returned an indictment charging ROBERT DUDUKOVICH, 24, of Wakeman, Ohio, with five counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of aiding and abetting the transportation of child pornography.
The indictment was returned on August 30, 2018, and DUDUKOVICH was arrested yesterday in Berlin Heights, Ohio. He appeared in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, in Toledo, and was ordered detained pending his removal to the District of Connecticut.
As alleged in the indictment, between July 10, 2017 and October 4, 2017, DUDUKOVICH managed a chat group on “Kik,” a smartphone messaging application, that provided a forum for group members to communicate about their sexual interest in young boys and to share and trade child pornography primarily depicting young boys engaged in sexually explicit conduct. DUDUKOVICH shared with the group members, including an individual in Connecticut, images and videos of child pornography. The child pornography included videos of a minor engaged in sexual acts with another minor, and a video of a minor engaged in a sexual act with an adult. DUDUKOVICH also shared with the group members a link to his Dropbox account, which contained additional images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, DUDUKOVICH faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.
The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven.
U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio for their assistance in this matter.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Oahu Tax Preparer Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Filing Fraudulent ReturnsRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Guillermo Dahilig, of Waialua, Hawaii, was sentenced yesterday to 18 months in prison for aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of false tax returns in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(2). Following his incarceration, Dahilig will be on supervised release for 1 year. As part of his sentence, Dahilig has been ordered to pay $318,222.00 in restitution to the IRS for the taxes due from fraudulent tax returns filed between tax years 2010 and 2015 for himself and his clients.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii Kenji M. Price announced that, according to court documents and information presented in court, from 2009 to 2016, Dahilig was the owner and operator of Speedy Gill Services, an Oahu tax preparation business. He prepared between 750 and 1,000 tax returns per year for clients, and charged between $100 and $200 per return. Dahilig falsified his clients’ tax returns by claiming deductions for items such as medical expenses, personal property tax, job expenses, and charitable contributions that he knew were greater than the figures provided by his clients. He then filed the returns, knowing that they would generate refunds larger than his clients deserved. In addition, from at least 2010 through 2013, Dahilig underreported the income of Speedy Gill Services on the income tax returns he prepared and filed for himself and his wife.
At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway remarked upon the significant loss to the IRS caused by Dahilig’s conduct, and emphasized that he had “violated the trust” of his clients.
The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amalia Fenton.
North Korean Regime-Backed Programmer Charged in Conspiracy to Conduct Multiple Cyberattacks and IntrusionsRead the Press Release
Park Jin Hyok - COMPLAINTLOS ANGELES – A criminal complaint made public today charges a North Korean citizen for his involvement in a conspiracy to conduct a series of destructive cyberattacks around the world, which resulted in damage to massive amounts of computer hardware and extensive loss of data, money and other resources.
The complaint alleges that Park Jin Hyok (박진혁) was a member of a hacking team sponsored by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and known to the private sector as the “Lazarus Group.” Park allegedly worked for a North Korean government front company, Chosun Expo Joint Venture, which was also known as Korea Expo Joint Venture, or KEJV, to support the DPRK government’s malicious cyber actions.
The conspiracy’s malicious activities included the creation of the malware used in the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack; the 2016 theft of $81 million from Bangladesh Bank; the 2014 attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment; and numerous other attacks or intrusions on the entertainment, financial services, defense, technology and virtual currency industries, as well as academia and electric utilities.
“The complaint charges members of this North Korean-based conspiracy with being responsible for cyberattacks that caused unprecedented economic damage and disruption to businesses in the United States and around the globe,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Wilkison. “The scope of this scheme was exposed through the diligent efforts of FBI agents and federal prosecutors who were able to unmask these sophisticated crimes through sophisticated means. They traced the attacks back to the source and mapped their commonalities, including similarities among the various programs used to infect networks across the globe. These charges send a message that we will track down malicious actors no matter how or where they hide. We will continue to pursue justice for those responsible for the huge monetary losses and attempting to compromise the national security of the United States.”
