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Monday 27 August 2018
“Fleshlight” Discovery leads to Spring Man’s Conviction on Three Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal jury has convicted a 37-year-old Spring resident of distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. The jury deliberated for less than three hours before convicting Mark Adair following a two-day trial.
The jury heard that Adair had been uploading and downloading child pornography via peer-to-peer software. Authorities has executed a search warrant at his residence which resulted in the discovery of computer media and external digital storage devices. Forensic analysis revealed more than 26,000 child pornography images and 490 child pornography videos.
At trial, the jury learned Adair was receiving child pornography and moving it from his computer to a thumb drive hours before authorities executed the search warrant. Adair had used peer-to-peer software on 30 separate days between December 2015 and February 2016 to receive and distribute child pornography images and videos.
The defense attempted to convince the jury there were other people in the home that could have been the source of the child pornography. However, the government presented evidence including photographs that demonstrated Adair lived alone.
Further, all the devices containing the child pornography were found in the living room. Three of the devices were located on the coffee table next to a tube of personal sexual lubricant. A sexual stimulation device known as a “fleshlight” was also fully visible, next to the sink. A “fleshlight” is a sexual stimulation device disguised as a flashlight but, when opened, reveals a rubber insert modeled after a vagina.
The jury heard arguments that had someone lived with anyone else, these items would likely not be out in the open for anyone to see.
U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison presided over the trial and set sentencing for Nov. 14, 2018. Adair has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
At that time, Adair faces a minimum of five and up to 20 year for the distribution and receipt of child pornography as well as a maximum of 10 years for the possession charge. Additionally, the charges are punishable by a $250,000 possible maximum fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Ann Bulger Leo and Sherri L. Zack are prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Wilkes-Barre Man Pleads Guilty to Computer Hacking OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Justin Bodnar, age 29, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on August 24, 2018, before U.S. District Court Senior Judge James M. Munley to the charge of unauthorized access to a computer.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Bodnar admitted that he “hacked” into a computer belonging to another individual and thereby obtained the e-mails of that individual. Bodnar then offered to sell copies of the e-mails to a third person. As a result of that conduct, Bodnar was indicted by a grand jury in December 2016.
Judge Munley ordered a presentence report to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
The matter was investigated the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is up to five years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Wetzel County residents and a Columbus man admit to connection to a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler CountiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Three New Martinsville, West Virginia residents and a Columbus, Ohio man have admitted to his involvement in methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Alex King, age 33, and Matthew Jackson, also known as “Matt-Matt,” age 22, each pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.” King and Jackson admitted to working with others to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine from 2016 to April 2018 in Wetzel County and elsewhere.
Todd Jones, age 55, and Cynthia Henries, age 47, each pled guilty to “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Jones and Henries admitted to selling methamphetamine in March 2017 in Wetzel County.
All four defendants each face up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., and Shawn M. Adkins are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol; Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office; the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office; the Sistersville Police Department; the Paden City Police Department; and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated. The Columbus, Ohio, Police Department Gang Crimes Unit assisted in the case.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided over the King, Jones, and Henries cases.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided over the Jackson case.
United States Attorney Announces the Appointment of Three New Federal ProsecutorsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox today announced the appointment of three new Assistant United States Attorneys: Ryan Raybould, assigned to the Dallas Criminal Division; Sarah Delaney, assigned to the Dallas Civil Division; and Robert Boudreau, assigned to the Fort Worth Criminal Division.
All three prosecutors were sworn in Monday morning before Chief U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn.
A graduate of Yale University and Notre Dame Law School, Mr. Raybould today returns to the same district where he clerked for U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor five years ago. In the intervening years, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Middle District of Tennessee, where he prosecuted white collar crime cases, and before that as a prosecutor in the Justice Department’s Criminal Enforcement Section – Tax Division. Before beginning his legal career, Mr. Raybould spent four years as a professional soccer player, and was drafted by the Kansas City Wizards in 2005.
Ms. Delaney, who earned degrees from Georgetown University and the University of Virginia School of Law, joins the Northern District of Texas from the litigation section of Snell & Wilmer in Phoenix, Arizona. There, she handled a wide range of matters, from regulatory affairs and international trade to product liability and healthcare matters.
Mr. Boudreau joins the Northern District of Texas from the Justice Department’s Criminal Enforcement Section – Tax Division in Washington, DC, where he investigated and prosecuted crimes including tax evasion, investment fraud, identity theft, healthcare fraud, and public corruption. A graduate of the University at Albany and Boston University School of Law, he also served as a judge advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he represented a Marine court-martialed for a high-profile war crime.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these three AUSAs to our hard-hitting teams in Fort Worth and Dallas,” said Nealy Cox. “I’m confident they will serve the cause of justice with honor.”
Union County, New Jersey, Man Charged with Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, New Jersey, man was arrested today and appeared in federal court on charges of distribution of images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Christopher Gardiner, 35, of Cranford, New Jersey, with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. He made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between March 2018 and June 2018, Gardiner allegedly engaged an undercover agent in an ongoing sexually graphic conversation on a web-based social media application. In a chatroom, Gardiner publicly posted multiple videos depicting the sexual abuse of children and sent similar videos to the undercover agent directly. The complaint also alleges that law enforcement discovered numerous videos of child pornography on Gardiner’s electronic devices when he was arrested at his home.
The charge of distribution of child pornography, for a repeat offender (Gardiner was previously convicted of endangering the welfare of a child and distribution of child pornography in Union County in 2007), carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The charge of possession of child pornography for a repeat offender carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie, with the investigation leading to today’s charges.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Barnes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Public Protection Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defense counsel: Peter Carter Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender (Newark)
Two men charged federally for possession of stolen firearmsRead the Press Release
Guns alleged to have been stolen from Cloverdale gun store
PRESS RELEASE
Indianapolis-United States Attorney Josh Minkler announced today that two men have been federally charged with possession of a stolen firearm. Terry W. Morris II, 18, Cloverdale, and Austin G. Greene, 19, Bedford, were arrested last week and remain in the custody of the United States Marshal’s Service.
“Possessing stolen firearms is a crime we take very seriously in this office,” said Minkler. “Those who choose to illegally sell firearms, introducing them to the underground market and contributing to the violence in our communities should prepare to face federal prosecution.”
On July 31, 2018, ATF agents were contacted by the Cloverdale Police Department and informed of a burglary that occurred recently at Guy’s Gun Locker in Cloverdale, Indiana. Entry was made by breaking a hole through the south wall of the business and over 35 firearms were stolen.
Law enforcement quickly learned that Greene and Morris were in possession of some of the stolen firearms and made covert firearm purchases from both defendants. In each purchase, the guns are alleged to have been stolen in the Guy’s Gun Locker burglary.
This case is being investigated by ATF, and the Cloverdale Police Department.
“ATF’s core mission is reducing violent gun crime in our communities,” said Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “Those who traffic stolen firearms are enabling the spread of violence and are criminals just like those who obtain the firearms from them. We at ATF are committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to follow the gun and stem the destruction stolen firearms cause.”
“The citizens of Cloverdale and the Cloverdale Police Department are thankful for the outstanding support and teamwork provided by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Indiana State Police in the apprehension of these suspects in connection with the burglary at Guy’s Gun Locker,” said Cloverdale Town Marshal Steven L. Hibler. “These agencies continue working with us in an effort to recover all the firearms stolen and get these dangerous weapons out of the hands of people not ordinarily allowed to possess such weapons.”
A criminal complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Pamela Domash. Each defendant faces up to ten years’ imprisonment if convicted.
In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s firm commitment to prosecuting those who illegally traffic firearms. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan 2.3
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Two Former CCAD Supervisors Arrested for Falsifying Helicopter Blade Test RecordsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Two Robstown residents have been taken into custody on charges of conspiracy and falsifying records related to aircraft parts, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Albert Flores, 57, of Corpus Christi, and Samuel Escareno, 54, made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judge B. Janice Ellington today, at which time they were ordered into custody pending a detention hearing set for Aug. 30 at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Ellington.
A federal grand jury indicted Flores and Escareno, both former supervisors at the Corpus Christi Army Depot, on one count each of conspiracy and falsifying records related to aircraft parts.
The indictment alleges Flores and Escareno did aid, abet, council, command and induce others to make false entries and certifications on UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter main rotor blade dynamic balance data sheets. The defendants allegedly did so in order for nonconforming rotor blades to appear to meet specifications when they actually did not.
If convicted, Flores and Escareno both face a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The Department of Army’s Criminal Investigation Division – Major Procurement Fraud Unit conducted the investigation. The Robstown Police Department assisted in the arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.