“The scale and scope of the cyber-crimes alleged by the complaint is staggering and offensive to all who respect the rule of law and the cyber norms accepted by responsible nations,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “The complaint alleges that the North Korean government, through a state-sponsored group, robbed a central bank and citizens of other nations, retaliated against free speech in order to chill it half a world away, and created disruptive malware that indiscriminately affected victims in more than 150 other countries, causing hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars’ worth of damage. The investigation, prosecution, and other disruption of malicious state-sponsored cyber activity remains among the highest priorities of the National Security Division and I thank the FBI agents, DOJ prosecutors, and international partners who have put years of effort into this investigation.”
“This complaint exposes a vast and audacious scheme by the North Korean government to utilize computer intrusions as a means to support the varied goals of their regime,” said Paul Delacourt, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “From computer network attacks on private entertainment companies and financial institutions, to the development of malware which crippled thousands of victims’ computer systems, North Korean cyber aggressions were pursued – and revealed – thanks to the thorough technical and collaborative work of Los Angeles-based FBI agents, computer scientists, federal prosecutors and intelligence analysts. The criminal complaint details key findings of a complex, multi-year investigation based on evidence collected within the U.S. and internationally."
According to the allegations contained in the criminal complaint, which was filed on June 8 in United States District Court in Los Angeles and made public today, Park was a computer programmer who worked for over a decade for KEJV. The company had offices in China and the DPRK, and is affiliated with Lab 110, a component of DPRK military intelligence. In addition to the programming done by Park and his group for paying clients around the world, the conspiracy also engaged in malicious cyber activities. Security researchers that have independently investigated these activities referred to this hacking team as the “Lazarus Group.” The conspiracy’s methods included spear-phishing campaigns, destructive malware attacks, exfiltration of data, theft of funds from bank accounts, ransomware extortion, and propagating “worm” viruses to create botnets.
The complaint describes a broad array of malicious cyber activities, both successful and unsuccessful, in the United States and abroad, with a particular focus on four specific examples.
Targeting the Entertainment Industry
In November 2014, the conspirators launched a destructive attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) in retaliation for the movie “The Interview,” a comedy that depicted the assassination of the DPRK’s leader. The conspirators gained access to SPE’s network by sending malware to SPE employees, and then stole confidential data, threatened SPE executives and employees, and damaged thousands of computers.
Around the same time, the group sent spear-phishing messages to other victims in the entertainment industry, including a movie theater chain and a U.K. company that was producing a fictional series involving a British nuclear scientist taken prisoner in DPRK.
Targeting Financial Services
In February 2016, the conspiracy stole $81 million from Bangladesh Bank. As part of the cyberheist, the conspiracy accessed the bank’s computer terminals that interfaced with the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) communication system after compromising the bank’s computer network with spear-phishing emails, then sent fraudulently authenticated SWIFT messages directing the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to transfer funds from Bangladesh to accounts in other Asian countries. The conspiracy attempted to and did gain access to several other banks in various countries from 2015 through 2018 using similar methods and “watering hole attacks,” attempting the theft of at least $1 billion through such operations.
Targeting of U.S. Defense Contractors
In 2016 and 2017, the conspiracy targeted a number of U.S. defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, with spear-phishing emails. These malicious emails used some of the same aliases and accounts seen in the SPE attack, at times accessed from North Korean IP addresses, and contained malware with the same distinct data table found in the malware used against SPE and certain banks, the complaint alleges. The spear-phishing emails sent to the defense contractors were often sent from email accounts that purported to be from recruiters at competing defense contractors, and some of the malicious messages made reference to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system deployed in South Korea. The attempts to infiltrate the computer systems of Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the THAAD missile system, were not successful.
Creation of Wannacry
In May 2017, a ransomware known as WannaCry 2.0 infected hundreds of thousands of computers around the world, causing extensive damage, including significantly impacting the United Kingdom’s National Health Service. The conspiracy is connected to the development of WannaCry 2.0, as well as two prior versions of the ransomware, through similarities in form and function to other malware developed by the hackers, and by spreading versions of the ransomware through the same infrastructure used in other cyber-attacks.
Park and his co-conspirators were linked to these attacks, intrusions, and other malicious cyber-enabled activities through a thorough investigation that identified and traced email and social media accounts that connect to each other and were used to send spear-phishing messages; aliases, malware “collector accounts” used to store stolen credentials; common malware code libraries; proxy services used to mask locations; and North Korean, Chinese and other IP addresses. Some of this malicious infrastructure was used across multiple instances of the malicious activities described in the complaint. Taken together, these connections and signatures – revealed in charts attached to the criminal complaint – show that the attacks and intrusions were perpetrated by the same actors.
Accompanying Mitigation Efforts
Throughout the course of the investigation, the FBI and the Justice Department provided specific information to victims about how they had been targeted or compromised, as well as information about the tactics and techniques used by the conspiracy with the goals of remediating any intrusion and preventing future intrusions. That direct sharing of information took place in the United States and in foreign countries, often with the assistance of foreign law enforcement partners. The FBI also has collaborated with certain private cybersecurity companies by sharing and analyzing information about the intrusion patterns used by the members of the conspiracy. In connection with the unsealing of the criminal complaint, the FBI and prosecutors provided cybersecurity providers and other private sector partners detailed information on accounts used by the conspiracy in order to assist these partners in their own independent investigative activities and disruption efforts.
Park is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendant will be determined by the assigned judge.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
In addition to the criminal charges, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today designated Park and KEJV under Executive Order 13722 based on the malicious cyber and cyber-enabled activity outlined in the criminal complaint.
This matter is being prosecuted by Executive Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Christensen, Assistant United States Attorney Anthony J. Lewis of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section, Assistant United States Attorney Anil J. Antony of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, and DOJ Trial Attorneys David Aaron and Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance throughout this investigation, as did many of the FBI’s Legal Attachés, and foreign authorities around the world.
North Korean Regime-Backed Programmer Charged with Conspiracy to Conduct Multiple Cyber Attacks and IntrusionsRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was unsealed today charging Park Jin Hyok (박진혁; a/k/a Jin Hyok Park and Pak Jin Hek), a North Korean citizen, for his involvement in a conspiracy to conduct multiple destructive cyberattacks around the world resulting in damage to massive amounts of computer hardware, and the extensive loss of data, money and other resources (the “Conspiracy”).
The complaint alleges that Park was a member of a government-sponsored hacking team known to the private sector as the “Lazarus Group,” and worked for a North Korean government front company, Chosun Expo Joint Venture (a/k/a Korea Expo Joint Venture or “KEJV”), to support the DPRK government’s malicious cyber actions.
The Conspiracy’s malicious activities include the creation of the malware used in the 2017 WannaCry 2.0 global ransomware attack; the 2016 theft of $81 million from Bangladesh Bank; the 2014 attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE); and numerous other attacks or intrusions on the entertainment, financial services, defense, technology, and virtual currency industries, academia, and electric utilities.
The charges were announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Central District of California Tracy Wilkison and Assistant Director in Charge Paul D. Delacourt of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.
In addition to these criminal charges, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced today that the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Park and KEJV under Executive Order 13722 based on the malicious cyber and cyber-enabled activity outlined in the criminal complaint.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the FBI’s unceasing commitment to unmasking and stopping the malicious actors and countries behind the world’s cyberattacks,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “We stand with our partners to name the North Korean government as the force behind this destructive global cyber campaign. This group’s actions are particularly egregious as they targeted public and private industries worldwide – stealing millions of dollars, threatening to suppress free speech, and crippling hospital systems. We’ll continue to identify and illuminate those responsible for malicious cyberattacks and intrusions, no matter who or where they are.”
“The scale and scope of the cyber-crimes alleged by the Complaint is staggering and offensive to all who respect the rule of law and the cyber norms accepted by responsible nations,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers. “The Complaint alleges that the North Korean government, through a state-sponsored group, robbed a central bank and citizens of other nations, retaliated against free speech in order to chill it half a world away, and created disruptive malware that indiscriminately affected victims in more than 150 other countries, causing hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars’ worth of damage. The investigation, prosecution, and other disruption of malicious state-sponsored cyber activity remains among the highest priorities of the National Security Division and I thank the FBI agents, DOJ prosecutors, and international partners who have put years of effort into this investigation.”