An indictment or information is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Two Convicted at Trial on Cocaine ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – Two Southwestern Pennsylvania residents have been convicted in federal court for violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Damien Gibson, age 44, formerly of McKeesport, Pennsylvania was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or less of cocaine. Keith Thomas, age 33, Uniontown, Pennsylvania was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or less of cocaine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The charges in the indictment arose from a court authorized Title III wiretap investigation. Jury selection began on August 20, 2018. United States District Court Judge Cathy Bissoon presided over the trial.
The jury was advised that both defendants engaged in a drug conspiracy that stretched from Fayette County to Allegheny County. The cocaine source of supply was Domin Guerrero-Guerrero, a former resident of New York City.
Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for January 16, 2018. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $2,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Judge Bissoon ordered that both defendants be detained pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Two Biddeford, Maine, Men Indicted for Hate Crime AssaultRead the Press Release
Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore and United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank today announced that Maurice Diggins, 34, and Dusty Leo, 27, both of Biddeford, Maine, were indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Maine for conspiracy to violate and for violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, by assaulting an African-American man.
According to the indictment, on about April 15, Diggins and Leo willfully caused bodily injury to an African-American man in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven convenience store in Biddeford, targeting the victim because of his race. The indictment alleges that the defendants drove a truck into the 7-Eleven parking lot at a high rate of speed as the victim walked across the lot. Diggins got out of the truck, repeatedly called the victim a racial slur, blocked his entry into the store, and circled him, turning the victim’s back to the truck. According to the indictment, Leo got out of the truck, walked up behind the victim, and struck him forcefully in the head. It is alleged that as the victim ran away, the defendants followed him in the truck, continuing to shout racial epithets.
If convicted, Diggins and Leo face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the hate crime charge, and five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the conspiracy charge.
Diggins and Leo were arrested on Friday and are scheduled to make their initial appearances today in U.S. District Court in Portland.
The case was investigated by the Biddeford Police Department and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sheila W. Sawyer of the District of Maine and Trial Attorney Timothy Visser of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Two Biddeford Men Indicted for Hate Crime AssaultRead the Press Release
Portland, Maine: Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore and United States Attorney Halsey B. Frank today announced that Maurice Diggins, 34, and Dusty Leo, 27, both of Biddeford, Maine, were indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Maine for conspiracy to violate and for violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, by assaulting an African-American man.
According to the indictment, on about April 15, Diggins and Leo willfully caused bodily injury to an African-American man in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven convenience store in Biddeford, targeting the victim because of his race. The indictment alleges that the defendants drove a truck into the 7-Eleven parking lot at a high rate of speed as the victim walked across the lot. Diggins got out of the truck, repeatedly called the victim a racial slur, blocked his entry into the store, and circled him, turning the victim’s back to the truck. According to the indictment, Leo got out of the truck, walked up behind the victim, and struck him forcefully in the head. It is alleged that as the victim ran away, the defendants followed him in the truck, continuing to shout racial epithets.
If convicted, Diggins and Leo face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the hate crime charge, and five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the conspiracy charge.
Diggins and Leo were arrested on Friday and made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Portland today.
The case was investigated by the Biddeford Police Department and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sheila W. Sawyer of the District of Maine and Trial Attorney Timothy Visser of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Thousand Oaks Man Sentenced to Nearly Five Years in Federal Prison in $11 Million Bank Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Thousand Oaks man who fraudulently obtained more than $11 million in loans he used to purchase a gas station and two car washes was sentenced today to nearly five years in federal prison.
Mohsen Hass, 60, was sentenced to 57 months in prison by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Fischer ordered Hass to pay $5,737,585 in restitution to the victim financial institutions.
Hass, who is also known as “Mike Hass” and “Mohsen Hassanshahi,” pleaded guilty in March to one count of making false statements to a financial institution
Hass purchased the businesses after receiving loans that were approved after he submitted loan applications in 2006 and 2007 that contained false information, including fake assets Hass claimed he was using for a down payment. Hass used the proceeds of the loans to purchase a gas station in Santa Paula and two car washes in South Los Angeles. The lenders suffered losses when Hass defaulted on the loans. Hass was initially charged in 2014, but he fled to Iran for nearly four years before surrendering in February.
At least one bank insider participated in the scheme and allowed loans to go through despite knowing about the false information. Ataollah Aminpour has pleaded guilty and is pending sentencing.
Hass “obtained multi-million dollar businesses to run without putting his own money at risk and allowing at least one bank insider to profit,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum filed in relation to today’s sentencing.
The victims in this case include the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which served as receiver for one of the financial institutions, Mirae Bank, which went into receivership as a result of the fraudulent conduct involving Aminpour and Hass.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of the Inspector General; the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General; and the Office of the Special Inspector General of the Troubled Asset Relief Program.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kerry L. Quinn of the Major Frauds Section.
Texas National Guard Soldier Arrested for Stealing Meth from CBPRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Federal charges have been filed against a Texas Army National Guardsman for stealing approximately 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Law enforcement arrested Edwin Baez, 20, of Cypress, Friday following the filing of sealed criminal complaint. He made his initial appearance in Laredo federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga today, at which time he was ordered detained pending a detention hearing set for Aug. 31 at 10:00.
Baez, a private with a Texas Army National Guard Unit stationed in Houston, is charged with theft of government property, conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute approximately 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.
At the time of the alleged offense, Baez was deployed to Laredo to assist CBP at the World Trade Bridge by providing mission enhancing capabilities such as surveillance, reconnaissance, operational and logistics support.
According to the charge, on Aug. 1, 2018, Baez removed a picture frame he knew contained bundles methamphetamine that were hidden within it. He allegedly took the frame to a CBP dumpster for disposal, later returning to retrieve some of the methamphetamine. The criminal complaint alleges he took the drugs to his hotel room with plans to consume some of it and sell the remainder.
He was arrested following his release from the hospital for a drug-induced emergency.
The total value of the methamphetamine allegedly totals approximately $12,000.
If convicted of the drug charges, Baez faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. He also faces up to 10 years if convicted of theft of government property.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of CBP. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Saline County Resident Sentenced to 13 Years Behind Bars for Federal Methamphetamine OffensesRead the Press Release
Krystle R. Sands, 33, of Harrisburg, Illinois, was sentenced today to 156 months in federal prison for methamphetamine offenses, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois Steven D. Weinhoeft announced. Sands previously pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging her with conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and conspiracy to possess pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine. In addition to her prison term, Sands was ordered to serve eight years on supervised release and pay a $400 fine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing established that, between January 2015 and April 2017, Sands was involved with co-defendant Robert Humphrey and others in the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine in Jackson, Williamson, and Saline Counties. At sentencing, the district judge found that Sands was responsible for the possession of over 200 grams of pseudoephedrine and the distribution of more than a kilogram of "ice." Ice is methamphetamine which has a purity level of at least 80%. Co-defendant Humphrey was previously sentenced to 200 months incarceration for his role in the methamphetamine offenses.
The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Elkville Police Department. The Southern Illinois Drug Task Force and Jackson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.
Putnam County Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A Putnam County man was sentenced today to six years in prison for a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Stephen Craig Sluss, 59, of Scott Depot, West Virginia, previously pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography. United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Sluss was ordered to serve 15 years on federal supervised release after completion of his prison term, and will also be required to register as a sex offender. Sluss was also ordered to pay a special assessment of $5,000.
“These are violent, heinous, disgusting crimes,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Child sexual exploitation investigations and prosecutions are a priority for my office. Sluss’s sentence reflects the seriousness of these crimes. I greatly appreciate the excellent and hard work of the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the United States Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations.”
Sluss admitted that on April 1, 2017, he received videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sex acts. The videos were received by Sluss via the Internet. The investigation revealed that Sluss was using a web-based chatting service to access and download child pornography, Sluss further admitted to possessing over 600 images and videos of minors engaged in sex acts, and that some of those images involved sadistic conduct.
Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa G. Johnston and Jennifer Rada Herrald handled the prosecution.
The 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 Attorney’s 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.justice.gov/psc.
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Project Huntington Update: Ninth Operation Saigon Sunset Defendant Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that another defendant indicted for his role in a major, multi-state heroin and fentanyl distribution network pled guilty today to a federal drug conspiracy charge. Lonnie Berry II, 43, of Huntington, entered his guilty plea to the indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute heroin. To date, 9 of the 15 defendants that were charged in the federal indictment in connection with the Peterson drug trafficking organization have entered guilty pleas. Stuart commended the joint investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West.
“Huntington has paid too high a price due to the chaos and despair wrought by out of state drug dealers,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Another guilty plea by a defendant in the Peterson DTO that was taken down in Operation Saigon Sunset. We arrested them. We detained them behind bars pending trial. And now they are staying behind bars and off our streets. It is easy to believe there is a revolving door – arrest them today and they are on the streets tomorrow – but that is simply not true in federal cases. We are working hard with our local, state and federal partners to ensure a safer and more vibrant City of Huntington.”