“The complaint charges members of this North Korean-based conspiracy with being responsible for cyberattacks that caused unprecedented economic damage and disruption to businesses in the United States and around the globe,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Wilkison. “The scope of this scheme was exposed through the diligent efforts of FBI agents and federal prosecutors who were able to unmask these sophisticated crimes through sophisticated means. They traced the attacks back to the source and mapped their commonalities, including similarities among the various programs used to infect networks across the globe. These charges send a message that we will track down malicious actors no matter how or where they hide. We will continue to pursue justice for those responsible for the huge monetary losses and attempting to compromise the national security of the United States.”
“We will not allow North Korea to undermine global cybersecurity to advance its interests and generate illicit revenues in violation of our sanctions,” said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. “The United States is committed to holding the regime accountable for its cyber-attacks and other crimes and destabilizing activities.”
Park is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
About the Defendant Park and Chosun Expo Joint Venture
According to the allegations contained in the criminal complaint, which was filed on June 8, 2018 in Los Angeles federal court, and posted today: Park Jin Hyok, was a computer programmer who worked for over a decade for Chosun Expo Joint Venture (a/k/a Korea Expo Joint Venture or “KEJV”). Chosun Expo Joint Venture had offices in China and the DPRK, and is affiliated with Lab 110, a component of DPRK military intelligence. In addition to the programming done by Park and his group for paying clients around the world, the Conspiracy also engaged in malicious cyber activities. Security researchers that have independently investigated these activities referred to this hacking team as the “Lazarus Group.” The Conspiracy’s methods included spear-phishing campaigns, destructive malware attacks, exfiltration of data, theft of funds from bank accounts, ransomware extortion, and propagating “worm” viruses to create botnets.
The Conspiracy’s Cyber Attacks, Heists, and Intrusions
The complaint describes a broad array of the Conspiracy’s alleged malicious cyber activities, both successful and unsuccessful, and in the United States and abroad, with a particular focus on four specific examples.
Targeting the Entertainment Industry
In November 2014, the conspirators launched a destructive attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) in retaliation for the movie “The Interview,” a farcical comedy that depicted the assassination of the DPRK’s leader. The conspirators gained access to SPE’s network by sending malware to SPE employees, and then stole confidential data, threatened SPE executives and employees, and damaged thousands of computers. Around the same time, the group sent spear-phishing messages to other victims in the entertainment industry, including a movie theater chain and a U.K. company that was producing a fictional series involving a British nuclear scientist taken prisoner in DPRK.
Targeting Financial Services
In February 2016, the Conspiracy stole $81 million from Bangladesh Bank. As part of the cyber-heist, the Conspiracy accessed the bank’s computer terminals that interfaced with the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) communication system after compromising the bank’s computer network with spear-phishing emails, then sent fraudulently authenticated SWIFT messages directing the Federal Reserve Bank of NY to transfer funds from Bangladesh to accounts in other Asian countries. The Conspiracy attempted to and did gain access to several other banks in various countries from 2015 through 2018 using similar methods and “watering hole attacks,” attempting the theft of at least $1 billion through such operations.
Targeting of U.S. Defense Contractors
In 2016 and 2017, the Conspiracy targeted a number of U.S. defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, with spear-phishing emails. These malicious emails used some of the same aliases and accounts seen in the SPE attack, at times accessed from North Korean IP addresses, and contained malware with the same distinct data table found in the malware used against SPE and certain banks, the complaint alleges. The spear-phishing emails sent to the defense contractors were often sent from email accounts that purported to be from recruiters at competing defense contractors, and some of the malicious messages made reference to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system deployed in South Korea. The attempts to infiltrate the computer systems of Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the THAAD missile system, were not successful.
Creation of Wannacry 2.0
In May 2017, a ransomware attack known as WannaCry 2.0 infected hundreds of thousands of computers around the world, causing extensive damage, including significantly impacting the United Kingdom’s National Health Service. The Conspiracy is connected to the development of WannaCry 2.0, as well as two prior versions of the ransomware, through similarities in form and function to other malware developed by the hackers, and by spreading versions of the ransomware through the same infrastructure used in other cyber-attacks.