Berry admitted that between October 2017 and April 2018 he conspired with Willie Peterson, also known as “Chill,” and Manget Peterson, also known as “Money,” to distribute heroin in Huntington. Berry admitted that he sold heroin for Manget Peterson on a daily basis in Huntington. Berry faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 10, 2018.
The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.
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Post Office Supervisor Sentenced for Theft of MailRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A woman who worked as a supervisor in the post office in Shawnee Mission was sentenced Monday for stealing mail, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Stacey L. Kampfer, 40, Kansas City, Kan., was sentenced to a year on probation and ordered to pay about $785 in restitution.
Kampfer pleaded guilty to one count of mail theft. In her plea, she admitted that while she was employed as a supervisor of customer services she opened mail and stole gift cards and debit cards. Investigators identified 214 people whose mail was opened and property stolen.
McAllister commended the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt for their work on the case.
Pittsburgh Woman Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Participating in Painkiller Distribution NetworkRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, PA – An Allegheny County resident has been sentenced in federal court to 48 months on her conviction of conspiring to possess and distribute opiate painkillers, oxycodone and oxymorphone, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Nicole Miller, age 31, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to information presented to the court, Miller participated in a criminal network of drug dealers who obtained opiate pain killers and then illegally distributed them to users in the Pittsburgh area. Miller recruited customers from a drug rehabilitation clinic, she arranged for sales of drugs to users, she arranged for payments to suppliers, she arranged for purchases from suppliers, and she performed various other functions in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy. She was on probation for two different offenses and on bond for a third when she committed the offenses at issue in this case. While her case was pending, Miller initiated a telephone call to a charged co-conspirator, William Richardson, in which Miller stated that she had identified the residence and vehicle of a Pittsburgh Police Officer who had participated in the investigation of criminal activity at the residence of Richardson and Miller. Miller was aware from that investigation that Richardson had multiple firearms, and in the intercepted phone call, Richardson made statements fairly constituting direct threats of physical violence as to the Police Officer.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Brady commended the Federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Miller.
Pembroke Medical Doctor Sentenced to 20 Years for Unlawfully Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Robert J. Higdon, Jr., announced today that, DONOVAN DAVE DIXON, 51 of Fayetteville, North Carolina, was sentenced to 240 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release by Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III. DIXON, who was a licensed medical doctor at the time of the offense, was convicted after a four-day trial of Conspiracy to Unlawfully Distribute Oxycodone and twenty (20) counts of Unlawful Distribution of Oxycodone outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
The evidence at trial showed that DIXON was a licensed medical doctor who operated a family medical practice in Pembroke, NC from 2012 until April 6, 2015, when his ability to prescribe controlled substances was limited by the North Carolina Medical Board. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad based in Charlotte began investigating DIXON when they noticed that four (4) of the top ten (10) oxycodone prescribing pharmacies for the State of North Carolina were located in the Lumberton, NC area. The local pharmacists as well as local and state law enforcement identified DIXON as the likely cause.
At trial, the evidence showed that DIXON prescribed high strength, high dosage amounts of oxycodone with little or no medical examination. Multiple witnesses testified that they had never even met DIXON despite the fact that hundreds of prescriptions had been issued in their name. A local drug dealer testified that DIXON wrote prescriptions for oxycodone in the name of persons that he provided to DIXON in exchange for cash. The prescription drugs were then sold on the streets of Robeson County by the drug dealer.
Mr. Higdon stated: “The United States Department of Justice is aggressively moving against all individuals who illegally distribute opioids and prescription drugs. Whether those illegally pushing these drugs are on the street or operating from a doctor’s office, we will pursue you, charge you and convict you for the crimes that are putting our citizens at risk.”
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad. Assistance was also provided by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Diversion and Environmental Crime Unit, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, the Fayetteville Police Department, and the North Carolina Medical Board. Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence J. Cameron represented the government in this case.
For more information about the statutes, rules, and policies governing licensed medical professionals and pharmacists when prescribing opioids, please visit the websites of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division (www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov), the North Carolina Medical Board (www.ncmedboard.org), and the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy (www.ncbop.org).
Ohio Man Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Renewable Fuel FraudRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The owner of a company that bought and sold renewable fuel and fuel credits was sentenced to serve 63 months in prison to be followed by a three year term of supervised release and $26,244,437.06 in restitution for his role in a conspiracy that generated over $47 million in fraudulent EPA renewable fuels credits and over $12 million in fraudulent tax credits connected to the purported production of renewable fuel.
The sentencing of defendant Gregory Schnabel was imposed by The Honorable Judge James L. Graham for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division; U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman for the Southern District of Ohio; Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation; Acting Special Agent in Charge John K. Gauthier, of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), criminal enforcement program in Ohio; and Special Agent in Charge Grant Mendenhall of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Indianapolis Division.
“Today’s sentencing shows that the Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute those who seek to defraud the federal government and the public through unlawful renewable fuel credit schemes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Wood. “This sentencing serves as a powerful deterrent to those who would consider participating in similar schemes in the future. We applaud the work of the DOJ, EPA, and IRS law enforcement team that obtained justice in this case.”
“The outcome of this case is a great achievement,” said Assistant Administrator Susan Bodine of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “The defendant participated in a complex scheme to defraud his clients and the United States Government. Through the great work of investigators from EPA and its law enforcement partners, that criminal activity is over and those involved have been prosecuted.”
“Vigorously prosecuting cases like this one not only protect the public fisc, but are also crucial to safeguarding the integrity of national programs that benefit the environment,” said U.S. Attorney Glassman. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute those who defraud government programs, including environmental programs.”
“Today’s sentencing reinforces the message that there are serious consequences for those who manipulate the system for their own financial gain and defraud taxpayers and the United States government in doing so,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Grant Mendenhall. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to uncover fraudulent schemes such as this.”
“This investigation uncovered a complicated fraudulent fuel tax credit scheme that generated millions of dollars through a tangled web of financial lies,” said Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “We hope that today’s sentencing deters others who might be tempted to engage in similar illegal activity, which not only defrauded the U.S. Government and the American taxpayers, but also created an unfair competitive advantage over businesses that play by the rules. Investigations of this magnitude would not be successful without the collaborative efforts of the prosecutors and agents who investigated this case.”
According to information disclosed during the court proceedings, Schnabel, owner of GRC Fuels of Oneonta, New York, engaged in a scheme with other co-conspirators to fraudulently claim EPA renewable fuels credits (also known as “RIN” credits) and tax credits on fuel that did not qualify for the credits, on fuel that had already been used to generate credits, and on fuel that was exported or otherwise used contrary to EPA and IRS regulations.
Schnabel bought and sold fuel and RINs from several individuals who have already pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme, including:
- Fred Witmer and Gary Jury, formerly of Triton Energy, who pleaded guilty in the Northern District of Indiana to conspiracy, fraud, and false statements and were sentenced to 57 months’ and 30 months’ incarceration, respectively;
- Malek Jalal, formerly of Unity Fuels, who pleaded guilty in the Southern District of Ohio to conspiracy and obstruction of justice and was sentenced to 60 months’ incarceration; and
- Dean Daniels, William Bradley, Ricky Smith, and Brenda Daniels, of New Energy Fuels and Chieftain Biofuels, who pleaded guilty in the Southern District of Ohio to conspiracy and were sentenced to terms of incarceration ranging from 12 months to 63 months.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Michael Marous for the Southern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorney Adam Cullman and Senior Trial Attorney Jeremy Korzenik of the Environment and Natural Resources Division. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the IRS, EPA-CID, and the FBI.
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Ohio Man Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Renewable Fuel FraudRead the Press Release
The owner of a company that bought and sold renewable fuel and fuel credits was sentenced to serve 63 months in prison to be followed by a three year term of supervised release and $26,244,437.06 in restitution for his role in a conspiracy that generated over $47 million in fraudulent EPA renewable fuels credits and over $12 million in fraudulent tax credits connected to the purported production of renewable fuel.
The sentencing of defendant Gregory Schnabel was imposed by The Honorable Judge James L. Graham for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division; U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman for the Southern District of Ohio; Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation; Acting Special Agent in Charge John K. Gauthier, of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), criminal enforcement program in Ohio; and Special Agent in Charge Grant Mendenhall of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Indianapolis Division.
“Today’s sentencing shows that the Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute those who seek to defraud the federal government and the public through unlawful renewable fuel credit schemes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Wood. “This sentencing serves as a powerful deterrent to those who would consider participating in similar schemes in the future. We applaud the work of the DOJ, EPA, and IRS law enforcement team that obtained justice in this case.”
“The outcome of this case is a great achievement,” said Assistant Administrator Susan Bodine of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “The defendant participated in a complex scheme to defraud his clients and the United States Government. Through the great work of investigators from EPA and its law enforcement partners, that criminal activity is over and those involved have been prosecuted.”
“Vigorously prosecuting cases like this one not only protect the public fisc, but are also crucial to safeguarding the integrity of national programs that benefit the environment,” said U.S. Attorney Glassman. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute those who defraud government programs, including environmental programs.”
“Today’s sentencing reinforces the message that there are serious consequences for those who manipulate the system for their own financial gain and defraud taxpayers and the United States government in doing so,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Grant Mendenhall. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to uncover fraudulent schemes such as this.”
“This investigation uncovered a complicated fraudulent fuel tax credit scheme that generated millions of dollars through a tangled web of financial lies,” said Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “We hope that today’s sentencing deters others who might be tempted to engage in similar illegal activity, which not only defrauded the U.S. Government and the American taxpayers, but also created an unfair competitive advantage over businesses that play by the rules. Investigations of this magnitude would not be successful without the collaborative efforts of the prosecutors and agents who investigated this case.”
According to information disclosed during the court proceedings, Schnabel, owner of GRC Fuels of Oneonta, New York, engaged in a scheme with other co-conspirators to fraudulently claim EPA renewable fuels credits (also known as “RIN” credits) and tax credits on fuel that did not qualify for the credits, on fuel that had already been used to generate credits, and on fuel that was exported or otherwise used contrary to EPA and IRS regulations.
Schnabel bought and sold fuel and RINs from several individuals who have already pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme, including:
- Fred Witmer and Gary Jury, formerly of Triton Energy, who pleaded guilty in the Northern District of Indiana to conspiracy, fraud, and false statements and were sentenced to 57 months’ and 30 months’ incarceration, respectively;
- Malek Jalal, formerly of Unity Fuels, who pleaded guilty in the Southern District of Ohio to conspiracy and obstruction of justice and was sentenced to 60 months’ incarceration; and
- Dean Daniels, William Bradley, Ricky Smith, and Brenda Daniels, of New Energy Fuels and Chieftain Biofuels, who pleaded guilty in the Southern District of Ohio to conspiracy and were sentenced to terms of incarceration ranging from 12 months to 63 months.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Michael Marous for the Southern District of Ohio, and Trial Attorney Adam Cullman and Senior Trial Attorney Jeremy Korzenik of the Environment and Natural Resources Division. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the IRS, EPA-CID, and the FBI.
Northfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Participating in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CONCORD – United States Attorney Scott W. Murray announced that Alisha Morin, 30, of Northfield, New Hampshire, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, during an ongoing drug trafficking investigation that included wiretaps of certain telephones, investigators learned that on March 9, 2018, Morin intended to travel from New Hampshire to a location in Massachusetts to purchase fentanyl. Agents conducted surveillance in the area of the transaction and observed a hand-to-hand exchange between a known drug trafficker and the front right seat passenger of the vehicle. The vehicle left Massachusetts and agents followed it directly to New Hampshire. A New Hampshire State Trooper stopped the vehicle for traffic violations and identified Morin as the front seat passenger. Approximately 31 grams of fentanyl were located in the vehicle. Some of the fentanyl was hidden in her bra. The investigation revealed that from February 23, 2018, and continuing through April 5, 2018, Morin ordered over 400 grams of fentanyl from the drug distributors in Massachusetts.
Morin is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2018.
“The deadly impact of fentanyl has been felt in communities throughout the Granite State,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “In order to protect the public, we will continue to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those who are responsible for distributing this dangerous drug. I commend the law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation for stopping this defendant’s drug trafficking activities.”
The case was a collaborative investigation that involved the DEA; the New Hampshire State Police; the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; the Nashua Police Department; the Massachusetts State Police; the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office; the Essex County District Attorney’s Office; the Internal Revenue Service; Immigration and
Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; United States Customs and Border Protection Boston Field Office; the United States Marshals Service; the United States Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; the Manchester Police Department; the Lisbon Police Department; the Littleton Police Department; the Seabrook Police Department; the Haverhill (MA) Police Department; the Methuen (MA) Police Department; the Lowell (MA) Police Department; and the Maine State Police.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Georgiana L. Konesky, Seth R. Aframe and Debra M. Walsh.
This investigation was conducted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The OCDETF program is a federal multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task force that supplies supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of major drug trafficking organizations.
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New York Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A New York man who illegally possessed firearms in Cross Lanes last year pled guilty today in federal court in Huntington, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Andre Durrell Watson, 33, entered his guilty plea to prohibited possession of a firearm by a felon. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
“Yet another felon in possession of a gun,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “For some reason these felons simply can’t figure it out. We are committed to making our communities safer and as part of our efforts to prevent violent crime we are vigorously prosecuting prohibited persons that possess guns.”
In May and June of 2017, Watson was living at 5035 St. Patrick Circle in Cross Lanes. Agents executed a search warrant at the residence on June 1, 2017, and recovered four firearms along with a large quantity of ammunition. Watson admitted during his plea hearing that he possessed the firearms, a .40 caliber pistol, a 9mm pistol, and two 5.56mm AR-15 style rifles. Watson also admitted that the .40 caliber pistol was previously stolen. Watson was convicted in 2005 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania of the felony offense of burglary and was prohibited from possessing firearms by virtue of his conviction.
Watson faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on December 10, 2018.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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.
Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart
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Nassau County, New York, Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Defrauding Multiple Residential Mortgage HoldersRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – The sole proprietor of a purported loan modification consulting company was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for fraudulently billing clients more than $400,000 for services that were never performed, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Jeffrey Halpern, 63, of Hewlett, New York, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud. Judge Sheridan imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Between 2009 and 2016, Halpern operated JCK Marketing and solicited business from individuals who were seeking home loan modifications on their residential mortgages. Halpern told these individuals that, for a fee, he would negotiate loan modifications on their behalf.
In actuality, Halpern pocketed the funds but performed little or no actual services in connection with the purported loan modifications. Halpern also repeatedly demanded money for “bank fees” from his victims, even though none of the related financial institutions charged fees for loan modifications. During the relevant time period, Halpern defrauded at least 26 victims of more than $400,000.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Sheridan sentenced Halpern to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $411,000 in restitution.U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited investigators with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing. He also thanked the New York State Department of Financial Services, under the direction of Superintendent Maria T. Vullo; the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Mark Higgins; and the Nassau County District Attorney’s office, under the direction of District Attorney Madeline Singas, for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark.Defense counsel: Mitchell C. Elman Esq., Port Washington, New York
Monroe County Man Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
WILKES-BARRE - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Matthew Morales, age 25, of Pocono Summit, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on August 23, 2018, before U.S. District Court Senior Judge A. Richard Caputo to conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Morales admitted to participating in a conspiracy to distribute between 10 and 40 grams of heroin (which is equivalent to 400 to1,600 individual doses of heroin), as well as between 28 and 112 grams of crack cocaine, in the Monroe County area between May and July 2015. Morales was one of eleven individuals indicted by a grand jury in July 2015, and charged with conspiring to distribute heroin, powder cocaine and crack cocaine in the Monroe County area.
Judge Caputo ordered a presentence report to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses.
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.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum penalty under federal law is up to forty years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Mexican National Charged for Voting by an AlienRead the Press Release
RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a Criminal Information has been filed charging ALMA ILZET MAR ESCALANTE, age 36, of Mexico, with voting by an alien.
According to the charging document, ESCALANTE registered to vote in North Carolina in 2012 and attested under the penalty of perjury that she was a citizen of the United States. As detailed in an affidavit supporting the Criminal Information, ESCALANTE voted in the General Elections of 2012, 2014, and 2016, in Bladen County, North Carolina. ESCALANTE was granted deferred action status in 2016 and her application to register as a lawful permanent resident in the United States is pending adjudication.
If convicted of voting by an alien, ESCALANTE would face maximum penalties of twelve months imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the Criminal Information are merely accusations. A Criminal Information is a formal written accusation filed directly by the United States Attorney. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated under the newly created framework of the Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF) in the Eastern District of North Carolina lead by Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, and assisted by Enforcement Removal Operations, and the Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service. The investigation as to voting fraud is ongoing.
Meth User Dreamed of Getting Even by Becoming a RobberRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A methamphetamine user from Kansas City, Kan., was sentenced Monday to two years in federal prison on firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Steven K. Kolojaco, 27, Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of firearms by a user of controlled substances. In his plea, he admitted he bought at least nine handguns from Cabela’s and Bass Pro stores in Kansas City, Kan., and Olathe. His plan was to use the guns to rob people who he thought had mistreated him. Before he could carry out the plan, however, the guns were stolen from him.
Kolojaco admitted that he used meth daily and he was under the influence of methamphetamine when he bought some of the guns.
McAllister commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel for their work on the case.
Mequon Business Owner Charged with Filing False Tax Returns for ClientsRead the Press Release
Matthew D. Krueger, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that federal charges had been filed against Randy D. Usow (age 62) of Mequon, Wisconsin. Usow is charged with theft of government property and aggravated identity theft. The United States also filed a plea agreement it had reached with Usow under which he will plead guilty to these charges.