Park and his co-conspirators were linked to these attacks, intrusions, and other malicious cyber-enabled activities through a thorough investigation that identified and traced: email and social media accounts that connect to each other and were used to send spear-phishing messages; aliases, malware “collector accounts” used to store stolen credentials; common malware code libraries; proxy services used to mask locations; and North Korean, Chinese, and other IP addresses. Some of this malicious infrastructure was used across multiple instances of the malicious activities described herein. Taken together, these connections and signatures—revealed in charts attached to the criminal complaint—show that the attacks and intrusions were perpetrated by the same actors.
Accompanying Mitigation Efforts
Throughout the course of the investigation, the FBI and the Department provided specific information to victims about how they had been targeted or compromised, as well as information about the tactics and techniques used by the conspiracy with the goals of remediating any intrusion and preventing future intrusions. That direct sharing of information took place in the United States and in foreign countries, often with the assistance of foreign law enforcement partners. The FBI also has collaborated with certain private cybersecurity companies by sharing and analyzing information about the intrusion patterns used by the members of the conspiracy.
In connection with the unsealing of the criminal complaint, the FBI and prosecutors provided cybersecurity providers and other private sector partners detailed information on accounts used by the Conspiracy in order to assist these partners in their own independent investigative activities and disruption efforts.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendant will be determined by the assigned judge.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie S. Christensen, Anthony J. Lewis, and Anil J. Antony of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, and DOJ Trial Attorneys David Aaron and Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance throughout this investigation, as did many of the FBI’s Legal Attachés, and foreign authorities around the world.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
For the U.S. Department of Treasury’s press release announcing corresponding sanctions please visit www.treasury.gov.
Non-Indian Man Residing on Laguna Pueblo Sentenced for Federal Child Abuse ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Aris Jaramillo, 36, a non-Indian man residing in the Village of Encinal, in the Pueblo of Laguna, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to one year of probation for his conviction on a child abuse charge.
Jaramillo was arrested in Aug. 2017, on a criminal complaint charging him with child abuse on Aug. 13, 2017, on the Laguna Pueblo in Cibola County, N.M. According to the complaint, Jaramillo struck a Laguna Pueblo child on the head repeatedly.
On March 27, 2018, Jaramillo pled guilty to an information charging him with child abuse. In entering the guilty plea, Jaramillo admitted that on Aug. 13, 2017, he became upset and hit the victim several times in the head and left red marks on the victim’s head.
This case was investigated by the Laguna/Acoma Agency of the BIA’s Office of Justice Services and the Laguna Pueblo Tribal Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall.
Nine Members of a Violent Drug Crew Charged with Racketeering Conspiracy and Four MurdersRead the Press Release
A 19-count superseding indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging five new defendants, and four previously charged defendants, for their participation in a drug-trafficking enterprise based in Brooklyn and Queens, referred to in the indictment as the “Bushwick Crew.” Eight defendants are charged with racketeering conspiracy, including predicate acts of murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion conspiracy and heroin distribution conspiracy, and a ninth defendant is charged with murder in aid of racketeering.
Maurice Brown, Jaquan Cooper and Tyquan Griem were arrested yesterday and today and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo at the Brooklyn federal courthouse. Norman Marrero was arraigned earlier today before United States Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson at the federal courthouse in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and ordered detained. Lance Goodwin was arrested today and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Dennis L. Howell at the federal courthouse in Asheville, North Carolina.
Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the charges.
“As alleged, the defendants were part of a violent crew that beat, tortured and killed in furtherance of their heroin trafficking,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue. “These charges demonstrate the commitment by this Office and our law enforcement partners to rid our community of the extreme violence associated with drug dealing.” Mr. Donoghue expressed his appreciation to the New York Metropolitan Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of FBI special agents and NYPD detectives, for their participation and assistance in the investigation.
“Not only are these gang members pushing deadly drugs in our most vulnerable communities, they’re allegedly killing rivals and bystanders in their attempts to maintain power and control,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney. “We’ve stated before the FBI Metro Safe Streets Task Force will continue our pursuit of the leadership in these gangs, and stop their violent and illegal trafficking enterprise before more and more people die from either addiction or at the hands of the gang members.”