Usow, who operated an accounting business in Mequon known as Randy Usow Accounting, Inc., prepared and filed state and federal tax returns for third parties. The charges against Usow are based on his preparing and filing of false tax returns for one of his clients and his wife in which Usow fraudulently claimed refunds the clients were not entitled to and then diverting the fraudulent refunds to himself.
To conceal his activity, Usow provide the clients with a different version of the tax returns that reflected the correct refund the clients were entitled to.
To facilitate his theft, Usow opened a bank account in the name of his client without the client’s knowledge or consent. Usow then directed the IRS to send a fraudulent refund to this account. After receiving the refund, Usow transferred a portion of the refund to a second bank account he had opened in the name “US Government, LLC.” Usow then used this account to pay the clients the smaller refund the clients were expecting.
During the period from April 2011 through May 2015, Usow filed at least four false federal income tax returns, fraudulently seeking more than $800,000 in federal income tax refunds and diverted those funds to himself.
Usow faces a minimum of two years in prison, and up to 12 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000, as well as having to pay restitution to the United States.
This matter was investigated by the Criminal Investigation of the Internal Revenue and has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Matthew L. Jacobs for prosecution.
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For additional information contact:
Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig 414-297-1700
Memphis Woman Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Keaunta Keshawna Robinson, age 28, of Memphis, Tennessee, entered a guilty plea to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), punishable by not less than 10 years imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000.00 fine, or both.
The Indictment alleged that on or about April 26, 2018, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma, the defendant, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), a Schedule II controlled substance.The charges arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Honorable Steven P. Shreder, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, in Muskogee, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
Assistant United States Attorney Dean Burris represented the United States.
Martinsburg man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Adam Gunn, II, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Gunn, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine.” Gunn admitted to selling cocaine in Berkeley County in August 2017.
Gunn faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug & Gang Task Force , the West Virginia State Police, the Virginia State Police, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Ranson Police Department. Other agencies that assisted in the investigation are the Winchester City Police Department; and Frederick County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office; Pittsylvania County; Virginia Sheriff’s Office; and the Henry County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Murder Charges Against Bronx Gang Member for 2011 Murder of Jose WebsterRead the Press Release
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James J. Hunt, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced additional charges in a Superseding Indictment against a member of the “MacBallas” gang based in the Andrew Jackson and Melrose Houses in the Bronx. In the Superseding Indictment, which was returned today, NATHANIEL FLUDD, a/k/a “Juntao,” is charged with the September 15, 2011, murder of Jose Webster, a/k/a “Spillz.”
FLUDD and a co-defendant were previously charged with the 2011 murder of Daniel Delgado in an Indictment unsealed on June 27, 2018. That Indictment also charges 20 members and associates of the MacBallas with racketeering, narcotics trafficking, robbery, and firearms offenses. In addition to the new charges related to the Webster murder, the Superseding Indictment re-alleges the charges that had previously been brought in the Indictment against FLUDD and 19 others. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote. FLUDD and the 19 other defendants will be arraigned on the new charges later in the week.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged, Jose Webster was murdered in 2011 by Nathaniel Fludd and other members of the violent MacBallas gang. We thank our law enforcement partners for their extraordinary efforts investigating this murder. With their help, we will continue our efforts to eradicate this senseless gang violence from our communities.”
DEA Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt said: “The comprehensive investigations into gang-related crime have an uncanny knack for uncovering and linking additional crimes to defendants. In this case, we identified not just one, but two murders committed by one of the gang members, Nathaniel Fludd. I commend the agents, detectives, and prosecutors for their diligent work on this investigation.”
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD’s Bronx Violent Crimes Squad and the New York Field Division of the DEA.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Clore, Jordan Estes, and Maurene Comey are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Man Sentenced for Illegally Building Road on U.S. Forest Service LandRead the Press Release
GRAND JUNCTION – Earl Bennett, age 72, was recently sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Gordon Gallagher to serve one year of probation and pay $30,000 in restitution for the repair of a road he illegally built on Forest Service land near the Cathedral Peaks Subdivision near Crawford, Colorado. Bennett had previously pled guilty to a Class B Misdemeanor, for constructing a road, trail or other improvement on National Forest System lands without special-use authorization, a contract or an approved operating plan.
According to court documents, including the stipulated facts contained in the plea agreement, on June 28, 2014, Bennett, while President of the Cathedral Peaks Ranch Landowner’s Association (CPRLA), bulldozed a trail and created an unauthorized road on National Forest Service land adjacent to private property of another subdivision landowner. A witness observed the defendant on a bulldozer creating the road on Forest Service land. Later, it was determined that Bennett spent 11 hours using the bulldozer opening the road.
On August 24, 2014, a Forest Service crew went to the site and confirmed there was nearly a mile of newly constructed road on National Forest Service land. The damage included soil and rock removal, erosion damage, hillside weakening, and numerous oak trees cut. The road created a dangerous risk of mudslide and endangers an individual’s home, located below the damaged area.
“Destroying public land is selfish and steals from all of us,” said U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer. “The U.S. Attorney’s Offices works together with the Forest Service and local law enforcement to protect our public land.”
“National forests are public lands; they belong to all of us to enjoy safely and responsibly,” said USDA Forest Service Special Agent in Charge Kent Delbon. “Constructing, placing or maintaining any kind of road, trail, structure, fence, enclosure, communication equipment, or other improvements on National Forest System lands without permission is illegal and harmful to the environment.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service. The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Chaffin.
Lincoln County Man Sentenced for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Eddie Paul Harris, 69, of Lincoln County, Kentucky, has been sentenced, by Chief United States District Judge Karen K. Caldwell. On Thursday, August 23, 2018, he was formally sentenced for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Harris was found to be an armed career criminal and was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment.
Harris, who had previously been convicted of two murders, armed robbery, and second degree robbery, among other things, admitted to unlawfully possessing the firearm. On December 31, 2015, the Kentucky State Police Strategic Response Team, with the aid of local law enforcement, arrived at Harris’s residence to execute an arrest warrant. Harris refused to exit the premises. A witness, who had already exited the residence told officers that Harris was armed and intended to fire at officers, causing law enforcement to escalate its response. Ultimately, officers were able to apprehend Harris. Inside the residence, officers located a loaded, short-barreled Remington shotgun. Harris pleaded guilty to the charges in July 2018.
Under federal law, Harris must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence; and upon his release, he will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for a period of five years.
Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Stuart Lowery, Special Agent in Charge, ATF; and Richard Sanders, Kentucky State Police, jointly made the announcement.
ATF and Kentucky State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Tanner Bradley represented the United States.
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 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, local strategies to reduce violent crime.
Lackawanna Man Sentenced on Drug and Retaliation ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Sharon Thompson, 26, of Lackawanna, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, crack cocaine within 1000 feet of a public housing property, and conspiracy to retaliate against an informant, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Higgins, who handled the case, stated that on May 7, 2014, the defendant sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant working with the Lackawanna Police Department. The purchase occurred within 1000 feet of the Gates Housing Projects in Lackawanna. On October 11, 2014, Thompson and another individual assaulted another individual who they believed was cooperating with law enforcement officers. In addition, they stole cash and a cell phone from the victim while the victim was unconscious.
Thompson is one of 18 defendants arrested and convicted in a large scale drug trafficking operation that operated in and near the Gates Housing Project.The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Gary Loeffert, Special Agent-in-Charge.
Jeremiah Wolfe, Lawrencia Merrick and Natasha Wolfe sentenced for Second Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Jeremiah Wolfe, 20, Lawrencia Merrick, 22, and Natasha Wolfe, 39, were sentenced Friday, August 24, 2018, in Omaha, Nebraska, by United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., for the killing of William I. Redhorn, 39, in Winnebago, Nebraska in April of 2017. Jeremiah Wolfe and Merrick were both sentenced to fifteen years for second degree murder and Natasha Wolfe, Jeremiah’s mother, was sentenced to 14 years for conspiracy to commit second degree murder. There is no parole in the federal system. All three were given 5 years of supervised release to begin upon completion of their prison terms.
On April 23, 2017, Jeremiah Wolfe, Lawrencia Merrick, Natasha Wolfe and a juvenile were sitting inside a Chevy Tahoe parked in the lot of the Ho Chunk Incorporated building on the Winnebago Indian Reservation. They were using their phones while connected to the building’s free wireless internet. At nearly 5:00 a.m., William Redhorn was outside the building, looking for cigarettes. After verbally engaging Mr. Redhorn, all of the occupants inside the Chevy Tahoe got out of the car, approached Mr. Redhorn, and assaulted him. Mr. Redhorn turned to run away from the group, but was caught by Jeremiah Wolfe. Merrick caught up to Jeremiah Wolfe and the two proceeded to repeatedly hit and punch Mr. Redhorn. Jeremiah Wolfe put Mr. Redhorn’s neck into an arm-bar hold while Merrick continuously hit Mr. Redhorn. Natasha Wolfe struck Mr. Redhorn in the head three times with a flashlight. Mr. Redhorn lost consciousness and Jeremiah Wolfe let him go. Merrick then kicked Mr. Redhorn who fell face down after the assault, and never got back up. Jeremiah Wolfe and Merrick had no prior contact with Mr. Redhorn and did not know who he was. Only Natasha Wolfe knew who Mr. Redhorn was, but did not have a relationship of any kind with him. Mr. Redhorn’s body was discovered several hours later when a local resident on his way to church drove by the scene.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Winnebago Police Department.