“The behavior this crew engaged in will never be tolerated by New Yorkers, and I thank our federal partners at the FBI and the Eastern District for strengthening the NYPD’s efforts to rid our streets of these criminals,” stated NYPD Commissioner O’Neill. “We will remain relentless in our mission to dismantle groups like this by precisely focusing on the drivers of violence in our city, and we will see their cases through to appropriate and meaningful prison sentences – those who live and work in all of our neighborhoods deserve nothing less.”
As alleged in the superseding indictment and court filings by the government,
the Bushwick Crew was involved in a large-scale heroin trafficking organization with Mexican cartel connections. Various members of the crew served as enforcers to protect its interests by arming themselves to escort drug traffickers, forcibly collecting drug debts and committing acts of violence against anyone who interfered with the crew’s operations or offended its members. The crimes alleged include:
Murder of Donte Williams
On August 18, 2012, defendant Lance Goodwin and other members of the crew were involved in a street altercation in Bushwick. During the fight, Goodwin fatally shot Donte Williams in the stomach to advance his own standing within the crew. When arrested one week later, Goodwin was carrying the murder weapon.
Murders of Gary Lopez and Rudy Superville
On March 5, 2013, Gary Lopez and Rudy Superville attempted to rob one of the Bushwick Crew’s main heroin distributors at the distributor’s apartment. Lopez and Superville were shot and wounded by the distributor. Defendants Maurice Brown, Peter Vasquez, Luis Lopez, Jason Pantojas and his brother Miguel Pantojas were summoned by the distributor to the apartment where they beat and tortured Gary Lopez and Superville. Gary Lopez called 911 to plead for help and was shot dead by Brown. Superville attempted to flee the apartment and was fatally stabbed by Jason Pantojas. The bodies were doused with bleach and ammonia, wrapped in plastic and driven to a field in Queens by defendants Brown, Luis Lopez and Vasquez, as well as other crew members. At the field, the bodies were soaked with gasoline and ignited.
Murder of Kelvin Johnson
On September 20, 2014, defendant Tyquan Griem and the above-mentioned heroin distributor went to a nightclub in Queens where a fight broke out. Griem retrieved a handgun stashed in a secret trap in the distributor’s car and opened fire, killing Kelvin Johnson.
Other Violent Crimes
Defendant Norman Marrero is charged with participating in the shooting of a drug customer to extort him for a drug debt owed to the Bushwick Crew. Defendant Jaquan Cooper is charged with committing a gunpoint robbery at a barbershop in Queens as customers were getting their hair cut.
The charges in the superseding indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted of the murder charges, defendants Brown, Goodwin, Griem, Lopez, Jason Pantojas, Miguel Pantojas and Vasquez face mandatory life sentences. If convicted of the drug and gun-related charges, defendants Cooper and Marrero face mandatory minimum sentences of 17 years’ and 20 years’ imprisonment, respectively, and a maximum of life imprisonment.
The superseding indictment is the product of an ongoing investigation into gang and narcotics-related violence in Brooklyn and Queens, among other locations, which has resulted in the filing of federal narcotics-and weapons-related charges in this district against more than 25 individuals in the past three years.
This case is also the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsay K. Gerdes, Jennifer M. Sasso and Andrey Spektor are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance provided by Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Morris of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Unit.
The New Defendants:
MAURICE BROWN (also known as “Spaz”)
Age: 27
Brooklyn, New YorkJAQUAN COOPER (also known as “J-Gunna”)
Age: 30
Brooklyn, New YorkLANCE GOODWIN (also known as “Ty Mucka”)
Age: 29
Brooklyn, New YorkTYQUAN GRIEM (also known as “Ty Goon”)
Age: 28
Brooklyn, New YorkNORMAN MARRERO (also known as “Tito”)
Age: 35
Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaPreviously Charged Defendants Facing New Charges:
LUIS LOPEZ (also known as “Lou”)
Age: 36
Brooklyn, New YorkJASON PANTOJAS (also known as “Tuli”)
Age: 30
Brooklyn, New YorkMIGUEL PANTOJAS (also known as “Miggs”)
Age: 31
Brooklyn, New YorkPETER VASQUEZ (also known as “Pete”)
Age: 31
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 17-CR-390 (S-3) (RJD)