Jefferson City Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearms After Officers Confiscate 50 WeaponsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo., man who tried to sell firearms to a local pawn shop pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing firearms after law enforcement officers confiscated 50 weapons from him.
Jeremy L. Roark, 33, of Jefferson City, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps to being a felon in possession of firearms.
According to court documents, Roark attempted to sell six firearms to River City Pawn and Gun in Jefferson City on Dec. 15, 2017. The owner told police officers that Roark brought six firearms to the business: a Colt .45-caliber revolver, a Taurus .38-caliber revolver, a Sig Sauer .45-caliber pistol, a Ruger .22-caliber revolver, a Ruger .357-caliber magnum revolver and a Ruger .45-caliber revolver. Roark also discussed having as many as 70 additional firearms for sale that he could bring to River City Pawn and Gun. The owner didn’t pay Roark for the six guns that were left, and after having no contact with Roark, called the police on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017.
The next day, investigators interviewed Roark, who acknowledged that he had taken the guns to River City Pawn and Gun. Law enforcement officers recovered approximately 50 firearms from Roark during the course of the investigation.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Roark has prior felony convictions for distributing or manufacturing a controlled substance and a prior felony conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Under federal statutes, Roark is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Jamestown Man Sentenced on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CONTACT: Barbara Burns
PHONE: (716) 843-5817
FAX #: (716) 551-3051BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Matthew S. Jones, 32, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, five grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Higgins, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant was arrested on December 1, 2016, along with his brother Beau K.C. Jones, after a shipment of more than 360 grams of methamphetamine was delivered, via the U.S. mail, to the brothers at Matthew S. Jones’ residence at 70 Colfax in Jamestown. Shortly after the delivery, Beau K.C. Jones was arrested during a car stop by police and the parcel containing the methamphetamine was discovered in the backseat of his vehicle. Matthew S. Jones was arrested later that day during a separate car stop. A safe was found in the trunk of his car containing an additional quantity of approximately 80 grams of methamphetamine.
Beau K.C. Jones was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
Today’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge, New York Field Division; the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Joseph Gerace, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings.
Iowa Falls Man Prohibited from Possessing Guns Because of Prior Misdemeanor Domestic Abuse Convictions Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
An Iowa Falls man who was prohibited from possessing guns because of prior misdemeanor domestic abuse convictions was sentenced August 24, 2018, to more than a year in federal prison.
Heath Allen Ziesman, age 35, from Iowa Falls, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 5, 2018, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a domestic abuser.
Court documents and evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that on June 18, 2015, police investigators executed a search warrant at Ziesman’s residence in Iowa Falls. Investigators recovered a loaded Rock Island Armory .45 caliber pistol and a box of .45 caliber ammunition in a dresser drawer by Ziesman’s bed. They also found a loaded rifle, a shotgun, detached shotgun barrels, boxes of ammunition, and numerous loose cartridges of ammunition in the basement.
In March 2010, Ziesman was convicted of first degree harassment for threatening his ex-girlfriend. Ziesman sent compromising photographs of his ex-girlfriend to her family members and threatened to send the photographs to the schoolboard where she worked.
In July 2012, Ziesman was convicted of domestic abuse assault for grabbing his ex-wife’s neck and choking her. While still on probation for this assault conviction, Ziesman pushed his ex-wife down three stairs, causing her to smash her forehead into a door frame and splitting open her skin. She needed 27 stitches to seal her wound. Ziesman received a second domestic abuse assault conviction in July 2013.
Ziesman was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand. He was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Ziesman was released on conditions previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on a date yet to be set.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Eldridge and Drew Inman and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 17-CR-98-LTS.
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Investigators Recover 55 Pounds of Methamphetamine During Traffic Stop in Hall County, NebraskaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that on August 24, 2018, United States District Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Juan Carlos Camacho to imprisonment for 108 months, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Camacho was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. On January 18, 2018, in Hall County, Nebraska, a Nebraska State Trooper stopped a black Ford Expedition for a traffic violation. Defendant was a passenger in the vehicle. Investigators searched the Expedition and recovered approximately 55 pounds of methamphetamine. Investigators subsequently executed a search warrant at an apartment in Hastings, Nebraska. Among the items seized from the apartment were narcotics packaging material, a scale, police scanners, ledgers, $17,820 in United States Currency, and an AR-15 firearm.
The case was investigated by the Central Nebraska Drug and Safe Streets Task Force.
Inmate at United States Penitentiary at Canaan Pleads Guilty to Assault of Correctional OfficerRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Orlando Hernandez, age 33, formerly of Florida, pleaded guilty on August 24, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion to the charge of assault on a correctional officer.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, Hernandez, an inmate at USP Canaan, admitted to kicking and “head-butting” a correctional officer on January 27, 2017, during a disciplinary hearing at the prison. Hernandez was indicted by a grand jury in September 2017.
Judge Mannion ordered a presentence report to be completed. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara is prosecuting the case.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The maximum penalty under federal law is up to eight years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Identity thief sentenced for stealing money from victims’ bank accountsRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Justin Tony Walker has been sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for fraudulently accessing bank accounts and transferring more than $1.3 million from financial institutions into accounts held by his co-conspirators.
“Walker was crafty and knew no limits on how far he would go to commit fraud, even while on probation,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “We encourage citizens to regularly monitor their bank statements to ensure their accounts have not been compromised.”
“The FBI treats these types of financial crimes targeting individuals and the banking industry very seriously,” said J. C. “Chris” Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Division. “Anyone considering this type of criminal activity should take heed of the punishment imposed in this case.”
According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court: From July 2015 to March 2016, Walker ran a scheme to steal money from various financial institutions and their customers’ bank accounts by using fraudulently acquired personal information to impersonate the account holders.
Walker contacted customer service representatives at financial institutions using the true account holders’ personal information. He would then acquire additional information on customers’ accounts that he used to either take over existing accounts or create new accounts. Walker then would wire sums of money from these accounts to personal accounts held by his co-conspirators. Through this scheme, Walker defrauded financial institutions of more than $1.3 million.
Since 2007, Walker has been arrested on four separate occasions for various forms of fraud and identity theft, including financial transaction card fraud. In 2011 and 2015, Walker violated his probation by committing additional acts of fraud and identity theft, and the conduct in this case was in contravention of a previous judicial sentence.
Justin Tony Walker, 29, of Lawrenceville, Georgia was sentenced to seven years in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg on August 24, 2018. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $514,979.56. Walker pleaded guilty to the charges on May 29, 2018.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Atlanta Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bernita B. Malloy prosecuted 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.
Houston Men Sentenced for Tax Impersonation ScamRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two men have been ordered to federal prison following their convictions of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a scheme that involved more than over 200 victims, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Special Agent in Charge Gary Smith of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Vedas Engineer, 34, Bhavdip Sanghavi, 37, pleaded guilty in July and December 2017, respectfully.
Today, U.S. District Judge David Hittner ordered Sanghavi to serve 96 months in prison. Engineer received the same sentence May 30, 2018. Both were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following their sentences and are to pay more than $1 million in restitution.
In imposing the sentence, the court considered the offense which involved more than 200 victims across the United States, some of whom were elderly.
The scheme involved victim tax-payers across the United States who were pressured to pay money to resolve alleged tax debts via wire transfers.
“Over the past five years, TIGTA has received reports of over 2.3 million impersonation related calls with over 14,000 victims reporting losses of almost $70 million, said Smith. “Victimizing taxpayers by impersonating IRS employees is a serious crime. TIGTA and our law enforcement partners are doing everything within our power to ensure that those involved in the impersonation of IRS employees are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Those who receive such calls are urged to report the numbers to TIGTA on the agency’s website.
TIGTA conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia Moyer is prosecuting the case.
Henry County Paving Company Owner Sentenced for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – A Galva, Ill., man, Tony L. Porter, has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison, (46 months,) for tax evasion. U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow sentenced Porter, 42, an owner of Porter Paving, on Aug. 24, 2018. In addition, Judge Darrow ordered Porter to pay $566,571 in unpaid taxes and interest to the IRS. Porter was ordered to report to the federal Bureau of Prisons on Oct. 1, 2018, to begin serving his prison sentence. Following his prison sentence, Porter was ordered to serve three years of supervised release.
On March 22, 2018, Porter plead guilty to tax evasion. According to court documents, Porter underreported or failed to report income he received from customers of his paving business in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Rather than deposit customers’ checks, Porter cashed the checks at the customer’s bank and failed to report the income on his tax returns. Porter failed to report income of $112,439 for 2009; $429,064 for 2010; and, $579,261 for 2011. As a result, Porter did not pay $384,206 in tax for the three years. With interest, the court ordered that Porter pay taxes and interest to the IRS in the amount of $566,571 for tax years 2009, 2010, and 2011.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hilary W. Frooman prosecuted the case. The IRS, Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation.
Fourth Individual Sentenced on Corruption Charge Arising from Opa Locka Municipal Corruption InvestigationRead the Press Release
An individual who had a pending agreement to purchase a Miami-based licensed towing company (“the Towing Company”) was sentenced to prison after previously pleading to participating in a conspiracy to pay bribes in order to obtain a contract with the City of Opa Locka.
Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Michael J. De Palma, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement.
Raul Sosa Sr. (“Sosa Sr.”) pled guilty before United States District Judge Jose E. Martinez to conspiring to commit Federal programs bribery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 666(a)(2) (Count 1 of the Superseding Indictment). On August 24, 2018, Judge Martinez sentenced Sosa Sr. to 30 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Judge Martinez ordered that the full sentence be served consecutively to the 78-month sentence Sosa Sr. is currently serving for an unrelated federal tax conviction in 2016.
According to the court record, Sosa Sr. and his son Raul Sosa Jr. (“Sosa Jr.), who was the manager of the Towing Company, conspired with then-Opa Locka City Commissioner Luis Santiago and his associate, Dante Starks, to pay Santiago and Starks a $10,000 bribe so that Santiago and Starks would use their positions and influence to ensure that the Towing Company was selected to receive a city towing contract.
The illegal agreement was finalized at an April 19, 2015 meeting between Sosa Sr., Santiago, and Starks, during which Sosa Sr. paid the first installment of the bribe and designated his son, Sosa Jr., as the person who would work with Santiago and Starks to carry out the illegal arrangement. Over the next month, Sosa Jr., who also pled guilty to conspiring to commit bribery in this case, made additional bribe payments with cash provided by Sosa Sr., and Starks arranged for an Opa Locka city employee to assemble and prepare the Towing Company’s bid package. After this bid was submitted, Starks violated the City’s purchasing Cone of Silence by contacting a member of the City’s committee ranking the towing bids and directing that individual to rank the Towing Company as the number one company. To complete the illegal arrangement, Santiago used his position as a City Commissioner to move and vote in favor of the June 24, 2015 resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into towing contracts with the Towing Company and three other companies. The next day, Sosa Jr. paid the final installment of the $10,000 bribe to Starks. Sosa Jr.’s sentencing is set for September 7, 2018, before Judge Martinez.
In related cases, arising from the Opa Locka corruption investigation, Santiago previously pled guilty to conspiring to commit Federal programs bribery and Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right (Case No. 16-20971-CR-WILLIAMS) and was sentenced to 51 months in prison. His sentence was recently reduced to 30 months in prison. Starks pled guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right and to commit Federal programs bribery; and to failure to file income tax returns and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7, 2018. (Case No. 18-20313-CR-MARTINEZ). Former Opa Locka City Manager David Chiverton pled guilty to conspiring to commit Federal programs bribery and Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right and was sentenced to 38 months in prison (Case No. 16-20596-CR). Former Opa Locka Assistant Public Works Director Gregory Harris pled guilty to conspiring to commit Federal programs bribery and Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right (Case No. 16-20589-CR-BLOOM). Harris was the first defendant to plead guilty to charges arising from this investigation, and received a sentence of probation.
Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Miami Area Corruption Task Force and IRS-CI in this matter. Mr. Greenberg thanked the Miami-Dade Police Department and Hialeah Police Department for their assistance. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward N. Stamm and Maurice Johnson.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Four Members of the Seven Mile Bloods Street Gang Convicted of Racketeering and Other Related OffensesRead the Press Release
After a 10-week trial, a federal jury in the Eastern District of Michigan convicted four members of the Seven Mile Bloods Street Gang today for their participation in various criminal acts, including racketeering conspiracy and related firearm offenses.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider of the Eastern District of Michigan and Special Agent in Charge Timothy R. Slater of the FBI’s Detroit Division made the announcement.
“The Seven Mile Bloods and its rival conducted a gang war on the east side of Detroit, leading to an increase in murders and shootings in that part of the city,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “We commend our prosecutors and law enforcement partners for their hard work to hold members of the gang accountable for their crimes. Today’s verdict sends a strong message that the Department of Justice and its partners will use every tool available as we continue our work to disrupt and dismantle violent street gangs like the Seven Mile Bloods.”
“These guilty verdicts are a tremendous victory for the Detroit community that was plagued by the violence, drug dealing and mayhem inflicted by this violent street gang,” said U.S. Attorney Schneider. “The jury’s guilty verdicts highlight that our community has no tolerance for the senseless murders and violence spread by gang members.”
“The FBI, our Task Force partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will continue to vigorously combat gang, drug and gun crimes in our neighborhoods so that all residents of the City of Detroit can live in an environment that is safe and free of violence,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Slater.
The trial was conducted before U.S. District Judge George Caram Steeh in Detroit, Michigan. The jury deliberated approximately seven days before reaching their verdicts. Amongst those convicted are:
- Corey Bailey, aka “Sonny,” “Cocaine Sonny,” 30, of Detroit, was convicted of RICO conspiracy; murder in aid of racketeering; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;
- Arlandis Shy, aka “Grymee,” “Vil,” 29, of Clinton Township was convicted of RICO conspiracy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;
- Robert Brown II, aka “R.O.,” 36, of Warren, Michigan, was convicted of RICO conspiracy, attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and
- Keithon Porter, aka “KP,” 32, of Detroit; was convicted of RICO conspiracy; murder in aid of racketeering; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
A fifth defendant, Eugene Fisher, aka “Fes,” 38, of Detroit, was convicted of two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.
According to evidence presented during the trial, the Seven Mile Bloods gang operates on the east side of Detroit, between Gratiot Avenue and Kelly Road and between Seven and Eight Mile Roads. Seven Mile Bloods or “SMB” members have claimed this area as their territory and refer to it as the “Red Zone.” The area is in zip code 48205, which SMB members refer to as “4-8-2-0-Die” in some of their rap lyrics.
Evidence presented at trial showed an ongoing gang war between the Seven Mile Bloods and an alliance of other gangs operating on Detroit’s east side stemming from a murder that occurred in July 2014. These rival gangs have been violently attacking one another and have posted respective “hit lists” on social media. This shooting war has led to increased homicides and non-fatal shootings on Detroit’s east side.
This case was the work of the Detroit One Initiative. Investigators were able to bring together separate probes into various members of this organization and its criminal activities into one encompassing investigation. Partners include the Detroit Police Department Gang Intelligence Unit, the FBI Violent Gang Task Force, which consists of representatives of Detroit Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Michigan Department of Corrections and Michigan State Police, with the cooperation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The investigation further resulted in the seizure of more than 20 firearms, including several high-powered assault rifles.
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Julie A. Finocchiaro of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Wechsler, Mark Bilkovic and Tare Wigod of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.Four Members of the Seven Mile Bloods Street Gang Convicted of Racketeering and Other Related ChargesRead the Press Release
After a 10-week trial, a federal jury in the Eastern District of Michigan convicted four members of the Seven Mile Bloods Street Gang today for their participation in various criminal acts, including racketeering conspiracy and related firearm offenses.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider of the Eastern District of Michigan and Special Agent in Charge Timothy R. Slater of the FBI’s Detroit Division made the announcement.
“The Seven Mile Bloods and its rival conducted a gang war on the east side of Detroit, leading to an increase in murders and shootings in that part of the city,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “We commend our prosecutors and law enforcement partners for their hard work to hold members of the gang accountable for their crimes. Today’s verdict sends a strong message that the Department of Justice and its partners will use every tool available as we continue our work to disrupt and dismantle violent street gangs like the Seven Mile Bloods.”
“These guilty verdicts are a tremendous victory for the Detroit community that was plagued by the violence, drug dealing and mayhem inflicted by this violent street gang,” said U.S. Attorney Schneider. “The jury’s guilty verdicts highlight that our community has no tolerance for the senseless murders and violence spread by gang members.”
“The FBI, our Task Force partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will continue to vigorously combat gang, drug and gun crimes in our neighborhoods so that all residents of the City of Detroit can live in an environment that is safe and free of violence,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Slater.
The trial was conducted before U.S. District Judge George Caram Steeh in Detroit, Michigan. The jury deliberated approximately seven days before reaching their verdicts. Amongst those convicted are:
- Corey Bailey, aka “Sonny,” “Cocaine Sonny,” 30, of Detroit, was convicted of RICO conspiracy; murder in aid of racketeering; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;
- Arlandis Shy, aka “Grymee,” “Vil,” 29, of Clinton Township was convicted of RICO conspiracy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence;
- Robert Brown II, aka “R.O.,” 36, of Warren, Michigan, was convicted of RICO conspiracy, attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and
- Keithon Porter, aka “KP,” 32, of Detroit; was convicted of RICO conspiracy; murder in aid of racketeering; attempted murder in aid of racketeering; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
A fifth defendant, Eugene Fisher, aka “Fes,” 38, of Detroit, was convicted of two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.
According to evidence presented during the trial, the Seven Mile Bloods gang operates on the east side of Detroit, between Gratiot Avenue and Kelly Road and between Seven and Eight Mile Roads. Seven Mile Bloods or “SMB” members have claimed this area as their territory and refer to it as the “Red Zone.” The area is in zip code 48205, which SMB members refer to as “4-8-2-0-Die” in some of their rap lyrics.
Evidence presented at trial showed an ongoing gang war between the Seven Mile Bloods and an alliance of other gangs operating on Detroit’s east side stemming from a murder that occurred in July 2014. These rival gangs have been violently attacking one another and have posted respective “hit lists” on social media. This shooting war has led to increased homicides and non-fatal shootings on Detroit’s east side.
This case was the work of the Detroit One Initiative. Investigators were able to bring together separate probes into various members of this organization and its criminal activities into one encompassing investigation. Partners include the Detroit Police Department Gang Intelligence Unit, the FBI Violent Gang Task Force, which consists of representatives of Detroit Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Michigan Department of Corrections and Michigan State Police, with the cooperation of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The investigation further resulted in the seizure of more than 20 firearms, including several high-powered assault rifles.
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Julie A. Finocchiaro of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Wechsler, Mark Bilkovic and Tare Wigod of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Final Four Defendants Sentenced for Roles in Federal Heroin Conspiracy in Wood CountyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The final four defendants implicated in a federal heroin conspiracy were sentenced today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Stuart commended the collaborative investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Parkersburg Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, and the Police Departments of the cities of Parkersburg, Vienna, and Williamstown.
“Teamwork. Partnership. Those two words define the cooperation of federal, state and local law enforcement in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting heroin networks like the one that’s now ‘out of business’ in Wood County,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Drug thugs and drug traffickers are diabolical sinister forces that prey on the families and the social fabric of our communities. We have a sense of urgency to take down every single drug network and lock up every single drug dealer as long as possible in the inn they deserve - a federal prison.”
Debra Martin, Sirpritis Williams, and Kennedy Walker of Parkersburg were sentenced today to 96, 60, and 3 months in prison, respectively, for guilty pleas each previously entered for their involvement in a conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Heather Wells received a sentence of probation for five years.
All four defendants previously admitted to their involvement with several other individuals in distributing heroin at various locations throughout the Parkersburg area. The group was responsible for distributing between one and three kilograms of heroin.
Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is in charge of the prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
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Felon Sentenced to 15 Years for Possessing Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: A Savannah man with a long history of felony arrests and convictions has been sentenced to federal prison after his conviction for possessing a semi-automatic rifle with a high-capacity magazine.
United States District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2018, sentenced Savannah resident Darryl Washington, 34, to 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. There is no parole in the federal system, and upon release, he will be placed on court supervision for an additional 5 years.
Mr. Washington was arrested March 1, 2017, when Savannah Police Department officers responded to a complaint that a man was waving a long gun at people in the area of West 32nd and Jefferson streets. As outlined in court records and public documents, officers detained Mr. Washington and later seized a loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle with a high-capacity magazine containing 23 rounds of ammunition. As a convicted felon, Mr. Washington was prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition. Felons, drug users, illegal aliens, dishonorably discharged individuals, and others, are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Mr. Washington was no stranger to the criminal justice system, starting with arrests as a young teenager for burglary, trafficking cocaine and criminal trespass. As an adult, his convictions included obstructing justice, dispensing cocaine, battery of a police officer, and multiple convictions for terroristic threats. Those convictions included threatening to take an officer’s gun and shoot him with it; threatening – after his release from prison – to get his “chopper and start chopping people up”; and threatening to burn down an apartment complex.
“The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are not going to tolerate felons possessing firearms,” said Southern District U. S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. “We are going to prosecute felons who possess firearms with extreme vigor. Let this 15-year sentence serve as a warning to others felons who may consider having a gun: Don’t. Put the guns down, or we will lock you up for as long as possible.”
“Felons in possession of guns is one of this department’s highest priorities,” said Savannah Police Chief Mark Revenew. “In an effort to stop violence in our community, Savannah Police Department will continue to partner with our federal colleagues to ensure these offenders receive the stiffest sentence available.”
This case was investigated and prosecuted under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a team of local and federal law enforcement entities devoted to making neighborhoods safe again.
This case was investigated by the Savannah Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Marcela Mateo and Greg Gilluly.
For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Federal Inmate Charged with Possession of A WeaponRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Demitri Reese, age 26, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary, Allenwood (USP Allenwood), Pennsylvania, was indicted on August 23, 2018, for possession of a weapon in prison.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the indictment alleges that on October 14, 2017, Reese was found in possession of a homemade piece of plastic, commonly referred to as a “shank,” that was designed to be used as a weapon.
The case was investigated by officers at USP Allenwood and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan VanFleet is prosecuting the case.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
The defendant is facing a maximum of five years of incarceration and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is also required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public and provide for the defendant's educational, vocational and medical needs. For these reasons, the statutory maximum penalty for the offense is not an accurate indicator of the potential sentence for a specific defendant.
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Federal Indictment Charges Two Southern Maryland Men with Three Counts of Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Contact MARCIA MURPHY
www.justice.gov/usao/md at (410) 209-4854
Greenbelt, Maryland – A federal grand jury today returned a superseding indictment charging Rodney Mondell Coby, a/k/a “Cuz,” age 29, of Waldorf, Maryland, and Steven Jerome, of Leonardtown, Maryland, with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Coby is also charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Coby was initially indicted on the drug distribution and gun charges on May 21, 2018. The superseding indictment added Jerome as a new defendant and three counts of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
The superseding indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert K. Hur; Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Hoernke of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Washington Field Division; St. Mary’s County Sheriff Tim Cameron; and Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry.
U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur stated, “We are determined to reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths in Maryland. We’re particularly targeting those who sell fentanyl, the drug that is killing the most of our citizens. Drug traffickers are on notice that dealing in fentanyl increases their odds of federal prosecution.”
The six-count superseding indictment alleges that Coby and Jerome distributed fentanyl to an individual on September 6, 2017, resulting in death. Further, the indictment charges Coby and Jerome individually with distributing fentanyl on November 29, 2017 and March 27, 2018, respectively, resulting in death. Coby is also charged with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and illegally possessing five semi-automatic pistols and 159 rounds of various types of ammunition.
If convicted, Coby and Jerome face a mandatory minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison for each of two counts of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Coby also faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and a maximum of 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Coby has been in custody since his arrest on April 13, 2018. Jerome is also detained on unrelated state charges. The defendants are expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, but no date has been set.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
United States Attorney Robert K. Hur commended the DEA and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Hur thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Bernstein and Erin Pulice, who are prosecuting the case.
Fairfield Man Sentenced for Owning Images of Sexual Abuse of ChildrenRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Richard Jay Sharp, 55, formerly of Fairfield, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 120 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Steve Francis, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), announced the sentence handed down today by U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black.
According to court documents, Sharp engaged in sexually graphic conversation with an undercover Australian Federal Police Officer and discussed sexual behavior the defendant was engaged in or sought to engage in with prepubescent girls.
Sharp directed the undercover officer to a chatroom that included several images of child pornography. For example, two images depicted an adult male sexually abusing a prepubescent female. In the images, the child victim had her mouth and hand on the naked adult male’s penis.
As part of the investigation, it was learned that the FBI also had an ongoing investigation on the defendant. Federal authorities had been alerted after Shaw returned a company-owned laptop and other employees discovered a number of images and file names that were of child pornography.
A review of those images from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) found 13 of the images recovered were from 13 different known child victims.
Sharp was arrested in November 2016 in Pittsburgh, where he had recently relocated. His personal items were left with his landlord, who contacted agents concerning two computers and seven thumb drives. The electronic devices contained more than 1,300 images and videos of child erotica.
Sharp pleaded guilty in August 2017 to two counts of possessing child pornography, one charged in this District and one transferred from the Western District of Pennsylvania.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the cooperative investigation by HSI, FBI and the Australian Federal Police, as well as Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Oakley, who is representing the United States in this case.
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